New England: Express

Boston rises along the shores of the northern Atlantic, at the mouth of the Charles River, and stands as one of the oldest and most learned cities in the United States, the cradle of the American Revolution and the intellectual capital of New England. Exploring the centre means following the Freedom Trail, the red-brick route linking sixteen historic sites: it begins at Boston Common, America's oldest public park, and leads to the gold-domed Massachusetts State House, Park Street Church and the Granary Burying Ground, resting place of the founding fathers. The trail continues to the Old State House and the site of the Boston Massacre, before plunging into the North End, the city's Little Italy, with its trattorias, pastry shops and the Old North Church tied to Paul Revere's ride. Crossing the river leads to Charlestown and the USS Constitution, the oldest commissioned warship still afloat. Boston's charm lives on in its residential quarters too: Beacon Hill, with red-brick townhouses, gas lamps and the cobbles of Acorn Street, and Back Bay, with its elegant avenues, the shopping of Newbury Street and Trinity Church facing Copley Square. Across the Charles, Cambridge is home to two of the world's most famous universities, Harvard and MIT, whose historic campuses make for an easy day visit. The city offers the Museum of Fine Arts and the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, while the waterfront Harborwalk leads to the New England Aquarium and the boats setting out for whale watching. The local cuisine celebrates the bounty of the ocean: steaming clam chowder, Maine lobster and fresh oysters in the eateries of Quincy Market. Blending colonial history, prestigious academia and a maritime spirit, Boston pairs European elegance with the pioneering soul of America.

In the Berkshire area, you can find the Mohawk Trail, the first "scenic highway" in America, which was designated in 1914 and stretches for 63 miles from Greenfield to Williamstown. It follows an ancient route used by Native Americans, who are commemorated in the "Salute to the Dawn" monument. Highlights include the remarkable art museums in Williamstown (Williams College) and North Adams (Mass MOCA), and the Bridge of Flowers in Shelburne Falls. In the fall, when the leaves change color, the views of the gentle hills and valleys are spectacular. Williamstown is a charming town in the northwestern corner of Massachusetts, set among the hills of the Berkshires, famed as a cultural and academic centre thanks to the prestigious Williams College. Its identity is shaped by art: the Clark Art Institute holds masterpieces of Impressionism in a splendid natural setting, while the nearby MASS MoCA, in North Adams, is one of the largest contemporary-art museums in the United States. Surrounded by woods and trails along the Berkshires, between world-class art, a university atmosphere and New England landscapes, Williamstown is a refined cultural gem.

Burlington is the largest city in Vermont, lively and youthful, spread along the shores of Lake Champlain with the Adirondack Mountains as a backdrop across the water. Home to the University of Vermont, it boasts a pedestrian Church Street Marketplace rich in cafés, craft breweries and independent shops. The city is famed for its ecological conscience and for being the home of Ben & Jerry's ice cream. Between lake cruises, spectacular sunsets, a vibrant cultural scene and a progressive spirit, Burlington is the beating, welcoming heart of Vermont.

Stowe nestles among Vermont's Green Mountains, a classic New England village dominated by the profile of Mount Mansfield, the state's highest peak. A renowned ski resort, it is also famed for its autumn landscapes ablaze with foliage and for its white church with a steeple, the village's symbol. The area is linked to the von Trapp family of The Sound of Music fame, who run a historic lodge here. Between skiing, hiking and a bucolic atmosphere, Stowe is one of Vermont's mountain gems.

North Conway nestles in the Saco River valley, in the heart of New Hampshire’s White Mountains, framed by forested peaks that blaze red and gold in autumn. A renowned year-round resort town, it is the gateway for exploring Mount Washington, the highest summit in New England, and the spectacular Kancamagus Highway, famed for its fall foliage. In winter the surrounding ski resorts draw snow-sports enthusiasts, while the Conway Scenic Railroad offers atmospheric journeys through mountains and forests. Between outlet shopping, hiking trails and hidden waterfalls, North Conway is the ideal destination for those seeking nature and adventure in every season.

Kennebunkport is a refined coastal village in southern Maine, facing the Atlantic where the Kennebunk River meets the ocean. The heart of town is Dock Square, alive with galleries, boutiques and restaurants serving freshly caught lobster, the gastronomic symbol of New England. Shaded streets reveal elegant Victorian-style mansions and old sea captains' homes, while the scenic Ocean Avenue leads to Walker's Point, the summer residence of the Bush family. Sandy beaches, lighthouses such as the one on Goat Island and whale-watching cruises round out the experience. With its genteel, seafaring atmosphere, Kennebunkport embodies the classic charm of the Maine coast.