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
Boston: Private Sunset Boston Harbor Cruise with Cocktails and Hors d'oeuvres - 2 Hours
Boston: Private VIP Boston Yacht Experience With Cocktails & Hors d’oeuvres - 2 Hours
Overview:
Imagine sailing into the sunset on Boston Harbor aboard the Valiant, a stunning 97-foot yacht. Picture yourself lounging in the elegant salon, drink in hand from the open bar or chatting on the wicker-furnished fantail. And let’s not forget the bow – your front-row seat to breathtaking views and the ultimate selfie spot. It’s not just a sunset cruise – it’s your private floating celebration in luxury. Cheers to that!
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Tour Itinerary & Highlights:
Note: This is a suggested itinerary – we can customize based on your preferences.
Welcome Bubbly: Board with a glass of Champagne, setting the tone for a special evening.
Sail with Charm: Depart from Rowes Wharf aboard the Valiant, your gateway to Boston’s skyline and seaside splendor.
Tailored Journey: Your captain listens to your picks highlighting the Financial District, Seaport or your favorite sights.
Skyline and Sea: Experience the Federal Courthouse, World Trade Center and the stunning Boston skyline from a unique perspective.
Historical Highlights: Glide past the USS Constitution and explore the stories of Harbor Islands like Spectacle and Castle.
Bites and Delights: Enjoy your choice of tasty hors d’oeuvres and other food selections.
Set the Mood: With a DJ curating your soundtrack, the vibe is as unforgettable as the views.
More Information:
The duration of the experience is two (2) hours.
This tour is offered from April 1st through November 1st, seven (7) days a week.
Please inquire with your sales representative for information on wheelchair accessibility.
Boston: Boston Private Cycle Boat Charter - 4 Hours
Overview:
Hop on our cycle boat for a unique spin around Boston Harbor! Pedal past historic gems like the Boston Tea Party ship and USS Constitution, or just chill and enjoy the ride. See iconic sights from Bunker Hill to the Seaport, with the freedom to bring your own snacks and drinks. Whether you’re pedaling or lounging, it’s an unforgettable way to experience Boston’s skyline and history. Ready to set sail?
Tour Itinerary & Highlights:
Note: This is a suggested itinerary – we can customize based on your preferences.
Pickup Perks: Your ride awaits! Get scooped up within Boston and whisked away to your cycle boat adventure.
East Boston Exploration: Pedal by the vibrant shores of East Boston, where city views meet sea breezes.
South Boston Seaport Sights: Cruise past the bustling Seaport, where modernity meets the ocean’s edge.
Downtown Delights: Experience the heart of Boston from its waterfront for a unique perspective on city life.
Northend Waterfront Wonders: Float by the charming Northend waterfront where history and culinary delights abound.
Charles River Revelations: Venture into the Charles River Basin where cityscapes and serene waters blend.
Charlestown Navy Yard Close-Up: Encounter naval history up close at the Charlestown Navy Yard, home to legendary ships.
More Information:
The cycle boat tour is one-and-a-half (1.5) hours.
Boston: Discover Boston Private Sightseeing Program - 4 Hours
Boston: Private Historic Boston Pub Crawl - 4 Hours
Overview:
Kick off your unique Boston adventure with a luxury pickup and head straight to Faneuil Hall to begin your exclusive pub crawl along the Freedom Trail. You’ll hit four historic taverns – each with its own craft beer or cider to toast to – all while listening to untold tales of Boston’s past. And after soaking up all that history and brew, you’ll get free time to explore Faneuil Hall Marketplace at your leisure. It’s history, with a twist of fun!
Tour Itinerary & Highlights:
Note: This is a suggested itinerary – we can customize based on your preferences.
Boston: Freedom Trail Private Walking Tour - 1.5 Hours
Boston: Private Harvard Campus Tour - 1.5 Hours
Overview:
Ever wonder what it’s like to roam the grounds of an Ivy League legend? Let us pick you up in a luxury vehicle and zip you over to Harvard where you’ll be met by an expert guide – an actual Harvard student – to find out. Stroll through the historic Harvard Yard, get the inside scoop on university lore and maybe even walk the same paths as some of the world-famous Harvardians. Don’t miss this peek into the life of America’s academic elite!
Tour Itinerary & Highlights:
Note: This is a suggested itinerary – we can customize based on your preferences.
Harvard Square Meetup: Start your Harvard tour where Cambridge’s heart beats – iconic Harvard Square – bustling with brainpower and charm.
Stroll with a Scholar: Walk through Harvard’s hallowed grounds with a student guide whose stories and insights bring the campus’s rich legacy to life.
Stereotypes Shattered: Discover that Harvard students aren’t just a Hollywood cliché – they’re real, diverse and ready to share their world with you.
Harvard’s Hallmarks: Explore the must-see spots with your guide – laugh at the Harvard Lampoon, reflect at Johnston Gate and snap a pic with the third most-photographed American statue.
More Information:
The duration of the tour is one and a half (1.5) hours.
This tour is offered all year round, seven (7) days a week.
Please inquire with your sales representative for information on wheelchair accessibility.
All fares are quoted in US Dollars.