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AAA Sojourns Vacations
New England Autumn Rail
7-day/6-night Escorted Rail Vacation: Round-trip Boston, Massachusetts

Experience the beautiful autumn colors of New England on an escorted tour that includes journeys aboard four scenic railway lines, a city tour of Boston, a cruise on Lake Winnipesaukee, and a day sampling Vermont’s culinary delights.

From $1,740* per person
Departs September 25, 2010

AAA Member Benefit: AAA Sojourns embossed leather photo album/scrapbook. (1 per person)


Or call 1-877-272-2223


  • Detailed Descrption
  • Intinerary

Every fall, the hills and forests of New England blaze with a fiery spectrum of crimson, orange and gold in a color explosion that rivals any fireworks show. As a consequence, the series of New England rail lines that crisscross the region buzz with action as passengers vie for their spot at the large picture windows to see the amazing scenic beauty as it peaks.

For fans of New England in autumn, this escorted tour offers the perfect opportunity to witness the autumn color parade. From Boston, Amtrak’s Downeaster follows the winding coast to Portland, Maine, where you embark on a cruise of picturesque Portland Harbor and its many lighthouses followed by a lobster dinner. Traverse the heavily wooded Mount Washington Valley aboard the Conway Scenic Railroad’s Valley Train. Then savor views from vintage coaches aboard the Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad before the final railroad run aboard Vermont’s Green Mountain Flyer, a fully restored 1930s passenger train pulled by a vintage diesel locomotive.

Along the way, you’ll also enjoy a city tour of the historic sites of Boston, a cruise on Lake Winnipesaukee, a visit to Vermont’s “Little Grand Canyon,” a tour of the Castle in the Clouds estate, and a day sampling Vermont’s culinary delights, including maple syrup and Ben & Jerry’s ice cream.

Price includes:
• 6 nights hotel accommodations: 1 night each in Boston, MA; Deerfield, MA; Portland, ME; and Ludlow, VT; and 2 nights in Lake Winnipesaukee, NH
• Daily breakfast, 4 lunches and 3 dinners
• All non-rail transportation by luxury motor coach
• Rail journeys aboard Amtrak’s Downeaster, Conway Scenic Railroad, Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad, and Green Mountain Flyer
• City tour of Boston
• Scenic cruise of Portland harbor and cruise on Lake Winnipesaukee
• Vermont Culinary Day with visits to Morse Family Maple Farm, Ben & Jerry’s ice cream facility, and lunch at the New England Culinary Institute
• A Tour Escort throughout

Day 1 - Arrive in Boston
Arrive at Boston Logan Airport. Two complimentary group transfers will depart the Logan Airport between 4:30 pm - 11:00 pm for the hotel. If you are not able to meet one of these transfers, or do not wish to wait, you are responsible for your own transfer arrangements. After check-in at the hotel you are free to relax or explore on your own. Your Tour Escort will be available at the hotel to assist with any questions.
Accommodation: Radisson Hotel Boston - 1 night

Day 2 - Boston / Portland, Maine 
After breakfast, depart for an overview tour of Boston. See the USS Constitution, Beacon Hill, Boston Garden, Boston Common, Bunker Hill, Faneuil Hall and the Olde State House. Then board The Downeaster, Amtrak’s coastal train from Boston to Portland. This afternoon, enjoy a scenic cruise from Portland Harbor and view as many as seven lighthouses, including an up-close experience at Maine’s oldest and historic lighthouse, Portland Headlight. Tonight is a lobster dinner at a local restaurant.
Accommodation:  Holiday Inn by the Bay - 1 night

Day 3 - Portland / New Hampshire
Travel to the White Mountains and board the Conway Scenic Railroad “Valley Train” for scenic views of the Mount Washington Valley countryside. Travel New Hampshire’s most scenic roadway, the Kancamangus Highway, and stop at historic Albany Covered Bridge. For the best views of the mountains, we then ride the Loon Mountain Gondola. Afterwards check in to the resort on the shores of Lake Winnipesaukee.
Accommodation: Wolfeboro Inn - 2 nights

Day 4 - Lake Winnipesaukee
Today we board the Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad for views of the lake while riding the historic tracks of the Boston & Maine Railroad aboard vintage coaches. Afterwards cruise on Lake Winnipesaukee, an Indian term meaning “Beautiful Water in a High Place.” Tour Castle in the Clouds, an estate perched high above the lakes and surrounded by three mountains. Visit Mill Falls Marketplace on the shores of the lake, and browse the many unique shops.

Day 5 - Vermont Culinary Day
Today experience the culinary delights of Vermont with a stop at the Morse Family Maple Farm to learn how maple syrup is made. Lunch is served at the New England Culinary Institute, one of the country’s top culinary schools. Next, visit Ben and Jerry’s ice cream facility. Stop at Quechee Gorge, “Vermont’s Little Grand Canyon,” for photos before arriving at the hotel.
Accommodation: The Pointe at Castle Hill Resort & Spa - 1 night

Day 6 - Vermont / Berkshires
Today begins with a ride on the fully restored 1930s antique passenger coaches pulled by a vintage diesel locomotive of the Green Mountain Flyer. Travel along the Connecticut and Williams Rivers between Bellows Falls and the 1872 Chester Depot. Tour the Homes of Historic Deerfield where Main Street spans three centuries of history. See the Town Tavern, Olde School House, and a variety of Colonial Homes, each with its own antique treasures. Visit the Yankee Candle Company featuring the Bavarian Christmas Village, Old World Shops, and the Candle-making Museum. Our Farewell Dinner is at Chandler’s Tavern.
Accommodation: Sheraton Monarch Place Hotel - 1 night

Day 7 – Depart Boston
After breakfast, depart the Berkshires for Boston’s Logan Airport. Please schedule flights to depart after 2 p.m.


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