Self-Drive New England Explorer

Embark on a thrilling seven-night Self-Drive New England Explorer adventure by car around the USA state of New England. This road-trip begins and ends in Boston and lets you experience the amazing towns and cities and famous sights and attractions throughout New England; including Boston, Kennebunkport, North Conway, Stowe, Mystic, and Hyannis.

Itinerary

Day One: Arrive in Boston

Fly into Boston in Maine where your Self-Drive New England Explorer gets underway when you pick up your car at the airport and drive to Holiday Inn Boston Bunker Hill Area for a two-night stay. Perhaps you’ll have time to stroll around Boston Common’s Frog Pond and Public Garden and take a ride on one of the famous Swan Boats; enjoy New England Aquarium’s famous Whale Watch experience; or follow the HarborWalk along Boston's waterfront to visit the Institute of Contemporary Art and the Boston Tea Party Ship.

Day Two: Boston

Today you’ll be able to continue your exploration of Boston. Maybe set out on a leisurely stroll along the 2.5-mile Freedom Trail and discover 16 historic sites and monuments including the State House, Old Granary and King's Chapel Burying Grounds, and Charlestown's USS Constitution frigate and Bunker Hill Monument. Perhaps pay a visit to Beacon Hill's Louisburg Square, Charles Street, and The Bull and Finch; inspiration for the 'Cheers' television programme. Or, why not indulge in retail therapy at Faneuil Hall Marketplace, Copley Place, Prudential Center, and along Newbury Street.

Day Three: Boston to Kennebunkport

Drive to Kennebunkport in Maine for a night’s stay at Hampton Inn Kennebunk-Kennebunkport. Head to Dock Square’s shops, galleries, and eateries; cross the bridge to Kennebunk, or follow Ocean Avenue around Cape Arundel to Walker’s Point – summer home of President George Bush’s family. View the landmark Goat Island Lighthouse from Cape Porpoise. Take a one-hour tour with Intown Trolley. Admire the trams, trolleys, and subway cars at the Seashore Trolley Museum and the 70,000+ artefacts at Brick Store Museum. Don’t miss the Wedding Cake House and Summer Street Mansions.

Day Four: Kennebunkport to North Conway

Get back behind the wheel to drive to North Conway for an overnight stay at Holiday Inn Express & Suites North Conway 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 Five: North Conway to Stowe

Your journey continues with a drive to Stowe, where you’ll check into the Austrian-inspired Trapp Family Lodge Stowe. 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. Pay a visit to Moss Glen Falls, Bingham Falls, and Sterling Falls Gorge. Explore the Vermont Ski & Skiboard Museum and Stowe Historical Society.

Day Six: Stowe to Mystic

Drive out of Stowe towards Mystic for a one-night stay at Best Western Mystic Hotel. Get up close to sea lions, African penguins, and beluga whales at the Mystic Aquarium. Pay a visit to the 500+ historic watercrafts at Mystic Seaport Museum. Olde Mistick Village is a world apart from the ordinary mall experience with its unique collection of speciality shops restaurants. Step back in time at The Denison Homestead Museum. Stop by the Charles W. Morgan – the world’s last remaining wooden whale ship. Meet the challenge of treetop climbing at TreeTrails Adventure Park.

Day Seven: Mystic to Hyannis

Your road-trip continues with a drive to Hyannis on Cape Cod; where you’ll check into Holiday Inn Cape Cod-Hyannis for your final night. Stop by Hyannis’ Cape Cod Maritime Museum and John F Kennedy Museum. Wander along vibrant Main Street and around the Hyannis waterfront district. Go shopping at Cape Cod Mall or head to Cape Cod National Seashore with its beaches, woodlands, and hiking trails. Take a short ferry ride to Martha’s Vineyard and the settlement of Nantucket or join a whale-watching cruise from nearby Barnstable Harbor.

Day Eight: Hyannis to Boston Departure

Check out of the your Cape Cod 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 Self-Drive New England Explorer road-trip.