Escorted Trip - Islands of New England
Sept. 22-29, 2023
With Margo McDonough, Owner,
Blue Skies Travel Center
Limited spots available -- call 302-893-4571
or email: margo@blueskiestravelcenter.com
The Atlantic coast is calling! Explore New England’s majestic seaboards, from Rhode Island to Cape Cod. Visit Providence and the Gilded Age mansions of Newport. Spend time in the lively artist colony of Provincetown. Experience the beautiful islands of Martha’s Vineyard, Block Island, and Nantucket. Indulge in a traditional seafood and lobster feast, walk along historic cobblestone streets, and feel like a true New Englander in a traditional cranberry bog.
Partnering with Collette on this fully escorted 8-day trip.
Itinerary:
Day 1
Discover the natural beauty that lies along the shores of New England. Come to know its coastal charm, friendly people and fresh-from-the-sea cuisine. Your tour opens in Providence, the capital of Rhode Island.
Hotel
Aloft Providence Downtown (3 nights)
Providence, Rhode Island
Situated in the Innovation and Design District on the Providence River, this hotel is within walking to Brown University and Johnson & Wales University. Enjoy WXYZ, a casual lobby bar and Blu Violet rooftop bar. Take in downtown Providence views in the hotel's Backyard or play pool in Re:mix Lounge.
Day 2
Tour Providence, “America’s Renaissance City.” See prestigious Brown University and learn about the city’s vibrant art, cultural, and culinary scenes. Then head to Newport and travel along Bellevue Avenue. Lined with extraordinary 19th-century summer "cottages," this road is home to 7 mansions designated National Historic Landmarks.
Then, choose your tour. You can explore Marble House, built by the Vanderbilts and modeled after the Petit Trianon at Versailles -OR- tour The Breakers mansion, one of these architectural marvels.
Breakfast and dinner included.
Day 3
Start your day with a ferry ride to Block Island, a quaint island that is less than 10 square miles. Get a taste of the local flavors at a restaurant before touring the island. Visit a micro-yarn mill and meet the animals. Ferry back to the mainland and enjoy an evening at leisure in Providence.
Breakfast and lunch included.
Day 4
Delve into rural life as you tour a New England cranberry bog and learn about dry harvesting. Step back in time with a stop in the celebrated town of Plymouth where the Pilgrims landed in 1620, and see legendary Plymouth Rock. Later, arrive at your beachfront hotel for a 4-night stay. Enjoy a traditional New England experience as you indulge in a seafood and lobster feast.
Breakfast and dinner included.
Hotel
Sea Crest Beach Hotel (4 Nights)
Falmouth, Massachusetts
This waterfront resort that sets the stage for relaxation. Upper Cape Cod’s only beachfront resort, Sea Crest sits on a private stretch of beach along Buzzards Bay, in North Falmouth. In your downtime, sit by the outdoor saline pool, lie on the white sand beach, go windsurfing, swimming, or just relax with a good book.
Day 5
A ferry ride transports you to beautiful Martha’s Vineyard. Known for visits by presidents and royalty, this summer home of many artists, writers and celebrities is full of surprises. You’ll see all the highlights of "the Vineyard," including gingerbread-styled cottages and historic sea captains' homes. Later, depart the island and cruise back to Cape Cod.
Breakfast included.
Day 6
Travel to Provincetown, located on the tip of the Cape. This lively artist colony remains famous for its crafts and bright seagoing flair.
Then, choose your tour! Set out on a whale watch cruise to Cape Cod Bay in search of these magnificent creatures -OR- enjoy a scenic adventure through the iconic sand dunes of the Cape.
Breakfast included.
Day 7
Visit Hyannisport, home of the Kennedy compound, and see the poignant Kennedy Memorial. Next, set off via ferry to explore the idyllic island of Nantucket. From its cobblestone Main Street to its beaches and lighthouses, this place lives up to its reputation. During time at leisure, meander the waterfront where sailboats and yachts sway in the harbor or shop for a famous Nantucket basket. Tonight, enjoy a farewell dinner.
Breakfast and dinner included.
Day 8
Your tour comes to a close, leaving you with many fond memories. Depart for Wilmington, Delaware via your included coach transportation after breakfast.
Your rate for this 8-day vacation, Sept. 22-29, 2023:
7 nights lodging including 4 nights at a beachfront resort; roundtrip coach transportation; tours and activities as described above; meals as listed above:
$2,899 per person, based on double occupancy.
$3,669 per person, based on single occupancy.
$2,869 per person, based on triple occupancy.
Travel protection $269 per person, based on double occupancy.
A deposit of $300 per person is due upon reservation. Reservations are made on a first-come, first-served basis. Final payment due by July 24, 2023.
Ready to book? Call Margo McDonough at 302-893-4571 or use this link to reserve your spot now:
https://gateway.gocollette.com/link/1124631
About Your Group Trip Coordinator
Margo McDonough started Blue Skies Travel Center in 2016, after earlier stints in the travel industry for such companies as J.P. Morgan Chase. She has planned and escorted two trips for OLLI, a Paris to Normandy river cruise in October 2018, facilitated by special guest expert Professor Ray Callahan, and a trip to the Tournament of Roses Parade in December 2019.
McDonough is a member of the American Society of Travel Advisors, is fully insured, and is supported by host agency Uniglobe Travel Center and Virtuoso, a luxury travel consortium. Much like OLLI members, she has a passion for lifelong learning and is currently studying for a doctoral degree at West Chester University.
This tour is brought to you by Blue Skies Travel and is not sponsored or affiliated with the University of Delaware Osher Lifelong Learning Institute.
Rates, availability and all terms and conditions subject to change until booking.
As you are planning your vacation, and before finalizing any booking with Blue Skies Travel, check for travel warnings and alerts. These are available through
sites like the U.S. State Department
https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/alertswarnings.html
and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention http://www.cdc.gov/travel.
