New England Explorer

Day 1 Arrival in Boston
Fly to Boston, the heart of the America’s east coast and one of the oldest cities in the US. Founded in 1630, the city is today a lively and welcoming place with lots to see and do. You’ll pick up your car on arrival and head to your hotel for a 2 night stay.

Day 2 Explore Boston
Today you have a whole day to explore Boston. Walk the Freedom Trail and witness the historic sights of Boston which played a key part in American history, including the Old North Church and the Old State House. Head to historic Quincy Market and Beacon Hill, a neighbourhood developed by the wealthy Bostonians in the 18th century, or you might want to visit Fenway Park, home of the Red Sox baseball team. Travel out to Harvard, Boston’s famous university, set in the leafy suburbs and enjoy a cold beer in one of Boston’s historic bars, including the Bull and Finch which was inspiration for the TV show ‘Cheers’.

Day 3 Boston to Portland
Today’s drive takes you out of the city and along the picturesque coastline. As you leave Boston traveling north you soon arrive in Salem, the city that became famous due to the witch hunts of the 17th century. Continue further north following the Massachusetts coastline via scenic and artsy fishing villages such as Gloucester, Rockport and Kennebunkport. Your destination today is Portland, Maine. The city is situated on a peninsula reaching into Casco Bay. The Portland Observatory Tower, built in 1807 to signal arriving ships, offers a terrific view over the historic buildings of Portland as well as the islands off the coast.

Travel: 112 Miles / 180 Km

Day 4 Portland to White Mountains to North Conway
Continuing your journey through New England today, we recommend a stop at Portland Head, the oldest and one of the most beautiful lighthouses in Maine. A little later you’ll reach New Hampshire with its forests and scenic mountain ranges. The Kancamagus Highway takes you right through the White Mountains. It was built following an old Indian trail. This area with its many mountains is a paradise for hikers. During fall foliage season the hills shine in a variety of colours, from brown to red to yellow and everything in between.

Travel: 64 Miles / 103 Km

Day 5 North Conway to Green Mountains to Rutland
From the White Mountains you travel west to Vermont, the heart of New England with its beautiful valleys, covered bridges and welcoming small towns. Vermont is also home to the Green Mountains, a hilly and forestry area of more than 400,000 acres that is nationally protected since 1932. Your destination is Rutland, a city with a population of 20,000 is second largest city in Vermont and the bustling centre of the region.

Travel: 158 Miles / 254 Km

Day 6 Rutland to Shaker Village to The Berkshires to Springfield
We recommend a visit to Hancock Shaker Village near Pittsfield today. The authentic village has been reconstructed to visually explain the life of the Shaker people, a religious group that emigrated from England in the 18th century. The buildings that are exhibited here include the barn built in 1826 as well as the Brick Dwelling from 1830. After your visit, travel on through the Berkshires, home to various festivals and well known to hikers and winter sport enthusiasts. Shortly thereafter you’ll arrive in Springfield, your destination today.

Travel: 132 Miles / 212 Km

Day 7 Springfield to Providence to Cape Cod
Today you’ll head back to the Atlantic coast, travelling via Providence, capital of the smallest state in the US, Rhode Island. Rhode Island is also home to Newport, the sailing centre of New England and venue of the ‘America’s Cup’. Don’t miss a visit to this wealthy town where the rich and famous established their summer vacation homes in the 19th century. Later you’ll reach Cape Cod, perhaps the most famous peninsula in New England, known for its picturesque beaches and pretty fishing towns.

Travel: 144 Miles / 231 Km

Day 8 Cape Cod
Today is yours to unwind on the coast and explore Cape Cod. This area has long been a favourite New England holiday destination. Drive along the shoreline to Cape Cod National Sea Shore and to Provincetown where you can enjoy beautiful scenic walks, shopping, galleries and dining on famous Cape Cod seafood. You might want to rent a bicycle and enjoy the many miles of bike trails along the shore or catch a ferry in Falmouth to prestigious Martha’s Vineyard or Nantucket, islands located just a few minutes off the mainland.

Day 9 Cape Cod to Plymouth to Boston (departure)
Today take the short drive back to Boston in time for your overnight flight. On your way back to Boston we recommend a stop in Plymouth. It was here where the first settlers, the Pilgrim Fathers landed in 1620 and the ‘Plimouth Plantation’ is an open air museum that exhibits life of the first settlers in this area. Your tour of New England ends as you return to Boston and you drop off your car at the airport in time for your return flight.

Day 10 Arrive UK
Arrive back in the UK this morning.

Tour includes:

Rental cars from small compact automatics to convertible sport cars and minivans
Accommodation as detailed
Sat-nav to help you along the way

On a Journey of Distinction, you are not merely a bystander. They believe that the wonders, customs and cultures you experience will live on in the core of your being. They even go so far as to say that one of their holidays will change your life forever.

Their combination of Tour Managers and Local Guides is what makes Journey of Distinction so distinctive. When you’re embarking on a voyage of discovery, it’s reassuring to know that a seasoned traveller is with you every step of the way; planning, organising, checking details and offering their advice and support. Their groups all depart from the UK, and no one joins us along the way, so you have the reassuring constancy of always knowing your travelling companions.

Our Opinion
“Limited to just 25 travellers per departure, every Journeys of Distinction escorted tour has an intimate, personal feel that makes for a more enjoyable experience.”