Experience the beautiful autumn colors of New England on this AAA Sojourns EXCLUSIVE vacation that takes you from the historic sights of Boston to the scenic Berkshires. Make the most of your foliage viewing with journeys aboard four scenic railway lines that offer spectacular views from the trains’ large picture windows. Also enjoy a city tour of Boston, lighthouse viewing on Portland Harbor and a cruise on Lake Winnipesaukee.
Highlights include:
• Experience four different rail adventures on one tour.
• Savor a Maine lobster dinner, a favorite regional specialty.
• Cruise Lake Winnipesaukee and see Vermont's "Little Grand Canyon."
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. Roll past New Hampshire’s White Mountains aboard the Conway Scenic Railroad as you journey through Crawford Notch. This historic route was first traveled by trains more than 130 years ago, and its spectacular foliage still enthralls visitors. Still more color sweeps by as you ride on the vintage coaches aboard the Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad. Complete your rail adventure on the White River Flyer, powered by a fully restored steam engine.
Along the way, you’ll also enjoy a city tour of the historic sites of Boston, a ride on the Loon Mountain Gondola, a cruise on Lake Winnipesaukee, a visit to Vermont’s “Little Grand Canyon” followed by a gourmet lunch and a visit to Sugarbush Farm to learn about locally-made maple syrup. You may also add an optional tour of Castle in the Clouds, an estate perched high above Lake Winnipesaukee.
Price includes:
• 6 nights hotel accommodations: 2 nights in Boston, MA; 1 night in Portland, ME; 2 nights at Lake Winnipesaukee, NH; and 1 night in Quechee, VT
• Daily breakfast, 4 lunches and 3 dinners
• All non-rail transportation by deluxe motor coach and tour escort throughout
• 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
• Visits to: Quechee Gorge, Sugarbush Farm, Hildene Estate, Homes of Historic Deerfield, and a ride on the Loon Mountain Gondola
• Hotel to airport transfer on Day 7
Tour overview: New England has always been a favorite area for fall foliage enthusiasts. Sit back and relax as your professional escort guides you through Mammoth Mountain, Luscious Lakes and Rocky Coastlines. This tour features a combination of travel using a deluxe motor coach and various train excursions.
Day 1 - Arrive in Boston
Please make your own way to your hotel by taking a taxi to the Boston Park Plaza Hotel for check-in. Don’t forget to get a receipt from the taxi driver to present it to your Tour Escort on Day 2 for reimbursement. 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 Park Plaza Hotel - 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 experience New England’s shining shores from the windows of Amtrak‘s scenic coastal train, the Downeaster as you travel one-way from Boston to Portland, Maine where your deluxe coach awaits. 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 most historic lighthouse, Portland Headlight. Tonight is a lobster dinner at DiMillo’s Floating Restaurant. (On Sept. 27 departure only: Dinner is at Saltwater Grille Restaurant.)
Accommodation: DoubleTree by Hilton - 1 night
Day 3 - Portland / New Hampshire
Ready your cameras for New Hampshire’s No. 1 foliage route as you travel on deluxe coach through the White Mountain’s breathtaking notches and valleys. Board the Conway Scenic Railroad for a delicious lunch served with mountain vistas around every bend. Then travel by motor coach to New Hampshire’s most scenic roadway, the Kancamangus Highway. For the best views of the mountains, we then ride the Loon Mountain Gondola. Afterwards check-in to your charming lakeside resort where you’ll enjoy hearty New England fare for dinner.
Accommodation: Wolfboro Inn - 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.” Spend time on your own or you may choose an optional tour of Castle in the Clouds, an estate perched high above the lakes and surrounded by three mountains. Enjoy a wine tasting of local vineyards at your host inn this evening. Dinner is on your own tonight.
Day 5 - Vermont
Depart for a full-day tour of Vermont. Stop for a photo-op at Quechee Gorge, “Vermont’s Little Grand Canyon,” then continue at Quechee Inn at Marshland Farm. Enjoy a wonderful lunch at this historic inn, where their talented chefs will please even the choosiest of palates with creative country gourmet dishes. After lunch, continue to explore Vermont via the White River Flyer. Travel on vintage coaches along the majestic Connecticut River with panoramic views of the White Mountains’ foothillsand past a wildlife sanctuary - all highlighted with the colors of fall in New England. The train arrives at the Thetford Station where you will depart for the nearby village of Woodstock to visit Sugarbush Farm and learn about maple sugaring on a sugar house tour.
Accommodation: The Pointe at Castle Hill - 1 night
Day 6 - Vermont / Berkshires
Step aboard your motor coach 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. Relax at the hotel before enjoying a Farewell Dinner with your fellow travelers.
Accommodation: Westin Waltham-Boston - 1 night
Day 7 - Depart Boston
Your final day is filled with Boston sights and sounds before your transfer to Boston’s Logan Airport. Please schedule flights to depart after 3:00pm.
Prices are per night or per person based on double occupancy, are subject to availability at time of booking, and may change without notice. Single supplement may apply. Except for packages including air transportation, unless stated otherwise, airfare, taxes and government fees are not included. Offers valid for new bookings only. Member Benefits are per person and apply to first and second traveler only. Member Benefits are available only with advertised fare and are subject to change without notice. Your travel arrangements may be modified or canceled subject to the travel providers’ policies. Blackout dates and other restrictions may apply. We make every effort for accuracy at time of printing but reserve the right to correct errors. AAA Travel strongly recommends the purchase of trip protection insurance. Except for packages including air transportation, fares may not reflect additional fuel supplement or port charges and vary by provider.
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Links:
[1] http://calstate.aaa.com/travel/about-aaa-travel/aaa-sojourns