New England Highlights

Experience the beautiful New England countryside on this wonderful self-drive, taking in the rich history of the American Revolution by walking the freedom trail, exploring the  diverse colours of the foliage which turn a spectacular flame red and gold in the Autumn months, and visiting charming villages including Old Sturbridge, a fascinating recreation of a working colonial town. Highlights include sophisticated Boston, enchanting villages, a rich landscape and the unspoiled white sand beaches of Cape Cod, completing your tour on an incredible relaxing note.

Tour overview
•   Collect your hire car in Boston
•   Time at leisure in Boston to walk the Freedom Trail and visit Quincy Market
•   Stop in the town of Salem, famous for its 17th Century witchcraft trials
•   Explore Portland and the White Mountains
•   Optional trip on the Conway Scenic Railroad
•   Travel past whitewashed villages along small roads on your drive to Vermont
•   Optional tour of Ben & Jerry's ice cream factory
•   Stop at Rutland or the lovely Manchester Village
•   Visit Old Sturbridge Village, a recreation of a working New England colonial town
•   Travel through Rhode Island to Newport
•   Explore Newport's restored waterfront shops and restaurants
•   Drive from Newport to Cape Cod for two nights
•   Optional ferry crossing to Martha's Vineyard or Nantucket
•   Drive back to Boston via Plymouth Rock

MEAL PLAN
No meals included.

ACCOMMODATION
Hotels as per detailed itinerary. Hotels will be confirmed with final itineraries. 

TOUR INCLUDES
Price includes an Alamo rental car on a rental only basis including unlimited mileage and size depending on the number of people in your party. Please call for details of allocated cars and Alamo's rental packages. A comprehensive step-by-step self-drive holiday guide with maps, driving instructions and sightseeing information is included in your New England Highlights self-drive.

GRATUITIES
Tipping is common practice in North America. We recommend between 10-15% for waiting staff, bar staff and guides and smaller amounts for doormen and porters.

TRAVEL TIPS
Book early if you want to visit New England in ‘The Fall’, which is between mid September to mid October.

DAY 1 - BOSTON
Arrive in Boston and pick up your car and drive to the Hilton Financial District hotel or alternatively transfer independently and pick up your rental car on Day 3. Enjoy the following day in the beautiful and historic city of Boston. Walk the Freedom Trail, a pedestrian path marked by red paint that links 16 important colonial and revolutionary historic sights. Stop by the famous 'Cheers' bar for a refreshing drink, stop for lunch at Quincy Market and soak up the delicious smells of the various market stalls selling tasty dishes and mouthwatering cakes and sweets or if time permits book an optional whale watching cruise.

DAY 3 - BOSTON TO FREEPORT
Depart north along Massachusetts Bay to the historic town of Salem, noted for its 17th Century witchcraft trials. Further up the coast is the charming fishing village of Gloucester and the famous Fishermen's Memorial Statue. Head north to Kennebunkport, before continuing on to Freeport and the Hilton Garden Inn Freeport (approx. 124 miles) for one night.

DAY 4 - FREEPORT TO WHITE MOUNTAINS
Explore Portland this morning before heading west through picturesque scenery to the White Mountains. Make a stop at North Conway, famous for its factory outlet stores or take a trip on the Conway Scenic Railroad. Stay overnight in the delightful Eagle Mountain House (approx. 90 miles).

DAY 5 - WHITE MOUNTAINS TO STOWE
Travel on small roads and see typical whitewashed villages and covered wooden bridges as your journey takes you into Vermont. Treat yourself to a tour of Ben and Jerry’s ice cream factory before continuing your journey to the Golden Eagle Resort, which is your base for the next two nights. The following day enjoy all the dining, shopping, arts or outdoor activity opportunities of Stowe or visit the nearby charming village of Woodstock (approx. 113 miles).

DAY 7 - STOWE TO STURBRIDGE
Continue travelling south through Vermont and visit Rutland or lovely Manchester Village. In the Berkshire Hills break your journey and visit Hancock Shaker Village, a restored 19th Century settlement. Continue on to the Publick House Historic Inn for an overnight stay (approx. 223 miles).

DAY 8 - STURBRIDGE TO NEWPORT
This morning make a visit to Old Sturbridge Village, a recreation of a working New England colonial town. This has to be been seen to be believed and offers a real taste of what life was like in New England centuries ago. Travel through Rhode Island to Newport and the Hotel Viking where you will spend the night. Newport is a thriving seaside resort with many museums and fantastic mansions that were built at the turn of the century for some of America’s wealthiest families. Tonight explore the restored waterfront shops and restaurants. (approx. 87 miles).

DAY 9 - NEWPORT TO CAPE COD
Take the short drive from Newport to Cape Cod and the Cape Codder Resort. Enjoy the next two days visiting the many attractions nearby including Hyannis, a commercial centre and home of the Kennedy family, or take a ferry to the islands of Martha’s Vineyard or Nantucket (approx. 75 miles).

DAY 11 - CAPE COD TO BOSTON
En route back to Boston, make time to visit Plymouth Rock, the site of the Pilgrims landing in America in 1622 or Plimoth Plantation, a living history museum. Return your Alamo rental car back at Boston airport for your onward journey (approx. 75 miles).