Rockwell, Shakers and Historic Estates

Day One

Today we begin our journey to the beautiful Berkshire Mountains of Western Massachusetts. We make our way to the Lenox, MA area and check into our hotel for the next three evenings. Dinner is included at a local restaurant. Relax this evening and prepare for a wonderful few days exploring the area. (D)

Day Two

Breakfast is included this morning at the hotel. Today we board the coach for a short ride to The Mount, Edith Wharton’s Home. The Mount is a turn-of-the century home designed and built by author Edith Wharton in 1902. A National Historic Landmark, today The Mount is a cultural center that celebrates the intellectual, artistic and humanitarian legacy of Edith Wharton. Next we travel to the town of Stockbridge where we will visit the Norman Rockwell Museum and Gallery. Lunch will be scheduled in town or at the museum café. We conclude our day with a visit to the Berkshire Botanical Gardens. You will have time to explore this beautiful 15 acre garden founded in 1934 and among the oldest in the United States. Dinner is included at a local restaurant. (Depending on the season we may have the opportunity to take in a performance at Tanglewood or the Berkshire Theater Festival.) (B,D)

Day Three

Breakfast is included at our hotel this morning. Today we meet with a local guide who will take us on a tour of the area where we will see many of the 75 mansions that were built during the Gilded Age from 1865 to 1901. We continue to Chesterwood, the Summer home of sculptor Daniel Chester French. French is best known for creating two of our Nation’s most powerful symbols; The Minute Man at the Old North Bridge in Concord, MA and the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, DC. Lunch is on your own today. We will have free time in the afternoon and will visit either Lenox or Stockbridge. Later this afternoon we visit the Hancock Shaker Village for a self guided tour followed by a delicious Shaker Dinner prior to returning to the hotel. (B,D)

Day Four

Breakfast is included at the hotel this morning before our departure. We say good-bye to the Berkshires and journey home with many fond memories of our visit. (B)

Inclusions:

Three night’s lodging Fairfield Inn and Suites or similar Lennox, MA

Three dinners including dinner at the Hancock Shaker Village

Three breakfasts

Admission to The Mount

Admission to the Norman Rockwell Museum

Admission to the Berkshire Botanical Gardens

Guided tour of the Berkshire Cottages

Admission to Chesterwood

Admission to the Hancock Shaker Village

(Additional Option: Tanglewood or Berkshire Theater Festival)

Baggage