Fall colors in New England, there is nothing like it anyplace else in the United States.
Join us for a spectacular week of sightseeing and train journeys in Massachusetts, Maine,
New Hampshire and Vermont during the height of the fall colors. This tour will present to
you some of the most awesome scenery in New England. The mountains are covered in blazing
color that signals winter is again approaching. This tour features a number of spectacular
train rides in all four states. The tour begins and ends in Boston.
SATURDAY OCTOBER 11: Independent arrivals in Boston and hotel check-in at the Ramada Inn Boston. The Ramada Inn Boston offers free hotel shuttle service from Logan International Airport and Amtrak. Amtrak offers good rail service to Boston from points all across the United States and Canada. You can explore the city using the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) system with hundreds of miles of trackage in the Boston area.
While in Boston we stay at the Ramada Boston Inn
SUNDAY OCTOBER 12: (CB) In the morning we offer a Boston City tour visiting many of the historic points of interest on the
famous Freedom Trail in downtown Boston. It all began in Boston when Puritans established the town in 1630. The colonists had
a notion of liberty and wanted to be free from British rule. In 1770 the Boston Massacre set off a firestorm for independence which
lead to the Revolution which changed the world and in turn lead to democracy . On July 18, 1776 the Declaration of Independence
was read from the Old State House balcony in Boston. Our city tour will try to relive some of these events. Overnight again in Boston. We will visit such
historic points of interest as:
The Boston Common..............America's oldest public park.
The State House................Built in 1798 and acclaimed as one of the most
magnificent buildings in the country.
Park Street Church.............Founded in 1809.
Granary Burying Ground.........Final resting place of many patriots such
as Paul Revere, Samuel Adams and John Hancock.
King's Chapel..................Completed in 1754, considered to be the finest
example of Georgina architecture in North America.
Benjamin Franklin's Statue.....Site of the first public school.
Site of the Boston Massacr.....Where it all started.
Faneuil Hall......Considered the "Cradle of Liberty".
Paul Revere House..............Built around 1680.
Old North Church...............April 18, 1775 two lanterns were displayed
and Paul Revere made his "midnight ride" .
U.S.S. Constitution............The oldest commissioned warship in the world.
Bunker Hill Monument...........June 17, 1775…The Battle of Bunker Hill.
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MONDAY OCTOBER 13: (B) Full day excursion out of Boston on the MBTA's scenic Rockport line. We will depart from our hotel mid morning after the commuter rush and transfer you to the former Boston & Maine North Station for the train ride northeast out to the historic Cape Ann region on the New England coast.
We will ride this train all the way to the end of the line at Rockport. This small New England village is full of charm and beauty and is considered a crown jewel of the Massachusetts coastline, stepped in rich seafaring and art history. Rockport is a fishing town and the area was first colonized in 1690. It is pure New England and in fact the famous move "The Perfect Storm" was set here. There are over 150 shops in the area and most of them are very unique plus many wonderful restaurants. You will have a wide variety of restuarants to choose from to have your lunch, many with scenic views of the harbor and beaches. Mid afternoon we board one of the MBTA passenger trains at Rockport for the fast ride through the countryside to Salem, home of the witch folklore and the haunted city. This rail line was built many years ago by the Boston & Maine Railroad to bring folks from the city to Rockport for the weekend. Salem was founded in 1626 and is an enchanting city with an infamous past. During the Witch Trails of 1692, fear and superstition led to hundreds of accusations of witchcraft. After those dark days Salem grew into an important maritime and seafaring port that has left an indelible imprint on this unique costal community. There is plenty to do and see here including the many witch museums, the Salem Common, Pickering Wharf and of course the famous Peabody Essex Museum. You will have the afternoon to explore this famous bewitching seaport. Since Halloween is only two weeks away you will be amazed at just how much the folks in Salem celebrate October 31. The entire town will be all ready for the upcoming "Halloween Festival" and what they call….HAUNTED HAPPENINGS. Late afternoon we will reboard one of the MBTA trains for the ride back into Boston. Overnight in Boston.
RUSTIC ROCKPORT, MASSACHUSETTS AT NIGHT
TUESDAY OCTOBER 14: (B) Morning hours to relax or explore downtown Boston at your own leisure. We depart on Amtrak No. 449, the connecting (Lake Shore Limited) at 12:01pm for the ride westbound through the rollings hillls of central Massachusetts to Springfield arriving at 2:15pm. Here we change trains to Amtrak's northbound "Vermonter" departing at 3:15pm for the journey north to Bellows Falls, Vermont. Overnight lodging in nearby Springfield, Vermont at the Holiday Inn Express which is located only 9 miles north of Bellows Falls. Note: Anyone booked on the New England, Adirondack & Mohawk Fall Colors Train Adventure can link both tours. For those tour members you will detrain at Pittsfield, Massachusetts at 2:18pm and transfered by charter motorcoach to Amherst, Massachusetts to board Amtrak's northbound "Vermonter" passenger train and join up with this tour group.
In Springfield, Vermont we stay at the Holiday Inn Express
WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 15: (L-D) Morning charter motorcoach to Bellows Falls, Vermont. At Bellows Falls we board the morning departure of the Green Mountain Railroads "Green Mountain Flyer" for a run into the scenic Hawk Mountains to the small village of Chester. Ride in fully restored 1930's passenger coaches pulled by a vintage diesel engine. The antique coaches feature windows that open for comfort and viewing pleasure. This is a wonderful train journey along the Connecticut and Williams Rivers and through the fall colors. We will pass by two covered bridges, a beautiful cascading waterfall and the gorge at Brockways Mills plus fertile farmlands. The Chester Depot was built in 1872 and was restored during the 1980's. Here you will have about an hour to explore this colorful New England town before reboarding the train for the return trip to Bellows Falls.
We now head north in the state of Vermont on our motorcoach , running along the Connecticut River to Quechee Gorge State Park. The gorge is called "Vermont's Little Grand Canyon" and the Ottauqluechee River is 162 feet below the rim of the canyon.
We then continue our northward journey along the beautiful Connecticut River to Wells River, Vermont where we cross over the River to Woodsville, New Hampshire. Here we visit our first classic New England covered bridge. This bridge is the oldest authenticated covered bridge in New Hampshire. This is a 256 foot 2-span bridge over the Ammonoosuc River and was built in 1832. Next we visit the nearby covered bridge in Bath. This is a burr truss 4-span made of old hewed arches and is 374 feet long and built in 1832. Be sure and take a walk through the bridge to the far side and look back towards the village of Bath. You can frame your photo through the fall foliage of Ammonoosuc River, the dam, waterfall and the Bath church. This is a classic New England setting. Oh yes, almost under the bridge is a Boston & Maine caboose on display. Yes, the railroad once had a line running under this bridge. Then just a few minutes away is the 3rd classic covered bridge at Swiftwater . This paddleford truss with an added arch was built in 1849 and rebuilt in 1977. The 158 foot bridge spans the Wild Ammonoosuc River. All three covered bridges that we will visit today are New England classics.
We then continue on our charter motorocach through the White Mountains to Lincoln and hotel check-in at the Comfort Inn and Suites. For the railfans in the group the Hobo Railroad station and yards is less than a mile from our hotel if you would like to take some pictures before sunset.
We stay at the Comfort Inn & Suites for the next two nights
THURSDAY OCTOBER 16: (B-L-D)
Morning departure from our hotel in Lincoln for the spectacular motorcoach ride north through Franconia Notch State Park which is one of the most celebrated mountain gap locations in the east. We make a couple of photo stops to catch the rugged White Mountains and the blazing fall colors.
We then continue on to Base Station, also called Marshfield Station, for a ride on the breathtaking Mt. Washington Cog Railway to the top of Mt. Washington. This railroad was built in 1869 and is the world's first mountain climbing cog railway. Today this National Historic Engineering Landmark continues to operate. Mt. Washington, at 6,288 feet, is the highest point in New England. Our train risers 3600 feet from the Base Station to Summit at 4 miles per hour. The steam locomotive will consume a ton of coal and 1000 gallons of water during this trip. Yes, this railway is still 100% steam powered and is built on grades up to 37%. You will have about 45 minutes at the summit to take in the spectacular view before reboarding the train for the return trip down the mountain. Back at Base Station you will have time to visit the railroad museum and gift shop before we return to Lincoln.
THE VIEW FROM SUMMIT IS BREATHTAKING
This evening we have a special event planned for you. We will take you on a 20 mile two hour dinner trip onboard the "Café Lafayette Dinner Train" along the banks of the scenic Pemigewasset River. This is a spur of the historic Boston & Maine Railroad built in the late 1800's and now operated by the Hobo Railroad. After it gets dark bright flood lights under the train lite up the woods which will be on fire with the fall colors. Enjoy the romance of dining on the rails while riding in a beautifully restored Pullman dining car. Enjoy five courses of fine food and spirits served to you in the Grand European manner. Rolling stock includes the "Indian Waters", an exquisitely restored 1924 Pullman-Standard Victorian Coach, filled with brass, stained glass and deeply aged woods. The popular 1952 Pullman Planetarium Car, the "Granite Eagle", is an unusual tri-level car featuring an upper observation (dome) with surround windows and a sunken lounge. The "Algonquin" is a 1953 former Canadian National Café Coach.
CAFE LAFAYETTE DINNER TRAIN
FRIDAY OCTOBER 17: (B-L) In the morning we travel the Kancamagus Highway over the White Mountains and into the lush and colorful Mt. Washington Valley to North Conway. The Kancamagus Highway is undoubtedly the most scenic route in what is called Mountain Country. It is 34 spectacular and colorful miles between Lincoln and Conway. Moose sightings are quite common from this highway.
In Rockland we stay at the Trade Winds Inn
Upon arrival in North Conway you will have about an hour to explore the downtown area, visit the railroad roundhouse or take a look at the HO operating model railroad layout that is housed in the nearby railroad freight depot before the "Notch Train" departure at 11am on the Conway Scenic Railroad. Once the train departs North Conway we will enjoy some of the finest natural scenery in the East as we travel through spectacular Crawford Notch. The train will run over sheer cliff bluffs, steep ravines, cascading brooks, streams, panoramic mountain vistas, and across the famed Frankenstein Trestel and Willey Brook Bridge. This is a former Boston & Maine line built over 130 years ago. A box lunch will be served onboard before arrival at the Crawford Notch Depot. This is a station stop for passengers to get off and enjoy the wonderful scenery. Our group will detrain at this point to continue our journey on into the state of Maine. For those railfans in the group you can photograph the departure of the the train on it's return journey back to North Conway. After the train departs we will reboard our charter motorcoach and head east into Maine.
Our route eastbound will take us north around Mt. Washington and into the state of Maine on US hiway 2 running through the heart of the White Mountains. In this region Mother Nature displays her artistic side in the fall, painting the countryside with brilliant reds, oranges and yellows, and using the deep greens of Maine's towering evergreens as the counterpoint. As we continue east we will travel through the Capital of Maine which is Augusta and on to the scenic Maine coast at Rockland. This is in the heart of the famous Maine Lobster region and is considered the Lobster Capital of the World. Upon our arrival in Rockland hotel check-in at the Trade Winds Inn and the rest of the afternoon and evening on your own to explore this charming seaport town. This is known as the "Authentic Maine Experience". Rockland is the entry point to Penobscot Bay and perhaps the most scenic body of water on the eastern seaboard and home to the country's largest windjammer fleet. Here you will find scores of islands, a dozen historic lighthouses, and quiet little protected harbors filled with working lobster boats. Ospreys and bald eagles nest high in the spruces along the rugged shores, puffins make the islands their home, deer browse the open fields, and moose forage the wetlands.
SATURDAY OCTOBER 18: (CB-D) Morning departure from Rockland onboard the Maine Eastern Railroad's "Mid-Coast Excursion" heading southbound. Step onboard the fully restored vintage railcars for this carefree jounrey through spectacular scenery of mid-coast Maine for the 58 mile trip to Bath which will take 1 hour and 40 minutes. You'll experience charming seaside villages, picturesque sailboats, lobstermen working their traps on the bay, tidewater wildlife and the magnificent fall foliage.
Upon arrival in Bath we will have sometime to explore this classic New England town and enjoy lunch at one of the many local restaurants. The downtown area has a unique mix of shops, restaurants, and galleries. The 19th century brick buildings and narrow streets are reminiscent of an old seafaring town, and was recently deemed one of the best small cities in America. This is also home to the world famous shipbuilder, Bath Iron Works.
Downtown Bath, Maine
After lunch we all meet up and board our charter motorcoach and head for nearby Alna for a visit to the Wiscasset, Waterville and Farmingotn Railway Museum. This is in the heart of the famous "Maine Two Footer" railroads and the museum has agreed to open up and run a charter train over all of their trackage just for our group. The last Maine Two Footer line closed in 1943 and some 25 years later this museum was formed to rebuild history . Now two foot gauge trains run over part of the original right-of-way.
ABOVE PHOTOS TAKEN AT THE WISCASSET, WATERVILLE
& FARMINGTON RAILWAY MUSEUM
Departing Alna we travel southeast towards Boothbay Harbor. We make a stop at the historic Boothbay Railway Village for a visit. This museum has many fascinating exhibits of the rich New England heritage. Situated on thirty acres and housed in 28 buildings, this large collection includes all aspects of rural New England peaceful village life. They have six narrow gauge steam locomotives and historic trains running around the grounds, plus what is considered one of the largest automobile collections in New England.
BOOTHBAY RAILWAY VILLAGE
After our visit we go on into Boothbay Harbor for hotel check-in at the Fisherman's Wharf Inn located over the water in the center of town. All rooms have picture windows offering the best views of the harbor with all of the yachts and fishing boats. Spend the rest of the afternoon and evening at your own leisure to explore this charming New England seaport village where fishing boats lie alongside wharves that follow the quaint, winding village streets. Farewell New England Dinner.
ABOVE DRAWING AND PHOTOS ARE OF HISTORIC BOOTHBAY HARBOR VILLAGE
At Boothbay Harbor we stay at the Fisherman's Wharf Inn located over the water in the downtown area.
SUNDAY OCTOBER 19: (B) Morning departure from Boothbay Harbor for the trip south to Portland, Maine. We first visit the Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad & Museum. You will enjoy many interesting displays including old antique steam locomotives, coaches and cars. We then board their excursion train for a three mile ride on a two-foot gauge train running along the scenic Casco Bay.
Next you will have sometime to explore Portland's historic "The Old Port" which is one of the most successful revitalized warehouse districts in the country. Taking a walk at the water's edge provides a window into this working waterfront. Just steps from the water you can stroll the cobblestone streets. There are plenty of restaurants that you can choose from to have your lunch.
We then board Amtrak's "Downeaster" passenger train 686 departing at 2:35pm for the journey south back into Massachusetts. Sit back and enjoy the ride through scenic Maine and back into Massachusetts. We will arrive in Boston at the North Station at 5: 05 pm. End of the tour.
PRICES ALL PRICES ARE PER PERSON
DOUBLE ROOM OCCUPANCY................$2495
SINGLE ROOM SUPPLEMENT...............$ 595
DEPOSIT TO HOLD SPACE................$1000
FINAL PAYMENT DUE JULY 3, 2008
TOUR INCLUDES
*13 MEALS
*QUECHEE GORGE
*ALL TRANSFERS
*16 TRAIN RIDES
*FULLY ESCORTED
*MT. WASHINGTON
*BOSTON CITY TOUR
*BOOTHBAY RAILWAY MUSEUM
*FRONCONIA NOTCH STATE PARK
*CAFE LAFAYETTE DINNER TRAIN
*8 NIGHTS LODGING IN GOOD TOURIST HOTELS
*VISIT 3 CLASSIC HISTORIC COVERED BRIDGES IN NEW HAMPSHIRE
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