New England - Fall Foliage Tour in one week

The capital of Massachusetts, Boston is a fascinating blend of past and present: the wide avenues of the modern metropolis merge with the narrow and winding streets of the colonial city, futuristic skyscrapers stand alongside historic buildings. Founded in 1630 around the Boston Common, the communal pasture used for grazing livestock, in the following century it became the inspirational center of the revolution against England, and after independence it continued to develop as a commercial and cultural hub. The first free public school in America was opened here in 1635. Today, it is home to world-renowned educational and research institutions such as Harvard and MIT.,

Autumn means grape harvest time in southern New England. The sunny climate is similar to northern France and boasts vineyards with a growing reputation. An hour south of Boston, follow part of the Coastal Wine Trail, stopping for tastings at award-winning vineyards. In Massachusetts, we recommend Travessia in New Bedford, Running Brook in North Dartmouth, and Westport Rivers in Westport, Rhode Island. Newport Vineyards is a short drive from the renowned Newport city center. Alternatively, visit Sakonnet Vineyards in Little Compton. Discover Providence with its history, museums, and fine dining restaurants.,

Cross central Massachusetts and stop at Old Sturbridge Village, the largest outdoor history museum in the Northeast. Here, interpreters in authentic costumes take you back to 1830 to tell you how people lived back then. The vast grounds are filled with majestic trees. In the fall, you may come across Apple Days and Harvest Days celebrations. In the Connecticut River Valley, Deerfield is still like it was 300 years ago, not a historical reconstruction, but an authentic village full of life. Shaded by flaming maple trees, many of the 18th and 19th century houses along its long avenue are still inhabited by families. Some are open to the public; and the Flynt Center of Early New England Life is worth a visit.,

In autumn, there is an abundance of colors on the hills to the east and west of the Connecticut River. New Hampshire is rich in classic New England towns. Stop in Brattleboro, which belongs to Vermont but is on the border with New Hampshire, and is one of the "10 Best Small Towns in America". In Cornish, you can find the summer house, studio, and gardens where sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens created his statues of President Abraham Lincoln. Hanover is home to the prestigious Dartmouth College.,

Follow the picturesque Route 3. In Franconia Notch State Park, the Cannon Aerial Tramway, an 80-passenger cable car, offers breathtaking views of the forest colors as it ascends to the top of Cannon Mountain at 1,280 meters. Take the famous Kancamagus Highway (Route 112 heading east towards Conway) for an easy drive and stunning views. Along the way, adventurous travelers may want to stop at Loon Mountain for a zip-lining adventure over the Pemigewasset River. Children can have fun on the climbing wall and trampoline, or the whole family can go mountain biking. At the end of the Kancamagus/Route 112, turn left and follow Route 16 North to the town of North Conway for some shopping in the numerous stores and at Settler's Green Outlet Village. From the town center, hop aboard the Conway Scenic Railroad for a train ride or, even better, for dinner. The Mount Washington Observatory Weather Discovery Center, an interactive science museum, is also located in town.,

From Conway, New Hampshire, head into Maine. The hills along this part of the route are very wooded and ablaze with colors in the fall. Take Route 302 East to Fryeburg and Bridgton, then in Naples follow Long Lake. Naples is a lively lakeside community: rent a kayak, take a seaplane ride, or board the Songo River Queen II, a replica of a Mississippi paddlewheel boat. The town center has some interesting shops and some great places for excellent lobster. Not far away is Songo Lock, the last of 27 locks that once connected inland Maine with the ocean. From Naples, stay on Route 302 through Raymond and Windham to the port of Portland. But before entering Portland, take a little detour north and stop in Freeport for a visit to LL Bean, a famous sporting and outdoor goods store founded in 1912. The store covers an area of 20,000 square meters and is open 24/7 all year round. From Portland's Old Port, the historic waterfront district, take a tram ride for an excellent panoramic view of the city, or board the 11 am Diamond Pass Run, a scenic cruise of the Inner Bay, passing by Little and Great Diamond Island and also Peaks Island. Spend an afternoon at the Portland Museum of Art or go shopping. And for food lovers, this city is a true delight.,

Leaving Portland, stop in Cape Elizabeth, with its iconic Portland Head lighthouse standing against the sky. Continue along the coast or take the Old Route 1. Stop in the coastal villages. Visit the little gem of Cape Porpoise and enjoy lunch on the deck of the Cape Pier Chowder House. Continue through seaside communities like Kennebunkport, Wells, and Ogunquit, which are rich in autumn festivals. In Kittery, stop at the numerous shops with top brands. Cross the Piscataqua River to return to New Hampshire with its historic port city of Portsmouth and picturesque coastline. Portsmouth is a young town with outdoor cafes, unique shops, excellent restaurants, and beautiful gardens along the river. Take a stroll through the streets with beautiful historic homes. Visit the Strawbery Banke Museum, a living history museum with 42 restored buildings that bring four centuries of Portsmouth's history to life. Head south along the coast through the picturesque towns of New Castle and Rye (home to Dan Brown, author of the bestseller The Da Vinci Code) or take I-95 South to return to Boston.,

Day available for visiting the city,

Day available for visiting the city,