Compare Cape Cod & the Islands by Globus vs New England's Fall Foliage Small Group by Insight Vacations
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Trip |
5 | Excellent
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5 | Excellent
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Duration | 8 days | 8 days |
Price From | $ 3,479 | $ 4,725 |
Price Per Day | $ 435 | $ 591 |
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Trip Style | Small group tour | Group tour |
Lodging Level | Premium | Premium |
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Countries Visited | ||
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Flights & Transport | No | Airfare included |
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Meals Included | N/A | N/A |
Description | Where do the nation’s VIPs go when they need some quiet R&R? Everyone from politicians to performers to pro athletes have long traded their suits and cleats for sandals and clam diggers to enjoy the breezy shores of Cape Cod and its neighboring islands. With the seaside town of Hyannis as home base, you’ll ferry to see the gingerbread cottages of Martha’s Vineyard and the imposing mansions of Nantucket. Plus, an excursion to colorful Provincetown, a favorite summer hub for artists and writers. Boston’s grand history and Newport’s colossal “cottages” – including Cornelius Vanderbilt’s The Breakers – offer giant glimpses into New England’s rich past. This Cape Cod and the islands tour also includes a visit to Plymouth to see where the pilgrims landed, and give thanks for the freshest seafood you’ve ever tasted! | Embrace the beauty of New England during this 8-day guided tour. Behold Boston, one of the oldest cities in the U.S. and where much of the country was formed; here, you will traverse the red-brick Freedom Trail, where you will see the hall that housed the country’s first-ever town meeting and many more historic sites. Admire the bronzing leaves of Vermont’s lush trees as you travel to Stowe, where the real Von Trapp family of ‘The Sound of Music’ chose to live — and where you will stay. In Montpelier, visit a maple syrup farm where you can taste the sweet golden liquid tapped straight from the trees. Ride a gondola at Loon Mountain Resort into New Hampshire’s White Mountains and see as far as Canada. See Maine’s oldest lighthouse in Portland, then celebrate your trip with a decadent fresh lobster dinner. |
Day 1: ARRIVE IN BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS
Welcome to Beantown! This evening, mingle with your travel companions at 6 pm for a welcome drink. Your Tour Director will prepare you for your upcoming adventure.
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Day 2: BOSTON
Boston’s Bold History Your walking tour with a Local Guide focuses on the city’s most prominent landmarks. Balance of the day is at your leisure. You may wish to take a whale watching cruise, stroll the historic waterfront, or dine at one of the many cherished restaurants around town. (Breakfast)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT ICONIC FOOTSTEPS “Listen, my children, and you shall hear about the midnight ride of Paul Revere!” Take a guided walking tour of the legendary landmarks of Boston. Here, in the cradle of liberty, you’ll walk in the iconic footsteps of American forefathers. See the Boston Common, the Old State House, Old North Church (where Paul Revere got the signal to start his famous ride), Freedom Trail, and Faneuil Hall - with the opportunity to browse in Quincy Market.
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Day 3: BOSTON–PLYMOUTH–HYANNIS
Pilgrims’ Pride Head south to Plymouth, where the Pilgrims landed over 400 years ago to establish the first permanent settlement in New England. See legendary Plymouth Rock. Next, explore Plimoth Patuxet Museums and learn about the daily life for the Pilgrims and the contributions of the Indigenous Pokanoket people. Visit Mayflower II, built by hand using traditional methods and tools familiar to 17th-century. Then, on to Hyannis for a 4-night stay. Tonight, enjoy a [LF] regional seafood dinner. (Breakfast,Dinner)
LOCAL FAVORITE TASTES AND TRADITIONS No visit to Cape Cod is complete without indulging in its regional bounty of seafood. Your stay in Hyannis includes a regional seafood dinner to celebrate your time in this timeless village on the cape. TOUR HIGHLIGHTNEWCOMERS IN A NATIVE LAND Bring history to life at the Plimoth Patuxet Museums with Plymouth Colony and Indigenous Pokanoket exhibits. Explore intertwined cultures, investigate changing landscapes, and understand 17th-century worldviews through immersive hands-on experiences.
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Day 4: HYANNIS. EXCURSION TO MARTHA'S VINEYARD
On the Vineyard This morning, head to the harbor for your scenic ferry ride to Martha’s Vineyard for a tour with a Local Guide. Return to Hyannis where the evening is free. (Breakfast)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT CULTURE & TRADITION Explore beautiful Martha’s Vineyard with a Local Guide, featuring Oak Bluffs with its Victorian “gingerbread” architecture. Spend some time in Edgartown, once an important shipping and whaling hub. Check out the enticing village stores, take a walk along the ocean, and admire the elegant homes along the tree-lined streets.
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Day 5: HYANNIS. EXCURSION TO PROVINCETOWN
Chilling on the Cape Enjoy free time this morning and afternoon on the Cape. Relax at the resort or travel to Provincetown. Dinner this evening is at a local restaurant. (Breakfast,Dinner)
FREE TIME TIPSEXPLORE MORE in Cape Cod with a day to relax at your resort or join an excursion to drive the length of the peninsula’s arm to Provincetown. Once there, consider an optional ride on the Provincetown Dunes or enjoy your free time to wander through “P-town,” a lively summer resort and artist’s colony.
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Day 6: HYANNIS. EXCURSION TO NANTUCKET
Cape Cod Cruising This morning, head to the harbor for your scenic ferry ride to Nantucket. Time for lunch and a stroll around Straight Wharf with its marinas, shops, and art galleries. Tour with a Local Guide spotlighting the strong Quaker influence during the early days of settlement. Return to Hyannis via a ferry ride. See the John F. Kennedy Memorial and St. Francis Xavier Church before reaching your hotel. (Breakfast)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT HISTORIC SPOT Drive the narrow streets and admire charming Colonial-style houses and imposing mansions that reflect the prosperity of Nantucket’s whaling era. During your free time, visit the Whaling Museum with its engaging exhibitions and rooftop observation deck.
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Day 7: HYANNIS–NEWPORT, RHODE ISLAND
The Gilded Age This morning, head to Newport, an elegant yachting mecca on Narragansett Bay in the “Ocean State” of Rhode Island. On a sightseeing tour of Newport, see the first state house, the nation’s oldest synagogue, and more. Afterward, explore the extravagant lifestyle of the Gilded Age when visiting the Breakers. Later, your Tour Director hosts a special farewell lunch. This evening is free to explore Newport on your own. (Breakfast,Lunch)
TOUR HIGHLIGHTLEGENDARY LIVES Explore the extravagant lifestyle of a bygone era with a visit to the Breakers, shipping magnate Cornelius Vanderbilt’s historic mansion. Marvel at the lavish residence and artistic collection in this example of American industry and wealth at the turn of the century.
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Day 8: NEWPORT–BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS
Safe travels until we meet again! Depart this morning for Boston. After a transfer to the airport for guests who have homebound flights, the motorcoach continues to the downtown Boston tour hotel where the tour ends. Please schedule flights from Boston’s Logan International Airport after 2 pm. Want to explore more in Boston? Extra nights are available for purchase. (Breakfast)
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Day 1: Welcome to Boston
Affectionately known as Beantown, this revolutionary city is one of the oldest in the United States. On arrival at Boston Logan International Airport, a transfer will take you to your centrally located hotel, which is situated next to Boston Common, the city's largest park. After settling in, perhaps take a stroll to Downtown Crossing or historic Faneuil Hall. For those looking to shop, Quincy Market offers big brands and local products, set indoors and surrounding the columns of a regal 19th century building. At 18:00, join your Travel Director for a Welcome Dinner with wine and an opportunity to mingle with fellow guests at your hotel.
Day 2: Beantown to Saratoga Springs
Today you’ll discover some of Boston’s most famous sights as you delve into the city’s transformative past. You’ll follow part of the red-brick Freedom Trail that brings the story of the American Revolution to life. Sights include Beacon Hill, Newbury Street, Faneuil Hall Marketplace and the Old South Meeting House. This afternoon, explore Stockbridge with an Insight Choice. Choose to visit the Norman Rockwell Museum, home to the largest and most significant collection of original Rockwell art. Alternatively, choose to take a guided tour of Chesterwood, the former summer home and studio of renowned 20th century sculptor Daniel Chester French. Travel on through the rolling hills of the Berkshires to your boutique hotel. Tucked away in the heart of Williamstown, this beautiful property is a prime example of timeless elegance.
Day 3: The Legends of the Fall and Stowe
Say goodbye to Massachusetts and journey through the bronze fall foliage of Vermont. Visit the Vermont Country Store for a unique shopping experience - you'll step back into history with their nostalgic assortment of products. Explore the Rockefellers' renowned Billings Farm and Museum, a captivating working dairy and farm life museum, followed by a stop in the quintessential Vermont village of Woodstock with its picturesque, covered bridge. End your day in the northern Vermont town of Stowe, home to the breathtaking alpine setting that attracted the real Von Trapp family of "The Sound of Music." Enjoy Austrian-style lagers during your Highlight Dinner at Bierhall Restaurant, followed by a tour of the on-site microbrewery.
Day 4: A Taste of Vermont Relaxed Start
Enjoy Vermont’s beautiful scenery ablaze with fall’s golden red colours. Experience a guided tour of the Ben and Jerry's Factory and get behind the scenes of their iconic flavours. Return to the enchanting town of Stowe where the rest of the day is yours. From wandering its quaint streets to hiking in the woods or relaxing back at your lodge, make the most of your last evening at this mountain resort.
Day 5: North Conway and the White Mountains
Move on to Vermont’s pretty capital, Montpelier. You'll travel to Morse Farm Maple Sugarworks, where maple syrup is "tapped" from the trees. Taste a Vermont tradition, the unusually named ‘sugar on snow’, which is maple syrup drizzled over packed snow. This tasty treat is traditionally served with a doughnut and pickle. Journey to New Hampshire’s White Mountains and enter striking Franconia Notch. Take a scenic ride on the Gondola SkyRide at Loon Mountain Resort. On a clear day, you'll have superb panoramic views of New Hampshire, Maine, Vermont, New York and Canada. Later, journey through the dazzling crimson and orange hues of the famed Kancamagus Scenic Byway to North Conway. This spectacular section of Route 112 is unspoiled by industry and boasts 34.5 miles of untouched natural beauty.
Day 6: Sightseeing in the White Mountains Relaxed Start
In the morning, join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience as you enjoy an insightful talk by a naturalist on the North Woods' wildlife and ecology. Expert Chris Lewey is the Executive Director and Founder of Raven Interpretive Programs. He holds a Master's Degree in Environmental Studies and will be on hand to answer any questions you might have. Then, more spectacular fall foliage awaits as you journey through Crawford Notch, an arresting pass through the White Mountains. Stop for pictures at the Silver Cascade Waterfall and Bretton Woods, which offers stunning views of Mount Washington, the tallest peak in the northeast at 6,288 feet (1,917 metres). Your Travel Director will guide you on a scenic hike to Diana's Baths, which features a series of small cascading waterfalls. Return to your hotel where you can enjoy an evening at leisure.
Day 7: The Rugged Maine Coast Relaxed Start
Cross from New Hampshire into Maine this morning as you visit the jagged coastline and Portland Head Light on the spectacular shores of Fort Williams Park. This popular landmark is one of the most visited lighthouses in the country and is the oldest lighthouse in the state. Explore the historic town of Cape Elizabeth, then spend the rest of your afternoon at leisure. In the evening, enjoy a delicious Celebration Dinner featuring Maine lobster with your fellow travellers.
Day 8: Back to Boston
Known for its sandy beaches, Kennebunkport is a year-round coastal destination that houses the rich and famous, even serving as the summer retreat of former President George H.W. Bush. Travel along Ocean Drive with more stunning views of the Maine coastline, before driving back to Boston. Guests departing Boston will arrive at Boston Logan International Airport at 12:30. Those extending their stay will return to the Hyatt Regency Boston hotel.