Experience New England’s stunning Fall views as you ride four different trains through Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Maine. From the world’s first mountain-climbing cog rail to a scenic lakeside train ride, this will be a trip to remember. You’ll also sail out onto the Atlantic with a lobster boat captain, and enjoy classic mountain and waterfront resorts.
DAY 1—WELCOME TO NEW ENGLAND!
Meet your Discovery Director and fellow travelers at a welcome dinner in Boston, the historic capital city of Massachusetts. D
DAY 2—DOWNEASTER/LOBSTER BOAT/KENNEBUNKPORT
It’s “all aboard” today for your first rail adventure, as Amtrak’s modern Downeaster train transports you through three states from suburban Boston to Wells, Maine. There, you’ll be whisked away to lunch at Kennebunkport’s historic Nonantum Resort. Then, weather permitting, we take an informative Lobster cruise on the Kennebunk River and the beautiful Atlantic coastline. The afternoon is yours to explore Kennebunkport or relax at the Nonantum Resort. B, L
DAY 3—M/S MOUNT WASHINGTON
Nestled in the foothills of the White Mountains and along the shores of Lake Winnipesaukee we head over to the oldest summer resort town in America - Wolfeboro, NH. We will board the M/S Mount Washington for a narrated cruise of Lake Winnipesaukee along with a delicious buffet lunch aboard. Then, we'll head to our resort for the next three nights. B, L, D
DAY 4—MT WASHINGTON/MOUNTAIN COG RAIL
The day’s highlight is a round-trip ride on the historic Mt. Washington Cog Railroad, the world’s first mountain-climbing cog train. In just a few miles, you will ride the second steepest track railway in the world up to the second highest point in the eastern U.S. (weather permitting). On a clear day, you can see from New York State to Maine... and even up into Quebec, Canada. Today, see the grand Mt. Washington Hotel, followed by a delicious lunch. B, L, D
DAY 5—“THE KANC”/CONWAY SCENIC RAILROAD
Today is an exploration of New Hampshire’s famed White Mountains and the Kancamagus Highway, renowned among New Englander’s as one of the region’s most pristine scenic drives. Witness the splendor of the National Forest as you cross the 2,800-foot Kancamagus Pass, aka “The Kanc”, before dropping into a stunning, deep valley. The rest of the day is spent aboard the Conway Scenic Railroad where we’ve upgraded your seats to the scenic panorama First Class dome car! Enjoy some of the most dramatic natural scenery in the East as you travel through spectacular Crawford Notch, over the Frankenstein Trestle, and across the Willey Brook Bridge en route to Crawford Station. B, L, D
DAY 6—FADDENS/FLUME GORGE/WINNIPESAUKEE RAILROAD
This morning, visit Fadden’s General Store to learn about maple syrup from James Fadden, a seventh generation sugar-maker. Then marvel as we walk along the Flume Gorge on wooden walkways, past waterfalls, and 90-foot-high rock walls. After a wonderful lunch we head to the Lake Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad for a train ride along the western shore of Lake Winnipesaukee. Enjoy dinner on your own with amazing capitol views in Concord, New Hampshire. B, L
DAY 7—HISTORIC BOSTON/HOME
Today, delight in a guided tour of Boston as you explore places like Paul Revere’s House, Old North Church, and Faneuil Hall on the historic Freedom Trail. Then we’ll sit for a farewell lunch featuring “LOBSTAH” and fresh local fare before heading back home. B, L
Quality Accommodations
Night 1: SpringHill Suites Boston Logan Airport, Revere Beach, MA
Night 2: Nonantum Resort, Kennebunkport, ME
Nights 3-5: Mountain Club on Loon, Lincoln, NH
Night 6: Holiday Inn Concord Downtown, Concord, NH
Dates:
Sep 22-28, 2024
Oct 5-11, 2024
Oct 13-19, 2024
Price Per Person:
Double $2,727
Single $3,335
Pre/Post Tour Hotel:
$228/night
Depart/Return:
Boston, MA
Inclusions:
Free airport shuttle or hotel parking
Welcome Dinner and meals as indicated (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner)
Fees and tips for included attractions and meals
Luggage handling at most hotels
Free bottled water on coach
24-hour emergency call service
Arrival Time
Our welcome dinner on Day 1 is at our hotel, SpringHill Suites by Marriott Boston Logan Airport Revere Beach, starting at 6:30 p.m. We recommend scheduling your flight to arrive by 4:00 p.m.
Departure Time
Schedule your flight home to depart the Boston Logan Airport any time after 4:30 p.m. on Day 7.
Airport Transportation / Vehicle Parking
Our starting hotel offers a complimentary shuttle service to/from the Boston Logan Airport. If you are driving to the starting location, they also offer complimentary parking for the duration of the tour.
Walking Distance
Moderate walking is required to fully enjoy this tour. Some walking will also be on uneven paths. This tour also features multiple train rides, and there are several large steps involved in getting on and off the trains. While walking canes are allowed, we are unable to accommodate travelers using other mobility devices, including walkers and wheelchairs.
Average Temps
September – high of 70°, low of 55°
October – high of 70°, low of 55°
Time Zone
Eastern
Hotel Amenities
Each hotel has a hair dryer, iron, ironing boards, and a coffee maker.
Additional Information
A total of three mailings are sent to assist you in preparing for your tour, including information sent upon receipt of your reservation.
Dress on tour is casual.
Please note that elevations do reach up to 6,300 feet on this tour. If you are prone to altitude sickness, you may want to book a pre-night stay to fully acclimate. Cooler weather can also prevail at higher elevations (such as at Mount Washington).
Some rooms at our resort in Lincoln, NH have two comfortable murphy beds in the room.
We are featuring four trains on this tour. You can find the duration of those train rides below:
Amtrak’s Downeaster – 1 hour and 30 minutes
Mt. Washington Cog – 3 hours with 45 - 60 minutes at the summit
Conway Scenic Railroad – 2 hours and 30 minutes
Lake Winnipesaukee Railroad – 1 hour and 30 minutes
Travel Protection Available?
Yes, see CountryTravelDiscoveries.com/TravelProtectionPlan
