New England & Niagara Falls

Day 1: Boston, Massachusetts

Incorporated as a town in 1630, and as a city in 1822, Boston is one of America’s oldest cities, with a rich economic and social history to match. Since its beginnings as a homesteading community, it has evolved into a centre for social and political change and is now the economic and cultural hub of New England.
In a city filled with interesting things to see and do, the historic Freedom Trail is the highlight of Boston for many visitors. The 2.5 mile red brick walking trail leads you to 16 nationally significant historic sites, everyone an authentic American treasure. Preserved and dedicated by the citizens of Boston in 1958, when the wrecking ball threatened several important places, the Freedom Trail today is a unique collection of museums, churches, meeting houses, burying grounds, parks, a ship, and historic markers that tell the story of the American Revolution.
You can walk the Trail yourself, or take one of the many guided tours available through the National Park Service. Tours begin every half hour from the park visitor centre at 15 State Street opposite the Old State House. If you prefer to ride, you can take a trolley tour, which is an unofficial guided tour, but does include many of the most important sites along the Trail including Old Ironsides, the Paul Revere House and the Old North Church. Plan to stop and eat at Faneuil Hall, once the primary meeting place for America’s revolutionaries. It is now a bustling market of restaurants and shops.
Day 2: Boston, Massachusetts
If you were unable to experience a portion of the Freedom Trail yesterday, you can complete that journey today before choosing from the myriad possibilities for exploring that Boston offers. There are always a variety of fascinating exhibits at the Boston Museum of Science. Cheers, of the famous television show, is located on Beacon Hill. The Sam Adams Brewery is a recent addition, founded in 1984.
The Boston Museum of Arts, founded in 1876, has an outstanding, world-renowned collection that includes some 450,000 items. The New England Aquarium offers special whale watching trips until October. There’s also the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library, Newberry Street, with some of the best antiquing in America, and Cambridge, MA, home of Harvard University, right across the river.
2 nights Boston.
Standard: The Midtown Hotel Boston Downtown
Select: Hilton Boston Back Bay Hotel, Boston Downtown

Day 3 & 4: To White Mountains, New Hampshire (164 miles)
Drive through gorgeous scenery – from forests to fields, all interspersed with sparkling lakes and rivers to the White Mountains. When you reach the White Mountains, travelling the two National Scenic Byways near Jackson is a must. The White Mountains Trail National Scenic Byway is a 100 mile loop that winds through the White Mountains National Forest past many popular attractions. Parts of the Trail have been used for centuries. In the 19th century, the work of Nathanial Hawthorne and painter Thomas Cole drew attention to the White Mountains bringing visitors to enjoy the spectacular panoramic natural vistas.
Further south, the Kancamangus National Scenic Byway is often referred to as the best fall foliage trip in the United States. The road offers splendid vistas, vivid colour, and all of the glory of Mother Nature between mid-September and mid-October, when thousands of motorists travel the byway to catch a glimpse of the display. See for yourself why so many people travel during the spectacular fall foliage trip. Don’t let the high traffic deter you from experiencing the vivid displays of colour – you’ll have an excuse to drive slow and soak in the majestic displays of fall.
2 nights White Mountains.
Standard: Lodge at Lincoln Station, Lincoln
Select: Eagle Mountain house, Jackson

Day 5: To Green Mountains, Vermont (130 miles)
The Green Mountains in Vermont played a huge role in the creation of Vermont. Because they were so hard to cross on mountains trails, the looming mountain range divided the early town into eastern and western sections. The disputes between New York on one side and New Hampshire on the other over the rugged territory helped the Green Mountain Boys bring the two sides together as the Green Mountain Republic in 1777.
The Green Mountain Byway runs on VT 100 through the towns of Waterbury and Stowe, between the spine of the northern Green Mountains to the west and the peaks of the Worcester Range to the east. Travelling along the byway provides stunning views of open meadows, farmlands and forests, all with a spectacular mountain backdrop. Historic homes, farmsteads, villages and mill sites are accessible all along the route as well as the area’s most prominent natural feature, Mount Mansfield, Vermont’s highest peak.
1 night Green Mountains.
Standard: Commodores Inn, Stowe
Select: Golden Eagle Resort, Stowe

Day 6: To Lake Placid, New York State (135 miles)
Today travel along the edge of the Green Mountains via the charming village of Middlebury into New York State and then through the Adirondack Mountains to Lake Placid, site of the 1980 Winter Olympics.
The High Peaks, New York's mightiest mountain range, lord over the northern part of the park, which seems to operate at full speed 365 days a year. Summer brings hikers, bikers, and paddlers, while winter beckons skiers and snowboarders to the state's best mountains. The village of Lake Placid, home to two winter Olympics and the birthplace of winter sports in America, is ground zero for all the action. (Call it one of the ironies of geography that this town sits on Mirror Lake -- the actual Lake Placid is a few miles outside of town.) Here you'll find lots of year-round recreation, along with myriad options for lodging and dining, and a hopping nightlife. West of Lake Placid, Route 73 becomes Route 86, which will take you right into the idyllic village of Saranac Lake. Even though the town may not have the quality of restaurants that Placid does, you'll see why Saranac Lake is considered the no. 1 small town in New York State by many experts. It has a beautiful setting, and not nearly as many tourists as its larger neighbour to the east. Cut north up Route 30 and you'll be in one of the most remote and prettiest canoeing areas in America: the St. Regis Canoe Wilderness Area. Back on 86, the road takes you past two more huge lakes with countless opportunities for fishing, hiking, camping, and canoeing. Head east from Lake Placid and you'll run right into Lake Champlain; though not heavily developed for recreation or tourism, it's a gorgeous sight.
1 night Lake Placid.
Standard: Best Western Adirondack Inn
Select: Crowne Plaza Resort Lake Placid

Day 7 & 8: To Niagara Falls, New York State, USA (375 miles)
Niagara Falls appeals to something in everyone. The sudden drop of the Niagara River, dividing the US and Canada, creates one of the most spectacular waterfalls on the continent.
Niagara Falls, one of the great natural wonders of the world, displays in unforgettable fashion the sheer force of Mother Nature. Six million cubic feet of water drop over the precipice every minute, creating so much spray that you'll see the mist long before you see the falls themselves.
Head straight for the Niagara Falls State Park, the oldest state park in the United States. Designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, its natural beauty is still one of the best attractions on the American side of the falls. In winter it's quiet and serene; summer is a busy and vibrant, you can either walk through the park or ride the trolley along its 3-mile route. Don't miss the view from the recently renovated Observation Tower, which stretches out over the Niagara River.
For a closer encounter with the falls, visit Cave of the winds open Apr-Oct; the entrance is right in the park. An elevator takes you down 175 feet, where you'll walk out along wooden scaffolding constructed right on the rocks, bringing you up alongside the Bridal Veil Falls. You'll be given a raincoat and sandals beforehand -- and you'll want to use them.
Maid of the Mist sightseeing boat tours leave from either the New York State side of the river or the Canadian Side and travel right to the base of the thundering Horseshoe Falls and soaks spellbound passengers.
2 nights Niagara Falls.
Standard: Comfort Inn The Pointe (USA side of the Falls)
Select: Sheraton at the Falls (USA side of the Falls)

Day 9: To Finger Lakes Region, Western New York State (148 miles)
Today you journey take you to the Finger Lakes region, From the pristine lakes, gorgeous waterfalls, and magnificent parks to the charming villages, one-of-a-kind museums, and unique shopping opportunities, the Finger Lakes has something for everyone to enjoy in all four seasons of the year.
And, let’s not forget about the Finger Lakes wine! After all, The region is home to more than 100 wineries serving up smiles and friendly conversation along with the gallons of award-winning wines of almost every variety.
A stay in the Finger Lakes can be peaceful and calming, but it will definitely never be boring! There are countless activities that allow you to take in what the region has to offer. Take a wine tour to enjoy the flavour of the region. Hit the slopes on the perfect winter day. Hike trails and gorges to witness incredible views. Experience history at one of our many museums or historic mansions. Enjoy world-class theatre and performing arts.
1 night Finger Lakes Region, Western New York State.
Standard: America's Best Value Inn, Painted Post
Select: Radisson, Corning

Day 10: To Berkshires, Massachusetts (298 miles - Standard Hotel or 258 miles - Select Hotel)
The Norman Rockwell picture perfect landscapes of The Berkshires are famous worldwide for summer theatre and musical performances of the Boston Symphony Orchestra. We heartily recommend travelling the Jacob’s Ladder Trail Scenic Byway, an untouched rural roadway that runs through the Berkshires, yet connects a number of the most famous venues. Follow the byway through vistas of forested hills, the rock-strewn Westfield River, open fields, small towns, wetlands and steep rock ledges. At times, towering ledges are laced with ice or running streams.
Along the drive, you’ll be passing through several small towns and villages where a church spire is the highest building in sight. There are three entries into the Chester-Blandford State Forest where you can find parking areas for hiking, camping, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing. The historic granite quarry in Becket operated into the 1950s, where the water-filled quarry, the 19th-century equipment, and vast piles of tailings are all still in place to illustrate the industry in a natural woodland setting.
Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival in Becket a National Historic Landmark, hosts dance companies from around the world. The outdoor stage has a beautiful view into the Berkshire Hills. You can also attend performances of the Chester Theatre Company and the Vincent Dowling Theatre Company, which both draw actors from national and international stages to the Chester Town Hall Theatre in a National Register Historic District. Tanglewood, home of the Boston Symphony is 4 1/2 miles off the byway.
If you enjoy 19th-century architecture in its original setting, spend time in Lee Centre, which has been a movie set more than once. The smaller town centres of Chester, Russell and Huntington offer many resources, including a restored railroad station from the 1840s, an Italianate Grange Hall, two mill villages, and churches with spires that mark the horizon from different locations on the byway.
Whether viewing the landscape alone, walking on old trails in the woodland forests along the byway, or attending cultural events in unspoiled landscape settings and historic districts, you'll become a part of the pristine natural world that characterizes Jacob’s Ladder Trail Scenic Byway.
Further north in the Berkshires, we expect that you’ll find Mount Greylock one of the highlights of the region. At 3,491 feet in elevation, it is the highest point in Massachusetts and southern New England, offering fantastic panoramic views into five states. It is also one of the most scenic mountains in the Eastern United States. It is so inspirational legend has it, that Greylock's long, saddle-like shape inspired Herman Melville to write "Moby Dick". He was, by all accounts, enamoured with the mountain, and he even set up a special observation deck at his home (near Pittsfield) so he could view Greylock whenever he desired.
When you travel to Greylock, it is obvious why people believe the legend and why Melville went out of his way to keep the mountain in his sites. Greylock can be seen for miles around, and is a quite impressive site given that is rises nearly 2,700 feet above the surrounding town of Adams, Massachusetts. Furthermore, it's very colourful, and has a steep slope that shoots up into the sky, unlike most mountains you'll find of this height in New England.
After you savour the views from the mountain, savour the art at the new Massachusetts Museum of Modern Art in North Adams.
1 night Berkshires.
Standard: Holiday Inn Enfield - Springfield
Select: Berkshires Fairfield Inn & Suites, Great Barrington

Day 11 & 12: To Newport, Rhode Island (approx 185 miles)
Before heading to Newport, you may visit Old Sturbridge Village, a living 19th century museum, or Mystic, Connecticut, and Mystic Seaport Museum, America’s largest maritime museum. Continue to Newport, summer resort of America’s first millionaires, Opulence reigned here for decades during the Gilded Age. The wonderful houses along the cliffs and Bellevue Avenue were the “summer cottages” of the rich and famous from New York and Philadelphia who descended on Newport for a summer social season. Houses modelled after French castles and other royal residences were the site of lavish parties, dalliances and intrigue. When no longer occupied by their owners, a collection of the mansions were purchased by the Preservation Society of Newport and have been opened to the public. You can pack your day in Newport as full as you would like. The Breakers and Rosecliff are must sees. Newport is also a great walking town. You can take the Harbour Walk North and The Harbour Walk South, both of which begin at Perrotti Park, and the Cliff walk, which follows the coastline and the cliffs. There is also 10 mile scenic driving tour which begins at The Elms and the Newport Winery.
The Preservation Society of Newport County has preserved 11 Gilded Age mansions, many the “summer cottages” of the rich and famous who created the Newport summer social season. The 70-room Breakers is likely the most famous. The interior features rare marble, alabaster and gilded wood. Marble House, also owned by the Vanderbilt’s cost a reported 11 million dollars to build in 1892, Rosecilff, which dates from 1902, was the site of some of Newport’s grandest parties. In addition to mansions, other properties of the Preservation Society also let you experience American colonial history, the years of prosperity before the Civil War, homes of 19th century merchant traders, and lunch in a garden setting second to none.
2 nights Newport.
Standard: Howard Johnson Inn, Middleton
Select: Hotel Viking, Newport

Day 13: To Cape Cod, Massachusetts (75 miles)
Cape Cod is larger than most people imagine. Your accommodations for the next two nights place you right in the middle of the Cape, ready for action. The Upper Cape closest to the Massachusetts mainland is home to Sandwich and Falmouth, location of the famous Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution. Hyannis, of Kennedy fame, is located Mid-Cape. The narrow portion of land where it bends sharply north is considered the Lower Cape. The Outer Cape includes the Cape Cod National Seashore, forty miles of pristine sandy beach, marshes, ponds and uplands.
Lighthouses, cultural landscapes and wild cranberry bogs offer a glimpse of Cape Cod’s past. Stephen Leatherman, aka Dr. Beach, recently named Coast Guard Beach the 5th best beach in the US. Provincetown, at the very end of the Cape and long known as an art town, berths several whale watching fleets that patrol Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary. Several guarantee a whale sighting at the right time of year.
Day 14: Cape Cod, Massachusetts
Today we suggest a trip by ferry to Nantucket Island, one of the most unique, historic and visually stunning places in the world. Originally a booming whaling port, the National Historic District of Nantucket has changed little since the 17th century, when many of the seaside cottages were built and old-fashioned whale oil lamps lit the streets. Today, nearly 40% of the remainder of the island is protected conservation land. You can walk wide sandy beaches, swim in the sparkling waters of Nantucket Sound or brave the Atlantic on the island’s south shore. If land is more to your liking, browse the many boutique shops, art galleries and museums or sign up for a tour of the island.
Even though Edgartown is the most famous town on Martha’s Vineyard, the Vineyard, another island reached only by boat, actually has six different towns that are as different as night and day. Once a thriving whaling port, the island is now home to writers, artists, architects and designers who come here to get away from the hustle and bustle of Boston. There are no chain restaurants, no shopping malls and no speed over 45 miles an hour on Martha’s Vineyard. What a great way to end your journey through New England in complete relaxation!
2 nights Cape Cod.
Standard: Holiday Inn, Hyannis
Select: Hyannis Resort & Conference Center

Day 15: To Boston, Massachusetts (75 miles)
En route to Logan Airport, visit Sandwich, the Cape’s oldest town. In Plymouth, visit Plimoth Plantation, a living museum depicting life in 1627. Time for lunch before driving to the airport and your flight home.

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Pre, post or extra nights: Pre, post & extra nights within the itinerary can be added to this tour, please let us know if you would like to extend your stay anywhere and we will be happy to quote the extra nights.

Included in the tour:
Accommodation.
All hotel taxes.

Not included in this tour:
Meals.
Overnight parking charges if applicable.
Flights – Please contact us for a competitive quote on flights direct into Boston with our airline partners British Airways or Virgin Atlantic.
Car Hire - Please contact us for a competitive quote on car hire with our rental partner Alamo rent a car.

Hotel accommodations are offered on two quality levels:

“Standard” typically 2/3 star hotels providing clean and moderate accommodations with several basic facilities, some with a limited dining room and sometimes a swimming pool.

“Select” indicates a more superior style of accommodation typically of a 3/4 star quality, in a central location with extended facilities including a full service dining room and usually a swimming pool.

Rooms in all levels of accommodation choice provide private facilities and are based on the hotels standard or lead in room type.

Should any of the above published hotels not be available an alternative property at the same level will be offered.
 

Prices

All 'from' prices quoted are per adult person per package in £ GBP and include all taxes. 

The exact cost of the tour will depend on the date of travel and the availability at the time you book.

Please call us on 0844 80 444 80 or email us reservations@purelynewengland.co.uk 

we can then check availability and provide you with a quote for your preferred departure date including tour, flights and car hire.

Standard hotels

(Low season) 14 Night tour only from £650 per person, based on 2 sharing

(High season) 14 Night tour only from £950 per person, based on 2 sharing

Select hotels

(Low season) 14 Night tour only from £950 per person, based on 2 sharing

(High season) 14 Night tour only from £1350 per person, based on 2 sharing

Single, Double/Twin, Triple and Quad occupancy available.

 Up to two children under 12 can normally stay free when sharing the same room with two adults.