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 colorful train journeys in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, Maine, 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 five states and a lot of sightseeing for your enjoyment .The tour begins and ends at the Comfort Inn in South Boston.
DAY 1 FRIDAY OCTOBER 1: Independent arrivals in Boston and hotel check-in at the Comfort Inn South Boston. Hotel check-in can be anytime after 2:00PM. The Comfort Inn offers free hotel shuttle service from Logan International Airport. If you decide to take the train to South Station Boston it is a short taxi ride of 15 minutes to the Comfort Inn. Amtrak offers good rail service to Boston from points all across the United States and Canada. Once you check-in you can explore the city using the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) rail system with hundreds of miles of trackage in the Boston area. Our hotel also offers free shuttle service to the nearest train station. For MBTA information, routes and fares visit: www.mbta.com
WHILE IN BOSTON WE STAY AT THE COMFORT INN SOUTH BOSTON
A GREAT AND FUN WAY TO EXPLORE THE CITY IS ON THE MBTA. THE COMFORT INN OFFERS FREE SHUTTLE SERVICE TO A NEAR-BY STATION. FROM THIS POINT YOU CAN RIDE HUNDREDS OF RAIL MILES BY TRAIN, TRAM, STREET CAR AND SUBWAY THROUGH OUT THE GREATER BOSTON AREA. FOR MORE INFORMATION WE SUGGEST YOU VISIT THE MBTA WEBSITE AT: WWW.MBTA.COM
DAY 2 SATURDAY OCTOBER 2: (B-D) Morning transfer from our hotel to Boston's South Station to board Amtrak's high speed Acela train number 2251 departing at 8:10AM and arriving in Providence, Rhode Island at 8:49AM. This train will reach speeds of 150mph. This will give you a sample of Amtrak's newest train equipment which was built in Europe. Providence has been the capital of Rhode Island since the start of the 20th century. This city is spread across several hills and crosses two main rivers and is the third biggest city in New England. Providence is now regarded as one of the 'Best Places to Live' in New England. We will have a city tour of the historic area of downtown before continuing on to Newport on our charter motor coach.
MORNING TRANSFER TO BOSTON'S SOUTH STATION
UPON ARRIVAL IN PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND WE TAKE YOU
ON A CITY TOUR OF THE HISTORICAL DISTRICT
Arrival in Newport will be just before noon and you will have time to explore the downtown area and get some lunch. 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! After lunch we take you on a tour of scenic coastline where many of the massive multi-million dollar mansions are located. After this tour we check-in to the Hampton Inn & Suites.
WE STAY AT THE HAMPTON INN AND SUITES IN NEWPORT
You will have plenty of time to relax and explore downtown Newport before boarding the Newport Dinner Train for our evening run. The station is only two blocks from our hotel and the train departs at 6:30PM. We will run up the west coast of Aquidneck Island with beautiful views of Narragansett Bay and the sunset. Our two hour dinner train journey 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. For more information on both Providence and Newport visit http://www.providence.world-guides.com and http://www.gonewport.com/
DAY 3 SUNDAY OCTOBER 3: In the morning we transfer from Newport over the Newport Bay Bridge to Kingston where the group will board Amtrak train number 150 departing at 10:05AM and arriving in Boston at 11:10AM. We then transfer from South Station to North Station. We depart from the historic Boston & Maine North Station at 12:15PM on MBTA train 2109 for the train ride northeast out to the historic Cape Ann region on the New England coast. We ride this train all the way to the end of the line at Rockport arriving at 1:25PM. 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 movie "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.
WE RIDE THE MBTA FROM BOSTON TO ROCKPORT
ROCKPORT CROWN JEWEL OF NEW ENGLAND
Mid-afternoon we 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. The small port of Newbury was quickly settled and became a fishing and trading settlement with the rest of Newbury turning to agricultural pursuits. 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. 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. 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. After everyone has had the opportunity to explore Newburyport and enjoy dinner we will transfer you to nearby Haverhill for hotel check-in. Haverhill was founded in 1640 and was an early advocate for the abolition of slavery and was well known for helping in the Underground Railroad. For many years Haverhill was home to a significant shoe-making industry, earning the title of the "Queen Slipper City of the World". For many years Haverhill was home to a significant shoe-making industry, earning the title of the "Queen Slipper City of the World". Upon arrival check-in to the Best Western Merrimack Valley Hotel.
NEWBURYPORT
DAY 4 MONDAY OCTOBER 4: (B) Today we board Amtrak's northbound Downeaster for the ride to Portland, Maine. But, first we will take you downtown in Haverhill where you can explore the city before our train arrives in town. Train number 681 is due to depart at 9:52AM and arrive in Portland at 11:30AM. Once in Portland you will have time to explore the historic "Old Port" which is one of the most successful revitalized warehouse districts in the country. Taking a walk at the water's edge provides a window into this working waterfront. Just steps from the water you can stroll the cobblestone streets. You have time to get lunch in one of the restaurants at the old port. Early afternoon we visit the Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad & Museum. You will enjoy many interesting displays including old antique steam locomotives, coaches and cars. We then board their excursion train for a three mile ride on a two-foot gauge train running along the scenic Casco Bay.
PORTLAND'S "OLD PORT"
MAINE NARROW GAUGE RAILROAD AND MUSEUM
Mid-afternoon we depart Portland and head north to Boothbay Harbor. Upon arrival we check-in to the Watertide Inn which is over looking the Boothbay Harbor with the many yachts and fishing boats. This is a charming New England seaport village where fishing boats lie alongside wharves that follow the quaint, winding village streets. The rest of the afternoon and evening at your own leisure to explore.
DAY 5 TUESDAY OCTOBER 5: (B) Today you can sleep in if you choose and have a leisure breakfast over looking the Boothbay Harbor at the Fisherman's Wharf Inn. Enjoy the morning exploring this quant and classic New England costal village. Early afternoon we will visit the historic Boothbay Railway Village. This museum has many fascinating exhibits of the rich New England heritage. Situated on thirty acres and housed in 28 buildings, this large collection includes all aspects of rural New England peaceful village life. They have six narrow gauge steam locomotives and historic trains running around the grounds, plus what is considered one of the largest automobile collections in New England. You will have the entire afternoon to enjoy this attraction. We then return to our hotel in Boothbay Harbor and rest of the day is yours to relax.
DAY 6 WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 6: (B) Morning departure from Boothbay on our motorcoach for the short ride to Wiscasset where we board the northbound Maine Eastern Railroad's "Mid-Coast Excursion" heading for Rockland. Step onboard the fully restored vintage railcars for this carefree jounrey through spectacular scenery of mid-coast Maine for this 1 hour and 15 minute ride. Departure is schedule for 11:10AM with an arrival in Rockland at 12:25PM. You'll experience charming seaside villages, picturesque sailboats, lobstermen working their traps on the bay, tidewater wildlife and the magnificent fall foliage.
Upon arrival in Rockland you will have time to visit what is considered the "Authentic Maine Experience". Rockland is the entry point to Penobscot Bay and perhaps the most scenic body of water on the eastern seaboard and home to the country's largest windjammer fleet. Here you will find scores of islands, a dozen historic lighthouses, and quiet little protected harbors filled with working lobster boats. Ospreys and bald eagles nest high in the spruces along the rugged shores, puffins make the islands their home, deer browse the open fields, and moose forage the wetlands. We then depart from Rockland mid-afternoon for the journey westbound across mid Maine and into New Hampshire. Hotel check-in at the North Conway Grand Hotel in North Conway, New Hampshire around 6:00PM. We will spend the next two nights at this first class four star hotel.
ROCKLAND, MAINE REGION
DAY 7 THURSDAY OCTOBER 7: (B) In the morning we travel around the north side of Mt. Washington 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. We are booked on the 9:00AM departure for a very good reason, as this is now the only train handled by one of the unique cog steam locomotives. All other departures are now by diesel. Half the excitement and fun is watching and listening to the steam engine push the train up the steep grades. During this roundtrip the locomotive will consume a ton of coal and 1000 gallons of water. The rail 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 Fabyans Station and restaurant for lunch. There is plenty of time to eat before the arrival of the "Notch Train".
THE VIEW FROM SUMMIT IS BREATHTAKING
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 Maine Central line built over 130 years ago. Upon arrival in North Conway we return to the North Conway Grand Hotel.
DAY 8 FRIDAY OCTOBER 8: (B) Morning hours to relax and have a leisure breakfast at the North Conway Grand Hotel. Located next to the hotel is Settlers Green Outlet Village with over 60 outlet stores. Perhaps the shoppers in the group will enjoy a visit. After hotel check-out we will go back to the downtown area and the classic train station for a visit. You will have time to visit the classic station, the railroad roundhouse/workshops where you can inspect the steam locomotives and get some lunch before we depart town.
Once we depart North Conway we will visit several covered bridges in the area before we start our westbound journey to 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.
THE SPECTACULAR FALL COLORS SCENERY ON THE KANCAMAGUS HIGHWAY IN
THE WHITE MOUNTAINS BETWEEN NORTH CONWAY AND LINCOLN
WE STAY AT THE COMFORT INN & SUITES FOR THE NEXT TWO NIGHTS IN LINCOLN, NEW HAMPSHIRE
FOR THE RAILFANS IN THE GROUP THE HOBO RAILROAD STATION AND WORKSHOPS ARE NEAR OUR HOTEL IN LINCOLN
DAY 9 SATURDAY OCTOBER 9: (B-L-D) Morning departure from our hotel in Lincoln for the spectacular ride into 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. In the afternoon we visit 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.
FRANCONIA NOTCH STATE PARK
THE FLUME IN FRANCONIA STATE PARK
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 10 SUNDAY OCTOBER 10: (B-D) We depart in the morning from Lincoln and travel southwest to White River Junction, Vermont located in the Connecticut River Valley. You will have some time to explore this important railroad junction town before the arrival of Amtrak's southbound "Vermonter" which is due at 11:05AM for the spectacular journey south down the Connecticut River Valley to Amherst, Massachusetts arriving at 1:19PM. During this journey the train follows the Connecticut River closely for many miles in scenic remote regions on it's journey through New England.
AMTRAK TRAIN STATION AT WHITE RIVER JUNCTION AND THE STEAM LOCOMOTIVE ON DISPLAY
WE RIDE AMTRAK'S VERMONTER
Once everyone is unloaded off of the train and transferred to our charter motorcoach we only have 9 miles to travel to South Deerfield and the location of the original Yankee Candle Village flagship store and factory. This one of the largest candle stores in the world, but it is much more than just a store. It's a unique, entertaining world of New England charm, fairy tale fantasies, and hands-on, interactive candle making that is fun for all ages. You will find everything from Bavarian Christmas Villages to the world's largest selection of candles, all under one roof. From the 25-foot Christmas tree to a 6-foot candle and landscaped grounds with thousands of flowers in season, this 90,000 square foot shop will please everyone. Tour the Bavarian Christmas Village, stroll through the Black Forest, where it snows indoors year-round. See the Nutcracker Castle, plus shop for Christmas decorations, treats, gifts, delicious homemade fudge and over 400,000 candles in 200 scents and endless New England crafts. They even have a section devoted to classic antique automobiles. Another section is devoted to Department 56 miniature villages from all around the world all lit up with model trains running overhead. You might want to drop in at the Candle Making Museum to learn how they do it. Then at 4:30PM we all meet at the awarding winning Chandler's Restaurant which is on the grounds of the Yankee Candle Village to have our "Farewell Dinner" After dinner we board our charter motor coach for the 1 hour and 45 minute drive back to Boston and check-in at the Comfort Inn South Boston. We expect to be back at the Comfort Inn no later than 8:00PM.
THE YANKEE CANDLE VILLAGE SOUTH DEERFIELD, MASSACHUSETTS
90,000 SQUARE FEET OF AMAZEMENT AND ENTERTAINMENT
DAY 11 MONDAY OCTOBER 11: : (B) Hotel check-out and independent departures. The Comfort Inn provides transfers to Logan International Airport.
PRICES ALL PRICES ARE PER PERSON
DOUBLE ROOM OCCUPANCY.................................$3098
SINGLE ROOM SUPPLEMENT................................$ 698
DEPOSIT TO HOLD SPACE WHEN TOUR IS A SURE-GO .........$1000
FINAL PAYMENT DUE JULY 1, 2010
TOUR INCLUDES
*13 MEALS
*THE FLUME
*ALL TRANSFERS
*12 TRAIN RIDES
*CRAWFORD NOTCH
*FULLY ESCORTED
*SCENIC ROCKPORT
*FRANCONIA NOTCH
*BOOTHBAY HARBOR
*NEWPORT DINNER TRAIN
*MT. WASHINGTON COG RAILWAY
*CAFE LAFAYETTE DINNER TRAIN
*VISIT SEVERAL COVERED BRIDGES OF NEW HAMPSHIRE
*10 NIGHTS LODGING IN UPPER TOURIST CLASS HOTELS
*ALL ENTRANCE FEES TO ALL ATTRACTIONS LISTED ON THE ITINERARY
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