

Grand New England
Stories by Ken Burns
The Grand New England tour is a 12 day Tauck World Discovery tour that features Stories by Ken Burns. The legendary storyteller and filmmaker will guide you through New England with exclusive vignettes highlighting the American history of New England. From Boston to Mount Washington and all points in between, this excellent luxury tour will transport you back in time.
The Grand New England tour starts where much of American history originates from, Boston. Tour the city and visit the USS Constitution Museum before exploring even more of what makes Boston such a special city. Then you’ll set foot on Lexington Green to learn all about the Shot Heard Round the World. This historic vibe will continue through the Green Mountains, White Mountains and even Mount Vernon before your 12 day tour comes to an end.
12 Days • fr. $7,790
Tour Highlights & Offers
Tour Includes
- Insider stories about New England during filmed narratives by documentary filmmakers Ken Burns and Dayton Duncan
- Touring enhanced by audio listening devices in many locations
- A private lunch at Edith Wharton’s Berkshire home, The Mount
- Private Tauck schooner cruise on the waters off Bar Harbor in Maine
- An exclusive hands-on lobstering experience in Portland with a local lobsterman
- A visit to the Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge
- A docent-led tour of the Clark Art Institute in Williamstown
- A visit with the resident meteorologists of the Mount Washington Observatory
- Airport transfers upon arrival and departure as detailed
- All customary gratuities for hotel and restaurant staff and local guides are included.
Not Included
- The customary gratuities for the Tauck Director and local drivers are not included. We ask that gratuities be extended on a voluntary, individual basis and not as a group.
- All items of a personal nature (room service, beverages, telephone charges, laundry, dry cleaning, special food requests, etc.) and meals not specified on the tour itinerary are not included and must be paid by the client.
- Airline excess luggage charges, vaccinations, visa fees and services, airport arrival and departure taxes, individual airport transfers (when applicable), and other optional or incidental extras are not included.
- All rates exclude airfare unless expressly noted.
Meal Inclusions
- 11 breakfasts
- 6 lunches
- 9 dinners
Hotel Details
- The Langham Hotel in Boston, Massachusetts (2 nights)
- Orchards Hotel in Williamstown, Massachusetts (2 nights)
- Stoweflake Mountain Resort & Spa in Stowe, Vermont (1 night)
- Omni Mount Washington Resort in Bretton Woods, New Hampshire (2 nights)
- Brunswick Hotel & Tavern in Brunswick, Maine (1 night)
- Bar Harbor Inn & Spa in Bar Harbor, Maine (2 nights)
- Harraseeket Inn in Freeport, Maine (1 night)
Day 1
Arrive Boston Location Information Description
Boston, United States
Tour begins: The Langham, Boston at 5:30 PM. Tour begins: 5:30 PM, The Langham, Boston. A transfer is included from Logan International Airport to The Langham, a historic, luxury central Boston hotel steps away from Faneuil Hall Marketplace and the famous North End neighborhood. Join us at the hotel this evening for a welcome reception and dinner; the dazzling reds, golds and oranges that accent Boston's cityscape are a colorful prelude to your fall foliage tour.
Dinner
THE LANGHAM, BOSTON
Day 2
Boston, the cradle of America Location Information Description
Boston, United States
History is alive and around every corner of the exciting city of Boston on an orientation tour this morning that includes Boston Common, Beacon Hill with its elegant townhouses and narrow cobblestone streets, the ethnic flavors of the North End and a visit to the USS Constitution Museum. Walk back in time in the footsteps of literary giants, artists, and visionaries who inspired and shaped America in its infancy. Later, explore on your own this city teeming with historic treasures and hip modern pleasures, where the venerable past is always present.
Breakfast
THE LANGHAM, BOSTON
Day 3
The Mount & The Clark in the literary Berkshires Location Information Description
Lenox, United States
Begin today's travels in the Berkshires, long a retreat for artists and writers, at The Mount – the hilltop Georgian mansion of Edith Wharton. The celebrated author of The House of Mirth and The Age of Innocence called it her "first real home." Wharton was also a consummate entertainer – you'll feel like one of her guests at a private lunch overlooking her bucolic grounds.
Location Information Description
Williamstown, United States
Continue on to Williamstown for a docent-led tour of the internationally renowned Clark Art Institute ("The Clark"), one of the few institutions in the US combining a public art museum with research and academic programs. Arrive late afternoon at your historic resort in Manchester, Vermont.
Note: On Mondays and holidays when The Clark is closed, enjoy an alternate visit to the Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge – dedicated to the beloved illustrator who spent the last 25 years of his life in this small Berkshire town, and displaying many of his original works and his studio.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
THE EQUINOX GOLF RESORT & SPA
Day 4
Hildene's Lincoln legacy Location Information Description
Manchester, United States
The classic New England town of Manchester, Vermont is tucked between the Green Mountains and the Taconic Range, and is home to Equinox Mountain, the Taconics' tallest peak. This morning, it's off to Hildene, the Georgian Revival mansion of President Abraham Lincoln's son Robert who served as US Secretary of War and minister to Great Britain, and his wife Mary Harlan Lincoln. The 1905 Georgian Revival-style mansion – which today is on the National Register of Historic Places and is furnished largely with Lincoln family furniture and artifacts – remained in the Lincoln family until 1975, and has since been restored and maintained by a non-profit group. Dinner is included this evening.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
THE EQUINOX GOLF RESORT & SPA
Day 5
Visit to Fort Ticonderoga and a Lake Champlain Cruise Location Information Description
Fort Ticonderoga, United States
Depart Manchester this morning for Fort Ticonderoga; built by the French in the 18th century, near the southern end of Lake Champlain, the site entered history books as the first American victory in the Revolutionary War. This afternoon, you're off for a scenic cruise along Lake Champlain, before settling in for dinner and a good night's rest at your hotel.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
HOTEL CHAMPLAIN, A CURIO COLLECTIOON BY HILTON
Day 6
Shelburne Museum of Art and Americana – and chocolate Location Information Description
Shelburne, United States
Continue exploring Vermont's classic New England landscapes as you make your way to Shelburne for a visit to the Shelburne Museum of Art and Americana. Spread over 45 acres, this unique museum holds a vast collection of prints, paintings, folk art and quilts reflecting 19th-century American life, in historic buildings – including barns, a meeting house, a jail, a lighthouse, and a railroad station – in a village-like setting around the Ticonderoga, a 220-ft. steamboat that once ferried passengers and livestock on Lake Champlain.
Location Information Description
Burlington, United States
This afternoon, a special visit – to Lake Champlain Chocolates. Proud to be a second-generation, family-owned Vermont company, they "dare to do better, driven by our passion to change the world one delicious chocolate at a time." The believe in using business as a force for good; 100% of their chocolate is fair trade, grown with sustainable farming practices, while helping to build stronger cacao-growing communities. Return to the hotel late afternoon, where the remainder of the day is free to spend as you please in Burlington.
Breakfast, Lunch
HOTEL CHAMPLAIN, A CURIO COLLECTIOON BY HILTON
Day 7
From the Green Mountains to the White Mountains Location Information Description
Montpelier, United States
Head out from the Green Mountains of Vermont via the state capital, Montpelier, and the elegant gold-domed State House. Just outside the city, Morse Farm Maple Sugarworks offers you a taste of pure maple syrup and an education in how it's made, from the tapping of trees to the distillation of sap and the subtle shades and grades that result from an art they've perfected over eight generations in the family business.
Location Information Description
Bretton Woods, United States
Explore Vermont's granite history – then continue on out of Vermont and into the White Mountains of New Hampshire. arriving in Bretton Woods for a two-night stay at the historic Omni Mount Washington Resort, one of New England's last grand resort hotels. Since its opening in 1902, this palatial hotel has been a magnet for presidents, robber barons and celebrities; Babe Ruth and Thomas Edison loved to golf here. In 1944, the World Bank was established here in the Gold Room; the stunning mountain landscapes outside glow with the same color.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
OMNI MOUNT WASHINGTON RESORT
Day 8
The Mount Washington experience Location Information Description
Mount Washington, United States
Begin your morning with a drive to The Glen House, basecamp for adventurers trekking up Mt. Washington, where a wildlife presentation precedes your climb. Next, embark on your trek to the summit of Mt Washington in vans with a local company. The harshest winter weather on the planet can be found at the summit, where a wind speed of 231 mph was once recorded in 1932, and the stone houses are anchored to the ground with chains. Run by the state of New Hampshire, Mount Washington Observatory is a special organization that is usually only visited by members – as a Tauck guest, you'll have special access and a talk by one of the experts (pending availability) who will brief you on their work in this unique environment.
Location Information Description
Bretton Woods, United States
It's a day for indulging in the colorful quintessence of a fall foliage tour as you wind down New England back roads to return to your luxury resort at Bretton Woods, where you'll enjoy a presentation on the local ecology and wildlife. Dine as you please this evening.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
OMNI MOUNT WASHINGTON RESORT
Day 9
Maine Maritime Museum and a classic Maine lobster dinner Location Information Description
Bath, United States
Your journey continues this morning as you make your way toward the final leg of your New England adventure, Maine, but starting with an old-fashioned scenic rail experience aboard the Conway Scenic Railroad. This afternoon, visit the Maine Maritime Museum for a closer look into Maine's seafaring history with its vast collection of various objects and rare documents related to the state's maritime heritage and its direct impact, from ancient times to modern day.
Location Information Description
Brunswick, United States
Tonight, you're off to dinner at a Maine staple – Cook's Lobster & Ale House. Established in 1955, Cook's started as a small, one room take-out stand, and has since grown into a national icon including being featured as a property in the Maine edition of Monopoly! Enjoy an classic Maine lobster dinner before returning to your hotel. Tomorrow, you'll continue on to Portland.
Breakfast, Dinner
BRUNSWICK HOTEL & TAVERN
Day 10
A day in Portland Location Information Description
Portland, United States
Arrive this morning in Portland, Maine, where you begin the day with a fascinating walking tour. You'll be guided through the historic "Old Port," a rich and interesting section of the city, on a journey back through time over the cobblestones of a working waterfront with insights of Portland's past and present. The "Old Port" is today a bustling connection between the present waterfront and the growing community of Maine's largest city and active commercial port – see how Portland has been shaped over the years by its unique geographical location on the southern coast of Maine.
Have lunch at a local harbor restaurant, and then a Tauck exclusive when you join a local lobsterman who takes you out into the harbor aboard his working boat for an authentic, hands-on experience in the lobstering trade. Portland has developed quite a good reputation for its craft beer; a tasting this afternoon, at New England's first craft brewery since Prohibition, Geary Brewing Co., provides an opportunity to sample some innovative varieties. Dinner is on your own this evening.
Breakfast, Lunch
PORTLAND HARBOR HOTEL
Day 11
Along the spectacular coastline of Maine to Kennebunkport Location Information Description
Portland, United States
Say farewell to Portland with a visit this morning to Portland Head Light, the oldest lighthouse in Maine (dating back to 1791) – a favorite subject of photographers and artists.
Location Information Description
Kennebunkport, United States
Journey south along the beautiful, rugged Maine coast to coastal Kennebunkport, best known for its long, sandy beaches, abundance of lighthouses and fresh seafood delights.
Location Information Description
Portland, United States
Return early this afternoon back to Portland for an afternoon at leisure, exploring this city however you wish. Tonight, join the group for a farewell reception and dinner back at your hotel as your New England adventure comes to a close.
Breakfast, Dinner
PORTLAND HARBOR HOTEL
Day 12
Journey home Location Information Description
Boston, United States
After breakfast, travel from Portland Harbor Hotel to Boston. Tour ends: 12:00 PM at Logan International Airport, Boston. Airport transfers are included. Flights shouldn't be booked before 2:00 PM; allow a minimum of 2 hours for check-in. Ask at booking about extending your stay with additional hotel nights (rooms may not be ready until 3:00 PM).
Breakfast
Important information:
Important Information
Cancellation Policy
- 60 days or more before departure: $350.00 per person
- 59-8 days before departure: $600.00 per person
- 7-1 days before departure: $900.00 per person
- On departure day and later: 100% of total price
- Any changes or cancellations to airline reservations made through Tauck either before or after departure are subject to the cancellation / change policies of the individual airlines. In n some instances these cancellation / change fees may be up to 100% of the ticket price.
- Cancellation fees may also apply to any additional services, including extra night accommodations, independently supplied services, and optional excursions reserved prior to, during, and after the tour. If flight changes, including, but not limited to, flight cancellations or name changes, are requested after full land and air deposits are received, revision fees, change fees, or airline cancellation fees will apply.
- All cancellations must be received in writing prior to tour departure. The cancellation policy will apply according to the date that the cancellation notification is received. The MINIMUM cancellation penalty is the deposit amount.
- The purchase to trip cancellation insurance is strongly recommended.
Terms and Conditions
- Land only “from price” is per person based on two people sharing a room together and does not include airfare unless expressly stated.
- All prices are in US Dollars.
- A $350 non-refundable, non-transferable, per-person, per-vacation deposit is required to reserve space for you. Payment of the deposit indicates you have read and accepted all Terms & Conditions. Your booking is not confirmed until the deposit payment is processed and you receive a confirmation invoice.
- Final payment is due 75 days prior to departure. Within the final payment date, payment in full is required at time of booking to reserve space. Reservations (land, cruise, and air) are canceled if final payment is not received by the due date.
- Additional deposits or payments are required for international air added to the start and/or end of your vacation.