Boston, Cape Cod, Newport & The Islands

Day 1 – Boston Arrival

You will arrive at Boston Logan Airport after a 7 hour 30 minute flight non-stop from the U.K. Due to high parking charges in Boston we do not recommend collecting your rental car on arrival, a better bet is to collect it from a convenient downtown location when you leave Boston after 3 nights – We arrange all this for you.

We can arrange shared shuttle transfers or private car transfers but it’s quite easy to take a regulated meter cab from the official tax rank outside the terminal which will cost you approximately $30.

Depending on your arrival time you might like to take a walk into the Boston Public Garden in the centre of the city, this would be a great way to relax after your flight. Overnight Boston.

Hotel:
Intercontinental Hotel, Hyatt Regency Boston or similar

---

Day 2 – Boston

Boston is a great walking city and the Freedom Trail is the highlight of Boston for visitors. The 2.5 mile red brick walking trail leads you to 16 nationally significant historic sites, every one an authentic American treasure. Preserved and dedicated by the citizens of Boston in 1958, when the wrecking ball threatened several important places, the Freedom Trail today is a unique collection of museums, churches, meeting houses, burying grounds, parks, a ship, and historic markers that tell the story of the American Revolution.

You can take a self-guided tour or one of the many other tours which include the hop on hop off trolley bus tours. Be sure to stop at the most important sites like Old Ironsides, the Paul Revere House and the Old North Church. Plan to stop and eat at Faneuil Hall, once the primary meeting place for America’s revolutionaries. It is now a bustling market of restaurants and shops. You will find Colonial and Revolutionary history on every step of the Freedom Trail, charging up Bunker Hill, and on the cobbled streets of Beacon Hill.

Lively and informative costumed characters travel the Trail during the summer. These characters are fun and engaging for children of all ages (from 5 to 75!) and act as ambassadors to the era of America’s founding and the birth of the country’s freedom. Boston is a shopping mecca, head to historic Back Bay to stock up on fashion favourites at Copley Place – a dazzling mixed-use complex with over 70 stores and restaurants – or bag a bargain at Wrentham Village Premium Outlets®, New England’s largest upscale outlet centre. Overnight – Boston.

Hotel:
Intercontinental Hotel, Hyatt Regency Boston or similar

---

Day 3 – Boston

A 2nd full day in Boston to explore other sites such as New England Aquarium, Museum of Fine Arts and do visit the North End also known as Little Italy. It would be a good day to appreciate Boston from the water today and given it’s nautical history maybe consider the Liberty Fleet Tall Ships Adventure, a harbour cruise offering fabulous views of the city. The Charles River should not be forgotten either and you can take a boat tour here too. The entire Boston waterfront for the downtown and Seaport of Boston is a public walkway, so it’s easy to get to the waterfront and at least get a glimpse. Overnight – Boston.

Hotel:
Intercontinental Hotel, Hyatt Regency Boston or similar

---

Day 4 – Boston – Newport
72 miles

Today you collect your fully inclusive rental vehicle from a convenient downtown location or the airport whichever you prefer.

Along the way make time for the Blackstone River Valley in the state of Rhode Island. It was the site of the first textile manufacturing in the United States, giving rise to the Industrial Revolution in the American northeast. Legend has it that Samuel Slater stole the original technology from England. His original mill on the Blackstone River has been painstakingly reconstructed. Now lined with pleasant, well manicured towns, it will be hard to imagine that this serene and lovely region once teemed with over 1,100 textile mills and thousands of residents who worked in them.

If you have time try to pull in Mystic Seaport on the museum, a re-imagined waterfront settlement featuring a 19th-century village, historic ships, a museum & more. Mystic is also an incredibly quaint New England seaside village with historic river drawbridge. Overnight – Newport.

Hotel:
Marshall Slocum Inn, Hotel Viking or similar

---

Day 5 – Newport

Spend the day exploring the summer resort of America’s first millionaires. Spend the day on a spectacular beach; tour the Cliff Walk and Ten Mile Drive with its extravagant summer mansions. Newport’s restored waterfront features many shops and restaurants. It’s easy to see why Newport is one of the most fascinating and delightful places on the East Coast. The Colonial Buildings on the narrow streets in the historic district, the extravagant mansions on the grand avenues, the rugged rock-bound coast, well protected harbour and magnificent views of ocean and bay combine to make Newport a spectacular destination. Make sure you visit at least one of the mansions built during the Gilded Age. The wonderful houses along the cliffs and Bellevue Avenue were the ‘summer cottages’ of the rich and famous from New York and Philadelphia who descended on Newport for a summer social season. Houses modelled after French castles and other royal residences were the site of lavish parties, dalliances and intrigue. When no longer occupied by their owners, a collection of the mansions were purchased by the Preservation Society of Newport and have been opened to the public. The Breakers built in 1892 for Cornelius Vanderbilt II and Rosecliff, modelled after Marie Antoinette’s palace at Versaillesare probably the two best to visit. With plenty of leisure time there had to be something for the ultra wealthy to do and the Newport Casino, with the first grass tennis courts, hosted top tennis players and the “Tennis Hall of Fame” was established in town. Sailing flourished as yacht clubs grew in popularity and it wasn’t long before the America’s Cup races were held in Newport and continued to do so each summer for 130 years. Sailing cruises around the harbour are available to tourists and a sunset cruise is an ideal way to end the day. Overnight – Newport.

Hotel:
Marshall Slocum Inn, Hotel Viking or similar

---

Day 6 – Newport

Suggested day trip:

Head just 30 minutes down the coast to Point Judith on the western side of Narragansett Bay where it opens out onto Rhode Island Sound. From here it’s a 55 minute, turn up and go, foot ferry to Block Island listed by the Nature Conservancy as one of “The Last Great Places” with about 40 percent of the island set aside for conservation. Block Island features 17 miles of pristine beaches, protected by lighthouses and spectacular bluffs, and surrounded by rolling roads and winding paths. Many of the beaches encompassing the island are isolated and nearly untouched providing breath-taking views and utmost tranquillity. Two-and-one-half miles of some of New England’s finest beach front can be found at Crescent Beach. Crescent Beach stretches along the Island’s east coast from Old Harbor (where the ferries dock) to Clay Head. It connects Surf beach and Baby beach to the south with Scotch and Mansion beaches, to the north. Block Island has been called the “Bermuda of the North,” so it is only fitting that most visitors choose bicycles or mopeds as their primary form of island transportation. Return to the mainlined and make the short drive back for an overnight in Newport.

Hotel:
Marshall Slocum Inn, Hotel Viking or similar

---

Day 7 – Newport – Provincetown
120 miles

Today drive the full length of Cape Cod to the north-western tip and Provincetown, the first landing point for the Pilgrim Fathers.

Tour interesting places along your drive starting with the historic town of Sandwich where you might like to visit to the historic Sandwich Glass Museum. Next, pick up route 6A to Sandy Neck in Barnstable, a village harbour scene that reall is picture postcard Cape Cod.

Drive south from Barnstable towards Hyannis, Centerville & Craigville Beach where a stop for delicious ice cream at the Four Seas, Centerville is highly recommended. Check out the gorgeous beaches at Craigville Beach, driving along Craigville Beach Rd to Hyannisport where you can drive by the Kennedy Compound and enjoy the views. On Main Street, Hyannis, consider Colombo’s for a good coffee/lunch. Main Street has many different shops you’ll enjoy, as well as the Kennedy Museum. Keep heading east from Hyannis along Rt 28 to Harwich where you might like to stop for the nice galleries and shops before continuing to Chatham where you must stop at Marion’s Pie Shop! Some say, the best pie shop in the world! Fruit pies, meat pies, seafood pies, take your pick and draw your own conclusions!

As you continue to Provincetown there are lighthouses and windmills to see in Chatham, Orleans and Eastham. Overnight Provincetown.

Hotel:
Seaglass Inn & Spa

---

Day 8 – Provincetown

You’ll spend the next two nights near the colourful and fascinating little town of Provincetown at the very tip of Cape Cod. Whaling ships ruled the harbour in the 1800’s and it’s still a fishing port today, but now the fishing fleet goes as far as the Grand Banks for cod and haddock. Being surrounded by water on three sides Provincetown has the perfect light so favoured by artists and the town is renowned for its vibrant art community and has attracted a wide spectrum of people who have made it their home. Tolerance is the rule here and Bohemian lifestyles intertwine with classic New England morals. Artists live side by side with traditional fisherman and during the summer Commercial Street is filled with the most cosmopolitan mix of people, exploring the art galleries, tiny seafood restaurants, shops, narrow streets and pretty gardens. Overnight Provincetown.

Hotel:
Seaglass Inn & Spa

---

Day 9 – Provincetown

Today we include a half day whale watching cruise, between April and October, the waters off Cape Cod are perfect for spotting humpback whales. Board your climate controlled ship and cruise to Stellwagon Bank, feeding ground for whales, dolphins, sea lions and other marine life. All ships have outdoor decks for optimum viewing and all cruises are narrated by naturalists or marine life specialists.

During the summer months between 4pm – 7pm , don’t miss the Tea Dance at the Boatslip Beach Club (admission is $5). The popular daily LGBT (but very hetero-friendly) social event is a great place to sip cocktails, show off your dance moves, and make new friends. Even if you’re not up for twirling to disco beats, the Tea Dance is always great for people-watching.

As a final evening dining experience head to the historic Red Inn with old-world ambience unparalleled view across the water this is sure to close out your visit to Provincetown in style. Overnight – Provincetown.

Hotel:
Seaglass Inn & Spa

---

Day 10 – Provincetown – Martha’s Vineyard
50 miles

Today you re-trace your steps along Cape Cod to Woods Hole for your ferry journey to Martha’s Vineyard.  Allow 2 hours to reach Woods Hole, your ferry trip takes just 45 minutes. Martha’s Vineyard is little more than 20 miles between its longest points. As you leave the car ferry you have an 8-mile journey to Edgartown, where your beautiful New England clapboard Inn is located

Once on Martha’s Vineyard, you can explore the Island by car, bike, the local bus system, tour bus or taxi.  Bus and private tours of the Island are a great way to explore Martha’s Vineyard. When planning your trip take a moment to read about all the options on www.MVOL.com Overnight – Martha’s Vineyard. (Ferry booked and included with Complete North America)

Hotel:
Nobnocket Boutique Inn, Kelley House Hotel or similar

---

Day 11 – Martha’s Vineyard

There is so much to see and do on the Island, it has six very distinctive Island towns that welcome visitors year-round. If you come in summer you can enjoy the world class beaches, cultural events, fresh seafood, farm fresh produce and laid-back lifestyle.  Visitors spring or fall enjoy a host of outdoor activities on the water, in the woods or along the many ponds that ring the Island. In the winter, the Island has its own serene beauty that keeps visitors coming again and again.

Martha’s Vineyard has played host to the rich and famous for generations, including film stars and American Presidents. Tour the Vineyard to see the gingerbread cottages of Oak Bluffs, the handsome old mansions and tree-shaded streets of Edgartown and Gay Head cliffs in scenic Aquinnah. The interior of the island, with moors and farms, is as lovely as the shoreline and there are miles of bicycle paths connecting the main towns. Overnight – Martha’s Vineyard.

Hotel:
Nobnocket Boutique Inn, Kelley House Hotel or similar

---

Day 12 – Martha’s Vineyard – Yarmouth Port
30 miles

Today you return to the mainland via the same ferry service and make the 1 hour drive to your final destination, Yarmouth Port for 3 nights on the central cape, giving you the opportunity to wind down before your flight home to the U.K.

With its pretty villages and abundant attractions, including the Cape Cod National Seashore with 40 miles of pristine sandy beach, marshes, ponds and diverse bird life, you will not be short of things to do.

One of Yarmouth Port’s most beautiful areas is Grey’s Beach at Bass Hole, with a boardwalk that extends 868 feet over the salt marshes. At the end of the boardwalk, benches provide a place to relax and enjoy the spectacular sunsets! In addition to this you can walk the beautiful 2 ½ mile nature trail while you’re there.

Along Route 6A in Yarmouth Port, is a self-guided tour of 54 original sea captain’s homes dating back to the late 1700’s and early 1800’s. Each historic home is marked with an oval shaped black and gold schooner ship plaque by the front door. Open to the public, the Captain Bangs Hallet House Museum tells the story of its two deep-water sea captains and their families that lived within. Pick up a copy of the illustrated tour guide at the Yarmouth Visitor Center. Route 6A, Yarmouth Port.

Lighthouses are as much a part of Cape Cod and the Islands as the sea. For centuries they have guided mariners to safety through treacherous shoals. Among the Cape’s numerous lighthouses you’ll find eight working lighthouses, mile-for-mile one of the largest concentrations of working lighthouses in the world. Cape Cod Highland Lighthouse, also known as Cape Cod Light, is the oldest and highest lighthouse on Cape Cod, and one of Henry David Thoreau’s favourite spots on Cape Cod. Ask the Visitor Center for information and maps of the Cape’s Lighthouse Tour. Overnight Yarmouth Port.

Hotel:
Liberty Hill Inn

---

Day 13 – Yarmouth Port

An early start this morning for the drive to Hyannis Port (car parking fee) and the 09:10 am high speed ferry to pretty Nantucket Island. With its cobblestone Main Street shaded by giant elm trees; its magnificent homes of merchants and ship captains it is one of the best preserved towns in New England. A fully narrated tour offers a truly interesting view of America’s most scenic little island. In just over an hour, become acquainted with the “Little Grey Lady,” famous as the world’s foremost whaling port in the 18th century. Included are The Old Mill, “Sconset” Village with its rose-covered cottages, Low Beach, Sankaty Head Lighthouse, Cranberry bogs and Nantucket moors. After lunch take the late afternoon high speed ferry to Hyannis, return to your car for the short drive back to your Inn. Overnight Yarmouth Port.

Hotel:
Liberty Hill Inn

---

Day 14 – Yarmouth Port

Your last full day so choose from a variety of things to do from your base at Yarmouth. You might like to do a whale watching boat cruise from nearby Hyannis Port.

Board a state of the art vessel and head offshore to Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary for an unforgettable encounter with the whales. The waters around Cape Cod consistently rank as one of the world’s top 10 whale watching destinations and last season whales were seen on every trip. Humpback, Finback and Minke whales were seen, and at times, huge numbers of Atlantic white-sided dolphins. Seals and seabird sightings rounded out a true North Atlantic adventure.

Taking 3.5 – 4 hours in total you still have plenty of time to explore the towns and villages or head for the world class beaches that fringe the Cape. Overnight – Yarmouth Port.

Hotel:
Liberty Hill Inn

---

Day 15 – Departure Boston
75 miles

We will look to book you on a flight departing in the evening from Boston and with just a 1.5 hour drive back to the airport, this leaves you time to stop en-route at Plimouth Plantation, just 40 minutes north of Yarmouth Port.

Plimouth Plantation is a living history museum in Plymouth. Started in 1947 it replicates the original settlement of the Plymouth Colony in the 17^th Century by the English colonists who became known as Pilgrim Fathers. Step back in time to first experience the life of the  Wampanoag Homesite, located on the banks of the Eel River. Here you’ll discover how the 17th-century Wampanoag would have lived along the coast during the growing season; planting their crops, fishing and hunting, gathering wild herbs and berries for food, and reeds for making mats and baskets. You’ll see different kinds of homes including a mat-covered wetu, the Wampanoag word for house, and a bark-covered long house or nush wetu, meaning a house with three fire pits inside. Food is cooked over an open fire using only the ingredients that were available in the 1600s. At the riverside you may see men making a mishoon – the Wampanoag word for boat – using fire as a tool to hollow out a tree.

You can then move on to the 17th-Century English Village, a re-creation of the small farming and maritime community built by the Pilgrims along the shore of Plymouth Harbor. The English Village brings colonial Plymouth vividly to life. Here, you will find modest timber-framed houses furnished with reproductions of the types of objects that the Pilgrims owned, aromatic kitchen gardens, and heritage breeds livestock. Engaging townspeople are eager to tell you about their new lives in Plymouth Colony.

The people you meet are costumed role players portraying actual residents of Plymouth Colony. They have adopted the names, viewpoints and life histories of the people who lived and worked in the Colony. Each has a unique story to tell. Their viewpoints might shock or fascinate you, educate or entertain you. Imagine you have travelled back in time and can hear directly from the Pilgrims about the Colony’s difficult beginnings. Ask about religious beliefs, education and child rearing, relations with Native People, gardens, cooking, or any topic of interest to you. Or simply rest on a bench and enjoy the unique atmosphere of 17th-century Plymouth Colony.

Of course, the day is yours so other options include more leisure time on the Cape or another visit to Boston before you return your rental vehicle to the airport and check in for your overnight flight to the U.K.

---

Your holiday includes

• Scheduled Flights
• UK & US Airport taxes
• Accommodation – 14 nights
• Compact car rental based on Hertz – 14 day rental
• Provincetown Whalewatching trip
• Martha’s Vineyard return ferry 2 adults and car
• Nantucket return ferry – foot passengers
• Bus tour Nantucket
• Exclusive travel documentation portfolio including personalised maps, itinerary and driver directions along with all applicable tickets and vouchers.

Additional Experiences

Our holidays are completely tailored to suit you. We would be happy to help you choose from a vast array of additional experiences that will enhance your North America holiday adventure.

These might include:

There are many more, often quite unique to your chosen destination so please do ask.