Fall Foliage of Coastal New England 7 days / Special Event Tours
About This Experience
Mother Nature puts on a spectacular show every October, when the eastern forests burst into reds, oranges and yellows. That makes fall the perfect season to explore New England’s historic sites. Relive the birth of a nation, from the rabblerousing streets of Boston to the battle greens of Lexington and Concord, then travel up the coast to explore the fishing villages and trading centers where the country grew prosperous—all under a vibrant canopy of color.
Your Tour Includes
Round-trip airfare & transfers
6 nights in handpicked hotels
Breakfast daily, 2 three-course dinners with beer or wine
Multilingual Tour Director
Private deluxe motor coach
Select entrance fees
Why You'll Love It
The region’s revolutionary roots
Clam chowder & craft beer
Bookstores & buskers in Harvard Square
Feeling spooky in Witch City
The fishing villages along coastal Maine
Dramatic displays of color at every turn
Boston, Massachusetts2 nights - hotel info
Day1
Day2
Follow the Freedom Trail through leafy streets and historic sites
Breakfast
An expert local guide leads this morning’s sightseeing tour of Boston, one of the first British settlements in America and one of the principal fronts in the Revolutionary War. Your tour begins on the Freedom Trail, where you’ll sweep through two and a half centuries of America’s most significant past as you follow the red brick line that connects the 16 most important historical sites in Boston. Highlights include Old North Church, the Old South Meeting House, Paul Revere’s House, Faneuil Hall, the site of the Boston Massacre, the Old State House, King’s Chapel, the Granary Burial Ground, the Park Street Church, the Massachusetts State House, and the colorful foliage of the Boston Common. End the tour at Harvard Square, where you’ll have free time to explore the university’s campus and browse the surrounding shops. This afternoon, continue exploring the city on your own or opt to enjoy lunch, followed by a bird’s-eye view of the city from the Prudential Skywalk, which provides sweeping views of the forests surrounding Boston. Weather permitting, you’ll see miles upon miles of yellows, oranges and reds spreading beneath your feet.
Optional Excursions
Prudential Skywalk & Lunch $49* pp
Taste the fruits of the Atlantic at a seafood lunch, then continue on to New England's highest public observation deck, the Prudential Skywalk Observatory. HIgh above Boston, you'll take in a 360-degree bird’s-eye view and an audio tour of the city’s landmarks, including Fenway Park, Hancock Tower, Boston Common and the Public Garden, the Esplanade, Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market, as well as MIT and Harvard across the Charles River. You’ll also have a chance to visit the Dreams of Freedom Immigration Museum. Please note: This excursion requires advanced booking and payment at least 20 days prior to departure.
Salem, Massachusetts1 night - hotel info
Day3
Discover revolutionary roots, maritime history and seasonal splendor
Breakfast
The House of Seven Gables
Ever wonder where the British fired “the shot heard ‘round the world”? As you leave Boston for Lexington and Concord, you’ll tread the same ground where the first shots were fired, and where the Revolutionary War officially began. Here, a licensed local guide helps you discover how the Minutemen forced the British to retreat back over the Old North Bridge, starting what would come to be known as the Siege of Boston. Later this afternoon, you’ll venture to the leafy streets of Salem, America’s Bewitching Seaport, known far and wide for its infamous witch trials. You’ll also see Salem’s post-witch-trial growth as a place where local sea captains became America’s first millionaires. As you visit the well-known House of Seven Gables, made famous by Nathaniel Hawthorne’s novel of the same name, you’ll step into the life of one such millionaire family—and even discover a secret staircase! Formally called the Turner-Ingersoll Mansion after its original owners, the house is the oldest surviving 17th-century wooden mansion in New England, and is flanked by Hawthorne’s birth home as well as two enchanting seaside Colonial Revival gardens.
Portland, Maine2 nights - hotel info
Day4
Cruise the colorful New England coast from Newburyport to Kennbunkport
Breakfast
This morning, leave Massachusetts behind as you travel north to Portsmouth, New Hampshire, in the heart of New England’s famous forests. Spend some time exploring this picturesque seaport city at leisure, immersing yourself in the wonders of its downtown and taking in the spectacular fall colors. Next, visit one of Maine’s most beloved resort towns, Kennebunkport, an ideal spot to kick back and relax. Thanks to its charming shops and cafes, its lovely beaches and its tree-lined coves, an afternoon here is always an afternoon well-spent. You can feel the full breadth of autumn in Maine in Kennebunkport, where the Atlantic crashes onto the rocky shore just steps away from the fiery oranges and reds of the forest. Later, transfer to Portland.
Day5
Browse the bookstores, microbreweries and art galleries of Portland
Breakfast, Dinner
After this morning’s Tour Director-led sightseeing of Portland, spend time browsing the wonderful handicrafts and treasures found in Old Port, also known as downtown Portland. Enjoy a wealth of independent bookshops, from the classics at Longfellow Books to the more offbeat selection at Casco Bay Booksellers. The city boasts many delicious lunch offerings, including Gritty McDuff’s brewery. Later, travel to one of Maine’s most breathtaking coastal gems—Boothbay Harbor. Jutting out into the Atlantic on a peninsula, Boothbay began as a fishing village and became a hidden vacation gem. Explore the town’s many shops and galleries—and its unparalleled views—on your own. Return later to Portland in time for tonight’s included Lobster Dinner.
Boston, Massachusetts1 night - hotel info
Day6
Wander around Boston under a canopy of crimson and gold
Breakfast
Today, transfer back to Boston. Enjoy an afternoon in New England’s unofficial capital at your leisure. You might try walking through the broad expanse of Boston Common while listening to the crunch of leaves underfoot. For a delicious snack or souvenir shopping, venture to one of the many cafes or shops along Boylston or Newbury Streets.
Extend Your Stay
Add Cape Cod $399*
Once the realm of fishermen, Cape Cod is now a destination for artists, writers and holidaymakers, who come for inspiration and relaxation. The summertime streets are often clogged with beach-bound traffic, but most of these vacationers don’t stick around to see the Cape at its finest—during the crisp, cool, colorful days of autumn. Spend a few extra days to soak up the history and scenery on Cape Cod.
Cape Cod, Massachusetts2 nights - hotel info
Day1
Flashback 400 years at the Pilgrim’s settlement site in Plymouth
Breakfast
Leave the cities of the Northeast behind as you make your way to Cape Cod. On the way, stop in Plymouth, Massachusetts’ first settlement. Later today, settle into your hotel in Hyannis. This evening, opt for a moveable feast aboard the Cape Cod Central Railroad Dinner Train (seasonal).
Optional Excursions
Cape Cod Central Railroad Dinner Train $89* pp
Recapture the thrill and romance of a bygone era while enjoying a five-course meal aboard vintage dining cars. You'll cross the historic Cape Cod Canal railroad bridge (the longest railroad lift bridge in the world at the time it was built) en route to the village of Buzzards Bay. Dinner cars depart from Hyannis on Thursday and Saturday evenings, and roundtrip dinner cars depart from Buzzard's Bay on Friday evenings. Please note: This optional excursion requires advanced reservations and is seasonal from May through mid-October. Jeans, shorts and t-shirts are not permitted aboard your train.
Day2
Bask in the beauty and solitude of Cape Cod in autumn
Breakfast
Spend today exploring the beach town of Hyannis on your own—and perhaps find out just how close you can come to the Kennedy compound—or opt for an excursion to Martha’s Vineyard, a quaint island escape south of the Cape. Take in the Colonial charms of Edgartown and Gay Head as you tour the island and explore its many shops, cafes, beaches and bluffs. Head back to Hyannis for your last night on Cape Cod.
Optional Excursions
Martha's Vineyard $95* pp
Hop aboard a ferry for a day of exploration and discovery on the beautiful island of Martha’s Vineyard, known for its many-hued “gingerbread” Victorian homes, its sea-captain houses in Edgartown and its laid-back resort culture. After touring the island and enjoying a seafood lunch in Oak Bluffs, you’ll have free time to peruse the island’s charming shops and galleries. Don’t forget to stop by the famous Black Dog Cafe! Please note: This optional excursion is seasonal and runs from May through mid-October.
About This Experience
Mother Nature puts on a spectacular show every October, when the eastern forests burst into reds, oranges and yellows. That makes fall the perfect season to explore New England’s historic sites. Relive the birth of a nation, from the rabblerousing streets of Boston to the battle greens of Lexington and Concord, then travel up the coast to explore the fishing villages and trading centers where the country grew prosperous—all under a vibrant canopy of color.
Your Tour Includes
Round-trip airfare & transfers
6 nights in handpicked hotels
Breakfast daily, 2 three-course dinners with beer or wine
Multilingual Tour Director
Private deluxe motor coach
Select entrance fees
Why You'll Love It
The region’s revolutionary roots
Clam chowder & craft beer
Bookstores & buskers in Harvard Square
Feeling spooky in Witch City
The fishing villages along coastal Maine
Dramatic displays of color at every turn
Boston, Massachusetts2 nights - hotel info
Day1
Day2
Follow the Freedom Trail through leafy streets and historic sites
Breakfast
A local guide leads this morning’s sightseeing tour of Boston, one of the first British settlements in America and one of the principal fronts in the Revolutionary War. Your tour begins on the Freedom Trail, where you’ll sweep through two and a half centuries of American history as you follow the red line that connects the 16 most important historic sites in Boston. Highlights include Old North Church, Old South Meeting House, Paul Revere’s House, Faneuil Hall, the site of the Boston Massacre, Old State House, King’s Chapel, Granary Burial Ground, Park Street Church, Massachusetts State House and the colorful foliage of the Boston Common. Your tour concludes at Harvard Square, where you’ll enjoy free time to explore the university’s campus and browse the surrounding shops. This afternoon, continue exploring the city on your own or opt to enjoy a festive seafood lunch, followed by a bird’s-eye view of the city from the Prudential Skywalk. Weather permitting, you’ll see miles upon miles of yellows, oranges and reds beneath your feet.
Optional Excursions
Prudential Skywalk & Lunch $49* pp
Taste the fruits of the Atlantic at a seafood lunch, then continue on to New England's highest public observation deck, the Prudential Skywalk Observatory. HIgh above Boston, you'll take in a 360-degree bird’s-eye view and an audio tour of the city’s landmarks, including Fenway Park, Hancock Tower, Boston Common and the Public Garden, the Esplanade, Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market, as well as MIT and Harvard across the Charles River. You’ll also have a chance to visit the Dreams of Freedom Immigration Museum. Please note: This excursion requires advanced booking and payment at least 20 days prior to departure.
Salem, Massachusetts1 night - hotel info
Day3
Discover revolutionary roots, maritime history and seasonal splendor
Breakfast
The House of Seven Gables
Ever wonder where the British fired “the shot heard ‘round the world”? As you leave Boston for Lexington and Concord, you’ll tread the same ground where the first shots were fired, and where the Revolutionary War officially began. Here, a local guide helps you discover how the Minutemen forced the British to retreat back over the Old North Bridge, starting what would come to be known as the Siege of Boston. Later this afternoon, venture to the leafy streets of Salem, “America’s Bewitching Seaport,” known far and wide for its infamous witch trials. You’ll also see Salem’s post-witch-trial growth as a place where local sea captains became America’s first millionaires. As you visit the well-known House of Seven Gables, made famous by Nathaniel Hawthorne’s novel of the same name, you’ll step into the life of one such millionaire family—and even discover a secret staircase. Formally called the Turner-Ingersoll Mansion after its original owners, the house is the oldest surviving 17th-century wooden mansion in New England, and is flanked by Hawthorne’s birthplace and two enchanting Colonial Revival gardens. Get a taste for Salem’s more supernatural side on tonight’s optional Haunted Footsteps tour.
Portland, Maine2 nights - hotel info
Day4
Cruise the colorful New England coast from Newburyport to Kennbunkport
Breakfast
This morning, leave Massachusetts behind as you travel north to Portsmouth, New Hampshire, in the heart of New England’s famous forests. Spend some time exploring this picturesque seaport city, immersing yourself in the wonders of its downtown and taking in the spectacular fall colors. Next, catch a peek of one of Maine’s best-known resort towns, Kennebunkport, a perfect spot to kick back and relax. Thanks to its charming shops and cafes, its lovely beaches and its tree lined coves, an afternoon here is always an afternoon well-spent. In Kennebunkport, the Atlantic crashes onto the rocky shore just steps away from the fiery oranges and reds of the forest. Later, transfer to Portland.
Day5
Browse the bookstores, microbreweries and art galleries of Portland
Breakfast, Dinner
After this morning’s sightseeing of Portland, spend time browsing the handicrafts and treasures found in Old Port, also known as downtown Portland. Discover a wealth of independent bookshops, from the classics at Longfellow Books to the more offbeat selection at Casco Bay Booksellers. The city boasts many delicious lunch offerings, including Gritty McDuff’s brewery. Later, travel to one of Maine’s coastal gems, Boothbay Harbor. Jutting out into the Atlantic on a peninsula, Boothbay began as a fishing village and became a favorite vacation spot for locals and out-of-towners alike. Explore Boothbay’s many shops and galleries and its unparalleled views on your own, or opt to join an excursion to the Boothbay Railway Village. Return to Portland in time for tonight’s included lobster dinner.
Boston, Massachusetts1 night - hotel info
Day6
Wander around Boston under a canopy of crimson and gold
Breakfast
Today, transfer back to Boston. Spend an afternoon in New England’s unofficial capital at your leisure. You might try walking through the broad expanse of Boston Common while listening to the crunch of leaves underfoot. For a delicious snack or souvenir shopping, venture to one of the many cafes or shops along Boylston or Newbury Streets. Tonight, share a farewell drink with your travel companions.
Extend Your Stay
Add Cape Cod $399*
Once the realm of fishermen, Cape Cod is now a destination for artists, writers and holidaymakers, who come for inspiration and relaxation. The summertime streets are often clogged with beach-bound traffic, but most of these vacationers don’t stick around to see the Cape at its finest—during the crisp, cool, colorful days of autumn. Spend a few extra days to soak up the history and scenery on Cape Cod.
Cape Cod, Massachusetts2 nights - hotel info
Day1
Flashback 400 years at the Pilgrim’s settlement site in Plymouth
Breakfast
Leave the cities of the Northeast behind as you make your way to Cape Cod. On the way, stop in Plymouth, Massachusetts’ first settlement. Later today, settle in to your hotel in Hyannis. This evening, opt for a moveable feast aboard the Cape Cod Central Railroad Dinner Train (seasonal).
Optional Excursions
Cape Cod Central Railroad Dinner Train $89* pp
Recapture the thrill and romance of a bygone era while enjoying a five-course meal aboard vintage dining cars. You'll cross the historic Cape Cod Canal railroad bridge (the longest railroad lift bridge in the world at the time it was built) en route to the village of Buzzards Bay. Dinner cars depart from Hyannis on Thursday and Saturday evenings, and roundtrip dinner cars depart from Buzzard's Bay on Friday evenings. Please note: This optional excursion requires advanced reservations and is seasonal from May through mid-October. Jeans, shorts and t-shirts are not permitted aboard your train.
Day2
Bask in the beauty and solitude of Cape Cod in autumn
Breakfast
Spend today exploring the beach town of Hyannis on your own—and perhaps find out just how close you can come to the Kennedy compound—or opt for an excursion to Martha’s Vineyard, a quaint island escape south of the Cape. Take in the Colonial charms of Edgartown and Gay Head as you tour the island and explore its many shops, cafes, beaches and bluffs. Head back to Hyannis for your last night on Cape Cod.
Optional Excursions
Martha's Vineyard $95* pp
Hop aboard a ferry for a day of exploration and discovery on the beautiful island of Martha’s Vineyard, known for its many-hued “gingerbread” Victorian homes, its sea-captain houses in Edgartown and its laid-back resort culture. After touring the island and enjoying a seafood lunch in Oak Bluffs, you’ll have free time to peruse the island’s charming shops and galleries. Don’t forget to stop by the famous Black Dog Cafe! Please note: This optional excursion is seasonal and runs from May through mid-October.
Passport & Visa
Valid government-issued identification is required for air travel within the United States. If you are not a U.S. citizen, please be sure to have your required identification with you as well.
Transportation / Walking on tour
Roundtrip flights arrive and depart from Boston. Boston is a walkable city, but the city’s metro system—known to locals as the T—is affordable and easily accessible. That said, Boston’s streets are not laid out in a grid pattern; asking your Tour Director for directions is advised. All included transportation on this tour is by private motor coach.
Baggage Allowance
Airlines have varying policies on weight restrictions and checked luggage. Charges for one or more checked bags may apply when traveling domestically. Please contact your airline or refer to its website for detailed information regarding your airline’s checked baggage policies. Bear in mind that your luggage will probably weigh more on your return trip due to souvenir shopping. We allow only one suitcase per person. One carry-on bag is also permitted, provided that it does not exceed 45 inches (length + width + height). There may be times when you will have to handle your own bags, and you’ll find that lightweight luggage provides a distinct advantage. Make sure you label your baggage and carry valuables, medication and documents in your carry-on luggage.
Clothing and Packing Tips
To ensure you’re comfortable while out exploring, we recommend packing lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that can be easily layered. For sightseeing, we suggest bringing a sturdy pair of walking shoes or sneakers, as well as a lightweight sports jacket or rainwear. If you’re planning a visit to a high-end restaurant or performance, you may also want to bring dressier attire. Also, please remember that it’s preferable to avoid showing bare legs or shoulders during visits to churches or other religious sites (entrance may be denied on this basis).
Health
There are no major health risks associated with traveling to this region. During the summer months, take care for sun exposure and heat. Be sure to check with your doctor or health care provider for the latest updates and personal travel requirements.
Cuisine
The United States contains some of the most varied food in the world, and your tour will hit many different historic regions. Most of the cuisine is well-known to Americans, but look out especially for delicious seafood specialties—such as lobster and clam chowder—in Portland and Boston.
Tipping
At the conclusion of your tour, it’s customary to offer your Tour Director and driver a gratuity. We recommend tipping $3USD/CAD per person per day for your driver and $6USD/CAD to $9USD/CAD per person per day for your Tour Director. If applicable, we also recommend $2USD/CAD per local guide. Tips can only be paid in cash.
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Fall Foilage & Historic New England
I have been to Boston, and the surrounding area several times, but this was the first time that I was able to enjoy being in New England solely for pleasure. The hotels for this itinerary were all well-chosen, and well-positioned, to maximize the amount of time we had in each venue. The city tour of Boston was excellent, as was the guide's presentation on our trip to historic Lexington and Concord. Our Go Ahead escort, Nancy, and our driver, Sal, knocked themselves out to make sure we could experience every town or city to the fullest. The dinners we had as a group were excellent - especially the Lobster night! I opted to do the Cape Cod extension, and recommend that highly. Seeing the autumn foilage and the wide range of colors was very special, as this year has been a super year to see the fall leaves in the NE. Seeing Martha's Vineyard without the thousands of summer tourists was great. I recommend this tour in the fall highly, and hope you are lucky to have Nancy and Sal to introduce these wonderful sites to you. You might consider extending the tour by one day, to include another night at the historic Hawthorne Hotel. I took an evening walking tour, which was spooky as well as historically informative. The witch's house is worth a visit, as typical of a 17th Cent. house, in the NE of the US. Nobody celebrates Halloween like the citizens of Salem, MA!
Nothing beats autumn in New England!
This was such an amazing tour on so many levels! Everyone appreciated the history, the culture and the culinary delights of this trip. We enjoyed Maine lobster at DiMillo's & the world famous New England clam chowder at the Bush's favorite Kennebunkport restaurant. Our hotels were all centrally located and beautifully appointed; even the the Dalai Lama was staying at our Boston hotel while we were there! Our historic, haunted Hawthorne Hotel in Salem provided the perfect Halloween ambiance with flickering lights and other hints that playful ghosts were present. It was obvious that our Tour Director, Yvette, gained her expertise as a tour guide with her many years of experience. Her knowledge of the cities and the hidden delights was so apparent that we just knew she arranged for the 4.6 magnitude earthquake that hit Portland ME while we were there! How exciting was that? Boston exceeded my expectations (loved it). Boothbay Harbor, Kennebunkport, Martha's Vineyard, Hyannis Port were all the quintessential New England seaports. To see the Bush compound with the flag flying (which meant "they" were there) and the Kennedy compound on Cape Cod was icing on the cake. I look forward to exploring much more of the US through GAT because this old chick no longer relishes those 12 hour flights to Europe. With that in mind, I highly recommend this engaging and fascinating tour to everyone and hope that you are lucky enought to Yvette as your TD. Go to coastal New England in the fall and enjoy all it has to offer!!
coastal new england
Wer visited sites that were a setting for Early American History. Our tour guide was friendly and knowledgeable. For a sit back and enjoy the ride, it was a good trip.
Fell in Love with Boston!
I absolutely loved Boston! Such a great trip, so much to see and enjoyed every moment of it. I already want to go back! The highlights were going to Lexington, Cape Cod, Plymouth, Martha's Vineyard, Harvard University, Cambridge, Prudential Building, Train ride with dinner (extension), staying at the Marriot Hotel in Copley, Boston and Boston of course! Thank you all for doing such a great job in taking care of everything for us as to places to see, tour guides, hotels, transportation, food, etc.! A tour to remember forever! Overall great experience and I will highly recommend Go Ahead Tours!
Pleasatly Surprisd
The first glemps of leaves were intoxicating. Observing each leaf was as unique as a snowflake. Leaves were so beauiful they suspended one into fantasy dreams of a child. Running threw them and hearing their crinkle as if they were happy for me, laughing, smiling and giggling. God has over done the magic. A must see and hear.. With the concerns from our experenced travevl directors this trip was presened to me awe inspiring.. They were concerened wih my wellbeng. Every moment was presented in detail with clariety , knowledge and excitement. A trip for everyone.! Betty
History Revealed.......
Until you've stood in histories wake, you will not have the true realization of what our forefathers actually did, to gain our freedom. This was an easy paced, fact filled experience I'm sure you will enjoy.
FALL FOLIAGE OF COASTAL
THE HISTORICAL PLACES WERE GREAT. TRIP HAD TO MUCH SHOPPING TIME. MEN LOOKED BORED WITH THIS. PLACES WE COULD HAVE SEEN WERE JUST A DRIVE BY. I DID MORE THE LAST DAY WITH A FRIEND. THEIR IS SO MUCH HISTORY THERE TO NOT GET A CHANCE TO SEE MORE OF IT.
Coastal New England;Fall FoliageTour
Loved the Boston area as well as Concord, Lexington and Salem. So much history! Would have enjoyed more time in Salem with all its "hauntings." Think more dinners could have been provided. Our tour director, Nancy Emm, was so knowledgeable, lfexible in dealing with all the others and very helpful. She is a keeper! Our bus driver, Sal, was a terrific driver! Blanche M., Casari (Dode)
Fall Foliage
My husband and I enjoyed the beauty of the New England States. We especially loved the Tour Director, Nancy and bus driver, Sal. Both were personable, humorous, and knowledgeable when it came to sharing facts, stories, and events in the area. The other passengers were great! It was great to share the humor, laughter, conversations, and feel the comraderie of all the people who shared the tour. Highly recommend!
Bucket List Trip Number #1
I enjoyed this trip so much. It was everything I had hoped for. I really loved New England in the Fall. If my family were not so far away I might think about moving there. I did something in Salem that I had always wanted to do. I rode a Segway! This was a really unique way to see the town. Thank you . And now on to Bucket List Trip Number #2...Ireland!!
