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:
Join our summer getaway to the beautiful landscapes of New Hampshire! Nature awaits among the White Mountains where we’ll experience amazing vistas, stunning gorges with glacial pools and cascading waterfalls, a place of poetry, historic towns and a dramatic ascent to the top of Mount Washington.
Perhaps even more amazing that the sights we will see is where we will be privileged to spend our days and nights, the exceptional Mountain View Grand. An Historic Hotel of America, the Grand has been a place of warm hospitality since 1865 and today offers sweeping views of the distant White Mountains from the sprawling, yet cozy grand porch. Once you set eyes upon its classic beauty you’ll clearly see how the Mountain View Grand is one of America’s truly grand hotels.
Day One: Pickity Place
Our travels take us north towards the coolness of the White Mountains but first we make a stop at a quaint little red cottage nestled the hills of southern New Hampshire, seemingly untouched by time. This enchanting cottage, known as Pickity Place was chosen as the model for the illustrations in Little Red Riding Hood.
Today it is a mecca for gardeners, foodies, and anyone looking for 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 included lunch was derived.
Day One: Mountain View Grand
Now we make our way to the magnificent Mountain View Grand where we’ll happily spend the next four nights. Wander the historic hallways, some filled with bookshelves and 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 $75 credit at the restaurant of your choice.
Day Two: Flume Gorge
Today we have the pleasure of exploring a stunning natural wonder hidden away in Franconia State Park, the amazing Flume Gorge. This geological spectacle, formed by erosion over the last 200 million years was discovered by accident in 1808 by a 93-year-old woman while fishing. 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.
The walk is for all skill levels but does include uphill and stair climbing, so walk as much or as little as you like while taking in all the beautiful scenery. There is a visitor’s center to explore and a shorter trail, the Rim Path where a shuttle will take you part way which will hopefully be available.
Day Two: Lunch & Relax
After we’ve worked up our appetite, we’ll relax for an included lunch nearby. The rest of the afternoon and evening will be spent at our wonderful resort where there are daily activities to choose from, a chance to take a much-needed nap or time to just relax on the cozy grand porch.
Day Three: Mount Washington Cog Railway
After a leisurely morning at the Grand, get ready for a thrilling ride on the railway to the moon! We will climb to the summit of Mount Washington, the highest peak in the Northeast on the exciting Cog Railway, the world’s first mountain climbing railway and the second steepest. First we take a winding, scenic drive through the heart of the White Mountains to the Marshfield Base Station where there will be time to pop into the Cog Railway Museum before our call, “All Aboard!”. A blast of smoke and steam will send us on the way as we climb at maximum speed (5mph!) past several interesting landmarks that reveal just how steep this mountain is.
We’ll pass over Jacob’s Ladder, the steepest railroad trestle anywhere in the world, through Skyline where the magnificent Northern Presidential Mountains and beyond extend as far as the eye can see, up over the last slope to the summit at the top of New England.
Day Three: Mount Washington Summit
Grab your jacket as you depart the train and enter into the world’s wildest weather where there’s time to explore the Extreme Mount Washington weather exhibit, the Tip Top House, send a post card from the summit Post Office and be amazed by the unparalleled view from the rooftop observation deck. You’ll see first-hand why P.T. Barnum proclaimed the view from the summit as “The Second Greatest Show on Earth” once stepping off the train in 1869.
Our descent will be just as exciting and scenic and offers a different perspective of this glorious mountain railway.
Day Three: Ammonoosuk Falls
On our way back to the Mountain View Grand, we’ll stop by the picturesque Upper Ammonoosuk Falls for short walk and wonderous view. The rest of the day is yours to spend as you please among our spectacular resort.
Day Four: The 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.
The farmhouse now serves as a museum and permanent home for poets and poetry. 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.
Day Four: Littleton Lunch
Now onto the gem of a small town, Littleton 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, and the whimsical bronze sculpture of Pollyanna on the library lawn.
Day Four: Cafe Lafayette Dinner Train
Tonight we have a special treat, a unique dining experience on one of the nation’s premier dinner trains, Café Lafayette. We’ll dine on delicious seasonal entrees against a backdrop of ever-changing scenery while traveling through the lovely Pemigewasset River valley.
Day Five: Shelburne Falls
We sadly say goodbye to our beautiful New Hampshire scenery, but more geological wonders await us in nearby Shelburne Falls, MA. Stunning glacial potholes formed swirling whirlpools and grinding millstones are a unique sight to see! Take your time to view these natural wonders, then wander downtown historic Shelburne Falls across the world-famous Bridge of Flowers to find a nice place for lunch on your own before our drive back home to New Jersey.
Pricing & Departures:
Departs South Plainfield High School at the end of Lane Avenue at 7:00 AM and returns at approximately 7:30 PM.
Departs Chatham Middle School lot behind the Methodist Church at 7:45 AM and returns at approximately 6:45 PM.
Departs Ridgewood’s Graydon Pool across Linwood Avenue on the field side at 830 AM and returns at approximately 6:00 PM.
Tour cost per person is $1,775 Twin & $2,250 Single. No reservations accepted without a deposit of $350 per person. Make checks payable to Group Tours & Travel, and mail to the above address. Final payment is due May 17, 2022. Deposits are fully refundable if cancellation occurs on or before May 17, 2022. There are no refunds if cancellation occurs after May 17, 2022. Travel protection/cancellation coverage is available and 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.
Group Tours & Travel
1710 E. Lancaster Ave. #319 Paoli, PA 19301
973-513-9001
