7-Nights New England Explorer Road Trip - Road Trips from $1,903

Goway Travel

OFFER ID 1722959

Epic Scenery, Off the Beaten Path, Rural Charm Discover New England's charm on this road trip from Boston to Cape Cod. Experience autumn foliage, scenic coasts, and rich history along the way!

Trip Overview:

Discover the soul of New England on this eight-day self-drive holiday through the northeastern United States, weaving from Boston’s storied streets to the wooded heights of Vermont. Beginning in Massachusetts’ historic capital, walk the Freedom Trail, cruise past landmarks on a Duck Tour, and soak up the local spirit—whether at Fenway Park or with a craft beer in hand.

From here, trace the coastline through Salem’s eerie past and onward to the rocky shores of Maine. Explore harbour towns like Gloucester and Rockport, where lobster traps line the docks and salt air pairs perfectly with a pint of Portland’s finest craft brews. Then head inland, trading ocean views for forest canopies and mountain air as you cross into the White Mountains of New Hampshire. Fall brings a blaze of colour to these quiet roads, where wildlife sightings and scenic hikes are part of the journey.

Continue through the Green Mountains of Vermont to Stowe, where alpine charm meets serene countryside. Before circling back, delve into 19th-century life at Old Sturbridge Village, a living museum set amid rolling hills. End your trip with a dose of seaside calm on Cape Cod, where quaint villages and sandy beaches offer the perfect coastal finale before returning to Boston. This New England road trip blends history, nature, and coastal beauty at every turn.

Highlights:

Begin in historic Boston, walking the Freedom Trail and exploring landmarks that shaped American independence.
Wander through Salem’s storied past before tracing Maine’s coast for lobster, lighthouses, and craft brews.
Breathe in mountain air among New Hampshire’s White Mountains, where forests blaze with autumn colour.
Discover Vermont’s Green Mountains and the timeless charm of Stowe’s alpine villages.
End your journey on Cape Cod’s sunlit shores, savouring fresh seafood and the serenity of seaside life.

Included Services:

8 days Intermediate Car Rental with unlimited mileage (Mazda 3 or similar)
Detailed day-by-day itinerary
2 nights moderate accommodation in Boston
1 night moderate accommodation in Coastal Maine
1 night moderate accommodation in White Mountains
1 night moderate accommodation in Stowe
1 night moderate accommodation in Connecticut River Valley
1 night moderate accommodation in Cape Cod

Excluded Services:

Car Rental Insurance
Travel insurance
International and domestic airfare & airfare taxes
Entrances fees to sites not explicitly listed as included
Meals and beverages not mentioned
Road tolls
Gratuities
Items of a personal nature
Passport & Visa fees if applicable

7 nights from $1,903 per person

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Boston

Arrive at Boston International Airport and pick up your car rental. Depending on your time of arrival you might be able to explore the city or simply start off with a stroll around the beautiful public gardens and plan, in a relaxed space, what you plan to discover the next day. Overnight Boston.

Hotel: The Westin Copley Place (4 Star Rating)

Step into a AAA Four-Diamond hotel in the celebrated Back Bay neighborhood of Boston, MA which is a short stroll from fine dining destinations and upscale clothing stores at Copley Place shopping mall. Boston Symphony Hall, Fenway Park and other downtown attractions are within easy reach of The Westin Copley Place, Boston. Explore with ease and return to family-friendly accommodations and amenities. Exercise at our 24-hour Westin. WORKOUT Fitness Studio with Pelotons, eat at delicious on-site restaurants and sip on handcrafted cocktails at our welcoming lobby bar. In the evening, relax in a beautifully appointed, pet-friendly hotel room or suite with stylish décor, a signature Westin Heavenly Bed and a spacious bathroom. Our impressive 57,493 square feet of contemporary event space makes us a leading conference, wedding and event destination in downtown Boston, MA. We look forward to meeting you, providing for you and helping you hit your targets at The Westin Copley Place, Boston.

Rental Car: Hertz - Boston Logan Intl Apto Boston Logan Intl Ap

Day 2: Exploring Boston

Although many visitors know about Boston's rich history and its role in the Revolutionary War, they may not be aware of the city's world-class museums, numerous universities, and abundant shopping opportunities. Begin your exploration of the city on The Freedom Trail, including the famous Old North Church and the Paul Revere House. Spend time with the Museum of Fine Arts' extensive collection or the eye-opening exhibits at the Museum of Science. For a more intimate experience, visit the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum or the Nichols House Museum. Walk across the Charles River on the Longfellow Bridge or take the "T" (subway) to Cambridge to explore the ivy-trimmed campus of Harvard University and nearby cafes and bookstores. Shoppers will enjoy areas such as Newbury Street in the Back Bay (high-end boutiques in restored brownstone houses), Copley Place (a two-level mall with top brand-name stores), and the famous Faneuil Hall Marketplace (100-plus shops and pushcarts as well as 50 restaurants, pubs, and food vendors). Sports fans should plan to watch a Boston Red Sox baseball game (April through October) and take a tour of Fenway Park, the oldest Major League Baseball Park in the country. If the weather is nice, stroll through the Boston Common and take a ride on one of the famous Swan Boats in the Public Garden. Overnight Boston.

Hotel: The Westin Copley Place (4 Star Rating)

Day 3: Boston to Coastal Maine

Leaving Boston, you drive north and encounter almost four centuries of history along the way, as well as some of the coast's finest beaches and seascapes. Your first stop is Salem, the location of the infamous witch trials before continuing along the coast to the charming harbour towns of Gloucester and Rockport. Enjoy the old-time seaport atmosphere of Portsmouth, New Hampshire, and its wealth of historic buildings before crossing into Maine. Pass through Kennebunkport, summer home to Presidents, and enjoy exploring Portland, Maine's largest city. Overnight Coastal Maine Area.

Hotel: Hampton Inn & Suites Wells-Ogunquit (3 Star Rating)

Off Route 1, near I-95, we're 10 minutes from downtown Ogunquit. You'll find Wells Shopping Plaza and local dining within a half-mile. Grab free hot breakfast before relaxing at Wells Beach or exploring the Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge, 10 minutes away. WiFi's on us, and our heated indoor pool and hot tub, whirlpool, and fitness center are yours.

Day 4: Coastal Maine to the White Mountains

Your drive today takes you inland towards the spectacular scenery of the White Mountains, the 'rooftop of New England', a landscape dotted with historic villages and enchanting covered bridges. Delight in the breathtaking views of mountain ranges and pristine forests as you drive along. Overnight White Mountains Area.

Hotel: Hilton Garden Inn North Conway (3 Star Rating)

We're within five minutes of Green Hills Preserve, UberBlast Amusement Center, and Settlers Green Streetside. Diana's Baths Waterfalls and Cranmore Mountain Resort are less than four miles away. Rocky Gorge Scenic Area, VDOE Geneva Beach, and Eastern Slopes Regional Airport are within 23 minutes. Enjoy our heated indoor pool and on-site dining.

Day 5: The White Mountains to Stowe

Today, traverse the gorgeous White Mountains that divide the New England states of New Hampshire and Vermont, home to bears, moose, wild turkey, and deer. This route takes you through some of New England's most captivating scenery. Drive by Lyndonville and see Willey's General Store in Greensboro before continuing through Craftsbury, a Grandma Moses kind of village, and on to Stowe with its picture-perfect villages and famous covered bridges. Overnight Stowe Area.

Hotel: Trapp Family Lodge Vermont (4 Star Rating)

Trapp Family Lodge is a unique, four-season resort specializing in European-style accommodations and cuisine, spectacular mountain vistas, upscale amenities, and outdoor activities. Situated on 2,600 acres overlooking the classic New England village of Stowe, Vermont, Trapp Family Lodge is the perfect setting for a vacation during any season.

Day 6: Stowe to the Green Mountains & the Connecticut River Valley

After leaving Stowe, you travel alongside the Green Mountains of Vermont, part of the Appalachian Mountain range that stretches from Quebec in the north to Alabama in the south, and right through the Connecticut River Valley. As you step into Old Sturbridge Village you find yourself transported back in time. In historic households and shops, at water-powered mills, and on working farms, you can admire the everyday tasks and seasonal celebrations of early 19th-century New England. Overnight Connecticut River Valley Area.

Hotel: Hampton Inn & Suites Mystic (3 Star Rating)

Off I-95, our hotel is a five-minute drive to Mystic Seaport Museum and the aquarium, and restaurants are within walking distance. We're 15 minutes from Foxwoods Resort Casino and 25 minutes from Mohegan Sun casino. Our pet-friendly hotel has an indoor pool, fitness center, free WiFi, and free hot breakfast.

Day 7: The Connecticut River Valley to Cape Cod

Today's journey takes you south towards the Massachusetts coast. Many of America's most prominent families - from the Astors to the Vanderbilts - spent their summers in Newport. Many of their homes are now preserved and open for tours. As you continue along the coast you reach magnificent Cape Cod with its high cliffs, rolling dunes, broad beaches, miles of walking trails, enchanting villages, and delicious seafood. This world-famous peninsula is a popular vacation spot for visitors and locals alike. Overnight Cape Cod Area.

Hotel: Holiday Inn Cape Cod - Hyannis (3 Star Rating)

A Newly Renovated Hotel in Hyannis, Cape Cod! Stylish and contemporary, our Holiday Inn® Cape Cod Hyannis Hotel is conveniently located in the center of Cape Cod, and offers easy access to breathtaking beaches, historic charm, fine dining, and entertainment.

While in the area, visit one of the many attractions including the JFK Museum, vibrant Main Street, the Hyannis waterfront district, and a myriad of beaches. While staying in Hyannis Cape Cod, hotel guests can enjoy taking a short ferry ride to Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket or a day trip to Provincetown and the National Seashore. World class whalewatching awaits courtesy of Hyannis Whale Watcher Cruises departing from nearby Barnstable Harbor.

Day 8: Cape Cod to Boston

In the morning drive back to Boston, but first stop in Plymouth, a living panorama of Pilgrim and Colonial times, and admire the replica of the Mayflower II, celebrated for transporting the Pilgrims to the New World in 1620. Make your way to Boston's Logan International Airport for your flight home unless you plan to extend your stay in New England.

Featured Destinations

Connecticut River

Ogunquit

Cape Cod

Stowe

The White Mountains

White Mountain National Forest holds the highest concentration of New Hampshire's scenic beauty. This preserve is huge—763,000 acres/308,900 hectares in New Hampshire and 45,000 acres/18,220 hectares in Maine—and includes several of the northeast's highest peaks. Below the summits lie hiking trails (1,200 mi/1,930 km worth), lakes and ponds, streams for fishing, and thundering waterfalls (including Glen Ellis Falls and the Crystal Cascade). Wildlife includes bears, moose and deer. Campsites are available.

Clustered in White Mountain National Forest are some of New England's finest ski resorts. Although they're not as extensive as resorts in the western U.S., they are popular with New Englanders who don't want to travel far from home (especially Bostonians). Waterville Valley has 52 trails carved out of two adjacent mountains (Snow Mountain and Mount Tecumseh). More than half of the runs are geared for the beginner or intermediate skier. Some of the favorites include the 3-mi-/5-km-long Mount Tecumseh Trail and Bobby's Run, a challenging trail with a steep slope. At the base of the mountain, skiers can take the free shuttle bus back to the village, where lodges, condominiums, restaurants and shops are available.

North of Waterville Valley is Loon Mountain, a busy resort set on the east branch of the Pemigewasset River at the edge of a spectacular wilderness region. Its 45 trails are wide and well-groomed. Except on a few expert runs, most of the moguls have been carved away, creating great skiing for the intermediate and novice. The North Peak, with its more challenging terrain, is served by a 7,000-ft/2,134-m four-passenger gondola that shuttles skiers to the summit in record time. There is also a large equestrian center, offering a variety of horseback rides throughout the area.

You can see many of the White Mountain area's other popular scenic attractions by taking a driving tour. Heading north for an hour on Interstate 93 from Concord will get you to the edge of the forest (though you may want to stop in Plymouth for a visit to the Polar Caves and Hanging Boulder, a rock that seems to be suspended in air). Continue on to North Woodstock, where you can take the half-hour ride on the White Mountain Central Railroad geared toward children, with its 2.5-mi-/4-km-long scenic excursion that leaves from Clark's Trading Post. If you're traveling with children, you may want to hang around at the Trading Post to see one of the trained-bear shows, several quirky museums, amusements and odd characters such as the Wolfman—who will likely appear along the train route.

If you have time, drive 6 mi/10 km west to Kinsman Notch. There, the Lost River meanders through the glacial depressions and caverns and ends at Paradise Falls (walk the trail that takes you through some of the caves). If panning for gold is your thing, follow Route 112 to the Wild Ammonoosuc River.

Back in North Woodstock, head north again on I-93 to The Flume, an impressive natural gorge (open May-November only) reached via a short bus ride and walk (there is some stair climbing involved). A hiking trail is available. The area is at its most beautiful during the fall.

As you head north, your next stop is at Franconia Notch, which has a number of scenic areas. Be sure to see The Basin (a deep glacial depression) and Indian Head (a rocky formation that has seen renewed interest since the demise of the Old Man of the Mountain). Franconia Notch State Park offers hiking, swimming, boating, camping, fishing, picnicking, a scenic road and (in winter) downhill skiing. A little farther north is the site of the famous natural granite formation, the Old Man of the Mountain, which collapsed in May 2003. The outcropping inspired Nathaniel Hawthorne's short story The Great Stone Face. Nearby, the Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway ascends through remarkable mountain and valley scenery. There's also the state-run Cannon Mountain Ski Resort, where Olympic medalist Bode Miller learned on the slopes, as well as the New England Ski Museum.

Continuing north on I-93, you'll head out of the national forest and reach the town of Franconia. There, you can see the home that Robert Frost lived in after his return from England just before World War I. There are displays of Frost's poetry along with memorabilia and a tour of the farmhouse, which dates to the 1800s. A visit there makes a good companion to the Frost Farm in Derry.

Your next major stop is Mount Washington, the tallest mountain in the northeastern U.S. and a peak known for its extreme weather: Winds of 231 mph/372 kph have been recorded at the summit. To get there, drive I-93 South from Franconia to Highway 3 and go northeast. Pick up Highway 302 heading toward Bretton Woods. Nearby is the starting point for the Mount Washington Cog Railway, which operates mid-May to early November (when it's called The Snowflake Express). The world's first cog railway (the steam-driven locomotives have a cogged center wheel) was built in 1866 and climbs a steep, 37-degree grade. It's not a quick trip (about three hours), but it is scenic.

If you want to drive up Mount Washington rather than ride the cog railway, you'll have to approach on a different route. At the intersection of Highways 3 and 302, go north on 3, then pick up Highway 115 to Highway 2. Go east to Gorham, and a few miles/kilometers to the south you'll find the Mount Washington Auto Road. Be aware that it's slow going, and the driving is a little tricky. Put your car in a low gear when driving down the mountain: The road is so steep, you can burn up your brakes if you don't use the gears to slow the car—but at the end you will get a bumper sticker that tells the world "This Car Climbed Mt. Washington."

Those who opted for the cog railway should head south on Highway 302 to Crawford Notch. It was the scene of an 1826 landslide that killed a family but left their house standing, an event that inspired Nathaniel Hawthorne's story The Ambitious Guest. While you're in the area, be sure to see Arethusa Falls, one of the state's highest, and the Silver and Flume Cascades, which tumble impressively down Webster Mountain.

Highway 302 takes a bend to the east at Bartlett and takes you close to Echo Lake State Park, a mountain-rimmed body of water that's famous—as you might guess—for its echoes. Skiers may want to stay at Attitash Bear Peak, a large winter resort with challenging terrain. Those who prefer fantasy to natural history can head to Story Land (open Memorial Day-Columbus Day), an amusement park where children can meet Cinderella, Heidi's grandfather and other famous fairy-tale characters. Nearby Jackson is New Hampshire's finest cross-country skiing destination, with many, many miles/kilometers of scenic trails. The town itself is lovely—and a favorite spot for antiques shoppers and covered-bridge enthusiasts.

Head south on Highway 16 to North Conway. If you haven't already had your fill of train trips, consider taking the Conway Scenic Railroad—it's a fun, 11-mi/18-km ride through the Mount Washington Valley on a full-size vintage steam or diesel train (running April-December).

Boston

The history and bricklaid beauty of Boston is easy to enjoy. Follow the Freedom Trail past Old North Church, Paul Revere Park, Fanieul Hall, the Commons, Old Ironsides and more landmarks of America's birth. Across the Charles River is Cambridge and Harvard. Venture to Marblehead and Salem to the south, or Lexington and Concord to the north. Back in town, have clam chowder at the warf or great Italian food in North End.

Excursions

Boston: Private North End Italian Food Tasting Walking Tour - 3 Hours

Boston: Private Sunset Boston Harbor Cruise with Cocktails and Hors d'oeuvres - 2 Hours

Boston: Private VIP Boston Yacht Experience With Cocktails & Hors d’oeuvres - 2 Hours

Boston: Boston Private Cycle Boat Charter - 4 Hours

Boston: Discover Boston Private Sightseeing Program - 4 Hours

Boston: Private Historic Boston Pub Crawl - 4 Hours

Boston: Freedom Trail Private Walking Tour - 1.5 Hours

Boston: Private Harvard Campus Tour - 1.5 Hours

Vacation Details

Valid Date Ranges

11/13/2026 - 12/31/2028

from $1,903 per person

* This departure has been designated a guaranteed departure by the operator, meaning that the minimum number of guests has been met, although still subject to weather and other conditions.

Prices Start At

from $1,903 per person

Length

7 Nights

Air City

Call for airfares from your city.

Vacation Rating

Deluxe
Fine dining, on-site bars or lounges and room service with extended hours are characteristic of deluxe establishments. Guest services usually include valet parking, concierge services, baggage assistance and laundry services. Other on-site facilities often include shops and boutiques, full service spas, full fitness facilities with pools and tennis courts. Business amenities may include available up-to-date technology and support staffs available for services. Attention to detail is apparent in the guestrooms which typically have stylish furnishings, quality bedding and bath products and often provide an evening turn down service.

Remarks

Pricing is dynamic and subject to change based on specific travel dates, room categories and availability. Prices are "from" per person based on twin/double share accommodation and for travel in low season. Seasonal surcharges and blackout dates may apply. Limited seat/spaces and all pricing is subject to change and availability. Rates for single or triple travelers are available on request - please inquire with your Travel Advisor.

All fares are quoted in US Dollars.

OFFER ID

1722959

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Cruisestar.com - Galaxsea Cruise and Tours

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