Tour: 8100 - 2012 (8100) - 2012 / 2013

Itinerary

Day 1New York City

Welcome to the “Big Apple!” Enjoy time at leisure to relax or to do some independent exploring. Your Tour Director is on hand this evening to answer any questions.

Day 2New York City-Newport-Plymouth

Depart Manhattan this morning and follow the Connecticut shore via New Haven of Yale University fame. Enter the tiny state of Rhode Island and sightsee in Newport, the “Great Gatsby” resort of spendthrift tycoons. Visit THE BREAKERS, Cornelius Vanderbilt’s magnificent 70-room Italian palazzo. Then, head north into Massachusetts and spend the next two nights in the historic seaside port of Plymouth, where the Pilgrim Fathers landed in the Mayflower in 1620. (Continental Breakfast)

Day 3Plymouth

Begin the day with a visit to PLIMOTH PLANTATION, a living history museum of 17th-century Plymouth, where costumed interpreters portray residents of the colony. This afternoon, board a cruise boat and head out to sea for a true highlight of your trip—an exciting WHALE-WATCHING expedition with commentary by a local marine biologist. Keep your eyes peeled because these Atlantic waters are prime feeding ground for finback and humpback whales, as well as dolphins. Afterward, time to visit the historic town of Plymouth and Plymouth Rock, the spot where the Pilgrims landed. The evening is yours to relax or explore more of Plymouth.

Day 4Plymouth-Hyannis-Boston

This morning, visit the MAYFLOWER II and explore a reproduction of the ship that brought the Pilgrims to the New World. We then cross Buzzards Bay to Cape Cod, known for its temperate climate and scenic beauty. Our onward journey takes us to the seascapes of Hyannis, the “Homeport of Cape Cod.” Board an old-time Maine coastal steamer replica to enjoy your HYANNIS HARBOR CRUISE, featuring views of the Kennedy Compound, pristine shoreline, and sparkling emerald waters. This afternoon, head for Boston, the “Cradle of American Liberty.” This evening has been set aside for independent activities. Your Tour Director will have plenty of suggestions for things to do and see.

Day 5Boston-Ogunquit

This morning our included sightseeing tour with a Local Guide will take you to many of the major sights, including Beacon Hill, the Old North Church (where Paul Revere was signaled of the departure of British troops to Lexington), Boston Common, and the Public Gardens. Afterward, time to explore Faneuil Hall before traveling for an overnight to the picture-perfect oceanfront village of Ogunquit, a haven for writers and artists. In the evening, sample the delicious local fare on our optional lobster bake excursion, including steamed clams, Maine lobster, and delicious corn-on-the-cob.

Day 6Ogunquit-Lake Winnipesaukee-North Conway

Marvel at New England’s autumn splendor as we head northwest to Lake Winnipesaukee, one of the region’s largest and most beautiful stretches of water. Cruise across this island-dotted lake aboard the historic MS MOUNT WASHINGTON to the lake resort of Wolfeboro. Your overnight is in North Conway, with a backdrop of over 700,000 acres of protected White Mountain National Forest and boasting the tallest peak in the East (Mount Washington at 6,288 ft.). Your evening is free. (Continental Breakfast)

Day 7North Conway-Montpelier-Burlington

This morning you might choose to board a chairlift for an optional ride to the summit of Wildcat Mountain, with sweeping views of the surrounding mountains and as far north as Québec. Travel through colorful autumnal forests and continue across New Hampshire. Next stop: Vermont, where birch, oak, and maple leaves form a kaleidoscope of yellows, oranges, and reds. After a stop in Montpelier, Vermont’s capital city, we visit a nearby MAPLE SYRUP FARM. Next, we visit COLD HOLLOW CIDER MILL, one of New England’s top producers of fresh apple cider. See how cider is made and take time to wander through the store and sample many of the other goodies produced there. On to Burlington, located on the shores of Lake Champlain. (Continental Breakfast)

Day 8Burlington-Lake Champlain-Lake Placid

Drive to the shores of Lake Champlain and board the ferry for the SCENIC CROSSING into the state of New York. Travel through the foothills of the Adirondack Mountains to the village of Lake Placid, site of the 1932 and 1980 Winter Olympics. (Continental Breakfast)

Day 9Lake Placid-Saratoga-Albany

This morning, continue your exploration of the village to shop for souvenirs on Main Street, enjoy a leisurely stroll along Mirror Lake, or visit the Olympic Skating Center, where you can watch future Olympic athletes train. A late lunch stop in Saratoga, the historic city in upstate New York. An orientation tour shows off the beautiful Victorian estates and downtown with its tree-lined streets, one-of-a-kind boutiques, and gorgeous floral plantings. Overnight near the historic capital of New York—Albany. (Continental Breakfast)

Day 10Albany-New York City

The final leg of your journey takes you south into New York City. A stop at Newark International Airport for those with homebound flights. Please schedule flights after 4 pm. For guests with flights out of Kennedy or LaGuardia International Airports, transfers are not included and it is suggested to book flights after 7 pm. The trip ends in Manhattan for those guests with extra nights. (Continental Breakfast)