Autumn in New England's Villages

October 1 - 13, 2010

ITINERARY

Day 1
Our tour begins at a lovely historic hotel in the center of Salem, our base for exploring this enchanting region along the coastline north of Boston. This corner of New England is rich in colonial history, art and culture, beautiful vistas along the rocky coastline, picturesque seacoast villages and harbors, nature's bounty, and (we believe) the best seafood in the country. Of course this is the home of Olde Ipswich Tours! You are sure to fall for the charming coastal town of Ipswich that boasts more 17th century houses than anywhere in America, the title "Birthplace of American Independence", spectacular ocean and salt marsh scenery, and don't forget we have the sweetest, freshest clams in the world!
In Salem we take a walk with our entertaining historian/guide, who will show us the real Salem; beyond the House of Seven Gables and the old Custom House are many little known treasures of this marvelous maritime port.

Day 2
After a scrumptious New England breakfast, we visit the beautiful village of Marblehead, whose harbor contains more sailboats per capita than any other New England town. You'll feel just like you are back in the 18th century in the old town with its quaint houses crowded around the harbor. We have a seafood lunch overlooking the waterfront and then drive along the scenic "Gold Coast", through Beverly Farms, Manchester and Magnolia, with their plethora of stately oceanfront mansions, and onto Cape Ann. After visiting the charming coastal village of Rockport, we stop in America's oldest seaport, Gloucester. If the weather is right we sail on a replica of an 18th century two masted schooner around Gloucester Harbor. Throughout the day our guide tells us stories of the Puritans and colorful characters of the region's 380 year old history. Tonight is a gourmet dinner with the freshest New England seafood.

Day 3
This morning we take a 25 minute train ride into Boston for a full day in Bean Town. Our native Boston guide takes us through some old Brahmin neighborhoods just oozing with charm. We ride a Boston trolley around the city where we can get on and off at will. In the North End we stop in Little Italy for some homemade biscotti; on top of the tallest building, the John Hancock tower, Benjamin Franklin's words point out Boston landmarks. After a visit to the wonderful Isabella Stewart Gardner museum-formerly her ornate European Renaissance villa- we'll be ready for happy hour- perhaps a Sam Adams draft at Boston's most famous pub, Cheers. At the end of the day we enjoy a special dinner at one of our favorite restaurants before returning to Salem.

Day 4
Today we have a day in my favorite town in New England, Ipswich! Its 58 First Period houses make you feel as if you've stepped backward 350 years in time. Actually, make that 375 years because 2009 is the year Ipswich will be celebrating its 375th anniversary. We enjoy private tours of three beautiful historic houses, including the magnificent 59 room Crane Mansion on a hill looking out over the ocean. Across the salt marshes by the ocean is a 17th century farm and the colonial home of a good friend who happens to be a gourmet chef. Lisa invites us into her lovely home and gives us a tour and a cooking class where we prepare gourmet New England seafood recipes. We then enjoy dinner in the 1730 dining room, complete with a pairing of excellent wines with each course.

Day 5
Heading north along the scenic coast, we stop in Newburyport with its boardwalk on the busy harbor, its boutiques lining the quaint narrow streets, and its stately sea captains' mansions commanding the High Street hill above the shops. We take a walk along the beach in the world famous bird sanctuary on Plum Island before continuing up the coast to Portsmouth, just over the border into New Hampshire. The historic center of Portsmouth has recently been renovated and is now a delightful place to take a stroll along the harbor. We visit the recreated "Strawbery Banke", a collection of historic houses from four different centuries, outfitted with authentic period furnishings and each telling a fascinating story. We soon cross the Maine border and arrive in Kennebunkport, where we check into our delightful, elegant bed and breakfast. After a cocktail in the lounge, we head out for a great Maine lobster dinner.

Day 6
Today we explore the Southern Maine coast. From Ogunquit to York, this region is rich in both beauty and culture. We return to Kennebunkport in time to relax and enjoy another dinner of fresh Maine seafood.

Day 7
This morning we stop in Maine's capital city, Portland. Its "Old Port" neighborhood is charming and has a wonderful art museum we can visit. Then we head west, following small country roads through towns with names like Poland and Paris. We arrive in beautiful, wild Rangeley, and check into a lovely inn on the shore of Rangeley Lake. We receive a warm welcome by our hosts and a glass of wine to sip by the grand fireplace in the cozy living room. Our French Canadian chef then prepares us a wonderful gourmet dinner. A walk through town tonight in the crisp Maine autumn air will assure a great night's sleep.

Day 8
If the weather cooperates, we can take a canoe trip on the pristine lake or just relax on the veranda overlooking the water. Next we take a ride to the Norlands estate, a unique living history museum that will give us a new respect for this wild and beautiful region. We might try our luck at panning for gold, and then tonight is a special barbeque dinner followed by some "Downeast" story telling. And a visit to Rangeley would not be complete without an excursion to go moose sighting.

Day 9
This morning we enjoy a scenic drive through New Hampshire's White Mountains to Bretton Woods, where we have a special lunch at the famous Mt. Washington Hotel. Our drive continues through the mountains through the quaint towns of Jackson and North Conway, then across the Kancamagus Highway-one of the most beautiful roads in the U.S. At this time of year the foliage is spectacular. We take a walk along a trail in the Flume nature park, where the brilliance of the trees is dazzling. Over the Vermont border we pass by beautiful Quechee Gorge and arrive at what is arguably the prettiest town in Vermont, Woodstock. After dinner we retire to our cozy country inn.

Day 10
This morning we turn south onto the most scenic road in Vermont, Route 100. This exquisite drive through peak foliage time takes us through one picturesque village after another: this is the real McCoy country back road Vermont. After a stop at the quintessential Vermont country store for some samples of local cheddar cheese and home-made maple syrup, we travel south to lovely Manchester, where we have lunch in a beautiful old historic inn. Just outside Manchester we visit the homestead of Robert Todd Lincoln, only surviving child of Mary and Abraham Lincoln. The Lincoln descendants lived on this estate until 1905. The mansion is surrounded by lovely gardens and landscaped grounds. We continue south over the Massachusetts border into the Berkshire Mountain region and check into our charming country inn in the lovely town of Stockbridge.

Day 11
After a grand country breakfast at our inn we visit two wonderful historical sites-the Norman Rockwell Museum and the Naumkeag Estate and Gardens. In the afternoon we enjoy Shaker Village, a glimpse into a simple, uncluttered alternative way of life. We spend a second night at our homey inn and enjoy a wonderful home-cooked dinner.

Day 12
Leaving the Berkshires, we head east across Massachusetts to the historic town of Deerfield. We have a history lesson here on the 17th century King Phillip's War and the Indian massacre that nearly destroyed this settlement still in its infancy. After a special lunch in a delightful historic inn, we drive to Concord, certainly one of the most historic towns in our country. We see the Old North Bridge, where the shot was fired that was heard 'round the world, and walk along Battle Road, following the steps of the retreating British Redcoats, so many of whom died from snipers hiding in the woods. Tonight we have our farewell dinner and sleep in a beautiful historic inn.

Day 13
After breakfast we drive to Boston Logan Airport for the return flight home. For those who wish to continue their adventure, we'll take you to your hotel in Boston.