$1550
(non-member: $1625)
Single Room–add $404
 

Activity Level:
 90% Easy;
   10% Moderate
 

- Airport transfers and transportation throughout the tour

Airport: Providence, RI (PVD)

Arrive: Providence, RI on Monday, June 15th no later than 4:00pm

Depart: Saturday, June 20th at your convenience

Early Arrival:

To avoid jet lag and possible flight delays, consider arriving a day early. The room cost in Providence will be:  
   $95 dbl    $190 sgl

· Any personal expenses, and any guide/driver gratuities.

Monday, June 15:  Providence, RI;  Welcome Dinner

Arrive into Providence at your convenience but no later than 4:00pm. Transfer to the hotel using the hotel provided airport shuttle. This evening we will have dinner together and go over the week ahead.  (D)

Tuesday, June 16:  Tour "The Breakers" and free time in Newport

We will drive from Providence to Newport this morning.  The city of Newport has preserved colonial industry and gilded-age splendor like no other place in the country.  We start our day with a tour of The Breakers – the 70 room “summer cottage” of Cornelius Vanderbilt II – probably the most opulent of Newport’s mansions.  From here you may choose to visit other mansions in the area or explore Newport on your own. There is a wonderful walk along the harbor that allows you to walk along the sea wall and see the ocean-side of several mansions.  Newport is also known for its sailing community.  If you’re passionate about wind flowing through your hair you may want to investigate a sailing tour of Newport harbor or just visit the Museum of Yachting.  After Newport, we will drive to Hyannis where we will spend the evening.  (B)

Wednesday, June 17:  Day Trip to Martha's Vineyard,  Nantucket

We depart Hyannis this morning by high-speed ferry to Martha's Vineyard. You may explore on your own or take an optional island tour. There's so much to see and so much to do on this special island. Gay Head's colored cliffs, marvelous unspoiled beaches...the gingerbread-adorned houses of Oak Bluffs... elegant Edgartown and its lovely old sea captains' mansions -- Menemsha's salty fishing shanties... sophisticated shops and intriguing restaurants of every kind.   Martha's Vineyard's six towns, each special in a different way, are waiting to be discovered.  We will continue to Nantucket by high-speed ferry this afternoon where we will transfer to our hotel, check-in and relax a bit before going to dinner together. (B, D)

Thursday, June 18:  Nantucket

Today we will enjoy a morning island tour with the remainder of the day free to explore this interesting area.  Nantucket has a history of seafaring greatness. It's all around you on this picturesque Island. Over 800 homes built between 1740 and 1840 by brave whaling men still stand, lovingly preserved. For 100 years, this was the greatest whaling center in the world, and modern buildings in the town have not encroached on the charm and beauty of its unique homes and cobblestone streets.  If you have not seen the whaling museum, it is well worth your time and very interesting. The Nantucket Whaling Museum is located in an old spermaceti candle factory and features exhibits pertaining to the prosperous whaling industry that thrived on Nantucket for 100 years. With paintings, portraits, whaling memorabilia and a collection of scrimshaw, the museum also displays artifacts from the Essex shipwreck that inspired the novel "Moby Dick."  (B)

Friday, June 19: Kennedy Museum, Farewell Dinner

This morning we return by high speed ferry to Hyannis. Our first stop will be the museum in Hyannis dedicated to President John F. Kennedy, a native son of Hyannis. This small museum will give you an intimate glimpse into the life of the Kennedy family here in Hyannis and a peek at the famous "Kennedy Compound." Take some time to explore Hyannis before we return to Providence.  (B,D)

Saturday, June 20: Return home at your convenience

It's been a fun trip, but alas it's time to return home. Make your return flight at your convenience, remembering that check-out is at 11:00am. Airport transfers provided by the hotel. (B)