A journey of contrasts, where the electric energy of New York City meets the quiet charm of New England’s coastal roads, blending iconic city life, Atlantic landscapes and the freedom of the open road.

This experience offers two complementary ways to discover the American East Coast, depending on how you wish to shape your stay. You may choose to focus entirely on a self-drive escape through New England, following scenic coastal routes lined with historic towns, lighthouses and windswept shores.

Alternatively, you can enrich this journey with an urban interlude in Manhattan, creating a striking contrast between vibrant city life and the serenity of the northeastern coastline.

Choose the length of your stay:

Offer 1: 6-night road trip in New England

Offer 2: 6-night road trip in New England & Walker Tribeca Hotel 4*

9 nights: 6-night road trip + 3 nights in New York

10 nights: 6-night road trip + 4 nights in New York

11 nights: 6-night road trip + 5 nights in New York

12 nights: 6-night road trip + 6 nights in New York

13 nights: 6-night road trip + 7 nights in New York

Set off on a memorable journey through the historic heart of the United States. This road trip takes you from the atmospheric shores of Mystic to the rugged coastline of Kennebunkport, passing through the refined elegance of Newport, the maritime landscapes of Cape Cod, and the rich cultural heritage of Boston.

Along the way, you will encounter picturesque fishing ports, windswept beaches, preserved colonial towns and reminders of America’s founding history, all while enjoying the freedom to shape each day as you wish.

Your itinerary:

Day 1: New York City → New Haven → Mystic

Day 2: Mystic → Newport → Cape Cod

Day 3: Cape Cod

Day 4: Cape Cod → Plymouth → Boston

Day 5: Boston

Day 6: Boston → Salem → Gloucester → Kennebunkport

Day 7: Kennebunkport → Hartford → New York City

Please note: your itinerary may have minor adjustments, but your overall trip experience will remain the same.

The freedom to explore:

Discover our expertly curated self-guided tours, designed to offer the perfect balance of structure and flexibility. While our travel experts suggest itineraries to help you explore each destination in depth, you have the freedom to tailor activities and pace to suit your personal preferences. Rest assured, the carefully selected hotels will remain as listed, ensuring a comfortable and seamless experience throughout your journey.

Leave behind the buzz of New York and head north through the rolling landscapes of Connecticut. Your first stop is New Haven, founded in 1637 and home to the prestigious Yale University. Take time to wander through its historic campus, where centuries of academic heritage meet impressive architecture. Guided visits are available at the visitor centre for those wishing to learn more about the university’s history.

Continue exploring around Wooster Square or the College–Chapel Street area, known for its shops and lively atmosphere. New Haven also holds a special place in American culinary history, often credited with introducing both the hamburger and pizza to the United States.

Later in the day, follow the coast to Mystic, a charming seaside town renowned for its elegant antique shops and maritime heritage. A visit to Mystic Seaport, the largest maritime museum in the country, offers a fascinating immersion into a recreated 19th-century fishing village, complete with historic ships and period buildings.

• Overnight in Mystic

DAY 2: MYSTIC → NEWPORT → CAPE COD (120 MILES)

This morning, drive towards Rhode Island and the refined seaside town of Newport. Once the summer playground of America’s wealthiest families, Newport is famous for its spectacular 19th-century mansions, including the iconic The Breakers. Several of these grand residences are open to the public, allowing you to explore their lavish interiors.

You may also choose to enjoy a candlelit dinner aboard Newport’s dining train, travelling along the bay, or spend time around Bannister’s Wharf, the historic and lively heart of the harbour, lined with shops and restaurants.

In the late afternoon, continue your journey to Cape Cod, where you will settle in for two nights. This emblematic peninsula is known for its sandy beaches, picturesque villages and relaxed coastal atmosphere.

• Overnight in Cape Cod

Today is dedicated to the sea and the wide-open Atlantic. Set out on a whale-watching cruise towards the Stellwagen Bank Marine Sanctuary, one of the most important feeding grounds for whales on the East Coast. Depending on the season, you may spot humpback, fin or minke whales surfacing just metres from the boat.

Later, continue exploring the tip of Cape Cod and head to Provincetown, a lively artists’ retreat known for its colourful galleries and relaxed atmosphere along Commercial Street.

Alternatively, you may choose to take a ferry to Martha’s Vineyard. The island is best discovered on foot or by bicycle, with its quiet lanes, beaches and charming villages. Whether it’s a sunset horseback ride along the shore or a leisurely boat trip, the distinctive charm of New England reveals itself at every turn.

• Overnight in Mystic

DAY 4: CAPE COD → PLYMOUTH → BOSTON (69 MILES)

Leave the peninsula behind and travel north to Plymouth, where the Pilgrims aboard the Mayflower landed in 1620. Visit Plimoth Patuxet Museums, a living re-creation of 17th-century colonial life, and step aboard the Mayflower II, a faithful reproduction of the original vessel.

Continue on to Boston, a city rich in history and often featured on the big screen. Film enthusiasts may enjoy one of the “Boston Movie Tours”, showcasing iconic filming locations from cult films such as Good Will Hunting. End the day in Downtown Crossing, where lively streets, performers and musicians create a vibrant evening atmosphere.

• Overnight in Boston

Step straight into American history by following the Freedom Trail, a walking route linking 16 major landmarks that trace the birth of the nation. Along the way, discover the USS Constitution, the cobbled streets and red-brick townhouses of Beacon Hill, and the lively Faneuil Hall Marketplace, ideal for sampling local snacks from street vendors.

Continue to the Paul Revere House, the oldest residential building in the city, before heading to the waterfront and the docks of the Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum, where one of the most symbolic acts of the American Revolution took place.

• Overnight in Boston

DAY 6: BOSTON → SALEM → GLOUCESTER → KENNEBUNKPORT (85 MILES)

Today, follow the coastline northwards. Your first stop is Salem, a town forever marked by its 17th-century witch trials. Wander through its historic streets and discover a place where legend and history intertwine.

Continue to Gloucester, one of America’s oldest fishing ports, where working harbours and maritime heritage still shape daily life. The route then takes you across the state line into Maine, leading to the elegant seaside town of Kennebunkport, renowned for its sandy beaches, coastal scenery and prestigious summer residences.

• Overnight in Kennebunkport

DAY 7: KENNEBUNKPORT → HARTFORD → NEW YORK (302 MILES)

Begin your journey south with a stop in Hartford, the capital of Connecticut. Visit the Old State House, dating back to 1796, and stroll through Bushnell Park, recognised as the oldest publicly funded park in the United States.

If time allows, make a detour to the Elizabeth Park Rose Gardens, home to more than 15,000 rose bushes, alongside a greenhouse and herb gardens. Afterwards, continue at your own pace towards New York City, bringing this New England road trip to a close.

To ensure a smooth and restful journey, a selection of authentic and well-equipped hotels has been carefully chosen along your route. Each property offers a comfortable setting, ideal for unwinding after full days of exploration across New England.

Your hotels: 

Mystic: Inn at Mystic or similar 

Hyannis: Holiday Inn Cape Cod or similar 

Boston: Hampton Inn & Suites Boston Crosstown or similar 

Kennebunkport: Nonantum Resort or similar 

If any of the hotels listed above are unavailable, you will be accommodated in hotels of a similar standard. Local standards apply.

Set in the heart of Tribeca, Walker Tribeca Hotel 4* offers a refined retreat within one of Manhattan’s most characterful districts. Surrounded by cobbled streets, historic façades, independent cafés and lively bars, the hotel blends contemporary comfort with an understated, elegant design.

It is an ideal base from which to experience New York at a relaxed yet sophisticated pace.

Designed for comfort and ease, this room offers a calm and welcoming space to unwind after a busy day exploring the streets of New York. Thoughtfully laid out, it provides everything you need for a restful night in the heart of the city.

This is a bed and breakfast stay.

Begin your day with a workout in the hotel’s fitness area before stepping out into the energy of New York City. From iconic landmarks such as the Statue of Liberty and the Empire State Building to cultural highlights such as Central Park and the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the city offers endless opportunities for exploration.

After a full day of sightseeing, return to the hotel's calm and comfort to unwind.

Take in New York from the sky on an unforgettable helicopter flight, offering spectacular views of the Statue of Liberty, Central Park and the Manhattan skyline.

Fly over New York on a panoramic flight stretching as far north as Manhattan, taking in the city's iconic landmarks as well as the George Washington Bridge, Yankee Stadium and the cliffs of the New Jersey Palisades.

Treat yourself to an unforgettable experience as you fly over New York with spectacular views of Manhattan, Brooklyn, Staten Island, the Verrazano Bridge, Coney Island and much more.

Enjoy a gourmet 4-course lunch aboard a luxury panoramic bus while discovering Manhattan's iconic landmarks in 90 minutes.

Enjoy a refined 5-course dinner during a unique evening tour of Manhattan and Brooklyn aboard a glass-enclosed bus offering spectacular views of New York City at night.

Discover New York City, a metropolis that offers a captivating blend of global influence, cultural depth, and vibrant neighbourhoods. From iconic skyscrapers to hidden art galleries, the city’s unique character unfolds around every corner. Known as much for its renowned landmarks as for its neighbourhood charm, New York is a dynamic destination that reveals its essence to those willing to explore beyond the usual sights.

Must-sees:

• Central Park’s lesser-known paths: Discover serene ponds, sculptures, and hidden gardens off the beaten track.
• The Cloisters Museum: A medieval European-style complex in Upper Manhattan, housing ancient artefacts and art.
• DUMBO’s art scene: In Brooklyn, this vibrant area boasts galleries, street art, and iconic views of the Manhattan Bridge.

Culinary culture:

New York’s culinary landscape is as diverse as its population, featuring a rich mosaic of global cuisines. Visit traditional Jewish delis for bagels and lox, enjoy dim sum in Chinatown, or try Italian pastries in Little Italy. For a unique taste of local history, sample a classic New York slice or a Reuben sandwich, both of which embody the city’s immigrant heritage. Fine dining flourishes here too, with Michelin-starred restaurants offering creative takes on international dishes.

Dive deeper:

For a glimpse into New York’s cultural diversity, explore Harlem’s jazz clubs and visit the Apollo Theatre, where music legends have performed. The Lower East Side’s Tenement Museum offers insight into immigrant life, while Queens boasts the city’s most diverse food scene, with authentic eateries representing over 100 cultures. Each borough has its own character and hidden gems, from Bronx botanical gardens to Staten Island’s museums.

Good to know:

New York’s currency is the US Dollar (USD). The best times to visit are spring and autumn when temperatures are mild. Public transport is extensive, with subways, buses, and ferries offering convenient ways to navigate the city.

Boston is a city of contrasts, where centuries of history meet a lively, modern rhythm. Red-brick streets, leafy squares and grand harbour views sit alongside cutting-edge universities, waterfront districts and a strong cultural scene. The city feels both scholarly and spirited, shaped by the Atlantic breeze and a deep sense of heritage.

Must-sees:

• Freedom Trail: Follow this historic walking route linking key landmarks of the American Revolution.
• Beacon Hill: Stroll along cobbled streets lined with elegant townhouses and gas lamps.
• Boston Common and Public Garden: Enjoy peaceful green spaces in the heart of the city.
• Harvard Square: Explore the intellectual energy of Cambridge, just across the Charles River.
• Boston Harbour: Take a boat cruise or walk along the revitalised waterfront.

Culinary culture

Boston’s food scene celebrates both tradition and innovation. Fresh seafood takes centre stage, with lobster rolls, clam chowder and oysters as local favourites. The city also offers a thriving dining culture shaped by Italian, Irish and global influences, from historic taverns to contemporary restaurants.

Dive deeper

Visit world-class museums such as the Museum of Fine Arts or the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. Catch a baseball game at Fenway Park, or explore neighbourhoods like the North End for Italian bakeries and cafés. Autumn brings vivid colours, while winter lends the city a quieter, atmospheric charm.

Good to know

The currency is the US dollar (USD). Boston is compact and walkable, with an efficient public transport system known as the T. The best times to visit are spring and autumn, when the weather is mild and the city’s character is at its most inviting, though each season brings its own appeal.