Brew England Beaches Bluffs & Beer

Brew England Beaches Bluffs & Beer

Craft Breweries, Lobsterbake, Lighthouses... these are just a few of the American traditions celebrated on Brew England, and there is plenty of time for guests to explore and discover local secrets at each destination. American Experiences small group, multi-day tours provide you with authentic, in-depth experiences not found elsewhere. Your trip includes more than just the basics-- a welcome reception, one or two unique specialty meals, three and four star quality boutique hotels, multiple guided tours with opportunities to choose your activity as well as free independent exploration, and transportation. Plus, our knowledgeable tour guide stays with you for the duration of the trip and can personalize your experiences to meet the needs of both you and the group. Get to know like-minded people from all over the world who enjoy similar experiences and enrich your appreciation of America's Northeast with American Experiences small group tours. It’s not just a tour, it’s an Experience!

Itinerary

Day 1: Boston

Stop At: Boston, Boston, Massachusetts
Check-in to your hotel. This evening, mingle with other group members at a meet and greet reception hosted by your guide, a beer aficionado and destination specialist. You will be given an introduction to your 8-day exploration of New England. From the historic streets of Boston, to the breathtaking beauty of Maine’s rocky coastline, and the awe-inspiring mountains of New Hampshire and Vermont, you will experience the best of New England and taste the holy grails of craft beer.
Duration: 1 hour

No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: 1 night at the Aloft Boston Seaport in Boston, MA or similar

Day 2: Boston—Portsmouth—Ogunquit (78mi/126km)

Stop At: Boston, Boston, Massachusetts
This morning you will take an orientation tour of Boston’s historic Freedom Trail, the architecturally significant Back Bay and the bustling waterfront. Boston continues to be an important center of commerce, technology and the arts for both the region and the country.
Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Portsmouth, Portsmouth, New Hampshire
Head north to Portsmouth, a port city with cobblestoned streets, a downtown filled with charming shops and varied restaurants, significant examples of Colonial, Georgian and Federal style houses, and brewers who continue New England’s rich beer-making history. And, like a true New Englander, the beers brewed here are approachable, dependable and impervious to trends.
Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Ogunquit, Ogunquit, Maine
Continue along the coast to Ogunquit, a popular beach resort whose name means “beautiful place by the sea”. Upon arrival, you will gather for tastings of some of the most unique and flavorful craft beers in the region.
Duration: 2 hours

No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: 1 night at the Meadowmere Resort in Ogunquit, ME or similar.

Day 3: Ogunquit - Portland - Ogunquit (75mi/121km)

Stop At: Marginal Way, Ogunquit, ME
Start the day with a walk along the Marginal Way, a mile-long paved foot path along the rocky coast with picture-perfect views worthy of any photography book.
Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Perkins Cove, Ogunquit, ME
Upon reaching Perkins Cove, board a lobster boat for a one-hour cruise to see traps hauled and lobsters caught by authentic Maine lobstermen. The captain will provide a detailed explanation of the lobster fishery and the many scenic points of interest along the way.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Portland, Portland, Maine
This afternoon you will travel to Portland where historical homes and maritime museums chronicle the emergence of the area from a trading and fishing settlement into one of the nation's most active seaports. It has also been ranked #1 craft beer city in the world by Matador Network. With a population of 200,000, this old port city with a young vibe is home to 19 craft brewing companies and an additional 15 craft brew pubs. You will visit ones that interpret historic styles with unique twists. After a stop in Kennebunkport, you will return to Ogunquit.
Duration: 4 hours

No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: 1 night at the Meadowmere Resort in Ogunquit, ME or similar.

Day 4: Ogunquit - Bethel (88mi/142km)

Stop At: North Conway, North Conway, Conway, New Hampshire
This morning you will travel through the lakes region and into the White Mountains of New Hampshire. Spend time in North Conway for shopping at its famous tax-free outlets, or relax at one of its local pubs. A ride on the Cog Railway takes you to the summit of Mt. Washington, the eastern seaboard’s tallest peak. The Cog is the world’s first mountain-climbing railway and a National Historic Engineering Landmark. On a clear day, the view extends all the way to the Atlantic Ocean. Continue to Bethel for the overnight.
Duration: 6 hours

No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: 1 night at the Bethel Inn in Bethel, ME or similar.

Day 5: Bethel - Stowe (125mi/201km)

Stop At: Kancamagus Highway, Route 112, North Conway, Conway, NH
Today you will drive along the Kancamagus Highway, a 34 mile long two-lane road considered one of the most scenic drives in the region. It has been designated a National Scenic Byway by the US Department of Transportation. Cross over the border into Vermont, regularly ranked near the top of the list as having the most number of breweries per capita in the country, where you will taste your way to Stowe, a charming resort town at the base of Mt. Mansfield.
Duration: 6 hours

No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: 1 night at the Field Guide in Stowe, VT or similar.

Day 6: Stowe - Northern Vermont - Stowe (65mi/105km)

Stop At: Smugglers Notch, Smugglers Notch, Vermont
The choice of activity is yours this morning. You can enjoy a guided, relaxed hike through the serene woodlands with spectacular views of Mount Mansfield and Smugglers Notch, keeping the camera at the ready to capture pictures of wildlife and beautiful scenery. Or see firsthand what makes Vermont such a special place by cycling the amazing remote back roads and low traffic paved roads, After an included lunch you will follow Vermont’s IPA Highway to some of the state’s most sought-after breweries renown for their India Pale Ale (IPA) and, along the way, there will be lots of scenery and quintessential New England places to stop and admire the view.
Duration: 6 hours

Meals included:
• Lunch
Accommodation included: 1 night at the Field Guide in Stowe, VT or similar.

Day 7: Stowe - Woodstock - Boston (212mi/341km)

Stop At: Woodstock, Woodstock, Vermont
You will make a short stop in Woodstock, named “the prettiest small town in America” by Yankee Magazine.
Duration: 3 hours

Stop At: Boston, Boston, Massachusetts
Upon arrival in Boston you will visit the Granddaddy of the craft brew movement in America—the Boston Beer Co, makers of Sam Adams. While some may argue it is no longer a craft brewery, the tour and tastings of some of their more unique brews are worth the visit. Enjoy an included final night dinner in Boston.
Duration: 2 hours

Meals included:
• Dinner
Accommodation included: 1 night at the Aloft Boston Seaport in Boston, MA or similar.

Day 8: Boston

Stop At: Boston, Boston, Massachusetts
This morning the choice is yours once again. You can board a half-day whale-watching cruise. Naturalists narrate as you cruise to Stellwagen Bank Marine Sanctuary, a feeding ground for whales, dolphins, sea birds and more. Or visit the John F. Kennedy Library & Museum, the repository of personal and political memorabilia of the 35th President. Exhibits include the presidential campaign of 1960 and New Frontier, the Oval Office, the life of First Lady Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy and photographs and mementos from the Kennedy family. Late afternoon you can transfer either to Boston Logan Airport or downtown Boston.
Duration: 6 hours

No meals included on this day.
No accommodation included on this day.