New England in the Fall

We fly to Boston, where we check into our hotel for the night. Boston is not only the capital of Massachusetts and New England's largest city; it is also one of the oldest cities in the United States, boasting a rich cultural heritage and a wealth of historic attractions. Famously the birthplace for the War of Independence, today Boston is a delightful mix of futuristic skyscrapers and fascinating history.

We enjoy a guided tour, taking in the main sights of a city known for its 'old world' charm. Our tour takes in parts of the famed Freedom Trail. We drive through the Back Bay area, past the historic USS Constitution to Copley Square and Beacon Hill. This afternoon we join Amtrak's Downeaster service for the trip north through beautiful New England to Portland, Maine. We continue by coach into the White Mountains, one of North America's most beautiful landscapes. Our journey takes us through Maine and New Hampshire during their golden season, when the trees are stunning shades of red and orange. We arrive in North Conway, where we spend three nights.

We board the steam-hauled Mount Washington Cog Railway - the world's first cog railway, which opened in 1869. The train climbs up Mount Washington, and we have a short stop at the summit to enjoy panoramic views of the White Mountain Range. We make our return journey by coach, enjoying a scenic drive through the White Mountains. We see Crawford Notch and call into Faddens Maple Sugarhouse in North Woodstock for lunch. Our journey continues along the Kancamagus Scenic Highway, one of the best spots to admire the fall foliage. Here, a breathtaking tapestry of colour - from deep, dark reds to pale yellows - lines our route.

*Please note: steam-hauled where possible. On occasion the 3-mile trip is made by bio-diesel locomotive.

We experience another of the region's fantastic railways, as we enjoy a trip on the North Conway Scenic Railroad. Our journey begins in North Conway, at the Victorian station that dates back to 1874. From here, we relive the legend that lives on in railroad history as we follow a route first taken by train over 132 years ago. Boarding the train, we settle into a relaxing journey that takes us through the Saco River Valley to Bartlett, admiring New Hampshire's scenery as it's covered in a blanket of red, yellow and brown. We return to the hotel by coach.

We make the journey to Hyannis today. On the way, we stop in Plymouth to discover the highlights of this historical town. We see Plymouth Rock, the spot where early Pilgrims first set foot on land in 1620 after their ship, the Mayflower, brought them to the New World. We also see the Founding Father's Monument, a striking national monument that celebrates the Mayflower Pilgrims. We continue to Hyannis, on the Cape Cod peninsula. We spend four nights here.

You're free to relax or explore Cape Cod and the surrounding region. Named for its peculiar shape, Cape Cod offers scenic beauty year-round. Martha's Vineyard, a famous summer resort popular with New England's wealthy population, is a short ferry ride away. 'Vineyarders', as the island's residents are known, are fiercely protective of the island's traditions and heritage; the usual 'big business' franchises have yet to make an impression here, so Martha's Vineyard has the look and feel of a bygone age, making it fascinating to discover.

We discover Rhode Island, a place known for its sandy beaches and Colonial-era seaside towns. We head to fashionable Newport, long since a destination for affluent visitors. Newport is home to some marvellous mansions, and we tour one of its most famous. The Breakers was built in 1895 as a summer home for Cornelius Vanderbilt II, a member of the wealthy Vanderbilt family. Today, the Italian Renaissance-style home is a National Historic Landmark. We continue to the Mystic Seaport Museum, an outdoor museum that recreates a 19th century New England whaling village. Strolling along the re-imagined waterfront, we enjoy a unique glimpse back in time.

Today takes us by ferry to Nantucket, home to dune-backed beaches, cedar-shingled buildings, high-end boutiques and steepled churches. We take a walking tour, strolling down the quaint, cobblestoned Main Street and seeing its most important sights. Nantucket's main street is a place that exemplifies mid-19th century America, with pristine period houses and old-fashioned shops. After our tour, you have a free afternoon. You could pay a visit to the town's Whaling Museum, where you'll find over a thousand works of art, artifacts and treasures on display, telling the story of the island's history.

We return to the city of Boston, where there's some free time for some final explorations. You could visit the city's Public Garden, the oldest in the USA and a delight to stroll around. Perhaps enjoy a taste of the USA with a bite to eat. There's some wonderful classically Boston dishes you could sample, including Boston baked beans and Boston cream pie. Typical New England fare like lobster rolls and clam chowder are also popular in the city. In the evening, we bid farewell to the city as we board our flight home.

Please note that outside of the main fall season (mid September - mid October), the fall foliage is unlikely to be as visible, however the attractions of the area are delightful at any time.

We arrive back in the UK today and your holiday comes to an end.