The islands dotting the coast of New England have long been the chosen spot for the rich, famous, and powerful to unwind and enjoy the beauty of America’s natural beauty. Discover all the things that make this area remarkable on this journey to the highlights of New England and its coastal attractions. From the deepest roots of the American revolution along the Freedom Trail in Boston to the glittering opulence of Vanderbilt mansions in Newport, to humpback whales breaching the blue-green surf, this is a place to truly marvel at giants, and allow yourself to be swept away by the serenity and beauty around you. Enjoy a glimpse into the nation’s history and a taste of luxury as you explore from Cape Cod to Nantucket and beyond. There can be no better escape than to the magical coasts of New England.
Degree of Difficulty –
Upon arrival in Boston, your Classic Escapes representative will greet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel. Boston is the capital and most populous city of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The city is the economic and cultural anchor of a substantially larger metropolitan area known as Greater Boston. It’s one of the oldest municipalities in the United States founded on the Shawmut Peninsula in 1630 by Puritan settlers from England. Boston was the scene of several key events of the American Revolution including the Boston Massacre, the Boston Tea Party, the Battle of Bunker Hill and the Siege of Boston. This evening, meet your fellow travelers at your welcome dinner. Spend the next day discovering the city known as the birthplace of American Freedom. Take in the history on your guided tour of the famous Freedom Trail, beginning at Boston Common, and following along to the Granary Burial Ground, Old State House, the home of Paul Revere, and the Faneuil Hall Marketplace. Your evening will be at leisure to try one of Boston’s fabulous restaurants. ROYAL SONESTA BOSTON or similar.
(D; B)
Begin your adventure along the New England coast as you depart for Aquidneck Island, more commonly known as Newport, Rhode Island, America’s first resort and yachting capital of the world. On arrival you will have a tour of the magnificent Ten Mile Drive, where you’ll step back in time to the opulent era of the Gilded Age, when elite families such as the Vanderbilt’s and Astor’s built their summer “cottages” here to retreat from the city life. Afterwards, enjoy free time along the waterfront for lunch and shopping. In the afternoon, you’ll visit the grand dame of all the mansions – The Breakers. End your afternoon aboard one of Newport’s classic schooners on a cruise around Narragansett Bay. Next morning, board the ferry to Block Island, heralded as one of the 12 best unspoiled areas in the Western Hemisphere. Enjoy a guided tour with spectacular views of the rolling dunes, dazzling beaches, and Victorian village. Step back in time to a bygone era as you have lunch at one of the island’s grand hotels. Return to Newport in the evening and enjoy dinner at one of Newport’s restaurants. THE NEWPORT HARBOR HOTEL.
(B; B,D)
Continue your exploration of the New England coast as you head to the beautiful sandy shores of Cape Cod. Board a ferry to cross to the lovely island of Martha’s Vineyard. Explore the diversity of nearby island towns, take a walk along the pristine shores, and step back in time to a more leisurely pace. Enjoy a guided tour of Oak Bluffs, which is noted for its collection of small Carpenter Gothic cottages clustered in the Methodist Camp Meeting Grounds, and Edgartown, with its stately Greek revival homes built by sea captains of years ago. Continue to Cape Cod and enjoy an evening at leisure. Next morning, head out to the charming seaside village of Chatham, with a photo stop at the Chatham Lighthouse. Marvel at the beautiful natural scenery and coastline as you continue to Provincetown, located at the tip of the Cape. Spend some time browsing around the downtown waterfront area and its collection of artistic and eclectic shops. You’ll have time for lunch on your own before embarking on a whale watching cruise. Cape Cod is known for excellent whale watching possibilities from mid-April through October. You may be fortunate to spot humpback, along with finback, minke and their “colorful” cousin, the Atlantic white-sided dolphin. This evening, feast on a traditional Cape Cod lobster dinner at a local restaurant. HYANNIS HARBOR HOTEL.
(B; B,D)
A cruise will take you to the enchanting Island of Nantucket, fondly known as “The Gray Lady.” Nantucket’s charm is easy to spot with its cobblestone main street and narrow roads, still illuminated by old-fashioned lamps, simple Quaker-style homes, and handsome houses dating back to the whaling days of the early 19th century. Enjoy a guided tour of this beautiful island, with views of sandy beaches, historic lighthouses, charming villages, and coastal beauty. Visit the whaling museum, and take a photo with the skeleton of a 43-foot finback whale. Enjoy some free time to venture through the many charming shops and galleries before returning by ferry to the mainland. Tonight, enjoy a farewell dinner at one of the harbor front restaurants. HYANNIS HARBOR HOTEL.
(B,D)
Return to Boston’s Logan Airport for your homeward flight, taking with you all the enchanting memories of the historic New England coast and islands.
(B)
Bid farewell to your fellow travelers and continue on your next adventure as you head north through scenic towns along the beautiful coast of Maine to the town of Kennebunkport. This extension will immerse you in the American fairy tale that is the state of Maine; from cozy villages on rocky beaches to hiking at Acadia National Park, to pine forests and tiny islands, to the beauty of Bar Harbor, you’ll be getting a grand tour of it all. Enjoy scenic lighthouses, lobster cruise and dinners, craft beer, and local folklore on this little extension to paradise.
Prices vary by season and package. Please inquire by phone at (800) 627-1244 or email info@classicescapes.com for more information and a pricing estimate.
Maximum group size: No restrictions, although we recommend a maximum of 24 travelers.
YOUR JOURNEY INCLUDES:
- All ground transfers and tours in air-conditioned vehicle including driver gratuities.
- Transfers between airport and Boston hotel, as well as Hyannis Port Hotel and Airport on the main trip, returning from Bar Harbor on the post extension. (Please note one group transfer will be supplied each way. Anyone not arriving on group schedule, will require a personal transfer at additional cost.)
- Superior accommodations throughout as indicated or similar.
- Local guide throughout.
- All meals as specified in itinerary.
- Roundtrip ferry service to: Martha’s Vineyard, Nantucket Island and Block Island
- Newport Schooner cruise.
- Lobster-boat cruise on Maine extension.
- All tours and admission fees as indicated.
- All applicable hotel taxes and gratuities for baggage handling at hotels.
- Complimentary baggage tags.
Winters can be cold, rainy, and snowy, while summers are mild with temperatures reaching into the 90’s in both Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Since this program visits the islands, it is best to travel between June and August.
