The autumn air turns crisp, and the landscape is transformed into a patchwork quilt of maroons, golds, and oranges – this is the perfect time of year to visit New England. As we drive across the states, through the rugged White and Green Mountains, and down the Eastern coastline, take a moment to pause and marvel at the soaring granite cliffs, forested slopes, and the slate-gray waves crashing against the rocky shores. Whether it’s history, adventure, cuisine, or simply the scenic drive you are looking for, this New England fall foliage tour will surpass every single one of your expectations.
All tours are completely customizable. Contact us to discuss your group’s unique interests and needs!
download brochureWelcome to New England, where autumn is radiant and beaming with gorgeous reds, oranges, and golds! We will transfer to our Boston, MA, hotel and freshen up before a lovely group dinner this evening.
(Dinner included)
This morning we embark on a guided tour of Boston, the birthplace of American freedom and known fondly as “Bean Town.” We will tour along the famous Freedom Trail, viewing such sites as the Old South Meeting House, Kings Chapel and Burying Ground, Park Street Church, and the Old State House. A picture stop at the Bull and Finch Pub, known to most as the bar from Cheers, and a visit to beautiful Boston Common will round out our touring. Free time will be available at Faneuil Hall Marketplace to browse the shops and enjoy lunch on our own. Faneuil Hall is as alive today as it was in 1742 when our nation’s forefathers proclaimed it “the cradle of liberty!” Then we are off to the Berkshires, appreciating the beautiful colors as we travel through the Pioneer Valley to Stockbridge, MA. Our destination is the Norman Rockwell Museum, which presents the world’s largest collection of original Norman Rockwell art, including favorites from Rockwell’s Saturday Evening Post covers. We’ll have the opportunity to tour his studio and also view exhibits of works by other American illustrators. We will then check in to our lovely Lenox hotel and freshen up before dinner.
(Breakfast and dinner included)
This morning we will journey north into the Green Mountains of Vermont, stopping in historic Bennington to see the Bennington Battle Monument. The Monument was built to commemorate the Battle of Bennington, considered to have been the turning point in the Revolutionary War. Then we are off to the beautiful village of Manchester for a visit to Hildene, the former summer home of Abraham Lincoln’s son Robert Todd Lincoln. Robert and his wife built this Georgian Revival mansion in 1905, and descendants of Lincoln continued to live here until 1975. We will tour the twenty-four-room mansion and the restored Pullman car produced during Robert’s time as the president of the Pullman Company. There’s also the goat dairy, Dene Farm, and magnificent gardens to explore! Following the tour, lunch will be enjoyed in the estate’s pavilion. Sit back, relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery this afternoon as we make our way north to Dakin Farm. This specialty store offers a wide variety of Vermont-made foods and products such as cob-smoked ham, cheddar cheese, Pure Vermont maple syrup, smoked meats, mustards, chutney, jellies, jams, and more. We will enjoy some samples and visit the before continuing to Essex Junction, VT, to settle into our hotel for the next two nights. The evening is ours to relax and grab dinner on our own.
(Breakfast and lunch included)
Following breakfast we will embark on another spectacular day of touring around northern Vermont amid the splendid foliage. Up first is a visit to the Rock of Ages Granite Quarry – a truly unique place unlike any other! Our friendly guide will lead us on a private tour around the fifty-acre, 600-foot-deep granite quarry – the world’s largest of its kind. Granite has been quarried here since 1885, and the accompanying plant produces most of America’s granite headstones. we will reach Montpelier mid-day for a tour of Vermont’s capital followed by lunch on our own. Montpelier is also considered the United States’ maple sugaring capital, and it is here where we will get a taste of the industry with a demonstration and “sugar-on-snow” sampling at the Morse Farm Maple Sugarworks. Two hundred years of Morse family maple experience has resulted in some of the best maple syrup on the market! This afternoon, we will arrive in the beautiful village of Stowe to visit the famous Trapp Family Lodge for a guided historic tour. Dinner this evening will be enjoyed along with a culinary demonstration by the chef.
(Breakfast and dinner included)
Enjoy breakfast this morning before we make our way to the White Mountains of New Hampshire and the historic Omni Mount Washington Resort. A grand masterpiece of Spanish Renaissance architecture, this National Historic Landmark was conceived by industrialist Joseph Stickney and was a two-year labor of love for 250 master craftsmen. The hotel quickly became a favorite summer haunt for poets, presidents, and princes after it opened in 1902. we will enjoy a guided tour of this magnificent hotel and then dine on a delicious luncheon in the grand dining room. Then we will board the Conway Scenic Railroad’s Mountaineer for a five-hour, scenic rail journey through the rugged Crawford Notch and Mountain Washington Valley. The train’s 1950s-era passenger cars replicate the experience of a post-World War II Transcontinental streamlined train, recapturing the tradition and romance of journeying by railcar! We’ll arrive back in Conway Village and enjoy some free time to shop and explore at the famous Zeb’s Country Store. Dinner is on our own before we check in to our hotel for a relaxing two-night stay.
(Breakfast and lunch included)
Today’s sightseeing begins with the drive through the New Hampshire Lakes Region and the White Mountains followed by a scenic cruise aboard the MS Mount Washington. We will enjoy the captain’s commentary as the ship makes its way around Lake Winnipesaukee, the Granite State’s largest lake. Next we’ll visit Castle in the Clouds, Thomas Plant’s Arts & Crafts mansion built by over 1,200 craftsmen on a small mountaintop in 1914. Upon arrival on the mountaintop, we will have time to explore the two-story mansion and castle grounds at our leisure. This New Hampshire icon is wonderfully preserved to give a real sense of how country life was lived by the fabulously wealthy at the turn of the century. Be on the lookout for the home’s features that were innovations of the time, such as central vacuuming and intercom systems! On our way back to the hotel, we will travel along the Kancamagus Highway, one of New England’s most amazing drives at the height of fall foliage season. Another New England meal will be enjoyed as a group this evening.
(Breakfast and dinner included)
We will say goodbye to New Hampshire after breakfast and head to “Down East” Maine for a tour of Kennebunkport, the summer haven for the upper class and one of the wealthiest communities in the state. As we enjoy a drive along the ocean to Walker’s Point, we’ll pass by the home of former President George H.W. Bush before continuing our tour to the seaside village of Ogunquit. Here we’ll board a lobster boat to cruise along Ogunquit’s scenic shoreline and learn all about lobstering. Then we are off to the village of York for a visit to one of the most photographed lighthouses in the country – the Cape Neddick Light. Popularly known as “the Nubble,” this lighthouse was built in 1879 and is still in use today. After an exciting day, we will settle into our hotel and freshen up before a traditional clambake and a chance to try Maine lobster!
(Breakfast and dinner included)
After breakfast this morning, we will depart for a guided tour of Portsmouth, NH, before heading for home.
(Breakfast included)