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8 Days from $995 New England Summer and Fall Colors

Dear Traveler, Welcome to a great vacation at an affordable price. These quality tours feature complete sightseeing, professional Tour Directors and great itineraries, operated by one of the country’s oldest and most respected tour companies. Discover for yourself why smart shoppers and experienced travelers have chosen Caravan for over 50 years.  
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Mystic SeaportMarthas Vineyard

New England Tour Map
Begins and Ends: Boston

Back to Top Caravan Videos for this Tour

Videos are in Flash format.
Heritage of Mystic Seaport( 02:11 )
Maine Coast: Portland and Kennebunkport( 03:41 )

Itinerary

Day 1 – Boston, Massachusetts

Visit all six New England states! Your vacation begins in Boston, the “Cradle of Liberty.” Transfer from Boston’s Logan Airport by hotel courtesy shuttle to your hotel. Rooms are available for check in after 3:00 p.m. Join Caravan for an 8:00 p.m. welcome briefing.

Day 2 – Plymouth Rock, Hyannis

This morning stop at Boston’s Old North Church, where Paul Revere began his famous midnight ride. Brief visit to Fanueil Hall Marketplace. Drive by the State Capitol and the Boston Commons. Continue to Lexington, where the Minutemen had their first Revolutionary skirmish. See the Battle Green where “the shot heard around the world” signaled the start of the American Revolution. Follow the route of Paul Revere from Lexington to Concord. Stop at the Old North Bridge. Then, head south and stop at Plymouth Rock. In 1620, pilgrims from the Mayflower landed here. Next, to Cape Cod’s southern shore for a two night stay at your resort in the popular vacation community of Hyannis. Hyannis was the site of President John F. Kennedy’s summer White House. Enjoy dinner. BD

Day 3 – Martha’s Vineyard

Morning ferry from Woods Hole across the bay to Martha’s Vineyard, named for a European sailor’s daughter, Martha, who found wild grapes growing on the island. The island is a haven for artists, poets, singers and celebrities who are attracted to its laid-back, charming lifestyle. Here, enjoy an island tour of sweeping vistas. See Oak Bluffs and Vineyard Haven. Visit the historic whaling town of Edgartown with its narrow streets and elegant homes. Enjoy leisure time to wander, shop and visit the art galleries. Return by ferry to Cape Cod. B

Day 4 – Rhode Island, Connecticut

This morning journey to the sailing capital of the world, Newport, Rhode Island. Visit the historic Vanderbilt “summer cottage,” The Breakers. This Italian Renaissance style palace has 70 rooms and is the grandest of all Newport estates. Then, on a sightseeing drive of Newport, see the mansions of the “400 Club” and St. Mary’s Church, where Jacqueline Bouvier married John F. Kennedy. Continue to the seaport of Mystic, Connecticut. Visit Mystic Seaport, the nation’s leading maritime museum, dedicated to the golden age of seafaring. View impressive tall ships. B

Day 5 – Norman Rockwell, Vermont

This morning, head into the beautiful Berkshire Mountains of Massachusetts, where Norman Rockwell spent the last 25 years of his life. Visit the Norman Rockwell Museum. Admire the collection of Rockwell’s Saturday Evening Post covers extolling the virtues of everyday Americans. Visit Rockwell’s studio, preserved exactly as it was when Rockwell painted here. Then, overnight in the Green Mountains of Vermont. B

Day 6 – Vermont, New Hampshire

This morning, a scenic mountain drive along country roads to Plymouth Notch, birthplace of President Calvin Coolidge. See the home where our 30th President took the oath of office from his father, by the light of a kerosene lamp. The village of Plymouth Notch is unchanged since the early 20th century. Your next stop is the village of Woodstock, described as “the prettiest small town in America.” Photostop at a covered bridge. Drive over Quechee Gorge, the Grand Canyon of New England. Next, through the White Mountains of New Hampshire to Franconia Notch. Then, follow the Kancamagus Highway to your hotel in North Conway. Enjoy dinner. BD

Day 7 – Portland, Maine

This morning, travel past Maine’s lakes to Portland on the rocky Atlantic coast. Visit Portland’s waterfront. Continue to the resort of Kennebunkport. Free time to explore this quaint small town. Tonight enjoy a farewell Maine lobster dinner. Maine’s rocky coast, strong wave action and cold, nutrient-rich waters help create the world’s sweetest and best-tasting lobsters. BD

Day 8 – Kennebunkport, Boston

After breakfast, Caravan transfers you to the Boston airport, arriving at 10:00 a.m. Please schedule flights after 12:00 p.m. Thanks for vacationing with Caravan. B

Fall Colors in New England
New England is beautiful year-round. The best departure dates, however, for viewing fall colors are usually September 21 through mid-October. Peak fall colors vary each year and can be affected by wind, temperature, and moisture. Caravan’s broad circular tour route, covering all six New England states, maximizes your foliage viewing opportunities.

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2009 Departure Dates

Jun   16*, 23*, 30*
Jul   7**, 14**, 21**, 28**
Aug   4**, 11**, 18**, 25**
Sep   1**, 8**, 15**, 16**, 17**, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30
Oct   1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16**, 17**, 18**, 19**, 20*, 21*, 22*, 23*

*indicates Super Value date.
**indicates Great Value date.


Call For Latest Availability

Caravan's tours sell out fast! Please call 1 800 CARAVAN or 312 321-9800 before confirming other travel arrangements to verify availability and place a complimentary hold on your preferred departure date. Other dates may be available.

Price Per Person - $U.S.

Room Type Super
Value
Great
Value
Special
Value
Double $ 995 $ 1,095 $ 1,195
Triple 975 1,075 1,175
Single 1,475 1,575 1,675
Plus Taxes and Fees:
Double $139; Triple $129; Single $189

new york times blurb

How to Reserve Space

Call 1-800-Caravan. You can reserve space free for up to 3 days, then a $300 deposit per person is due. Full payment due 60 days prior to departure.

Airfare is not included or sold by Caravan. Here is a list of some of the airlines that service this tour.

10 Meals Included
B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner

Hotels - listed by day

1

Boston
Hilton Boston Logan Airport

2, 3

Hyannis, Cape Cod, Massachusetts
Cape Codder Resort

4

Mystic, Connecticut
Mystic Hilton, Best Western-Mystic

5

Stratton, Vermont
Stratton Mountain

6

North Conway, New Hampshire
Fox Ridge

7

Kennebunkport, Maine
Nonantum Resort

Covered Bridge

Pay by

Master Card Master Card, Visa Visa, or  Check check.

Travel Protection Plan

Caravan’s very reasonably priced travel protection plan offers peace of mind if you cancel for any reason prior to departure of the tour and also includes comprehensive medical air and baggage insurance. Caravan strongly recommends purchasing this plan. The cost is $99. Find out more

Franconia Notch Fall Colors Kennebunkport

Back to Top Hotels

Accommodations in the hotels and lodges are rooms with two beds and private bath or shower. A limited number of single rooms are available. Triple rooms are usually two beds, sometimes with a cot or rollaway.

Day 1 – Boston

Hilton Boston Logan Airport

The Hilton is conveniently located at Boston Logan Airport. This modern Four Diamond property has comfortably appointed guest rooms featuring items from Hilton’s Serenity Collection including their acclaimed Serenity Bed. The Hilton has a restaurant, pub and cafe. The Hilton’s complimentary health club features a lap pool, whirlpool, steam room, sauna and a variety of fitness equipment. Massage and spa treatments are available for a fee and can be arranged by calling a couple of hours in advance. Treatments include: Full Body Massage, Ancient Sea Salt Glow, Paraffin for Hands or Feet and Happy Feet.

Hotel Photo
 

Days 2, 3 – Hyannis, Cape Cod, Massachusetts

Cape Codder Resort

The Cape Codder Resort is a full service resort and spa located on 12 acres of beautifully manicured lawns, gardens and plantings. The Hyannis Cape Codder Resort has three unique, individual restaurants. The sleeping rooms have recently been renovated. It is a full service hotel. The Cape Codder has tennis courts, volleyball area, a huge indoor pool, complete with a wave pool, slide waterfalls, huge whirlpool and two saunas.

Hotel Photo
 

Day 4 – Mystic, Connecticut

Mystic Hilton, Best Western-Mystic

 
Hilton Mystic
The Hilton Mystic offers impeccable service and outstanding amenities, with a heated indoor pool, and a state-of-the-art fitness facility. All standard rooms have coffee makers, hair dryers, irons and ironing boards, remote control cable tv's and high-speed internet access. A strong Connecticut nautical influence is reflected throughout the hotel. From the rich navy blues in the lobby, to the dark woods, brass and fireplaces in the lounge, the 182-room Mystic Hilton hotel is the perfect place to stay in this charming seaside Connecticut town. Relax on the plush bedding, watch a movie, and order room service, or enjoy dinner at the hotel's award-winning restaurant, The Mooring. Additional restaurants are located within walking distance.

Best Western-Mystic
The Best Western Mystic Hotel is located in the heart of historic Mystic and has an indoor heated pool, game room, fitness center, and a casual dining restaurant and bar. All rooms have tea and coffee making facilities, refrigerators and cable TV. High-speed Internet service is also available at the hotel, which has a 24-hour front desk.

Hotel Photo
  Hotel Photo
 

Day 5 – Stratton, Vermont

Long Trail House

This mountain resort hotel is nestled onto the hillside of Stratton Mountain. Amenities include pool, hot tub and sauna. Rooms include in room gas fireplaces and high speed internet service. Located on the Village Common of Stratton Mountain for an easy stroll to shops and restaurants.

Hotel Photo
 

Day 6 – North Conway, New Hampshire

Fox Ridge

Caravan welcomes you to the top of the White Mountains. Fox Ridge is located on 30 sprawling acres with a relaxed and peaceful ambience in an exhilarating setting. The White Mountains are silhouetted against a breathtaking sky.

Hotel Photo
 

Day 7 – Kennebunkport, Maine

Nonantum Resort

The Nonantum Resort is in the picturesque, historic town of Kennebunkport on the spectacular rocky coast of Maine. The resort is situated on spacious grounds overlooking the river. It is a short walk to the center of Kennebunkport, with its fine shops, art galleries and historic landmarks. The resort has an outdoor heated pool and hot tub. The beautiful Nonantum is a traditional 4 story boutique hotel of traditional New England style. The Nonantum dates from 1884 and was renovated in 2000.

Hotel Photo
 

Back to Top Airport Transfer Information

Arrival Transfers

Caravan’s Boston, Massachusetts hotels and the Hilton Logan Airport, provide 24 hour courtesy shuttles from Logan Airport (BOS). Upon arrival at the airport, request a pickup from the hotel assigned to your tour using the hotel courtesy phone at the baggage claim area. Because both hotels are located on airport property, taxi service is of limited availability and costs $8.00 flat fee.

Departure Transfers

Caravan provides a departure transfer to Logan Airport (BOS) in Boston, Massachusetts, arriving at 10:00 a.m. on the day the tour ends. Please schedule flights after 12:00 p.m.

Airline Info

Airfare is not included or sold by Caravan Tours. Here are lists of airlines that service this tour:

Boston Tour Begins
and Ends
Air Jamaica, Aer Lingus, AeroMexico, Air Canada, Air France, AirTran Airways, Airtransat, Alaska Airlines, Alitalia, America West, American Airlines, American Eagle, American Transair, ATA, British Airways, Cape Air, Continental, Delta, Finnair, Icelandair, Jetblue, KLM, Lufthansa, Midwest Express, SATA, Southwest, Swissair, United Airlines, United Express, US Airways, Virgin Atlantic

Back to Top Local Weather

Temperature (hi/lo) and Rainfall (inches)
  Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Boston
temp 36/22 38/23 46/31 56/40 67/50 76/59 82/65 80/64 73/57 63/47 52/38 40/27
rainfall 3.6 3.6 3.7 3.6 3.3 3.1 2.8 3.2 3.1 3.3 4.2 4.0

Clothing Tips

This is a predominantly casual tour. Casual wear is suggested for sightseeing and daytime travelling. Dress code for most evenings is smart casual.   See Travel Planner: General Clothing Tips

Back to Top Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour price?

Virtually everything! Hotels, most meals, all of the activities described in the itinerary pages, airport transfers in select cities, gratuities to hotel porters, restaurant staff and local guides. Caravan’s professional Tour Directors and local guides will be with you every step of the way, ensuring a worry free vacation.

What is not included in the tour price?

Prices do not include air travel, country entry or departure fees, airport porter fees, visas, phones, valet, all items of a personal nature, food and beverages not on the regular menu and tips to the Caravan Tour Director and Driver. General fees and taxes are additional and listed separately beneath each tour’s price.

Can your tours be enjoyed by all age groups?

From cosmopolitan French Canada to the tropical rainforests of Costa Rica, Caravan has a tour for every one. Passengers requiring special assistance must be accompanied by an able companion.

How long will each day be?

A well paced and unhurried itinerary is our goal, after all, you are on vacation! Touring days begin and end at reasonable hours and include frequent stops. While the occasional early morning departure is necessary, we do our best to ensure a leisurely vacation.

How large will my group be?

Group sizes will vary depending on the reserved rooms at the hotels and lodges and the capacity of the ships, trains, and motorcoaches used. Usually, the maximum size will range from 36 to 44 passengers.

Are meals included?

Included meals for each tour are listed at the end of each day. Meals are shown by B (breakfast), L (lunch) and D (dinner). All meals in Latin America are included. Most meals are included in the USA and Canada. Full, buffet, or deluxe continental breakfasts are included everywhere. Coffee and tea are provided at all meals. In Latin America, bottled water is provided free on the motorcoach and purified water is provided at the meals. Alcoholic beverages are not included unless specified.

Can I use my cell phone in this area?

Out of courtesy to your fellow tour members, please restrict the use of cell phones to emergency use only when you are on the motorcoach. Please also remember to turn off ringers; cell phone conversations and ringers are intrusive and can spoil other passengers' enjoyment of the tour. Please contact your service provider for information regarding cell phone reception areas: many rural areas do not have cell phone network coverage

Find out more about this tour... See answers to all Frequently Asked Questions »

Back to Top Customer Reviews of our New England & Fall Colors tour

“This was my first Caravan tour and I was very impressed. It won’t be my last. I will try next year for another Caravan tour.”

Ms. L.E., Bloomingdale, Illinois

“Our first time to travel with Caravan was wonderful. Everyone worked to make the trip nice for every guest. It was well organized and worth the money.”

Mr. & Mrs. M.T., Friendswood, Texas

“We were surprised to discover the meals were so ample and really surprised so many were provided. The two times we had to get dinner on our own the restaurants were conveniently located. Looking forward to another one. The sights were awesome! We went for the colors and the history and we got lots of both. We look forward to another tour and are seriously contemplating the Yellowstone tour next summer.”

Mr. & Mrs. N.W., Citrus Heights, California

“It was a lovely trip and I have been on approximately thirty trips.”

Ms. A.S., Enid, Oklahoma

“We enjoy Caravan’s tours and look forward to going again. This is our second tour with Caravan. Great value!”

Mr. & Mrs. J.K., Lewiston, Idaho

“Lobster dinner was excellent! Our tour director always checked on our luggage and hotel. He was entertaining and knowledgeable. Enjoyed the trip and will do another one next year.”

Mr. K.D., Thurmont, Maryland

“I enjoyed the trip. It was my first guided tour. I hope to do it again someday.”

Ms. P.M., Dodgeville, Wisconsin

“It was a great trip, very well pleased.”

Ms. J.N., Enid, Oklahoma

“The tour was great, we loved it and everything was super. It was a great tour and we would recommend it to anyone. Thanks!”

Mr. & Mrs. S.C., Salt Lake City, Utah

“It was my second Caravan tour and I plan to travel with you again. You do make traveling affordable and fun.”

Ms. B.L., Tuscola, Illinois

“The sights had a wonderful route and exceeded my expectations, especially the miles and miles of foliage, which is what we signed up for. Beautiful! The places were very scenic and our activities were fun and enjoyable. The places were also interesting and historic.”

Mr. & Mrs. M.N., South San Francisco, California

“I am a travel agent and there are ten of us who travel together once or twice a year. We were impressed with Caravan.”

Mr. & Mrs. R.H., Coeur D Alene, Idaho

“Wonderful tour! I will recommend your company to all my friends.”

Mr. & Mrs. H.H., Kingston, Idaho

“We enjoyed the trip very much. All of our fellow travelers were very friendly and a lot of fun!”

Mr. & Mrs. J.C., Garland, Texas

“The tour price compared very favorably with others.”

Mr. M.R., Lepanto, Arizona

“Everyone should go see the different parts of the wonderful world. There are a lot of wonderful folks out there. I come home with a brand new spirit. Get out and go!”

Ms. D.B., Clarksdale, Mississippi

“It was a very nice trip with nice people.”

Ms. W.B., Mary Esther, Florida

“It was the first guided tour that we’ve ever taken. It was absolutely wonderful! We will certainly give your company our highest recommendations. We’re looking forward to taking some other trips with your company.”

Mr. & Mrs. T.W., Lima, Ohio

“As a first time bus tour traveler, I found the trip much more pleasant than I had anticipated. Would definitely consider another Caravan tour.”

Ms. C.B., Novato, California

“The whole tour was wonderful. I want to do it again. I enjoyed it all and don’t think I would change anything. The tour is fabulous for the money. Excellent accommodations, you will never feel rushed and the drivers are top notch in tight situations, and the guides are the most pleasant and caring that I have found.”

Ms. B.T., Carlsbad, California

“We will try Caravan again. Our two previous trips were winners.”

Mr. & Mrs. J.R., Clemson, South Carolina

“They had wonderful buffets and good food. Could not have asked for more. The sightseeing and activities were well planned with interesting “extras.” Additionally, it was an outstanding tour for the money and I plan to travel with Caravan again as well as recommend your company to my friends. Good job, folks!”

Ms. E.H., Palm Beach Gardens, Florida

“I thought our tour director was great, very informed about the areas we visited. Will do more trips with Caravan.”

Mr. & Mrs. M.A., Neches, Texas

“I have traveled the world and this was one of the best trips I have ever taken.”

Mrs. R.A., Whittier, California

“One of the best vacations we ever took!”

Mr. R.T., Irvine, California
These are only the first 25 reviews of this tour... Read all 87 Reviews »

Back to Top About Caravan Tours

Caravan’s Proud History

Caravan Tours began selling fully escorted tours in 1952. We have been under the same management and ownership ever since. In 1965, Roger Mudd hosted a two hour CBS TV special on Caravan Tours. This TV production took about one month to make and was so successful it inspired the 1968 romantic comedy movie “If it’s Tuesday this must be Belgium.” In the early 50’s the Mayor of Dublin presented Caravan with the Key to Dublin for bringing the first American tour to the city after WWII. Since then Caravan has been recognized as a pioneer in travel. More recently, Caravan was awarded the Sierra Madre Explora award for our positive effect on Mexico’s Copper Canyon region!

Great Value, Book Early

Caravan’s strong buying power gives you great vacations at prices much lower than you can find anywhere. Last year many of our tours sold out quickly. Book early for the date you prefer and the best air fare.

Trade Association Memberships

ASTA, NTA, CLIA, ACTACaravan Tours is a member of ASTA (American Society of Travel Agents), NTA (National Tour Association), CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association), and an allied member of ACTA (Alliance of Canadian Travel Agencies).

How does Caravan Tours sell these tours for such a low cost?

Caravan delivers volume to our suppliers, who in turn reward us with their very best prices, we in turn pass these savings on to you, and you reward us by buying our tours. As volume continues to rise, we then receive even better prices from our suppliers, and we pass even greater savings on to you. This year our tours are better than ever.

How satisfied are Caravan clients?

The short answer is “very.” Our surveys are uniformly very positive. However we continually strive to improve our tours, (they are often updated several times in the course of one year), we study all client surveys and suggestions for improvement very carefully.

Pitch-Free Travel

Caravan includes all activities listed in the tour itinerary page. Caravan does not sell any optional activities which can add hundreds of dollars to your tour price. Your free time is scheduled in great settings where there is no need to buy additional expensive activities.