Northern New England Grand Getaway
Tour historic sites, a lake cruise, two train excursions, the White Mountains and Maine's coast for lighthouses and lobsters!

September 16-21, 2012
6 days 5 nights   


Your Grand Getaway begins and ends in Boston where you will explore its many historic highlights. After touring Boston make your way into the heart of New Hampshire's beautiful lakes region, Waterville Valley, from which you will day trip to the beautiful White Mountains, the most ruggedly picturesque area in the northeast U.S.

Unwind to the rhythm of the rails and enjoy a five course meal beyond your expectations aboard the Cafe Lafayette Dinner Train while you ride among the lush New England forest. Take in a spectacular mountaintop setting with breathtaking views of Lake Winnipesaukee from the Castle in the Clouds.

A bountiful buffet lunch awaits you aboard the M/S Mount Washington as you cruise New Hampshire's largest and most beautiful lake. Take in Ogunquit a seacoast town in Maine whose name is the Algonquin Indian word for "beautiful place by the sea." Artists discovered Ogunquit's inspirational scenery over a century ago. You can't travel along the picturesque coast without seeing lighthouses.

From Qgunquit you make your way north to the college town of Brunswick, Maine where you will board the Maine Eastern Railroad for a scenic ride to Rockland, the Lobster Capital of the world. Its mountainous and rocky shore, rivers, lakes and bays make Rockland one of the most beautiful destinations on the coast of Maine.

Then on to Portland, Maine's largest city by the sea. You'll stop for a photo at Portland Head Lighthouse, Maine's oldest and one of the country's most photographed lighthouses. While in Portland feast at an authentic downeast Maine lobster bake dinner.

The next day we are off to Kennebunkport to tour this astounding picturesque town. The famous "Bush Compound" is located on Walker's Point, a peninsula visible from Ocean Avenue. Depart with the beautiful sights, sounds, tastes and smells of seacoast New England forever ensconced in memory.

Read our blog "Relax, Enjoy and Savor the Moments."

     

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
  • Boston Touring
  • Historic Quincy Market
  • Kancamagus Highway
  • Photo stops through the White Mountains
  • Visit North Conway, NH
  • Franconia Notch State Park Cannon Mountain Tram Ride
  • Cafe Lafayette Dinner Train
  • Castle in the Clouds Mansion
  • Visit the Village of Moutonboro, NH
  • M/S Mount Washington Lunch Cruise
    on Lake Winnipesaukee
  • Ogunquit, ME
  • Photo Stop at Nubble Lighthouse Ogunquit, ME
  • Dinner aboard the Maine Eastern Railroad
  • Portland, Maine
  • Downeast Lobster Bake
  • Photo Stop at Portland Head Lighthouse
  • Kennebunkport Touring



TRIPS INCLUDES
  • Round trip commercial airfare from Indianapolis
  • Home pick-up & return Indy metro area
  • Airport transfers
  • Transportation by luxury coach
  • 5 nights accommodations
  • Baggage handling (for 1 large suitcase )
  • 10 meals: 5 breakfasts, 1 buffet lunch, 4 dinners including 1 dinner train & 1 lobster choice dinner
  • 2 railroad excursions (Cafe Lafayette, Maine Eastern Railroad)
  • Attractions highlighted in itinerary
  • All taxes and gratuities including driver & tour director
  • Professional Tour Director
  • Operated by an Interlude Travel Partner

 
PRICING DETAILS (Cost per Person)*
Double $2,169
Single $2,549
Deposit $350 per person
Balance Due June 13, 2012
Cancellation Insurance: $167 (D) $196 (S)
*Air departure from Indianapolis included; included air fare estimated and subject to change. Call for pricing from other departure cities.

SAVE $75: Book before May 1st

TRAVEL ITINERARY


Day 1: Indianapolis, IN / Boston, ME
Welcome to Boston, Massachusetts! This evening, your full time tour manager will meet the entire group at the hotel for a meet & greet reception before dinner. Sheraton Four Points, Boston (D)

Day 2: Boston, MA / Waterville Valley, NH
This morning you’ll explore the highlights of Boston. Meet your local guide for a half-day tour of Boston highlights. The city is a blend of historic buildings and contemporary skyscrapers, narrow winding streets and broad avenues, Victorian townhouses and tight-knit ethnic neighborhoods. Your ride along the Freedom Trail will take you to a number of world famous sites, including the USS Constitution (Old Ironsides), the US Navy's oldest commissioned ship. A short walk through the North End will introduce you to one of Boston's oldest and most historic neighborhoods including the Paul Revere House and the Old North Church, where lanterns were hung to signal Paul Revere. Faneuil Hall, the Old State House, Kings Chapel, Old Granary Burial Ground, site of the Boston Massacre, and Beacon Hill will all be highlighted as your guide relates the history, folklore and current events of Boston. Enjoy lunch and time on your own to explore historic Quincy Market. The Quincy Market building is an excellent example of Greek Revival architecture and the centerpiece of Faneuil Hall Marketplace, one of the country’s top attractions, with a food court, shops, restaurants and entertainment. This afternoon we'll travel to the heart of the New Hampshire Lakes Region for a two-night stay. Snowy Owl Inn & Resort, Waterville Valley (B, D)

Day 3: White Mountains, NH / North Conway, NH / Franconia Notch State Park / Cafe Lafayette Dinner Train
This morning we make our way across the magnificent Kancamagus Highway - one of America’s most scenic routes with covered bridges, waterfalls and often a moose or two. You’ll make photo stops along the way as you travel through the White Mountains, which will be aglow with fall colors. In the mountain village of North Conway, you’ll have some free time for tax-free shopping and lunch on your own in this classic New England village. Continue your loop through the scenic White Mountains enjoying the panoramic mountain vistas. Your next stop is Franconia Notch State Park, where you’ll board an enclosed tram to the summit of Cannon Mountain. Have your camera ready for the panoramic views of the distant valleys and mountains. This evening, relive the romance of dining on the rails aboard the Café Lafayette Dinner Train! Board a beautifully restored vintage Pullman railroad car and enjoy a leisurely two hour evening ride among the lush New England forest and magnificent mountain vistas accompanied by an elegant five course feast. Snowy Owl Inn & Resort, Waterville Valley (B,D)

Day 4: Waterville Valley, NH / Moultonboro, NH / Lake Winnipesaukee / Ogunquit, ME
After a full breakfast, you’ll visit Castle In the Clouds and tour the impressive mansion high on a mountaintop overlooking the pristine New Hampshire Lakes Region. The Castle located in Moultonborough, New Hampshire was built by the eccentric millionaire Thomas Plant encompassing 1914 Arts and Crafts Architecture and lifestyle. Visit a classic New England country store and small historical museum in the nearby village of Moultonboro, NH. Visitors are invited to browse artifacts from the Lake region's history and to shop for a variety of country store items, including maple syrup, cheeses, penny candy, candles, wrought iron hardware and more. A bountiful buffet lunch is included aboard the M/S Mount Washington this afternoon as you cross Lake Winnipesaukee. Enjoy the captain's commentary as the ship makes its way around the Granite State's largest lake with over 18 miles of shoreline and over 200 islands. Your motorcoach will meet you in Wolfeboro for your drive to vacationland this afternoon. Check in to your hotel in the Ogunquit, Maine area – which means “beautiful place by the sea” for a two-night stay. En route to the hotel, stop for a photo of Maine’s southernmost lighthouse. The evening is free for you to explore Ogunquit Village and Ogunquit’s quaint Perkins Cove. Have dinner on your own in one of the area’s fine restaurants. Information on restaurants, shopping, art galleries, the Ogunquit Playhouse and other activities will be provided. The hotel is within walking distance of the famous “Marginal Way,” a scenic walking path along the cliff between Perkins Cove and Ogunquit Village with benches along the way to sit and watch the surf. The Meadowmere Resort, Ogunquit, Maine (B, L)

Day 5: Ogunquit, ME / Brunswick, ME / Rockland, ME / Portland, ME
Today we make our way north to the college town of Brunswick, Maine. Here you’ll board the Maine Eastern Railroad at 10:00am for your scenic ride to Rockland, the lobster capital of the world. You'll ride in restored parlor cars with large windows. Along the two hour ride, you'll spot charming seaside villages, sailboats tacking in the breeze, swooping gulls soaring overhead, and trees that glow with a kaleidoscope of color. Watch the beauty of Maine unfold before your eyes on a route not seen from the highway. In downtown Rockland, enjoy lunch on your own and time to explore the working waterfront and many art galleries. Reunite back on the motorcoach for your drive to Portland, Maine’s largest city-by-the-sea. We’ll stop for a photo at Portland Head Lighthouse, Maine’s oldest and one of the country’s most photographed lighthouses. Return to the hotel to freshen up before dinner. Don your souvenir Maine lobster hat for an authentic downeast lobster bake dinner. You’ll feast on your choice of Maine boiled lobster or barbecued chicken, plus chowder, cultivated mussels, corn on the cob, Maine potatoes and blueberry crumb cake. Sing-along entertainment is included. The Meadowmere Resort, Ogunquit, Maine (CB, D)

Day 6: Ogunquit, ME / Kennebunkport, ME / Boston, ME
Travel to Kennebunkport this morning to meet your local guide for a narrated tour. Drive past the sandy beaches and rocky coastline and the George Bush estate at Walker’s Point, as you hear the history of these shipbuilding towns and the legend of the Wedding Cake House. You'll also visit the seaside Franciscan Monastery with its beautiful landscaping, outdoor shrines and chapel. Enjoy free time to explore Dock Square, the waterfront shops, art galleries and lunch on your own before you depart to Boston Logan airport with many fond memories of New England. (CB)

Commercial Air: Book Now to ensure your place on this trip because this trip operates on commercial air. Space is limited and may not be available less than 90 days before departure. Included air fare subject to change.


Cancellation policy: if insurance is not purchased, cancellation charges are: 91 days and earlier: full refund; 90-65 days before departure: $350 plus the cost of any non-refundable airline tickets; 64 and less days prior to departure: no refund.
Call Interlude Tours today for reservations!    (317) 913-0387