Autumn in New England
Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine Rhode Island, New Hampshire, Vermont
Pennsylvania, New York, Michigan,
Wisconsin, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois
September 27-October 16, 2019
Come see why people travel from all parts of the globe to experience New England during the Autumn season. Travel America's by ways on our 2019 "Autumn in New England" and have your cameras ready for those picturesque photo opportunities of scenic farmlands, rolling hills and landscapes as they turn crimson, gold and orange along the valleys and across the Appalachian Mountain regions. This area is steeped in history and Happy Trails Tours is excited to share it with you! Read on to see all the inclusions in this scenic fall foliage adventure with your friends from Happy Trails Tours.
This 20 Day Autumn in New England Tour Includes
This 20 Day Autumn in New England Tour Includes
- Round-trip Smoke-free TROBEC Motor Coach Transportation- Northeast and Central Minnesota and Superior, Wisconsin.
- 19 Nights of Accommodations - Manistique, MI; Windsor, Ontario; Niagara Falls, Ontario; Stockbridge, MA; Groten, CT; Hyannis, MA (4 nights); Quincy (Boston), MA (2 nights); Bar Harbor, ME (2 nights); North Conway, NH (2 nights); Lake Placid, NY (2 nights); Erie, PA; Rockford, IL
- Niagara Falls, Ontario-One Night (Hornblowers Cruise, Niagara Falls Area Tour and Floral Clock)
- Stockbridge, MA (Norman Rockwell Museum)
- Groten, CT; (Mystic Seaport and Museum)
- Hyannis, MA; (Cape Cod Kennedy Museum, Tip of the Cape- Provincetown, Pilgrim Monument & Museum, Salt Pond Visitors Center, Martha's Vineyard and Ferry from Wood's Hole, Olde King's HIghway, Plymouth Rock, Plimouth Plantation, Sandwich Glass Museum, Replica of the Mayflower II)
- Quincy, MA; (Boston Sites: JFK Library & Museum, Freedom Trail - Walk by Paul Revere's Home, Bunker Hill, Old Granary, Old North Church, Tour of the USS Constitution and the Tea Party Ship, Tour Salem and the Salem Witch Museum)
- Bar Harbor, ME (Visit Acadia National Park ) and a Traditional Lobster Bake
- North Conway, New Hampshire -Two Nights: (Train Excursion on the Conway Scenic RR - Hatch Train - 1st Class, Luncheon)
- Lake Placid, New York (Olympic Village - "Miracle on Ice" and Gondola Rides)
- White Mountains of New Hampshire, Green Mountains of Vermont; Von Trapp Family Lodge Luncheon & Tour; Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream and Tour; Frankenmuth, Michigan (Lunch at Zhender's), and Cross the Mackininaw Bridge (Straits of Mackinac)
- 32 Meals- 19 Breakfasts and 3 Lunches and 10 Dinners
- Luggage Handling, Taxes, Most Tips for the Porters and Included Meals
- Fully Guided with a Happy Trials Tour Representative.
- Deposits of $250 per person is due when registering. It becomes non-refundable with cancelations after May 1, 2019.
- Final balance is due July 1, 2019. Refunds with cancellations made between May 1 - Aug. 15, 2019 are contingent to what Happy Trails Tours receives from hotels, restaurants, attractions, charters, etc. No refunds with cancellations after Aug 15, 2019.
- Final documents will arrive in early to mid- September to include specifics on hotels, times & sites of boarding and luggage tags.
- Cancellation insurance is available at an additional charge and can offer peace of mind & financial security. We highly recommend insuring your tour.
Things to Know Before You Go on the Autumn in New England Tour
Identification: Everyone needs to bring a current U.S. passport or passport card. (Note: If you have a passport card, that ONLY allows you cross the border in a vehicle. Though we are in a vehicle when we cross, should something happen to you where you have to leave the tour and fly home, a passport card will NOT be accepted as a form of identification in an international airport.
Luggage: You may bring one suitcase. There are laundry facilities along the way in many hotel properties. If you decide to take another checked bag, there is an additional fee. You may take a carry-on bag on to the coach. You are responsible for this bag yourself. Please don’t pack them heavier than what you can carry comfortably.
Meals / Dietary Concerns: Let us know if you have any dietary concerns or allergies as soon as you get this. Pack snacks along if you are a diabetic. Most meal stops while en-route are family-style restaurants but occasionally we use fast food restaurants. Please NOTE: All the meals we have included will also offer a vegan or gluten option - please let us know in advance if you need this as it helps the restaurant be prepared in advance.
How To Dress: The tour is entirely casual. Bring along a light-weight fall jacket, rain-gear, umbrella, sun-screen, swimming suit, and a sweater for inside the coach. (The air-conditioning can get a bit chilly if you happen to be sitting by the window)
Seat Rotation: We do not rotate seats. If you have a special need, kindly let us know. This is likely to be a full tour and all seats except the very last ones in the back will be used.
Walking Disabilities: Everyone needs to be able to climb some steps in order to get in to the coach and walk some distances. If you have any special needs you need to tell us right away. We ask that EVERYONE gets out of the coach when we break at rest-stops & meal stops along the way so you are not sitting long periods of time without exercise. We try to stop every 2-3 hours when traveling. Allergies: Please refrain from using colognes and perfumes while on the coach due to allergies. Let us know of any allergies you may have before departing on this tour.
The Hotels: Most offer indoor pools, all but one property offers an elevator. Be sure to let us know if you need to be on the first floor. All properties are entirely smoke free. If you asked for two beds or are two ladies traveling together, we made that request. Oftentimes, the hotel gives king size beds for couples. Most properties offer coin-operated guest laundry for your convenience.
Motor Coach: The motor coach is chartered through Trobec Bus Company, St Stephens, MN. They offer new coaches with seatbelts, cup holders, window shades, adjustable foot rests, reclining seats, restroom, flat screen TV’s , DVD player, CD and sound system, WI-FI (except in Canada) and electrical outlets. For your comfort, they’ve removed a few seats to make for more leg room.
Tipping: The tips for porters, packaged meals, licensed city tour guides are included in the package. Tips for your driver and your Happy Trails Tour host are not included. This you may do at the end of tour at your discretion.
Cancellation insurance: This is available at an additional charge and can offer peace of mind & financial security. We highly recommend insuring your tour.
Schedule: This brochure schedule is subject to change. We reserve the right to adjust this schedule for the benefit of all traveling.
Identification: Everyone needs to bring a current U.S. passport or passport card. (Note: If you have a passport card, that ONLY allows you cross the border in a vehicle. Though we are in a vehicle when we cross, should something happen to you where you have to leave the tour and fly home, a passport card will NOT be accepted as a form of identification in an international airport.
Luggage: You may bring one suitcase. There are laundry facilities along the way in many hotel properties. If you decide to take another checked bag, there is an additional fee. You may take a carry-on bag on to the coach. You are responsible for this bag yourself. Please don’t pack them heavier than what you can carry comfortably.
Meals / Dietary Concerns: Let us know if you have any dietary concerns or allergies as soon as you get this. Pack snacks along if you are a diabetic. Most meal stops while en-route are family-style restaurants but occasionally we use fast food restaurants. Please NOTE: All the meals we have included will also offer a vegan or gluten option - please let us know in advance if you need this as it helps the restaurant be prepared in advance.
How To Dress: The tour is entirely casual. Bring along a light-weight fall jacket, rain-gear, umbrella, sun-screen, swimming suit, and a sweater for inside the coach. (The air-conditioning can get a bit chilly if you happen to be sitting by the window)
Seat Rotation: We do not rotate seats. If you have a special need, kindly let us know. This is likely to be a full tour and all seats except the very last ones in the back will be used.
Walking Disabilities: Everyone needs to be able to climb some steps in order to get in to the coach and walk some distances. If you have any special needs you need to tell us right away. We ask that EVERYONE gets out of the coach when we break at rest-stops & meal stops along the way so you are not sitting long periods of time without exercise. We try to stop every 2-3 hours when traveling. Allergies: Please refrain from using colognes and perfumes while on the coach due to allergies. Let us know of any allergies you may have before departing on this tour.
The Hotels: Most offer indoor pools, all but one property offers an elevator. Be sure to let us know if you need to be on the first floor. All properties are entirely smoke free. If you asked for two beds or are two ladies traveling together, we made that request. Oftentimes, the hotel gives king size beds for couples. Most properties offer coin-operated guest laundry for your convenience.
Motor Coach: The motor coach is chartered through Trobec Bus Company, St Stephens, MN. They offer new coaches with seatbelts, cup holders, window shades, adjustable foot rests, reclining seats, restroom, flat screen TV’s , DVD player, CD and sound system, WI-FI (except in Canada) and electrical outlets. For your comfort, they’ve removed a few seats to make for more leg room.
Tipping: The tips for porters, packaged meals, licensed city tour guides are included in the package. Tips for your driver and your Happy Trails Tour host are not included. This you may do at the end of tour at your discretion.
Cancellation insurance: This is available at an additional charge and can offer peace of mind & financial security. We highly recommend insuring your tour.
Schedule: This brochure schedule is subject to change. We reserve the right to adjust this schedule for the benefit of all traveling.
Day 1: Friday, Sept 27th - Travel to Michigan's Upper Peninsula to Manistique, MI - 350 Miles from Duluth
Early morning boarding begins in Grand Rapids, Hibbing, Chisholm, Virginia, Eveleth, Duluth and Superior.
Settle back and leave the driving and tour arrangements to Happy Trails Tours and Trobec Bus Company! Prepare yourself for a picturesque drive through the upper portion of Michigan, which can offer some very spectacular color if we've timed it just right! Our journey will include mostly two-lane highways as we travel east along highway #2 to Manistique. The times listed below are only estimates. We'll make a morning comfort stop before lunch. We'll make comfort stops along the way. We'll be moving into the Eastern Time Zone just before Escanaba. We'll continue along Highway 2 along the shoreline of Lake Superior on our way to Manistique.
7:00 pm- Tonight we'll settle into our lovely hotel in Manistique, Michigan. (Comfort Inn)
The evening is yours to enjoy as per your own agenda.
Day 2: Saturday, Sept 28th - Travel through the state of Michigan to Windsor, Ontario 380 Miles
After breakfast, we'll get an early start and traveling east along the Lake Michigan shoreline to St Ignace.
We'll cross the spectacular Mackinaw Bridge as we entering into the lower portion of this beautiful state. Our day will be dedicated to l leaf peeping in Michigan ... of course, we cannot promise what only nature can provide... but generally Michigan offers some of the best colors this time of year and we'll keep our cameras ready and positive thoughts as we make our journey eastward. By lunchtime, we'll arrive to the lovely Bavarian town of Frankenmuth. We've arranged a lighter plated chicken dinner at Zhender's, included.
By late afternoon, we'll cross into Canada at the Detroit/ Windsor border- Have your passports ready.
6:00 pm- We'll check into our lovely hotel. Best Western Harborfront Hotel
The evening is yours to enjoy as per your own agenda. Breakfast / Lunch Included
Day 3: Sunday, Sept 29th - Travel to Niagara Falls, Ontario (You will need a passport!) 235 Miles
After breakfast, we'll board our coach and take a short 4 hour ride to Niagara Falls, Ontario.
Since the American side is under renovation, we've decided you will have a much better tour with far more to see by being on the Canadia Our afternoon arrival will include a Niagara Falls narrated area tour, the Floral Clock and take the Hornblower's Boat Cruise that will take us underneath the mist of the mighty thundering falls. Later that afternoon, we'll check into the lovely Embassy Fallsview Suites (Rooms overlook the falls).
6:30 pm- Dinner at the Keg Restaurant. A Prime Rib or Chicken Breast "three course" dinner, is included. Breakfast/ Dinner Included
Day 4: Monday, Sept 30th - Travel to Stockbridge, MA 335 Miles
After breakfast, we'll return into the United States and take I-90 east straight into upstate New York.
We'll travel through cities such as; Amhurst, Batavia, Syracuse, and Schenectady. The countryside is beautiful this time of year so relax and enjoy the scenery as we travel east into the New England State of Massachusetts. Breakfast Included
5:00 pm- This is our estimated arrival to Holiday Inn Express. Dinner and evening activities are at your leisure tonight.
Day 5: Tuesday, Oct 1st - Travel to New England's Groten, CT 128 Miles
After breakfast, we'll visit the Norman Rockwell Museum before leaving Stockbridge.
The Norman Rockwell Museum: Founded in 1969 with the help of Norman and Molly Rockwell, Norman Rockwell Museum is dedicated to the enjoyment and study of Rockwell’s work and his contributions to society, popular culture, and social commentary. The Museum, which is accredited by the American Association of Museums, is the most popular year-round cultural attraction in the Berkshires. The Museum houses the world’s largest and most significant collection of Rockwell’s work, including 998 original paintings and drawings. Rockwell lived in Stockbridge for the last 25 years of his life Rockwell’s Stockbridge studio, moved to the Museum site, is open to the public from May through October, and features original art materials, his library, furnishings, and personal items. The Museum also houses the Norman Rockwell Archives, a collectio of more than 100,000 items, including working photographs, letters, personal calendars, fan mail, and business documents.
We'll spend a few hours here at the museum with time to get lunch in the cafe before continuing on our way.
By late afternoon, we'll arrive to our lovely Hampton Inn in Groten, Connecticut (Just outside Mystic).
6:00 pm- A Prime Rib and Salmon Buffet Dinner is included this evening. Breakfast / Dinner Included
Day 6: Wednesday, Oct 2nd - "Mystic Seaport" and then on to Cape Cod! Hyannis, Massachusetts 123 Miles
After breakfast this morning, we'll board the coach and travel a short distance to Mytic, CT .
Visit the Seaport Museum, a "MUST SEE" when coming through Birkshires! Prepare for a wonderful "hands on experience" with ample to time to explore, sample foods and pick up a few souvenirs.
Mystic Seaport Museum is the nation's leading maritime museum. Founded in 1929, the Museum is home to four National Historic Landmark vessels, including the Charles W. Morgan, America's oldest commercial ship and the last wooden whale ship in the world. The Museum's grounds cover 19 acres on the Mystic River in Mystic, CT and include a recreated 19th- century coastal village, a working shipyard, formal exhibit halls, and state-of-the-art artifact storage facilities. We'll allow time for lunch, paying on own.
We'll stay here until mid-afternoon before continuing the rest of our day's travel to Hyannis, MA. We'll also travel through the New England state of Rhode Island so that we can all SIX states covered on this tour.
4:30pm- Arrive to Hyannis Harborfront Hotel . http://www.hyannisharborhotel.com
6:00 pm-After we are settled in, we've included a nice dinner with more details to follow.
This lovely Cape Cod property sits perched on the edge of Hyannis Harbor and offers a lovely view! It has a restaurant, indoor / outdoor pool, fitness room, guest laundry, complimentary Wi-Fi and a relaxed atmosphere. We'll settle in here for the next FOUR nights. We've included dinner tonight. We are in the Harbor Side Towers which has an elevator. Breakfast / Dinner Included
Day 7: Thursday, Oct 3rd - Cape Cod-Pilgrim Monument & Museum - Provincetown-Salt Pond Visitor's Center
After breakfast, we've got a delightful day of touring planned with our New England guide.
She'll share the history and tell stories, filling our day with stops along our way to the "Tip of the Cape" in Provincetown. We'll be stopping at the Salt Pond's Visitor Center, the famous Pilgrim Monument and Museum. We've also included dinner, tonight, with specifics to be announced.
8:00 pm- We'll return to the hotel with the rest of the day to relax as per our own agenda. Breakfast/ Dinner Included
Day 8: Friday, Oct 4th - Ferry to Martha's Vineyard ~ A Cape Cod Favorite!
After breakfast, we'll board the coach with our local New England Guide for a day of exploring Cape Cod!
We'll travel to Woods Hole in Falmouth and catch the ferry that will take us to Martha's Vineyard. We’ll be gone all day! Martha’s Vineyard is located 7 miles off the Massachusetts coastline, the beautiful island is a world apart, offering an ambience unlike any other. We’ll get a tour of the island, it’s history with time to enjoy lunch here, paying on own. Breakfast / Dinner Included
5:30 pm- Dinner ,included, at a nice Cape Cod restaurant. Enjoy the rest of the evening at your leisure.
Day 9: Saturday, Oct 5th - More of Beautiful Cape Cod-Sandwich, Plymouth Rock and Plimouth Plantation
After breakfast, we'll board the coach with our New England Guide for another delightful day of touring the Cape.
We'll depart the hotel with tour of Hyannis and journey along the "Olde King's HIghway" to the Cape's oldest town of Sandwich. Here we visit the Sandwich Glass Museum and lunch, on own own. After lunch, we'll cross over the Cape Cod Canal to the mainland of Massachusetts and visit the historic town of Plymouth, home of the famous Plymouth Rock and a replica of the ship The Mayflower. Afterwards, we will take a short ride to visit the Plimouth Planation for a hands on experience of what life was for the Pilgrims when they came to America.
5:30 pm- Tonight a nice dinner is included in Sandwich before returning to Hyannis. Breakfast/ Dinner Included
Day 5: Tuesday, Oct 1st - Travel to New England's Groten, CT 128 Miles
After breakfast, we'll visit the Norman Rockwell Museum before leaving Stockbridge.
The Norman Rockwell Museum: Founded in 1969 with the help of Norman and Molly Rockwell, Norman Rockwell Museum is dedicated to the enjoyment and study of Rockwell’s work and his contributions to society, popular culture, and social commentary. The Museum, which is accredited by the American Association of Museums, is the most popular year-round cultural attraction in the Berkshires. The Museum houses the world’s largest and most significant collection of Rockwell’s work, including 998 original paintings and drawings. Rockwell lived in Stockbridge for the last 25 years of his life Rockwell’s Stockbridge studio, moved to the Museum site, is open to the public from May through October, and features original art materials, his library, furnishings, and personal items. The Museum also houses the Norman Rockwell Archives, a collectio of more than 100,000 items, including working photographs, letters, personal calendars, fan mail, and business documents.
We'll spend a few hours here at the museum with time to get lunch in the cafe before continuing on our way.
By late afternoon, we'll arrive to our lovely Hampton Inn in Groten, Connecticut (Just outside Mystic).
6:00 pm- A Prime Rib and Salmon Buffet Dinner is included this evening. Breakfast / Dinner Included
Day 6: Wednesday, Oct 2nd - "Mystic Seaport" and then on to Cape Cod! Hyannis, Massachusetts 123 Miles
After breakfast this morning, we'll board the coach and travel a short distance to Mytic, CT .
Visit the Seaport Museum, a "MUST SEE" when coming through Birkshires! Prepare for a wonderful "hands on experience" with ample to time to explore, sample foods and pick up a few souvenirs.
Mystic Seaport Museum is the nation's leading maritime museum. Founded in 1929, the Museum is home to four National Historic Landmark vessels, including the Charles W. Morgan, America's oldest commercial ship and the last wooden whale ship in the world. The Museum's grounds cover 19 acres on the Mystic River in Mystic, CT and include a recreated 19th- century coastal village, a working shipyard, formal exhibit halls, and state-of-the-art artifact storage facilities. We'll allow time for lunch, paying on own.
We'll stay here until mid-afternoon before continuing the rest of our day's travel to Hyannis, MA. We'll also travel through the New England state of Rhode Island so that we can all SIX states covered on this tour.
4:30pm- Arrive to Hyannis Harborfront Hotel . http://www.hyannisharborhotel.com
6:00 pm-After we are settled in, we've included a nice dinner with more details to follow.
This lovely Cape Cod property sits perched on the edge of Hyannis Harbor and offers a lovely view! It has a restaurant, indoor / outdoor pool, fitness room, guest laundry, complimentary Wi-Fi and a relaxed atmosphere. We'll settle in here for the next FOUR nights. We've included dinner tonight. We are in the Harbor Side Towers which has an elevator. Breakfast / Dinner Included
Day 7: Thursday, Oct 3rd - Cape Cod-Pilgrim Monument & Museum - Provincetown-Salt Pond Visitor's Center
After breakfast, we've got a delightful day of touring planned with our New England guide.
She'll share the history and tell stories, filling our day with stops along our way to the "Tip of the Cape" in Provincetown. We'll be stopping at the Salt Pond's Visitor Center, the famous Pilgrim Monument and Museum. We've also included dinner, tonight, with specifics to be announced.
8:00 pm- We'll return to the hotel with the rest of the day to relax as per our own agenda. Breakfast/ Dinner Included
Day 8: Friday, Oct 4th - Ferry to Martha's Vineyard ~ A Cape Cod Favorite!
After breakfast, we'll board the coach with our local New England Guide for a day of exploring Cape Cod!
We'll travel to Woods Hole in Falmouth and catch the ferry that will take us to Martha's Vineyard. We’ll be gone all day! Martha’s Vineyard is located 7 miles off the Massachusetts coastline, the beautiful island is a world apart, offering an ambience unlike any other. We’ll get a tour of the island, it’s history with time to enjoy lunch here, paying on own. Breakfast / Dinner Included
5:30 pm- Dinner ,included, at a nice Cape Cod restaurant. Enjoy the rest of the evening at your leisure.
Day 9: Saturday, Oct 5th - More of Beautiful Cape Cod-Sandwich, Plymouth Rock and Plimouth Plantation
After breakfast, we'll board the coach with our New England Guide for another delightful day of touring the Cape.
We'll depart the hotel with tour of Hyannis and journey along the "Olde King's HIghway" to the Cape's oldest town of Sandwich. Here we visit the Sandwich Glass Museum and lunch, on own own. After lunch, we'll cross over the Cape Cod Canal to the mainland of Massachusetts and visit the historic town of Plymouth, home of the famous Plymouth Rock and a replica of the ship The Mayflower. Afterwards, we will take a short ride to visit the Plimouth Planation for a hands on experience of what life was for the Pilgrims when they came to America.
5:30 pm- Tonight a nice dinner is included in Sandwich before returning to Hyannis. Breakfast/ Dinner Included
Day 10: Sunday, Oct 6th - Boston "Home of Brotherly Love" ~ Quincy ~ JFK Library & Museum 72 Miles
After breakfast, we'll get an early start for Boston with the John F Kennedy Library in our sites!
Upon arriving to Boston, we'll arrive to the JFK Library and Museum - spending about two hours here.
The John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum is dedicated to preserving and providing access to the legacy of the 35th President of the United States. The Museum utilizes high definition, large-screen projections, interactive displays, re-mastered films and original artifacts from the life and times of JFK to bring to life President Kennedy’s 1000 days in office.Visitors have described the Museum as "an unforgettablejourney through American history and the life of a truly remarkable man." We invite you to embark on a journey through the early 1960s to experience anew the words, ideals and actions of President John F. Kennedy which inspired Americans to ask what they could do for their country.
12 pm- We'll depart the JFK Library and Museum and travel to Quincy Market where we'll have time for lunch and a bit of shopping. In the mid- afternoon, we'll begin a delightful Boston area city tour to include our first attraction .... the USS Constitution.
Launched in Boston in 1797, USS Constitution is the oldest commissioned warship afloat and earned her nickname "Old Ironsides" during the War of 1812 when she fought the British frigate HMS Guerriere. The USS Constitution is the world's oldest commissioned warship afloat and America’s Ship of State — a wooden-hulled, three-masted frigate (a type of heavy warship) of the United States Navy, named by President George Washington after the Constitution of the United States.Launched in 1797, the USS Constitution was one of six original frigates that were authorized for construction by the Naval Act of 1794 and the third one ever built. Hotel is the Marriot Quincy Hotel - 2 Nights.
6:00 pm- A nice Italian dinner (served family style) is in included, tonight before checking into our lovely hotel in Quincy.
Breakfast / Dinner Included
Day 11: Monday, Oct 7th - More of Boston~ The Freedom Trail ~The Salem Witch Museum
After breakfast, we'll board the coach with our local Boston Guide and travel a short distance to Salem -
Here we'll visit the Salem Witch Museum and have a tour of Salem. Before traveling back to Boston, we'll have free time where we'll get our lunch (included) . Then it's back to Boston for more of "The Freedom Trail" ... Old North Church, Old Granary, Bunker Hill and Paul Revere's Home. All the places and things you'd expect to see in Boston in this 3 hour tour. Some of this tour includes riding on the coach and walking because these streets were not made wide enough for coaches. So be prepared to walk a little.
5:30 pm- A buffet dinner is included at the Commons Market Chowder House - A favorite of many locals in Boston. Breakfast / Dinner Included
Day 12: Tuesday, Oct 8th - Bar Harbor ~ Home to Mount Desert Island's Largest Community! 296 Miles
After breakfast. we'll board the coach make our way to Bar Harbor, Maine.
Bar Harbor, ME was New England’s premier summer resort in the 19th century. It was home to the largest hotel in North America and to Millionaires’ Row, a line of summer estates built for America’s richest and most powerful families—including the Rockefellers, the Fords and the Vanderbilts. Bar Harbor, Maine is Mount Desert Island's largest community and the home to 1,532-foot Cadillac Mountain—part of neighboring Acadia National Park. As we travel today, we'll make a few stops along our way for lunch and shopping at L. L. Bean's Flagship Store in Freeport, Maine.
5:00 pm- Estimated arrival to our lovely Bar Harbor Regency Hotel in Bar Harbor, Maine. (2 Nights)
Dinner and evening activities are at your leisure tonight ~ Breakfast Included
After breakfast, we'll get an early start for Boston with the John F Kennedy Library in our sites!
Upon arriving to Boston, we'll arrive to the JFK Library and Museum - spending about two hours here.
The John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum is dedicated to preserving and providing access to the legacy of the 35th President of the United States. The Museum utilizes high definition, large-screen projections, interactive displays, re-mastered films and original artifacts from the life and times of JFK to bring to life President Kennedy’s 1000 days in office.Visitors have described the Museum as "an unforgettablejourney through American history and the life of a truly remarkable man." We invite you to embark on a journey through the early 1960s to experience anew the words, ideals and actions of President John F. Kennedy which inspired Americans to ask what they could do for their country.
12 pm- We'll depart the JFK Library and Museum and travel to Quincy Market where we'll have time for lunch and a bit of shopping. In the mid- afternoon, we'll begin a delightful Boston area city tour to include our first attraction .... the USS Constitution.
Launched in Boston in 1797, USS Constitution is the oldest commissioned warship afloat and earned her nickname "Old Ironsides" during the War of 1812 when she fought the British frigate HMS Guerriere. The USS Constitution is the world's oldest commissioned warship afloat and America’s Ship of State — a wooden-hulled, three-masted frigate (a type of heavy warship) of the United States Navy, named by President George Washington after the Constitution of the United States.Launched in 1797, the USS Constitution was one of six original frigates that were authorized for construction by the Naval Act of 1794 and the third one ever built. Hotel is the Marriot Quincy Hotel - 2 Nights.
6:00 pm- A nice Italian dinner (served family style) is in included, tonight before checking into our lovely hotel in Quincy.
Breakfast / Dinner Included
Day 11: Monday, Oct 7th - More of Boston~ The Freedom Trail ~The Salem Witch Museum
After breakfast, we'll board the coach with our local Boston Guide and travel a short distance to Salem -
Here we'll visit the Salem Witch Museum and have a tour of Salem. Before traveling back to Boston, we'll have free time where we'll get our lunch (included) . Then it's back to Boston for more of "The Freedom Trail" ... Old North Church, Old Granary, Bunker Hill and Paul Revere's Home. All the places and things you'd expect to see in Boston in this 3 hour tour. Some of this tour includes riding on the coach and walking because these streets were not made wide enough for coaches. So be prepared to walk a little.
5:30 pm- A buffet dinner is included at the Commons Market Chowder House - A favorite of many locals in Boston. Breakfast / Dinner Included
Day 12: Tuesday, Oct 8th - Bar Harbor ~ Home to Mount Desert Island's Largest Community! 296 Miles
After breakfast. we'll board the coach make our way to Bar Harbor, Maine.
Bar Harbor, ME was New England’s premier summer resort in the 19th century. It was home to the largest hotel in North America and to Millionaires’ Row, a line of summer estates built for America’s richest and most powerful families—including the Rockefellers, the Fords and the Vanderbilts. Bar Harbor, Maine is Mount Desert Island's largest community and the home to 1,532-foot Cadillac Mountain—part of neighboring Acadia National Park. As we travel today, we'll make a few stops along our way for lunch and shopping at L. L. Bean's Flagship Store in Freeport, Maine.
5:00 pm- Estimated arrival to our lovely Bar Harbor Regency Hotel in Bar Harbor, Maine. (2 Nights)
Dinner and evening activities are at your leisure tonight ~ Breakfast Included
Day 13: Wednesday, Oct 9th - Acadia National Park
After breakfast. we'll board the coach and begin our adventure to Acadia National Park.
Crown Jewel of the North Atlantic Coast: Acadia National Park protects the natural beauty of the highest rocky headlands along the Atlantic Coastline of the United States, an abundance of habitats with high biodiversity, clean air and water, and a rich cultural heritage. Each year, more than 3.3 million people explore seven peaks about 1,000 feet, 158 miles of hiking trails, and 45 miles of carriage roads with 16 stone bridges. In 1913, President Woodrow Wilson set aside 6000 acres (within what is now Acadia National Park) as Sieur de Monts National Monument. With the acquisition of more land and private support and funding, in 1919 President Wilson signed an act establishing Lafayette National Park. In 1929 the parks name wa changed to Acadia. Acadia National Park was established to protect the area's spectacular scenic islands as characterized by the geologic features, natural history and the native plant and animal life.
After breakfast. we'll board the coach and begin our adventure to Acadia National Park.
Crown Jewel of the North Atlantic Coast: Acadia National Park protects the natural beauty of the highest rocky headlands along the Atlantic Coastline of the United States, an abundance of habitats with high biodiversity, clean air and water, and a rich cultural heritage. Each year, more than 3.3 million people explore seven peaks about 1,000 feet, 158 miles of hiking trails, and 45 miles of carriage roads with 16 stone bridges. In 1913, President Woodrow Wilson set aside 6000 acres (within what is now Acadia National Park) as Sieur de Monts National Monument. With the acquisition of more land and private support and funding, in 1919 President Wilson signed an act establishing Lafayette National Park. In 1929 the parks name wa changed to Acadia. Acadia National Park was established to protect the area's spectacular scenic islands as characterized by the geologic features, natural history and the native plant and animal life.
5:30 pm- Tonight we've included a Traditional "Lobster Bake" (Other options available are NY Sirloin; Baked Haddock or marinated grilled veggie skewers. Breakfast & Dinner Included
Day 14: Thursday, Oct 10th - Travel to North Conway - White Mountains 296 Miles
After breakfast, we'll board the coach and take a little more time to explore Bar Harbor before leaving this lovely area. We'll have our lunch paying on own, and then travel throughout the lovely state of Maine ... from the east coast to west - into New Hampshire to North Conway... the Holiday Inn our home for the next two nights.
Breakfast Included
Day 15: Friday, Oct 11th - The Scenic North Conway RR - The Notch Train 296 Miles
After breakfast, we'll board the coach for a short ride to the train station ~
ON THE NOTCH TRAIN, you’ll travel on what was once the Maine Central Railroad’s famed Mountain Division line, on tracks that were laid in the 1870s. Enjoy some of the most dramatic natural scenery in the East as you travel through spectacular Crawford Notch – past sheer bluffs, steep ravines, cascading brooks and streams, panoramic mountain vistas, across Frankenstein Trestle and Willey Brook Bridge – en- route to Crawford and Fabyan stations. As you travel through this rugged terrain, you can begin to appreciate what a remarkable engineering achievement constructing this railroad was over 140 years ago. Live commentary onboard includes history and folklore of the railroad and area, as well as points of interest.Included in the excursion is a layover at Crawford Station, across from Saco Lake (a small pond from which the mighty Saco River originates), and adjacent to the AMC’s Highland Center. Passengers will disembark the train, stretch their legs, and explore their beautiful surroundings. This train will also include a delicious 3-course lunch - excursion lasts about 5 hours.
4:30 pm- the Train returns to the station and we will board our coach and return to our hotel for our last night.
Your evening meal and activities are yours to enjoy as per your own agenda. Breakfast & Lunch Included
Day 16: Saturday, Oct 12th - Green Mountains of Vermont -Travel to Lake Placid, New York __231 Miles
After breakfast, we’ll travel to Lake Placid, New York.
On our journey west to upstate New York will take us into the Green Mountains of Vermont. We'll make a couple of stops with our first being in Stowe, Vermont... to Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream Shop. We'll be ready by then to sample a bit of their delicious ice cream and enjoy a short 30 minute tour. Then...just down the road is our next stop! The Trapp Family Lodge - once home of the Von Trapp Family from the Sound of Music. Here will enjoy a film about the family when they fled from Nazi Germany to safety in America to Stowe, Vermont ... A wonderful lunch is also included today. Continue through the Adirondack Mountains to Lake Placid, New York.
7:30 pm- We'll arrive to Lake Placid Crowne Plaza - where we'll spend the next two nights. Breakfast & Lunch Included
Day 17: Sunday, Oct 13th - Visit the Olympic Village - "Miracle on Ice"
After breakfast, we'll just take the earlier morning at our leisure before going out for the day.
10:00 am- We’ll travel about 10 minutes to the Olympic Village.
Olympic Complex: In 1932 and again in 1980, the world's attention was focused on the Adirondack village of Lake Placid when it hosted the Winter Olympic Games. Referred to as the nation's first winter resort, Lake Placid is a popular area for competitive and recreational winter sports. Around the 1920s, Lake Placid garnered a worldwide reputation, and its 1929 bid to host the Winter Games was successful. To prepare for the 1932 Winter Olympic Games, a number of new venues were built in Lake Placid. During both the 1932 and 1980 Games, these venues were the hub of action and highlights. One of the most memorable moments of the 1932 Games was when figure skater and film star Sonja Henie won her second gold medals. In 1980, the United States hockey team pulled off one of the biggest sports upsets in history by defeating the team from the Soviet Union, a game every hockey fan probably knows as the "Miracle on Ice." Although Lake Placid hasn't hosted any Olympic Games since 1980, a U.S. Olympic Training Center was constructed there in 1982. The training facility remains a popular site for many Olympic hopefuls and visitors. From time to time, the venues see competitive action, like the 2000 Winter Goodwill Games.
4:00 pm- Return to the hotel - Breakfast Included
The rest of the evening is yours to enjoy as per your own agenda.
Day 18: Monday, Oct 14th - Travel to Erie, Pennsylvania 428 Miles
After breakfast, we'll board the coach.
Today we'll travel west through the Adirondack Mountains along highway #3 to Watertown. From Watertown we'll take I-81 south to Syracuse. We'll take a break here before continuing on. Our route will connect to I-90 west through the northern New York into Pennsylvania to Erie.
5:00 pm- We'll arrive to Erie - Country Inn & Suites. Your evening meal and entertainment is at your leisure. Breakfast Included
Day 19: Tuesday, Oct 15th - Travel to Rockford, Illinois 531 Miles
After breakfast, we'll board the coach.
We’ll travel to Rockford, Illinois. Again…another day dedicated to traveling home. Stops every 2-2 ½ hours are made. Our drive through Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana to Illinois is sure to offer picturesque scenery this time of year. Set your seats back. Enjoy the view.
5:30 pm- Estimated arrival to our lovely hotel in Rockford - Radisson Hotel.... Dinner buffet is included tonight.
Menu Tonight: Chicken Vesuvio, roasted port loin, pasta alfredo, fresh veggies, salad greens, desserts & beverage.
Breakfast / Dinner Included
Day 20: Wednesday, Oct 16th - Homeward Bound 246 Miles to Eau Clair, WI
After breakfast, we'll board the coach.
This is our last travel day together and we sure hope you save a little room in your suitcase for all the wonderful memories you’ll want to pack. The following hours listed below are only estimates. Since we are returning from Eau Clair, Wisconsin, our friends from Central MN will return home today. You'll ransfer your personal belongings to the shuttle that meets us in Eau Clair on a comfortable Trobec vehicle and continue home. The rest of the group will continue homeward on the main motorcoach.
11:00 am- (?) GUESTIMATE -Arrive to Eau Clair for lunch break.
Our Central Minnesota will arrive @ 3:00 pm to Little Falls; 3:45 pm- Rice; 4:00 pm to Sartell
Our NE Minnesota guests will arrive as follows; Duluth – 3:00 pm; Iron Range Cities; 5:00 pm to Eveleth; 5:15 to
Virginia; 5:45 pm to Hibbing and 7:00 pm to Grand Rapids.
Breakfast Included
After breakfast, we'll board the coach and take a little more time to explore Bar Harbor before leaving this lovely area. We'll have our lunch paying on own, and then travel throughout the lovely state of Maine ... from the east coast to west - into New Hampshire to North Conway... the Holiday Inn our home for the next two nights.
Breakfast Included
Day 15: Friday, Oct 11th - The Scenic North Conway RR - The Notch Train 296 Miles
After breakfast, we'll board the coach for a short ride to the train station ~
ON THE NOTCH TRAIN, you’ll travel on what was once the Maine Central Railroad’s famed Mountain Division line, on tracks that were laid in the 1870s. Enjoy some of the most dramatic natural scenery in the East as you travel through spectacular Crawford Notch – past sheer bluffs, steep ravines, cascading brooks and streams, panoramic mountain vistas, across Frankenstein Trestle and Willey Brook Bridge – en- route to Crawford and Fabyan stations. As you travel through this rugged terrain, you can begin to appreciate what a remarkable engineering achievement constructing this railroad was over 140 years ago. Live commentary onboard includes history and folklore of the railroad and area, as well as points of interest.Included in the excursion is a layover at Crawford Station, across from Saco Lake (a small pond from which the mighty Saco River originates), and adjacent to the AMC’s Highland Center. Passengers will disembark the train, stretch their legs, and explore their beautiful surroundings. This train will also include a delicious 3-course lunch - excursion lasts about 5 hours.
4:30 pm- the Train returns to the station and we will board our coach and return to our hotel for our last night.
Your evening meal and activities are yours to enjoy as per your own agenda. Breakfast & Lunch Included
Day 16: Saturday, Oct 12th - Green Mountains of Vermont -Travel to Lake Placid, New York __231 Miles
After breakfast, we’ll travel to Lake Placid, New York.
On our journey west to upstate New York will take us into the Green Mountains of Vermont. We'll make a couple of stops with our first being in Stowe, Vermont... to Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream Shop. We'll be ready by then to sample a bit of their delicious ice cream and enjoy a short 30 minute tour. Then...just down the road is our next stop! The Trapp Family Lodge - once home of the Von Trapp Family from the Sound of Music. Here will enjoy a film about the family when they fled from Nazi Germany to safety in America to Stowe, Vermont ... A wonderful lunch is also included today. Continue through the Adirondack Mountains to Lake Placid, New York.
7:30 pm- We'll arrive to Lake Placid Crowne Plaza - where we'll spend the next two nights. Breakfast & Lunch Included
Day 17: Sunday, Oct 13th - Visit the Olympic Village - "Miracle on Ice"
After breakfast, we'll just take the earlier morning at our leisure before going out for the day.
10:00 am- We’ll travel about 10 minutes to the Olympic Village.
Olympic Complex: In 1932 and again in 1980, the world's attention was focused on the Adirondack village of Lake Placid when it hosted the Winter Olympic Games. Referred to as the nation's first winter resort, Lake Placid is a popular area for competitive and recreational winter sports. Around the 1920s, Lake Placid garnered a worldwide reputation, and its 1929 bid to host the Winter Games was successful. To prepare for the 1932 Winter Olympic Games, a number of new venues were built in Lake Placid. During both the 1932 and 1980 Games, these venues were the hub of action and highlights. One of the most memorable moments of the 1932 Games was when figure skater and film star Sonja Henie won her second gold medals. In 1980, the United States hockey team pulled off one of the biggest sports upsets in history by defeating the team from the Soviet Union, a game every hockey fan probably knows as the "Miracle on Ice." Although Lake Placid hasn't hosted any Olympic Games since 1980, a U.S. Olympic Training Center was constructed there in 1982. The training facility remains a popular site for many Olympic hopefuls and visitors. From time to time, the venues see competitive action, like the 2000 Winter Goodwill Games.
4:00 pm- Return to the hotel - Breakfast Included
The rest of the evening is yours to enjoy as per your own agenda.
Day 18: Monday, Oct 14th - Travel to Erie, Pennsylvania 428 Miles
After breakfast, we'll board the coach.
Today we'll travel west through the Adirondack Mountains along highway #3 to Watertown. From Watertown we'll take I-81 south to Syracuse. We'll take a break here before continuing on. Our route will connect to I-90 west through the northern New York into Pennsylvania to Erie.
5:00 pm- We'll arrive to Erie - Country Inn & Suites. Your evening meal and entertainment is at your leisure. Breakfast Included
Day 19: Tuesday, Oct 15th - Travel to Rockford, Illinois 531 Miles
After breakfast, we'll board the coach.
We’ll travel to Rockford, Illinois. Again…another day dedicated to traveling home. Stops every 2-2 ½ hours are made. Our drive through Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana to Illinois is sure to offer picturesque scenery this time of year. Set your seats back. Enjoy the view.
5:30 pm- Estimated arrival to our lovely hotel in Rockford - Radisson Hotel.... Dinner buffet is included tonight.
Menu Tonight: Chicken Vesuvio, roasted port loin, pasta alfredo, fresh veggies, salad greens, desserts & beverage.
Breakfast / Dinner Included
Day 20: Wednesday, Oct 16th - Homeward Bound 246 Miles to Eau Clair, WI
After breakfast, we'll board the coach.
This is our last travel day together and we sure hope you save a little room in your suitcase for all the wonderful memories you’ll want to pack. The following hours listed below are only estimates. Since we are returning from Eau Clair, Wisconsin, our friends from Central MN will return home today. You'll ransfer your personal belongings to the shuttle that meets us in Eau Clair on a comfortable Trobec vehicle and continue home. The rest of the group will continue homeward on the main motorcoach.
11:00 am- (?) GUESTIMATE -Arrive to Eau Clair for lunch break.
Our Central Minnesota will arrive @ 3:00 pm to Little Falls; 3:45 pm- Rice; 4:00 pm to Sartell
Our NE Minnesota guests will arrive as follows; Duluth – 3:00 pm; Iron Range Cities; 5:00 pm to Eveleth; 5:15 to
Virginia; 5:45 pm to Hibbing and 7:00 pm to Grand Rapids.
Breakfast Included