Boston, Maine and New England Holiday

Itinerary in brief:

• 3 nights Boston
• 1 night Kennebunkport
• 2 nights Bar Harbor
• 2 nights North Conway
• 2 nights Waterbury
• 2 nights Williamstown
• 2 nights Cape Cod

Day 1: UK to Boston

Depart the UK from your chosen airport. On arrival in Boston, you will make your own way to your hotel and check in for three nights.

Included: International flights, 4* hotel   

Days 2 & 3: Boston 

Spend a couple of days exploring Boston – we recommend you start by following the Freedom Trail, a route through the city that will take you around 16 different historical sites, from churches and museums to statues and graveyards. For lunch, why not head to the Union Oyster House to try a delicious bowl of New England clam chowder, served here since 1826. Cross the river to explore Cambridge, which is home to both Harvard University and Massachusetts Institute of Technology. In the evening, spend some time strolling the narrow, gaslit streets of Beacon Hill, before settling into a bar and testing some of Boston’s best beers.

On day three, we’ve included a food tour of the North End, one of the oldest areas of Boston. You’ll taste fresh bread from a small Italian bakery, indulge at an authentic salumeria and sip a delicious cup of espresso. You’ll also stop in at the Old North Church, one of the oldest buildings in North America.  

Included: 4* hotel, North End food tour 

Day 4: Drive to Kennebunkport

After enjoying the sights of Boston, you’ll head north into the heart of New England, driving up to Kennebunkport on the southern coast of Maine. On arrival, you’ll check into your hotel for 1 night.

Included: Car hire, 4* hotel        

Day 5: Drive to Bar Harbor

After a morning of fun, you’ll continue further north in Maine. Drive over the bridge onto Mount Desert Island to the tiny town of Bar Harbor, on the outskirts of Acadia National Park. On arrival, you’ll check into your hotel for two nights. Why not wander into the small town and try the famous Maine lobster for dinner – either in a roll or simply dipped in butter.

Included: Car hire, 4* hotel        

Day 6: Bar Harbor

If you can bear to get up early, watching the sunrise from the summit of Cadillac Mountain will ensure Acadia National Park is firmly lodged in your family’s memory. Enjoy the 360-degree views of Bar Harbor, Frenchman Bay and the Cranberry Island, then head down to Sand Beach for a morning walk along the shore, stopping in at one of Bar Harbours little cafes for brunch. In the afternoon, take on one of the many hiking trails that trace their way through the forest, or perhaps drive the scenic Park Loop road. Stop at the multiple pull-outs for stunning views across the ocean - breathing in the pure sea air is good for the soul!

Included: Car hire, 4* hotel        

Day 7: Drive to North Conway

Leave the coast behind and drive west to North Conway, in the heart of New Hampshire. On arrival, you’ll check into your hotel for two nights. Why not spend the afternoon exploring this small town, before getting out into the countryside tomorrow?

Included: Car hire, 4* hotel        

Day 8: White Mountains

With a day to explore the White Mountains you’ll want to get stuck into the outdoor activities on offer here straight away. You could go hiking through the forest before swimming or kayaking through one of many high mountain lakes. Another highlight is summiting Mount Washington, whether you tackle the mountain on foot, or head up on the historic cog railway, delivering tourists to the top of the mountain to enjoy stunning views over New Hampshire. Look out for native moose as you drive through the countryside - they are often seen foraging in the lush foothills of the mountains.

Included: Car hire, 4* hotel 

Day 9: Drive to Vermont

Spend the morning taking a final hike through the mountains before driving on to Waterbury in Vermont where you’ll check into your hotel for two nights.

Included: Car hire, 4* hotel        

Day 10: Vermont

Spend today exploring northern Vermont. You could drive up to the lakeside city of Burlington where you can wander through the New England style streets before heading to a beach on Lake Champlain to watch the boats. You could also go fishing or try paddle boarding on one of Vermont’s hundreds of lakes or go cycling through the idyllic countryside. Vermont is also famed for its food and drink – you can visit vineyards, taste artisanal cheeses and learn how traditional maple syrup is made. Waterbury, Vermont is also the home of Ben & Jerry’s ice cream – you can take a tour of the factory and learn how this delicious ice cream is made.

Included: Car hire, 4* hotel        

Day 11: Drive to The Berkshires

This morning you’ll drive south through the Green Mountains before arriving in Williamstown, nestled in the Berkshires in the northwest corner of Massachusetts.

Included: Car hire, 4* hotel        

Day 12: The Berkshires

The Berkshires are a famous retreat for city folks from New York and Boston looking for some nature. Pretty Williamstown comes into its own in fall, when the view of the white church spire amongst the brown, gold and red leaves is an iconic image of New England. Spend some time browsing the antique shops in town before driving through the countryside looking for covered bridges and finishing your time in New England with a world-class meal in one of the Berkshire’s finest restaurants.             

Included: Car hire, 4* hotel        

Day 13: Drive to Cape Cod

Today you’ll drive back to the coast, to Cape Cod. Why not stop in at Plymouth, where you can learn about the Mayflower which made the voyage from England with the Pilgrims aboard nearly 400 years ago? Here, you’ll see Plymouth Rock and learn about the history of the “America’s Hometown” before driving on to Sandwich, where you’ll check into your hotel for three nights.

Spend a couple of days exploring the cape, whether you’re strolling through the small streets of Provincetown, wandering along the vast sand dunes of the east coast or taking the ferry over to Martha’s Vineyard.

Included: Car hire, 4* hotel        

Day 14: Cape Cod    

The day is yours to explore the cape. There are dozens of nature trails for hiking and cycling, so work out a route that will take you to several of the iconic lighthouses of the Cape, like Chatham Light. In summer, the beaches of Cape Cod will be packed with day trippers from Boston, so why not join the fun by packing up a picnic and heading for the sand where you can revel in the famous Cape Cod summer vibe? Finish each day with a feast of fried clams, garlic buttered lobster and hot rolls – the perfect accompaniment to a week in New England.

Included: Car hire, 4* hotel        

Day 15: Depart Boston

Your time in New England has come to an end – this morning you’ll drive back to Boston Airport, where you’ll return your car hire in time to catch your onwards flight. If you have any time, why not visit Walden Pond on your approach to Boston, the site of Henry David Thoreau’s famous cabin – a sanctuary in the woods around Concord.

Included: Car hire, 4* hotel, international flights             

Day 16: Arrive UK