A New England Holiday: White Mountains, Seaports and Gilded Age Spendor

Celebrate the season amid the timeless beauty, rich history, and festive traditions of New England. This enchanting six-day holiday journey winds from the snow-dusted peaks of New Hampshire’s White Mountains to the historic seaport streets of Portsmouth, the Gilded Age splendor of Newport, and the sparkling holiday charm of Boston.


Day 1 - Arrival in Boston & Welcome to Bretton Woods, New Hampshire

Upon arrival in Boston, please meet your Tour Director at 2:00 p.m. at XXXX. From there, we’ll travel north to the heart of New Hampshire’s spectacular White Mountains and historic Bretton Woods, nestled beneath Mount Washington and the Presidential Range.

Our destination is a grand mountain hotel, completed in 1902 and celebrated for more than a century of welcoming presidents, celebrities, and dignitaries. Beautifully adorned for the holiday season, it offers a warm and elegant introduction to our New England journey. After check-in, take time to settle in and freshen up before joining fellow travelers for a festive welcome dinner.
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Day 2 - White Mountains

After breakfast, we will be joined by a local guide for a private guided history tour of this remarkable property listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Built in the grand Spanish Renaissance Revival style by more than 250 Italian craftsmen, this architectural gem offers a fascinating glimpse into a bygone era.

Next, we’ll travel to the charming mill town of Littleton, nestled along the banks of the Ammonoosuc River. Known for its uplifting “Be Glad” motto—made famous by Pollyanna—Littleton celebrates hometown author Eleanor H. Porter with a jubilant bronze sculpture in the heart of town that is a perfect photo op.

Enjoy free time to explore Littleton’s delightful collection of distinctive shops. Browse everything from old-fashioned country stores to Chutters Candy Store, home to the world’s longest candy counter, as recognized by Guinness World Records. Don’t miss the unique gift shop located inside an authentic covered bridge.

Lunch is on your own in Littleton, with time to select from the town’s inviting cafés and local eateries.

Upon returning to the hotel, enjoy time at leisure and take advantage of its amenities before gathering for dinner. You may wish to take a gondola ride for sweeping bird’s-eye views of the White Mountains or, weather permitting, enjoy a classic sleigh ride through the scenic landscape.

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Day 3 - Portsmouth, New Hampshire

After breakfast, we journey to Portsmouth, beautifully situated along New Hampshire’s Great Bay and the Piscataqua River. Here, we will meet our local guide for an illuminating tour of this historic seaport city. One of the oldest cities in the United States, Portsmouth was settled in 1623 and served as New Hampshire’s capital from 1679 until 1775, when patriots relocated the capital to Exeter. Its charming downtown is rich with historic homes, churches, and architectural treasures, including New Hampshire’s oldest standing house, built in 1664; the stately North Church, whose steeple has towered over the city since 1855; and more than 30 preserved historic buildings at Strawbery Banke Museum.

Following our guided tour, enjoy free time for lunch on your own in lively Market Square. Browse locally made treasures and festive specialty shops amid a delightful holiday setting. Twinkling lights, a towering Christmas tree, and beautifully decorated storefronts bring Market, Congress, and nearby streets to life. From fine handcrafts and art to creative toys, stylish wearables, and distinctive home goods, there is something to tempt every shopper.

Later, we will check in to our hotel before gathering for dinner at a local restaurant.

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Day 4 - Newport

After breakfast, we say goodbye to Portsmouth and begin our journey to Newport, Rhode Island, known as "America's First Resort." Along the way, we will stop for lunch in Providence, Rhode Island, in the Federal Hill neighborhood, known for its lively Italian American heritage. Arriving in Newport, we will meet our local guide for an in-depth tour of Newport. After checking into our hotel, we will meet for dinner.

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Day 5 - Newport

After breakfast, step into the splendor of the Gilded Age with a visit to Marble House, Alva Vanderbilt’s extravagant $11 million birthday gift from her husband, William K. Vanderbilt. This celebrated “summer cottage,” built with more than 500,000 cubic feet of marble, features the famed Gold Room and will be exquisitely dressed in festive holiday finery. Afterward, enjoy free time to browse the boutiques and savor lunch at your leisure in charming downtown Newport.

As evening falls, we will return to Newport’s illustrious past for Sparkling Lights at The Breakers. Stroll an enchanting outdoor path aglow with hundreds of thousands of holiday lights while seasonal music fills the crisp winter air. Discover dazzling displays and delightful surprises before touring the magnificent interior of The Breakers, beautifully decorated for the season.

We will conclude this memorable holiday outing with dinner at a local restaurant.

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Day 6 - Boston Holiday Tour

This morning, we travel to Boston, where the holiday season brings a special magic to the city’s storied streets. On arrival, we will meet our local guide for an engaging sightseeing tour of this historic New England treasure. We will see brownstones adorned with evergreen wreaths and warm strings of lights, and discover the landmarks and stories that shaped America. Highlights include the iconic Freedom Trail, beautiful city parks, and impressive architecture.

Following our tour, we will visit the beloved Winter Holiday Market at Snowport, Boston’s largest seasonal market. Here we will have time to browse offerings from more than 130 local makers and businesses amid dazzling decorations, live music, and over 20,000 twinkling lights.

Later, we will check in to our hotel and take time to freshen up before an early dinner. This evening, we will take our seat at historic Symphony Hall for a joyful Holiday Pops performance by the world-renowned Boston Symphony Orchestra—an unforgettable finale to a festive holiday tour.

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Day 7- Boston

Today, we say goodbye to our holiday fun in New England and begin the journey home with full hearts, wonderful memories, and a little bit of New England magic to carry with us.

Until the next adventure—thank you for making this holiday tour so special

London, Oxford, the Cotswolds and Chelsea Garden Show

 Notes... I  think we should flip this trip and perhaps start with the show... depends on availability. I have most of the trip staying in Oxford. Please book a hotel in the city center the Jericho section, as it is very walkable and lots to do in that area. 

The Chelsea Garden show is May 18 - May 22, 2027, but PUBLIC Days are May 19-22, Member Days a re May 18-19

You may have to flop some days regarding the availability of Highclare Castle and Hidecote Gardens

 Oxford • Cotswolds • Stonehenge• Bath • London • Chelsea Flower Show

 

Day 1 – Tuesday, May 11 | Arrive in London

Arrive in London via your preferred air carrier. Please plan your arrival by 8:00 AM on Wednesday, May 12, in time for the group’s first experience. Private transfer options available upon request.  Meals: On your own. Take the day to rest, stroll, or explore at your own pace—perhaps a gentle walk along the Thames or a casual neighborhood pub dinner.

Overnight: London

Meals on own

 

Day 2 – Wednesday, May 12 | London → Oxford via Waterperry Gardens

look into Blue Badge Guides

Meet your Tour Director and local guide this morning before setting off for Oxford, with a delightful first stop at the enchanting Waterperry Gardens—the perfect introduction to English horticulture. Founded in 1932 by Beatrix Havergal, these beautiful 8 acres showcase everything from rose and formal knot gardens to a water-lily canal, riverside walk, and one of the UK’s finest herbaceous borders. With its graceful mix of classical design and naturalistic planting, Waterperry sets the tone for the journey ahead.

There will be time to enjoy lunch in the charming tea shop, where the Waterperry team prepares everything by hand on the premises using the best locally sourced ingredients. Before you leave, be sure to browse the Gallery and Gift Barn, home to lovely artworks by British artists as well as inspiring home, outdoor living, and gift ideas. Then it’s on to Oxford, where you’ll check into your hotel, freshen up, and gather for a festive welcome dinner to begin your trip in style.

Overnight: Oxford

Lunch on own, Welcome Dinner

Day 3 – Thursday. May 13 | The Cotswolds & Barnsley House Gardens - Burford Village 

Today, following the wonderful breakfast at the hotel, we'll set out to visit one of our favorite villages, Burford, to experience the magic that draws thousands of tourists through this area each year. Burford, nestled along the banks of the River Windrush, has maintained its charm and historical significance, having hosted a local market for the past 900 years. It is also home to one of the top 20 churches of the Cotswolds, which boasts a charming garden of its own and is open to visitors. A special treasure awaits us later this afternoon at the late Rosemary Verey's Barnsley House and Gardens.

Barnsley House’s four-acre garden is the epitome of a delightful English garden, blending many styles in an artful, pleasing combination with subtle, beautiful color and texture coordination. The house dates from 1697, and the garden is enclosed on three sides by a stone wall dating from 1770. The Barnsley House Garden (Now the Pig Hotel in the Cotswolds) was redesigned by Rosemary Verey, who helped design a border at Prince Charles's Garden at Highgrove.

Overnight Oxford

Breakfast, 

lunch on own  

Pub Dinner

Day 4 - Friday, May 14 -Stonehenge and Bath  

Oxford to Stonehenge 88 miles - 2.5 hrs. Stonehenge to bath 40 miles (about 1 hr), bath to Oxford about 1 hr.

Today brings a change of pace as we meet our local guide and head out to explore two of England’s most famous UNESCO World Heritage sites: Stonehenge and Bath. Our first stop is the legendary Stonehenge, one of the world’s most iconic monuments and a true symbol of prehistoric Britain. Standing quietly on the Salisbury Plain for more than 4,000 years, this mysterious stone circle continues to inspire wonder. On our self-guided audio tour, we’ll discover the most up-to-date theories about how Stonehenge was built and what it may have been used for. Was it a sacred site for rituals, a giant calendar tracking the stars, or something else entirely? However you look at it, the story of how massive stones were quarried in Wales and transported over 250 miles remains an astonishing feat of Stone Age engineering.

Next, we’ll travel on to the beautiful city of Bath, famous for its elegant Georgian architecture and rich Roman history. On our drive through the city, we’ll see highlights such as Jane Austen’s home, the sweeping Royal Crescent, and the graceful Circus, once home to artist Thomas Gainsborough. Fans of Bridgerton may also recognize several familiar filming locations. Bath’s real treasure, though, is its ancient Roman bathing complex, built nearly 2,000 years ago around a naturally heated spring. Here, we’ll take a self-guided tour of the baths, learn about the temple dedicated to the healing goddess Sulis Minerva, and enjoy some free time to explore the city center and have lunch at our own pace.

Overnight Oxford

Breakfast & Dinner

Lunch on own

Day 5- Saturday, May 15 - Orientation Tour of Oxford and Day on Your Own

After breakfast, we’ll meet our local guide for a fascinating 2-hour walking tour through the heart of Oxford, the legendary City of Dreaming Spires. With over 1,400 years of history to uncover, this experience brings the city’s past to life, from its Saxon roots to the present day. As you explore the center of Oxford and its famous university, your expert guide will share captivating stories about the city’s most iconic colleges, landmarks, and literary connections.

Along the way, we’ll admire Oxford’s stunning architecture, from its intricate gargoyles and grotesques to the beauty of Radcliffe Square and the charming Bridge of Sighs. You’ll also see the Bodleian Libraries from the outside, stroll past the Radcliffe Camera, and pass some of the oldest colleges and the historic Covered Market. The tour also brings Oxford’s rich cultural side to life, highlighting famous names like JRR Tolkien, CS Lewis, Philip Pullman, and Colin Dexter, as well as the beloved characters they created. With stories of well-known—and sometimes notorious—figures, this is a memorable and engaging introduction to one of the world’s most historic university cities. After our tour, the rest of the day and evening is on your own.

Overnight: Oxford

Breakfast

Lunch and Dinner on own

https://www.getyourguide.com/oxford-l441/the-official-university-and-city-tour-of-oxford-t393316/?ranking_uuid=d55ad644-9d08-4fbb-ae8a-7b086c8c7843

https://www.oxfordofficialwalkingtours.org/tours/oxford-university-city-walking-tour

Day 6 -  Sunday, May 16, Hidcote Manor & Kiftsgate Court Gardens 

https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/gloucestershire-cotswolds/hidcote/group-visits-to-hidcote

http://www.kiftsgate.co.uk/information-for-group-leaders

After breakfast, we’ll head off to explore two spectacular gardens in the beautiful North Cotswolds, both enjoying wonderful views over the Vale of Evesham. Our first stop is Hidcote, one of England’s finest Arts and Crafts gardens. Designed as a series of outdoor “rooms,” each with its own theme and character, Hidcote is a real delight to wander through. From the White Garden to the Fuchsia Garden, the spaces are linked by imaginative vistas, topiary, ponds, fountains, and colourful floral displays. 

In the afternoon, we’ll visit Kiftsgate Court Gardens, a charming and much-loved garden best known for its roses, but with so much more to discover. Created by three generations of women gardeners, Kiftsgate is full of colour, plants, and lovely surprises. This informal 20th-century garden includes herbaceous borders, a four-square garden, a white garden, a yellow border, a rockery, lawns, and a beautiful bluebell wood. One of the highlights is the Kiftsgate Water Garden, also called the New Garden, featuring a striking bronze leaf sculpture by Simon Allison. It’s a wonderful place to enjoy the creativity and beauty of English garden design. After lunch in the tearoom, you will have plenty of time to explore the garden before we head back to Oxford.

Overnight Oxford

Breakfast 

Lunch at the Tearoom at Kiftsgate Court Garden (make reservation)

Dinner on your own

Day 7 - Monday, May 17   Blenheim Palace ( I recommend 5 hours here) 10 - 3

https://www.getyourguide.com/oxford-l441/blenheim-palace-admission-ticket-t161670/?ranking_uuid=862d02ac-dfcd-4cc9-a0ac-d5d0b5007231

After breakfast, we make our way to Blenheim Palace—the only non-royal building in the United Kingdom allowed to be called a palace. A UNESCO World Heritage Site and true jewel of English heritage, it is the ancestral home of the 12th Duke and Duchess of Marlborough and the birthplace of Winston Churchill. Built for the first Duke of Marlborough, this magnificent palace is one of the finest examples of English Baroque architecture. Inside, you can explore the State Rooms, admire antique collections, portraits, tapestries, and elegant furniture, and discover more than 300 years of history at this remarkable National Treasure.

Set in 2,100 acres of beautifully landscaped parkland, designed by the celebrated Capability Brown, Blenheim’s grounds are a delight to explore. From the Formal Gardens and Rose Garden to the peaceful Arboretum, Butterfly House, and charming Secret Garden, there is something to enjoy in every season. Don’t miss the Churchill Exhibition, which tells the story of the great Prime Minister through photographs, diary extracts, and fascinating artefacts. You can also take a miniature train ride to the Walled Garden, home to a Giant Hedge Maze and more fascinating displays, or step behind the scenes with the Life Below Stairs exhibition and the Family Treasures Collections for a glimpse into hidden areas of palace life.

Overnight: Oxford

Breakfast 

Lunch on own at Blenheim Palace

Dinner on own

Day 8 - Tuesday, May 18 - Highclere Castle  (3 to 4 hours recommended)

https://www.highclerecastle.co.uk/pdfs/group_booking_faqs_2026.pdf

This morning, after breakfast, we’ll head out to Highclere Castle, the very same grand Victorian home made famous by Downton Abbey. Set among the rolling hills of Hampshire, the castle has a rich and fascinating history. During World War I, it served as a hospital, and in World War II, it became a refuge for children evacuated from London. It was also home to George Carnarvon, 5th Earl of Carnarvon, who helped finance Howard Carter’s discovery of King Tut’s tomb in 1922. During our visit, we’ll enjoy the Egyptian Exhibition downstairs, wander through the elegant state rooms so familiar to fans of the Crawley family, and take in the beautiful gardens. And if you fancy a break, the Tearoom is the perfect place for a comforting cuppa. You may also recognize Highclere from films such as Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, Eyes Wide Open, and The Secret Garden.

After our tour, we’ll return to Oxford, where the rest of the day and evening are yours to enjoy at leisure. If museums are your thing, you’ll be spoiled for choice, with highlights like the Ashmolean Museum—Britain’s oldest public museum—along with the Oxford University Museum of Natural History, the Pitt-Rivers Museum, and the Christ Church Picture Gallery. If shopping is more your style, Oxford’s oldest covered market and the many charming shops in the city center are just steps from your hotel. And for book lovers, don’t miss Blackwell’s Books, the largest dedicated book-selling space in Europe and a destination in its own right.

Overnight Oxford

Breakfast

Lunch and dinner on your own

Day 9 -Wednesday, May 19 -  Oxford- London - en route Hampton Court Palace and Gardens 

https://www.hrp.org.uk/tower-of-london/visit/group-visits/

Enjoy a relaxed morning at leisure before we make our way to London, with a special stop at the magnificent Hampton Court Palace and Gardens for a self-guided visit. Set on the banks of the Thames just southwest of the city, this historic royal residence began with Cardinal Wolsey in 1514, was later taken by Henry VIII in 1529, and was further enhanced by Sir Christopher Wren in 1689. Inside, you can wander through beautifully preserved apartments filled with period porcelain, furniture, paintings, and tapestries.

For many visitors, the true highlight is the palace’s spectacular gardens. Spanning nearly 60 acres, they feature more than 200,000 flowering bulbs and 140,000 plants grown in the palace nurseries, with roots stretching back to the 16th century. You’ll also have the chance to explore the famous Hampton Court Maze, planted in 1714 and covering a third of an acre. 

After checking into our hotel, we will meet for a festive dinner in London

Overnight London

Breakfast

Lunch on own

Dinner

Day 10 - Thursday, May 20, RHS Chelsea Flower Show - full day

The gates open at 8 am, and we’ll be there to enjoy a full day at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show—the world’s most prestigious gardening event, held annually at the Royal Hospital Chelsea in London. Set along the banks of the Thames, this globally renowned five-day exhibition showcases cutting-edge landscape design, innovative planting schemes, and exciting new botanical varieties from some of the finest international designers.

This year’s show promises a wonderful mix of large-scale floral displays, sustainability-focused gardens, and inspiring ideas centered on wellbeing and climate resilience. Highlights include royal-themed gardens, rare plant collections, and brand-new rose varieties unveiled especially for the occasion. Visitors can also explore the stunning Great Pavilion, the heart of the show, where specialist nurseries and growers present new plants and breathtaking floral displays. With exceptional shopping, Michelin-level food, and elegant private chalets such as the Spring Garden dining experience, it’s set to be a truly unforgettable day.

Overnight London

Breakfast

Lunch and Dinner on own

Day 11 -  Friday,  May 21 - London

https://www.hrp.org.uk/tower-of-london/whats-on/yeoman-warder-tours/

https://www.viator.com/tours/London/Tower-of-London-Storytelling-Tour-with-Thames-River-Cruise/d737-24338P83

 After breakfast, we’ll visit the Tower of London, a UNESCO World Heritage Site rich with nearly 1,000 years of history. We’ll be met by a Yeoman Warder, also known as a “Beefeater,” who will share fascinating stories of intrigue, imprisonment, execution, and torture. We’ll learn how William the Conqueror built the White Tower and hear about the prisoners who entered through Traitors’ Gate. Next, we’ll explore the infamous Bloody Tower and hear tales of its temporary residents, including the missing princes and Sir Walter Raleigh.  We’ll follow in the footsteps of those condemned, including Queen Anne Boleyn, Catherine Howard, and Lady Jane Grey, as we visit Tower Green and the Scaffold Site. Yeoman Warders will share details about the famous prisoners executed there, many of whom are now buried nearby in the Chapel Royal of St. Peter ad Vincula. A special highlight will be seeing the Crown Jewels and discovering their dazzling history. 

Afterwards, at a nearby pier, we’ll board a boat for a relaxing 30-minute cruise on the Thames, gliding past Tower Bridge, The Shard, Shakespeare’s Globe, and London’s iconic skyline. After our cruise, the rest of the day and evening are yours to enjoy at your leisure. Perhaps you will want to visit the British Museum, have tea at Fortnum and Mason, or visit Piccadilly Circus, the "Times Square" of London.

Overnight: London

Breakfast 

Lunch and Dinner on own

Day 12 - Saturday, May 22  Depart for Home