Classic New England - 15 Days

White clapperboard churches set on a verdant village green with spires soaring towards a clear blue sky; quaint village stores and cafes lining the main street; picturesque houses with colourful gardens and a rocking chair on the porch; rolling hills with sparkling streams and green forests. That's New England in the summer; in the autumn it is even more beautiful as those green trees turn a kaleidoscope of reds,oranges, browns and yellows and the morning mist hangs over the fields and streams. This self drive tour allows you to experience this beautiful area and includes the following highlights.

Tour Highlights

- Explore fascinating Boston

- Explore Newport with its palatial summer mansions

- See all six New England states

- Enjoy the Green and White mountains and Acadia National Park with two night stays in each

- Relax on Cape Cod

Day 1 Arrive Boston

Arrive in Boston and take an included shuttle to your downtown hotel. The rest of the day is free to explore this wonderful city. Overnight for two nights at the Midtown Hotel (standard) or Colonnade Hotel (superior).

Day 2 Boston

Famous for everything from the Red Sox and Paul Revere to Cheers and clam "chowdah," Boston is a popular destination for so many reasons. Part history lesson, part modern metropolis, the Hub offers attractions to suit every taste and interest. Hop on the Freedom Trail, a well-preserved pedestrian path that weaves in and out of historic neighbourhoods. Between landmarks, you can shop the fabulous stores on Newbury Street, have a delicious authentic Italian meal in the North End or browse the antique shops and distinctive redbrick buildings of Beacon Hill. The more culturally inclined will not want to miss the city's world-class museums, theatre and music venues. Family friendly to the core, Boston also boasts a renowned aquarium, children's museum and science museum, making it a great getaway for all.

Day 3 Boston to Mid Coast Maine (112 miles)

Collect you rental car from the downtown office this morning and begin your adventure. First stop on anyone's itinerary has to be historic Salem, famous for the witch trials in 1692; visit just before Halloween when the decorations are awesome and it gives the celebration a whole new darkness! Travel to the coast, stopping in Kittery for great factory outlet shopping. In historic Portland, enjoy the charming Old Port Exchange and, of course, lobster! Overnight at the BW Merry Manor (standard) or Hilton Garden Inn Freeport (superior).

Day 4 Portland area to Bar Harbor (162 miles)

Spectacular scenery awaits as you head for Bar Harbor situated on Mount Desert Island, known as the home of Acadia National Park with its lakes, forest, coastline and more than 300 species of birds. In Bar Harbor you'll find more than 100 restaurants; explore its sidewalk cafes and shops, or wander the waterfront and gaze at the 19th-century mansions that tower over the water, stately reminders of the days when this small town on Frenchman's Bay was a grand summer resort for society families. Overnight for two nights at the Wonder View Inn (standard) or Bluenose Inn (superior)

Day 5 Bar Harbour Free Day

A free day for you to explore the Arcadia National Park or perhaps just relax in Bar Harbor. Hike or drive to the top of Cadillac Mountain -- the highest point on the eastern seaboard - - and you'll be the first in the country to welcome the sun; above you the early morning sky, below Maine's rugged coastline.

Days 6 & 7 Maine to White Mountains (250 miles)

Drive through gorgeous scenery - from forests to fields, all interspersed with sparkling lakes and rivers to the White Mountains. In the White Mountains, drive to the summit of Mt. Washington, shop, or take the Conway Scenic Railroad, or head to the Lakes Region. Overnight for two nights at the Lodge at Lincoln Station (standard) or Merrill Farm Resort, North Conway (superior).

Days 8 & 9 White Mountains to Green Mountains Northern Vermont (130 miles)

If you spent the night in Jackson or North Conway, travel the Kancamagus Highway to Lincoln. In Vermont, treat yourself to a tour of Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream Factory before heading to Burlington, on the banks of Lake Champlain. Don't miss Woodstock, a quintessential New England village with traditional shops and covered bridges and visit Shelburne Museum's collections of Americana, gardens and the side-wheeler, SS Ticonderoga. Overnight for two nights at the Commodores Inn (standard) or Golden Eagle Resort (superior) in Stowe

Day 10 Stowe to Connecticut River Valley (174 miles)

Travel to Rutland, once centre of the Vermont marble industry. Manchester Village is a lovely stop on your way to the Berkshire Hills of Massachusetts. Visit the Francine Clarke Art Institute or the Hancock Shaker Village, a restored 19th century settlement. Continue to Lenox, summer home of the Boston Symphony and Stockbridge, once home to Norman Rockwell, one of America's greatest artists. The Norman Rockwell Museum houses many of his works. Overnight at the Clarion, West Springfield (standard) or Comfort Inn & Suites Berkshire, Great Barrington (superior).

Days 11 Springfield to Newport, Rhode Island (127 miles)

Before heading to Newport make a stop and visit Old Sturbridge Village, a living 19th century museum or Mystic, Connecticut and Mystic Seaport Museum, America's largest maritime museum. Continue to Newport, summer resort of America's first millionaires. Overnight for two nights at the Howard Johnson Newport (standard) or Hotel Viking (superior).

Day 12 Newport free day

Spend the day on a spectacular beach; tour the Cliff Walk and Ten Mile Drive with its extravagant summer mansions. Visit the Breakers, the grandest of Newport's summer "cottages" and a symbol of the Vanderbilt family's social and financial pre-eminence during the late 19th century. Newport was home to the America's Cup for over 50 years and is widely known as the sailing capital of the world. Newport's restored waterfront features many shops and restaurants.

Days 13 Newport to Hyannis, Cape Cod (75 miles)

Travel to Cape Cod, a fabulous summer resort with white sandy beaches and abundant attractions. Overnight for two nights at the Holyday Inn (standard) or Resort & Conference Centre (superior).

Day 14 Cape Cod free day

A free day to enjoy Cape Cod. Perhaps you'll plan a whale watch cruise; visit historic Chatham or colourful, artistic Provincetown or take a day trip to Martha's Vineyard, holiday home of the Kennedy dynasty or Nantucket.

Day 15 Hyannis to Boston (75 miles)

Boston is a relatively short drive from Cape Cod. En-route you'll have time to visit picturesque Sandwich, the Cape's oldest town and at Plymouth the Plimoth Plantation, a living museum of 1627 life and have time for lunch before driving to the airport.

If this itinerary doesn't quite match your ideal trip we would be happy to tailor it to your exact requirement in terms of route, duration and hotels; just ask our friendly reservations staff.

Cost Per Person: Departs Daily

Upgrade to superior hotels from £297 per person (based on a double room), please contact us for more details.

Price Includes:

- 14 nights accommodation

- 13 days Intermediate size, fully inclusive car hire

- Comprehensive documentation kit with driving instructions

Not included:

- Flights to / from Boston (we can arrange these for you, please ask us for details)

- Meals

- Parking, tolls, fuel, admission charges

Optional Upgrades

Why not upgrade your car and / or package?

The following supplements are per car:

Full size - £43

Luxury - £121

Convertible (2 passengers) - £121

Minivan (7 passengers) - £133

GPS SatNav Unit rental - £87

Alamo Gold (includes 1 tank of fuel and additional driver) - £78