New England in a Nutshell

Your New England vacation begins when you arrive in Boston and transfer independently to our central hotel, located a short walk from Boston Common. Boston is New England's largest city and one of the oldest European settlements in the United States. The city was founded in the early 17th century by English Puritans and played a key role in American independence. Today, Boston is the cultural and financial center of New England.

After some time to explore the local area, return to the hotel for a welcome meeting with the Tour Manager and your fellow travelers. The remainder of the evening is yours to enjoy Bean Town's impressive culinary scene. Overnight Boston, MA.

After breakfast at the hotel this morning, we head out into Boston for a guided tour of the city's landmarks. We follow the Freedom Trail, visiting sites of national historical significance like the State House, Boston Common and Granary Burning Ground - the final resting place of several notable figures, including John Hancock and Samuel Adams.

We arrive at Quincy Market to enjoy some free time for lunch. This 19th-century marketplace is a National Historic Landmark and houses more than 50 eateries - you could try some Boston classics, such as clam chowder, lobster rolls or Boston cream pie.

This afternoon, we leave the city aboard our deluxe motorcoach and head north via the renowned Kancamagus Highway. This area boasts some of the most stunning fall foliage in the country, and we enjoy stops along the journey to admire the autumnal vistas. Our drive continues along the scenic 34-mile stretch into the heart of the White Mountains to our hotel in North Conway, where we enjoy dinner together at the hotel restaurant. Overnight North Conway, NH.

• Breakfast, Dinner

This morning, we set out on an enchanting excursion - a ride aboard the nation's first mountain-climbing cog railroad, the Mt. Washington Cog Railway. Fully restored vintage rail cars take us to the summit of the highest peak in the Northeast, traveling at a leisurely pace and offering spectacular scenes of the surrounding White Mountain range.

The journey to the top takes approximately one hour and, upon arrival, marvel at the panoramic views that include up to five states, the Atlantic Ocean and even Southern Canada. While at the summit, peruse the visitors center or stroll along one of the numerous hiking trails. The descent is just as beautiful, with even more colorful vistas unfolding as we travel to the base of the mountain for lunch at the railway's restaurant.

After lunch, we stop at the original Ben & Jerry's ice cream factory for a tour of the globally renowned producers before continuing toward Burlington, VT - our home for the next two nights. We check in to our hotel before a free evening to dine independently. Overnight Burlington, VT.

• Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast at our Burlington hotel this morning, we travel by coach through the lush state forests of Vermont, en route to the charming New England ski town of Stowe.

On arrival, a scenic highlight awaits as we take the Stowe Gondola Skyride to the top of Mt. Mansfield inside a glass-enclosed pod. On this journey up to the summit of Vermont's highest peak, we are treated to spectacular views of the fall scenery as we gaze out at the blanket of fiery foliage below.

After lunch at a mountain resort, we board the Spirit of Ethan Allen for a narrated cruise across the tranquil waters of Lake Champlain. As the captain provides fascinating local knowledge, admire the contrast of the sapphire water and crimson leaves. Docking back in Burlington, we return to our hotel with the evening at leisure. Overnight Burlington, VT.

• Breakfast, Lunch

All aboard Amtrak's Vermonter today for a scenic ride from Burlington, VT, to Lebanon, NH. As we relax in our seats, we can take in Vermont's beautiful landscapes, passing rolling russet hills and picturesque towns.

Upon arrival in Lebanon, we transfer to the incredible Quechee Gorge just across the White River. Known as "Vermont's Little Grand Canyon," this narrow gorge is the state's deepest at 165 feet and offers stunning waterfalls, rugged cliffs and picturesque forest scenery. Enjoy all these sights from 168 feet above the Ottaquechee River on the gorge's passenger bridge and from the surrounding trails during our time here.

We continue to Woodstock, VT, a quintessential New England town full of historic buildings, artisanal stores and eateries serving locally sourced cuisine. There is time to explore and find lunch independently, before we return to Boston for an evening at leisure. Overnight Boston, MA.

• Breakfast

This New England vacation has taken us through the region's captivating history and enchanting landscapes - from the landmarks of Boston and quaint streets of Woodstock to the outstanding natural beauty of Kancamagus Highway and Quechee Gorge. We have enjoyed unique trips aboard the charming Mt. Washington Cog Railway, captivating Stowe Gondola Skyride and serene Spirit of Ethan Allen. Throughout the tour, we have been enveloped in the dazzling colors and warm ambiance of stunning fall foliage.

Your vacation comes to a close this morning, as you transfer to Boston Logan International Airport independently.

• Breakfast