Tauck
OFFER ID 1548969
Hidden Gems of New England
Explore the best of New England on a journey through its picturesque heart, discovering new insights into landmark sites and historic homes, where country farms and nature's dramatically contrasting vistas evoke the spirit of a place whose ideas shaped America.
Classic New England lives in Boston Common, in the White Mountains aglow with autumn colors, in the general store and the diamond at Fenway Park... the drama of the rugged Maine coast... in Augustus Saint-Gaudens' studio where images of American heroes were forged, in millwheels, covered bridges, and white-steepled churches, and the rocky soil that has long been fertile ground for thinkers, artists, writers, inventors, entrepreneurs and Revolutionaries. This is, as Dayton Duncan observes, Ken Burns' backyard: "New England has always had a special place in American history and American thought. And New England has become Ken Burns' backyard – not just the place where he's raised his family and made his documentaries in the classic New England town of Walpole, New Hampshire, but also a place intertwined with many of the stories he's told: Mark Twain, Baseball, The Civil War and The National Parks: America's Best Idea. It's a distinct region with its own beauty and its own secret treasures – and who better to share them but one of its proudest residents."
7 nights from $5,990 per person
Tauck World Discovery: Hidden Gems of New England
Day 1 Boston, Massachusetts, USA
Welcome to Boston
Tour begins: 5:30 PM, The Fairmont Copley Plaza, Boston. A transfer is included from Logan International Airport to The Fairmont Copley Plaza, Boston. Please join us this evening for a welcome reception and dinner at the hotel.
In his films Baseball and The Tenth Inning, Ken Burns offers a glimpse into the soul of our "national pastime"; for many, it lives at Fenway Park, America's oldest ballpark and home of the Boston Red Sox since 1912. Past glories come alive on a walking tour of the stadium that may include some its most famous landmarks, such as the Triangle, Pesky's Pole, the former location of Duffy's Cliff, and the legendary Green Monster of left field. Next, an orientation tour of the city follows the historic Freedom Trail from the Back Bay's Copley Square to Augustus Saint-Gaudens' memorial to Col. Robert Gould Shaw in Boston Common, the State House, the Old North Church, the Old State House and the South Meeting House. The remainder of the day is free to explore Boston as you please.
Depart the city of Boston for the nearby flashpoint of the American Revolution, the Massachusetts towns of Lexington and Concord, where 2025 marks the 250th anniversary of the Battles of Lexington and Concord. First, travel to the Lexington Battle Green, where the "shot heard 'round the world" that signaled the beginning of hostilities was fired; and Concord's Old North Bridge and iconic Minuteman statue, cast from the bronze of Civil War cannons, in Minute Man National Historic Park. Head west across the center of Massachusetts, stopping for lunch en route to the Berkshires for a late afternoon arrival at your historic hotel in Stockbridge.
Aglow with blazing foliage in autumn, the Berkshires of western Massachusetts have long been a retreat for artists and writers. Begin today's discoveries in Stockbridge at the Norman Rockwell Museum, dedicated to the beloved illustrator whose hundreds of covers for the Saturday Evening Post depicting scenes from small-town America – including here in Stockbridge, where he spent the last 25 years of his life – illuminated the lives of ordinary people with humor and pathos; view many original works by Rockwell, and visit his preserved studio. Next, head to Hancock Shaker Village in Pittsfield for a private tour of this former Shaker settlement, founded in 1783 and active through 1960. Today it's a living-history museum featuring 20 authentic Shaker buildings, costumed interpreters, rich collections of Shaker furniture and artifacts, a working farm with extensive gardens and heritage-breed livestock and more. Continue on to Manchester, Vermont, for an overnight at the Kimpton Taconic Hotel.
Depart your Vermont resort and drive into the New Hampshire countryside for an exclusive insider look at Ken Burns' private film studio in Walpole, where his Florentine Films was founded. Have lunch in town and enjoy some free time; in fall, indulge in autumnal panoramas of New Hampshire's White Mountains, arriving for a two-night stay at a true New England classic since 1902 – the spectacular Omni Mount Washington Resort in Bretton Woods, a National Historic Landmark.
Your day in the beautiful White Mountains begins with a visit to The Rocks in Bethlehem, New Hampshire – a 1,400-acre forest reservation owned and managed by the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests – and enjoy a maple sugaring experience. For centuries, maple sugaring has remained a cherished tradition in New Hampshire, where the sight of smoke billowing from sugar houses nestled in the woods heralds the onset of spring. With the warming days, sap courses through sugar maple trees, awaiting harvest to produce delectable maple syrup, sugar, and confections. At The Rocks' New Hampshire Maple Experience, visitors delve into this rich maple heritage, tracing its roots from the methods employed by Native Americans and early European settlers to the contemporary practices of today's sugar makers. This afternoon, you have a choice; one option takes you to the 6288' summit of Mount Washington, the highest mountain peak in the Northeast – aboard a custom-built diesel locomotive! The approximately three-hour round trip is an exhilarating journey through history, technology, and nature, including about an hour to explore the State Park at the summit (seasonal and weather-related restrictions apply). Your other option is a free afternoon at your hotel. If you wish, take a hotel history tour of your famous Bretton Woods resort, where you'll have dinner at your leisure tonight.
A wildlife talk at your White Mountains resort this morning offers an appreciation of the ecology of the glorious landscapes, summer and autumn, that you'll journey through today as you wind your way to Maine. You'll arrive midday at Perkins Cove in Ogunquit, named by the Abenaki tribe, because the word means "beautiful place by the sea." The area is known for its stunning walking trails – you'll have an opportunity to explore this quintessential coastal Maine region with a walk along the famed Marginal Way trail that hugs the sea. Originally developed in 1925, the trail is only 1.25 miles – with spectacular breathtaking vistas and iconic scenery. Arrive for an overnight stay at your oceanfront hotel; join us for a farewell reception and dinner.
Tour ends: Boston. Drive directly to Boston's Logan International Airport from Stage Neck Inn after breakfast. Allow a minimum of two hours for flight check-in; flights should not be booked before 2:00 PM. The group transport will drop guests off at the airport and then drive 3.5 miles to drop off at Boston South Station (for trains).
Manchester, a pretty town about 95 mi/155 km south of Burlington, has been a summer resort since the 19th century and becomes the cultural capital of Vermont in the summer, with world-class performing acts scheduled throughout the season. Manchester is also a retail capital—there are more than 50 outlet stores and 50 more galleries and specialty shops.
Located in the heart of Manchester Village, the posh Equinox Resort dates to the 1700s and offers two unusual activities: a Land Rover 4x4 driving school and the British School of Falconry, which teaches you to handle your own birds of prey—hunting hawks and falcons. Among the town's other attractions is the American Museum of Fly Fishing, which includes a display of celebrity tackle once owned by the likes of Ernest Hemingway, Dwight D. Eisenhower and Bing Crosby.
The historic Georgian Revival mansion Hildene, the summer residence of Abraham Lincoln's son, Robert Todd Lincoln, has appealing formal gardens and excellent mountain views; it plays host to concerts by the Vermont Symphony Orchestra. Theater performances take place at the Dorset Theater and the Weston Playhouse.
The Northshire Bookstore is one of the state's largest and finest independent bookstores, and it frequently sponsors readings by well-known authors, some of whom live in the area.
After you've seen Manchester, drive the winding toll road up Mount Equinox (be sure your car's brakes are in good shape) for spectacular views of four states and a bit of Quebec. For more high-altitude fun, hit the slopes at Stratton Mountain Resort, which offers more than 90 trails suited to a variety of skill levels. The 12-passenger high-speed gondola known as Starship 12 whisks skiers and snowboarders to the summit in less than eight minutes. It has helped alleviate some of the long lift lines created by the large number of skiers, many of them vacationing New Yorkers.
At the base of the mountain is an alpine-style village with shops, restaurants and lodges.
Bromley Mountain Resort is also located in the Manchester area. South-facing Bromley Mountain claims to be a good deal warmer than Stratton Mountain, and it's popular with families (children younger than age 5 ski for free). During the summer or fall, try Bromley's alpine slide. The curved course has as many thrills as you desire—you control the speed of your sled, from pokey to terrifying.
For some genuine Americana, drive southwest of Manchester to Arlington, home of the Norman Rockwell Exhibition. An 1800s church displays hundreds of the artist's works, including many of his cover illustrations for the Saturday Evening Post. The artist lived there for nearly 25 years, until he moved his family to Massachusetts in the 1950s.
About as picturesque as they come, Ogunquit has a slightly more frivolous spirit than its Kennebunk neighbors, and it is a very popular gay resort spot 60 mi/95 km southwest of Portland. Once a fishing village, the town is now something of an art center with lots of galleries and shops lining the streets. The Ogunquit Museum of American Art is highly regarded and well worth a visit (http://www.ogunquitmuseum.org). The Ogunquit Playhouse has maintained a reputation for high-quality performances since it first offered summer theatrical productions in the 1930s (http://www.ogunquitplayhouse.org).
You shouldn't miss Bald Head Cliff—you reach it by walking the Marginal Way, a winding, paved route that follows a cliff edge along the waterfront (the waves crashing against the cliff add to the drama of the scenery). Open-sided trolleys run through the center of town and as far as Footbridge Beach between July and Labor Day. Pay a visit to Perkins Cove, where you can see a drawbridge that's used exclusively by pedestrians (the only one of its kind in New England).
In nearby Wells, the Wells Auto Museum displays more than 70 antique cars, as well as vintage arcade games and other relics (http://www.wellsautomuseum.com). We found the Wells National Estuarine Research Reserve at Laudholm Farm an excellent place to spend an afternoon. This 1,600-acre/650-hectare parcel of wetland provides many hiking paths, and you can see an exceptional variety of birds—herons, egrets, kingfishers, glossy ibis and Canada geese. Take along binoculars (http://www.wellsreserve.org). Nearby, the Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge is a 1-mi/1.6-km loop through a white-pine forest and a salt marsh (http://www.fws.gov/northeast/rachelcarson).
Boston: Private North End Italian Food Tasting Walking Tour - 3 Hours
Duration: 3-Hours
Start Time: Between 11:30am and 1:30pm
Meeting Location: Corner of Hanover & Cross Streets, adjacent to Mother Anna’s Restaurant
Activity Level: Easy
EXPERIENCE:
Experience Italy in one of Boston’s oldest neighborhoods, the North End. Our North End Food Tour is a leisurely-paced walking tour that carves a path through the streets of the charming North End. Combine the North End history with Boston’s best Italian foods and explore out-of-the way establishments and off-the-beaten path areas. All your senses will be sharpened by the aromas of the North End pizzerias, restaurants, bakeries, pastry shops, and salumerias. Tastings may include a choice of three pasta dishes at Pagliuca’s Ristorante or a lobster roll, Italian meat and cheeses at Salumeria Italiana, espresso, coffee, Italian soda or lemon slush (summer) at Polcari’s Coffee, pizza from Regina Pizzeria (Boston’s original pizzeria), cannoli from Modern Pastry, and a visit to Bova Bakery where you may sample macaroons, Italian wedding cookies or lemon-snowdrops. Note: All tastings and locations are subject to change.
PROGRAM INCLUDES:
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
TOUR ITINERARY:
Boston: Private Sunset Boston Harbor Cruise with Cocktails and Hors d'oeuvres
Duration: 2 Hours
Start Time: 7:00 PM
Meeting Location: Ferry Terminal at 60 Rowes Wharf
Activity Level: Easy
Say goodbye to the crowds, lines and hassles of boarding a public cruise in Boston Harbor. Instead, see Boston from a different perspective as you sail the Harbor aboard an 80-foot Schooner, designed to carry passengers comfortably with plenty of room to sit and move about the boat. Watch the sun set below the horizon and enjoy a breathtaking excursion on the elegant Schooner Adirondack III. As you take in the sights of Boston in style, you will also enjoy a full open bar with hors d’oeuvres.
Boston: Private VIP Boston Yacht Experience With Cocktails & Hors d’oeuvres
Duration: 2 Hours
Start Time: Flexible
Meeting Location: 30 Rowes Wharf
Activity Level: Easy
Enjoy an intimate private sunset cruise complete with open bar and food on the luxurious Valiant, an elegant 97-foot Yacht, uniquely serving the waters of Boston Harbor. This vessel boasts a traditional salon area with a full bar, connecting to a wicker-furnished fantail. The spectacular bow is ideal for capturing perfect photographs and taking in the spectacular views of the Boston Harbor.
Boston: Private Sunset Boston Harbor Cruise
Duration: 2 Hours
Start Time: Flexible
Meeting Location: 30 Rowes Wharf
Activity Level: Easy
Enjoy an intimate private sunset cruise on the Carousel, a 49-foot Eastbay Express with a spacious aft area, offering both outdoor seating and ample interior seating, accommodating up to six guests. A sunset or daytime cruise is the perfect venue for taking in the sights of Historical Boston Harbor and the scenic skyline.
Boston: Boston Private Cycle Boat Charter - 4 Hours
Duration: 4-hours (1.5 Hour cycle boat tour)
Start Time: Varies
Meeting Location: Flexible
Activity Level: Easy to Moderate
See Boston like never before! This private 1.5 Hour cycleboat tour allows you to propel the boat on your own on comfortable bicycle seats or you can relax and let the outboard motor do the work. After departing from one of several available piers, you will be able to pedal around Boston Harbor and see amazing views, close up, of Boston and American history including the Boston Tea Party ship, the Downtown Boston Waterfront, Bunker Hill Monument and the Charlestown Navy Yard with the USS Constitution and WWII destroyer, Cassin Young. Other famous landmarks you will see from the cycleboat include the East Boston Tall Ship, Nantucket Lightship, Logan Airport, and South Boston Seaport. Each boat has between 10 and 12 pedal seats with comfortable lounge seating at the bow. Guests are welcome to bring their own food and drinks on board, or catering can be arranged at an additional cost.
Boston: Discover Boston Private Sightseeing Program - 4 Hours
Highlights:
If New York is Money and Washington DC is Power, then Boston is Education. There are over 60 universities and colleges in the Boston Metro area, and there are even more in the suburbs. Boston is also known for its role in the War for Independence from Britain and is considered by many to be where the war began. Its historical sights are still in excellent condition. This tour will feature various sights and/or stops that may include Boston Common, Massachusetts State House, Park Street Church, Granary Burying Ground, King’s Chapel, Benjamin Franklin Statue & Boston Latin School, Old Corner Book Store, Old South Meeting House, Old State House, Site of Boston Massacre, Faneuil Hall, Paul Revere House, Old North Church, Copp’s Hill Burying Ground, Harvard Square and Bunker Hill Monument.
All stops, timing and inclusions of the tour are dependent on traffic and weather conditions.
Tour Duration: Four (4) Hours
Tour Can Operate:
The starting time and date of the tour are customizable to fit your schedule.
This tour is offered all year round, 7-days a week.
Wheelchair Accessible: No
Physical Activity Level: Light
Inclusions:
Ride in comfort in our luxury vehicles with professional drivers and bottled water
Experience the city and receive local tips from your savvy local guide
Door-to-door service and flexible timing
Driver gratuity included (guide gratuity is not included)
Not Included:
Gratuity for the tour guide is not included
Boston: Private Historic Boston Pub Crawl - 4 Hours
Highlights:
Hidden history combined with craft beer makes for a great time and a unique private Boston experience. Your journey begins when your private driver picks you up in a luxury vehicle within Boston proper to take you Faneuil Hall where your walking tour begins. Here you will meet your expert local guide who will take you on a two hour and 15 minute private walking pub crawl where you will visit four historic taverns along Boston’s famed Freedom Trail. At each stop you will not only enjoy four craft beers or hard ciders, but you'll also learn unknown stories of the city’s colonial and revolutionary history. After your tour is over you can enjoy more of Faneuil Hall on your own before your driver meets you to take you back to your hotel or location of your choosing (within Boston proper). Must be age 21 years or older.
Faneuil Hall where you will meet your pub crawl guide.
You will walk along Boston’s famous Freedom Trail with your guide visiting four different pubs and enjoying a draft beer of your choice (or hard cider) at each one.
Your guide will share stories with you that your 8th grade Social Studies teacher left out. From the landing on Plymouth Rock to the start of the Revolution, you will learn how beer played a part in the birth of America.
After your tour you can enjoy more of Faneuil Hall on your own before your driver meets you to take you back to your hotel or location of your choosing (within Boston proper).
All stops, timing and inclusions of the tour are dependent on traffic and weather conditions.
We can customize the tour and stops to fit your needs upon request.
Tour Duration: 4 Hours
Tour Can Operate:
The starting time and date of the tour are customizable to fit your schedule.
This tour is offered all year round, 7-days a week, between the hours of 11:30am and 8:00pm.
Wheelchair Accessible: No
Physical Activity Level: Light
Inclusions:
Ride in comfort in our luxury vehicles with professional drivers and bottled water
Door-to-door service and flexible timing
2 hour and 15-minute private pub crawl
Driver gratuity and guide gratuity included
24-hour support phone number
Boston: Freedom Trail Private Walking Tour - 1.5 Hours
Highlights:
Travel back to Revolutionary Boston and explore the historic sites of the Freedom Trail between Boston Common and Faneuil Hall. The Freedom Trail sites include the scenes of critical events in Boston and the nation’s struggle for freedom. Led by a 18th-century costumed guide*, this tour features tales of high treason, mob agitations, revolutionary actions, and partisan fights of the American Revolution. On this tour, you will see Boston Common, site of the first Public School, Massachusetts State House, Old Corner Bookstore, Park Street Church, Old South Meeting House, Granary Burying Ground, Old State House, King’s Chapel, Site of the Boston Massacre, and Faneuil Hall.
Meet your costumed historical interpreter* 15 minutes before the start of your tour at The Boston Common Visitor Center at 139 Tremont Street.
Traverse through the graveyards and sites of Boston’s history as you walk from Boston Common to Faneuil Hall visiting all of the historic spots. This is an easy, approximately 1 mile walk.
*Note: During extremely hot weather, guides may be dressed in a modern uniform.
All stops, timing and inclusions of the tour are dependent on traffic and weather conditions.
We can customize the tour and stops to fit your needs upon request.
Tour Duration: 1.5 Hours
Tour Can Operate:
The starting time and date of the tour are customizable to fit your schedule.
This tour is offered all year round, 7-days a week.
Wheelchair Accessible: No
Physical Activity Level: Light
Inclusions:
Experience the city and receive local tips from your savvy local guide
1.5 Hour guided walking tour with costumed tour guide*
24-hour support phone number
Exclusions:
Gratuity for the tour guide is not included.
*Note: During extremely hot weather, guides may be dressed in a modern uniform.
Boston: Private Harvard Campus Tour - 1.5 Hours
Boston: Private After Hour Tour of Boston’s Old North Church - 4 Hours
Highlights:
Old North Church was the starting place of the American Revolutionary war and the inspiration for Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s famous poem line “One if by land, and two if by sea” and also sparked Paul Revere’s midnight ride. On the eve of April 18,1775, the church sexton, Robert Newman, and Captain John Pulling Jr. climbed the steeple and held high two lanterns as a signal from Paul Revere that the British were marching to Lexington and Concord by sea (not by land) across the Charles River. Built in 1723, the Old North Church is Boston’s oldest surviving church building and one of the Freedom Trail’s most visited historical sites. On this private after-hours guided tour, guests will visit the Sanctuary plus the Crypt where over 1,100 bodies lie underneath the sanctuary and will tour the church’s bell tower for a rare behind-the-scenes tour of the archive room and the bell ringing chamber. The Old North Church has been named one of the best destinations in New England welcoming over 500,00 visitors each year. This private after-hours tour allows you to experience this unique and stirring monument to liberty without the crowds.
All fares are quoted in US Dollars.
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