Experience New England Self-Drive

Day 1

Arrive Boston

Fly into Boston. For this itinerary, we have suggested you head straight into the heart of rural New England, but you may want a couple of nights in Boston to have chance to experience this great city with a fascinating history and charming neighbourhoods.

Day 2

Boston - Mid-coast Maine (110 miles)

Travel north up the coast into the New England state of Maine. There are several lovely resorts and towns to stay Mid Coast Maine, you can either  stay in quaint Kennebunkport, where you’ll find the quirky Seashore Trolley Museum with its huge collection of streetcars, plus historic churches and lighthouses. Or head for Portland, where you will find working fishing wharves and converted warehouses with restaurants and shops, and in the West End district  Victorian-era homes including the Victoria Mansion museum.

Day 3

Mid Coast Maine

Enjoy a day in this lovely coastal region. Stroll the beautiful beaches, taking in the stunning seascapes. Perhaps take a lobster boat tour, to learn all about this industry and of course taste the wonderful produce. You’ll be spoilt for choice with seafood restaurants, plus many other cafes and restaurants offering “Farm to Fork” food in this richly rural region.

Day 4

Mid Coast Maine - White Mountains (65 miles)

For this itinerary, we’ve planned for you to head inland and leave the coast behind. But if you have more time, you might like to journey further north along the coast into the Arcadia National Park, and the lovely coastal town of Arcadia. Just ask if you would like more details.

Leave Maine for the state of New Hampshire, driving through fields into forests and up into the White Mountains, which cover about a quarter of the State. Admire the  towering peaks and spectacular waterfalls. You’ll be spending two nights in this region, so keep your camera handy to take some memorable shots.

Day 5

White Mountains

Our suggestion for today is to drive up to the summit of Mount Washington – the highest peak in the North East at over 6,000 feet. The road to the top is usually open mid-May to Mid-October . There you will find a weather station and Extreme Mount Washington museum, housed inside the Mount Washington State Park Sherman Adams Visitor Center. Or you could take the Cog Railway to the top – a guided three hour adventure.

You’ll find other suggestions for activities here

And for those adventurous souls, read this

Day 6

White Mountains - Vermont (120 miles)

Time to head into perhaps the most well-known state of New England – Vermont. Famous for the colourful autumn foliage, this region is charming and picturesque at any time of year. Drive to the gorgeous town of Stowe in the very heart of Vermont. There are several accommodation options but we love the Trapp Family Lodge for the characterful comfort and the wide range of activities available. And of course, it is run by the real-life Von Trapp family, whos escape from Austria was immortalised in the film The Sound of Music.

Day 7

Vermont

A day to explore the characterful shops and cafes of Stowe, or hire a bike and cycle the lovely  Stowe Recreation Path. Or take a trip to tour the Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream factory nearby. There are masses of hiking trails in the area, so you can really experience rural New England at close quarters – beautiful forests, rolling hills and pretty villages with quaint churches.

Day 8

Vermont - The Berkshires (195 miles)

This morning head south out of Vermont and into The Berkshires - a rural region in the mountains of western Massachusetts dotted with pretty villages and towns. This area is well  known for outdoor activities and  farm-to-table food scene. A lovely place to stay over for a night or two to break the journey time to Cape Cod.

Day 9

Cape Cod

Now you’re on the final leg of your New England tour, driving to the peninsula of Cape Cod. The area is rightly popular in the summer, but out of season in the spring and autumn it is more peaceful and you have more space explore the white sand beaches and lovely resorts.

Day 10

Cape Cod

Either enjoy the beautiful white sand beaches on your doorstep or take a day drip to the island of Martha’s Vineyard or Nantucket. You could take a whale watching cruise or visit colourful, artistic Provincetown. There’s masses to do around here, so if you have a few more days to spare, then perhaps extend your holiday.

Day 11

Cape Cod to Boston Airport (70 miles)

After a relaxed start drive to Boston for your flight home.