Classic New England

Head north into Maine, famous for its beautiful coastal region, including its legendary lighthouses and lobster industry. 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.

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.

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.

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. Then visit an eighth-generation sugarhouse and learn about traditional maple sugaring before ending the day in Montpelier, the capital city of Vermont.

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 the town of North Adams.

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.

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 fried clams. There’s also time to kick up your wheels on an optional Sand Dune tour in National Seashore Park. Return to Hyannis, where the remainder of your time on the Cape is free for independent activities.

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 or dig into a bowl of famous New England Clam Chowder before a stop at Boston Logan International Airport for those with homebound flights. Please schedule flights after 3:30 pm.