Velvet reds, vivid yellows and glowing golds decorate the glorious countryside. White clapboard homesteads and solitary lighthouses stand out against a clear blue sky. A shy moose tentatively emerges from the forest and a magnificent humpback whale dives through the waves. Nowhere else can be more beautiful than New England during the Fall.

• Travelling - 1
  

  Fly to Boston. Your Tour Guide will meet you and will be on hand throughout the tour. Travel to Woburn, a pleasant suburb on the outskirts of the city. Overnight Woburn.

• Witches, Fishermen And Lobsters - 2
  

  Travel along the North Shore of Massachusetts and into the state of Maine. Learn of witchcraft hysteria and the trials of 1692 as you take a guided tour through the charming town of Salem. In Gloucester, America’s oldest seaport, hear tales of fishermen and maritime history and watch old boats being restored at the waterfront. Browse in the boutiques and art galleries of Rockport and ask your guide about former presidents at Kennebunkport, the summer home of the Bush family. ‘Maine’ and ‘lobster’ are two words that seem to suggest each other. Visit a local restaurant this evening and ask the locals to show you how to ‘crack’ one of these delicious crustaceans. Overnight South Portland.

• Rocky Coasts And Lighthouses - 3
  

  Visit the rocky coast and sparkling waters of Portland Head. The lighthouse here is a symbol of the state of Maine and an architectural gem. Watch the breaking waves and breathe in the clear, pure salt air. You are standing at one of the most strikingly beautiful locations in New England. Travel inland through the Sebago Lakes and onto Bethel.

• An Evening Moose Safari - 3
  

  Join a local expert guide for a moose safari in Grafton Notch State Park. The wild and lumbering moose are quite fascinating creatures. Herbivores, they can eat as much as 50lbs of vegetation every day. Moose eyesight is poor but they have a keen sense of smell and excellent hearing. Mating takes place in the autumn months of September and October. Rustling leaves and the sharp snapping of twigs normally heralds the approach of a moose. Their lanky legs protrude from the undergrowth, and towering above a massive head casually surveys the surroundings. The elongated snout is raised, and the huge nostrils flare as the air is checked for the scent of possible danger. Standing at 6ft and weighing over 1000lbs, this giant commands respect. Overnight Bethel.

• White Mountains And Fall Foliage - 4
  

  As summer ends and autumn arrives the days get shorter and the trees start to prepare for winter. This process changes the colour of the leaves as they store vital food for the cold months ahead. The fall display in New England is surely the world’s best. Thousands of square miles of forest are ready to burst into a multi-coloured splendour. View this spectacular show as you travel along the incredibly scenic Kancamagus Highway and through the White Mountains. See neat villages, white clapboard churches and tidy rows of terraced houses. Soar up to the summit of Cannon Mountain on an aerial tram ride; on a clear day you can see mountains in four states and Canada! Follow the scenic pathway and have your camera ready for the breathtaking views. This evening why not try one of the local restaurants in town. Ask your Tour Guide for their favourite spots for a bite to eat and be sure to try a slice of blueberry pie. Overnight Bethel.

• Grand Gorges, Historic Towns And Maple Syrup - 5
  

  Cross the border into the state of Vermont and drive into the Green Mountains. Stop at the ’Little Grand Canyon’ a local name for the mile-long Quechee Gorge. From the bridge it is a jaw-dropping 165ft to the wild waters of the river below. The town of Woodstock retains an elegant charm and rugged character. It is the ‘quintessential New England Village’ with its wooden bridge, and historic homes that surround the green. Browse in the boutiques and antique shops, visit the galleries of local artists and try some pancakes and maple syrup before you leave town. Overnight Rutland.

• ‘Shop Till You Drop’ - 6
  

  Head south through the splendid Vermont scenery. Browse the stores and ‘bag a bargain’ at Manchester Village, a shopper’s paradise where designer outlets line the high street and town green. Journey south through the Berkshire Hills and back into the state of Massachusetts.

• An Afternoon At The Shaker Village - 6
  

  Misunderstood and persecuted in their native Manchester a small group of Shakers gathered together and made a monumental decision to journey to America from England in 1774. Here they found the freedom to live, work and worship as they chose. A visit to the Hancock Shaker Village reveals this historic past. Watch as artisans demonstrate traditional crafts and gardeners tend herb and vegetable gardens. Learn about life on a Shaker farm and listen to a Shaker teacher conduct a class in the old schoolhouse. Overnight Sturbridge.

• Splendid Mansions In The Smallest State - 7
  

  Travel to ‘pint sized’ Rhode Island the smallest of the US States. At the turn of the last century America’s wealthiest families built their summer homes here and referred to these huge houses as ‘cottages’. Experience America’s heritage as you tour the magnificent Newport Mansions. An included audio tour at the ‘The Breakers’ reveals an opulent past and memories from those who lived and worked in this splendid house. Newport still retains much of its glamour; it is the sailing capital of New England. Explore the narrow streets, browse in boutiques and visit the lobster market for some local colour. Continue to Hyannis located on beautiful Cape Cod. New England is famous for its clam chowder; try a bowl of this delicious seafood speciality at one of the local restaurants this evening. Overnight Hyannis.

• Whale Watching Off Cape Cod - 8
  

  A marine naturalist will join you this morning. Listen to a presentation on the marine wildlife off the coast of Cape Cod and learn about the magnificent creatures that you will see during the course of the day. Your marine adventure starts at the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary. The shallow plankton rich waters here are a favourite feeding ground for the whales.

  Anticipation mounts as you cruise out into the open seas; have your cameras and binoculars ready. On board naturalists will help you spot and identify different species of these gentle giants. Nothing can describe the thrill of your first sighting. Maybe it will be a humpback breaching straight out of the water, or a finback spyhopping, only a shiny head emerging from the sea, or perhaps a minke diving through the waves. Look out for whales slapping the water with their flippers; it almost seems as if they are greeting you. Overnight Hyannis.

• A Day In Boston - 9
  

  Return to Boston for a day in the city. Narrow winding streets and squares of the old quarter contrast with modern skyscrapers and a bustling cosmopolitan lifestyle. Meet your local guide and discover more of the ‘capital’ of New England. Follow the famous Freedom Trail and listen to the history of some of the oldest and most historic buildings. See Boston Common and the elegant Beacon Hill district and cross the Charles River to Cambridge, home of prestigious Harvard University. During the afternoon you are free to enjoy this wonderful city at your own pace. This evening drive to the airport for the return flight to the UK.

• Travelling - 10
  

  Arrival in the UK.

Accommodation

• Hilton Woburn, Woburn (3-Star) - 1 Night
• Best Western Merry Manor, South Portland (3-Star) - 1 Night
• Bethel Inn & Country Club, Bethel (3-Star) - 2 Nights
• Holiday Inn, Rutland (3-Star) - 1 Night
• Sturbridge Host Hotel, Sturbridge (3-Star) - 1 Night
• Hyannis Resort & Conference Centre, Hyannis (3-Star) - 2 Nights
• Hilton Deedam, Deedam (3-Star) - 1 Night

• Flights are scheduled services of
• Flights depart at 12:00 am and return at 5:15 am

Includes

Not Included