11 DAYS • 15 MEALS

Days One and Two – Depart for New England
Climb aboard our motorcoach trip to New England splendor as we make our way across the states of Ohio and New York on our Rails and Sails adventure. (Dinner and breakfast)

Day Three – Lake Champlain Cruise
Leaving New York state, we cross into Vermont to Burlington. Here we board our boat for a narrated cruise on Lake Champlain. The lake’s rich history, including the Revolutionary War, the adventures of Ethan Allen, and Indian lore come to life through the narration of the boat’s captain. The geographic formations and natural beauty unique to the area are sure to fascinate. (Breakfast and dinner)

Day Four – Shelburne Museum
Located in Vermont’s scenic Lake Champlain valley, the Shelburne Museum is one of the nation’s finest, most diverse and unconventional museums of art and Americana. Over 150,000 works are exhibited in a remarkable setting of 39 exhibition buildings, 25 of which are historic and were relocated to the museum grounds. Later, we’ll set off across Vermont to North Conway, New Hampshire, our home for the next two nights. (Breakfast)

Day Five – Conway Scenic Railroad
Board the Conway Scenic Railroad today for a journey through the White Mountains. The restored historic railcars are powered by diesel and electric locomotives and offer the comfort of riding in either open or enclosed passenger cars. Enjoy the scenery of the Mt. Washington countryside as you travel through the fields and woodlands while crossing the East Branch, Saco and Ellis Rivers. Relive a part of railroad history, when the first train traveled through this region over 130 years ago. This afternoon enjoy free time in this quaint town.
(Breakfast and dinner)

Day Six – Casco Bay Cruise
Leaving the White Mountains of New Hampshire, we arrive in Portland, Maine. Here, Maine’s rocky shorelines and wooded islands come into view as we board our boat for a scenic cruise of Casco Bay. Our inner bay route takes us past lovely Victorian cottages nestled along the shores of Little and Great Diamond Islands. Watch for lobstermen and the local fishing fleets as well as the abundant sea birds, seals and other wildlife in the area. Leaving Maine, we follow the coast to Cape Cod, and a savory lobster dinner.
(Breakfast and dinner)

Day Seven – Cape Cod Central Railroad
and Hyannis Harbor Cruise
Climb aboard the Cape Cod Central and feel the rhythm of the train and spirit of the crew as you are whisked away on an exhilarating rail journey. You’ll pass beautiful cranberry bogs, natural woodlands, lush marshes and beautiful sand dunes as you make your way to the Cape Cod Canal. Then, take to the water on a cruise of Hyannis Harbor. You’ll sail out by the Kennedy Compound and experience the pristine shoreline, sparkling emerald waters and fresh salt air on an old-time Maine coastal steamer replica. (Breakfast)

Day Eight – Hyannis and Cape Cod
Enjoy time on your own this morning to stroll down Main Street Hyannis and visit the many stores and shops which line the street. You may wish to stop at the new John F. Kennedy Hyannis Museum. This afternoon we travel up the cape through towns such as Harwich with its miles of windswept sandy beaches, and Orleans with the natural beauty of its forests, to Provincetown and the very tip. This once bustling whaling town is an important part of Pilgrim and American history. (Breakfast)

Day Nine – Essex Steam Train
and Becky Thatcher Riverboat Cruise
The Valley Railroad Company operates the coal-fired locomotives of the Essex Steam Train. Be swept away by the hiss of steam and the blast of the whistle as you pass through some of the most beautiful country in the state. You will find forests, streams, nostalgic towns and some gorgeous views of the Connecticut River. At Deep River Landing, you will board the riverboat Becky Thatcher for a relaxing and informative ride up the beautiful Connecticut River. (Breakfast)

Days Ten and Eleven – Travel Home
Say goodbye to Connecticut and the New England states today as we travel through Pennsylvania on our way home. Enjoy a farewell dinner with your traveling companions with fond memories of our exciting New England Rails and Sails journey. (2 Breakfasts and dinner)