Experience the glorious hues of New England’s golden season as we tour Massachusetts and New Hampshire, continuing to the idyllic coastal city of Portland, Maine

Making your way to Boston independently, you can check in to our downtown hotel in the theater district.

Boston is not only the capital of Massachusetts and New England's largest city, it's also one of the oldest European settlements in the United States, and played a key role in American Independence. The city was founded in the early 17th century by English Puritans, and previously inhabited by Native Americans. After American independence from Great Britain, Boston continued to develop as an important port, metropolis and leading center for education. Today, Boston is the cultural and financial center of New England - a mix of wonderful parklands and fascinating historic buildings such as the Public Library, Harvard and the Romanesque Trinity Church.

The remainder of the afternoon is yours to explore independently before we enjoy dinner together this evening at a local restaurant.

Overnight Boston

A guided sightseeing tour of Boston this morning reveals a city famed for its leading part in America's history as we explore the Freedom Trail and visit Harvard University. The Freedom Trail reveals the city's significant sights including beautiful Faneuil Hall and the Paul Revere House. Owned by the famed American patriot in the late 18th century, it is Boston's oldest remaining structure. We also drive past the USS Constitution, the oldest commissioned US Navy ship, to Copley Square and Beacon Hill.

This morning's explorations have provided a great insight into Boston's history and, with the rest of the day free, you might want to delve further into this city, known colloquially as Beantown. Near the scenic Back Bay Fens, you can visit the Museum of Fine Arts or the historic Fenway Park baseball ground, home of the Boston Red Sox.

With an evening at leisure, you could dine on fresh seafood or stop off at a tavern. Across Boston Common from our hotel is Cheers, the exterior of which was used in the sitcom of the same name.

Overnight Boston

Leaving Boston after breakfast, we head to the harbor to board an hour-long cruise across Massachusetts Bay. En route, we can admire picturesque islands before our arrival in the historic town of Salem.

Renowned for the witch trials of 1692, its ignominious past is remembered in memorials and museums. However, Salem is now a charming and vibrant town which can be explored with a few hours of free time over lunch. The supernatural is a big draw here, and you can uncover quirky stores along Essex Street. However, there are many significant seafaring sites and colonial mansions along the waterfront, including the birthplace of author, Nathaniel Hawthorne.

Later, we board a coach to travel into the glorious White Mountains, one of North America's most beautiful landscapes. Our journey takes us through the incredible scenery of New Hampshire during its celebrated 'golden season', when the trees are burnished shades of red and orange*. We reach the mountain village of North Conway, New Hampshire, our scenic base for three nights. Near the hotel, there is a range of dining options to enjoy.

Overnight North Conway

*Please note: Outside of the main fall season (mid-September to mid-October), the fall foliage is unlikely to be as visible, but the attractions of the area are delightful at any time.

After an early breakfast, we transfer to Marshfield station by coach to board the 10am Mount Washington Cog Railroad. This bio-diesel service runs on the world's first cog railway, which opened in 1869. Our journey is fully narrated as the train climbs up to the summit of Mount Washington, an hour-long trip among glorious scenery. We then have an hour at the summit to enjoy panoramic views of the White Mountain Range and beyond, if the weather is clear.

We make our return journey by coach through the White Mountains, stopping for free time over lunch in Woodstock, famed for its maple syrup. Our journey continues along the famous Kancamagus Scenic Highway, one of the best routes to admire the fall foliage, with stops along the way at waterfalls and covered bridges. Here, a breathtaking tapestry of color - from rich burgundy and russet to pale yellow - brightens up the picture around us.

We head back to our hotel, arriving mid-afternoon, with the remainder of the day and evening at leisure to enjoy as you wish. 

Overnight North Conway

Another great heritage railroad awaits after a leisurely hotel breakfast as we travel aboard the iconic Mountaineer train on the Crawford Notch route of the Conway Scenic Railroad.

Traveling in 1950s-era streamlined passenger cars, we relive a legendary journey as we travel a route first taken in the late 19th century. Our relaxing trip takes us over the rugged terrain of the Crawford Notch and alongside the picturesque Saco River Valley to Bartlett. Our route is illuminated with New Hampshire's glowing color scheme of reds, golds and browns.

We are transferred back to our hotel by coach in the afternoon and are free to enjoy a relaxing afternoon and evening in the enchanting village of North Conway. New Hampshire's state fruit is the pumpkin, a popular ingredient during fall when local, hearty cuisine comes into its own. Those with sweet teeth might like to find the seasonal specialty of apple cider doughnuts!

Overnight North Conway

Checking out of our North Conway hotel after breakfast, we travel by motorcoach to Weirs Beach on the shore of Lake Winnipesaukee.

Here, we board the historic MS Mount Washington for a narrated cruise across New Hampshire's largest lake. Surrounded by views of hazy mountains, beautiful lakefront houses and sandy beaches, we hear about the region's history and folklore. Disembarking in Wolfeboro, there's free time over lunch to explore the 'oldest summer resort in America'. With buildings dating back to the late 18th-century and New England-style architecture along its main streets, Wolfeboro exudes authentic charm.

Returning to our coach, we journey eastward to Portland. On the picturesque northeastern coast, this small but vibrant Maine city boasts a great maritime past and has also embraced modern creativity, now being renowned as a center for arts and brewing. After checking in to our hotel near the waterfront, there's a free evening to dine independently.

Please note: on the October 3 departure, the Lake Winnipesaukee cruise will take place on Day 7, and the Trolley Museum visit will take place on Day 6. On the October 15 departure, the lake cruise will be a return journey from Weirs Dock on the MS Winnipesaukee Spirit.

A charming journey into the past awaits today as we head to the Seashore Trolley Museum* near Kennebunkport after breakfast**. Established in 1939, this is the oldest and largest electric tram museum in the world and includes vintage vehicles from the US, Europe and beyond.

As well as learning about the influence and importance of this nostalgic mode of transport, we enjoy a ride on one of the exhibits, taking us back to a time when city streets rang with the sounds of these endearing trams.

Later, we continue to the picturesque coastal town of Kennebunkport, where you can soak up the historic New England charm along its quaint streets or visit the boutiques and art galleries. Returning to Portland, you can dine independently this evening.

Overnight Portland

*Please note: for the Sep 15th & 29th and Oct 13th departures, the Seashore Trolley Museum is closed, so you will have a free morning in Portland. For the Sep 27th and Oct 5th & 11th departures, you will embark on scenic cruise from Kennebunkport.

**Please note: for the Oct 15th departure, the Seashore Trolley Museum and free time in Kennebunkport will be replaced with a Mailboat Run Cruise with Casco Bay Lines and a tour of Portland Head Lighthouse.

Today is yours to explore beautiful Portland as you wish. Maine's largest city is compact but filled with history and culture.

Inspired by the mountain railways of Wales, Maine developed a network of railroads in the late 19th century that were unique to the US. Operating on a narrower gauge than other tracks, these railroads were able to conquer rocky and curvy terrain. Founded in 1992, the Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad and Museum offers 40-minute round-trips on these charming trains, providing great views from the East End of Portland's peninsula.

With lunch at leisure, discover Portland's thriving gastronomy scene, lauded for its lobster and famous for its craft beers, with taprooms from many celebrated brewers. In and around the Old Port district where redbrick buildings line the streets, you can uncover numerous museums and art galleries, including the IM Pei-designed Museum of Art. This evening, we enjoy dinner together in a local restaurant, with views overlooking the waterfront.

From the burnished hues of the White Mountains and its heritage railroads in the north to the serene coasts in the south, New England has revealed its enchanting nature and captivating history in breathtaking style. Our journey has taken us from the bustling metropolis of Boston to North Conway and Portland. En route, we have uncovered iconic scenery on the Kancamagus Highway, delved into Salem's past, and basked in some exquisite coastal communities.

Stepping aboard the Amtrak, we return to Boston by rail while our luggage is carried by coach. Back in this lively city in the afternoon, you can make your way home or continue your explorations independently.

Please note that while every departure of this tour will feature the same excursions, the order may differ from that shown above.

Services began running from North Conway in the early 1870s, but passenger trains ceased in 1961. However, it re-opened as a tourist railway in 1974, now offering two main routes from the imposing station, a listed building. Passengers can enjoy the Mount Washington Valley countryside and surrounding White Mountains on journeys between Conway and North Conway. The other route takes passengers through Crawford Notch, where more panoramic mountain vistas can be seen. The Conway Scenic Railroad offers a range of luxury rolling stock, such as the observation car, and a Pullman.

Holding designations as both the world's first mountain-climbing cog railway and one of the steepest rack railways in the world, the Mt. Washington Cog Railway is in a class of its own. This spectacular rail line has continued to impress guests with its beautiful views and inventive course since its opening in 1869. Steam engines made the journey exclusively until 2008, when biodiesel engines were introduced. Now, guests may choose from either for the hour-long trip to the summit. And the views from the top - they are just as impressive as the rack railway itself.

The 4-Star Revere Hotel is situated in the lively theatre district of Boston. Contemporary rooms include free Wi-Fi, a television, tea & coffee making facilities as well as complimentary designer toiletries. The hotel also boasts a 24-hour fitness centre and rooftop pool (weather dependent). There's also a restaurant serving locally-sourced food and a poolside cocktail bar.

Located in the heart of the White Mountains, New Hampshire, the North Conway Grand Hotel is the finest resort in North Conway.

Summer or winter, you can enjoy an unforgettable vacation without ever leaving the hotel grounds as we are the only hotel located directly at Settlers Green Outlets. Wake up to mountain views in our renovated rooms and suites, with charming New England inspired decor, custom designed furniture and marble baths. Enjoy regional cuisine and craft cocktails in the Mountainside Restaurant and Tavern. Relax by our heated indoor and outdoor pools and lounge on the sun deck with the jaw-dropping scenery. Renew your senses in our spa, recharge in the fitness center, enjoy a family picnic by the pond or shopping at Settlers Green next door.

With a great location overlooking the waterfront and near the center of Portland, this 3-Star hotel is perfectly located for explorations of Maine's capital. Reflecting the city's historic importance while modern in design, the facilities include a lounge, bar, fitness center and billiard table. Stylish guestrooms are air-conditioned and come equipped with free Wi-Fi, flatscreen TV, safe, tea & coffee-making facilities, hairdryer and complimentary toiletries.

Many of our guests choose to spend additional nights before or after their trip. Great Rail Journeys would be happy to make hotel arrangements for you.