New England's Rails and Resorts

DAY 1: WELCOME TO NEW ENGLAND!

Meet your Tour Director and fellow travelers at a welcome dinner in Boston, the historic capital of Massachusetts. D

DAY 2: CONCORD/JUST MAPLE/LAKE WINNIPESAUKEE RAILROAD

Enjoy a relaxing morning in Concord, New Hampshire, as you stroll its quaint streets with amazing capital views in sight. After grabbing a bite to eat, we’ll visit Just Maple to learn all about maple syrup, enjoy some samples, and get to know the family business. Then it’s on to Lake Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad for a dinner train ride along the western shore of Lake Winnipesaukee. B, D

DAY 3: FLUME GORGE/”THE KANC”

Spend the morning enjoying time at our lakeside resort in Meredith; delight in a delicious breakfast, stroll the streets of downtown Meredith, and shop at the marketplace. Later today, prepare to be in awe as we walk along the Flume Gorge on wooden walkways, past waterfalls, and 90-foot-high rock walls. We’ll end our day exploring New Hampshire’s famed White Mountains and the Kancamagus Highway, renowned among New Englanders as one of the region’s most pristine scenic drives. Witness the splendor of the National Forest as you cross the 2,800-foot Kancamagus Pass, aka “The Kanc.” B, D

DAY 4: MT WASHINGTON/COG RAIL

Start your day with a visit to the grand Mt. Washington Hotel, followed by a delicious lunch. Then, it’s on to today’s highlight — a round-trip ride on the historic Mt. Washington Cog Railroad, the world’s first mountain- climbing cog train. In just a few miles, you will ride the second steepest track railway in the world up to the second highest point in the eastern U.S. (weather permitting). On a clear day, you can see from New York State to Maine... and even up into Quebec, Canada. Spend the rest of the night relaxing at our hotel. B, L, D

DAY 5: CONWAY SCENIC RAILROAD

Spend time exploring the charming town of Conway before boarding the Conway Scenic Railroad for a memorable ride through New Hampshire’s spectacular White Mountains. Travel through Crawford Notch past rugged cliffs, forested slopes, and sweeping mountain scenery as the train crosses the famous Frankenstein Trestle and Willey Brook Bridge en route to Crawford Station. Later, continue to Kennebunkport for a relaxing stay at the historic Nonantum Resort, where the evening is yours to enjoy dinner and unwind at your leisure. B, L

DAY 6: PORTLAND/ KENNEBUNKPORT/LOBSTER TALK

Today, we’ll head to the vibrant coastal city of Portland, Maine. Our first stop is the Portland Head Lighthouse, where we’ll discover the history behind the most photographed lighthouse in America and its many keepers. After a bite to eat, explore Portland’s famous Old Port, a quaint historic district filled with cobblestone streets and local shops. Then, it’s back to Kennebunkport for some free time and a group dinner at our resort. After our farewell meal, we’ll chat with Captain Bob, a local Lobsterman, to learn the ins and outs of lobster fishing and what makes these crustaceans a Maine staple. B, L, D

DAY 7: BOSTON CITY TOUR/HOME

This morning, we’ll delight in a duck tour where you’ll experience a fully narrated tour of Boston by both land and water! Explore the “Birthplace of Freedom” as you cruise past Quincy Market, the historic north end, the Old State House and more. Then, it’s time to head back home with wonderful memories of New England’s colorful autumn landscapes. B

QUALITY ACCOMMODATIONS:

Night 1: Courtyard Marriott Boston Logan, Boston, MA
Night 2: Mills Falls, Meredith, NH
Nights 3-4: Home2 Suites, North Conway, NH
Nights 5-6: Nonantum Resort, Kennebunkport, ME

Dates:

Sep 18-24, 2027
Oct 2-8, 2027

Price Per Person:

Double: $3,297
Single: $3,995

Pre/Post Tour Hotel:

$328 per night

Depart/Return:

Boston, MA

Inclusions:

Free airport shuttle or hotel parking
Welcome Dinner and meals as indicated (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner)
Fees and tips for included attractions and meals
Luggage handling at most hotels
Free bottled water on coach
24-hour emergency call service

Arrival Time

Our Welcome Dinner on Day 1 is at our hotel, Courtyard Marriott Boston Logan, starting at 6:30 p.m. We recommend scheduling your flight to arrive by 4:00 p.m.

Departure Time

Schedule your flight home to depart the Boston Logan Airport any time after 2:30 p.m. on Day 7.

Airport Transportation / Vehicle Parking

Our starting hotel offers a complimentary shuttle service to/from the Boston Logan Airport. If you are driving to the starting location, they also offer complimentary parking for the duration of the tour.

Walking Distance

To fully enjoy your vacation, you should be in good physical health and understand there are times when a good deal of walking is involved in our tours. Those who have difficulty walking may not want to take this trip or should discuss their personal situation with their doctor before deciding. You should be able to walk at a steady pace up to a mile at a time for a daily total of three to four miles per day and be able to manage steps to board/de-board the motorcoach several times a day. In addition, please know you may be expected to exit the motorcoach at each stop because local law requires mandatory motorcoach driver breaks.

This tour also features multiple train rides, and there are several large steps involved in getting on and off the trains.

Due to the lack of proper facilities at some of the farms, ranches, and off-the-beaten-path sites we often visit, we are unable to accommodate walkers and wheelchairs.

Average Temps

September – high of 70° F, low of 55° F
October – high of 70° F, low of 55° F

Time Zone

Eastern

Hotel Amenities

Most accommodations arranged by Country Travel Discoveries are equipped with in-room amenities such as a hair dryer, iron, and coffee maker. In addition, some properties may also have a pool, fitness center, or laundry facilities.

Additional Information

A total of three mailings are sent to assist you in preparing for your tour, including information sent upon receipt of your reservation.

Please note that elevations do reach up to 6,300 feet on this tour. Cooler weather can also prevail at higher elevations (such as at Mount Washington).

We are featuring three trains on this tour. You can find the duration of those train rides below:

Lake Winnipesaukee Railroad – 1 hour and 30 minutes

Mt. Washington Cog – 3 hours with 45 - 60 minutes at the summit

Conway Scenic Railroad – 2 hours

Dress on tour is casual. Remember to pack warm for the summit of Mount Washington where temperatures can reach down into the upper 30’s or lower 40’s anytime of the year. Good, non-slip walking shoes should be worn to best enjoy the Flume Gorge. There are several steps and uneven paths, so a walking stick may also be useful for your visit.

Travel Protection Available?

Yes, see CountryTravelDiscoveries.com/TravelProtectionPlan.