Every fall, the hills and forests of New England blaze with a fiery spectrum of crimson, orange and gold in a color explosion that rivals any fireworks show. As a consequence, the series of New England rail lines that crisscross the region buzz with action as passengers vie for their spot at the large picture windows to see the amazing scenic beauty as it peaks.
For fans of New England in autumn, this escorted tour offers the perfect opportunity to witness the autumn color parade. From Boston, Amtrak’s Downeaster follows the winding coast to Portland, Maine, where you embark on a cruise of picturesque Portland Harbor and its many lighthouses followed by a lobster dinner. Traverse the heavily wooded Mount Washington Valley aboard the Conway Scenic Railroad’s Valley Train. Then savor views from vintage coaches aboard the Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad before the final railroad run aboard Vermont’s Green Mountain Flyer, a fully restored 1930s passenger train pulled by a vintage diesel locomotive.
Along the way, you’ll also enjoy a city tour of the historic sites of Boston, a cruise on Lake Winnipesaukee, a visit to Vermont’s “Little Grand Canyon,” a tour of the Castle in the Clouds estate, and a day sampling Vermont’s culinary delights, including maple syrup and Ben & Jerry’s ice cream.
Price includes:
• 6 nights hotel accommodations
• Daily breakfast, 3 lunches and 3 dinners
• All non-rail transportation by luxury motor coach
• Rail journeys aboard Amtrak’s Downeaster, Conway Scenic Railroad, Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad, and White River Flyer
• City tour of Boston
• Scenic cruise of Portland harbor and cruise on Lake Winnipesaukee
• Vermont Culinary Day with visits to Morse Family Maple Farm, Ben & Jerry’s ice cream facility, and lunch at the New England Culinary Institute
• A Tour Escort throughout
*Price is per person, based on double occupancy, land only and is subject to change at any time without notice. Itinerary is curret as of print but is subject to change/substitutions. some taxes/fees/gratuities may be additional. Please do not make air arrangements until tour is guaranted. Restrictions apply.
Day 1 - Arrive in Boston
Arrive at Boston Logan Airport. Two complimentary group transfers will depart the Logan Airport between 4:30 pm - 11:00 pm for the hotel. If you are not able to meet one of these transfers, or do not wish to wait, you are responsible for your own transfer arrangements. After check-in at the hotel you are free to relax or explore on your own. Your Tour Escort will be available at the hotel to assist with any questions.
Accommodation: Boston Marriott Copley Place - 1 night
Day 2 - Boston / Portland, Maine
After breakfast depart for an overview tour of Boston. See the USS Constitution, Beacon Hill, Boston Garden, Boston Common, Bunker Hill, Faneuil Hall, and the Olde State House. Then board The Downeaster, Amtrak’s
coastal train from Boston to Portland. This afternoon enjoy a scenic cruise from Portland Harbor and view as many
as seven lighthouses including an up-close experience at Maine’s oldest and historic lighthouse, Portland Headlight.
Tonight is a lobster dinner at DiMillo’s Floating Restaurant. (B, D)
Accommodation: Holiday Inn by the Bay - 1 night
Day 3 - Portland / New Hampshire
Ready your cameras for New Hampshire’s #1 foliage route as you travel on deluxe coach through the White Mountain’s breath-taking notches and valleys. Board the Conway Scenic Railway for a delicious lunch served with
mountain vistas around every bend. Travel by motorcoach to New Hampshire’s most scenic roadway, the
Kancamangus Highway. For the best views of the mountains we ride the Loon Mountain Gondola. Afterwards
check in to the resort on the shores of Lake Winnipesaukee. Enjoy hearty New England faire for dinner at your cozy host Inn. (B, L, D)
Accommodation: Margate Resort - 2 nights
Day 4 - Lake Winnipesaukee
Today we board the Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad for views of the lake while riding the historic tracks of the
Boston & Maine Railroad aboard vintage coaches. Afterwards cruise on Lake Winnipesaukee, an Indian term
meaning Beautiful Water in a High Place. Tour Castle in the Clouds, an estate perched high above the lakes and
surrounded by three mountains. Visit Mill Falls Marketplace on the shores of the lake, and browse the many unique
shops. (B, L
Day 5 - Vermont Culinary Day
Today we experience the culinary delights of Vermont. Lunch is served at the New England Culinary Institute, one
of the country’s top culinary schools. After lunch enjoy the New England fall colors and taste local wines from the
vintage coaches of the White River Flyer. The trains arrive at the Thetford Station and depart for the nearby Village
of Woodstock to visit Sugarbush Farm & learn about the maple sugaring with a sugar house tour. Stop at
“Vermont’s Little Grand Canyon,” Quechee Gorge for photos before arriving at the hotel. (B, L)
Accommodation: The Pointe at Castle Hill Resort & Spa - 1 night
Day 6 - Vermont / Berkshires
Step in to your motorcoach and tour Hildene Estate, home of the Lincoln family descendents. Stop in Manchester,
Vermont before continuing through the scenic Berkshires. Tour the Homes of Historic Deerfield where Main Street
spans three centuries of history. See the Town Tavern, Olde School House and a variety of Colonial Homes, each
with its own antique treasures. Stop at the Yankee Candle Company featuring the Bavarian Christmas Village, Old
World Shops, and the Candle-making Museum. Farewell Dinner at Chandler’s Tavern before traveling to your
Boston area accommodation. (B, D)
Accommodation: Sheraton Hotel Boston - 1 night
Day 7 – Depart Boston
Your final day is filled with Boston sites and sounds before your transfer to Boston’s Logan Airport. Please schedule flights to depart after 3pm.