Day 1
Boston Arrival
Depart London Heathrow – 11:05
Arrive Boston – 13:10
Journey Time – 7 hours
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.
Overnight – Boston
Day 3
Boston to South Portland (Midcoast)
112 miles
A scenic drive on the Essex National Heritage Area Scenic Byways takes you north through Salem, site of the famous witch trials in 1694, Marblehead, Ipswich, and Newburyport. From there, you’ll be travelling the Coastal Byway to Hampton Beach and Portsmouth on your way to a stop at Kennebunkport. The Kennebunks are very old coastal towns, settled in 1620. Maine remained a part of the Colony of Massachusetts and Kennebunk did not become a city until 1820. If you’re up for a short walk at this point, the Kennebunk National Register Historic District Village walk begins at the Brick Store Museum and continues on Main Street. If there’s time, the Kennebunkport History Center is located at 125 North Street. Five buildings, including a shipwright’s office, comprise the history center campus and present a good perspective of seafaring life in the Massachusetts colony. Continue on to Portland for your overnight stay.
Overnight – South Portland, ME
Day 4 & 5
South Portland 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. Either 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. When your trek ends, head over to Bar Harbor, the island’s hub, where 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 – Bar Harbor
Day 6 & 7
Bar Harbor to Lincoln(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 – Lincoln
Day 8 & 9
Lincoln to Stowe (Green Mountains)
95 miles
Whilst in Vermont, treat yourself to a tour of Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream Factory before heading to Burlington, on the banks of Lake Champlain. Head for Woodstock, a quintessential New England village with traditional shops and covered bridges. Visit Shelburne Museum’s collections of Americana, gardens and the side- wheeler, SS Ticonderoga.
Overnight – Stowe
Day 10
Stowe to West Springfield
245 miles
Travel to Rutland, once center 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 – West Springfield
Day 11 & 12
West Springfield to Newport
127 miles
Before heading to Newport, you may 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. Spend the day on a spectacular beach; tour the Cliff Walk and Ten Mile Drive with its extravagant summer mansions. Newport’s restored waterfront features many shops and restaurants.
Overnight – Newport
Day 13 & 14
Newport to Hyannis (Cape Cod)
75 miles
Travel to Cape Cod, a fabulous summer resort with white sandy beaches and abundant attractions. Plan a whale watch cruise; visit historic Chatham or colourful, artistic Provincetown. Take a day trip to Martha’s Vineyard or Nantucket.
Overnight – Hyannis
Day 15
Depart Boston
Today leave Cape Cod and drive back to Boston. This peninsula is a beloved vacation spot for visitors and natives alike. Maybe stop in Plymouth, a living panorama of Pilgrim and Colonial times and see the Mayflower II. Return your car at the airport before your departure flight.
Depart Boston – 21:30
Arrive London Heathrow – 08:05 (Next Day)
Journey time – 6 hours 35 minutes