Day 1 – Sunday, August 15:
Just north of Boston but a world away, we make our way to Rockport, MA at the very tip of stunning Cape Ann. Get out your cameras to capture the beauty of one of New England’s most photographed locations. There will be time to browse through the unique galleries and boutiques and for lunch (on own), before traveling to Gloucester Harbor. We board the “Schooner Thomas E. Lannon” for a two hour adventure aboard this exciting tall ship. Ahoy, Matey!…you can help the crew hoist the sails or just sit back and enjoy the ocean breezes and picturesque and historic panorama.
Return to shore for Dinner and Storytelling at the famous Gloucester House Restaurant serving the freshest seafood and followed by enchanting tales woven from seafaring fables and folk lore.
We unpack our bags at the Holiday Inn Express, Lawrence, MA and relax for the evening. Meal: D
Day 2 – Monday, August 16:
After an Expanded Continental Breakfast with both hot and cold choices, we check out and set off for our next adventure. We board Amtrak’s “The Downeaster”. As we ride the rails in comfort on this coastal train, sit back and enjoy the incredible views from Massachusetts to Maine. We arrive in Maine in time for lunch (on own) on the waterfront of Kennebunkport with many cozy dining options plus quaint shops to explore. We will then meet a local guide for a Kennebunkport Tour where we hear the history of this scenic coastal community from the Native Americans and early settlers to the shipbuilding era. Enjoy the views of the Wedding Cake House, the Franciscan Monastery and of course, the presidential summer home – the Bush Estate. Maine’s rugged, rocky coast and picturesque lighthouses beckon! Enjoy the Lighthouse Lover’s Cruise sailing from the scenic harbor in Portland, Maine. We will see the Calendar Islands, coastal forts, lobster boats, playful seals and an array of seabirds. We may see as many as seven lighthouses including Maine’s oldest and historic lighthouse, Portland Headlight, proudly perched on a rocky outcrop overlooking the beautiful harbor. It wouldn’t be Maine if we couldn’t have lobster! Tonight tuck into a “downeast” butter-melting, mouth-watering fresh Maine Lobster Dinner (with a landlubber option for those who prefer). After dinner we will check in at the Comfort Inn & Suites, Dover, NH Tel: 603-750-7507. Relax, enjoy the heated indoor pool or fitness room, free Wi-Fi and high speed internet, in-room coffee and cable/satellite TV. Meals: B, D
Day 3-Tuesday, August 17:
After an Expanded Continental Breakfast with both hot and cold choices, we check out of our hotel for a day that includes both a “Rail and a Sail” adventure. We board the Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad – Discover New Hampshire’s largest lake by rail! Enjoy your scenic excursion hugging the picturesque shoreline, surrounded by mountain outcrops, with views of “Grand Style Resorts”, pristine woodland, lake wild life and more. You will ride the rails right to your cruise on the historic tracks of the Boston & Maine Railroad. At the end of the train ride, we board the M/S Mount Washington to enjoy a scenic and delicious hot and cold Luncheon Buffet Cruise on Lake Winnipesaukee, with over 72 square miles, 365 islands and ringed by three spectacular mountain ranges. It is no wonder the Native Americans named it Winnipesaukee “Beautiful Water in a High Place”. Meals: B, L
Our “railing and sailing” comes to an end and we will meet our Wade motorcoach for our journey home.