Classic Fall Foliage

Head north via New Hampshire’s short shoreline and along Maine’s rocky coast to Portland, one of New England’s most famous cities. Stroll down the cobblestone streets of Portland’s famous Old Port Exchange, lined with its many boutiques, coffee houses, and art galleries. The next two nights are in Bar Harbor on Mount Desert Island, Maine’s oldest summer resort. Dinner tonight is a typical LOBSTER BAKE, featuring Maine lobster, steamed mussels, and delicious corn-on-the-cob.

Morning is at leisure to pursue your favorite interests. Maybe take a stroll around the waterfront with its many galleries and boutiques. Nowhere along the Atlantic seaboard is the coast as picturesque as in Acadia National Park, one of America’s most visited national parks. This afternoon, take the scenic park road for spectacular panoramas from the summit of Cadillac Mountain, the first place in the continental U.S. to see the sunrise. Enjoy a short Carriage Ride along the world-famous carriage roads in Acadia National Park, designed and built by John D. Rockefeller Jr. Afterward, enjoy a freshly made popover (pastry) at the historic Jordan Pond House inside the park.

Back to the mainland and west through Maine for vistas of sparkling lakes and forests. Then, on to New Hampshire and the scenic White Mountains, New England’s greatest range and premier outdoor playground. Later, enjoy the Raven Interpretive Program, focusing on the unique environs of northern New England and local wildlife.

Depart for a beautiful drive through Franconia Notch and along the renowned Kancamagus Highway. Hugging the Connecticut River, cross into Vermont and visit Woodstock, its village green reminiscent of 19th-century England. Next, visit Billings Farm & Museum, a living museum of Vermont’s rural past and working dairy farm. Enjoy a delicious, locally-made ice cream cone during your visit.

Journey south to Stockbridge in the Berkshire Mountains for a visit to the Norman Rockwell Studio & Museum, housing a large collection of works by one of America’s favorite artists. This evening, enjoy a Colonial-style dinner at the historic Salem Cross Inn. See the prime rib roasted “to a turn,” as the only known authentic Roasting Jack still operating in America rotates slowly over a crackling fire, or stir the chowder as it bubbles in the cast-iron cauldron. Be sure to save room for the freshly whipped cream—the perfect complement to New England’s best apple pie.

This morning, visit Sturbridge Village, a 19th-century living history museum filled with farmers, craftsmen, and fascinating characters. Next, explore Mystic Seaport, a living history museum showcasing the many activities that might have occurred in a New England coastal village in the 1800s. On to Rhode Island, the “Ocean State.”

Today, enjoy a Newport orientation tour and see the first state house, the nation’s oldest synagogue, and the city’s oldest meeting house and library. Afterward, explore the extravagant lifestyle of a bygone era when visiting The Breakers, shipping magnate Cornelius Vanderbilt’s turn-of-the-century mansion. Your afternoon is free for exploring on your own. This evening, your Tour Director hosts a special farewell dinner at a waterfront restaurant.

Depart this morning for Boston. Your guided tour of the city’s landmarks focuses on the city’s most prominent landmarks. See Boston Common; Old State House; Old North Church, from where Paul Revere got the signal to start his famous ride; Freedom Trail; and Faneuil Hall, with the chance to browse in Quincy Market. After a transfer to the airport for guests with homebound flights, the motorcoach continues downtown to the Sheraton Boston Hotel, where the tour ends. Please schedule flights from Boston’s Logan International Airport after 3:30 pm.