New England in the Fall

We fly to Boston, arriving in the early afternoon when we are transferred to our downtown hotel in the theatre district for the night.

Boston is not only the capital of Massachusetts and New England's largest city, it's also one of the oldest European settlements in the United States, and played a key role in American Independence. The city was founded in the early 17th century by English Puritans, and previously inhabited by Native Americans. After American independence from Great Britain, Boston continued to develop as an important port, metropolis and leading centre for education. Today, Boston is the cultural and financial centre of New England - a mix of contemporary cool, wonderful parklands and fascinating historic buildings such as the Public Library, Harvard and the Romanesque Trinity Church.

The remainder of the afternoon and evening is yours to explore and to dine independently. In the nearby theatre district restaurants range from traditional American venues serving burgers and local dishes such as clam chowder to those offering international cuisine.

A guided sightseeing tour of Boston this morning reveals a city famed for its leading part in America's history as we pass landmarks along the 'Freedom Trail' and visit Harvard University. We also drive through the Back Bay area, past the magnificent USS Constitution, the oldest commissioned US Navy ship, to Copley Square and Beacon Hill. Passing the historic Boston Common, we arrive at the popular Quincy market. There is some time at leisure here to browse the enticing food stalls and shops.

Later, we board a coach to travel into the glorious White Mountains, one of North America's most beautiful landscapes. Our journey takes us through the incredible scenery of New Hampshire during its widely celebrated 'golden season', when the trees are burnished shades of red and orange that are so vivid they really have to be seen to be believed. We reach the pretty mountain village of North Conway, New Hampshire, our scenic base for three nights.

Near the hotel, there is a range of dining options, from laid-back American diners and Mexican fare, to sophisticated Italian bistros.

After an early breakfast we transfer to Marshfield station by coach, where we board the 10am Mount Washington Cog Railway, a bio-diesel service which runs on the world's first cog railway, which opened in 1869. Our journey is fully narrated as the train climbs up to the summit of Mount Washington, an hour-long trip among glorious scenery. We then have an hour at the summit to enjoy panoramic views of the White Mountain Range and beyond, if the weather is clear.

We make our return journey by coach, taking a scenic drive through the White Mountains, stopping for free time over lunch in Woodstock, famed for its maple syrup. Our journey continues along the famous Kancamagus Scenic Highway, one of the best routes to admire the fall foliage, with stops along the way at waterfalls and covered bridges. Here, a breathtaking tapestry of colour - from rich burgundy and russet to pale yellow - brightens up the picture around us.

We head back to our hotel, arriving mid-afternoon, with the remainder of the day and evening at leisure to enjoy as you wish.

• Breakfast

After a leisurely hotel breakfast, this morning we experience another great heritage railway, travelling aboard the iconic Mountaineer train on the superb Crawford Notch scenic route of the North Conway Scenic Railroad.

Travelling in 1950s-era streamlined passenger cars we relive a legendary journey as we travel a route first taken in the late 19th century. Our relaxing journey takes us over the rugged terrain of the Crawford Notch and alongside the picturesque Saco River Valley to Bartlett. Our route is illuminated with New Hampshire's glowing colour scheme of reds, golds and browns.

We are transferred back to our hotel by coach in the afternoon when we are free to enjoy a relaxing afternoon and evening in the enchanting village of North Conway. New Hampshire's state fruit is the pumpkin, a popular ingredient during autumn when local, hearty cuisine comes into its own. Those with a sweet tooth might like to try to find the seasonal speciality of apple cider doughnuts!

• Breakfast

Leaving the mountains after breakfast at our North Conway hotel, our focus shifts to the New England coast and its long, evocative maritime history.

We arrive in the Massachusetts town of Salem, renowned for the witch trials of 1692. While this ignominious past is remembered in memorials and museums, Salem is now a charming and vibrant town which can be explored with a few hours of free time. The supernatural is a big draw here, and you can uncover quirky witchcraft and arts stores along Essex Street. However, there are many significant seafaring sites and colonial mansions on Derby Street along the waterfront, including the birthplace of author Nathaniel Hawthorne. There's chance to enjoy lunch at leisure and you might like to dine on fresh New England seafood.

This afternoon, we continue by coach to Massachusetts' southern coast, to the old whaling port of New Bedford. After checking in to our hotel, the evening is free to explore the town.

• Breakfast

After breakfast, we drive to the historic town of Plymouth for free time to explore its most important sites. Small but highly significant, the granite slab known as Plymouth Rock is the spot where early Pilgrims first set foot on land in 1620. These 'Founding Fathers' journeyed to the New World in the famed ship, the Mayflower, and they are honoured with the Founding Father's Monument.

Later, we follow the coast round to scenic Cape Cod and the pretty harbour town of Hyannis. On arrival, we visit the John F Kennedy Hyannis Museum to gain an insight into the former US president's beloved summer home. Through poignant exhibits and artefacts, we uncover the time JFK and his family spent on Cape Cod.

There's free time after to explore Hyannis independently, delving into the legacy of seafaring or wandering along the town's quintessentially New England streets before returning to New Bedford by coach.

*Please note: On certain departures, we will spend more time in Plymouth exploring the Mayflower 2 as the JFK Museum is closed on Sundays.

• Breakfast

We have an early start today as we depart after breakfast for a drive to Newport on Rhode Island, a place known for its sandy beaches and Colonial-era seaside towns. Our first stop is fashionable Newport, home to some marvellous mansions, and we enjoy a self-guided tour of one of its most famous. The Breakers was built in 1895 as a summer home for Cornelius Vanderbilt II, a member of the wealthy Vanderbilt family. Today, the Italian Renaissance-style home is a National Historic Landmark. After our tour we have some free time to enjoy lunch in Newport.

Our excursion continues this afternoon to the scenic seaport of Mystic, Connecticut. There we visit the Mystic Seaport Museum for a self-guided tour of this outdoor museum that recreates a 19th century New England whaling village. Strolling along the reimagined waterfront, we enjoy a unique glimpse back to a past time. 

We then head to Rhode Island's capital, Providence, where we arrive late afternoon. Providence is a quirky place with a string of awards including 'Number 3 favourite US city', and 'Best city for foodies'. We spend the next two nights here and dine independently this evening.

• Breakfast

Today, we discover our new base on a guided walking tour that reveals this appealing city's blend of architecture and street art. Starting in the impressive lobby of our grand hotel, formerly the Biltmore, the story of Providence is told by its historic buildings.

With many well-preserved Art Deco, Beaux-Arts and neoclassical structures, we uncover tales of people who lived behind the doors of a city that bloomed during America's Gilded Age. Additionally, we learn of a vibrant arts and culture scene as well as Providence's incredible renaissance after mid-century urban decay.

Our tour concludes with a stroll along the Riverwalk, before there is time to explore at leisure. ​Once a major New World seaport, with local craftspeople exporting their wares abroad, downtown Providence is compact and easy to discover on foot. For dinner this evening, you'll find countless enticing restaurant options. Besides New England classics - such as lobster rolls or clam chowder - local cuisine includes Italian, Chinese and Mexican.

Stepping aboard the Amtrak, we return to Boston by rail while our luggage is carried by coach. Back in this lively city, nicknamed 'Beantown', there's free time for some final explorations. We arrive at Quincy Market - a complex of market stalls, shops and cafés. Here, you'll find plenty to see including musicians and performance artists. There's time to hop on the trolley bus for a ride through the city. Or you could visit the tranquil Public Garden which adjoins the Boston Common, the oldest park in the USA.

There's an excellent choice of eateries in downtown Boston - you'll find plenty of seafood and Mediterranean options, Japanese, Italian, as well as contemporary American grills and Chinatown.

After transferring to the airport by coach, we board our overnight flight home.

*Please note: Outside of the main fall season (mid-September - mid October), the fall foliage is unlikely to be as visible, but the attractions of the area are delightful at any time.

From the burnished hues of the White Mountains and its heritage railways in the north to the serene coasts in the south, New England has revealed its enchanting nature and captivating history in breathtaking style. Our journey has taken us from the bustling metropolis of Boston to North Conway, Cape Cod and Providence. Enroute, we have uncovered iconic scenery on the Kancamagus Highway, delved into the seafaring and sinister past of Salem, and basked in some exquisite coastal communities.

Landing back in the UK this morning, your exploration of New England in the Fall comes to a conclusion and you are free to make your way home.