Boston, New Hampshire & Vermont Self-Drive

Fly to Boston for a three-night city break at citizenM Boston North Station. Boston is the capital of the USA state of Massachusetts and combines a varied line up of neighbourhoods and iconic attractions with a rich colonial and Revolutionary War era history. Relish New England Aquarium’s famed Whale Watch experience, cheer on Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park, stop by the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum, or shop and dine at the legendary Quincy Market.

Itinerary

Day One: Arrive in Boston

Fly into Boston in Maine where your Boston, New Hampshire, and Vermont Self Drive gets underway when you pick up your car at the airport and drive to Yotel Boston for a one-night stay. Visit New England Aquarium to enjoy the Whale Watch experience. Follow the HarborWalk to visit the Institute of Contemporary Art and the Boston Tea Party Ship. Take a leisurely walk from Boston Common along the Freedom Trail and discover 16 historic sites and monuments including Massachusetts State House, Old Granary and King's Chapel Burying Grounds, and Faneuil Hall.

Day Two: Boston to North Conway

Hit the open road to North Conway for an overnight stay at North Conway Grand Hotel at the heart of the New Hampshire’s White Mountains. Head downtown to ride the Conway Scenic Railroad or wander around the unique shops and restaurants. Take a drive out to Storyland to enjoy the Moo Lagoon and visit the adjacent Living Shores Aquarium. For outdoor adventures make a beeline for the nearby Saco River, Echo State Park, and the National Forest or hop aboard Mountain Washington Cog Railway to the peak of Mount Washington.

Day Three: North Conway to Manchester

Get behind the wheel for your drive to Manchester in New Hampshire on the shores of the Merrimack River for a one-night stay at Hilton Garden Inn Manchester Downtown. Delve into the works of major American and European artists at the Currier Museum of Art. Pay a visit to the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Zimmerman House. See how the nearby Amoskeag Falls shaped Manchester and its textile industry at the Millyard Museum. Follow the trails through the vast Derryfield Park to the 19th-century Weston Observatory.

Day Four: Manchester to Burlington

Today sees you drive to Burlington on the eastern shore of Lake Champlain in Vermont for an overnight stay at Hilton Burlington Lake Champlain. Wander around the shops and eateries that line the pedestrianized Church Street Marketplace in the Downtown area. Head north to the Ethan Allen Homestead Museum located in the former home of the Revolutionary War hero. Gaze in awe at the American folk and decorative art in the collection of historic buildings of Shelburne Museum. Engage in the joy of scientific discovery and the wonder of nature at ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain.

Day Five: Burlington to Stowe

Your journey continues with a drive to Stowe, where you’ll check into the Austrian-inspired Trapp Family Lodge Stowe for a two-night stay. Stowe boasts the stunning backdrop of Mount Mansfield and is famed for its trails and ski slopes. Ride Hop Over or Lager Lane to the von Trapp Brewery Bierhall. Glide through Lake Elmore, the Green River Reservoir, or Lamoille and Winooski Rivers by canoe or kayak. Conquer the Great Vermont Corn Maze or set out on a leisurely drive through the beautiful scenery of Smugglers’ Notch State Park.

Day Six: Stowe

Your exploration of Stowe continues today. Perhaps pay a visit to Moss Glen Falls, Bingham Falls, and Sterling Falls Gorge. Ride the Gondola Skyride to the top of Mount Mansfield. Explore the Vermont Ski & Skiboard Museum and Stowe Historical Society. Take the 20-minute drive to the Ben & Jerry’s Factory in Waterbury, Vermont. Tour and taste craft ales at Green Mountain Distillers; visit the taproom at The Alchemist Brewery to savour world-class beers including the Heady Topper IPA; and sample fresh-pressed hard cider at the funky taproom at Stowe Cider.

Day Seven: Stowe to Bretton Woods

Drive to your penultimate destination for an overnight stay; Omni Mount Washington Resort – a National Historic Landmark in Betton Woods and surrounded by the White Mountain National Forest. Embark on a high-flying adventure with nine zip lines and spectacular views at Bretton Wood Canopy Tour & Adventure Center. Step aboard the ‘Railway to the Moon’ (Mt Washington Cog Railway) to the summit of Mount Washington. Pay a visit to the peaceful surrounds of Chapel of the Transfiguration and Our Lady of the Mountains Shrine.

Day Eight: Bretton Woods to Boston

Your road-trip takes you back to Boston today, where’ll you’ll spent your final night at Hilton Boston Park Plaza in Back Bay. Perhaps you’ll have time to fit in a stroll through Boston Common to admire the Frog Pond and Public Garden and ride one of the famous Swan Boats. Explore Beacon Hill's Louisburg Square, Charles Street, and The Bull and Finch; inspiration for the 'Cheers' television programme. Pay a visit to the exhibits at Museum of Fine Arts Boston, Museum of Science, and John F Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum.

Day Nine: Boston Departure

Check out of your Boston hotel and drive to Boston Airport in time for your flight back to the UK – hopefully with many happy memories to look back on of your Boston, New Hampshire, and Vermont Self-Drive road-trip.