Small States by the Sea

Featuring Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey, Rhode Island, and Connecticut

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Aug 27 - Sep 3, 2027
8 days | 7 nights • 14 meals
Starting at $3,097
Small States by the Sea

Glide past lighthouses on Narragansett Bay, step inside Newport’s grand Breakers mansion and follow the Atlantic coast through six small states. For travelers working toward visiting all 50 states, this tour offers an easy way to add Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New Jersey, Delaware and Maryland to your list in one trip.

Along the way, you can sample oysters at Potter Pond, cross Delaware Bay aboard the Cape May Lewes Ferry and explore waterfront communities from Mystic to Annapolis. You’ll discover maritime history at Mystic Seaport Museum, Victorian architecture in Cape May and naval traditions at the U.S. Naval Academy.

A local expert will introduce you to Cape Henlopen State Park, while free time in Rehoboth Beach gives you a chance to enjoy the boardwalk and oceanfront at your own pace. Two-night stays in Newport and Rehoboth Beach give you time to settle in along the way.

Highlights of Small States by the Sea
  • Walking tour the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis
  • Visit the first town in the first state, Lewes, DE
  • Cross the Delaware Bay on the Cape May Lewes Ferry
  • Explore Mystic Seaport Maritime Museum
  • Enjoy a lighthouse cruise on Narragansett Bay
  • Stroll through The Breakers mansion
  • Oyster Farm Tour and Taste
Download Itinerary map
DAY 1: WELCOME TO THE EAST COAST!

Fly into Boston for a welcome dinner and overnight stay before starting your journey down the Atlantic coast. D

DAY 2: THE BREAKERS/RHODE ISLAND

Travel south to Newport, Rhode Island. Savor a delicious lunch in the new Carriage House presenting a lunch full of New England flavors with ambiance overlooking the historic Elms Garden. Step into the grandeur of the Gilded Age at The Breakers “summer cottage’. Built by Cornelius Vanderbilt, this classic Italian palazzo offers a fascinating glimpse into a showcase of status during America’s most glamorous era. B, L

DAY 3: OYSTER FARM TOUR/LIGHTHOUSE CRUISE

Embark on a fascinating, narrated Oyster Farm tour in Potter Pond. Learn the types of oysters harvested in the estuary and even take an optional taste test complete with champagne! Soak in the scenery on our lighthouse cruise showcasing Narragansett Bay’s Lighthouses, islands and coastline before returning to Newport. B, D

DAY 4: CONNECTICUT/CAPE MAY, NEW JERSEY

Head to Connecticut, the 5 th state to join the US. At Mystic Seaport Maritime Museum, explore the Charles W. Morgan whale ship, the working preservation shipyard, and maritime exhibits. Enjoy lunch at the Seaport Museum with views of the Mystic River before arriving in Cape May. Attend a favorite local event, the Veterans Flag Ceremony moving tribute, as the sun sets on Sunset Beach. B, L

DAY 5: EMLEN PHYSICK ESTATE/DELAWARE

Immerse yourself in the quaint seaside resort Cape May’s Historic District on a narrated trolley and visit the 1879 Emlen Physick Estate, a grand example of Victorian architecture. Board the Cape May/Lewes Ferry and relax as you cross the Delaware River into the first state to ratify the United States Constitution. Unpack for a two-night stay within walking distance to the beach. B, L

DAY 6: CAPE HENLOPEN STATE PARK/REHOBOTH BEACH

Visit Cape Henlopen State Park with a local expert. Enjoy a guided tour of historic Lewes, the first town in the first state, and browse local shops. Return to Rehoboth Beach for a late afternoon/evening to wet your whistle with a local ice cream treat with built-in leisure time to stroll the boardwalk and enjoy the oceanfront. B

DAY 7: U.S. NAVAL ACADEMY/ANNAPOLIS, MD

Journey to Annapolis, MD. Discover where young men and women are trained for the Navy and Marine Corps at the U.S. Naval Academy. A guided tour highlights Bancroft Hall and the crypt of John Paul Jones. You may have the opportunity to witness the traditional noon formation before lunch in the Naval Academy Officer’s Club. Then explore historic Annapolis, including the Maryland State House, the oldest state capitol building still in continuous legislative use. Experience a unique dinner in the 250-yr old Maryland Inn for a Sup and Spook dinner which culminates with a seated Ghost Tour! B, L, D

DAY 8: RETURN HOME

From Baltimore Airport, return home, filled with memories of America’s “smallest” but most scenic coastal states. B

QUALITY ACCOMODATIONS

Night 1: Courtyard by Marriott Boston-Logan, Boston, MA
Nights 2-3: Wyndham Newport Hotel, Middletown, RI
Night 4: The Grand Hotel, Cape May, NJ (or similar)
Nights 5-6: The Bellmoor Inn and Spa, Rehoboth Beach, DE
Night 7:
The Graduate Hotel, Annapolis, MD

Dates:

Aug 27-Sep 3, 2027

Price Per Person:

Double: $3,097
Single: $4,295

Pre/Post Tour Hotel:

Call for pricing

Depart/Return:

Depart: Boston, MA
Return: Baltimore, MD

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 by Marriott Boston Logan Airport, 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 Baltimore/Washington International Airport any time after 1:00 p.m. Day 8.

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.

Please note that this tour departs from Boston and concludes in Baltimore. Travelers who leave a vehicle at the Boston hotel are responsible for arranging and paying for transportation from Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport back to Boston to retrieve it.

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.

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

High of 73° F, low of 60° 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.

Dress on tour is casual. Sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, visors, and comfortable walking shoes will add to your enjoyment of this tour.

Travel Protection Available?

Yes, see CountryTravelDiscoveries.com/TravelProtectionPlan.

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