Experience New England’s stunning Fall views as you ride four different trains through Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Maine. From the world’s first mountain-climbing cog rail to a scenic lakeside train ride, this will be a trip to remember. You’ll also sail out onto the Atlantic with a lobster boat captain (weather permitting), and enjoy classic mountain and waterfront resorts.
- Experience several of the region’s most scenic rail routes
- Ride the world’s first mountain-climbing cog railway at Mt. Washington
- See vivid fall colors across three New England states
- Learn about maple syrup from a seventh-generation sugar-maker
- Enjoy a guided tour of historic Boston
DAY 1: WELCOME TO NEW ENGLAND!
Meet your Tour Director and fellow travelers at a welcome dinner in Boston, the historic capital city of Massachusetts. D
DAY 2: DOWNEASTER/LOBSTER TALK/KENNEBUNKPORT
It’s “all aboard” today for your first rail adventure, as Amtrak’s modern Downeaster train transports you through three states from suburban Boston to Wells, Maine. There, you’ll be whisked away to lunch at Kennebunkport’s historic Nonantum Resort. Then, we’ll chat with Captain Bob, a local Lobsterman, to learn the ins and outs of lobster fishing and what makes these crustaceans a Maine staple. The afternoon is yours to explore Kennebunkport or relax at the Nonantum Resort. B, L
DAY 3: PORTLAND/MAINE NARROW GUAGE RAILROAD
This morning we’ll head for the vibrant coastal city of Portland, Maine. Our first stop is the Portland Head Lighthouse, where we’ll discover the history behind the most photographed lighthouse in America and its many keepers. After a bite to eat, explore Portland’s famous Old Port, a quaint historic district filled with cobblestone streets and local shops. No visit to Portland is complete without a ride on the historic Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad along Casco Bay. Learn about Maine’s unique history all while enjoying some of Portland’s best waterside views. Then, it’s back to Kennebunkport for another relaxing night at the Nonantum. B, L
DAY 4: CONWAY SCENIC RAILROAD
Spend some time exploring the charming town of Conway before enjoying the afternoon aboard the Conway Scenic Railroad. Experience some of the most dramatic natural scenery in the East as you travel through the spectacular Crawford Notch, over the Frankenstein Trestle, and across the Willey Brook Bridge en route to Crawford Station. The rest of the day is yours to spend relaxing at your resort. B, L, D
DAY 5: MT WASHINGTON/MOUNTAIN COG RAIL/”THE KANC”
Today’s highlight is a round-trip ride on the historic Mt. Washington Cog Railroad, the world’s first mountain-climbing cog train. In just a few miles, you will ride the second steepest track railway in the world up to the second highest point in the eastern U.S. (weather permitting). On a clear day, you can see from New York to Maine... and even up into Quebec, Canada. Then visit the grand Mt. Washington Hotel, followed by a delicious lunch. Later, we’ll explore New Hampshire’s famed White Mountains and the Kancamagus Highway, renowned among New Englander’s as one of the region’s most pristine scenic drives. Witness the splendor of the National Forest as you cross the 2,800-foot Kancamagus Pass, aka “The Kanc”. B, L, D
DAY 6: FLUME GORGE/FADDENS/WINNIPESAUKEE RAILROAD
Start your day in awe as we walk along the Flume Gorge on wooden walkways, past waterfalls, and 90-foot-high rock walls. After lunch, we’ll visit Fadden’s General Store to learn about maple syrup from James Fadden, a seventh-generation sugar maker. Then it’s on to the Lake Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad for a dinner train ride along the western shore of Lake Winnipesaukee. B, L, D
DAY 7:CONCORD/HISTORIC BOSTON/HOME
Today, stroll the streets of Concord, New Hampshire, and enjoy lunch on your own with amazing capitol views in site. Next, delight in a guided tour of Boston as you explore the historic Freedom Trail. Then it’s time to head back home with fond memories of the stunning New England fall foliage. B
ACCOMMODATIONS:
Night 1: SpringHill Suites Boston Logan Airport, Revere Beach, MA
Night 2: Nonantum Resort, Kennebunkport, ME
Nights 3-5: Mountain Club on Loon, Lincoln, NH
Night 6: Holiday Inn Concord Downtown, Concord, NH
Dates:
- Departure Date: September 21, 2025
- Return Date: September 27, 2025
Price Per Person:
- Double $3,599
- Triple/Quad $3,399
- Single $4,199
*Price includes roundtrip airfare from STL/MCI (call for other gateway cities)
*Subtract $600 per person from the combined rate when you join us for both "New England Rails & Resorts" and "New England Heritage"
Walking Distance
Moderate walking is required to fully enjoy this tour. Some walking will also be on uneven paths. This tour also features multiple train rides, and there are several large steps involved in getting on and off the trains. While walking canes are allowed, we are unable to accommodate travelers using other mobility devices, including walkers and wheelchairs.\
Average Temps
September – high of 70°, low of 55°
October – high of 70°, low of 55°
Time Zone
Eastern
Hotel Amenities
Each hotel has a hair dryer, iron, ironing boards, and a coffee maker.
Additional Information
A total of three mailings are sent to assist you in preparing for your tour, including information sent upon receipt of your reservation.
Dress on tour is casual.
Please note that elevations do reach up to 6,300 feet on this tour. If you are prone to altitude sickness, you may want to book a pre-night stay to fully acclimate. Cooler weather can also prevail at higher elevations (such as at Mount Washington).
We are featuring four trains on this tour. You can find the duration of those train rides below:
Amtrak’s Downeaster – 1 hour and 30 minutes
Mt. Washington Cog – 3 hours with 45 - 60 minutes at the summit
Conway Scenic Railroad – 2 hours and 30 minutes
Lake Winnipesaukee Railroad – 1 hour and 30 minutes
Other General Information
We will send 3 key communications for your tour; “Get Ready” is your email confirmation and initial tour information sent upon registration, “Get Set” email will be sent about two months before departure, “Go” trip documentation mailing is sent via USPS 3-4 weeks before departure and will include your daily itinerary, luggage tags and final departure information.
Travel Protection is optional and highly recommended and can be purchased until the day before departure. We offer Travel Guard from AIG, which costs 8.5% of your tour, information about which will be sent with your Get Ready email.
Unless otherwise noted, your Sunrise Tour includes: Professional Sunrise Tour Director, meals as indicated, local step on guides including gratuity (international tour guide gratuity inclusion vary by tour), deluxe motorcoach transportation w/rest room, admission to activities and events as indicated, airfare from designated airports, transportation to/from designated airports from our convenient local pickup points*, luggage handling at hotels when available
We believe tipping is a personal and discretionary interaction between our guests and our staff. A typical gratuity for your Sunrise Tour Director and motorcoach driver may be $5-$7per person, per day on tour. Sunrise Shuttle drivers appreciate gratuities (suggest $5 per person) for excellent service as well. Our staff will not solicit gratuities or pass out envelopes.
We are happy to offer refreshments on most motorcoach travel days on tour. We recommend you bring a refillable water bottle to maintain healthy hydration.
If less than 4 people request a pickup point, we may ask that you choose another pickup point from which to join your Sunrise Tour.
If you would like to join a tour from a city not listed as a departure point, we would love to have you along! Please discuss arrangements with our friendly reservation team. From a departure city not listed, typical airfare will be +$100 higher than our published fare for domestic tours, and +$200 for international tours.
If you have a TSA precheck or Airline Rewards numbers, you MUST give those numbers to our reservations team at least 60 days before departure, otherwise they may not be applied.
Preferred seating may not be available on group air. In some cases, seats are not assigned until the airport. Your tour fare includes an economy seat on the flight; it does not include seat selection. Seat upgrades may be available at an additional cost.
To help make our tours the most comfortable in the business, we limit Sunrise Tours motorcoaches to 80% capacity, or 44 passengers on a coach built for 55. We reserve the right to amend this practice.
Your Tour Director will rotate seats on the motorcoach each day of your tour. A single fare does not guarantee two seats on the coach; you may be seated next to another friendly Sunrise Tours guest.
Terms and Conditions
Please refer to our policies HERE for more information on our terms and conditions.
