Historic steam trains, railroads and museums. Roll through the Green Mountains of Vermont, climb the White Mountains of New Hampshire and then it’s full steam ahead along the rocky coast of Maine. Step back in time as you travel through small villages and mountain passes, past hillside farms and big red barns, Sit back, relax and enjoy the breathtaking scenery.
DETAILS
PACKAGE AVAILABLE:
Spring, Summer, Fall
TOUR LENGTH:
6 Days/5 Nights
DAY 1 -
Arrive in Utica, NY in time to board the Adirondack Scenic Train at 9:30 am and travel from Utica to Thendara. The tracks take you through remote forests, past sparkling rivers, over bridges, tranquil ponds, and streams and into the magnificent beauty of the six-million-acre Adirondack Park. Become a witness of nature’s beauty and watch for the many animals and birds along the routes.
Once you arrive in Thendara, have lunch on your own at one of the local eateries near the train station.
Following lunch, board the coach and embark on a scenic ride through the Adirondack Mountains to the town North Creek. Get ready for a fun activity where you will ride the railroad tracks under your own power and explore a section of the Adirondacks that has never seen passenger traffic. The historic tracks used for the railbike tours were once the Adirondack Branch of the D&H Railroad, which brought visitors to North Creek from New York City and Schenectady, in the 1930s. The railroad line linked to Tahawus, where iron ore and titanium dioxide were mined.
This 6-mile, round trip ride takes you through the beautiful Adirondack Forest canopy along the banks of the Hudson River and then over the Hudson on a spectacular trestle bridge. Railbiking is accessible for all ages and the ride has only a 1% grade on the way out and a slight downhill grade on the way back. The railbikes accommodate from two to four riders, and you travel at your own paces with guides at both at the front and rear.
Board the coach after the ride and travel to your full-service overnight destination. The hotel is one of the area’s newest lodging facilities and its interior oozes with Adirondack warmth and charm.
There will be time to relax and refresh before you gather for an included dinner served in the hotel’s charming restaurant. Enjoy fireside dining set up in a classic Adirondack style.
DAY 2 -
Check out of the hotel after breakfast. Board the coach and travel north through Vermont’s Green Mountains to the Village of Stowe. Along the ride, notice the quaint farmhouses and barns all decked out to celebrate the harvest season.
Arrive at the renowned Trapp Family Lodge. The “Sound of Music” resonates as you arrive at this magnificent lodge, owned, and operated by the von Trapp family. Upon arrival there will be time to capture some of the amazing views and the colors of fall foliage. There also will be time to visit the charming gift shop.
Then, gather for an included lunch served in the main dining room. Dine on a lavish, Austrian style luncheon buffet and make certain to save room for dessert.
After lunch embark on a Trapp Family History Tour. Follow your guide and learn how the von Trapp Family settled in Stowe, VT on an enchanted farm with sweeping mountain views reminiscent of their beloved Austria.
Following the tour, board the motor coach and arrive early evening for your overnight stay in Fairlee, VT. Nestled in the Vermont hills above the Connecticut River enjoy the natural beauty and genuine hospitality of this 100-year-old resort that combines classic Vermont style with modern day amenities. The beauty is boundless!
Gather for an included dinner served in the resort’s lovely dining room.
DAY 3 -
After a hearty breakfast at the resort, check out of your rooms, board the coach, and set out on a day filled with adventure! Today’s travels take you into the White Mountains of New Hampshire.
Your first stop is at Franconia Notch State Park. Climb aboard the aerial tramway and soar to the 4,180’ summit of Cannon Mountain in approximately eight minutes. There will be time to debark the tram, take photos and to have a warm beverage in the Summit Cafeteria. On a clear day, you may enjoy views of the mountains of New Hampshire, Maine, Vermont, Canada, and New York.
Depart Franconia Notch State Park and travel into Woodstock, NH. Have lunch on your own at one of the local eateries.
Arrive at Squam Lake in Holderness, NH for your cruise. Covering 6,791 acres, Squam is the second-largest lake located entirely in New Hampshire and is where the 1981 movie, On Golden Pond, was filmed. Board a canopied pontoon boat and sail off on a fascinating and picturesque 60-minute cruise. Learn about the natural forces that created these lakes, the wildlife that makes them so special and the people who have enjoyed these lakes for over 5,000 years
Depart Holderness and travel to North Woodstock where you will arrive in time to board the Café Lafayette Dinner Train for a scenic train ride and 5-course dinner. This train is recognized as one of the nation’s premier dinner trains. Embark on a memorable dining experience beyond your expectations.
After the train ride, board the coach and travel for an overnight stay in Gilford, NH.
DAY 4 -
Check out of the hotel after breakfast. Board the coach and travel through the Lakes Region and on to Exeter, NH where you will board the Downeaster Train. The Downeaster is a 145-mile regional passenger train offering service managed by the Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority (NNEPRA), an agency of the state of Maine, and operated by Amtrak. It is named for the Down East region of Maine. The train runs from Brunswick, Maine to Boston. The Downeaster follows the route historically used by the Pine Tree and Flying Yankee trains that traveled from Bangor to Boston and were operated jointly by the Boston and Maine Railroad and Maine Central Railroad. All passenger operations between Portland and Boston ceased in 1965.
Arrive in Boston and board the motor coach to travel the short distance to the renowned Faneuil Hall and Quincy Marketplace. The Faneuil Hall Marketplace combines the glories of Boston’s past with the urban sophistication of the city today. There will be time for lunch on your own, browse in the shops, visit the street vendors’ carts, watch the street performers, and explore the historic architecture.
Depart the Quincy Marketplace and travel to your full-service hotel for a one-night stay. Upon your arrival, there will be time to relax and refresh before your included dinner.
DAY 5 -
After breakfast in the hotel, pack your bags and check out of your rooms. Board the coach and travel west to Honesdale, PA, Honesdale is home to the first commercial steam locomotive run on rails in the United States, the Stourbridge Lion. On August 8, 1829, the Sturbridge Lion started in Honesdale, ran three miles to Seelyville, and returned; Honesdale, therefore, is known as the birthplace of the American Railroad.
Your first stop upon arrival is at the Wayne County Historical Society Museum. This museum contains a full-scale replica of the Stourbridge Lion. It also displays many historical photographs, artifacts, and other exhibits. During your self-guided tour, there will be time to visit the permanent exhibits such as Movin’ Energy, Wayne’s Glass and Faces in Clay that interprets the Native American history of the upper Delaware Valley.
Depart the Museum and walk down the street to the Stourbridge Railroad Company. The railroad traces its beginnings to the Delaware & Hudson Canal transporting barges of coal up from Pennsylvania and destined for the Hudson River and eventually the ports of New York City. A gravity railroad was built to carry coal over the mountains from Carbondale to Honesdale in 1829. Coal would be transferred from train to canal boat at Honesdale.
Seeking to haul greater amounts, the idea of steam-powered locomotion was proposed. The leaders in steam technology at the time were in Great Britain, and so three engines were ordered and delivered to America. According to the Wayne County Chamber of Commerce, this is the site of "the first commercial locomotive on rails in the western hemisphere!”
During your train ride through the Northern Poconos, the engineer will share tales of the region’s rich history as you gaze out at the beautiful countryside along the Lackawaxen River Gorge. Your “ticket to ride” includes a picnic lunch to enjoy in the “table car” before you depart.
When the train returns to the station, board the coach and travel to Lancaster, PA. With a comfort stop along the way, you will arrive at your historic hotel for a one-night stay.
As dinner is on your own tonight you have the option to relax and enjoy a meal at the hotel or discover your new favorite restaurant in one of the nearby restaurants.
DAY 6 -
After breakfast at the hotel, check out and join a local guide and travel into Amish Country where you will be escorted on a fascinating tour back in time. See picturesque countryside and farmland, pass buggies, cross one of the area’s two covered bridges and learn about the Amish lifestyle. Visit a shop located right on an Amish farm and meet the owner. Your tour also includes a Country Surprise, awaiting you along the way!
Next, visit the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania. Discover a fascinating, world-class collection of more than 100 historic locomotives and railroad cars, as well as the art, artifacts, and captivating personal stories of Pennsylvania’s rich railroad heritage. Your visit includes a 20-minute orientation tour of the museum, followed by time to explore on your own.
Depart the Railroad Museum and walk across the street to the Strasburg Railroad. Board the larger-than-life steam train and head out on a 45-minute, roundtrip ride through the tranquil Amish countryside to Paradise, PA and back. Marvel at more than 1,000 acres of farm fields as they pass by your window.
By this time, you will have worked up an appetite. Gather for an included authentic Pennsylvania Dutch luncheon.
Begin your travel home after lunch.
Your package includes:
-
5 Nights accommodations
-
5 Breakfasts
-
3 Lunches (including lunch at the renowned Trapp Family Lodge)
-
4 Dinners (including the Lafayette Dinner Train)
-
Scenic Ride on the Adirondack Railroad
-
Rail Bike Ride
-
History Tour at the Trapp Family Lodge
-
Scenic Tram Ride on Cannon Mountain
-
Cruise on Squam Lake
-
Train ride and dinner on the Cafe Lafayette Dinner Train
-
Ride on the “Downeaster”
-
Time to explore historic Faneuil Hall and Quincy Marketplace
-
Admission to the Wayne County Historical Society Museum
-
Scenic ride on the Stourbridge Train
-
2-Hour Amish Country Tour led by a local guide
-
Admission to the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania
-
Scenic ride on the Strasburg Railroad
-
Baggage handling for one piece of luggage per traveler
-
Accommodations, group meals, attractions, and baggage service for the coach driver
-
Taxes and gratuities (NOTE: Gratuities for the local guide and coach driver are not included and are at your discretion based on service.)