Day 1
Our day begins with our flight to Boston from St. Louis. Upon arrival we will stop for lunch before the drive south to beautiful Cape Cod. The shores of Cape Cod celebrate the sea and are home natural beauty and quaint colonial villages. In her classic tribute to this sandy Massachusetts peninsula, singer Patti Page sang wistfully of “miles of green beneath a sky of blue.” In memory of those timeless lyrics, people continue to find inspiration in Cape Cod’s incomparable beauty and seaside character. Cape Cod has long been known for its hundreds of miles of sandy coastline, whale sightings, lighthouses, and world-class creative and recreational opportunities. We will check into our comfortable Cape Cod accommodations for the next three nights. Our welcome dinner this evening will be out on the town. (D)

Day 2
After breakfast our local guide will join us aboard our coach for a full day of exploring! We will travel historic Old King’s Highway, a scenic byway winding through centuries of Cape Cod history. It rolls past hundreds of historic structures which characterize its early development. View a windmill, a Cape Cod Lighthouse and visit the Cape Cod National Sea Shore and Visitor’s Center. Sand dunes and the ocean surround you as you approach “Land’s End” in Providence at the extreme tip of Cape Cod. Formerly known as the “Province Lands”, the Pilgrims landed here first before they decided to settle across the Bay in Plymouth. The story of American Democracy started there in 1620 with the Mayflower Compact. After lunch, we have two excursions to choose from - one on land and one on water! (one excursion per guest): 

WHALE WATCHING CRUISE: Board an excursion vessel for an amazing experience of Whale Watching (3 hours). You will travel into a robust and diverse marine habitat. Try to spot Humpback, Minke, and Fin whales going about their daily business. An onboard naturalist will introduce you to everything you see and will answer any of your questions. 

(OR) 

CAPE COD DUNE TOUR: Ride through the protected lands of the Cape Cod National Seashore, the largest protected coastline in the country. Your driver/guide will point out the “dune shacks” where famous artists and writers became inspired to create their art. 

After our amazing excursions, we will partake in a true Cape Cod Lobster dinner before retiring back at our hotel for the night. (B/D) 

Day 3
After breakfast our guide will escort us to the HY-LINE Docks to board the high-speed ferry to the island of Martha’s Vineyard, where we will then board a local bus for a stunning sightseeing tour. We’ll learn about the history and lifestyles of the islanders as we pass through Vineyard Haven. There will be free time for lunch and shopping in the historic whaling town of Edgartown, then we’ll complete our day on the island in Oak Bluffs. Stroll through “Cottage City” with its brightly painted cottages and decorative “gingerbread” trim and enjoy dinner back on the mainland before returning to our hotel. (B/D)

Day 4
After breakfast we will depart our hotel and travel to America’s Hometown - Plymouth. Home of the Pilgrim Fathers and one of the country’s first settlements. A picture stop will be made at the Forefather’s Monument, the largest solid granite monument in the United States. It stands facing the harbor welcoming those who come by water. View the newly restored Mayflower II which is a reproduction of the ship that brought the Pilgrims to the New World. Afterwards we will be treated to a Lobster Tales Cruise! Aboard our lobster vessel we will glide through the tranquil waters of Plymouth Harbor, experience a “hands on” approach to see how lobsters are harvested from their natural environment, and roll up your sleeves to help haul in lobster traps. Afterwards, you’ll have time for dinner on your own and to browse Plymouth’s historic Court Street. Our overnight accommodations will be close by. (B/L/D)

Day 5
After breakfast we depart our hotel and arrive at historic Quincy Market in downtown Boston for lunch and browsing. For over 250 years the marketplace has played an integral role in the life of Boston’s residents. There are over 100 shops, carts and artisans to offer treasures! Later this afternoon, we will arrive at Boston International Airport for our evening flight home. (B)