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:
New Hampshire holds many special treasures from its expansive wilderness of the scenic White Mountains to stunning natural gorges with cascading waterfalls and gigantic glacial boulder caves formed by the power of water, wind, weather, and time. A beautiful tapestry of experiences awaits, all filled with fun exploratory adventure and relaxation with deep breaths of fresh mountain air.
We’ll follow the colorful natural beauty of wild landscapes along winding mountain roads from charming main streets to tranquil wooded trails leading to awe inspiring wonders.
Each day will end at the spellbinding Mountain View Grand, a Historic Hotel of America that has been a place of warm hospitality since 1865. Step onto the sprawling, yet cozy grand porch for sweeping views of the distant White Mountains and moments of quiet peacefulness. Once you set eyes upon its classic beauty and spend time among the historic spaces, you may just fall in love with its timelessness.
So why not swap out those familiar walls of home for an elegant grand dame of history on a few fun days away from the usual and refresh in the beauty of New Hampshire’s nature.
Day One: Shelburne Falls
Fall is in the air so let’s follow the colors north into New England where the charming town of Shelburne Falls is nestled in the foothills of the Berkshires.
Take a wander along the quaint historic streets where there’s a perfect place for a tasty lunch then explore the geological wonders of the Deerfield River where nature artistically carved glacial potholes over the last 14,000 years.
Don’t miss a stroll along the amazingly colorful Bridge of Flowers with its cheery welcome across a once abandoned trolley bridge.
Vermontasaurus:
Along our route north, we’ll take a dip into Vermont for a special, quirky surprise.
A ramshackle representation of a prehistoric beast craftily made from scraps of anything from old lattice and broken bed frames to guitars, crutches, Tiki torches, and toboggans stands proudly among the small Post Mills Airport.
Meet Vermontasaurus, a whimsical creation from one man’s wild imagination.
Day One: Mountain View Grand
Soon we will be among the elegance of the Mountain View Grand as it peeks out from around the winding wooded bend.
Wander the historic hallways, some filled with bookshelves or even a piano, as you hopefully don’t get lost trying to find your room.
Enjoy a leisurely, relaxing dinner at the resort using your included credit at the restaurant of your choice. Have a great night’s sleep among history!
Day Two: Flume Gorge
A stunning natural wonder formed by erosion over the last 200 million years is hidden away in Franconia Notch State Park, the amazing Flume Gorge. This geological spectacle was incredibly discovered by accident in 1808 by a 93-year-old woman while fishing, imagine her surprise!
Strolling along the pathways will leave you spellbound as you pass towering moss-covered granite walls rising to a spectacular height of 90 feet, cascading waterfalls, historic covered bridges, glacial pools and enormous boulders moved by the Ice Age.
Take your time to immerse in the natural scenery and follow your own comfortable pace.
The Basin:
After we’ve worked up a good appetite, we’ll relax for an included lunch at a great local spot nearby.
More natural wonders await among the beauty of Franconia Notch so let’s get exploring! An easy wander takes us to The Basin, an enormous pothole whirled into shape by thousands of years of river action that caught the eye and heart of Henry David Thoreau.
You’ll be mesmerized as thunderous icy blue water pours into the smooth bowl of rock and gently curves around its shape in an endless cycle of serenity.
Boise Rock:
A few minutes drive down the road will bring us to Boise Rock, a very special, uniquely shaped glacial erratic with quite a story to tell.
Once back home at the Mountain View Grand, enjoy the rest of your night among timeless history and take in the relaxing evening views from the cozy grand porch.
Day Three: Littleton
Enjoy a leisurely morning in the lovely surroundings of the Mountain View Grand as you please.
As lunchtime approaches, we can’t miss we move onto Littleton, a gem of a small town where we’ll spend the afternoon strolling the Main Street’s friendly merchants and casual cafes and restaurants for lunch on your own.
Don’t miss the bright purple and pink Chutters with its world’s longest candy counter backed by the Guinness Book of World Records, the scenic Riverwalk accessed by a covered bridge and historic Curran Suspension Bridge, and whimsical bronze sculpture of Pollyanna on the library lawn.
Kilburn Crags:
If you’re up for one of Littleton’s best kept secrets, join us for an optional walk to the Kilburn Crags.
A short, easy, scenic trail guides up through a quiet wooded forest to the crags where picturesque views are worth each step.
Relax the evening away at the Mountain View Grand and be lulled to sleep by it’s quiet setting.
Frost Place:
The beauty of the area that surrounds us spoke to poet Robert Frost, who spied a farm that he had to buy on the north side of Franconia Notch. It was here where he wrote many of his best and most famous poems describing life on the farm and the peaceful scenery encompassing it.
Stroll the poetry nature trail where several plaques are placed in exact spots where Frost composed his poems and don’t miss the gorgeous view from the front porch of the house.
Relax the evening away at the Mountain View Grand and be lulled to sleep by it’s quiet setting.
Day Four: Loon Peak
We start the day above an expanse of colorful trees with a vertical ascent to 2700 feet! Hop aboard as the White Mountain Express Gondola sweeps us across the treetops of the forest to the summit of Loon Peak where the most amazing views await in every direction.
Take a stroll along the wooden boardwalk nature path leading to expansive mountain landscapes filled with colors of Fall and get even higher to the top of Herberts’ Observation Tower to take in more marvelous mountain peak views.
Glacial Cave Adventure:
If you’re up for an adventure, follow the path through mazes of gigantic granite boulders thrown at random by the last Ice Age creating narrow passageways, glacial caves, and unique crevices.
An included lunch will be here at the Summit Café where we can unwind and take in the scenery.
Scenic Drive:
Sit back and relax as the colorful scenery glides by along a drive through the winding mountain roads with surprises around every bend.
As the road climbs up to Kinsman Notch, beautiful Beaver Pond catches the autumn colors in its clear reflective waters from surrounding mountain slopes.
Historic Covered Bridges:
The scenery leads to Windy Ridge Orchard for some homemade goodies and tastes of the season.
Step out onto the picturesque Water Works Bridge to capture the serene beauty of the Wild Ammonoosuc River and get swept back in time as we drive over the river through the Historic Swiftwater Covered Bridge.
We’ll follow the snaking scenic riverside to the small, rural town of Bath where a trip across the Historic Bath Covered Bridge will be a delightful way to once again cross the rushing river.
Our drive ends back home at the Mountain View Grand where you can enjoy your last night of elegance and grandeur and sleep tight!
Day Five: Pickity Place
As we wave goodbye to the Mountain View Grand and the lovely White Mountain scenery, we can’t leave New Hampshire before stopping at a quaint little red cottage nestled the hills of southern hills seemingly untouched by time.
Enchanting Pickity Place was chosen as the model for the illustrations in Little Red Riding Hood and today is a mecca for anyone looking for quiet place of relaxation and inspiration.
Lighten your spirit while strolling through the themed gardens and take in the sweet smell of freshly growing herbs and lavender. The culinary garden is where the inspiration for our seasonal, included lunch was derived.
Now sit back and relax, perhaps take a snooze and before you know it, New Jersey will be upon us.
Pricing & Departures:
Departs South Plainfield High School at the end of Lane Ave at 7:00 AM and returns at approximately 8:00 PM
Departs Madison’s Kings Road Parking Lot, 62 Kings Rd. at 7:45 AM and returns at approximately 7:15 PM
Departs Ridgewood’s Graydon Pool South lot (across Linwood Ave) at 8:30 AM and returns at approximately 6:30 PM
Price per person is $ Twin & $ Single. No reservations accepted without a deposit of $350 per person. Make checks payable to Group Tours & Travel and mail to the included address. Final payment is due August 5, 2026. Deposits are fully refundable if cancellation occurs on or before August 5, 2026. There are no refunds if cancellation occurs after August 5, 2026. Travel protection/cancellation coverage is available and highly recommended (approximately 10% of the total cost of the tour) but not included. One piece of luggage per person and one carry-on are permitted. Group Tours is not responsible for any delays, cancellations, injuries or circumstances beyond its control and reserves the right to change this 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 35 Henryville, PA 18332
973-513-9001
