USA & Canada

Boston, New England and Whale-Watching Cruise

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Elegant cities and nature's wonders

Discover classic New England with a two-night stay on the 'blue-blood' streets of Boston, and a wonderful week-long tour of coastal Maine, forested Vermont and New Hampshire - with an unforgettable cruise to view some of nature's most wonderful creatures in their natural habitat.

Day One

Fly to Boston and transfer to your hotel.

Day Two

Our optional guided city tour will reveal to you this historic place, where the gold-domed State House overlooks the Common upon which America's Founding Fathers once strolled. Shop in famous Quincy Market, or simply rest and relax in the most 'European' US city.

Day Three

Discover the delights of coastal Portsmouth, New Hampshire. On this full-day excursion, we'll also visit Kennebunkport, Maine, a pretty village perhaps best known as the summer home of the Bush family, as well as Maine's largest settlement, Portland. Browse the gift shops and art galleries, and perhaps enjoy lunch, before we continue to Bethel, Maine for one night.

Day Four

Today you journey, through New Hampshire along the spectacular, rolling, maple-clad countryside that lines the Kancamagus Scenic Byway, to Vermont where you'll enjoy a two-night stay at Jay Peak.

Day Five

Enjoy a free day exploring the resort, set right in the heart of the mountains. An included gondola ride is also included today for exceptional views.

Day Six

Immerse yourself in the stunning 'Fall' colours as you explore the forested hills of Vermont, dotted with white clapboard houses and churches. Visit Stowe, enjoy lunch in beautiful Woodstock, with its covered bridge, and admire the Quechee Gorge, locally known as the region's very own 'Grand Canyon'.

After a wonderful day we'll continue to Nashua, New Hampshire.

Day Seven

Visit 'billionaires' playground' and home of the America's Cup, Newport, Rhode Island. Here, in America's smallest state, elegant sophistication is everywhere. Drive past the former summer homes of the likes of the Astors and Vanderbilts (one of which you'll have the opportunity to explore, payable locally), and stop for lunch on one of the city's quaint wharves or cobblestone streets, before you continue to your next hotel, in Hyannis on legendary Cape Cod.

Day Eight

Our first stop today will be Hyannisport, on famous Cape Cod, where we'll visit the JFK Memorial. From here we'll head to picturesque Barnstable Harbour to board a state-of-the-art, high-speed vessel for an unforgettable whale-watching adventure. Search the waters for humpback and Minke whales, as well as Bluefin tuna, in the company of expert naturalists who will reveal to you the "wonderful world of whales", and help you understand the area's history and ecology.

Day Nine

On today's excursion we'll head to Plymouth, where the Pilgrim Fathers landed in America. You'll be able to stroll Plymouth's historic streets, and explore the fascinating Plimoth Plantation, where staff in period costume re-enact events and life from a day in 1627.

In the afternoon we'll continue to Boston airport and check in for your flight home.

Day 10

Arrive back home, after an overnight flight.

US Arrivals Process

Most British Citizens travelling to the USA do not need a visa but must register online with US Immigration at least 72 hours before departure. A charge of $14US applies. We will send you the details, along with your tickets, about two weeks prior to travel. Any persons who have a criminal record or have ever been arrested, even if not charged, cannot use this process and must apply for a visa.

Tipping

Gratuities are a way of life in North America, and it is generally accepted that they form part of a person's earnings. Customary gratuity to a coach driver or tour manager is about $5 per person per day; in a taxi or a restaurant leave 12-15 per cent of the bill and, in the bar, leave a dollar or so per drink.