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.

We have an early start this morning as we set out on a guided tour of Boston, known for its leading part in America's history. Our tour takes in landmarks along the 'Freedom Trail'. 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. We pass the historic Boston Common, a public park, and arrive at the popular Quincy market, where we have a couple of hours at leisure to browse the enticing food stalls and shops.

This afternoon we join Amtrak's Downeaster service for the trip north to Portland, Maine. Arriving mid-afternoon, we continue by coach into the glorious White Mountains, one of North America's most beautiful landscapes. Our journey takes us through the incredible scenery of Maine and New Hampshire during their 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. The charming Main Street offers a great range of dining options, from laid-back American diners and Mexican fare, to sophisticated Italian bistros.

After an early breakfast we transfer to the town of Marshfield by coach, where we board the 9am 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 lunch enroute. Our fabulous 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.

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 North Conway's enchanting village.

After breakfast, we take a picturesque drive from North Conway to the historical town of Plymouth to discover its most important historical sites. Arriving early afternoon, we see the small but highly significant Plymouth Rock, the spot where early Pilgrims - known as the 'Founding Fathers' - first set foot on land in 1620 after their ship, the Mayflower, brought them to the New World. We also see the Founding Father's Monument, which celebrates those who arrived on the Mayflower.

We continue to our beach hotel in nearby Falmouth, on Nantucket Sound, where we spend the next two nights. Our hotel has wonderful facilities including a private beach, and overlooks the Old Silver Beach. Atmospheric Falmouth is a lively port where many ferries depart, to popular spots such as Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket. Arriving at the end of the day, your evening is at leisure to dine independently. The town itself offers a great array of dining options, including fantastic fresh seafood, or you could enjoy a relaxed meal at the hotel restaurant.

This morning, after a hotel breakfast, we soak up the bracing air and scenic beauty of Cape Cod on a short ferry ride to the affluent island resort of Martha's Vineyard. We enjoy a full morning of touring this idyllic resort with a local guide, followed by free time to find a place to enjoy lunch and maybe a spot of shopping.

The 100 square mile island consists of historic port communities, rural villages and harbour towns, each with a unique history. The island's residents - known as 'Vineyarders' - have protected the local traditions and heritage, so the usual chain stores have yet to make an impression. As a result, the island has retained the atmosphere of a bygone age, making it fascinating to discover.

After free time to explore, and maybe indulge in some freshly-caught seafood, we take the ferry back to Falmouth in the afternoon. The evening ahead is free for you to enjoy at your own pace and to dine independently in Falmouth. Local restaurants offer everything from casual American dining to authentic Mediterranean dishes.

We have another 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 the Rhode Island 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.

Today you're free to explore the charming city of Providence at your own pace, and you may like to start with a hearty breakfast, at our hotel or in a local café. Once a major New World seaport, with local craftspeople exporting their wares abroad, downtown Providence is compact and easy to discover on foot. There's an impressive neo-Gothic cathedral, the influential Rhode Island School of Design Museum, and you may like to walk through the Roger Williams Park which also features the city zoo.

From April to November, Providence attracts visitors to its WaterFire art installation, a series of bonfires held several times a month, creating an atmosphere of aromatic woodsmoke, firelight and music. Alternatively, a train to Newhaven takes just under two hours, while a rail trip to Boston takes around an hour.

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.

We return from Providence back to the city of Boston, where you have free time for some final exploring. We arrive at the lively Quincy Market - a fabulous complex of market stalls, shops and cafés - where your luggage is held until we leave for the airport in the mid-afternoon.

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 this wonderful 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, we board our overnight flight home.

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

We arrive back in the UK this morning. Your holiday may be over but you are certain to return with special memories of your holiday and colourful images of vibrant New England in the Fall.