DAYS 1 AND 2: BOSTON
Famous for everything from the Red Sox and Paul Revere to Cheers and clam “chowdah,” Boston is a popular destination for so many reasons. Part history lesson, part modern metropolis, the Hub offers attractions to suit every taste and interest. Hop on the Freedom Trail, a well-preserved pedestrian path that weaves in and out of historic neighborhoods. Between landmarks, you can shop the fabulous stores on Newbury Street, have a delicious authentic Italian meal in the North End or browse the antique shops and distinctive red-brick buildings of Beacon Hill. The more culturally inclined will not want to miss the city’s world-class museums, theater and music venues. Family friendly to the core, Boston also boasts a renowned aquarium, children’s museum and science museum, making it a great getaway for all. 2 nights Boston
Standard: Hilton Wodurn
Select: Hilton Financiel District; Boston Park Plaza
DAY 3: BOSTON – MID COAST MAINE (112m / 180km)
Travel to the coast, stopping in Kittery for great factory outlet shopping! In historic Portland, enjoy the charming Old Port Exchange and, of course, lobster! 1 night Mid Coast Maine
Standard: Fairfield Inn, Howard Johnson
Select: Wyndham Airport Hotel
DAYS 4 AND 5: MID COAST MAINE – BAR HARBOR AREA (162m / 259km)
Spectacular scenery awaits, as you head for Bar Harbor situated on Mount Desert Island, known as the home of Acadia National Park with its lakes, forest, coastline and more than 300 species of birds. Either hike or drive to the top of Cadillac Mountain -- the highest point on the eastern seaboard -- and you’ll be the first in the country to welcome the sun. Above you the early morning sky; below, Maine’s rugged coastline. When your trek ends, head over to Bar Harbor, the island’s hub, where you’ll find more than 100 restaurants. Explore its sidewalk cafes and shops, or wander the waterfront and gaze at the 19th-century mansions that tower over the water, stately reminders of the days when this small town on Frenchman’s Bay was a grand summer resort for society families. 2 nights Bar Harbor Area
Standard: Holiday Inn Ellsworth
Select: Bar Harbor Regency,Bluenose Inn
DAYS 6 AND 7: BAR HARBOR AREA – WHITE MOUNTAINS (250m / 403km)
Drive through gorgeous scenery – from forests to fields, all interspersed with sparkling lakes and rivers to the White Mountains. In the White Mountains, drive to the summit of Mt. Washington, shop, or take the Conway Scenic Railroad, or head to the Lakes Region. 2 nights White Mountains
Standard: Lodge at Lincoln Station
Select: Eagle Mountain House, North Conway Grand
DAYS 8 AND 9: WHITE MOUNTAINS – NORTHERN VERMONT (130m / 208km)
If you spent the night in Jackson or North Conway, travel the Kancamagus Highway to Lincoln. In Vermont, treat yourself to a tour of Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream Factory before heading to Burlington, on the banks of Lake Champlain. Head for Woodstock, a quintessential New England village with traditional shops and covered bridges. Visit Shelburne Museum’s collections of Americana, gardens and the side- wheeler, SS Ticonderoga. 2 nights Green Mountains
Standard: Commodores Inn
Select: Basin Harbor Club
DAY 10: NORTHERN VERMONT – CONNECTICUT RIVER VALLEY (174m / 278km)
Travel to Rutland, once center of the Vermont marble industry. Manchester Village is a lovely stop on your way to the Berkshire Hills of Massachusetts. Visit the Francine Clarke Art Institute or the Hancock Shaker Village, a restored 19th century settlement. Continue to Lenox, summer home of the Boston Symphony and Stockbridge, once home to Norman Rockwell, one of America’s greatest artists. The Norman Rockwell Museum houses many of his works.
Standard: Clarion Hotel
Select: Sturbridge Host
DAYS 11 AND 12: CONNECTICUT RIVER VALLEY – NEWPORT (127m / 203km)
Before heading to Newport, you may visit Old Sturbridge Village, a living 19th century museum, or Mystic, Connecticut, and Mystic Seaport Museum, America’s largest maritime museum. Continue to Newport, summer resort of America’s first millionaires. Spend the day on a spectacular beach; tour the Cliff Walk and Ten Mile Drive with its extravagant summer mansions. Newport’s restored waterfront features many shops and restaurants. 2 nights Newport
Standard: Howard Johnson
Select: Hotel Viking
DAYS 13 AND 14: NEWPORT – CAPE COD (75m / 120km)
Travel to Cape Cod, a fabulous summer resort with white sandy beaches and abundant attractions. Plan a whale watch cruise; visit historic Chatham or colorful, artistic Provincetown. Take a day trip to Martha’s Vineyard or Nantucket. 2 nights Cape Cod
Standard: Holiday Inn, Heritage House
Select: Hyannis Resort & Conference Center, Cape Codder Resort
DAY 15: CAPE COD – BOSTON (75m / 120km)
En route to Logan Airport, visit Sandwich, the Cape’s oldest town. In Plymouth, visit Plimoth Plantation, a living museum depicting life in 1627. Time for lunch before driving to the airport and your flight home.