Independence Trail 1 - New England

Independence Trail 1 – New England

7 days – 6 nights

Burlington, Fort Ticonderoga, Saratoga Springs, Springfield, Lebanon, Concord, Cambridge, Boston

History, Discovery, Fun

This program may be operated for individuals or for groups

This is a suggested itinerary

This tour can be reversed to start in Boston and end in Burlington

Day 1: Burlington, Saratoga Springs (126 miles)

We suggest you book a flight arriving at Burlington before 12 noon. Pick-up your car at the airport and drive 1 hour to Fort Ticonderoga and begin your visit with a bang as you observe the afternoon musket demonstration. Take some time to walk around the beautiful grounds surrounding the gardens and be sure to take photos of Lake Champlain and the Green Mountains of Vermont! Garden lovers should catch the afternoon garden tour to the King’s Garden. Take time to visit some of the exhibits before you make your way up Mount Defiance for the guided “Witness to His-tory Tour” at 4 pm. You’ll need to drive all the way up to Mount Defiance, but the short 3-mile trip will be worth the stunning sight as you have a birds-eye view to history! After the visit, continue 70 miles south to reach Saratoga Springs for overnight.

Day 2: Saratoga Springs (5 miles)

In what now is the Saratoga National Historical Park where, in 1777 during the American War for Independence, American troops battled and beat a British invasion force, marking the first time in world history that a British Army ever surrendered. This crucial victory secured essential foreign recognition and support, affirmed United States way to independence and changed the face of the world. Built in the last quarter of the 19th century, Saratoga Monument commemorates the American victory in the Battles of Saratoga. General Burgoyne's British Army, retreating north from the Americans, made this ridge their final defense before their surrender. Take the Victory Woods path around the 22 acres that mark the final encampment site for the British Army prior to their 17 October 1777 surrender to American forces. The trail is self-guided and offers a raised, accessible 1/2-mile pathway with interpretive signs. The American victory at Saratoga was not an ordinary one—it completely changed the nature of the Revolutionary War in favor of the United States, which finally won its fight for independence in 1783. It was in Victory Woods that British grief and despair turned into American victory and success. Tike time to watch the several recreation acts of the war history. Return to Saratoga Springs for overnight.

Day 3: Saratoga Springs, Springfield (120 miles)

Continue enjoying beautiful Saratoga Springs before you attack a 2-hour drive to Springfield and visit the Armory National Historic Site. Following the closure of the Springfield Armory in 1968, pub-lic action would drive congress to create Springfield Armory National Historic Site in the late 1970s. Started as a technical reference library for the workers and engineers at Springfield Armory, the museum collection has grown into one of the largest collections of military small arms in the world although the bulk of the collections are not on public display. For nearly two centuries, the US Armed Forces and American industry looked to Springfield Armory for innovative engineering and superior firearms. The site commemorates the critical role of the nation’s first armory by pre-serving and interpreting the world's largest historic US military arms collection, along with histor-ic archives, buildings, and landscapes. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 4: Springfield, Boston (162 miles)

This morning you have a 1-hour drive to the picturesque New England village of Lebanon, Con-necticut, to visit the Lebanon Town Green that was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1978, because of the significance and the number of buildings associated with figures prominent in state and local history making you feel a part of the past come alive. Around the green are some of the most important buildings connected with Connecticut's role in the Revolu-tion when the town was the home of the war governor and the focal point of the state's contribu-tions to the patriot cause. It is these activities that earned Lebanon its place in history as "the heartbeat of the Revolution". From the raising of a Liberty Pole by local Sons of Liberty during the Stamp Act crisis to the outbreak of the war, the men and women of Lebanon were active protes-tors against British policies. During the Revolution, at least 677 Lebanon men, more than 50 per-cent of the adult population at that time, served in the American units, from the Battle of Bunker Hill to the end of the campaigns in 1782. Most of the buildings are private homes. Among these are the William Williams and Redwood, a masterpiece by Isaac Fitch. After the visit drive 97 miles to Boston for overnight.

Day 5: Boston Surroundings (65 miles)

Ten minutes south of Boston is the House known as the John Adams Birthplace, bought by John Adams' father in 1720. Fifteen years later, John Adams was born in this humble cottage set in a quiet rural setting where his father tilled the farm during the summer and practiced the trade of shoemaking (called cordwaining in New England) in winter. Deacon John Adams (1692-1761), in-stilled in his oldest son a strong interest in municipal affairs and farming and a respect for God. John's mother, Susanna Boylston (1709-1797), came from one of Massachusetts' most prominent families and introduced her son to the customs and lifestyles of the elite of colonial Boston. Upon his father's death in 1761, john's brother Peter Boylston Adams inherited the original homestead. The adjacent house, which Deacon John purchased in 1744, was bequeathed to John. The future second president eventually bought his birthplace from his brother in 1774. John and Abigail Ad-ams lived next door and rented out this house during the Revolutionary War. Less than 2 miles south is the Old House or Peacefield as John Adams called it was built in 1731 and became the residence of the Adams family for four generations from 1788 to 1927. It was home to Presidents John Adams and John Quincy Adams; First Ladies Abigail and Louisa Catherine Adams; Civil War Minister to Great Britain Charles Francis Adams and literary historians Henry and Brooks Adams. The vast collection of original artifacts inside the Old House greatly assists the park's staff to relate the Adams family's legacy of service to their nation. Adjacent to the house is the Stone Library, built in 1873, that contains more than 12,000 books that belonged to the Adamses. Then, take the highway northwest, circling Boston, to reach the Concord Battleground at Minute Man National Historical Park, where the opening battle of the Revolution is brought to life as visitors explore the battlefields and structures associated with 19 April 1775 and witness the American revolutionary spirit through the writings of the Concord authors. Daily life for the people who lived along the old Bay Road changed forever with the battle. Many of the houses along the road, known since 1775 as "The Battle Road," are still standing today and you may visit some of them that are part of the park. Complete your visit at the actual battle site, 7 miles east, at Lexington Common National His-toric Site. On your way back to Boston, stop at Cambridge Cannon Commons, a popular outdoor spot part of the history of Cambridge for over 250 years. Throughout the Boston Campaign, the Cambridge Common was used by the Continental Army as a place for drill and encampment. To-day Cambridge Common has several monuments, including a plaque representing where the Washington Elm once stood, as well as a nearby trio of cannons dedicated to Revolutionary War figures. Finally, head to Boston for overnight.

Day 6: Boston (7 miles)

The Freedom Trail is a 2.5-mile-long path through downtown Boston, Massachusetts, that passes by 16 locations significant to the history of the United States. Marked largely with brick, it winds between Boston Common to the Bunker Hill Monument in Charlestown. Stops along the trail in-clude simple explanatory ground markers, graveyards, notable churches and buildings, and a his-toric naval frigate. While most of the sites are free or suggest donations, the Old South Meeting House, the Old State House, and the Paul Revere House charge admission. The Freedom Trail was conceived by local journalist William Schofield, who in 1951 suggested building a pedestrian trail to link important local landmarks. Boston mayor John Hynes decided to put Schofield's idea into action. By 1953, 40,000 people were walking the trail annually.

Day 7: Boston, Hometown (4 miles)

Your first installment of the Revolutionary Trail ends today. Drop-off your car at Logan International Airport and board your flight back home.

Note: Due to COVID-19 restrictions some of the attractions in this itinerary may be closed. Check before planning your trip.

Tour includes

Airfare New York-Burlington//Boston-New York
6 nights’ accommodation at hotels of your choice:
- Saratoga springs 2 nights
- Springfield 1 night
- Boston 3 nights
Breakfast daily where available
Fort Ticonderoga Tour
America the Beautiful National Parks Pass
Nissan Versa rental for the duration of the trip including*:
- Automatic Transmission
- Air Conditioning
- 2 doors
- 4 seats
- Unlimited Mileage
- Sales Tax
- Local Fees
- Free Cancellation

* Mazda 3 for 4 people or Chevrolet Tahoe for 6 people. Car models are just for information and similar types may be substituted,

Not included in tour

Airfare taxes and fees
Car rental does not include:
- Additional Driver: $90
- Child Seat: $90
- Booster Seat: $90
- Rental GPS: $90
Meals not mentioned under inclusions
Travel Insurance
Visas
Early check-in or late check out
Wi-Fi in rooms
Tips to guides or drivers
Expenses of a personal nature
Any item not mentioned as “Included”

Hotels

City	Hotel Name	Tripadvisor
Superior Tourist
Saratoga Springs	Hilton Garden Inn Saratoga Springs	4.5
Springfield	La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Springfield MA	4
Boston	Holiday Inn Boston Bunker Hill	5
First Class
Saratoga Springs	Saratoga Casino Hotel	4.5
Springfield	Regency Inn & Suites West Springfield	4
Boston	Boston Park Plaza	4
Superior First Class
Saratoga Springs	The Springwater Bed and Breakfast	5
Springfield	Hilton Garden Inn Springfield MA	4
Boston	The Westin Boston Waterfront	4

Hotels will be confirmed at time of booking

Prices

From: $839 including airfare from New York

Add-ons available from all US gateways.

Price above, based on Superior Tourist hotels and a minimum of 4 people traveling together, is per person and may change without notice. Prices for groups or smaller parties available.

These programs can be customized for individuals and for groups

Changes to this program may be requested by phone (1855-55-TOURS) or using the web FIT Quote Request

Airfare

We also be glad to add the necessary airfare from your gateway so you take advantage of our special discounted leisure fares

Program

You may add or remove;

- Trip days
- Cities and sites
- Meals

Other options
- The program was designed with private services, however, we may substitute shared sightseeing where available
- If you prefer deluxe services we may operate this program including private driver, private guide and concierge service.

Quotation

Once we have designed the program the way you want we'll give you a quote within 2 business days.

Tour Code: UA07BVT21DTT

Options

Lunches and dinners can be arranged for individuals, families and groups at top restaurants or any restaurant requested by you.
We can revise the itinerary to spend more time and provide more depth in those areas that you are interested on.
Any other changes to the itinerary will be accommodated depending on the facilities available in the area.
Car can be upgraded upon request

Group Quotations

If you wish to use these programs for your group or as the basis for a customized journey please either call us (1-855-55-TOURS or use the web Group Quote Request.
In either case our specialists will work with to refine all the details and they will get you a quote with 2 business days. Quotes may be obtained for the air and land portions of just for the lad journey.
Booking both air and land with us will represent savings for you because of our buying power and longtime relationship with the airlines.

We will also may have the choice between regular fares and special leisure fares not available to the public.

Others

The U.S. Parks Pass

The America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass is your ticket to more than 2,000 federal recreation sites across the country. A pass covers entrance, standard amenity fees and day use fees for a driver and all passengers in a personal vehicle at per vehicle fee areas (or up to four adults at sites that charge per person). Children age 15 or under are admitted free.

Passes are shipped with two empty sections for the pass holder. Share pass ownership with family or friends; each pass can be signed by two main pass owners.

Independence Trail 1 - New England

Independence Trail 1 - New England

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