Welcome to New York City! Your Tour Director is on hand late this afternoon to answer any questions.
Take a city tour of the Big Apple and see iconic sites like the Empire State Building, Rockefeller centre, Wall Street and Times Square. Then have the afternoon to explore this exciting city. Perhaps visit one of the many world-class museums, see Chinatown, go for a walk in Central Park or take in a Broadway show. (B)
Leaving the city, drive north through Connecticut, stopping in the historic seaport village of Mystic on the way. Cross into Rhode Island, the smallest of the fifty United States. Overnight in Middletown. (B)
Travel to nearby Newport, known as the "sailing capital of the world." Enjoy the Ten Mile Drive where you'll have spectacular ocean views and pass by gorgeous Gilded Age mansions. Afterwards, have free time to explore the thriving harbour and historic Old Quarter which includes the country's largest collection of colonial houses. Or take a step back in time to America's Gilded Age with an optional excursion to The Breakers, the 70-room crown jewel of the Newport Mansions and summer home of Cornelius Vanderbilt II.
Drive north into Massachusetts, a state rich with history. Stop in New Bedford and visit the Whaling National Historical Park to learn about the world's preeminent whaling port during the nineteenth century. Continue on to Plymouth, the first landing place of the Mayflower Pilgrims in 1620 and see Plymouth Rock.
Today, drive to the old fishing port of Provincetown on the tip of Cape Cod, now an eclectic seaside town. Browse the colourful shops and art galleries of Commercial Street and enjoy some local seafood while enjoying the beautiful ocean views. Take home a whale of a tale on an optional Whale Watching Cruise with a chance to see humpback and other varieties of whales and dolphins.
Take a city tour of Boston, the largest city in New England and a city of firsts. The first public school, first public transit system, first municipal library, first public park and more. See historic sites like the Old State House, the Freedom Trail and the Old North Church, where Paul Revere got the signal to start his famous ride. Stop by Faneuil Hall and have lunch in Quincy Market, perhaps trying some Boston Baked Beans or a bowl of New England Clam Chowder then have the rest of the day at leisure to discover this city full of history, culture, sports, and good food!
Head north to Maine, stopping along the way to see iconic Nubble Lighthouse. Then on to the historic Maritime city of Portland with its famous Old Port waterfront lined with working fishing wharves and converted warehouses. Stroll the cobblestone streets filled with shops and restaurants, perhaps stopping to try an official Maine Lobster Roll. Overnight in nearby Ogunquit.
Depart this morning for Boston, with a stop at Boston Logan International Airport for those with homebound flights. Please schedule departing flights for after 12:00 p.m. The trip ends at our Boston hotel for guests with extra nights. (B)