Self-Drive New England Sampler

Day 1-2

Arrive in Boston after your transatlantic flight from the UK. Independent transfer to your overnight hotel.
Boston - the “Athens of America” is yours to discover for your next couple of days. Explore the Freedom Trail, ride the Swanboats in the Public Gardens, shop at Quincy Market, take a dinner cruise on Boston Harbor. Take the “T” to Cambridge, or a whale watch cruise. Museums, shops, art galleries and the friendly people complete your visit.
Hotel: 3 star standard Sheraton Newton/4 star select Lenox downtown

Day 3

Travel along the North Shore of Massachusetts, through coastal New Hampshire and into Maine. Visit the summer communities of Kennebunk and Kennebunkport, seasonal home to former US President George Bush. Continue along the coast to arrive early evening in Portland, a historic city, known for its restored Old Port Exchange on the waterfront. Plentiful restaurants feature the local specialty — lobster!
Hotels: 3 star standard Best Western Merry Manor/ 4 star select Eastland Park

Day 4

Journey through the Maine Lakes Region on your way to the White Mountains. Drive to North Conway, a shoppers’ paradise with countless factory outlet stores offering top quality at rock bottom prices. Also in North Conway: the Conway Scenic Railroad; Storyland children’s theme park and Heritage New Hampshire museum. The nearby Mt. Washington Toll Road takes you to the summit of one of the east’s highest mountains. If you’re traveling onto Lincoln, journey along the picturesque Kancamagus Highway, an old Indian trail following the Swift River through the mountains. Overnight White Mountains
Hotels: 3 star standard Lodge at Lincoln Station/ 4 star select Eagle Mountain House

Day 5

If you spent the night in Jackson or North Conway, head along the Kancamagus Highway to Lincoln. Travel south for a side trip to glimpse Lake Winnipesaukee or Lake Squam. Entering Vermont on your way to the Green Mountains, stop at Quechee Gorge, Vermont’s mini Grand Canyon, for breathtaking vistas. Stop in the village of Woodstock with its traditional shops and covered bridge. The grand Woodstock Inn offers a classic setting for afternoon tea. Overnight Green Mountains
Hotels: 3 star standard Commoders Inn/ 4 star select Basin Harbor Club

Day 6

Travel to Rutland, once center to the Vermont marble industry; stop in quaint Manchester Village on your way to the Berkshire Hills of Massachusetts. Visit the Francine Clarke Art Institute in Williamstown, or head for Hancock and the Hancock Shaker Village, one of the last Shaker settlements. Continue to Lenox, summer home of the Boston Symphony and to Stockbridge, once home to Norman Rockwell, one of America’s greatest artists. The Norman Rockwell Museum houses many of his original works. Overnight River Valley, Connecticut
Hotels: 3 star standard Best Western Sovereign/ 4 star select Sturbridge Host

Day 7

The choice is yours: spend time exploring Old Sturbridge Village, a living museum depicting life in the 19th century, then travel directly to Cape Cod; or head into America’s smallest state, Rhode Island, and visit Newport, the summer resort of America’s first millionaires. Tour the Ten Mile Drive, with its extravagant summer mansions. Explore Newport’s restored waterfront, which is home to many shops and restaurants. Then it’s off to Cape Cod, with its white sandy beaches, historic villages, great shopping and excellent seafood. Overnight Cape Cod
Hotels: 3 star standard Bayside/ 4 star select Sheraton Four Points

Day 8

En route to Logan Airport, visit Sandwich, the Cape’s oldest town. Head for Plymouth, where the Pilgrims landed in 1620 and spend some time exploring Plimoth Plantation, a living museum depicting Pilgrim life 1627. Travel to Boston to drop your car and catch your flight home or extend your stay in Boston if you wish or take a flight onto another destination.