New England: Rail & Sail

Duration: 4 Days | Meals Included: 3 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch,  3 Dinners

 

Trip Highlights:

 

Squam Lake Boat Cruise

Experience a boat cruise on Squam Lake, famously known as the setting for the movie On Golden Pond. Discover the lake's rich natural history, its unique wildlife, and hear stories of those who have cherished these waters for over 5,000 years. Keep your eyes peeled for sightings of the majestic Common Loons and Bald Eagles that frequent this area. Relax aboard a canopied, heated pontoon boat as you soak in the serene beauty of Squam Lake.

 

 

Cafe Lafayette Dinner Train

Enjoy a scenic dinner train ride along the fields and forests of the Pemigewasset River and travel through the award-winning Jack O'Lantern Golf Resort in the heart of the White Mountain Region of New Hampshire. Travel in the "Granite Eagle," one of three beautifully restored Pullman dining cars, and indulge in a four-course meal served in the elegant Grand European style. Period music sets the ambiance, blending with the rhythmic rumble of the rails and the nostalgic whistle of the engine. As twilight sets in, relish the romantic atmosphere and imagine yourself transported back in time. The experience spans two hours and covers 20 miles roundtrip.

 

 

Mount Washington Cog Railway

Experience the world's first mountain climbing cog railway on a scenic ride to the summit of Mount Washington, the highest peak in the Northeast. The round-trip journey lasts approximately three hours, including a one-hour stop at the summit, where you can capture breathtaking views and enjoy the natural beauty of the White Mountains. Trains run in all weather conditions, rain, snow, or shine, and may be powered by steam or diesel engines.

 

 

Kellerhaus Ice Cream & Candy Shop and Sweet Treat

Kellerhaus, nestled in the Weirs Beach area of Laconia, NH, is a cherished family-operated business renowned for its handmade chocolates, candies, and ice cream. Since 1906, they've perfected their recipes, ensuring each treat is crafted with tradition and care. During your visit, delight in a delicious one-scoop ice cream sundae as part of the experience!

 

Kancamagus Scenic Highway

Experience one of the most picturesque routes through New Hampshire's White Mountains: the famed "Kanc," a local nickname for the Kancamagus Highway. This scenic road climbs nearly 3,000 feet along the flank of Mt. Kancamagus, named after an early Penacook Confederacy Chief known as "The Fearless One." Chief Kancamagus sought peace between his people and settlers, yet faced ongoing English harassment, leading to conflict and his eventual relocation in the 1690s. Along this highway, you'll discover the Rocky Gorge Scenic Area, where the Swift River has sculpted a narrow passage through solid rock over centuries. Here, marvel at Mother Nature's finest craftsmanship while strolling the paths around beautiful Falls Pond.

 

 

Fadden's General Store & Maple Sugarhouse

Nestled in North Woodstock, NH, Fadden's General Store and Maple Sugarhouse has been a beloved fixture since the 1930s, renowned for their award-winning maple syrup products. Browse through a charming array of gift items, candles, and souvenirs alongside their full range of maple syrup offerings. During your visit, learn about the fascinating process of maple syrup production.

 

Franconia Notch

Explore one of the most breathtaking scenic routes in the White Mountains, featuring stops at iconic landmarks. Begin at the Old Man of the Mountain Profile Plaza, honoring New Hampshire's state symbol carved in granite. Then, marvel at "The Basin," a stunning 20-foot glacial pothole nestled within a beautiful waterfall.

 

White Mountain Visitors Center

Kick off our White Mountains experience with a welcoming stop at the White Mountains Visitor Center. Enjoy time inside the spacious facility, where engaging exhibits and a wealth of regional information provide the perfect introduction to the natural beauty, history, and attractions of New Hampshire’s White Mountains.

 

North Conway, NH

Take advantage of free time to explore this charming New England village where a variety of restaurants, cafés, and local favorites offer something for every taste. Browse the unique boutiques and specialty shops downtown, visit the famous tax-free outlet stores, or simply relax and soak in the beautiful White Mountain scenery.

 

Meal Information:

 

Dinner on day one is included at the Mountain Club on Loon

Dinner will be served buffet-style and features a rotating menu with favorites such as roasted chicken, pulled pork, grilled steak, red bliss potatoes, baked ricotta stuffed shells, seasonal vegetables, a variety of deluxe salads, soup, and specials. Dinner is served with rolls and dessert. Soft drinks, juice, hot coffee, and hot tea are included.

 

Lunch on day two is included at The Cog Railway. Boxed lunch choices are:

• Turkey & Cheese sandwich on a bun

• Ham & Cheese sandwich on a bun

• Vegan/Gluten-free vegetable soup

• Peanut butter & jelly sandwiches (2)

Lunch is served with a bag of chips, fruit, and a cookie. A bottle of water is included.

 

Dinner on day two is included at Woodstock Inn & Brewery. Choices are:

• Yankee Pot Roast with homemade mashed potatoes and butternut squash

• New England Baked Haddock with homemade mashed potatoes and butternut squash

• Chicken Breast with homemade stuffing, gravy, mashed potatoes, and butternut squash

• Vegetarian Pasta Primavera tossed in creamy Alfredo sauce

Dinner is served with garden salad, beer bread, and dessert. Soft drinks and coffee are included.

 

Dinner on day three is included aboard the Cafe Lafayette Dinner Train

Daily dinner menu will be announced on arrival, and includes an entree and appetizer. Dinner is seved with rolls, salad, sorbet, and dessert.

 

Menus are subject to change.

 

Need to Know:

• Cog Railway: We recommend bringing an extra jacket or sweater, along with sturdy footwear suitable for snowy or wet conditions, as weather at the summit can be unpredictable. It’s often much colder at the top of Mount Washington.

• Every Starr trip includes deluxe round-trip motorcoach transportation from one or more of our departure locations.

• A Starr Tour Director will accompany you on this trip.

• Baggage handling at hotels is included.

 

Accessibility:

• Cog Railway: Marshfield Base Station is fully accessible, with restrooms in the main and lower lobbies and an elevator providing access to both levels. The Mount Washington State Park Visitor Center at the summit is similarly accessible. However, the passenger coaches are historic in design, with three steps up to the boarding deck, narrow aisles and doorways. A mobility-impaired guest must be capable of negotiating steps (and transferring from a wheelchair)– by themselves or with assistance from others in their group– to their assigned seat on the coach. If space is available, they will transport your folding wheelchair or walker on the train, or they can provide one of theirs for your use at the summit. Due to space and weight limitations, they are not able to transport motorized wheelchairs. For these reasons and others, including weather and terrain conditions at the summit, guests with mobility devices may have difficulty with some aspects of the experience.

• Starr has a select quantity of wheelchair accessible motorcoaches available; therefore, we suggest you contact a Travel Advisor to discuss any needs you may have before reserving your trip.

The Mountain Club on Loon (Lincoln, NH)

Discover the Mountain Club on Loon, where you can soak in breathtaking views of Loon Mountain and the surrounding White Mountain peaks, leaving your everyday world behind the moment you arrive. The resort features a Health Club with an indoor pool and spa (spa services available for an additional charge) as well as a restaurant and a pub. Guestrooms include coffee maker and hair dryer. Due to the nature of the hotel, room views, sizes, and bed styles may vary.