Islands of Cape Cod - Summer

Departure Points

Yankee Trails, Rensselaer - 7:00am

Sunday, August 29

We are on our way this morning to a beautiful coastal New England getaway, beginning in Rhode Island, known as the “Ocean State.” Enjoy free time for lunch on arrival along Newport’s historic downtown waterfront, where cobblestone wharves are lined with antique stores, art galleries, specialty shops, and restaurants. Then, we’ll meet up with our guide and enjoy a narrated tour of Newport featuring more than 150 points of interest, including historic buildings, beautifully restored homes, the rugged scenery of Ten-Mile Ocean Drive, and the famous mansions lining tree-covered Bellevue Avenue. We’ll depart Newport and continue on to Cape Cod, Massachusetts, where sandy shores, quaint colonial villages, and classic New England scenery await. Fairfield Inn & Suites Cape Cod (508-771-6100), are our accommodations for the next three nights. Enjoy a Punch & Cookie Welcome Reception upon arrival before settling in. Dinner is included this evening at a local favorite.

Monday, August 30

Enjoy an extended continental breakfast at your leisure this morning before another full day of sightseeing. Our local guide will then meet us at the hotel and we will travel to Woods Hole. Woods Hole is home to the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI), one of the world’s leading independent oceanographic research facilities. It was aboard WHOI’s research vessel, the Knorr, that the wreck of the Titanic was discovered in 1985. We’ll board the Steamship Authority ferry along with our motorcoach and travel to the island of Martha’s Vineyard. Upon arrival at approximately 11:30 AM, our guide will conduct a “Down Island Tour” aboard the coach. Learn about the history and lifestyles of the islanders as we travel through the island’s picturesque villages. Enjoy free time for lunch in the historic whaling town of Edgartown before continuing on to Oak Bluffs, where you can stroll through “Cottage City” and admire its brightly painted cottages and decorative gingerbread trim. We’ll depart Martha’s Vineyard later and return to the mainland, traveling directly from the docks to dinner. Dinner is included at a local restaurant this evening.

Tuesday, August 31

Enjoy an extended continental breakfast at your leisure this morning before another full day exploring the islands. Our local guide will meet us at the hotel and escort us to the Hy-Line Docks. We’ll board the ferry to the beautiful island of Nantucket. Upon arrival, our guide will point out the restaurants, galleries, shops, and museums located within walking distance of the dock. Then we’re off on a Nantucket Island Tour, giving us a chance to experience the history, scenery, and charm of the island. There will also be time to explore downtown Nantucket on your own and enjoy lunch, shopping, and sightseeing. Please remember to wear comfortable walking shoes for the cobblestone streets and brick sidewalks throughout downtown Nantucket. We’ll depart Nantucket and return to the mainland where we’ll travel directly to dinner. Dinner is included at a local restaurant this evening.

Wednesday, Sept 1

Enjoy an extended continental breakfast at your leisure this morning before checking out and beginning our final day of sightseeing. Our local guide will meet us at the hotel as we travel to Plymouth, known as “America’s Hometown.” One of the country’s earliest settlements, Plymouth is rich in history and closely connected to the story of the Pilgrims. We’ll make a picture stop at the National Monument to the Forefathers, followed by a stop at Plymouth Rock and a view of the Mayflower II, a reproduction of the ship that carried the Pilgrims to the New World. We’ll board the Pilgrim Belle, a traditional paddlewheel boat, for a 75-minute narrated Plymouth Harbor Cruise featuring views of the Mayflower II, Bug Light, Gurnet Light, and Clark’s Island. After the cruise, enjoy free time for lunch and shopping along the Plymouth waterfront. Later, we’ll say goodbye to our guide and depart for home with sand in our shoes, seashells in our pockets, and many great memories from our summer getaway!