Islands of New England (8 Days, Standard)

Providence
One of the oldest cities in the U.S., Providence is the capital of Rhode Island. Voted One of America's Favorite cities by a well-known travel magazine, Providence's small size masks a wealth of culture in the form of art galleries, fine dining establishments and esteemed institutes of higher learning. With its well preserved architecture from the 17-19th centuries, to its historic churches, Providence offers visitors glimpses of the past and future.

Art & Architecture Walking Tour or RISD Museum
Get to know the self-proclaimed Creative Capital of Providence where it 's your choice! Learn all about Providence 's art and architecture scene on a walking tour through the city. Your local guide will take you to see amazing examples of Art-Deco, Greek Revival, and many more architectural styles that bloomed in the late 1700 's - early 1800 's. Beyond the building structures, admire Providence 's prominent art scene with its murals and sculptures spread throughout the city. Prefer a museum setting? Alternatively, spend part of your afternoon wandering through the RISD Museum where more than 2,000 pieces of art and design are displayed. Here you 'll find work from artists such as: Monet, Renoir, Van Gogh, and Chihuly - a Rhode Island School of Design alumni. Public Art & Architecture Walking Tour Activity Level: 3 1.25 mile walking tour. Travelers should be comfortable walking for 90 minutes and should dress accordingly as this tour will take place rain or shine and is outside. A local guide will lead this tour. The RISD Museum Activity Level: 1

Newport
A major 18th-century port city, Newport, Rhode Island has the highest concentration of colonial buildings in the United States. However, the town is best known for being the summer resort of the newly rich American millionaires from the mid 19th century to the early 20th century. This Gilded Age was often expressed with sumptuous mansions called "cottages."

Lobster Trap Pull Demonstration and Cruise
Dive into the cuisine and culture of Maine when you join a local lobsterman on a lobster boat. See how lobster traps are retrieved from the ocean and watch the cages get pulled to the surface.

Plymouth Rock
The traditional site of landing by the Mayflower Pilgrims who founded the Plymouth colony in 1620. While no mention of "The Rock" is listed until over 100 years after the landing it has long represented the beginning of U.S. settlement.

Cape Cod, MA
Just south of the metropolis of Boston lies a island with 300 miles of shoreline characterized with quaint villages, sand dunes and bicycle trails. Cape Cod has become a popular escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Join a tradition of artists and industrialists who revered the Cape for its beautiful sunsets, natural preserves and fresh seafood.

Hyannis
The commercial and transportation hub of Cape Cod, many refer to Hyannis as the "Capital of the Cape". Due to its large harbor, Hyannis is popular for both recreational boating and commercial fishing. Many Americans associate the town with the nearby Kennedy compound and its political dynasty.

Nantucket, MA
Glacially formed, 30 miles off the coast of Massachusetts, this half-moon-shaped island takes its name from a Native American word meaning "far away place". Nantucket was a whale hunting center during the 1830s-1840s. Somewhat decimated by the decreased whaling industry, Nantucket has emerged as a popular art and summer resort as well as a home for wealthy Northeasterners.

Sandwich Museums or Free Day
Choose between a day at leisure at your resort or a trip to explore a nearby town on the Cape. At your oceanfront hotel, perhaps you 'll spend some time relaxing by the pool or enjoying the property 's private beach. Opting for the short trip to Sandwich offers another choice to visit two museums: The Sandwich Glass Museum where you can discover Sandwich 's glassblowing past and catch a glimpse of the artform in action with a demonstration and the Heritage Museums & Gardens with 100 beautiful acres to explore and exhibits including a 1908 Looff carousel and the American Automobile Collection. Day at Leisure Activity Level: 1 Guests on your own to enjoy the amenities of the hotel. Sandwich Day Trip Activity Level: 2 For the gardens, wear comfortable shoes for walking. There is a cart that runs throughout the day and can give those who need it a lift to various parts of the museum and gardens.

Martha's Vineyard, MA
A small island south of Cape Cod, Martha's Vineyard was settled by the English in the 1640s. Today the island is marked with 18th-century homes, gingerbread cottages, beaches and lighthouses. Enjoy lobster rolls or homemade ice cream while shopping for souvenirs, such as scrimshaw, in the island's boutiques.

Lobster Dinner
When the first European settlers reached North America, lobsters would reportedly wash up on shore in piles up to two feet high. Routinely fed to prisoners, slaves, apprentices and children during the Colonial era and beyond, lobster became known as the poor man's protein. Considered a delicacy by WW II, American lobsters (or Maine lobsters) can grow up to 40 lbs (18 kg) and be 3 feet long (91 cm).

The Atlantic coast is calling. Explore New England 's majestic seaboards, from Rhode Island to Cape Cod. Visit Providence and the Gilded Age mansions of Newport. Experience the beautiful islands of Martha 's Vineyard and Nantucket. Complete your local experience as you indulge in a traditional seafood and lobster feast. Explore the local charms, walk along historic cobblestone streets, and feel like a true New Englander.

• Book Flex Airfare and get Roundtrip Transfers Free
• Triple Room Reduction available on certain tours
• Purchase Collette's No Worries Cancellation waiver
• Complimentary hotel to hotel baggage handling