| TRAINS & TRAVEL P.O. BOX 10625 RENO, NEVADA 89510-0625 Chris@traintrips.biz Jane@traintrips.biz Deborah@traintrips.biz | 1-800 359-4870 USA 1-800 752-1836 CANADA 1-800 266-8751 FAX (775) 453-1004 | |
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Fall colors in New England, there is nothing like it anyplace else in the United States. Join us for a spectacular week of sightseeing and train journeys in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New Hampshire and Vermont during the height of the fall colors. This tour will present to you some of the most awesome scenery in New England. The mountains are covered in blazing color that signals winter is again approaching. This tour features a number of spectacular train rides in all four states. The tour begins and ends in Boston.
DAY 1 SATURDAY OCTOBER 3: Independent arrivals in Boston and hotel check-in at the Ramada Inn Boston. The Ramada Inn Boston offers free hotel shuttle service from Logan International Airport and Amtrak. Amtrak offers good rail service to Boston from points all across the United States and Canada. You can explore the city using the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) system with hundreds of miles of trackage in the Boston area.
 
DAY 2 SUNDAY OCTOBER 4 : (B) Full day excursion out of Boston on the MBTA's scenic Rockport line. We will depart from the historic Boston & Maine North Station on the 8:30AM train for the train ride northeast out to the historic Cape Ann region on the New England coast. We will ride this train all the way to the end of the line at Rockport arriving at 9:40AM. This small New England village is full of charm and beauty and is considered a crown jewel of the Massachusetts coastline, stepped in rich seafaring and art history. Rockport is a fishing town and the area was first colonized in 1690. It is pure New England and in fact the famous move "The Perfect Storm" was set here. There are over 150 shops in the area and most of them are very unique plus many wonderful restaurants. You will have a wide variety of restaurants to choose from to have your lunch, many with scenic views of the harbor and beaches.
Early afternoon right after lunch we will depart Rockport via highway and head 30 miles north up the Massachusetts Coast to the historic Port city of Newburyport. Newburyport has a long and rich history. Located on the south bank of the Merrimack River at the mouth of the Atlantic Ocean, the area was originally inhabited by the Pawtucket Indians, and was later settled in the 1630's by European immigrants who founded the city of Newbury. The small port of Newbury was quickly settled and became a fishing and trading settlement with the rest of Newbury turning to agricultural pursuits.
Many traces of the past can still be found and admired in this vibrant city. Churches and cemeteries evoke remembrances of local personalities. The Tannery district, close to downtown is an extension of old steam mills and tanneries of the past. You can see shipyards, as well as the saltbox and Victorian houses, Federal mansions and colonial houses that are today's cherished homes. Walk along the waterfront in Newburyport. Signs tell you that Captain Paul White built the first wharf in 1655.
The Merrimack gained special importance as the base of operations for Newburyport Privateers, privately owned vessels licensed to attack enemy shipping. The Currier yard built 97 ships as well as barks and schooners totaling over 80,000 tons. Up on High Street, mansions of other ship owners recall the names of major families who made and lost fortunes in the maritime trade. For over 100 years the Coast Guard, born in Newburyport, has plied the waters of the river, first in revenue cutters that enforced navigation laws. You can spot three lighthouses erected by the coast guard on Water Street and Plum Island.
We then depart Newburyport at 2:48PM on an MBTA train for the one hour ride back to North Station in Boston. You will have an hour to explore the North Station and this area of downtown before boarding Amtrak's northbound Downeaster for a 5:00PM departure arriving at Dover , New Hampshire at 6:28PM. Departing Dover it is a one hour transfer by highway to North Conway and check-in at the four star North Conway Grand Hotel.
 
DAY 3 MONDAY OCTOBER 5: (B-L) In the morning we head north through spectacular Crawford Notch by road to Base Station, also called Marshfield Station, for a ride on the breathtaking Mt. Washington Cog Railway to the top of Mt. Washington. This railroad was built in 1869 and is the world's first mountain climbing cog railway. Today this National Historic Engineering Landmark continues to operate. Mt. Washington, at 6,288 feet, is the highest point in New England. Our train risers 3600 feet from the Base Station to Summit at 4 miles per hour. The steam locomotive will consume a ton of coal and 1000 gallons of water during this trip. Yes, this railway is still 100% steam powered and is built on grades up to 37%. You will have about 45 minutes at the summit to take in the spectacular view before reboarding the train for the return trip down the mountain. Back at Base Station you will have time to visit the railroad museum and gift shop before we transfer to the Crawford Notch station to board the "Notch Train".
The "Notch Train" is operated by the Conway Scenic Railroad and will present to you some of the finest natural scenery in the East as we travel through spectacular Crawford Notch. The train will run over sheer cliff bluffs, steep ravines, cascading brooks, streams, panoramic mountain vistas, and across the famed Frankenstein Trestle and Willey Brook Bridge. This is a former Boston & Maine line built over 130 years ago. Upon arrival in North Conway you will have time to explore the railroad museum and model railroad and visit some of the downtown area.
We then depart for Lincoln via the Kancamagus Highway through the White Mountains to Lincoln. The Kancamagus Highway is undoubtedly the most scenic route in what is called Mountain Country. It is 34 spectacular and colorful miles between North Conway and Lincoln. Moose sightings are quite common from this highway. Upon arrival in Lincoln check-in at the Comfort Inn & Suites which is right next to the Hobo Railroad Station.
AND SHOPS ARE NEAR OUR HOTEL IN LINCOLN
DAY 4 TUESDAY OCTOBER 6: (B-D) Morning departure from our hotel in Lincoln for the spectacular ride north through Franconia Notch State Park which is one of the most celebrated mountain gap locations in the east. We will stop to visit the famous "Flume" as we make our way through this park.
As we make our way through the Franconia Notch State Park we enter the beautiful Connecticut River Valley in Western New Hampshire and Eastern Vermont. At Woodsville, New Hampshire we stop to visit one of the classic New England covered bridges. This bridge is the oldest authenticated covered bridge in New Hampshire. This is a 256 foot 2-span bridge over the Ammonoosuc River and was built in 1832. Next we visit the nearby covered bridge in Bath. This is a burr truss 4-span made of old hewed arches and is 374 feet long and built in 1832. Be sure and take a walk through the bridge to the far side and look back towards the village of Bath. You can frame your photo through the fall foliage of Ammonoosuc River, the dam, waterfall and the Bath church. This is a classic New England setting. Oh yes, almost under the bridge is a Boston & Maine caboose on display. Yes, the railroad once had a line running under this bridge. Then just a few minutes away is the 3rd classic covered bridge at Swiftwater . This paddleford truss with an added arch was built in 1849 and rebuilt in 1977. The 158 foot bridge spans the Wild Ammonoosuc River. We return to the Comfort Inn in Lincoln late afternoon.
This evening we will have dinner onboard the "Cafe Lafayette Dinner Train" which will take us on a 20 mile two hour train journey along the banks of the scenic Pemigewasset River. This is a spur of the historic Boston & Maine Railroad built in the late 1800's and now operated by the Hobo Railroad. After it gets dark bright flood lights under the train lite up the woods which will be on fire with the fall colors. Enjoy the romance of dining on the rails while riding in a beautifully restored Pullman dining car. Enjoy five courses of fine food and spirits served to you in the Grand European manner. Rolling stock includes the "Indian Waters", an exquisitely restored 1924 Pullman-Standard Victorian Coach, filled with brass, stained glass and deeply aged woods. The popular 1952 Pullman Planetarium Car, the "Granite Eagle", is an unusual tri-level car featuring an upper observation (dome) with surround windows and a sunken lounge. The "Algonquin" is a 1953 former Canadian National Café Coach.  CAFE LAFAYETTE DINNER TRAIN
 DAY 5 WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 7: (B) Before we depart Lincoln we have been invited to inspect the rebuilding progress by the Flying Yankee Restoration Group which is now located in Lincoln. 
After our visit with the Flying Yankee project we head south for White River Junction, Vermont located in the Connecticut River Valley.
After visiting Quechee Gorge we continue on to Bellows Falls, Vermont. At Bellows Falls we board the afternoon departure of the Green Mountain Railroads "Green Mountain Flyer" for a run into the scenic Hawk Mountains to the small village of Chester. Ride in fully restored 1930's passenger coaches pulled by a vintage diesel engine. The antique coaches feature windows that open for comfort and viewing pleasure. This is a wonderful train journey along the Connecticut and Williams Rivers and through the fall colors. We will pass by two covered bridges, a beautiful cascading waterfall and the gorge at Brockways Mills plus fertile farmlands. The Chester Depot was built in 1872 and was restored during the 1980's. Here you will have about an hour to explore this colorful New England town before reboarding the train for the return trip to Bellows Falls.
Upon our return on the train to Bellows Falls we head north via highway for the 45 minute drive to historic Montpelier which is the capital of Vermont. Upon arrival hotel check-in at the Comfort Inn & Suites.
 DAY 6 THURSDAY OCTOBER 8: (B) At 9:42AM we board Amtrak's "Vermonter" for the 195 mile spectacular journey south down the Connecticut River Valley to Springfield, Massachusetts arriving at 2:40PM. During this journey the train follows Connecticut River closely for many miles in scenic remote regions and even crosses over into New Hampshire and back into Vermont once on it's journey through New England. Upon arrival in Springfield the group will be transferred by highway for the short 45 minute ride to Worchester Union Station. Here we transfer to a MBTA eastbound train departing At 4:30PM and arriving at South Station in Boston at 6:05PM. Transfer to the Ramada Inn Boston for check-in. DAY 7 FRIDAY OCTOBER 9: (B) Morning hours to sleep in and relax or explore Boston. Late morning we return to Boston's South Station to board an Amtrak regional train departing 11:05AM for the 70 mile Trip to Kingston, Rhode Island arriving at 12:13PM. A short road Transfer of 30 minutes by highway will put us in Newport, Rhode Island. You will have a couple of hours to explore this city and have lunch before hotel check-in. The rest of the afternoon and evening on your own leisure. One of the most attractive characteristics of Newport is the ability that the destination has an appeal to a wide variety of traveling styles. Newport is home to miles of scenic coastline ideal for exhilarating sailing excursions, relaxing beach time, and rejuvenating walks. For those whose heart lies in architecture, design, and history Newport offers mansions, interesting museums, and a number of walking tours that reveal the history and charm of the city. Visitors can enjoy wine tasting at the three local vineyards. For visitors looking to take a bit of Newport style home with them, the city's quaint wharves and cobblestone streets are a mix of unique shops and galleries. Complementing it all is a year-round calendar of special events ranging from nautical events to music festivals to professional sports tournaments, ensuring that there is always something happening in Newport! AN AMTRAK REGIONAL TRAIN FOR KINGSTON, RHODE ISLAND
Newport Bridge and Bay to Newport, Rhode Island.
DAY 8 SATURDAY OCTOBER 10: (B-D) Morning hours to relax and explore more of Newport. Mid morning we transfer to the Newport train station to board a private Charter using two classic and historic RDC Budd Cars. This is the train set the Newport Dinner Train uses for their "Island Touring Train" , but this 4 hour run will be a private charter for our group which will include photo run-bys and riding in the cab with the engineer. In 2007, The Newport Dinner Train purchase two RDC Budd cars from the Wilton Scenic Railroad in Wilton, New Hampshire. These two Budd cars are originally from the British Columbia Railway in Canada and now operate on Aquidneck Island in Rhode Island. During the excursion today we will make a stop at one of the popular wineries for a tour and some wine tasting. Upon arrival back in Newport you will have a couple of hours to return to our hotel to relax and prepare for a run on the Newport Dinner Train this evening.
Upon arrival back in Newport you will have a couple of hours to return to our hotel to relax and prepare for a run on the Newport Dinner Train this evening. We will run up the west coast of Aquidneck Island with beautiful views of Narragansett Bay and the sunset. Our two hour dinner train will afford you the experience to dine amid vintage rail cars meticulously restored to quietly bear the ambiance and aura of the golden age of railroading. Plush velvet draperies…fine china, silver and crystal set on crisp white linens in the soft glow of candlelight.
 DAY 9 SUNDAY OCTOBER 11: (B) Morning hours to sleep in and relax before we depart from Newport and start our journey north back to Boston. For the rail photographers in our group we will catch the 11:45AM departure of the Old Colony & Newport Railway excursion train. This train runs over the same route as our Charter the day before.
Early afternoon we arrive in Providence. This city has been the capital of Rhode Island since the start of the 20th century. Providence is spread across several hills and crosses two main rivers. This is the third biggest city in New England. Providence is now regarded as one of the 'Best Places to Live' in New England. We then will catch the 2:58PM departure of Amtrak's fast high speed Acela Express arriving back at Boston's South Station at 3:42PM. This train will reach speeds of 150 mph. This will give you a sample of America's newest train equipment which was built in Europe. Upon arrival back in Boston our tour will end. For more information on Providence click onto this link: http://www.providence.world-guides.com
HIGH SPEED ACELA EXPRESS
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TOUR PRICE: All tour prices are subject to change without notice at any time.
CHANGE OF ITINERARY: We reserve the right to substitute, change train routing, alter or modify the tour if any unexpected and unforeseen conditions beyond our control occur. As almost everyone knows, in the railroad industry last minute changes do occur.
RESERVATION CHANGES: A $50 per person charge will apply for any changes made to a reservation. This will also apply for any changes in credit cards usded.
DEPOSITS AND FINAL PAYMENTS: The required deposit is due in our office within 14 days of making a booking. For most tours the final payment is due in our office 90 days before the start of the tour. Due dates are posted for each tour and will also be on your invoice and in some cases we will vary the due Date depending upon the tour in question.
MILEAGE COLLECTORS: Mileage collectors please take note before you book! Trains and Travel does not cater just to mileage collectors. We cater to all people that enjoy the railroad hobby. We give strong warning that itinerary and route changes do happen and this is totally beyond our control when it does. If the only reason that you would want to book a tour with us is to collect the rare mileage, may we suggest that you be prepared for possible route changes.
RESPONSIBILITY AND LIMITATION OF LIABILITY: We assume no responsibility for injury, sickness, damage, loss, additional expenses, accidental delay or irregularities which may be caused through willful or negligent acts or omissions on the part of the companies providing or engaging in transportation, accommodations or services related to the accomplishment of the tour including Trains and Travel. We have no control on the timings of our charter trains and indeed passenger trains and charters can and do run late most of the time. Nor do we assume responsibility for natural disaster, social or political upheaval, acts of terrorism or acts of nature. The right is reserved to substitute hotels, tour leaders, equipment, motive power, trains, routes and to alter the itinerary when deemed necessary without notice. We are not responsible for expenses incurred by tour members in preparing for the tour.
CANCELLATIONS: Trains and Travel does not accept cancellations on the phone. Cancellations must be received by postal mail, e mail or fax before any refunds will be processed. Be sure and allow enough time if sending your written notice by the very slow US mail postal system. When a written cancellation is received in the Trains and Travel office this will be the effective date of the cancellation. Please take note that it can take up to 60 days to process some refunds in but most cases refunds will be issued in half that time. Cancellation refund rules: 100 days prior to the start of any tour you will receive a full refund less a $200 per person administration fee. 99 to 75 days before the departure of any tour there will be a 80% cancellation penalty based on the full cost of the tour. Any cancellations received 74 or less days before the start of any tour will not receive any refund. These cancellations rules apply to everyone and will be enforced.
RIGHT TO REFUSE SERVICE: Trains and Travel reserves the right to refuse service to anyone we deem necessary, to insure that all of our clients will have the best possible tour.
PRE-DEPARTURE TOUR BULLETINS: Tour bulletins will be sent to clients that have booked on our tours. Bulletins include weather, packing tips, food, health, updates and much more. Tickets and a detailed itinerary booklet will be sent out about three weeks before the tour begins.
PAYMENTS: Payments can be made with personal check drawn on a U.S. Dollar account, money order for U.S. Dollars, bank wire transfer, or credit card. We accept Visa, Master Card, Discover or American Express. Final payment for all tours is due 90 days prior to departure. If final payment has not been received 7 days after the due date, a late fee of $50 may apply.
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: All prices are based on double room occupancy. We will try and match you with a roommate. if one is available. If not, you may be charged the single room supplement listed for the tour you are booked on. Single rooms may not be available in some remote locations and on some trains.
TOUR REFUNDS: If for any reason tour members amend or delete any arrangements during travel, and leave the tour on their own, we cannot give any refunds on unused portions of the tour. If buses and trains are cancelled by the carrier or there is a labor strike or they go out of business, we cannot be held responsible and we cannot give refunds. Travel insurance will protect you for any of these reasons. If TU needs to cancel any tour everyone will receive a full refund. Please take note that refunds can take up to 60 days to process.
PARTIAL TOURS: We will allow passengers to join or leave a tour at certain points. It will all depend on the tour and the conditions. Give us a call and we will try and work up a custom option for you.
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