Savour the flavours of New England captured in its rural architecture of white wooden churches and clapboard houses set amongst trees, timbered barns amid luscious pastures, and delightful wholesome foods such as cranberries and blueberries, maple syrup and shellfish.
Each season in New England has its own distinctive charm. In winter the land sleeps deep under a crisp blanket of snow, spring brings colour with the blossoming of the trees and flowers, summer days are filled with sunshine encouraging you to explore the delightful coastal villages, whilst most famously 'Fall' arrives with its gold, yellow, russet and vermilion hues creating a stunning landscape.
The New England region is comprised of six very individual states: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont — all easily reached through the delightful historic city of Boston. A delightful city of shining skyscrappers aligned in stark contrast to the historical lanes and alleys lined with handsome old brick homes. Indulge in some delicious fresh lobster with your fingers at an oceanside restaurant or let someone else prepare it for you! Combine Vermont and New Hampshire so that you can marvel at the majestic mountains and huge lakes that offer year round activities from summer hiking and zip-lining to winter skiing and snow boarding. Travel north into Maine or south into Connecticut as you traverse from coast to mountains, beaches to lakes and city to villages. Or travel across to Rhode Island, the smallest of the states in New England, but it packs a big bunch with heritage homes, wonderful beaches, coastal drives and country roads to explore and hunt out award winning vineyards.Treat yourself with a stay in traditional and cosy inns, mansion houses, beach resorts and luxury hotels.
‘At-a-Glance’ Illustrative Itinerary
DAY 2:
A day at leisure to explore the sights of Boston. Step back in time and walk the Freedom Trail at your own pace. Take a Duck Tour for a different view of Boston by land and water, visit Faneuil Hall and be overwhelmed with the choice of food available at Quincy Market.
DAY 3 & 4:
Today you will collect a rental vehicle and travel north to the unspoiled state of Maine. On the way through to Freeport take some time to stop for lunch in the picturesque town of Kennebunkport that lies on the coast of Maine. Kennebunkport offers lovely coastal walks, art galleries and seafood restaurants where lobster can be found in abundance. Stay here over night or travel through to the seaside town of Boothbay Harbour, from where you can take a whale watching cruise out into the fjordlands. Approximate total driving time from Boston is 3hours.
DAY 5 & 6:
Today you will say 'goodbye' as you continue your drive travelling east to the ‘Granite State’ of New Hampshire, and onto Jackson in the heart of Mount Washington National Park. Spend two nights here to enjoy exploring the mountains. Visit Flume Gorge in the heart of the White Mountains; see some of the famous covered bridges; hike to beautiful waterfalls; drive through Franconia Notch and experience the Cog Railway at Mount Washington.
From Boothbay Harbour the drive is about 3 hours to Jackson, or 2 hours from Freeport.
DAY 7- 9:
From Jackson and New Hampshire you continue to head west and into Vermont. A trip to Vermont should be on everyone’s bucket list as the state offers beautiful scenery with lush forests, grand lakes and gentle mountains. We highly recommend taking a scenic drive on Route 100. Learn about maple syrup and enjoy a tasting! Visit working farms, the preserved Revolutionary War battle grounds and roam around a remarkable variety of museums.
However the star of Vermont is the 'Fall' during the Autumn season. Enjoy strolling around the rural villages and local hamlets going ‘leaf peeping’ for all the spectacular colours. If you are looking for some shopping then there is a great selection of stores at the Manchester outlets.
