Classic Drives - New England Tour

New England's vivid autumn colours, dramatic rocky coastline, majestic mountains, delicious seafood, and friendly people attract millions of visitors to the region every year. These six New England states, nestled in the scenic northeast of the US, are perfect for touring, especially from May to October. Since winters are very cold and snowy, plan your drive in the warmer months, when the roads are safe and the scenery is at its best. Many travellers plan their drives in October, when the autumn foliage is spectacular.

This driving tour of New England takes in many of the regional highlights. It will take you about two weeks and the total distance is around 800 miles.

Boston Before you start your drive, give yourself a day or two to have a look around Boston. If you enjoy walking, you can follow the 'Freedom Trail' for a look at some of the city's historical sights, have a coffee at Quincy Market, then finish up with a stroll on Boston Common. Keen shoppers can head for the upmarket shops on Newbury Street and the rest can take a 'Duck Tour' of the city, on land and river. Consider staying at the friendly Copley Square Hotel, located near Boston's top attractions.

Coastal New England Get up early and head north along the North Shore, through coastal New Hampshire and on up to Kennebunkport, Maine (85 miles). Just before Kennebunkport, in the town of Kittery, there are 120 outlet shops, filled with great bargains over a one-mile stretch. Plan to stay for one or two nights in Kennebunkport, where you can go whale watching, deep-sea fishing, canoeing and kayaking, and take a lobster boat tour. The Nonantum Resort, right on the river, is a great place to stay. The dining room menu includes delicious steamed lobster and fresh fried oysters and clams.

The White Mountains The next day's drive takes you to the picturesque White Mountains, in the state of New Hampshire (116 miles). Along the way, you'll go through North Conway, where you can take an 11-mile trip through the mountains on the Conway Scenic Railroad or you can head for Mount Washington, for a strenuous hike to the top of the state's highest peak. Plan to stay for a couple of nights. The Rivergreen Resort, on the banks of the Pemigewassett River, in nearby Lincoln has plenty of family activities year round.

The Green Mountains On or about day five, your 145-mile journey takes you to the Green Mountains, in the state of Vermont. Consider staying at Stowe for two nights, and do the half-day canoe trip on the Mad River or you can explore the scenic Stowe Recreation Path by bike. Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream Plant, in nearby Waterbury, offers tours and free samples of ice cream. 'Sound of Music' fans should stay at the Austria-themed Trapp Family Lodge in Stowe.

The Berkshires Now head south toward the Berkshire Hills, where you'll find many art museums and galleries, and in summer, several summer theatre festivals. Stop to have a coffee in the classic New England village of Woodstock and, further down the road, visit the Quechee Gorge, a spectacular river gorge a mile long and 165 feet deep. Plan to stay for a night or two at Williamstown, just over the border in Massachusetts. A perfect place to stay is the Williams Inn.

Newport Your classic New England drive now takes you south through the Berkshires and on to Newport, Rhode Island (186 miles). Plan to stay a couple of days, to browse through the city's trendy boutiques, art and antique galleries, and to marvel at the luxurious yachts moored in the Newport marina. The Best Western Mainstay, situated right in the heart of Newport, is comfortable and affordable.

Cape Cod The last stop on your journey is beautiful Cape Cod, just 82 miles east of Newport. Here you can cycle, walk, browse the shops and galleries, and relax on the beautiful beaches. Excursions to Martha's Vineyard or Nantucket, inhabited islands to the south, are very popular. Consider staying for a couple of nights at the Cape Codder Resort and Spa. Leave plenty of time for the last 72 miles back to Boston - indulge yourself in one last delicious seafood lunch along the way, to top off a fantastic trip.