New England Self-Catering Holiday
~ Introduction
‘New England Self Catering holiday’ is a special, and in some ways a unique itinerary, designed to be appealing to families or small groups of friends. It combines the advantages of self-catering accommodation with the freedom and flexibility to experience the highlights of New England in a very individual way. Your itinerary features three nights in historic Boston that has sights and attractions appealing to young and old. A four-night stay amidst the stunning mountain scenery of New Hampshire’s White Mountains follows and here there are numerous outdoor activities, sights and diversions. Nearby are the sparkling lakes and rivers of New Hampshire’s Lakes Region. Next comes colonial Newport, playground of the rich and famous where they built opulent marble palaces known as “summer cottages” for their annual visits. The town is the yachting capital of the east coast and cruises on the harbour are an exciting diversion. Take time also to explore the old town with its colonial houses and narrow streets while the Ocean Walk along the rugged rock bound coast offers spectacular views of the ocean and bay. Your final destination is Cape Cod, the famous peninsular that juts out into the Atlantic Ocean, where you’ll have a five night stay allowing plenty of time to explore this fascinating area. The Cape has some of the best beaches and warmest waters on the east coast as well as some of the prettiest villages with attractions including whale watching cruises, visits to the nearby islands of Nantucket & Martha’s Vineyard, deep sea fishing, golf and much more. On your way back to Boston Logan Airport there’s the possibility to visit Plymouth to see the Mayflower, a replica of the ship that brought the Pilgrims here in 1620, and Plimoth Plantation, a living history museum where costumed interpreters speaking 17th century English depict life in a 1627 pilgrim village.
~ Accommodation
Accommodation is in comfortable apartments and condos sleeping a maximum of 5 persons offering facilities and attractions that are rarely found in regular hotel lodging. The units include kitchens or kitchenettes and all other modern conveniences including TV’s and internet connections. Locations are absolutely prime, Back Bay in the heart of Boston, the White Mountains of New Hampshire and overlooking the beaches and ocean of Newport & Cape Cod. Each apartment and condo offers more space than a regular hotel room as you enjoy separate sleeping and living areas. You can come and go as you please with no set timetables for meals, and of course for three to five people there is usually a significant value advantage. Note: We can also offer self-catering accommodations in other areas of the USA such as Florida, New York and California.
Day 1 to Day 4: Boston, MA 3 nights Boston (Eliot Apartment Suites)
Depart London Heathrow – 11.05
Arrive Boston – 13.10
Note: Flight times may vary
On arrival we recommend that you DO NOT collect your car but rather take one of the metered cabs (approximate fare ~ $25.00 ~ this is not included in your prepaid holiday cost) from the airport to your accommodation. We recommend this as you will be tired and will only pay high fees to park the vehicle during your 3 days in the city. Of course if you do prefer to collect your vehicle on arrival or would like us to arrange private transportation for you to your hotel, this can be done for an additional cost.
One of the most attractive cities in America, Boston is famous for everything from the Red Sox and Paul Revere to Cheers and clam chowder. With a history stretching back to the first colonists the city mingles its past with its present, its tradition with innovation. Home to Harvard, America’s first university, the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the famous Boston Symphony Orchestra and Museum of Fine Arts the city is part history lesson, part modern metropolis, offering attractions to suit every taste and interest.
For an introduction to the city take a “Hop on, Hop Off” trolley tour with the guide pointing out all the historic sites and attractions, or walk the Freedom Trail, a well-preserved pedestrian path that weaves in and out of historic neighbourhoods. Between landmarks, you can shop the fabulous stores on Newbury Street, or browse the antique shops and distinctive red brick buildings of Beacon Hill. Perhaps lunch in lively Quincy Market or a delicious authentic Italian meal in the North End.
Take time to visit the New England Aquarium or the nearby Boston Tea Party Ship & Museum to take part in the famous event that forever changed the course of American history! Just outside the city another attraction worth a visit is the John F Kennedy Memorial Library that displays the life and times of the 35th President of the United States.
The Eliot Apartment Suites are situated at the intersection of Commonwealth and Massachusetts Avenues in Boston’s fashionable Back Bay, the elegant suites of the Eliot offer the finest in modern comfort and technology. Major Boston attractions, restaurants and shopping are only a stroll away, making this the ideal base for exploring the sights of Boston. The property has two onsite restaurants, 24-hour room service, concierge service, dry cleaning and laundry facilities as well as a business centre. Accommodations include a kitchenette with fridge, microwave, coffee maker, linen and towels provided, TV in living area and bedrooms, complimentary WIFI and daily housekeeping. Valet parking is available at additional charge.
~ One-bedroom units (sleeps 4) include queen bed or 2 double beds in the bedroom and sleeper sofa bed in living area.
~ Two bedroom units (sleeps 5) include two bathrooms, with first bedroom with queen bed, second bedroom with two double beds and sleeper sofa bed in living area.
Day 4 to Day 8: 4 nights The White Mountains (Nordic Village Resort Condos)
This morning collect your car rental before leaving Boston on Route 95N cross the border into New Hampshire and Route NH-16N to North Conway and the short drive on Route-302W to the Nordic Resort in Bartlett near Jackson, NH. Settled in the early 17th century by English and Scots the state was named for Hampshire in England and because of the large amount of granite rock found here is known as the Granite State. However New Hampshire is really known for its scenic beauty with forests, mountains, river carved valleys and more than a thousand lakes offering a panoramic wonderland.
The White Mountains National Forest is a natural attraction and the scenic Kancamagus Highway follows what once was an Indian trail and is recognized as one of the most beautiful drives on the east coast. A trip on the Mount Washington Cog Railway takes you to the summit of this 6,288 feet mountain that offers 10-mile views in all directions on a clear day. Horse riding, hiking, wild life tours and for the more adventurous zip lining in the mountains are all possible activities.
Time should also be allowed for touring the Lakes Region including the 72 square mile Lake Winnipesaukee that has 274 islands and offers daily scenic cruises on the M/S Mount Washington. New Hampshire is also a tax-free state and North Conway is crammed with big-name factory outlet stores offering bargains galore!
Nordic Village Resort is located near Jackson not far from North Conway and a gateway to the White Mountains National Forest, offering a choice of well-equipped and comfortable one and two bedroom condos. The Nordic Village is set on almost 165 acres, along a one-mile stretch of road that winds up the side of a mountain. Most of the condos are designed to provide some of the finest views of the Mount Washington Valley and panoramic views of Cranmore Mountain, North Conway, Black Mountain and surrounding areas. The famous scenic Kancamagus Highway, North Conway Outlet Stores, and Mount Washington & Cog Railway are just a short drive away. The resort has an outdoor pool (summer), children’s playground, fitness centre, hiking trails, and family entertainment including Wildlife Encounter and Movie Nights. Accommodation facilities include a fully equipped kitchen, TV, complimentary internet access, patio, deck or balcony, towels and linen while daily housekeeping can be arranged at an additional charge.
~ One-bedroom units (sleeps 4) have the bedroom with king or queen size bed, plus sleeper sofa bed in living area.
~ Two bedroom units (sleeps 6) have the first bedroom with king or queen size bed, second bedroom with queen sized bed or two twin beds or bunk beds, plus sleeper sofa bed in living area.
Day 8 to Day 10: 2 nights Newport (Newport Beach Suites)
Take the Kancamagus Highway to Route I-93S back into Massachusetts and Route MA-24S that becomes RI-24S into Newport, RI.
The smallest state in the USA, Rhode Island has the longest name – “State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations” and with its glorious 400 mile coastline is known as the Ocean State.
Your accommodation is located adjacent to a spectacular beach and nearby is the Cliff Walk and Ten Mile Drive with its extravagant summer mansions. Newport’s restored waterfront features many shops and restaurants. It’s easy to see why Newport is one of the most fascinating and delightful places on the East Coast. The Colonial Buildings on the narrow streets in the historic district, the extravagant mansions on the grand avenues, the rugged rock-bound coast, well protected harbour and magnificent views of ocean and bay combine to make Newport a spectacular destination. Make sure you visit at least one of the mansions built during the Gilded Age as summer homes of America’s first millionaires. The wonderful houses along the cliffs and Bellevue Avenue were the ‘summer cottages’ of the rich and famous from New York and Philadelphia who descended on Newport for a summer social season. Houses modelled after French castles and other royal residences were the site of lavish parties, dalliances and intrigue. When no longer occupied by their owners, a collection of the mansions was purchased by the Preservation Society of Newport and has been opened to the public. The Breakers built in 1892 for Cornelius Vanderbilt II and Rosecliff, modelled after Marie Antoinette’s palace at Versailles are probably the two best to visit. With plenty of leisure time there had to be something for the ultra-wealthy to do and the Newport Casino, with the first grass tennis courts, hosted top tennis players and the “Tennis Hall of Fame” was established in town. Sailing flourished as yacht clubs grew in popularity and it wasn’t long before the America’s Cup races were held in Newport and continued to do so each summer for 130 years. Sailing cruises around the harbour are available to tourists and a sunset cruise is an ideal way to end the day.
The newly constructed Newport Beach Suites Building is steps away from Newport’s Easton’s Beach and is adjacent to the Historic Newport Beach Hotel featuring the largest and most luxuriously appointed Newport accommodations. Located within easy walking distance of the world famous Cliff Walk and just one mile from downtown Newport it’s just a short stroll from the scenic coastline of Newport Beach where you can watch the surf roll in, take a walk along the water, or jump into a beach volleyball game. Within the crescent of Newport Beach you’ll also find the boardwalk, aquarium, a playground and skateboard park, and plenty of places to quench your thirst or grab a snack or meal. The resort features an indoor swimming pool with water wall, hot tub and water views, a rooftop deck with hot tub, fire pit, outdoor shower and seating area, business centre, fitness centre and spa treatment area. Accommodation facilities include a fully equipped kitchen, washer/dryer, TV, complimentary internet service, linen & towels, air-conditioning/fans, Juliet balcony and parking.
~ One bedroom units (sleeps 4) have one bathroom, king size bed in bedroom and double sleeper sofa in living area.
~ Two bedroom units (sleeps 6) have two bathrooms, king size bed in each bedroom and double sleeper sofa in living area.
Day 10 to Day 15: 5 nights Cape Cod (Green Harbor Resort)
Route RI-24N crosses into Massachusetts merging into Route I-195E and then MA-25E which leads to Cape Cod.
The famous peninsular of Cape Cod juts out into the Atlantic Ocean and has some of the best beaches and warmest waters on the east coast as well as some of the prettiest villages. You’ll have time to explore the Cape over the next few days and one excursion is to the colourful and fascinating little town of Provincetown at the very tip of Cape Cod. Whaling ships ruled the harbour in the 1800’s and it’s still a fishing port today, but now the fishing fleet goes as far as the Grand Banks for cod and haddock. Being surrounded by water on three sides Provincetown has the perfect light so favoured by artists and the town is renowned for its vibrant art community and has attracted a wide spectrum of people who have made it their home. Artists live side by side with traditional fisherman and during the summer Commercial Street is filled with the most cosmopolitan mix of people, exploring the art galleries, tiny seafood restaurants, shops, narrow streets and pretty gardens. During the morning explore the town, then after lunch enjoy a whale watch cruise (weather permitting) for an exciting adventure to view these majestic marine mammals. Whale watch cruises are also available from Barnstable Harbour just a few miles from the Green Harbor Resort.
Time also to spend a day visiting pretty Nantucket Island with its cobblestone Main Street shaded by giant elm trees and magnificent homes of merchants and ship captains making it one of the best-preserved towns in New England. A fully narrated tour is available that offers a truly interesting view of America’s most scenic little island. In just over an hour, become acquainted with the “Little Grey Lady,” famous as the world’s foremost whaling port in the 18th century. Included are The Old Mill, “Sconset” Village with its rose-covered cottages, Low Beach, Sankaty Head Lighthouse, Cranberry bogs and Nantucket moors.
Another excursion by ferry is to the lovely island of Martha’s Vineyard. A Mecca for summer visitors the island is host to the rich and the famous, including film stars and American Presidents. An island tour provides a great overview of the Vineyard with the gingerbread cottages of Oak Bluffs, Gay Head cliffs in scenic Aquinnah and a beautiful pass through idyllic, historic Edgartown one of New England’s most elegant communities. Main Street is a picture book setting with its harbour and waterfront. See the stately white Greek revival houses built by the whaling captains and the old Lighthouse at the mouth of Edgartown Harbor.
Green Harbor is an idyllic resort situated on Lewis Bay, central Cape Cod, within easy reach of Hyannis and all its shops, restaurants, museums and theatres. Spread over 7.5 acres in a secluded setting with a private beach, this beautiful resort is in an ideal location for exploring the Cape and offers many activities that make it a superb location for families. Resort facilities include a private beach, with lounge chairs and beach towels provided, heated swimming pool, children’s club, laundry facilities, bicycle and rowing boat rentals, miniature golf, shuffleboard, a wide variety of family friendly summer activities – face painting, beach yoga, nature walks, arts and crafts, outdoor parking. Accommodation facilities include fully equipped kitchen, TV and telephone, complimentary wireless internet access, towels & linens, private deck/balcony with maid service and cribs available at additional cost.
~ One bedroom, 1.5-bathroom town home (sleeps 4) includes two queen beds, plus queen Murphy bed in the living room.
~ Two bedroom, 2 bathroom apartment suites (sleeps 6) have first bedroom with 2 double beds, second bedroom with 2 twin beds.
Day 15: To Boston
US -6W leads to the Sagamore Bridge and Route MA-3N that passes by Plymouth en route to Logan Airport. Perhaps visit Plimoth Plantation near Plymouth, a living history museum depicting life in 1627 with time for lunch before driving to the airport to return your rental car and taking your flight home.
Depart Boston – 19.10
Arrive Heathrow – 06.25+1
Note: Flight times may vary
Inclusions::
Return flights to/from Boston & airport taxes.
Car rental for 12 days (7 seater min-van or Standard size SUV) inclusive of unlimited mileage, collision damage waiver, extended protection insurance, airport fees, state & local taxes, additional driver charge & one tank of fuel.
Accommodation including taxes for 14 nights.
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