The capital city of Massachusetts, Boston is a happy mixture of present and past: the wide avenues of the modern part of the city blend into the narrow, snakelike lanes of the old colonial town; futuristic skyscrapers rise next to historic buildings. Boston was built in 1630 around the Boston Common – a pasture then used to graze local livestock – and, during the following century, became the core of the American Revolutionary War against Great Britain. After independence was declared, Boston kept on thriving as a trading and culture centre.
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Day 6 — Rockland → Bar Harbor
At the dawn of the 17th century, Maine welcomed the first French and English settlets in its vast, unpeopled land covered in woods. Its economy is based on lumbering and its world-famous lobstering.
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Day 8 — Bar Harbor → St Andrews-by-the Sea
St. Andrews by the Sea, one of Canada’s most charming coastal towns, enchants visitors with its historic architecture, romantic inns, and stunning views of the Bay of Fundy. The town offers plenty of activities, from whale watching tours to strolls through the famous Kingsbrae Garden, an award-winning botanical garden. History lovers will appreciate the well-preserved Loyalist houses and the 19th-century blockhouse. Relax with tea at the Algonquin Resort or explore nearby Ministers Island, accessible by foot during low tide.
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Day 9 — St Andrews-by-the Sea → Bangor
Formerly lumber capital of the world, Bangor is now known as the hometown of Stephen King. Its main street bustles with antique shops and fine pubs where you can sample delicious beers.
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Day 11 — Portsmouth → Hyannis
Hyannis is the most important town in Cape Cod, where you can board ferries to Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard. Its claim to fame however lies with the Kennedy family, who chose Hyannis as their favourite vacation resort. The town dedicated a small musuem to JFK, who loved to spend his summer vacation in his Hyannis mansion. Get the true spirit of Hyannis by strolling around the harbour district.
