New England Rails & Sails

Day One

Arrive in Boston, Massachusetts with an included transfer to your hotel. Meet your Tour Manager in the hotel lobby at 6:00 p.m. for a welcome dinner.

Day Two

Begin the day with a sightseeing tour of historic Boston including the Freedom Trail and the Public Garden. Then, travel up the coast and stop at Kennebunkport, one of Maine’s coastal jewels and the summer home to many of America’s rich and famous, before continuing to the seaside town of Portland, Maine. Rich in history and culture, Portland boasts a vibrant waterfront with one-of-a-kind shops, galleries and restaurants.

Day Three

Begin the day at the Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad, dedicated to Maine’s history with the two foot narrow gauge railroad system. Take the short 1.5 mile long ride along the Eastern Promenade of Casco Bay. Make a stop at the historic Portland Head Light. Later, Maine’s rocky shoreline and wooded islands come into view on a scenic cruise in Casco Bay. Sail past lovely Victorian cottages dotted along Little and Great Diamond Islands as you watch for lobstermen, local fishing fleets and the abundant sea birds, seals and other wildlife.

Day Four

Leave the coast today and travel west into New Hampshire’s White Mountains. In North Conway, board the North Conway Scenic Railroad. You will enjoy the Mt. Washington Valley countryside and relive part of railroad history when the first train traveled through this region over 135 years ago. Later enjoy time for shopping at some of the many outlet stores or browse the local shops in North Conway.

Day Five

Begin the day by traveling the Kancamagus Scenic Byway as it follows a beautiful path through the White Mountains. It is one of the world’s most spectacular fall-foliage trips and meanders through vast forests, old logging roads and Indian hunting paths. Cross into Vermont and stop at Quechee Gorge to view the spectacular scenery of the area before arriving at your hotel for the night.

Day Six

Spend the day at Mystic Seaport “The Museum of America and the Sea.” Here, history comes alive as you walk the bustling street of a 19th-century seafaring village and talk with the many costumed characters. Watch boat-builders, riggers and lumbermen hard at work in the preservation shipyard and visit the nation’s leading maritime art gallery. Later, come to the incredible Foxwoods Resort Casino, your home for the next two nights.

Day Seven

The Valley Railroad Company operates the coalfired locomotives of the Essex Steam Train. Be swept away by the hiss of the steam and the blast of the whistle as you pass through some of the most beautiful country in the state. See forests and streams, beautiful vistas and nostalgic towns. At Deep River Landing, you board the Riverboat Becky Thatcher for a relaxing trip up the Connecticut River, before returning to Foxwoods.

Day Eight

Today pass through the state of Rhode Island, famous for its maritime history. In Plymouth, Massachusetts climb aboard your sea going vessel for a whale watching excursion. This naturalist guide-led cruise sails out to Cape Cod Bay and Stellwagen Bank, a marine sanctuary and primary feeding ground for Humpback, Finback, Minke and the endangered Right Whales. Pay a visit to Plymouth Rock where our forefathers first settled on American soil. Tonight, gather for a farewell dinner hosted by your Tour Manager.

Day Nine

This morning, take the group transfer to Boston’s Logan Airport for flights out after 12:00 p.m.

FB=Full Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner