27023 Best of Newport & Cape Cod

Day 1

Saturday, July 10
Our New England Adventure Begins
Our journey to the New England coast begins as we travel east through the changing landscapes of the Midwest. Sit back, relax, and get acquainted with your fellow travelers as our Windstar motorcoach carries us toward the historic cities and seaside destinations ahead.
Our accommodations for the evening will be at the Hampton Inn & Suites in the Toledo area, providing a comfortable place to rest before continuing our journey.

Day 2

Sunday, July 11
Toledo to State College
Enjoy an included breakfast at the hotel before continuing east through Ohio and into the rolling hills of Pennsylvania.
Today is a leisurely travel day, offering plenty of opportunity to relax and enjoy the scenery along the way. Upon arrival in State College, settle into the Graduate by Hilton State College. Inspired by the energy and traditions of the surrounding university community, the hotel provides comfortable accommodations in the heart of central Pennsylvania.

Day 3

Monday, July 12
Welcome to Newport
Following breakfast, our journey continues into Rhode Island, affectionately known as the “Ocean State.” Although it may be the smallest state in the country, Rhode Island is rich in maritime history, coastal scenery, and beautifully preserved architecture.
Our destination is Newport, a legendary seaside community that became the favored summer retreat of some of America’s wealthiest families during the Gilded Age. Its rocky coastline, graceful sailboats, historic neighborhoods, and extravagant mansions have made Newport one of New England’s most captivating destinations.
Check into the waterfront Wyndham Newport for a two-night stay. Enjoy modern accommodations and lovely water views as you settle into the relaxed atmosphere of coastal Rhode Island.
An included dinner at the hotel provides a welcoming conclusion to our first day in Newport.

Day 4

Tuesday, July 13
Newport’s Mansions, Coastline & Harbor
After breakfast, meet our knowledgeable local guide for a narrated tour of Newport. Discover the city’s fascinating history as we travel past beautifully restored homes, historic buildings, and more than 150 points of interest.
Journey along Ten-Mile Ocean Drive, where rugged shoreline, crashing Atlantic waves, secluded coves, and sprawling estates create one of New England’s most memorable scenic drives. Continue along Bellevue Avenue, the celebrated address where America’s industrial-era families built their magnificent summer residences.
Our first mansion visit is Marble House, a National Historic Landmark built between 1888 and 1892 for William K. and Alva Vanderbilt. Although the Vanderbilts called it a summer “cottage,” Marble House was anything but modest. Inspired by the Petit Trianon at Versailles and constructed with an extraordinary amount of marble, the mansion helped transform Newport from a quiet summer colony into a showcase of Gilded Age wealth and architecture. Afterward, enjoy free time for lunch and shopping along Newport’s historic downtown waterfront. Explore cobblestone wharves lined with inviting restaurants, art galleries, antique stores, specialty shops, and boutiques. Watch the boats come and go while soaking up Newport’s unmistakable seaside atmosphere.
This afternoon, step inside The Breakers, the grandest of Newport’s famous summer homes. Built for Cornelius Vanderbilt II between 1893 and 1895, this 70-room Italian Renaissance-style palace was designed by celebrated architect Richard Morris Hunt. Lavish rooms, soaring ceilings, elaborate mosaics, fine woods, and expansive ocean views reflect the Vanderbilt family’s tremendous influence during America’s Gilded Age.
Our exploration of Newport continues aboard the Coastal Queen for a narrated harbor cruise. View Newport from the water as we sail past historic forts, picturesque lighthouses, impressive coastal estates, and other landmarks surrounding Narragansett Bay.
An included dinner completes this memorable day along Rhode Island’s coast.

Day 5

Wednesday, July 14
Plymouth, Sandwich & Cape Cod
After breakfast, say farewell to Newport and travel into Massachusetts for a day filled with colonial and maritime history.
Meet our local guide for a tour of Plymouth, known as “America’s Hometown.” Founded by the passengers of the Mayflower, Plymouth holds an important place in the story of early European settlement in New England.
A photo stop will be made at the National Monument to the Forefathers. Dedicated in 1889, this soaring granite monument honors the Pilgrims and the principles they carried with them to Plymouth Colony. Standing 81 feet tall, it is considered the largest freestanding solid-granite monument in the United States.
Next, board the Pilgrim Belle, a traditional paddlewheel-style vessel, for a narrated cruise through beautiful Plymouth Harbor. Enjoy the fresh salt air and waterfront views while learning about the harbor’s history and landmarks. Sights may include the full-scale Mayflower II, Plymouth’s historic lighthouses, Clark’s Island, and the surrounding coastline.
Continue to Sandwich, the oldest town on Cape Cod. Settled in the 1600s, this quiet seaside community is known for its historic village green, salt marshes, cranberry bogs, scenic views of Cape Cod Bay, and beautifully preserved homes.
During the 19th century, Sandwich became one of America’s leading centers for pressed-glass manufacturing. It was also the hometown of naturalist and children’s author Thornton W. Burgess, whose stories introduced generations of readers to characters inspired by the wildlife of Cape Cod.
Our next stop is the Cape Cod Canal Visitor Center. Operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the center explores the construction, history, and continuing operation of the canal. Exhibits include a retired patrol boat, marine traffic displays, real-time radar and camera images, information about canal wildlife, and presentations about this remarkable waterway.
We then arrive at Margaritaville Resort Cape Cod, our home for the next four nights. The nautically inspired resort combines the easygoing feeling of a tropical retreat with the charm of Cape Cod. Enjoy comfortable accommodations, on-site dining, an outdoor pool, spa, fitness center, and inviting spaces designed for relaxation.
An included dinner will be served at the resort this evening.

Day 6

Thursday, July 15
Old King’s Highway, Provincetown & Your Choice of Adventure
After breakfast, join our local guide for a full day of touring along the Cape.
Travel historic Route 6A, also known as the Old King’s Highway. Originally established as a Native American trail, the route later became an important roadway for Cape Cod’s earliest European settlements. Today, it winds through centuries of history, passing sea captains’ homes, white-steepled churches, cranberry bogs, salt marshes, and some of the Cape’s most picturesque villages.
Along the way, view a classic Cape Cod windmill and lighthouse before entering Cape Cod National Seashore. Established in 1961, the protected seashore encompasses approximately 40 miles of pristine beaches along with dunes, ponds, marshes, woodlands, lighthouses, and historic landscapes.
Visit the Province Lands Visitor Center near the very tip of the Cape. Exhibits introduce the natural and cultural history of the area, while the observation deck offers sweeping views of the Province Lands dunes, the Outer Beach, Race Point, and the Atlantic Ocean.
Continue to Provincetown, a colorful and welcoming community located at “Land’s End.” Long before becoming known for its art galleries, shops, restaurants, and lively waterfront, Provincetown played an important role in early American history. The Mayflower first anchored in Provincetown Harbor before its passengers continued across Cape Cod Bay to Plymouth.
After time for lunch on your own, choose between two memorable Cape Cod experiences.

Whale-Watching Excursion
Board an excursion vessel for an unforgettable journey into the feeding grounds of the great whales of the North Atlantic. These nutrient-rich waters attract a remarkable variety of marine life, including humpback, finback, and minke whales.
An onboard naturalist will share information about the whales’ behaviors, migration patterns, feeding habits, and the surrounding marine environment. Keep watch for whales breaching, diving, or raising their magnificent tail flukes above the water. Seabirds, dolphins, seals, and other marine wildlife may also be spotted during the excursion. Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, but every voyage offers a fascinating look at Cape Cod’s living ocean.

Provincetown Dune Tour
Guests who prefer to remain on land may enjoy a guided excursion through the protected dunes of the Cape Cod National Seashore.
Travel across rolling sand dunes surrounded by beach grass, coastal vegetation, and dramatic views of the Atlantic. Your guide will share the natural and cultural history of this fragile landscape and point out the rustic dune shacks that have inspired generations of artists and writers. Some of these remote cottages continue to host artist- and writer-in-residence programs today.
Following your selected adventure, enjoy an included dinner before returning to the resort.

Day 7

Friday, July 16
Martha’s Vineyard & Hyannis
After breakfast, travel to the Hy-Line docks and board the ferry for a scenic crossing to Martha’s Vineyard. This celebrated New England island is known for its picturesque villages, beaches, historic homes, and relaxed coastal lifestyle.
Upon arrival, board a local sightseeing vehicle for a guided exploration of the island. Learn about Martha’s Vineyard’s maritime heritage and the communities that have made the island a beloved summer destination for generations.
Travel through Vineyard Haven, a busy harbor village with a long tradition of shipbuilding and seafaring. Continue to Edgartown, a beautifully preserved former whaling port known for its stately sea captains’ homes, elegant streets, inviting shops, and scenic harbor. Enjoy free time for lunch and shopping while taking in the town’s classic New England atmosphere.
Our island experience concludes in Oak Bluffs, a lively waterfront community famous for its colorful gingerbread cottages. These intricately decorated Victorian homes feature whimsical trim, bright colors, tiny porches, and storybook details. More than 300 cottages remain within the historic campground, creating one of Martha’s Vineyard’s most photographed neighborhoods.
After returning to the mainland, our guide will introduce us to Hyannis. Visit the John F. Kennedy Memorial and Korean War Memorial overlooking Lewis Bay, then see St. Francis Xavier Church. Often called the “Kennedy Church,” it served as the summer parish of Rose and Joseph Kennedy and their family. President Kennedy attended Mass here during his visits to Cape Cod.
Dinner is on your own this evening, allowing you to choose from the resort’s dining options or one of the many restaurants in the Hyannis area.

Day 8

Saturday, July 17
Cape Cod to State College
Enjoy breakfast at the resort before saying farewell to Cape Cod. As we begin our journey west, reflect on the magnificent mansions, historic harbors, ocean adventures, and charming island communities we have experienced.
Our destination for the evening is State College, Pennsylvania, where we will once again stay at the Graduate by Hilton State College.

Day 9

Sunday, July 18
State College to Toledo
Following breakfast, continue west through Pennsylvania and Ohio. Enjoy another relaxing day aboard our comfortable Windstar motorcoach as we make our way toward the Toledo area.
Settle into the Hampton Inn & Suites for our final overnight stay.

Day 10

Monday, July 19
Journey Home
Enjoy a final included breakfast before departing for home. Our travels may be coming to an end, but the memories of Newport’s magnificent mansions, Plymouth’s historic harbor, Cape Cod’s rolling dunes, and the colorful villages of Martha’s Vineyard are sure to remain with us for years to come.