Cape Cod, Nantucket Martha's Vineyard

Day 1

The sea-swept Atlantic coast is both mysterious and beautiful. We’ll make a journey toward the quaint villages of Cape Cod beginning with a ride to our first overnight at the Hampton Inn Toledo South near Toledo, Ohio.

Day 2

Our morning traveling takes us through the flatlands of Ohio as we make our approach to the soft tree-covered peaks of the Appalachian Mountains. Enjoy picture-perfect scenery traveling through the undulating hills in Pennsylvania. Our overnight will be in the shadows of the Pocono Mountains at the Fairfield Inn, Stroudsburg

Day 3

Mystic, Connecticut has a long seafaring history with stately homes and quaint shops lining its main street. Today, enjoy Mystic Seaport, a living history museum dedicated to maritime preservation through the ages. After our visit, settle in and unpack at the delightful and centrally located Cape Codder Resort in downtown Hyannis for a leisurely six-night stay. A welcome dinner is included tonight.

Day 4

This morning your local guide will meet you at your resort and you motor to America’s Hometown – Plymouth. Home of our Pilgrim Fathers and one of the country’s first settlements, it is well known in the United States for its historical value. Then get on board a Lobster Tales Cruise to learn about the many creatures that live-in Plymouth Harbor. Experience a hands on approach to see how lobsters are harvested from their natural environment. Roll up your sleeves to help haul in lobster traps! Back on the Cape travel through Sandwich the oldest town on Cape Cod. You will view the Village Green, the Great Salt Marsh, a Cranberry Bog, and Cape Cod Bay. Next, your guide will conduct a tour of Hyannis including the John F. Kennedy Memorial, the Korean War Memorial, Hyannis port and a view of St. Francis Xavier Church, the summer parish of the Kennedy Family. Later, enjoy an included dinner.

Day 5

Today travel historic Old King’s Highway, a scenic byway winding through centuries of Cape Cod history. It winds past hundreds of historic structures which characterize its early development. View a Windmill, a Cape Cod Lighthouse and visit the Cape Cod National Seashore. Sand dunes and the ocean surround you as you approach “Land’s End” – Provincetown. You are now at the extreme tip of Cape Cod. Formerly known as the “Province Lands” the pilgrims landed here first before they decided to settle across the Bay in Plymouth. Take some time to enjoy the wonderful variety of restaurants, shops, and galleries that make this artists/fishermen village so unique. Lunch is on your own today. Board an excursion vessel for an amazing Whale Watching Cruise. See the natural habitat of a diverse marine environment including birds that migrate here from all over the Atlantic, and fish which use these shallow waters to feed. Try to spot Humpback, Minke, and Fin Whales going about their daily routine. An onboard naturalist will introduce you to everything you see and will answer any of your questions about the whales, birds, fish and lighthouses. Later, take a Dune Ride along the shoreline of the protected lands of the Cape Cod National Seashore. Your driver will point out the “dune shacks” where famous artists and writers became inspired to create their art.

Day 6

We're up with the seagulls as we once again depart via ferry to picturesque Nantucket Island. Our local guide highlights its history and charm before letting us explore the island's cobblestone streets on our own. Return late afternoon to the mainland, to indulge in dinner at a quaint eatery.

Day 7

Today enjoy the driver to Woods Hole. Home to the center of discovery of the HMS Titanic, the world renowned Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, and the national headquarters of the International Wildlife Coalition. Check in for ticketing and boarding of passengers and coach to the island of Martha’s Vineyard. Once on the island your guide will conduct a “DOWN ISLAND” Tour. You will learn about the history and lifestyles of the islanders as you pass through several picturesque villages. There will be free time for lunch in the historic whaling town of Edgartown. Complete your day on the island in Oak Bluffs strolling through “Cottage City” with its brightly painted cottages and decorative “gingerbread” trim.

Day 8

New Bedford is known as the whaling capital of the world. The New Bedford Whaling Museum is a preservation of buildings and relics associated with the long and tumultuous history of whaling in America. This fun-filled day concludes with a farewell dinner this evening!

Day 9

Our final day on the East Coast takes us to the historic, bustling metropolis of Boston. Our full-day tour takes us to many well-known landmarks such as Old North Church, the Boston Commons and Quincy Market with plenty of free time shop and discover. Our day concludes with a visit to the quaint towns of Lexington and Concord, to learn about the beginnings of the Revolutionary War. Dinner is included at the Concord Colonial Inn. Tonight, we overnight in the Historic Publick House Inn,
Sturbridge, MA.

Day 10

Our trek continues west through Massachusetts and into New York State. We will enjoy a special lunch at the historic Hotel Thayer. Located on the ground of the United States Military Academy at West Point overlooking the Hudson River, the historic establishment offers us dining at its best. This afternoon, explore West Point Military Academy*. Our informative tour will explore American history as it relates to West Point, on the way pointing out the most impressive vistas of the Hudson Highlands. You will see Trophy Point, Battle Monument and The Cadet Chapel, a classic example of gothic revival architecture which features the largest pipe organ in the world, with over 23,000 individual pipes. The 54-room, fully furnished mansion offers a glimpse into a past world known only to an elite few. Enjoy the breathtaking views of the Hudson River valley and distant Catskill Mountains from this vantage point. The Fairfield Inn & Suites in Scranton, PA will be our accommodations this evening.

Day 11

Today finds us traveling the Pennsylvania countryside as we head back towards more familiar territory. We return for our final overnight near Toledo, OH once again at the Hampton Inn Maumee.

Day 12

We depart for home on the last leg of our journey with pleasant memories of quaint harbors, lighthouses and whales.

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D =Dinner