Colors Of New England Featuring Portland, Maine

Welcome to Massachusetts, where your journey through charming and vibrant New England begins. Relax during a 2-night stay in the heart of Boston.

This morning, set out for Vermont where tree-covered mountainsides dot a charming landscape of quaint villages with traditional, white steeple churches. Visit Quechee Gorge — known as Vermont's Little Grand Canyon. This afternoon, watch glassblowing artisans craft unique art at the Simon Pearce flagship store. Savor a lunch prepared with fresh, local ingredients served on Simon Pearce dinnerware. After lunch, arrive in Woodstock, "the quintessential New England village" with its beautifully restored Georgian homes, a covered bridge, and even a town green. This evening, settle into your resort in Stowe, nestled in the tranquil Green Mountains. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included.

Start off your day by heading to the Cold Hollow Cider Mill. In this historic mill, watch – and learn – how fresh cider is produced the old-fashioned way, via rack and cloth press; a process that's been passed down for generations. Continue down the path of sweets at your next stop: The Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream Factory. Tour their facility and get filled in on the process of making ice cream before ending your visit with a sample of their world-famous scoops. This afternoon, visit the Trapp Family Lodge where you'll get to see the stunning alpine architecture and mountain views that reminded the famous family of their home in Austria. The Trapp Family Singers, made famous from the depiction of their family in the film The Sound of Music, began touring in the United States, but settled in Stowe in the 1940s and opened this lodge in 1950. Today breakfast will be included.

Today you will be New Hampshire bound! Soak in the lovely New England countryside as you journey through the White Mountains of New Hampshire. Make a stop to explore the Rocks Estate, home to the North Country Conservation & Education Center. On a tour of the farm, learn about the history and importance of maple sugaring in the region and visit a virtual tap room. Later, continue to North Conway via the Kancamagus Highway, a scenic byway offering spectacular views of the White Mountains region. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.

After breakfast, make your way to Mount Washington* — the highest peak in the Northeastern United States. Break into smaller groups and enjoy a tour up the twisting Auto Road. Take in the sight of the peaks jutting into the sky alongside a local expert who will teach you about the unique history, plant, and animal life you may see along the way. Once you reach the summit, take time to appreciate the fantastic view and spend some time inside the museum to learn about the extreme, rapid changing weather conditions that impact the mountain's peak. Later, it's your choice! Spend some time appreciating the great outdoors alongside your Tour Manager during a nature walk -OR- spend your afternoon exploring downtown North Conway, with plenty of free time for souvenir shopping. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.

Journey to New Hampshire's picturesque lakes region, a popular vacation spot for visitors year-round. Board the M/S Mount Washington and spend the next hour cruising stunning Lake Winnipesaukee, New Hampshire's largest lake. Then, visit the charming town of Wolfeboro, the "oldest summer resort in America." Later, travel southeast to Maine's seacoast. Arrive in Portland, once home to sea captains and now known as one of "America's coolest cities." Today breakfast will be included.

This morning, a locally guided tour includes Fort Williams Park to view the Portland Head Light, the most photographed lighthouse in America and the oldest in Maine. As you take in the views of Portland Harbor and Casco Bay, four more lighthouses can be seen. Enjoy some free time this afternoon in beautiful Portland to stroll the historic Old Port neighborhood's many shops and restaurants, or check out one of the city's many museums or historical sites. Tonight, join your fellow travelers for a very special farewell dinner featuring fresh native lobster, for which coastal Maine is renowned. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.

Today, travel along spectacular Ocean Drive through the seaside community of Kennebunkport. See Walker's Point, the home on a rocky promontory that's a summer retreat to the Bush family. Return to the Boston airport with the many wonderful memories of your adventure.