white church in mountains during fall folliage

Overview Itinerary Dates & prices Reviews Hotels, flights & FAQ

Fall Foliage Tour: Vermont to Massachusetts

with Boston extension

Duration: 8 or 10 days
Group size: 15-35
Reviews: 64

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Book today and feel good about your decision. If you change your mind, you’ll receive a refund of your deposit through April 30.See terms

See New England at its most vibrant.

Mother Nature puts on a spectacular show every fall, when the eastern forests burst into red, orange, and yellow hues. That makes autumn the perfect season to explore New England’s time-honored landmarks. From the quintessential fare of Vermont to the colonial roots of Salem, take in the history and charm of the East Coast—all under a vibrant canopy of color.

Your tour package includes

7 nights in handpicked hotels
7 breakfasts
2 dinners with beer or wine
6 guided sightseeing tours
Expert Tour Director & local guides

Included highlights

Ben & Jerry’s Factory
Trapp Family Lodge
Cabot Cheese Factory
Mount Washington Cog Railway
Kennebunkport

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Day-by-day itinerary

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Burlington, Vermont2 nights

Day 1: Arrival in Burlington

Welcome to Vermont! After arriving in Burlington, make your way to your hotel to get settled in.

Day 2: Sightseeing tour of Vermont

Included meals: Breakfast, Welcome dinner

An all-day foliage tour introduces you to Vermont’s delicious local fare and small towns.

Pay a visit to the Morse Farm Maple Sugarworks in Montpelier, Vermont's capital city
Stop in Stowe to enjoy a guided tour of the Trapp Family Lodge with a member of the Von Trapp family
Tour the Ben & Jerry’s Factory and enjoy samples of ice cream in Waterbury
See how apple cider is produced during a visit to the Cold Hollow Cider Mill

Join your group for a welcome dinner this evening.

North Conway, New Hampshire2 nights

Day 3: North Conway via Cabot

Included meal: Breakfast

Travel east to New Hampshire today, taking in breathtaking scenery as you go.

Learn about cheese making and try award-winning cheddar at the Cabot Cheese Factory
Pass through the White Mountains, stopping at the Franconia Notch and the Old Man of the Mountain Memorial Park along the way
Drive through the landscapes of the state’s most famous scenic byway, the Kancamagus Highway

Then, continue on to North Conway.

Day 4: Mount Washington & foliage tour

Included meal: Breakfast

Make your way to Mount Washington, located in the beautiful White Mountains. Board the Mount Washington Cog Railway for a scenic train ride to the region’s highest summit. Then, take in the beautiful foliage and incredible vistas that the region is known for.

Maine Coast1 night

Day 5: Maine Coast via Portland & Kennebunkport

Included meal: Breakfast

Transfer to the coast of Maine by way of the state's picturesque Lakes District.

Stop in Portland and join your Tour Director on a tour of the city
Pass the Portland Observatory and Fort Allen Park
Visit the Old Port neighborhood, filled with independent bookshops and quaint local boutiques
Travel to Kennebunkport and pass by Walker's Point Estate, the Bush family’s summer home

Continue on to the Maine Coast and enjoy a free evening or add an excursion.

Portsmouth & Maine Coast Lobster Dinner

Excursion (additional cost)

Boston, Massachusetts2 nights

Day 6: Boston via Salem

Included meal: Breakfast

Stop in Salem, the Witch City, to visit the famed House of Seven Gables. Later, arrive in Boston for a guided tour of one of the oldest cities in America.

Sweep through 250 years of American history on the Freedom Trail
Pass by Boston Common, Paul Revere’s House and the Old North Church
View Faneuil Hall, the Old State House, and King’s Chapel
Visit the Bunker Hill Monument and view the USS Constitution located in Charlestown Navy Yard
End your tour in Harvard Square, where you’ll have free time to wander through the university’s campus

Day 7: Free day in Boston

Included meals: Breakfast, Farewell dinner

Enjoy a free day in Boston or add an excursion.

Later this evening, celebrate your trip at a farewell dinner with your group.

Revolutionary New England: Lexington & Concord

Excursion (additional cost)

Flight Home

Day 8: Departure

Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)

Transfer to the airport for your flight home or extend your stay in Boston.

Extension to Boston

Continue exploring Boston, and lean on your Tour Director to point you toward the city's best sights. Then, get a look at life in colonial New England with a tour of Plimoth Plantation.

Boston, Massachusetts2 nights

Day 8: Free day in Boston

Included meal: Breakfast

Spend a free day in Boston or add an excursion.

Fenway Park Tour & Lunch

Excursion (additional cost)

Day 9: Sightseeing tour of Plymouth

Included meal: Breakfast

Head to Plymouth and spend the morning getting to know the coastal town.

Enter historic Plimoth Plantation to learn about both the native Wampanoag people and the colonial English settlers
Stop in Pilgrim Memorial National Park to take a picture with Plymouth Rock

Enjoy free time for lunch before returning to Boston. This evening, sip a farewell drink as you celebrate your trip with your fellow group members.

Flight Home

Day 10: Departure

Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)

Transfer to the airport for your flight home.

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Reviews

4.5 average

Our reviews are authentic and unedited.

Above and beyond

11/13/2019 by 2nd time traveler Wally H.

This was our first tour with Go Ahead and it exceeded our expectations in every category from the professionality of the tour guide to the expert bus driver and the quality of the excursions and stops scheduled for the tour.

11/13/2019 by 4th time traveler Marie K.

Other than a couple of days of rain, it was a fun trip with great people!!

11/06/2019 by 2nd time traveler Anonymous

We just returned from the Fall Foliage Tour, and had a great time. The tour director, Alan, was great, always keeping interest with his stories and facts of the area, and adding in special stops to make the trip unique. He knew the must see stops along the way.

Brilliant Fall color in New England

01/29/2020 by 8th time traveler Anonymous

Brilliant fall color everywhere our tour bus travelled! Covered bridges, cog railway, picturesque little towns with fascinating historical importance and a lobster dinner as well. We learned about making maple syrup, cheese and ice cream - with samples for all of us. We had unique meals, leaf cov...

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Happy with tour overall with 2 major exceptions!!!

01/29/2020 by 2nd time traveler Cheryl P.

I was pleased with the tour overall, with 2 exceptions. The itinerary for our stop in Salem indicated that we would be having a partial day in Salem where we could see the sites and have time to shop. Unfortunately, our tour director chose to take us onto Boston in spite of the majority of us asking...

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Go Ahead Tours replied on 01/29/2020

Dear Cherryl, We’re delighted that you enjoyed you...

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Hotels, flights & FAQ

Here's the nitty-gritty—where you’ll stay, how you’ll get there, and what to know about your destination before you go.

Hotels

We handpick every hotel to strike the balance of comfort, location, and local charm. Specific accommodations will vary based on your departure date, but these are frequently used hotels for this tour and we're confident you'll be satisfied.

Anchorage Inn

This friendly hotel is located in the York Beach neighborhood. Guests enjoy a swimming pool, a fitness room, and a poolside café. Nearby, you’ll find ...

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Courtyard by Marriott Boston Downtown-North Station

This contemporary hotel is located in the West End neighborhood. Guests enjoy a bar, gym, and café. Nearby, you’ll find Faneuil Hall, Old North Church...

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Delta Hotels by Marriott Burlington

This contemporary hotel is located in South Burlington, Vermont. Guests enjoy an indoor pool and fitness center. Nearby you’ll find the Church Street ...

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Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites North Conway

In New Hampshire’s scenic White Mountains, this North Conway hotel has spacious rooms equipped with free Wi-Fi and a cable TV. It features an indoor p...

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Flights

Round-trip flights are one more thing we handle to make your journey as smooth as possible. Our team of travel experts will find the best flight itinerary for you at a competitive rate, thanks to our partnerships with top airlines.

Add our airfare package and you'll get:

Round-trip flight for your tour
Airport transfers at your destination
A great price locked in today
24/7 support from our dedicated service team
Options for arriving early, staying longer, or requesting an upgrade
Flexible rebooking options if your tour itinerary changes

Find out more about flights

Local weather

Plymouth, United States

Weather averages

Today
High 58°F Low 44°F

Kennebunkport, United States

Weather averages

Today
High 53°F Low 37°F

Burlington, United States

Weather averages

Today
High 76°F Low 54°F

Boston, United States

Weather averages

Today
High 59°F Low 46°F

Salem, United States

Weather averages

Today
High 59°F Low 40°F

FAQ

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Passport & visa requirements

U.S. citizens need valid government-issued identification for air travel within the United States. If you plan to use a state-issued ID or driver's license on or after October 1, 2020, it will need to meet Real ID requirements. Real ID compliant versions of these IDs will have either a yellow or black star, white star inside a yellow or black circle, or a white star inside a bear in the top righthand corner. Please visit dhs.gov for more information.
In order to enter the United States, Canadian citizens need a valid passport with an expiration date extending at least six months beyond the date of reentry.
If you are not a U.S. or Canadian citizen, you must contact your destination country’s consulate for your specific entry requirements.

Tour pace

You will walk for at least 1.5 hours daily across mostly flat terrain, including paved roads and cobblestone streets, with few hills.
Travelers should be healthy enough to participate in all included walks without assistance. Adding optional excursions may increase the total amount of walking on your tour.
You should feel comfortable managing your own baggage at times, as well as getting in and out of trains.
Go Ahead Tours and the Tour Director who accompanies your group are unable to provide special, individual mobility assistance to travelers on tour. The responsibility of the Tour Director is to ensure the group as a whole enjoys a relaxing and informative journey, and he or she cannot be relied upon to provide ongoing, individualized assistance to any one traveler.
If you have any mobility concerns or physical restrictions, please contact our Customer Experience Team.

Transportation & arrival information

Round-trip flights booked through Go Ahead Tours arrive in Burlington, Vermont and depart from Boston, Massachusetts. A representative from Go Ahead Tours will meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel. Please remain in the arrival lounge, as the representative might be escorting one of your fellow travelers to the bus at the time of your arrival.
Transfers to and from the airport at your destination are included for travelers who have purchased their flights through Go Ahead Tours. Travelers who purchase their own flights may request airport transfers with Go Ahead Tours for an additional cost.
A ride on the Mount Washington Cog Railway is included in the price of your tour.
All other included transportation on this tour is by private motor coach.

Baggage allowance

Please note that our travelers are limited to one checked bag and one carry-on bag per person due to storage limitations on motor coaches and other transfers, which may include train connections or flights.
Contact your airline(s) for baggage size and weight restrictions for your flights, which may include on-tour flights in addition to your round-trip flights to and from tour. Please note that your included on-tour flights may have more restrictive baggage limits.
Some airlines may impose additional charges if you choose to check any baggage or exceed baggage size and weight restrictions. Be advised that you are responsible for any baggage fees incurred on all flights.
Make sure you label your baggage and keep valuables, medication, and documents in your carry-on bag.

Clothing & packing tips

We recommend packing lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that can be easily layered to accommodate varying temperatures, as well as a light jacket or rainwear.
A sturdy pair of walking shoes or sneakers is recommended for sightseeing.
You may want to pack dressier attire if you plan to visit a high-end restaurant or attend a special performance.

Health

There are no major health risks associated with traveling to this region.
At least 60 days prior to departure, check with your doctor or healthcare provider for the latest updates and entry requirements, or visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention website at cdc.gov.
If you have medication that you take daily, be sure you have enough for each day of the tour as well as any possible delays encountered.
If you have dietary restrictions and/or food allergies please notify Go Ahead Tours at least 30 days prior to departure by logging in to your account and updating your traveler info. To update this information closer to your departure date, please call our Customer Experience Team.

Cuisine

In New England, look out for seafood specialties like lobster rolls and clam chowder, especially in Boston where fine dining and casual options abound. Vermont is famous for its sharp cheddar cheese and maple syrup.

Electricity & air conditioning

All of North America operates on 110-120 volts and uses Type A or B plugs with two flat pins or two flat pins and one round pin, respectively.
The majority of the hotels on this tour will have air conditioning.
Your hotels may provide hairdryers, irons, and other small appliances. However, these amenities cannot be guaranteed.

Connectivity

Wi-Fi is available in most hotels, though some charges may apply.
There is no Wi-Fi on any of the motor coaches.
Please contact your mobile service provider for information on roaming charges.

Time zones

All of the states visited on this tour are on Eastern Time (ET).
When it’s noon in New York City, it’s noon on tour.

Currency

You will use the U.S. dollar on this tour.
We strongly advise that you take debit/bank cards and credit cards, which can be used to withdraw cash at local banks as needed.
Inform your bank and credit card company of your travel plans so that they won’t confuse your international purchases for fraudulent charges.
Many banks and businesses now primarily accept debit and credit cards that work with the EMV chip system. If you do not already have at least one debit or credit card with a chip in it, we strongly recommend requesting one from your bank prior to your tour.

Tipping

At the conclusion of your tour, it’s customary to offer your Tour Director and driver a gratuity in USD.
We recommend tipping $7USD to $10USD per person per day for your Tour Director and $3USD per person per day for your driver.
If applicable, we also recommend $2USD per local guide.
Tips can only be paid in cash.

Purchasing excursions on tour

Most optional excursions will be available for purchase while you are on your tour.
Your Tour Director will only accept cash (in USD only), Visa, or MasterCard as payment for optional excursions.
Please be advised that if you pay for an excursion by credit card while on tour, it may take up to three months for your card to be charged.
Some optional excursions may only be purchased in advance. See page four of your tour itinerary for more information.

Dates & prices

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20202021

Starts

Ends

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2020