Print Full Itinerary
Itinerary: Subject to change due to local conditions, unforeseen events, or more interesting as yet unplanned awesome experiences that become available
Overview:
Let the magical moments begin as we make our way toward the quintessential waterfront New England town of Bristol, Rhode Island. Established in 1681, Bristol has a legendary past as a sailing port that you can feel as you walk its charming streets. With alluring sail boats lining the marina and incredible seaside views to match, it’s the perfect place to celebrate the season in a small-town way.
The entire town comes together to host their annual Bristol Christmas Festival filled with music, carolers, European style Christmas huts featuring gifts and crafts, and even Santa strolling the illuminated streets set against the backdrop of sparkling lights emanating from the town’s Christmas tree.
Stunning mansions all decked out in their holiday best await our visit to tell their tales from days long past, and an illuminating experience lies ahead among an American garden treasure.
So why not hop on the holiday bus that will whisk us away to a classic seaside town for some winter season cheer!
Day One: Bristol's Christmas Festival
The Christmas spirit will guide us towards Rhode Island where we’ll be embraced by the warmth of Bristol’s Christmas Festival. Take your time to wander among the festively decorated Christmas huts and partake in the delectable fares found in European Christmas Marketplaces.
It’s the perfect place to shop for that extra special gift or just browse the artistic craftmanship. Holiday music will fill the air to help everyone embrace the holiday season.
Blithewold:
As late afternoon approaches, we’ll make our way to Christmas at Blithewold, a 33-acre summer estate with grand views of Narragansett Bay. Newport isn’t the only place with lovely, decorated mansions!
We’ll walk among elaborate holiday decorations around every corner of the mansion arranged in a theme that explores the history of the Van Wickle/McKee families who would celebrate Christmas here every year.
Twinkle Tour:
Sparkling lights will light up the grounds as we explore outdoors during the evening Twinkle Tour.
Bristol Harbor Inn:
Once back in Bristol, enjoy an included dinner before a good night’s rest at the charming Bristol Harbor Inn.
Day 2: Clouds Hill Mansion
After a lovely breakfast and perhaps a brisk walk along the town’s charming streets, we’ll make our way south towards another glorious mansion, Clouds Hill. Built as a wedding gift for Elizabeth Ives Slater in 1871, this amazing mansion offers a step inside an authentic late 19th century home that had never passed out of the original family’s care.
Today we’ll see Clouds Hill dressed in its holiday best with its architecture, interior finish, furnishings, textiles and other collections with family articles dating back to the 1870s.
Local Lunch:
Once we’re sufficiently wowed, we’ll continue our journey towards New Jersey with a stop for an included lunch at hopefully one of our favorite spots ever.
Pricing & Departures:
Departs South Plainfield High School at the end of Lane Ave at 7:00 AM and returns at approximately 8:30 PM
Departs Madison’s Kings Road Parking Lot, 62 Kings Rd. at 7:45 AM and returns at approximately 7:45 PM
Departs Ridgewood’s Graydon Pool South lot (across Linwood Ave) at 8:30 AM and returns at approximately 7:00 PM
Price per person is $675 Twin & $745 Single. No reservations accepted without a deposit of $150 per person. Make checks payable to “Group Tours & Travel” and mail to our address above. Final payment is due September 15, 2024. There are no refunds if cancellation occurs after September 15, 2024. Travel protection/cancellation coverage is available and highly recommended, but not included. Educated Wanderer is not responsible for any delays, cancellations, injuries or circumstances beyond its control and reserves the right to change the itinerary. All trip components are subject to change in accordance with Government, State and Local guidelines and/or mandates. This tour will run rain or shine.
Upon submitting final payment you are agreeing to our new policy.
Wet Blanket Policy:
Wet blanket
– a person who makes it difficult for other people to enjoy themselves by complaining, acting negatively, creating drama, etc.
– one that quenches or dampens enthusiasm or pleasure
- Our philosophy of travel involves getting out of the ordinary to experience other cultures and places with an open minded attitude and flexibility. Since as in daily life, anything can and will happen, let’s embrace these situations with acceptance and understanding because they will either lead to an unexpected, amazing experience or positive learning experience.
- If anyone brings along excess baggage such as incessant complaining, under the breath rude comments, outward negativity or other such behaviors that infect the entire group or individuals, we have the exclusive right to remove them from the tour at their own cost with no refunds. (yes, this means you)
- If any major concerns arise during a tour, please just come talk to us and we’ll work it out!
The Educated Wanderer
PO Box 632 Berwyn, PA 19312
973-513-9001
