Coastal Gems of Southern New England

Don’t let their small size fool you — when it comes to history and culture, very few states offer more than Rhode Island and Connecticut. Much of their fascinating heritage is found in their iconic coastal communities: from the quirky, foodie city of Providence and beautiful, classy Newport, Rhode Island to charming Mystic, Connecticut. We will journey to these quintessential New England cities with local historians weaving the connections between the two. Savor the Italian aromas and flavors of Federal Hill in Providence, learn about the lives of the “Elite 400” while traversing the halls of a Gilded Age mansion in Newport, sample award –winning sparkling wines at New England’s largest vineyard and get an in-depth view of maritime history at the Mystic Seaport. Along the way, we will dine on the finest seafood that Southern New England has to offer.

Highlights

Explore historic Newport from the Colonial era to the Gilded Age with a local expert.
Visit one of the historic mansions of the “Elite 400.”
Tour and tasting at one of New England’s largest vineyards.
Tour of either the Rhode Island State House or a guided walking tour of the Historic Downtown Benefit Street.
Visit historic Federal Hill in Providence for lunch and shopping.
Visit the historic Mystic Seaport Village
Dine on local, delicious New England seafood.

Day One

Group arrival in beautiful Middletown/Newport, RI where we stay the next two evenings
Check into your hotel and meet your local New England Escort
Dinner is included this evening at a popular Newport restaurant

Day Two

Breakfast is included at the hotel
Morning driving tour of Ten Mile Drive and historic downtown Newport
Free time for lunch and shopping along the harbor and Thames Street
Afternoon visit to one of Newport’s Fine Mansions
Conclude the day with a visit the Newport Vineyards for a tour and tasting
Dinner is included at a popular Newport restaurant

Day Three

Breakfast is included at the hotel
We travel to Providence, RI (Rhode Island’s State Capital)
Tour of the Rhode Island State House or tour of Historic Downtown Benefit Street and Museums
Early lunch and shopping on Federal Hill in Providence
Depart for Mystic, CT
Visit the historic Mystic Seaport Museum
Check into our Mystic Hotel for the evening
Dinner is included this evening at a local restaurant

Day Four

Breakfast is included at the hotel
Depart for home with fond memories of your time in Coastal New England

Suggested Additional Day

Block Island – take the scenic Ferry to beautiful Block Island and enjoy a guided tour of the island, enjoy lunch at the historic National Hotel followed by free time to explore the town or relax on the beach. Return to the Mainland via ferry and enjoy a delicious seafood dinner at a popular local restaurant.

Inclusions:

One night deluxe accommodations in Mystic, CT

Two night’s deluxe accommodations in Newport/Middletown, RI

Three dinners

Three breakfasts

Guided tour of Newport

Admission to a Newport Mansion

Tour and tasting at a Newport Vineyard

Tour of the Rhode Island State House or guided walking tour of historic Benefit Street

Visit to Federal Hill – Providence

Admission to the Mystic Seaport Village

Fully Escorted