Test Trip - Cape Cod

Departure from pre-determined pick-up points in the Toronto / Burlington area. We travel through the lovely scenery of New York State and arrive at our stopover point, Albany, the state capital.

After breakfast we proceed to Cape Cod. Enroute we’ll stop at America's Home Town: Plymouth, where the Pilgrims first settled in 1620. We’ll stop for photos at iconic Plymouth Rock, Forefather's Monument and the Mayflower II - a reproduction of the ship that transported the Pilgrims to the New World. This evening we will enjoy our first dinner on the Cape, and overnight in South Yarmouth.

A full day of exploring scenic Cape Cod, beginning in the Cape’s hub, Hyannis. Here we stop at the Kennedy Memorial, then drive along Main Street, through the village of Hyannisport - home of the famous St. Francis Xavier Church and the Kennedy family compound. We then travel along historic Route 6, stopping at the Eastham Windmill and a typical Cape Cod lighthouse. Driving along the Cape Cod National Seashore, we reach the historic North Shore and spend some time in Provincetown. This charming town was the scene of the first landing of the Pilgrims and is now an art colony with many photogenic sights and tempting boutiques. In Provincetown we board a boat for a whale-watching excursion led by a naturalist who will provide commentary on the various marine life we will see during our cruise. Or, you may choose to stay ashore and join a Dune Tour to explore the shoreline of the protected lands of Cape Cod National Seashore. This will be an opportunity to view the “Dune Shacks” which have inspired famous artists and writers.

Today we visit Newport, Rhode Island, best known for its opulent mansions built by America’s rich and famous of the 1890’s, many of which are now museums. A local guide will meet us and take us through the city, including the famed Ocean Drive and the Bellevue Avenue Mansion area. Admission to one of the mansions is included.

Tonight we enjoy some local entertainment during dinner.

This morning’s highlight will be a cruise to Nantucket Island which, for 100 years, was the greatest whaling centre in the world. Today it is a picturesque island of beautifully-preserved homes, cobblestone streets and very special charm. Enjoy a tour of the island and some free time for browsing the galleries, shops and museums before returning to the Cape.

Tonight we enjoy a special lobster dinner (with alternative entrees available upon request).

We depart the Cape for Boston, considered by many to be America’s most historic city. We will enjoy a guided tour of the various historical and famous landmarks such as Back Bay, Beacon Hill, Boston Common, the Public Gardens and the original site of Cheers. There will be some time for lunch and shopping at Boston's famous Quincy Market. Then we travel through the charming villages and countryside of Massachusetts until we arrive back in Albany for our dinner and overnight.

We continue our journey back to the Toronto / Burlington area (with a stop for duty-free shopping), taking with us fond memories of beautiful Cape Cod.