Fall for New England

Welcome to Boston, the largest city in New England and one of the oldest in the United States, founded by Puritan colonists in 1630. Boston is also filled with history from the American Revolution. Tonight you'll enjoy a welcome dinner with the other smarTours travelers.

Start your day with a 90-minute guided Freedom Trail walking and bus tour steeped in history from the American Revolution. The tour starts at Boston Common and passes many of the city’s historic landmarks including Massachusetts State House, Park Street Church, Granary Burying Ground, King’s Chapel, Benjamin Franklin Statue, Old Corner Bookstore, Old South Meeting House, Old State House, Boston Massacre Site and Faneuil Hall. You'll then have the afternoon to explore Boston at your leisure or consider an optional whale watching tour!

Enjoy your journey north along some of the coast’s finest beaches and seascapes. Your first stop is Salem, the location of the infamous witch trials, where you'll visit the Salem Witch Museum & The House of the Seven Gables. Next, you'll continue to the charming harbor town of Portsmouth, NH, and enjoy the old-time seaport atmosphere and its wealth of historic buildings before crossing into Maine. During your journey, you'll drive through the popular resort of Kennebunkport - a haven for writers and artists - as you head to your final destination of Portland, ME.

Embrace some of New England’s most beautiful scenery as you traverse the White Mountains that divide the New England states of New Hampshire and Vermont. You'll drive along the famous and scenic Kancamagus Highway which offers not only beautiful vistas but also one of the best fall foliage viewing areas in the world. You'll also visit the picturesque Albany Covered Bridge, witness the beauty of the Lower Falls and Rocky Gorge scenic areas as well as Sabbady Falls & Upper Lady’s Bath as you head to North Conway. Upon arrival at the hotel, enjoy a lecture and presentation about "The ecology of the North Woods - a closer look at Autumn."

Today begins with a 10-minute ride to the summit of Loon Peak in a Gondola Skyride. At the end, you'll enter a high alpine world of refreshing breezes and stunning mountain views. You'll then continue to Montpelier, Vermont's capital, a small town known for its historic sites, maple syrup farms, and fantastic food where you'll enjoy a special lunch followed by a maple syrup tour and tasting at a local farm. You'll continue your drive back to North Conway via Franconia Notch State Park.

Journey to Stowe, VT where you are free to enjoy this idyllic New England town at your leisure. We recommend a hike on the ‘Bingham Falls Trail’ – a 0.5 miles out and back trail located near Stowe, that features a waterfall. The trail is good for all skill levels and is primarily used for hiking, walking & nature trips. You might also wish to visit the Von Trapp Family Lodge, established by the family made famous in the Sound of Music.

Continue south, where you will take in some of the most spectacular scenery in Vermont’s Green Mountains. With their dense forests, the mountains are home to bears, moose, wild turkey, and deer. You’ll see picture-perfect villages and some of Vermont’s famous covered bridges before crossing into Massachusetts’ Berkshires, known for their rural beauty and cultural assets. Your first stop is Woodstock for a visit to the Billings Farm and Museum. Then, you will have the opportunity to taste the best of Woodstock from one of the many surrounding restaurants, diners, cafes, and breweries —many of which use ingredients grown organically or locally. Continue on to the Berkshires. This evening, enjoy a farewell dinner.

Begin your day in Stockbridge and visit the Norman Rockwell Museum on your journey back to Boston. 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 and the museum is the most popular year-round cultural attraction in the Berkshires. You'll then head to Boston where we say farewell at the Boston Airport.