New England in the Fall

We fly to Boston, arriving in late afternoon when we are transferred to our downtown hotel in the theatre district for the night.

Boston is not only the capital of Massachusetts and New England's largest city, it's also one of the oldest European settlements in the United States, and played a key role in American Independence. The city was founded in the early 17th century by English Puritans, and previously inhabited by Native Americans. After American independence from Great Britain, Boston continued to develop as an important port, metropolis and leading centre for education. Today, Boston is the cultural and financial centre of New England - a mix of wonderful parklands and fascinating historic buildings such as the Public Library, Harvard and the Romanesque Trinity Church.

The remainder of the afternoon and evening is yours to explore and to dine independently. In the nearby theatre district restaurants range from traditional American venues serving burgers and local dishes such as clam chowder to those offering international cuisine.

A guided sightseeing tour of Boston this morning reveals a city famed for its leading part in America's history as we explore the Freedom Trail and visit Harvard University. The Freedom Trail reveals the city's significant sights including beautiful Faneuil Hall and the Paul Revere House. Owned by the famed American patriot in the late 18th century, it is Boston's oldest remaining structure. We also drive past the USS Constitution, the oldest commissioned US Navy ship, to Copley Square and Beacon Hill.

This morning's explorations have provided a great insight into Boston's history and, with the rest of the day free, you might want to delve further into this city, known colloquially as Beantown. Near the scenic Back Bay Fens, you can visit the Museum of Fine Arts or the historic Fenway Park baseball ground, home of the Boston Red Sox.

With an evening at leisure, you could dine on fresh seafood or stop off at a tavern. Across Boston Common from our hotel is Cheers, the exterior of which was used in the American sitcom of the same name.

• Breakfast

Leaving Boston after breakfast, we head to the harbour to board an hour-long cruise across Massachusetts Bay. Enroute, we can admire picturesque islands before our arrival in the historic town of Salem.

Renowned for the witch trials of 1692, its ignominious past is remembered in memorials and museums. However, Salem is now a charming and vibrant town which can be explored with a few hours of free time over lunch. The supernatural is a big draw here, and you can uncover quirky stores along Essex Street. However, there are many significant seafaring sites and colonial mansions along the waterfront, including the birthplace of author Nathaniel Hawthorne.

Later, we board a coach to travel into the glorious White Mountains, one of North America's most beautiful landscapes. Our journey takes us through the incredible scenery of New Hampshire during its celebrated 'golden season', when the trees are burnished shades of red and orange*. We reach the mountain village of North Conway, New Hampshire, our scenic base for three nights. Near the hotel, there is a range of dining options to enjoy.

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

• Breakfast

After an early breakfast we transfer to Marshfield station by coach to board the 10am Mount Washington Cog Railway. This bio-diesel service runs on the world's first cog railway, which opened in 1869. Our journey is fully narrated as the train climbs up to the summit of Mount Washington, an hour-long trip among glorious scenery. We then have an hour at the summit to enjoy panoramic views of the White Mountain Range and beyond, if the weather is clear.

We make our return journey by coach, taking a scenic drive through the White Mountains, stopping for free time over lunch in Woodstock, famed for its maple syrup. Our journey continues along the famous Kancamagus Scenic Highway, one of the best routes to admire the fall foliage, with stops along the way at waterfalls and covered bridges. Here, a breathtaking tapestry of colour - from rich burgundy and russet to pale yellow - brightens up the picture around us.

We head back to our hotel, arriving mid-afternoon, with the remainder of the day and evening at leisure to enjoy as you wish.

• Breakfast

Another great heritage railway awaits after a leisurely hotel breakfast as we travel aboard the iconic Mountaineer train on the Crawford Notch route of the North Conway Scenic Railroad.

Travelling in 1950s-era streamlined passenger cars we relive a legendary journey as we travel a route first taken in the late 19th century. Our relaxing journey takes us over the rugged terrain of the Crawford Notch and alongside the picturesque Saco River Valley to Bartlett. Our route is illuminated with New Hampshire's glowing colour scheme of reds, golds and browns.

We are transferred back to our hotel by coach in the afternoon and are free to enjoy a relaxing afternoon and evening in the enchanting village of North Conway. New Hampshire's state fruit is the pumpkin, a popular ingredient during autumn when local, hearty cuisine comes into its own. Those with a sweet tooth might like to try to find the seasonal speciality of apple cider doughnuts!

• Breakfast

Checking out of our North Conway hotel after breakfast, we travel by coach to Weirs Beach on the shore of Lake Winnipesaukee.

Here, we board the historic MS Mount Washington for a narrated cruise across New Hampshire's largest lake. Surrounded by views of hazy mountains, beautiful lakefront houses and sandy beaches, we hear about the region's history and folklore. Disembarking in Wolfeboro, there's free time over lunch to explore the 'oldest summer resort in America'. With buildings dating back to the late 18th-century and New England-style architecture along its main streets, Wolfeboro exudes authentic charm.

Returning to our coach, we journey eastwards to Portland. On the picturesque northeastern coast, this small but vibrant Maine city boasts a great maritime past and has also embraced modern creativity, now being renowned as a centre for arts and brewing. After checking in to our hotel near the waterfront, there's a free evening to dine independently.

• Breakfast

A charming journey into the past awaits today as we head to the Seashore Trolley Museum* near Kennebunkport after breakfast. Established in 1939, this is the oldest and largest electric tram museum in the world and includes vintage vehicles from the US, UK and beyond.

As well as learning about the influence and importance of this nostalgic mode of transport, we enjoy a ride on one of the exhibits, taking us back to a time when city streets rang with the sounds of these endearing trams.

Later, we continue to Fort Williams Park, just outside Portland, to visit the Portland Head lighthouse. Dating from 1791, it is one of the symbolic buildings of Maine and the state's oldest lighthouse. Remarkably, it is still in operation more than 230 years later. Perched on a craggy outcrop, it has played a key part in ensuring the safety of countless vessels in this important maritime region. With free time, you can learn more at the museum or take a stroll in the expansive park. Returning to Portland, you can dine independently this evening.

*Please note: For departures on 15 Sep, 29 Sep & 13 Oct 2026, the Seashore Trolley Museum is closed, so you will have a free morning in Portland.

• Breakfast

Today is yours to explore beautiful Portland as you wish. With a population similar to that of Shrewsbury, Maine's largest city is compact but filled with history and culture.

Inspired by Welsh mountain railways, Maine developed a network of railroads in the late 19th century that were unique to the US. Operating on a narrower gauge than other tracks, these railways were able to conquer rocky and curvy terrain. Founded in 1992, the Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad and Museum offers 40-minute round-trips on these charming trains, providing great views from the East End of Portland's peninsula.

In and around the Old Port district where redbrick buildings line the streets, you can uncover numerous museums and art galleries, including the IM Pei-designed Museum of Art. Lauded for its lobster, Portland is known for its great restaurants and a thriving gastronomy scene. It's also famous for its craft beers and has taprooms from many celebrated brewers, including Allagash, Shipyard and Bissell Brothers. With lunch and dinner at leisure, you won't be short of appetising options.

• Breakfast

Stepping aboard the Amtrak, we return to Boston by rail while our luggage is carried by coach. Back in this lively city, nicknamed 'Beantown', there's free time for some final explorations. We arrive at Quincy Market - a complex of market stalls, shops and cafés. Here, you'll find plenty to see including musicians and performance artists. There's time to hop on the trolley bus for a ride through the city. Or you could visit the tranquil Public Garden which adjoins the Boston Common, the oldest park in the USA.

There's an excellent choice of eateries in downtown Boston - you'll find plenty of seafood and Mediterranean options, Japanese, Italian, as well as contemporary American grills and Chinatown.

After transferring to the airport by coach, we board our overnight flight home.

• Breakfast

From the burnished hues of the White Mountains and its heritage railways in the north to the serene coasts in the south, New England has revealed its enchanting nature and captivating history in breathtaking style. Our journey has taken us from the bustling metropolis of Boston to North Conway and Portland. Enroute, we have uncovered iconic scenery on the Kancamagus Highway, delved into the seafaring and sinister past of Salem, and basked in some exquisite coastal communities.

Landing back in the UK this morning, your exploration of New England in the Fall comes to a conclusion and you are free to make your way home.