Compare Classic New England by Cosmos vs New England's Fall Foliage 2023 Classic Group by Insight Vacations
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4 | Great
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 9 days | 8 days |
| Price From | $ 2,199 | $ 3,475 |
| Price Per Day | $ 244 | $ 434 |
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| Trip Style | Group tour | Group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Premium |
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| Flights & Transport | No | Airfare included |
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| Meals Included | N/A | N/A |
| Description | Known for its historic sites and stunning fall foliage, New England in the fall delights all of the senses. On this fall foliage tour, experience the spectacular beauty of autumn displays in Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont. Your colorful tour of New England begins in the historic city of Boston. You’ll head north into Maine, for a visit to the charming cobblestoned streets of the maritime city of Portland—complete with lighthouses and lobster fisherman. Head to Bar Harbor on Mount Desert Island—gateway to the woodlands and rocky seashores of Acadia National Park. Keep an eye out for local residents, including beaver, whales, and seabirds on your drive through the park. Your guided tour of New England continues inland through the Longfellow Mountains to the White Mountains of New Hampshire. Step back in time through classic covered bridges, quaint towns, and forests bursting with seasonal colors. Next, you’ll drive along New Hampshire’s Kancamagus Scenic Byway through the fragrant pine and colorful deciduous woodlands of Franconia Notch and White Mountain National Forest. You’ll be enthralled with the kaleidoscope of fall colors presented by birch, beech, and maple trees on your way to Vermont where you’ll visit a sugarhouse that’s been producing maple syrup for eight generations! From Burlington—a thriving New England college town—you’ll visit Woodstock, Billings Farm & Museum, and Quechee Gorge State Park. Enjoy an overnight stay in Brattleboro on the shores of the Connecticut River. Spend two nights in Hyannis on Cape Cod including a day trip to the tip of the Cape to explore the small community of Provincetown. You’ll return to Boston for a sightseeing adventure to trace the steps of Paul Revere near the Old North Church; see the Boston Common; the old State House; and other locations that are significant to U.S. history along Boston’s Freedom Trail. From colorful American history to colorful fall scenes beyond compare, your escorted vacation in New England is a trip to create memories for all seasons! | 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: BOSTON AREA
Welcome to New England! Your Tour Director is on hand late this afternoon to answer any questions.
Day 2: BOSTON–PORTLAND–BAR HARBOR
Head north into Maine, famous for its beautiful coastal region, including lighthouses and lobster fishermen. Stop in the historic Maritime city of Portland where an included city sightseeing tour upon arrival shows you the cobblestone streets of the famous Old Port waterfront, lined with working fishing wharves and converted warehouses with restaurants and shops. Continue northeast via Bangor, to Bar Harbor, a popular seaside resort and gateway to Acadia National Park. (Breakfast)
Day 3: BAR HARBOR. EXCURSION TO ACADIA NATIONAL PARK
Bar Harbor is situated on Mount Desert Island, home of the ruggedly beautiful Acadia National Park. Drive through woodlands, past beaver lodges, rocky beaches, and rounded mountains ascending the glacier-scoured granite peak to the summit of Cadillac Mountain, the highest point on the Atlantic Coast and one of the first to see the sunrise. Your afternoon is free to explore the quaint village of Bar Harbor on your own. You may decide to walk the Shore Path, take a nature cruise, or visit the shops, galleries, and boutiques that line the streets. Your Tour Director will have suggestions for additional sightseeing and dining. (CBreakfast)
Day 4: BAR HARBOR–FARMINGTON–NORTH CONWAY
Explore the roads less travelled of inland Maine, past pristine farmland, blueberry barrens and forests noted for their vivid colors during the autumn. Stop to enjoy the small-town hospitality in Farmington, settled by veterans of the American Revolution. Overnight in North Conway. (CBreakfast)
Day 5: NORTH CONWAY–MONTPELIER–BURLINGTON
Today, you are greeted with picture postcard views of New Hampshire’s charming rivers as you drive along Kancamagus Scenic Byway, renowned for its fall leaf viewing. The “Kanc,” as the locals call it, remains unspoiled by homes or service stations for its entire length. A drive through White Mountain National Forest brings you to Franconia Notch. In Montpelier, visit an eighth-generation sugarhouse and learn about traditional maple sugaring before ending the day in Burlington, Vermont’s largest city on the shores of Lake Champlain. (Breakfast)
Day 6: BURLINGTON–WOODSTOCK–BRATTLEBORO
This morning visit Woodstock, its village green reminiscent of 19th-century England. Next, explore Vermont’s rural heritage at Billings Farm & Museum, a living museum and working dairy farm, home to a famous herd of dairy cows. Marvel at the views in Quechee Gorge State Park, Vermont’s little Grand Canyon, and return to simpler times with a visit to the charming Vermont Country Store in Rockingham. End today with an overnight in Brattleboro. (CBreakfast)
Day 7: BRATTLEBORO–PLYMOUTH–HYANNIS
Drive across Massachusetts today to Plymouth, the first landing place of the Mayflower Pilgrims in 1620, and see Plymouth Rock. Then cross the Cape Cod Canal, the widest sea-level canal in the world, on your way to the town of Hyannis, on the Cape Cod peninsula. Hyannis is known internationally as the “All-American City” and where you will find the John F. Kennedy Hyannis Museum, award-winning restaurants, and quaint storefronts. (CBreakfast)
Day 8: HYANNIS. DAY EXCURSION TO PROVINCETOWN
Today, drive the arm of the Cape, to the old whaling port of Provincetown. This eclectic seaside town is a tiny haven often referred to as “Land’s End.” Stroll MacMillan Pier with its fishing boats and craft shacks, browse the colorful shops of Commercial Street, or dig into a lobster roll, Portuguese pastry, or some creamy clam chowder. Return to Hyannis, where the remainder of your time on the Cape is free for independent activities.
Day 9: HYANNIS–BOSTON
Depart this morning for Boston. Upon arrival, your guided tour focuses on the city’s most prominent landmarks. See historic sights of the Freedom Trail; Boston Common; Old State House; Old North Church, where two lanterns were hung on the night of Paul Revere’s famous ride; and Faneuil Hall, with the chance to browse in Quincy Market. A stop at Boston Logan International Airport for those with homebound flights. Please schedule flights after 3:30 pm.
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.
