Autumn in New England

Day 1 : Our Journey Begins

We begin our journey to discover all that scenic New England has to offer. Tonight we have accommodations in South Bend, Indiana.

Day 2 : Indiana, Ohio & Pennsylvania

We travel to Clearfield, Pennsylvania for our lodging this evening. Our included dinner is served in the Pennsylvania Dutch tradition.

Day 3 : New York City

Today we arrive in “The Big Apple” and check in for a two night stay in a centrally-located New York City hotel.

Day 4 : Broadway Musical

New York City is ours to explore today, the illustrious centerpiece of American culture, entertainment, history, and economics. See New York from the water during a harbor cruise witnessing the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and One World Trade Center. Discover Manhattan landmarks on a driving tour with an expert local guide to see Central Park, Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, Rockefeller Center, Times Square, and other iconic venues. Tonight we revel in the glitz and glamour of New York City’s Theater District at a Broadway musical.

Day 5 : JFK Library

We travel through Connecticut and Rhode Island to Massachusetts. This afternoon we visit the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library where exhibits and a documentary film acquaint us with the political career and family life of one of our country’s most remembered presidents. Our accommodations for the next two nights are in Boston.

Day 6 : Boston

This morning we go on a guided tour exploring sites on Boston’s Freedom Trail, learning about the crucial roles they played in our colonial history. View Paul Revere's home and Old North Church where signal lanterns ignited the American Revolution. Our lunch stop is at one of America’s most famous dining complexes, historic Quincy Market. After lunch we visit the USS Constitution Museum and learn about “Old Ironsides,” a 220-year-old naval frigate still floating in Boston’s harbor today. Later we visit the Boston Tea Party Museum to learn about the daring actions of the Sons of Liberty which lead to the birth of the nation. We join a historic reenactment of the town meeting held just hours before the Boston Tea Party, storm the wharf to destroy the Crown’s tea aboard an authentic 18th century replica vessel, and attend the award-winning, multi-sensory film Let It Begin Here.

Day 7 : Salem & the Canterbury Shakers

Visit the city of Salem for a guided city tour and time at its Maritime Visitor Center. We’ll witness historic architecture, learn about the city’s role in the American Revolution, and acquaint ourselves with its infamous 17th century witchcraft trials. We then enter New Hampshire, whose hardwood forests present Mother Nature in brilliant autumn colors! Receive a warm welcome at the Canterbury Shaker Village, a museum and historic site with 25 original Shaker buildings, gardens, and mill ponds dedicated to preserving their 200-year legacy. Our guided tour here offers fascinating insight into their passion for community and commitment to historic preservation.

Day 8 : Franconia Notch

Franconia Notch is a spectacular mountain pass traversed by a unique parkway. We stop along the way to learn about the natural wonders of the White Mountain National Forest. Later at Morse Farm Maple Sugarworks we learn about maple sugar and syrup production. Our next two nights are in Montpelier, Vermont. We have time for lunch on colorful Main Street and a stroll to the Vermont State House, the Greek Revival-style capitol building.

Day 9 : Vermont

Begin the day visiting the Cold Hollow Cider Mill where we learn how an apple press from the 1920s is still producing delicious ciders, baked goods, and more regional favorites. Next we arrive at the Trapp Family Lodge in Stowe, Vermont. The family from The Sound of Music settled here after fleeing Europe in the 1940s. Savor an Austria-inspired lunch buffet in the dining room, tour the lodge, and watch a documentary film about Maria von Trapp. Our day continues with a visit to Waterbury, a quaint Vermont town that is also the home to some of the world’s most famous ice cream flavors! Visit Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream and taste their delicious varieties.

Day 10 : 1,000 Islands Cruise

We depart Montpelier and travel to Grand Isle, just north of Burlington. After crossing Lake Champlain by ferry we travel to Alexandria Bay, New York. Enjoy a relaxing cruise along the St. Lawrence River and hear about the history of the 1,000 Islands resort area popular with the rich and famous. Our overnight accommodations are in Alexandria Bay.

Day 11 : Niagara Falls

Travel north of the Finger Lakes and cross the border into Canada to enjoy time in Niagara Falls. Upon arrival we stop at the Table Rock Complex for lunch followed by time to shop for souvenirs and get views of the spectacular falls while enjoying an included dinner. Later we witness the enchanting wonder of the cascading water illuminated in bright colors.

Day 12 : Travel through Ontario

Our route takes us through Ontario’s farming region and back into the U.S. Tonight our Holiday Vacations Farewell Dinner and lodging are in Kalamazoo.

Day 13 : Return Home