Fall Foliage of New England & Maine

Your vacation begins today as you arrive in Boston independently. After checking in to our hotel located in the elegant Back Bay neighborhood, there's time at leisure to get to know your new surroundings.

Centered around Copley Square, the area's cobbled streets and leafy squares come alive in fall. You might like to stroll along Newbury Street, home to some of Boston's most upscale boutiques and excellent restaurants, many of which offer outdoor seating to soak up the atmosphere.

This evening, return to the hotel to meet the Tour Manager and your group of fellow travelers before heading to a local restaurant to enjoy dinner together. Overnight Boston, MA.

• Dinner

This morning after breakfast, we get to know Boston on a guided tour along the Freedom Trail, a historic route linking many of the city's key landmarks from the American Revolution. We also stop at the Boston Public Library, established in 1848 as the first public library to lend books and renowned for its grand architecture, before visiting Quincy Market, a historic building brimming with an incredible selection of food stalls.

You might like to peruse the dining options at Quincy Market before continuing the day at leisure. Boston Harbor is a beautiful place to spend the afternoon, and there are numerous other trails you could discover, including the Black Heritage Trail and the Women's Heritage Trail. Boston has an array of museums, such as the Museum of Fine Arts, and endless culture to discover in its murals, art galleries and charming neighborhoods.

This evening, you can find dinner locally, perhaps ending your meal with a slice of authentic Boston cream pie. Overnight Boston, MA.

• Breakfast

There's free time this morning to continue exploring Boston's sights at your own pace before we transfer to Meredith station for a return journey on the nostalgic Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad.

Following the shores of Lake Winnipesaukee, New Hampshire's largest lake, this charming heritage railroad offers wonderful views of the surrounding forests, mountains and sparkling waters, which are especially beautiful during this time of year. On this scenic journey, relax as you take in the ever-changing fall colors while indulging in a traditional turkey dinner, freshly prepared and catered by Harts Turkey Farm.

After, we transfer by coach to our hotel, nestled amid the picturesque peaks of New Hampshire's famed White Mountains. Once checked in, this evening is yours to enjoy the hotel's facilities or simply unwind and soak up the tranquil mountain setting. Overnight Whitefield, NH.

• Breakfast

Today, we admire the White Mountains from their highest point and the valley floor, as we embark on two memorable rail journeys.

The first takes us aboard the world's first mountain-climbing train, the Mount Washington Cog Railway. With a boxed lunch provided by the onsite restaurant, we join a historic line that has been carrying travelers to the summit of Mount Washington since 1869. The approximately one-hour climb rewards us with spectacular views stretching across five states, Quebec and the Atlantic Ocean. Enjoy time at the summit to soak up the impressive scenery from the observation deck, explore the interactive weather exhibit or simply relax with a drink while taking in the remarkable mountain views. After returning to the base, we head back to our hotel where there's some free time to relax.

Later in the day, we travel to North Woodstock where we board the Café Lafayette Dinner Train. Meandering through the Pemi River Valley, this vintage 1950s railroad showcases the stunning fall colors of the White Mountains while we enjoy a delicious five-course dinner in the restored rail cars. Overnight Whitefield, NH.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Leaving Whitefield after breakfast, we begin our journey to Bar Harbor. This coastal city has a reputation for its wild beauty on Frenchman Bay and is the gateway to Acadia National Park.

En route, our coach winds through Maine's stunning natural scenery, pausing in the state capital, Augusta, for free time through lunch. Downtown Augusta showcases Maine's history and growth, with a mixture of old-world and modern buildings. You might choose to browse the shops and restaurants or walk along the Kennebec River before rejoining the coach to continue toward our destination.

Arriving in Bar Harbor later this afternoon, we check in to our waterfront hotel. The rest of the evening is free to explore this quaint town at leisure, perhaps taking a walk along the harbor, watching as the fishing boats gently bob on the water, browse the town's charming boutiques and galleries or choose from one of the many inviting restaurants. Overnight Bar Harbor, ME.

• Breakfast

A highlight of your vacation awaits today as we visit one of the best places in New England to experience the golden hues of fall - Acadia National Park. Setting out by coach after breakfast, we enter this remarkable parkland, which is not only home to some of Maine's best-preserved coastlines, but also the tallest mountains on the East Coast.

As we enter Acadia, a local guide steps aboard our coach to provide expert commentary and share stories and knowledge about this remarkable landscape. We spend the morning traveling between scenic viewpoints that reveal its immense natural beauty, with time to take short walks or capture photographs of the granite peaks and breathtaking foliage. A highlight of any tour is viewing Cadillac Mountain, the highest point in the east.

Returning to Bar Harbor this afternoon, you are free to find lunch and dinner locally, perhaps at one of the many restaurants serving seafood caught just off the coast. Overnight Bar Harbor, ME.

• Breakfast

After breakfast this morning, we start our journey south toward Kennebunkport, stopping at Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens enroute.

Set along the scenic Boothbay peninsula, these beautiful gardens offer a wonderful opportunity to admire the changing colors of fall. Enjoy time at leisure to wander through the grounds, perhaps visiting the Native Butterfly House, soaking up the golden hues in the Arbor Garden or strolling along the Shoreland Trail to the Back River waterfront.

The day continues as we rejoin the coach to continue toward Kennebunkport, where we stay for two nights. Hundreds of years of history greet us as we arrive in this resort city, which dates to the 1600s. We check in to our century-old hotel on the shore of the Kennebunk River and the rest of the afternoon and evening is at leisure. With no planned dinner tonight, you might like to find a local restaurant in town or warm up with a hearty bowl of clam chowder. Overnight Kennebunkport, ME.

• Breakfast

There's free time after breakfast this morning to relax or explore the charms of Kennebunkport. Perhaps enjoy the peaceful setting of our hotel overlooking the Kennebunk River, or head into town to discover its historic streets, independent boutiques and art galleries. You might choose to settle into a cozy café or visit the harbor to watch the fishing boats come and go.

Around midday, we head out on a Coastal Lobster Tour, where we gain an authentic glimpse into Maine's famous lobster industry. Setting out on the water with local lobster fisherman, we learn how traps are hauled from the sea and discover the traditions and techniques behind this iconic New England catch.

This evening, we gather at a local restaurant for a memorable farewell dinner featuring one of the region's most celebrated specialties - fresh Maine lobster - a fitting way to spend the final night of our vacation. Overnight Kennebunkport, ME.

• Breakfast, Dinner

Boston's history, Maine's quaint seaside destinations and the beautiful White Mountains set the tone for a vacation to remember in New England. This journey has been filled with historical sites and beautiful displays of nature, including those of Acadia National Park. From learning about Maine's lobster industry aboard a Coastal Lobster Tour to journeying to the summit of Mount Washington, each day has brought a new way to experience the East.

An encore of wonderful scenery guides the way back to Boston this morning. We depart from our hotel after breakfast and follow our route back to the city. As we arrive in Boston, you are free to continue your onward travels home.

• Breakfast