Combining history, culture, and mountains, our New England self-drive holiday is an amazing trip, perfect for all year round, and when you choose to go will depend on what you want to experience. May and June are the best spring months, with gorgeous blooms and reliable warmer, drier weather – perfect for hiking. Summer is all about New England's rocky and white-sand beaches, while autumn is the most popular time because of the famous ‘fall foliage’. In winter, you can ski in Stowe and enjoy lots of winter activities in Mount Washington.
Itinerary overview
11 nights from £3,366pp for 2 sharing, based on a 05/10/2024 departure. Visit three states: Massachusetts, Maine, and Vermont
Includes car hire and indirect flights with Virgin Atlantic Airways.
Boston | Kennebunkport | Bar Harbor | Bretton Woods | Burlington and Stowe | Pittsfield
You’ll start out in the historic Boston, with two unforgettable nights in the Godfrey Hotel Boston in Downtown Crossing – Theatre District. This lovely boutique hotel is perfect for venturing out into this fascinating city, where unmissable attractions include the Freedom Trail, Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum, and John F. Kennedy Presidential Museum. The food is also worth the journey alone – think the likes of fried clam platters and a classic and delicious clam chowder.
From here you’ll drive to Kennebunkport with the popular Goose Rocks Beach and a quirky Seashore Trolley Museum of streetcars. Don’t miss the charmingly named Cape Porpoise, a lobster-fishing village with the 19th-century Goat Island Lighthouse in its harbour. You’ll spend two blissful nights in Kennebunkport’s 1802 House Bed and Breakfast, a colonial inn with a personal touch and three-course breakfasts made with fresh, local, and often organic produce.
Next up is Bar Harbor on Mount Desert Island on Frenchman Bay, with a host of sights to see including a pretty pier and the Shore Path with Atlantic and Porcupine Island views. It’s also a gateway to the Acadia National Park, which is overlooked by Cadillac Mountain with its hiking trails. You’ll spend two restful nights in the charming Bar Harbor Manor set within peaceful grounds.
From Bar Harbor, you can carry on to the classic New Hampshire property of the Omni Mount Washington Resort in Bretton Woods, which stands out for its Spanish Renaissance architecture. There are thrilling experiences on offer here with zipline canopy tours, golf, skiing in winter, and pampering in the spa. It’s also home to Stickney’s Steak & Chop Pub and a prohibition-era speakeasy.
Your next port of call is the Trapp Family Lodge in Stowe, a unique place to spend a night, with European-style accommodations and cuisine, spectacular mountain vistas, and seasonal outdoor activities, from hiking and biking to cross-country skiing and snowshoeing ensuring you have the most exciting stay possible.
And to round things off in style, you’ll head for The Constance, inspired by one of its early owners, a British carpenter who invested years of craftsmanship into his home, the Constance is the epitome of charm and comfort. It’s in the heart of Lenox, where you’ll find Tanglewood, the summer home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, and the Shakespeare & Company theatre venue, with its indoor and outdoor performance spaces.
To book your New England self-drive holiday, call your Travel Counsellor today.
As we look ahead to 2026, the travel possibilities are endless. From off-the-beaten-track gems to long-standing favourites, the world is yours to explore. If you need a little inspiration or simply want help narrowing down your choices, we’ve listed our top six destinations to visit next year, whether you’re looking for breathtaking landscapes, sun-soaked beaches, or energetic cities.
There are so many great reasons to experience certain destinations in the shoulder seasons – that sweet spot between a region’s peak season and off-season. Think fewer crowds and queues for major attractions, better-value flights and other travel, and a more authentic experience of the destination. We’ve put our heads together to share a few of our favourite places that can be just as good or even better outside of high season.
Lisbon is a city bursting with charm, history, and creativity, making it an excellent destination for families seeking an unforgettable city break. From cobbled streets and panoramic views to sunny parks and cultural landmarks, there’s something for everyone in Portugal’s lively capital. And when it comes to picking the perfect base for your family adventure, ME Lisbon is a luxury lifestyle hotel that blends sophisticated comfort with family-friendly facilities. A stay at ME Lisbon ensures that every family member, from toddlers to grandparents, enjoys a warm and welcoming stay.
