Boston, Cape Cod & The Islands - Classic Group

Boston, Cape Cod & The Islands - Classic Group

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8 Days From

$4641

Boston, Cape Cod & The Islands - Classic Group

8 Days Starting and ending in Boston (MA)

Visiting: Boston, Plymouth, Cape Cod, Nantucket, Sandwich, Martha's Vineyard, Newport

Tour operator:

Insight Vacations

Tour code:

ACAPM26

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Low

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Luxury

From: $4641

NB: Prices correct on 21-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

This 8-Day guided tour blends history with glamour as you travel from Massachusetts to Rhode Island. Follow the red-brick Freedom Trail in Boston to see where the U.S. took shape. On the shores of Cape Cod Bay, see Sandwich, a coastal town famous for its glassmakers; here, visit the Sandwich Glass Museum, where you can learn tricks of the trade. At Martha's Vineyard, a driver will take you past the former home of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis and to Oak Bluffs, an idyllic town with gingerbread-like cottages. Indulge in a sea-to-table feast filled with fish caught from local fishermen, fresh produce from nearby farms and delicacies picked by foragers. In the seaside city of Newport, board an 80-foot schooner to cruise the coastline, taking in views of historical buildings and the homes of the rich and famous — and learn about the area’s past as a pirates’ haven.

Top Rated Highlights

  • Plymouth: Visit Pilgrim Hall Museum, the oldest continuously operating public museum in the country and America’s museum of Pilgrim possessions. Meet a direct descendant of the Mayflower party that landed on America's shores in 1620 and hear their family stories.
  • Boston: Explore the great city of Boston, with your Travel Director and learn about its transformative past. You’ll follow part of the red-brick Freedom Trail that brings the story of the American Revolution to life. Journeying to other historically significant sights that include the Boston Common, the Old Corner Bookstore and the The Old State House.
  • Sandwich: View through the lens of the skilled craftsmen at the Sandwich Glass Museum, where you will learn the techniques of the English and Irish glass-makers developed during the early 19th century.
  • Cape Cod: Experience the natural wonder and human history emphasizing the cultural themes represented on Cape Cod, including the First People--the Wampanoag; European settlement culture; fishing, life-saving, and lighthouses; communication technology of Cape Cod's National Seashore.
  • Nantucket: Walk through historic downtown Nantucket and discover the unique history of the island. Journey through Nantucket’s past and hear about the rise and the fall of the whaling industry, the rise of tourism, and the impacts the island’s economy has had on social and racial development on Nantucket.
  • Martha's Vineyard: After disembarking from your ferry ride, visit the port neighborhood of Oak Bluffs and be transported to a different era. Known for its rainbow-colored, gingerbread-like cottages with Gothic storybook decorations, high-peaked roofs, and dainty verandas. You’ll also find the oldest operating platform carousel in America here.

Make Travel Matter

Plymouth: Visit the Plimoth Patuxet (Puh – tux- it) Museum – which is really more like a living memorial dedicated to the lifestyle of the first English settlers and the Wampanoag Indigenous community. Enjoy a guided journey to the early homesite of the Wompanoag people, a living version of the early English settlement village and a full scale replica of the Mayflower 2 – the ship that made the initial voyage in 1620. By visiting, we’re helping the museum preserve the histories and stories of the early inhabitants and the revitalization of pre-industrial crafts, trades, domestic skills, horticulture, and maritime arts.Your experience advances UN Global Goals 10 & 11: Reduced Inequalities & Sustainable Cities and Communities.

Authentic Dining

Boston: At 18:00, join your Travel Director for a dinner with wine and an opportunity to mingle with fellow guests.

Martha's Vineyard: Indulge in a locally sourced dinner in a private dining space in Bettini Restaurant.

Newport: Meet your new friends in the evening for a seafood dinner with wine, where you can share the highlights of your trip while savouring a freshly prepared meal.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Welcome To Boston

Location: Boston

Accommodation Name: Hyatt Regency, Boston

Meals Included: Dinner

Boston, often described as America’s most European city, is a captivating blend of history, art, and culinary delights. Upon your arrival at the Hyatt Regency, nestled in the heart of downtown, you're just moments from sights such as the historic Faneuil Hall and the fashionable Newbury Street. Take a leisurely stroll through the charming South End or along the picturesque Charles River Esplanade. This evening, meet your Travel Director and fellow guests for a delightful dinner, marking the beginning of your unforgettable journey.

Day 2: Exploring Plymouth's Past

Location: Plymouth

Accommodation Name: Dan'l Webster Inn and Spa, Sandwich

Meals Included: Breakfast

Join your Travel Director for an enriching exploration of Boston’s storied past. Walk along the famous Freedom Trail, where each step brings the American Revolution to life. Visit landmarks like Boston Common, the Old Corner Bookstore, and the Old State House. Continue your historic exploration at the Pilgrim Hall Museum in Plymouth, hosted by a Mayflower descendant, offering personal stories tied to the museum’s fascinating collection of 17th-century artefacts. At the Plimoth Patuxet Museum, immerse yourself in the stories of early English settlers and the Wampanoag Indigenous community during a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. From the replica Mayflower II to the recreated homesites, your visit contributes to preserving this vital heritage, supporting pre-industrial crafts, trades, and maritime traditions.

Day 3: The Wonders Of Cape Cod

Location: Cape Cod

Accommodation Name: Dan'l Webster Inn and Spa, Sandwich

Meals Included: Breakfast

The windswept shores and pristine landscapes of Cape Cod await as you embark on a journey through the heart of New England’s maritime history. The Cape’s rolling sand dunes, historic lighthouses, and timeless fishing villages set the stage for a day rich in cultural discovery. Explore Cape Cod’s National Seashore, where the stories of the Wampanoag people and European settlers converge against a backdrop of stunning coastal beauty. Later, visit the Sandwich Glass Museum, where you’ll witness demonstrations of glassblowing techniques pioneered by English and Irish craftspersons in the early 19th century. This captivating experience will leave you with a deeper appreciation of Cape Cod's art, history, and natural beauty.

Day 4: Nautical History In Nantucket

Location: Nantucket

Accommodation Name: Dan'l Webster Inn and Spa, Sandwich

Meals Included: Breakfast

Set sail from Hyannis to the island of Nantucket, where cobblestone streets and preserved historic homes tell the story of a bygone whaling era. Stroll through the charming downtown, learning how the rise and fall of the whaling industry shaped Nantucket’s social fabric and economy. As you uncover tales of seafaring adventures, witness the island’s transformation into a beloved destination for visitors from across the globe. After a day steeped in maritime history, return to Hyannis by ferry for an evening at leisure.

Day 5: The Charms Of Martha’S Vineyard – An Island Escape

Location: Sandwich, Martha's Vineyard

Accommodation Name: Harbor View, Martha's Vineyard

Meals Included: Breakfast

Board a morning ferry to Martha’s Vineyard, an island known for its pristine beaches, charming harbour towns, and storied visitors, including U.S. presidents. Explore Oak Bluffs with its gingerbread cottages, visit the Flying Horses Carousel and see State Beach, made famous by the film Jaws. Discover the island’s colourful past, from whaling to modern-day tourism, as you gain insights into the history of Edgartown harbor lighthouse. Later, enjoy island hospitality with seasonal offerings from local farms, fishing boats and foragers during a dining experience at Bettini, located in your elegant hotel.

Day 6: The Timeless Elegance Of Newport Relaxed Start

Location: Martha's Vineyard, Newport

Accommodation Name: Viking, Newport

Meals Included: Breakfast

Arrive in Newport, where over 95 years of hospitality and charm characterise the historic Hotel Viking. Set in the heart of this coastal city, your boutique accommodation offers luxurious rooms and stunning views. Enjoy complimentary bike rentals or relax in the hotel’s spa, pool, or café. This evening, take a leisurely stroll through Newport’s vibrant streets, where every corner reveals another piece of its storied past.

Day 7: Newport, The Queen Of Summer Resorts Relaxed Start

Location: Newport

Accommodation Name: Viking, Newport

Meals Included: Breakfast

Your day begins with Newport’s famed Ten Mile Drive, a scenic route that hugs the coastline, showcasing public parks, historic landmarks and breathtaking ocean views. Afterwards, explore the grandeur of Newport’s "summer cottages" as you visit the Breakers, the grandest of them all. A symbol of the Vanderbilt family’s wealth and prominence, this opulent mansion offers a glimpse into the lavish lifestyle of America’s Gilded Age elite. Cap off the day with a sunset sail aboard the Adirondack II, gliding along Newport Harbor and Narragansett Bay.

Day 8: Farewell To Boston Relaxed Start

Location: Boston

Meals Included: Breakfast

As your tour comes to a close, bid farewell to your fellow travellers and transfer to Logan International Airport for your onward journey. With memories of Boston’s historic charm, the beauty of Cape Cod, and the elegance of Newport, you leave with a deeper appreciation for this unique corner of New England.

What's Included

  • Transport

    Travel includes a ferry ride to Martha's Vineyard, a high-speed catamaran to Nantucket, and a cruise around Newport Harbor aboard the Rum Runner II.

  • Dining

    Enjoy 4 dinners with wine and 7 breakfasts during the tour.

  • Guided Tours

    Explore Boston, Plymouth, Cape Cod, Nantucket, Martha's Vineyard, and Newport with guided tours and experiences.

  • Insight Experiences

    Meet your captain and jump onboard the Adirondack II, an 80-foot schooner sailing ship, and cruise around the coastline of Newport.

  • Accommodation

    Stay at the luxurious Hyatt Regency in Boston, the charming Dan'l Webster Inn and Spa in Sandwich, the elegant Harbor View in Martha's Vineyard, and the historic Viking in Newport.

What's Not Included

  • Optional Experiences

    Optional experiences such as the Sand Dunes tour on Cape Cod are not included.

  • Personal Expenses

    Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.

  • Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance is not included and should be purchased separately.

  • Gratuities

    Gratuities for guides, drivers, and hotel staff are not included.

  • Flights

    International and domestic flights to and from Boston are not included.

Dining Summary

  • 4 Dinner with Wine (DW)
  • 7 Breakfast (B)

Insight Experiences

  • Newport: Meet your captain and jump onboard the Adirondack II, an 80-foot schooner sailing ship and cruise around the coastline. You’ll sail out and pass nearby islands, old historical buildings and homes of the rich and famous, as you learn about the region’s exciting history, including its pirate activity.
  • Newport: Enjoy a visit to one of Newport's renowned landmarks, The Vanderbilt's Breakers Mansion.

Check out our Q&As

  • What unique experiences are included in the tour?

    The tour includes a visit to the Pilgrim Hall Museum in Plymouth, where you will meet a descendant of the Mayflower party. You will also experience a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience at the Plimoth Patuxet Museum, which includes a guided journey to the early homesite of the Wampanoag people and a full-scale replica of the Mayflower II. Additionally, you will enjoy a sunset sail aboard the Adirondack II schooner in Newport.

  • What kind of dining experiences can I expect on this tour?

    You will enjoy a dinner with wine in Boston, a locally sourced dinner in a private dining space at Bettini Restaurant on Martha's Vineyard, and a seafood dinner with wine in Newport. The tour includes a total of 4 dinners with wine and 7 breakfasts.

  • What types of transportation are used during the tour?

    The tour includes a ferry ride to Martha's Vineyard, a high-speed catamaran to Nantucket, and a cruise around Newport Harbor aboard the Rum Runner II.

  • What historical sites will be visited during the tour?

    The tour visits several historical sites including the Freedom Trail in Boston, the Pilgrim Hall Museum in Plymouth, the Sandwich Glass Museum, and the Breakers Mansion in Newport. You will also explore the historic downtown of Nantucket and the port neighborhood of Oak Bluffs on Martha's Vineyard.

  • What is the accommodation like on this tour?

    You will stay at the luxurious Hyatt Regency in Boston, the charming Dan'l Webster Inn and Spa in Sandwich, the elegant Harbor View in Martha's Vineyard, and the historic Viking in Newport.

  • Can I join the tour once it has departed?

    We regret that no refunds can be made for absences from a tour, including experiences such as missed meals or sightseeing.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Since 1978.

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Insight Vacations is a founding member of the TreadRight Foundation, a joint initiative created by the brands within The Travel Corporation (TTC) almost 15 years ago to ensure our impact through tourism is positive. Our ethos to #MakeTravelMatter guides our decision-making at every level of our business.

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    You have two options as a solo traveller. Either choose to be matched with a same sex partner for a room share - at no extra cost. Or choose a room of your own with a reduced or even free private room upgrade on select tours.

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies

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Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Barrhead Travel requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 98 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of barrhead travel charges.

    Up to 98 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 97 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.

    At 28 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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