Cape Cod, The Islands and Newport - 8 Days
8 Days
Boston
Boston
*****
Tauck
Quintessentially New England, Cape Cod captivates with a legacy of coastal delights, distinctively appetizing with traditional clambakes, whale watches thoroughly exhilarating, shore towns colonial in nature and historically rich and lighthouses that stand watch to guide mariners ashore. Its nearby islands, windswept and welcoming with oceanfront beaches and gabled houses that have weathered the centuries, each have their own tales to tell.
Nantucket, once the whaling capital of the world, is today a popular vacation destination. Martha's Vineyard, home to hamlets unique in character, still retains its small town charms. Known for yachts and gilded summer cottages massive in size, Newport enthralls with stories about the wealthy industrialists who built their extravagant summer homes along its storied Ocean Drive. Enjoy a taste of life in each destination, staying in waterfront hotels in prime locations, dining on regional specialties and experiencing the pursuits and passions of the region like the locals do. Add in guided sightseeing to historic places and authentic insider experiences the celebrate its hidden gems, and discover the essence of Cape Cod, the Islands and Newport.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Boston
Transfers are included upon arrival from Boston's Logan Airport or Boston's Back Bay, North and South train stations to the Fairmont Copley Plaza, a landmark hotel since 1912 and ideally located in historic Back Bay, in the city known as the birthplace of the American Revolution. Join us tonight for a welcome reception and dinner at the hotel.
Day 2: Drive to Cape Cod
Leave the city behind as you drive to Cape Cod, stopping en route for a guided visit at the Heritage Museum & Gardens in Sandwich, Massachusetts. It is set amidst 100 acres of flower-filled gardens and exhibits showcasing the history of the region, from antique automobiles to folk art and vintage memorabilia including a carousel built in 1908. Enjoy lunch in the town of Sandwich, the oldest town on the Cape and settled in 1637. While its name suggests a popular noonday meal, Sandwich is famous for the glassware produced here in the 1800s. Continue on to the southern coast of Cape Cod and West Harwich, where you'll spend two nights at The Pelham on Cape Cod – a charming, family-founded retreat in that effortlessly blends coastal charm and relaxed sophistication.
Day 3: Cape Cod National Seashore, Provincetown & a whale-watching cruise
Embark this morning on an exciting whale watching cruise in the nearby town of Provincetown, keeping your eyes peeled at all times for a glimpse of the giant marine mammals who frequent the waters here. It was the hunt for the whale that largely built Provincetown. By 1870, largely due to its whaling activities, Provincetown was one of the richest towns in Massachusetts. As Provincetown went from a whaling town to a Portuguese fishing village to the artsy town it is today, whales are now playing a part in its important conservation efforts to help prevent the whales' extinction. You may spot a variety of marine life during your whale watching cruise, from humpback, fin and right whales to dolphins, seals and sea turtles who may happen by. You'll have free time to explore the town of Provincetown as you wish before heading back to the hotel. En route, visit the Cape Cod National Seashore Salt Pond Visitors Center, providing a fascinating introduction to the protected marshlands, uplands, ponds, lighthouses and outer islands of Cape Cod National Seashore. Museum exhibits include the history of the Wampanoag tribes who first inhabited these lands, and the arrival of European settlers, the pilgrims, through artifacts, artwork, photos and captivating oral histories. Dinner is at leisure tonight at your hotel.
Day 4: Ferry to Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard
Board a fast ferry this morning bound for the summer resort island of Nantucket, where a guided sightseeing drive around the island is followed by free time to explore as you wish. Once known as the whaling capital of the world, this compact island is renowned as a getaway for captains of industry who relish its endless beaches, rose-covered shingled homes and the cobblestoned charms of its historic harborside town. An afternoon ferry speeds you to Martha's Vineyard for a two-night stay at an iconic hotel in Edgartown. Dine at your leisure tonight at your hotel.
Day 5: From island towns to the Carnegie Museum
An orientation tour - this introduces you to the towns that line the shores of Martha's Vineyard, from Victorian-inspired Oak Bluffs to Vineyard Haven where the ferries dock to the fishing village of Menemsha to West Tisbury, the island's agricultural center and Aquinnah, home to the Wampanoag Indian tribe and clay cliffs. Martha's Vineyard also includes the smaller adjacent Chappaquiddick Island. You will have time to experience life in Edgartown before a special Tauck experience at the Carnegie Museum. Join a docent for a tour of the museum, learning about its start as a free library inspired by Andrew Carnegie, and viewing its collection of artifacts and photos of island landscapes and landmarks. An optional walking tour takes you to the Chappy Ferry Line, the Old Sculpin Gallery, the Norton Boat House and the Edgartown Memorial Wharf. For those who don't wish to join for the private tour of The Carnegie Museum, the evening is free to enjoy as you like.
Day 6: From New Bedford whales to Newport, Rhode Island
Board a ferry bound for Woods Hole, Massachusetts, disembarking for lunch and a guided tour of the New Bedford Whaling Museum, recalling the town's heyday as a whaling port. Surrounded by cobblestone streets once strolled by Frederick Douglass and Herman Melville, the museum is located in the New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park. Inside you'll find a 66 ft. skeleton of a blue whale and a smaller skeleton of a sperm whale for an up-close look at the whales that are found in the oceans nearby, as well as a fully rigged, half-size replica of an actual whaling ship. Learn about the history of whaling and view paintings by famous maritime artists during your visit. The museum showcases the world's largest collections of scrimshaw, whaling logbooks, and journals, chronicling just about everything you wanted to know about whales in visually engaging displays. Drive to Newport, Rhode Island; your hotel is centrally located on the waterfront, an easy stroll from dining venues, shops and more.
Day 7: Experience Newport
Wake up for a cruise on Newport Harbor, viewing the town's yachts and coastline along the way. If you wish, you can do a self-guided tour of the 70-room Renaissance Revival summer vacation cottage known as The Breakers, built between 1893 and 1895 by Cornelius Vanderbilt II, renowned as one of the most magnificent of Newport's opulent mansions. Spend the afternoon exploring the sights as you wish, and join us tonight for a farewell reception and dinner at 41° North.
Day 8: Journey Home
Tour ends: Boston. Depart Newport after breakfast and drive to Boston's Logan International Airport, a distance of 73 miles, for your flight home. Flights should be scheduled after 2:30 PM. Guests staying an additional night in Boston will be transported to Fairmont Copley Plaza. You can, of course, extend your stay further.
Includes
- 7 nights in handpicked 4 & 5 star hotels
- Comfortable coaches with bathroom facilities (w/c)
- 24/7 personal service – knowledgeable Travel Director & expert driver
- Porterage, plus tips and gratuities at hotels and restaurants are included
- Meals as stated in the itinerary
Excludes
- Flights - please call us on 0844 80 444 80 to obtain a quote and book flights
- Pre & post nights - please call us on 0844 80 444 80 to obtain a quote and book additional nights
- Driver & Tour Director gratuities - these can be pre-paid, please ask your reservations agent when booking your tour
Choose Your Departure Date
Prices shown above are per person based on 2 adults sharing. For single, triple, quad and child prices please call us for a quote.
Please call us on 0844 80 444 80 to check the latest up-to-date availability and to book your tour.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the deposit to secure a tour and when is the balance due?
A deposit of 10% is required when making your booking.
The balance of the holiday cost must be received by us no less than 10 weeks prior to your date of departure. Bookings made within 10 weeks of departure require full payment at the time of booking.
For some tours or if there is a special "Early Booking offer", the balance maybe due sooner than 10 weeks before departure, in this case you will be advised at time of booking when the balance due date would be.
The balance payment date will be shown on your confirmation invoice.
Payments can be made by debit card, credit card or bank transfers.
YOUR PAYMENTS TO US ARE FULLY FINANCIALLY SECURE FOR YOUR PEACE OF MIND: Where your confirmed travel arrangements include a flight and you are resident in the UK (or EU) or the flight departs from, arrives in or transits the UK, this is financially protected through our Air Travel Organiser’s Licence (ATOL) number 6874 managed by the Civil Aviation Authority, Gatwick Airport South, West Sussex, RH6 0YR, UK, telephone 0333 103 6350, email claims@caa. co.uk.
CANCELLATIONS: Cancellations t&c's can differ from operator to operator, these will be confirmed to you with your booking confirmation. For our general Terms and conditions and general cancellation details please click here.
What does the tour cost include?
The per person price listed covers all hotel accommodations, taxes, all applicable sightseeing and admissions as per the itinerary, motor coach, cruise or rail transportation, services of a professional Travel Director, all meals as shown in the itinerary and luggage handling. All tips have been included for services on trip by dining-room staff, chambermaids and porters at hotels, airports, docks and train stations.
Can we book flights through you ?
Yes, we can offer competitive airfares with all the major airlines. When booking a package with us that includes flights and a tour, your package is then fully ATOL Bonded by the CAA for your full financial peace of mind. You are of course are welcome to book flights independently but we are therefore not responsible should your flights be delayed and you miss any part of your tour or other arrangements booked with us.
Can I add additional hotel nights before or after my tour?
Many of our clients choose to add extra hotel nights to spend a little more time in their chosen destination. You can reserve additional hotel nights before or after your tour.
Please call us on 0844 80 444 80 and our travel experts will be able to provide a quote for your additional nights and assist with your requirements.
Can i book twin beds or triple and quad rooms
Yes, We have options for twin (2 beds) and triple/quad room configurations.
If you a travelling in a party of three or four adult guests, please call us on 0844 80 444 80 and our travel experts will be able to provide a quote for your requirements.
For double rooms (2 guests), 1 Double/Queen or King bed is the normal, Twin beds can be requested at time of booking.
For triple rooms (3 guests) these will normally have 1 Queen/King bed and a fold out bed, or 2 Queen/King beds and a fold out bed.
For Quad rooms (4 Guests) these will normally have 2 Queen/King beds.
How much is the solo/single supplement?
Escorted tours are the perfect option if you're travelling solo, combining the camaraderie of a smaller group with the independence of a solo trip. Many tours offer solo room share options, or a competitive solo supplement.
Please call us on 0844 80 444 80 and our travel experts will be able to provide a quote for your requirements.
How many guests will be on this tour?
Tauck offer up to 3 different group sizes on some tours.
Classic group departures have an average of 35 - 44 Guests.
For small group departures these average 24 guest and then some tours also offer smaller group departures which average around 15 guests.
How much walking with be on this tour?
With your comfort in mind, Purely Escorted Tours assigns every tour an activity level. The activity level for your chosen tour is displayed in the tour introduction.
Leisurely: Tours will typically have minimal to 1-2 miles of walking per day on primarily flat surfaces and with some stairs.
Balanced: Tours typically have up to 1-3 miles of walking per day, which may include some uneven surfaces such as cobblestones and stairs.
Dynamic: These journeys can feature 4+ miles of walking on some days and may involve some steep hills.
Do the coaches have on-board Wi-Fi and bathroom facilities
Tauck coaches are modern, well-appointed buses with comfortable seating, large windows for viewing, and on-board amenities like Wi-Fi and bathrooms.
While the specific coach model may vary by tour and region, guests can expect an upgrade from standard coaches, reflecting Tauck's commitment to luxury and an elevated travel experience.
The coaches are equipped to provide a high level of comfort and convenience, allowing guests to relax and enjoy the scenery during their travels.
The coaches offer onboard Wi-Fi, bathroom facilities (w/c), charging unites, reclining seats, air conditioning, footrests, tray tables, drink holders and seat pockets
Are gratuities included for the driver, tour director and at restaurants etc?
Gratuities are included at hotels and restaurants. And, you have the option to pre-pay your Travel Director and driver gratuities before you travel if you wish.
Please call us on 0844 80 444 80 and our travel experts will be able to provide a quote for you to pre-pay driver and tour director gratuities.
Do you offer/include Travel Insurance?
Travel insurance is not included in your tour and we do not offer travel insurance.
Please procure Travel Insurance before travelling. This will protect you and will give you peace of mind before you travel and whilst on your tour.
We suggest that your insurance covers the following:
- Cancellation or curtailment of your vacation due to medical or other reasons
- Loss or damage to your property and baggage
- Loss of cash, credit cards etc
- Medical costs and personal accidents
Certain countries require visitors to have valid medical insurance on entry and in Europe, you may find that doctor's surgeries, dentists and hospitals often require payment in cash prior to providing services. Whilst rare, medical evacuation can be exceptionally expensive.
Do remember to bring a copy of your policy, contact phone numbers and details of how to claim when you travel.
Should you choose to travel on Purely Escorted Tour without the required travel insurance, you will have full responsibility for all expenses (trip interruption, trip delay, medical expenses, quarantine expenses and emergency evacuation/repatriation) that may arise while travelling with us.
What does a guaranteed departure mean?
A guaranteed departure has reached the minimum number of guests for the tour to operate or will depart no matter how many people are booked to travel.
In the slim case that a guaranteed departure has to be withdrawn that you are booked on due to a unforeseen circumstances, you are entitled to a full refund on the funds already paid or if flexible with your time, we can move you onto another departure that suits you.
What do I need to know about border crossings, visas, entry requirements and passports?
Depending on your nationality, you may need visas to enter certain countries included on your trip. Please note that obtaining visas can take up to six weeks and so it is strongly advised that you consult your local Consulate or Embassy of the country you are visiting to determine which visas they require and how to obtain them.
Note: Purely Escorted Tours is not responsible for obtaining any necessary visas required on your tour.
Information about border crossings and visas, entry requirements varies by destination. Please check the destination you're visiting below for more information:
Europe trips:
Each guest must ensure that their passport is valid for at least six months beyond the conclusion of their trip and that they have acquired all necessary visas and permits. Multiple-entry visas may be required if you are entering a country more than once on your holiday.
Guests are advised that only the countries you plan to visit can provide up-to-date information about their specific visa requirements. Guests should contact the nearest embassy or consulate of the countries they plan to visit well in advance of travel. Please check your itinerary carefully. Remember that requirements vary based on a passport's place of issue and that the process can take time.
Check that multi-entry visas have the correct entry dates and destinations before you travel. Please be aware that with some itineraries, you may travel through a country without making an overnight stop. If this happens on your itinerary, you will still need a visa to enter/exit the country for example an ETA when transiting through UK & Ireland.
Please ensure that you carry proper identification with you at all times, as border crossings will need to see your entry documents and passports. Usually crossing borders is a very straightforward process that is managed by your Travel Director. However, be advised that you may be required to open your luggage and answer simple questions about the length of your stay, purpose of travel, etc.
United Kingdom and Northern Ireland trips incl transiting travellers:
From January 8, 2025 UK law requires travelers both entering and transiting through the UK and Northern Ireland to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) which must be obtained in advance of travel.
UK eTA applications can be made at the UK Governments official website.
USA trips incl transiting travellers:
US law requires travellers both entering and transiting through the United States are required to obtain an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) which must be obtained in advance of travel.
ESTA applications can be made at the U.S. Customs and Boarder Protection website.
Canada trips:
Canadian law requires travellers both entering and transiting through Canada to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) which must be obtained in advance of travel.
eTA applications can be made at the Government of Canada's website.
Rest of the World trips:
Each guest must ensure that their passport is valid for at least six months beyond the conclusion of their trip and that they have acquired all necessary visas and permits. You are responsible for obtaining all necessary visas before the departure of your guided holiday. Depending on your nationality, you may need visas to enter certain countries included on your trip. Please note that obtaining visas can take up to six weeks before your departure. It is strongly advised that you consult the local Consulate or Embassy of the country you are visiting well in advance to determine which visas they require and how to obtain them.
What if I have mobility issues?
Please notify us of any disability requiring special assistance prior to travelling. We will try our best to accommodate you throughout the tour and will inform the hotels.
What if I have food allergies?
Please advise us of any dietary requirements. We will make arrangements with our suppliers where possible.
You will also need to talk to your Travel Director at the beginning of your tour and they will do their utmost to arrange an alternative menu at the hotels and restaurants.
How much luggage can I bring?
Travelling on a Purely Escorted Tour entitles each guest to travel with one suitcase not exceeding 23kg (50lbs) in weight, with dimensions not exceeding 77.5cm (30.5in) x 56cm (22in) x 32cm (12.5in). Guests may also bring one item of hand luggage that is small and light enough to be carried onto the coach and fit underneath the seat, or in the small overhead compartment above. (Luggage with adjustable handles and wheels will not fit).
Please test the weight of your baggage prior to travel. You should be able to lift and comfortably transport it for short distances.
Baggage allowances vary from airline to airline and you should check with your chosen carrier for details prior to travel.