Your 8-day culinary exploration begins in “Bean Town” with dinner
at the country’s oldest restaurant, guided sightseeing, and a North End Market tour to sample local foods. An excursion to Gloucester features a dramatic harbor cruise and an authentic eat-in-the-rough lobster bake. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant in Newport, and stop at the Smith Appleby House for a traditional Rhode Island May Breakfast. In Stockbridge, visit the Norman Rockwell Studio & Museum, then it’s into the heart of the Berkshires. Here you’ll take in remarkable scenery at the Apple Barn & Country Bake Shop, and pay visits to the Shelburne Heritage Park, New England Culinary Institute, and Morse Farm Maple Sugarworks. Via Montpelier, travel to Cabot for a factory tour and tasting at Cabot Creamery, and take a gondola ride up beautiful Wildcat Mountain. Next up: a farewell dinner in Portland and an overnight in Kennebunkport. A picturesque coastal drive takes you back to Boston for the conclusion of your vacation.

Itinerary:

Day 1 Boston
Welcome to “Bean Town!” This evening, depart for dinner at THE UNION OYSTER HOUSE, the oldest restaurant in Boston and the oldest restaurant in continuous service in the U.S.—the doors have always been open to diners since 1826. Afterward, enjoy free time for browsing in Faneuil Hall. Built in 1742 as a home for merchants, fishermen, and meat and produce sellers, Faneuil Hall is still Boston’s central meeting place, offering an unparalleled urban marketplace. (D)

Day 2 Boston. Excursion to North Shore
This morning, a tour of Boston highlights historic sites near Boston Common, Old State House, Old North Church, and the Freedom Trail. Enjoy some free time for lunch before continuing north to Gloucester, America’s oldest seaport. Stop at the Fisherman’s Memorial, commemorating Gloucester’s link to the sea, before boarding your HARBOR CRUISE to learn about the life of local fishermen. This evening, enjoy an eat-in-the-rough LOBSTER BAKE before returning to Boston. (B,D)

Day 3 Boston–Newport
This morning, enjoy a cup of coffee and a crispy sfogliatelle at a local cafe. Learn the history of Boston’s Italian neighborhood on the NORTH END MARKET TOUR as you taste authentic foods and learn secrets on where to find authentic ingredients and how to buy and prepare them for your own cooking adventures. Enjoy free time for lunch and shopping in the North End before continuing to Newport. A highlight of today’s journey is Newport’s OCEAN DRIVE, combining the history of this wealthy summer community with miles of beautiful shoreline. Enjoy dinner this evening at a local restaurant. (B,D) NOTE: The North End Market tour is a 2-hour walking tour that takes place rain or shine.

Day 4 Newport–Stockbridge–Berkshire Mountains
This morning, depart for the SMITH APPLEBY HOUSE, a beautifully restored mid-18th century farmhouse where you will be treated to a traditional Rhode Island May Breakfast featuring Johnny cakes. Travel through valleys of unspoiled New England villages to Stockbridge. Here, visit the NORMAN ROCKWELL STUDIO AND MUSEUM, housing a large collection of works by one of America’s favorite artists. Your overnight hotel is nestled in the heart of the Berkshire Mountains. (B)

Day 5 Berkshire Mountains–Burlington
This morning, enjoy a stop at the APPLE BARN AND COUNTRY BAKE SHOP for a view of the most spectacular scenery in southern Vermont at the top of this 300-acre apple orchard. Learn about the history of the orchard followed by some free time for shopping. Later this afternoon, visit SHELBURNE HERITAGE PARK, a fascinating 45-acre outdoor museum depicting early New England life. Continue to Burlington, Vermont, where you will spend the night at the Inn at Essex, the “working home” of the highly acclaimed NEW ENGLAND CULINARY INSTITUTE. This evening, enjoy a cooking demonstration and relish New England’s best cuisine. (B,D)

Day 6 Burlington–Montpelier–Cabot–North Conway
This morning, enjoy a tour and tasting at MORSE FARM MAPLE SUGARWORKS, Vermont’s oldest sugar house. After a break in Montpelier, Vermont’s capital, head for New Hampshire’s White Mountains via Cabot, Vermont. Stop at CABOT CREAMERY, home to the world’s best cheddar, for a factory tour and tasting. Upon arrival in North Conway, enjoy some time at leisure this evening. (B)

Day 7 North Conway–Portland–Kennebunkport
At Pinkham Notch, board the Wildcat Mountain GONDOLA for a thrilling ride to the 4,397-foot summit. (The 1018 departure visits after the closure of the gondola. A presentation of the RAVEN INTERPRETIVE PROGRAM and wildlife will be substituted.) Then, travel through the densely wooded, lake-strewn landscape of Maine to Portland, one of New England’s most famous cities. Stroll down the cobblestone streets of Portland’s Old Port Exchange, lined with boutiques, coffee houses, and art galleries. Early afternoon arrival in Kennebunkport, with time to explore the quaint shops and galleries of Dock Square. Tonight your Tour Director hosts a FAREWELL DINNER. Wonderful conversation and cuisine make the perfect finale for your vacation. (B,D)

Day 8 Kennebunkport–Salem–Boston
A scenic drive along the rocky coastline of Maine to Massachusetts with a call at Salem, infamous for the largest witch hunt in American history. You’ll have time to visit the many historic landmarks. Return to Boston with a stop at the airport for guests with homebound flights.