Follow the Fall colours
Discover a trio of great cities arrayed against the striking background of Fall's russet reds and golden hues. Beginning in historic Williamsburg, we'll journey from Washington to elegant Boston via the wonders of the Big Apple. Take in Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains, stroll Charlottesville's historic streets and see the hideaways of the ultra-rich in Rhode Island on this wonderful autumn tour.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
WHAT DOES THE PRICE INCLUDE?
Your Itinerary
Day One: Fly to Washington and transfer to Williamsburg
Fly to Washington, and transfer to your hotel in colonial Williamsburg. Rest and relax after your journey, and enjoy the first of two evenings in this city with its connections to the War of Independence.
Day Two: Optional Jamestown and Williamsburg excursion
Step back in time on today's wonderful optional excursion. Our first stop is historic Jamestowne, the first permanent English settlement in America. Explore the Glasshouse, and see artefacts from the original Jamestown Fort, before we continue to colonial Williamsburg to discover what life was like in the pioneering days of the 18th Century. Stroll through the formal gardens, hear 'residents' in period costume discussing the day's events and perhaps visit a tavern to sample some traditional 18th-century fare.
Day Three: Discover Charlottesville and the Blue Ridge Mountains
Today you'll visit exquisite Charlottesville - home of Thomas Jefferson, Founding Father and the third US President - where early America is lovingly preserved in ancient magnolia-lined streets. You'll also take an included tour of the fabled Blue Ridge Mountains, whose natural wonders can be explored in beautiful Shenandoah National Park.
This evening is spent in Tysons Corner, close to Washington DC.
Day Four: Explore Washington DC
Visit the enthralling US Capital, Washington DC. Our optional guided city tour will introduce you to the world's most powerful square mile, which includes Capitol Hill, the Washington Monument, the Lincoln Memorial and - of course - the White House.
After our visit we'll continue north to New Jersey for a two-night stay.
Day Five: See the sights of New York City
An unforgettable day, as you cross the Hudson River to Manhattan, the heart of the incomparable Big Apple. Shop, take in the world-famous sights, or join our optional city tour, during which Central Park, Fifth Avenue and the Empire State Building will be thrillingly revealed.
Day Six: Visit Newport, Rhode Island
Today you'll head north through upstate New York towards Boston. En route, you'll stop in Newport, Rhode Island, home to the famous 'summer cottages' of America's rich and famous, which dot the rocky shoreline. Take in the atmosphere before we continue, through the colourful Fall scenery, to our hotel in Hull, south of Boston.
Day Seven: Optional Cape Cod excursion
Spend today relaxing, or join our full-day optional tour to Cape Cod and to Hyannisport, home of the Kennedy clan. Here you'll see the JFK Memorial before heading to Plymouth in time for lunch (not included) before finishing the day at the Plimoth Plantation, a living museum where the settlers' lives are re-enacted by staff in period costume.
Day Eight: Explore Boston
Travel into Boston, America's most 'European' city. Join our optional city tour and discover Boston's rich history as you take in sights including the gold-domed State House overlooking Boston Common and the cobbled streets of wealthy Beacon Hill.
This afternoon you're free to explore. Visit Faneuil Hall and nearby colourful Quincy Market. Stroll around the harbour, pay a visit to the famous Tea Party ship, explore the delightful streets of Midtown or cross the Charles River to Cambridge - home to Harvard University - then head to the airport to board the flight back to the UK.
Day Nine: Travel back to the UK
Arrive back home, after an overnight flight.
PRICES
Follow the Fall Touring Hotels ★★★
Follow the Fall Touring Hotels ★★★
The hotels used on our tours will meet the standard of a good, three-star European hotel. Rooms will have private bathrooms, telephones and TV. The vast majority will also have tea- and coffee-making facilities. There will always be a bar or restaurant on site or nearby.
Comfort Inn Williamsburg Historic City Centre (nights 1-2)
This hotel offers a warm welcome, and boasts an outdoor swimming pool, and a sport's restaurant and bar. The rooms are excellent, and are equipped with TV and coffee-makers.Doubletree by Hilton, Tysons Corner (night 3)
Adjacent to Tysons Corner shopping mall and its vast selection of shops and restaurants, this hotel has a fitness centre, a bar and two restaurants including a pub. The guest rooms are very comfortable and come with tea- and coffee-making facilities.Holiday Inn Hasbrouck Heights, New Jersey (nights 4-5)
Located across the Hudson River from the glitz and buzz of Manhattan, this hotel offers a choice of restaurants including a steak house, and also has a fitness centre. All the guest rooms are spacious, and have TV and coffee-makers.Nantasket Beach Resort Hotel and Spa, Hull (nights 6-7)
Just a short drive from downtown Boston, this hotel is located on a seafront promenade with many restaurants and bars, and a handful of local shops. It has its own restaurant and bar as well as an indoor swimming pool.Should circumstances require, we reserve the right to accommodate you in conveniently located, alternative hotels of a similar standard.
Further Information
Hotel transfer times
The transfer time from the airport to your hotel is approximately three hours.
Passports and visas
When travelling to the USA, British citizens require passports with an integrated chip (shown on the front by a small rectangular symbol beneath the word PASSPORT), valid beyond the return date from the USA. Visas are not normally required for entry, but visitors must apply for an ESTA online with US Immigration at least 72 hours before departure at www.cbp.gov/esta . The current charge is $14 for British Citizens. British subjects and anyone who has a criminal record or has ever been arrested should consult the US Embassy as a visa may be required. Note too that if you have visited Iran, Iraq, Sudan, Syria, Libya, Somalia or Yemen since March 2011, or have dual nationality with any of these countries, you do require a US visa and cannot travel on the Visa Waiver Program.
Foreign Office travel advice
Visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice to find out the latest Foreign And Commonwealth Office travel advice for your holiday destination, as well as information about passports and visas.
Departure dates and fall colours
This tour covers a large distance from Massachusetts to southern Virginia, and so Fall foliage will naturally vary. On early departures, leaves are more likely to have turned in the northern areas covered, whereas on later dates it is the more southern areas that will be most notable, with leaf-fall having already occurred further north.
On your flight
All outbound flights depart and arrive on the same day. All return flights leave in the evening and land in the UK the next day. On-board meals will usually include lunch and a snack on outward flights, and dinner and breakfast on flight home. Soft drinks are complimentary, but some airlines will charge for alcoholic drinks.
Luggage allowance
You are permitted to take one suitcase per person on the aircraft, which should not exceed 23kg.
Helicopter flights
Sightseeing flights by helicopter are weight controlled and balanced. Please contact us if you wish to book a helicopter flight and your bodyweight exceeds 250lb. (In such cases, a seat may have to be left empty, and some companies may charge a premium.)
Tipping
Gratuities are a way of life in North America, and it is generally accepted that they form part of a person's earnings. The customary gratuity for a coach driver or Tour Manager is about $5 per person per day. It is normal to tip 15-20 per cent of the bill for a taxi or in a restaurant, and to leave a dollar or so per drink in a bar.
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted on any coach forming part of your holiday, though regular stops will be made for your comfort en route. The majority of hotels in North America are non-smoking throughout, including in all bedrooms. In general smoking outside is acceptable, but do look out for signs prohibiting this close to public entrances or bus stops.
Special requirements
If you have notified us of any special requirements, please check that they have been noted and acknowledged. This is especially important with any dietary needs you may have.
Disabled access
The majority of our tours involve a certain amount of walking, including a short walk from the coach stop to the town, attraction or venue you're visiting. If you are bringing a wheelchair, please let us know at the time of booking so that appropriate arrangements can be made.
Itinerary changes
Occasionally, for operational reasons, we may have to change the order of the excursions on your holiday. The final day-by-day itinerary will be confirmed on your Final Travel Documents, which you will receive approximately three weeks prior to your departure.
Changes to your hotels
Should circumstances require, we reserve the right to accommodate you in alternative hotels, of a similar standard, nearby. Full details of your hotels will be sent with your Final Travel Documents.
Hotel rooms
Standard hotel rooms in North America will contain one or two double- or queen-sized beds, and it is not possible to add extra beds to the room. Parties consisting of more than two travellers, but who have only booked one room, will be expected to make use of the two beds provided. If this is a concern, you may wish to consider booking more than one room for your group.
