Day 1: On a cool, crisp morning, we enjoy getting acquainted as we head north and east for some beautiful fall colors. Our first night is in Bloomington IL.

Day 2: Continuing north and east, we drive across Indiana and Michigan. By late afternoon we cross the border into Canada. Be sure to have your passport! Our overnight is in London, Ontario. (B)

Day 3: By mid-morning, we arrive in the town of Niagara Falls. Enjoy the sights of the falls from the Canadian side, including the Floral Clock, Whirlpool Rapids, and Journey Behind the Falls. After lunch by the falls, we take a boat Cruise to the base of the falls to see it up close. There is time for the gift shops, relaxing, or simply viewing the falls. This evening, we ride to the top of Skylon Tower for a view of the lighted falls after dark. Overnight in Niagara Falls, Ontario. (B, L)

Day 4: After crossing Rainbow Bridge, we are back on U.S. soil. We drive into the Adirondack Mountains where, hopefully, we can begin to enjoy the colors of the fall foliage. This drive takes us through some scenic villages nestled among the trees and lakes. This evening we arrive in the beautiful and world-famous Adirondack Village of Lake Placid, NY, host of the 1932 and 1980 winter Olympics. (B, D)

Day 5: This morning we learn more about the town, the Olympics, and the area, with our local step-on guide. Taking in the view from the top of the Olympic Ski Jumping Complex is a huge treat. We also visit the Olympic Center. After lunch, we experience autumn at an Orchard. Our guide takes us on a wagon ride through the Orchard and teaches us about making delicious apple pies. Dinner is at the Orchard before returning to Lake Placid. (B, L, D)

Day 6: We start the day in the Lake Placid area and visit High Falls Gorge and White Face Mountain for a gondola ride up to the top for a view of the beautiful Adirondack Mountains. After lunch, we continue east to Lake Champlain for a short, scenic ferry ride into Vermont. Since Vermont is known for its maple syrup, a tour of this area would not be complete without a stop to explore the maple syrup industry. (B, L)

Day 7: Today we journey to the top of New England on the world’s first mountain-climbing cog railway. This 3-mile route to the summit of Mt. Washington is the second steepest railway in the world. Upon reaching the summit, we can view four states on a clear day. DRESS WARMLY for this trip up the mountain, which rivals the climate of the Arctic. This afternoon, our drive takes us through some beautiful back road scenery into Maine. After checking into our hotel, we head out for the evening to enjoy a lobster bake! (B, L, D)

Day 8: This morning a step-on-guide joins us on a city tour of Portland, which includes the Portland Head Lighthouse. It was commissioned by George Washington and is the oldest lighthouse in continuous use in the country. Heading south finds ourselves on a scenic route that takes us through many picturesque villages along the coast. Our stop in the small fishing village of Ogunquit is interesting as we learn more about the lobster industry aboard a small lobster boat (weather permitting). Continuing south, our hotel is in the Boston area for the next 3 nights. (B)

Day 9: This morning, our local guide directs us to spots in Historical Boston. We learn more about the Boston Tea Party and visit the North Church where Paul Revere got the signal for his famous ride. We also visit Lexington, the site of the first battle of the Revolutionary War, and many other points of historical interest. (B)

Day 10: What an exciting day is in store for us today! After our drive down to Cape Cod, we board a boat for a cruise to the Island of Nantucket. Over 800 homes built between 1740-1840 by brave whaling-men, still stand preserved. Within walking distance are the quaint boutiques and stores of downtown. Then it’s around the island on a guided tour, which includes views of the Whaling Museum, the cobblestoned Main Street, homes of the rich and famous, and other fascinating sights. There’s something for everyone on this unforgettable, fun-loving, sophisticated island. On the way back to the hotel, we stop in Plymouth where the Pilgrims landed in the New World. (B)

Day 11: Rhode Island is our destination today! We start the day in Newport RI touring the Breakers, a Vanderbilt mansion and U.S. National Historic Landmark. After lunch, we head for the harbor and Narragansett Bay for our harbor cruise. We cruise by the Newport Bridge and see spectacular views of lighthouses, Newport Mansions, and Yachts of all sizes that line the shoreline during this narrated cruise. Back on land, we head to West Haven, CT for our overnight. (B, L)

Day 12: We start our day at Yale University for a guided walking tour of the campus and learn more about its prestigious 300-year history. Continuing west, our overnight is in Clearfield, PA. (B)

Day 13: Today we push westward with a stop at the Football Hall of Fame in Canton, OH. Enjoy viewing more than 80,000 square feet of exciting exhibits highlighting the greats of pro football. Overnight is near Dayton OH. (B, L)

Day 14: This morning we stop at Indianapolis Speedway (track schedule permitting) and get a behind-the-scenes tour that acquaints us with the great Indy 500 and other races. We then head to the St. Louis area and retire west of town. (B)

Day 15: Today it’s Westward-Ho. Enjoy reminiscing about the beautiful, interesting, and educational things we have seen and experienced together during the last 15 days. (B)