Fall Colors of New England 23

Day 1

Welcome Aboard! Sit back, relax and enjoy the picturesque scenery filled with brilliant fall foliage along every turn of the highway as we travel to "The Green Mountain State," Vermont. After checking into the Best Western Inn & Suites for the next two nights, we are treated to a welcome reception. Later we are served a savory dinner at a local restaurant. Our accommodations are located near Killington Mountain, surrounded by spectacular mountain views, in the town of Rutland, Vermont.

Day 2

After breakfast we meet our step-on guide, and depart for a day of Vermont sightseeing. We begin at the Green Mountain Sugar House in Ludlow, Vermont. The sugarhouse, with its unmistakable bright red roof, is where everything from award winning maple syrups to mouth-watering maple fudge is produced. It's also a Vermont country gift shop, stocked with a variety of sweet maple treats, and products, Vermont cheeses, and a full range of Vermont gifts and souvenirs. Enjoy a TASTE of pure Vermont maple syrup, and be sure to try a maple cremee, a Vermont classic treat. Following our visit, we travel to the picturesque New England community of Woodstock, Vermont where you will have some leisure time to explore quaint Woodstock Village. A visit to "The Prettiest Town in North America," isn't complete without exploring Woodstock's two main streets, its charming shops, local boutiques, art galleries, Main Street merchants, covered bridge, and attractive Bed and Breakfast Inns, all located comfortably within walking distance. Following lunch on your own, we visit Billings Farm & Museum, regarded as one of the finest outdoor history museums in the country. Combining a fully-operated Jersey dairy farm with educational exhibits and interactive programs and events, Billings Farm & Museum is committed to providing education and enjoyment to visitors of all ages. Before returning to the lodge, we continue on to Quechee Gorge, "Vermont's Little Grand Canyon" for a photo-stop, followed by a delicious dinner at a local restaurant that serves up great local flavors.

Day 3

After breakfast we meet our step-on guide, and depart for "The Granite State," New Hampshire for a day of sightseeing. We begin with a photo-stop at a covered bridge. Next, we will have some leisure time to explore the vibrant downtown area of Littleton, New Hampshire. Pollyanna of Littleton is the welcoming centerpiece of the historic downtown. As an ambassador of cheer and community spirit for residents and visitors alike, Littleton's jubilant bronze sculpture pays tribute to hometown author, Eleanor H. Porter (1868 - 1920) best remembered as the creator of the world's most optimistic character, Pollyanna. With an interesting mix of building styles, this eclectic downtown offers a variety of specialty, antique and gift shops, great places to eat, and much more to see and explore. Chutters Candy Store is a long-time tradition in the town and boasts the title of the longest candy counter in the world! Lunch is on your own. The next stop of the day will be a visit to The Basin located in Franconia Notch State Park. Thousands of years of rushing water has eroded the rock into a smooth, circular cave-like formation. Below the Basin is another water-eroded rock formation called The Old Man's Foot. Continuing our afternoon of sightseeing, we travel to Lincoln, New Hampshire to board the Loon Mountain Gondola. We'll ride New Hampshire's longest sky ride to the 2,733-foot summit of Loon Peak for stunning views of the surrounding White Mountains. Our final stop today will be in Meredith, New Hampshire to climb aboard the Lake Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad. Enjoy a nostalgic scenic excursion along the shores of the lake while dining on a delicious roast turkey dinner with all the trimmings. The relaxing train trip provides terrific views of this sparkling lake and a unique view of some of the beautiful lakeside homes and summer cottages. Following our train ride, we continue traveling on to our overnight hotel in Gilford, New Hampshire

Day 4

After breakfast we depart for "The Pine Tree State," Maine. Upon our arrival in Kennebunkport, we meet our step-on guide and depart for a tour of Kennebunkport. Highlights of our tour will include viewing Colonial Mansions, a drive past former President Bush's summer estate on Walker's Point, and a photo-stop at the Wedding Cake House. Following our tour, enjoy exploring Dock Square with its galleries, shops, and restaurants. Lunch is on your own. Following lunch, we depart for Portland, Maine for a pleasant and engaging 90-minute narrated Lighthouse Lovers cruise. Sit back, relax and enjoy our cruise through the busy Portland harbor and innermost islands to see lighthouses, forts, lobster boats, seals, and seabirds. With as many as seven lighthouses in view during the cruise, four lighthouses will be seen up-close including Maine's oldest and most photographed lighthouse, Portland Head Light! After checking into the Fairfield Inn in Portland, Maine for the next two nights, you will have some time to relax and freshen up before going out for a Downeast Maine Lobsta Bake at a local restaurant.

Day 5

After breakfast we meet our step-on guide, and depart for a tour of Portland. Portland is Maine's largest city, situated on Casco Bay at the beginning of the "Rocky Coast of Maine". The tour of Portland will take us into Portland's beautifully preserved Victorian district, and past the grand dame of Portland architecture, the "Victorian Mansion," and the Wadsworth Longfellow House, where four generations of one remarkable family lived, and made significant contributions to the political, literary, and culture life of New England and the United States. We will also view Portland's busy, working waterfront and the Casco Bay Islands. A photo-stop will be included at Portland Harbor Lighthouse. Following our tour enjoy some leisure time at Portland's renovated Old Port area browsing, shopping, and having lunch on your own. Following lunch, we depart for Freeport, Maine. Enjoy some free time exploring and browsing Freeport's many specialty shops including the L.L. Bean flagship store before we return to our hotel for a good night's sleep. Tonight, enjoy dinner on your own at the hotel's restaurant or at a restaurant conveniently located within walking distance of the hotel.

Day 6

After breakfast settle back and enjoy a movie on our drive home, while reminiscing about New England's rich history, diverse landscapes ranging from beautiful farmland to majestic mountains, and inland lakes to magnificent sea coast, a delightful train excursion, scenic lighthouses, and New England's amazing maritime history!

B=Breakfast, D =Dinner