Compare Boston, Cape Cod & The Islands with Canada & New England Cruise Option, Small Group, 2022 with Canada and New England Cruise Option Vista Suite Small Group by Insight Vacations vs Road Trip: San Fran, Sonoma, Lake Tahoe & Yosemite by Great Value Vacations

Day 1: Boston, the Cradle of Liberty

Welcome to Boston, described by many as the most European city in the U.S., you can expect a thriving art scene, delicious variety of seafood delicacies and plenty of charm. On arrival, you'll transfer from Boston Logan International Airport to your downtown hotel, the Hyatt Regency Boston. You are just steps from Boston's most desirable area-attractions such as the Boston Common, Faneuil Hall, and Boston's famous shopping destination, Newbury Street. A 10-to-15 minute walk will bring you to the South End, Back Bay or the Charles River Esplanade. At 18:00, join your Travel Director for a Welcome Dinner with wine and an opportunity to mingle with fellow guests.

Day 2: Historic Boston Relaxed Start

Explore the city with your Travel Director and learn about 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 Boston Common, the Old Corner Bookstore and the Bunker Hill Monument in Charlestown. View the colourful neighbourhoods of Back Bay and historic North End, otherwise known as Boston’s Little Italy. Make sure you try the neighbourhood's famous cannoli and grab yourself some of the best espresso in town. From hitting the shops to exploring the area’s art galleries and patio cafes, the rest of the day is free to pursue your own interests.

Day 3: Pilgrim heritage and on to Sandwich

This morning you will discover Plymouth's history at the first pilgrim settlement.Visit Pilgrim Hall Museum, the oldest continuously operating public museum in the country and America’s museum of Pilgrim possessions. Meet a direct descendant of the Mayflower party that landed on America's shores in 1620 and hear their family stories.Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience as you visit the Plimouth Patuxet museum. This living memorial is dedicated to preserving the histories of the Native and English inhabitants of this region and educating the public on early settlers and the Wampanoag People in an immersive and engaging environment.Later you'll get to know the Cape more intimately as you make your way to the coastal haven of Sandwich.Experience the techniques of the English and Irish glassmakers at the Sandwich Glass Museum.Relax at your charming inn tonight and indulge in a Dinner with wine.

Day 4: Sandwich, oldest town on the Cape

Head out to Salt Pond on Cape Cod's National Seashore and learn about the natural wonder and human history represented on the Cape, from its First People and European settlement to modern lifestyles and communication technology. An optional experience on the Sand Dunes of the National Seashore may present itself later today. Roll through the Dune Shacks of Peaked Hill Bars Historic District, catching sight of Pilgrim Lake and the famed artists’ dune shacks while Local Experts share the history and ecology of these striking and inspiring dunes.

Day 5: Martha's Vineyard, a Presidential Paradise

Board a ferry this morning to Martha's Vineyard. Home to pristine sandy beaches, outdoor attractions and heavenly harbour towns, this summer hangout is no stranger to presidential visits. The island has hosted the Clintons and the Obamas, while the former U.S. First Lady, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, maintained a home here. After disembarking, make your way to Oak Bluffs, known for its rainbow-coloured, gingerbread-like cottages with gothic storybook decorations, high-peaked roofs, and dainty verandas. You’ll also find the oldest operating platform carousel in America here. Get acquainted with the island accompanied by your driver guide, before reaching your hotel. Tonight's Sea-to-Table Highlight Dinner at Bettini Restaurant is sure to delight with the season’s freshest offerings from local farms, fishing boats, foragers and markets.

Day 6: Nantucket Island

Depart Martha's Vineyard in style on a high-speed catamaran for the picturesque island of Nantucket. Not only has it retained the charm of a bygone era, it is one of the most exclusive coastal communities in the U.S. During your visit, take in the beauty of the antique cobblestone streets, lined with high- end boutiques and breathtaking architecture. The simple homes date back to its whaling days which also influenced much of the culture on the island. In the past, the style of home directly correlated to a whaler's ranking. Return to the mainland in the late afternoon to relax at your luxurious hotel.

Day 7: Newport, the Queen of Summer Resorts Relaxed Start

The elegant town of Newport is lined with the Gilded Age mansions of America's wealthiest families. Choose to visit the Breakers, the grandest of Newport's summer cottages and a symbol of the Vanderbilt family's social and financial pre-eminence during the late 19th century. Alternatively, choose the visit the Alms, a distinct mansion inspired by 18th century French chateaus. Another option is to visit the International Tennis Hall of Fame.The seaside city is also famous for being the home of the America's Cup for more than 50 years and is known as the Sailing Capital of the World. Explore in nautical style onboard the Adirondack II, an 80-foot (24 metre) schooner, as you cruise around the coastline. You’ll sail out and pass some of the nearby islands, old historical buildings and homes of the rich and famous, as you learn about the region’s exciting history, including its pirate activity. In the evening, enjoy a Celebration Dinner at La Forge Casino restaurant, known for local fare, fresh seafood and many New England favourites. Afterwards you'll head back to your boutique hotel, registered with the Historic Hotels of America.

Day 8: Back to Boston Relaxed Start

It’s time to say goodbye to your fellow travellers as you return to Boston. As you will be embarking on the Canada & New England Discovery cruise, you will stay in Boston and transfer to the port the following morning to board the MS Zaandam.

Day 1 Welcome to San Francisco!

Congratulations! You've officially made it to the coolest place on Earth! Slide on your sunglasses and buckle up: this is going to be the road trip of a lifetime.

The Bay Area has a legendary culinary scene, so show up hungry! Dig into your adventure with an obligatory visit to In-N-Out for an Animal Style burger (a hot tip from the locals - don't waste time on the rest of the "secret menu." Animal Style or nothin').

While you're here, don't miss any other emblematic San Franciscan favorites: clam chowder in a sourdough bowl on Fisherman's Wharf, a Ghiradelli hot fudge sundae from N. Point Street's Ghirardelli Square, Dungeness crab from Swan Oyster Depot on Polk Street, or an IT'S-IT ice cream sandwich from just about anywhere equipped with a freezer!

Be sure to make your way to Coit Tower in time to enjoy 360-degree views of the city while the sun sets!

Day 2 San Francisco

Wake up early so you can fill your day with sightseeing! The City by the Bay is packed with things to enchant every traveler - the Painted Ladies on Steiner Street, the vintage clothing boutiques in Haight-Ashbury, the sea lions at Pier 39, cable cars, Alcatraz Island...the list goes on (and on and on and...).

For a true Northern California experience, set off across the Golden Gate for a scenic drive to Muir Woods. This 560-acre park is home to ancient groves of redwoods that can grow as tall as 380 feet! 

On your way back, be sure to stop at the Muir Beach Overlook for gorgeous views of the Pacific Coast and, if you travel at the right time of year, whales! 

Day 3 San Francisco - Sonoma

Only about 30 miles from San Francisco, Sonoma County never fails to impress. Boasting 50 miles of Pacific coastline, 40+ spas and wellness centers, and over 425 beautiful wineries, the Sonoma Valley abounds in relaxation and rejuvenation. For a scenic drive from SF, take the Pacific Coast Highway! 

Highway 1 (also known as CA State Route 1, also known as the Pacific Coast Highway) is one of the most stunning road trip experiences in the country. You'll get breathtaking ocean views as you wind your way along the coast. The drive north will keep the sun at your back and the Pacific to your left as you take in the marvelous scenery.

Day 4 Sonoma

Welcome to wine country! If you're looking for gourmet farm-to-table dining, state parks, and wine tastings galore, you're in the right place.

Sonoma County is speckled with farming towns and vineyards which belong to 5th generation growers. Here, 47 idyllic miles are packed with 16 wine regions, all growing a variety of grapes such as Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Cabernet, and Zinfandel. 

Day 5 Sonoma - South Lake Tahoe

The Sierra Nevadas are calling! The trip from Sonoma to Lake Tahoe is about 3 hours, so make the most of your drive with a stop at the Jelly Belly Factory in Fairfield. Treat yourself to a self-guided factory tour to see how the candy is made and snack on a few free samples.

Once you arrive in Tahoe, get ready for some fun! Whether you travel in the summer, spring, winter, or fall, there's plenty to do. Skiing, hiking, water sports, and more are yours to enjoy in this alpine wonderland.

Day 6 South Lake Tahoe

This mountain town is the perfect place to unwind outside. Spend your day in the sun on the lake, biking mountain trails, or hopping from boutique to boutique. When the sun goes down, move the party inside! Tahoe has a great live music scene, world-class casinos, and restaurants that will blow you away.

Day 7 South Lake Tahoe - Yosemite National Park

What can be said about Yosemite (pronounced yoh-sem-it-ee) except "wow?" This UNESCO-listed national park sits in a glacier-carved valley in the Sierra Nevadas. You'll find soaring sequoia trees, America's tallest waterfall, and dreamy hiking trails through thick forests.

Before you dash into the park, be sure you have a plan of attack. Hiking trails intersect and overlap, so be sure to bring a paper map. In the mountains, cell phone reception can be unreliable so make sure you know where you're going, how to get there, and most importantly, how to get back.

Day 8 Yosemite National Park

Start your day nice and early so you can pack adventure into every hour of daylight! 

There are five entrances to the park, so it's a great idea to plan your day before you arrive. There are trails for every hiker, so check out the features of each trail you're interested in and make sure it's the right one for you!

The loop to Lower Yosemite Falls offers an easy, 30-minute hike from shuttle stop 6. Those looking for a more moderate hike may enjoy a 3-hour trek on the Mirror Lake loop. Advanced hikers may enjoy the challenge of the 5ish-hour hike on the Vernal Fall and Nevada Fall Trails via shuttle stop 16's Mist Trail. 

Remember to bring plenty of water along as some trails do not have drinking water available. Be sure to carry out all of your trash and food waste (including fruit peels and shells), stay on the trails, and leave the wildlife alone - they're trying to enjoy the park, too! 

Day 9 Yosemite National Park - San Francisco

It's time to embark on the 3-hour trip back to San Francisco. If you want to do a little more SF sightseeing, Highway 120 is often the quickest route. Upon your return, consider treating yourself to an evening in the theatre district or a dinner cruise on the Bay!

Day 10 Depart San Francisco

It had to happen eventually: today, your Nothern California dreamin' comes to an end. Say "see ya next time!" to San Francisco and head home.