Check-in to hotel and this evening mingle with other group members at a meet and greet reception hosted by our guide, a beer aficionado and destination specialist. We’ll be given an introduction to our 7-day exploration of New England. From the historic streets of Boston, to the breathtaking beauty of Maine’s rocky coastline and the awe-inspiring mountains of New Hampshire and Vermont, we’ll taste the holy grails of craft beer in each region.

This morning take an orientation tour of Boston’s historic Freedom Trail, architecturally significant Back Bay, and bustling waterfront. Boston continues to be an important centre of commerce, technology and the arts for both the region and the country—as well as craft beer.

In the afternoon head north to Portsmouth, a port city with cobblestoned streets, a down-town filled with charming shops and restaurants, significant examples of Colonial, Georgian, and Federal style houses, and brewers who continue New England’s rich beer-making history. And, like a true New Englander, the beers brewed here are approachable, dependable and impervious to trends. After a tour and tastings we’ll continue along the coast to Ogunquit, a popular beach resort whose name means “beautiful place by the sea”.

OPTIONAL: Tonight, enjoy an inventive dinner menu to match a selection of beers that would make any beer geek proud.

MORNING OPTIONAL: Start the day with a walk on the Marginal Way, a mile-long, paved foot path along the rocky coast with picture-perfect views worthy of any photography book. Upon arrival at Perkins Cove, board a lobster boat for a one-hour cruise. See traps hauled and lobsters caught by authentic Maine lobstermen. The tour guide will provide a detailed explanation of the lobster fishery and the many scenic points of interest along the way. This afternoon we’ll travel to Portland, ranked #1 craft beer city in the world by Matador Network. With a population of 200,000, this old port city with a young vibe is home to 19 craft brewing companies and an additional 15 craft brew pubs. We’ll tour several that interpret historic styles with unique twists.

Return to Ogunquit. Evening is free to explore the village shops and restaurants.

This morning travel through the lakes region and into the White Mountains of New Hampshire. Spend time in North Conway for shopping at its famous tax-free outlets.

OR

OPTIONAL: Travel to Mt. Washington and ride the Cog Railway to the summit of the eastern seaboard’s tallest peak. The Cog is the world’s first mountain-climbing railway and a National Historic Engineering Landmark. Once at the top, one can visit the Observatory Museum and the historic Tiptop House before the trip down. On a clear day, the view extends all the way to the Atlantic Ocean.

OPTIONAL: This evening enjoy a hearty, New England-style dinner paired with the best of New Hampshire’s booming craft beer scene.

Today we drive along the Kancamagus Highway, a 55 km long two-lane road, considered one of the most scenic drives in the region. It has been designated a National Scenic Byway by the US Department of Transportation. Cross over the border into Vermont. We taste our way to Stowe, a charming resort town at the base of Mt. Mansfield.

OPTIONAL: For dinner this evening savour fresh, farm-to-table dishes featuring Vermont products, all expertly paired with Vermont craft brews.

One can use the amenities of the resort this morning or choose an optional experience.

OPTIONAL: “Cooking with Vermont Beer“ will be the subject in this cooking class led by a Cook Academy chef. Learn the most delicious ways to incorporate local brews into cuisine.

OR

OPTIONAL: Take a guided, relaxed horse ride through the foothills of the Green Mountains. Ride through serene woodlands with spectacular views of Mount Mansfield and Smugglers Notch. Keep the camera at the ready to capture pictures of wildlife and beautiful scenery.

This afternoon we’ll follow Vermont’s IPA Highway to some of the state’s most sought-after breweries renown for their India Pale Ale (IPA) and in between there’s lots of scenery and quintessential New England places to stop.

OPTIONAL: Final night dinner at the Trapp Family Lodge, owned and still operated by the von Trapp family, made famous in the movie The Sound of Music. Their beer is brewed on site and pairs perfectly with each course.

We’ll make a short stop in Woodstock, named “the prettiest small town in America” by Yankee Magazine, while en route to Boston. Upon arrival, we’ll visit the Grand-daddy of the craft brew movement in America—the Boston Beer Co, makers of Sam Adams. While some may argue it’s no longer a craft brewery, the tour and tastings of some of their more unique brews are worth the visit.

Departing members will be brought to Logan International airport by late afternoon.

6 night accommodation, 3 breakfasts, welcome reception, transportation via air-conditioned small coach, sprinter, or van, 

professional guide, scheduled brewery tours/tastings, sightseeing to include: Boston and Cambridge including the Freedom Trail, Harvard Yard, Faneuil Hall Market Place, Portsmouth’s Historic Center, Portland Headlight, Portland’s Old Port, White Mountains of New Hampshire, Kancamagus Scenic Byway, Woodstock VT, Stowe VT including Von Trapp Family Lodge.