Day 1 - Friday, October 3:
Today we will fly from Minneapolis to Boston’s Logan airport. Depending on our flight schedule we will have some Boston touring. Our Tour Guide and deluxe Motorcoach will greet us at the airport. We’ll enjoy some time on our own at Quincy Market and Faneuil Hall, a two-story bronze domed building called “The Cradle of Liberty.” In pre-Revolutionary times it was the scene of mass public meetings. Today it houses over 100 specialty shops, restaurants and pubs and food vendors. We will have time for dinner on our own before checking into our hotel.
Day 2 - Saturday, October 4: New Hampshire (B, D)
Today, following breakfast, our journey will take us north to New Hampshire's Lake region. First, we will tour Lexington and Concord critical sights of events beginning the Revolutionary War. It was on the Lexington Green that the "shot heard 'round the world" was fired and the battle began between the minutemen of Massachusetts and the British army. The British went on to Concord where they had to retreat following a defense of the Old North Bridge. Concord is the home of several famous authors including Louisa May Alcott, Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau. Following lunch we will continue to New Hampshire and we will enjoy a cruise around Lake Winnipesaukee, the largest lake in the state. Winnipesaukee translates from its Native American to "Beautiful Place in High Waters," which it truly is. The foliage around the lake is some of the most beautiful in New England. We will finish our cruise in Wolfeboro where we will check into our hotel for the next two nights.
Day 3 - Sunday, October 5: New Hampshire (B)
This morning, our day will be spent traveling through the lakes region of New Hampshire. We will view Squam Lake, the setting for the movie 'On Golden Pond' and popular for its Loon population. We will then drive through the lake country on our way to the White Mountains of New Hampshire. The most spectacular feature of the White Mountains is Mt. Washington at 6,288' and known for the worst weather in the world. During fall foliage season the mountains are ablaze with yellows, oranges, and reds. We will drive along the Kancamagus Highway, fondly known as the "Kanc" with its spectacular rural setting and foliage lined road. We will then visit Castle in the Clouds for a panoramic view of the surrounding countryside. Thomas Plat built this turn of the century mansion on 6,300 acres of New Hampshire mountaintop. With the wonderful central location of our Inn we can enjoy dinner on our own.
Day 4 - Monday, October 6: Vermont (B,D)
Today our travels take us to the Green Mountain State of Vermont basking in charming Americana scenery at every turn. Our journey today begins to Quechee Gorge, Vermont's "little Grand Canyon" to take pictures. Then we will visit the village of Woodstock, noted for its well-preserved vintage homes, its village green and covered bridge in the middle of town. You will be mesmerized by the panorama as you wind past perfectly restored historic buildings and home open to the sprawling Woodstock Village Green. Indulge yourself with a stroll around the Green, through the Covered Bridge, browse the mecca of quaint shops and galleries - let your senses be aroused in this quintessential New England village. Next stop, Plymouth Union, the birthplace of President Calvin Coolidge, considered to be the best preserved presidential birthplace in the nation. Not just a summer White House, this was the family homestead, as he and six generations of his family are all buried nearby. We will check into our Inn for the next two nights. Dinner is included.
Day 5 - Tuesday, October 7: Vermont (B)
After breakfast, we travel to Montpelier, Vermont - the state capital. Outside of town we will visit Morse Farm Sugar Shack and see how Maple Sugar is made and where we will enjoy “Sugar on Snow.” Then into the Vermont’s capital city to see the gold-leafed dome of the Capitol Building. Then we take to the roads again stopping at Cold Hollow Cider Mill; New England’s most famous cider mill. We will observe apple cider being made and perhaps even have the chance to taste the final product! We will tour world famous Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream Factory. We will see first-hand the entire ice cream manufacturing process from Cow to Cone. Tonight we will enjoy dinner on our own.
Day 6 - Wedensday, October 8: Sturbridge, MA (B, D)
Our journey takes us through the Green Mountains where the hills give way to valleys with colonial homes and pastoral farmlands. We are heading south to Sturbridge, MA and along the way we will enjoy a visit to the Yankee Candle Shoppe. Far more than just candle stores, it is a special place where magic comes to life. From watching animated, singing characters to celebrating Christmas year 'round, it is the headquarters for Yankee Candle where everyone can experience an enchanting mix of shopping and entertainment. We will then travel to Old Sturbridge Village, a 200-acre recreated living history museum. Explore this 1830’s working farm and 40 original buildings and enjoy the costumed people at work, You will feel as though you have been transported back in time! Tonight enjoy a New England style dinner and our lovely surroundings near the lake and settle in for one night in the Sturbridge area.
Day 7 - Thursday, October 9: Cape Cod (B, D)
This morning we will head to New England's smallest state - Rhode Island - and we will tour one of New England’s first summer resorts, Newport. A colonial trading port, combining charm, history and style, has enjoyed a reputation as an international world class resort since the 1800’s. Newport is also home of the America’s Cup sailing races. We will tour the 10-mile Ocean Drive, along which we can see many of the "summer cottages" built at the turn of the century by this country's rich and famous such as the Vanderbilts, Bouviers and Oerlichs. These homes played host to an era known as the "Gilded Age" as their occupants spent their summers entertaining in their lavish homes. We will explore one of these opulent mansions on a guided tour. In the afternoon, we will continue on to Cape Cod where we will stay for the next two nights. Dinner is included this evening.
Day 8 - Friday, October 10: Martha’s Vineyard (B. Lobster D)
After breakfast, we will board the ferry for Martha’s Vineyard in Nantucket Sound, where we will tour the famous “Storybook” Island. Martha's Vineyard does indeed have an active winery, but it is best known as the summer residence of many of today's wealthy and prominent people. People who have maintained homes on the Island are the Kennedy family, John Belushi, Carly Simon and of course the Clinton’s enjoyed several vacations here as well. The Island is quite large and will enjoy a tour throughout the Island. We will see Gayhead Cliffs, tour Oak Bluffs and stroll amidst the colorful Victorian Gingerbread Cottages of the Methodist campground. This afternoon, we will explore Edgartown, once an old whaling port lined with all of its sea captain's homes. Ferry back to Cape Cod where tonight we will enjoy a Lobster Dinner.
Day 9 - Satuday, October 11: Boston (B)
This morning depending on our flight schedule we will see more of Boston traveling along the “Freedom Trail.” This is a National Historic Park and a combination drive-by and walking tour of Boston’s highlights including the Old State House, The Old North Church, Ben Franklin Statue, Paul Revere’s House, Boston Common, the Public Gardens, and much more. Then it’s on our way to our airport to catch our flight homeward bound taking with us many fond memories of our New England Inn-Style adventure.
TOUR INCLUDES:
NOT INCLUDED:
TOUR COST PER PERSON - All Land and Air Arrangements
30+ Paying Passengers
Double: TBA
Single: TBA
Triple: TBA
Quad: TBA