Day 1: Boston

Welcome to historic Boston. Upon arrival, transfer on your own to our lovely hotel in the Boston area. After checking in, you are invited to join your Great Train Escapes tour director for a 7 pm welcome reception-a wonderful way to meet your traveling companions before your jaunt through New England. (R)

A tribute to Paul Reveres's famous ride stands in downtown Boston.

Day 2: Boston/ Kennebunkport, Maine

Let the grand tour begin as you see the highlights of Boston. On the agenda this morning is the famous Old North Church where Paul Revere got the signal to start his famous ride, a visit aboard the Boston Tea Party Ship and Faneuil Hall. Enjoy the colorful sights and shopping at Quincy Market with time for lunch at one of the quaint local restaurants. In the afternoon, travel north to the great state of Maine and the seaside community of Kennebunkport. (B)

Those with a sharp eye will be rewarded with glimpses of the area's abundant wildlife such as this majestic Bull Moose in Maine.

Day 3: Kennebunkport - Cog Railway - North Conway

This morning board our deluxe motorcoach for a stunning journey to New Hampshire. The panoramas are unprecedented as you enter the White Mountain National Forest- a land laden with lakes and forests covered with orange and red-leafed foliage. A highlight awaits as you board Mt. Washington's Cog Railway. The magnificent views, sights and sounds of a steam locomotive in action and some of the steepest railroad tracks in existence combine to make this one of the world's best railroad journeys. Overnight in the North Conway area. (B, D)

Day 4-North Conway/Franconia Notch/Stowe Vermont

We strive to give you the best accommodations available. Stowehof Inn & Resort in Stowe, Vermont.

Have cameras in hand for a legendary day as you continue your rail journey over Crawford Notch to Fabyan Station. During this train trip see some of the most spectacular scenery in the East, featuring sheer bluffs, steep ravines, cascading brooks, streams, and wide mountain vistas. Feel the nostalgia as you travel along the same route that the first trains ascended over 120 years ago. This afternoon, cross the Connecticut River and enter Vermont, the most rural of all New England States. See a kaleidoscope of colors in leaves of yellow, orange, red and green, which compliment the picturesque farmlands, picture- perfect villages and covered bridges on the way to Stowe, a mountainous ski village in the heart of Vermont. (B, L, D)

Day 5: Stowe/Mystic Seaport

Enjoy a scenic drive through Stowe before boarding Amtrak's Vermonter at Waterbury Station. Brilliant foliage, gently falling leaves and rambling stone walls combine to offer some of the natural beauty you'll find today as you journey by rail through three states! Travel along the spine of the Green Mountains where marble is mined and 150,000 gallons of maple syrup is harvested annually. In the early afternoon enjoy the captivating commentary as your expert guides highlight the history and folklore of the Connecticut River Valley, one of America's great waterways. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel near the historic whaling stations of Mystic Seaport. (B, L)

Day 6-Mystic Seaport/Newport, Rhode Island/Cape Cod

A wonderful day of sightseeing begins with Mystic Seaport. Experience life in a thriving 19th century New England seaport village. Discover trade shops, galleries and a world renowned collection of tall ships. Next, board the motorcoach for a short trip to Newport, Rhode Island, the yachting capital of America and playground of the rich and famous. A tour along Ocean Drive show- cases the many mansions. Enjoy a tour through The Breakers, Vanderbilt's turn-of-the-centur y mansion with its lavish furnishings and decor. In the late afternoon, cross over the canal to Cape Cod for our overnight stay. Dinner this evening is a traditional New England lobster bake. (B, D)

Day 7: Cape Cod - Boston

No tour through New England would be complete without donning a bib and enjoying a traditional lobster bake.

Enjoy a leisurely morning on the Cape before boarding the Cape Cod Central Railroad at the Hyannis Station. See why the romantic notions of adventure and discovery lured many Cape Codders to the sea as you wind by quaint cottages, cranberry bogs and picturesque sand dunes. This evening, join your tour director for a festive farewell dinner. Overnight in the greater Boston area. (B, L, D)

Day 8: Boston

After a hearty breakfast, take time to reflect on the exciting memories you'll cherish from your travels through New England. Please schedule your flight home after 12 pm. (B)