As summer wanes and the last of the tourists depart, the islands of Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard only become more beautiful, with leaves turning to orange, crimson, and yellow. Discover these islands’ rich histories in whaling and literature; wander through cobblestoned streets lined with delightful shops and cafes; and marvel at the remarkable architecture of a bygone era. Back on the mainland you’ll revel in the delightfully charming New England towns of Old Saybrook and Essex. Relax aboard the 138-guest Yorktown as you round the tip of Manhattan and past the Statue of Liberty, sail up the Hudson River, whose surroundings are ablaze in the vibrant colors of autumn. Discover Gilded Age splendor at Kykuit, the Rockefeller estate in Pocantico Hills, the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library Museum, and some of the Hudson River Valley’s most prominent art museums. Also visit the grounds of the United States Military Academy at West Point, whose sprawling
campus has been designated at National Historic Landmark.

Highlights:

17th century architecture in Nantucket, Martha's Vineyard historic buildings, Victorian and Colonial houses of Old Saybrook, historic churches and homes of Essex, Pocantico Hills mansion and Union Church, Franklin D. Roosevelt Presedential Library and Museum, West Point Military Academy - National Historic Landmark.

Cruise Departure Dates:
From Providence: Sep 29, Oct 13, 2012
From New York: Oct 6, 2012

Providence is the capital and most populous city of Rhode Island and was one of the first cities established in the United States. Located in Providence County, it is the third largest city in the New England region. The East Side is home to the First Baptist Church in America, the oldest Baptist church in the Americas, founded by Roger Williams in 1638, as well as the Old State House, which served as the state's capitol from 1762 to 1904.

Meet your driver for an airport transfer with private vehicle from Boston Logan Airport to Providence, Rhode Island. 

Travel south to the legendary resort town of Newport, filled with the opulence and grandeur of an earlier period. Tour along Ocean Drive and “Millionaire Row” to view the “summer cottages” of the Gilded Age. Visit the Breakers, built by Cornelius Vanderbilt II. It is Newport’s largest and most popular mansion. Then pass by Hammersmith Farm, Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy’s home and later the Summer White House. Time will be allotted for lunch and shopping at the historic Brick Marketplace and restores waterfront. Entrance fee to Breakers Mansion is included.

The Renaissance Providence Hotel is centrally located in the Capitol District of downtown Providence near the city's top attractions. This historic 1929 property was originally built as a Masonic temple and boasts remarkable neoclassical architecture. Stylish hotel rooms offer timeless luxury, stunning detail, and refined comforts, as well as innovative technology. Indulge in fine cuisine at Temple Restaurant, where atmosphere and taste blend together for the ultimate Mediterranean dining experience. Recreational facilities include a fitness center.

Overnight at Renaissance Providence.

Relax on board your luxury cruise ship as you traverse the Atlantic waters along coastal New England. As one of the earliest English settlements in North America, colonial history and relics run deep in the New England region, offering visitors an opportunity to explore the American past through land excursions at some of the area's most significant ports.

Embark the Yorktown today at the Providence pier, as you begin your voyage through the fall foliage of the New England Islands and the Hudson River.

The Yorktown is the perfect vessel for relaxed and convivial exploration of America’s great coastal waterways. 257 feet long, 43 feet wide, with a draft of 8 feet, the Yorktown is able to maneuver in secluded waterways and visit small ports that are inaccessible to larger vessels. Accommodating 138 guests in 69 exterior cabins, the Yorktown enjoys an atmosphere of warm and relaxed informality that endears it to repeat and new guests alike. In addition to a large sun deck, the Yorktown boasts a spacious lounge for social gatherings and lectures as well as quiet space for private conversation. The ship’s cuisine, served in a dining room large enough to accommodate all guests at once, emphasizes American regional culinary traditions and specialties.

Overnight at Yorktown (B,L,D).

Nantucket is one of the premier destinations along the eastern seaboard, where seaside cottages and old fashioned lamps still illuminate the streets. Named a National Historic District, the island has retained much of its 17th century architecture, and today, nearly 40 percent of the island is protected conservation land. During your full day in Nantucket you may wish to visit the impressive whaling museum, with its skeleton of a 43-foot finback whale; Hadwen House, a grand 19th-century Greek Revival home; or Jethro Coffin House, built in 1696 and the oldest standing building on the island.

Overnight at Yorktown (B,L,D).

Over a century ago, Martha’s Vineyard was one of the world’s most important whaling centers. Today, its picturesque landscape of fishing villages and beautiful beaches is home to local, summertime, and celebrity residents. Spend the day in Edgartown, an architectural gem of 18th and 19th-century sea captains’ houses and other historic buildings. Visit the Vincent House, built in 1672 and the oldest residence on Martha’s Vineyard, and the Old Whaling Church, built in 1843 and considered one of New England’s finest examples of Greek Revival architecture. Later, you will have the opportunity to stroll along the harbor or discover the town’s fine boutiques and restaurants.

Overnight at Yorktown (B,L,D).

Visit the quintessential New England towns of Old Saybrook and Essex. Yorktown docks in delightful Old Saybrook, located on the mouth of the Connecticut River. Its streets are lined with Victorian and Colonial houses as well as charming antique shops and art galleries. Later in the afternoon, visit nearby Essex, which has been called “the prettiest town in America.” The first ship of the Continental Navy, the Oliver Cromwell, was built in Essex during the Revolutionary War. Historic New England churches, stone homes, and saltboxes, as well as lovely local shops, are all part of what makes Essex so charming.

Overnight at Yorktown (B,L,D).

Yorktown enters the Hudson River to arrive in Westchester County. From Tarrytown, travel to Pocantico Hills for an excursion to Kykuit, home to four generations of Rockefellers whose mansion and surrounding grounds is a National Trust for Historic Preservation site. Explore the impressive sculpture garden, with works by David Smith and Henry Moore, and the six-story stone mansion which houses many works of art, including beautiful tapestries by Picasso. Later, visit the Union Church, unassuming and charming upon first glance, but a closer look reveals a gem for art enthusiasts. As requested by the Rockefeller siblings following their mother’s death, Henri Matisse, who was a close friend of Abby Aldrich Rockefeller, agreed to create the beautiful stained glass Rose Window as a memorial to the matriarch. The siblings later commissioned Marc Chagall to create a memorial window for their father upon his death. Chagall went on to create eight additional windows for the church, all of which are beautifully displayed today.

Overnight at Yorktown (B,L,D).

Visit the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum, conceived by FDR to house the many historical papers, books, and memorabilia throughout his life. After privately raising funds to build the site, he donated it to the National Archives to ensure that the public would have access to such important historical documents. Also visit Eleanor Roosevelt’s Val-Kill, a National Historic Site. Wander the bucolic grounds and visit the cottage where Eleanor lived until her death. Enjoy lunch at the renowned Culinary Institute of America before continuing to Olana, home of the painter Frederick Church, who belonged to the Hudson River School. The Persian-inspired home was co-designed by Church himself, and the interior has been remarkably preserved. Alternatively, visit the Dia Art Foundation in Beacon, whose works include art from the 1960s to the present. Later, visit the incredible and unique 500-acre sculpture and landscape garden at Storm King Art Center.

Overnight at Yorktown (B,L,D).

Today you’ll visit the United States Military Academy at West Point, whose campus, which consists of many historic sites and monuments, is a designated National Historic Landmark. Sitting upon a hill that overlooks the Hudson River, the expansive grounds at West Point are among the most scenic in the area. You’ll tour many of the sites, including the West Point Museum and there will also be an opportunity to explore the area on your own. In the afternoon, you’ll cross the river for a visit to the Boscobel House and Gardens, among the most exceptional examples of Federalist architecture in the United States. Tour the decorative house, its current art exhibition, and the grounds whose apple orchard will be in its prime upon your visit.

Overnight at Yorktown (B,L,D).

You've reached your end destination for this cruise journey, and it is time to disembark your ship, one voyage through New England's past richer.

Enjoy a private airport transfer with vehicle and driver.

This private 4-hour tour will allow you to experience the Harlem “renaissance”, the famous New York district that rose from poverty to become one of the highest priced real estate markets. Learn about the social contributions of this African-American community in history, and participate in a real live Gospel choir function in one of the local congregations.

Service includes round trip transportation from/to hotel, half day tour with private minivan, driver/guide and church admission.

Sheraton New York Hotel is located between Central Park and Times Square in the center of Manhattan's Midtown business and entertainment district. The Sheraton has a polished, contemporary flair that is enhanced throughout the hotel. All guest rooms feature the new ultra-comfortable pillow top Sheraton Sweet Sleeper(SM) Bed. Plus. Amenities include a restaurant, coffee shop, room service, cocktail lounge, Internet cafe, tour desk, business center, gift shop, guest laundry facilities, concierge, safe-deposit service at front desk and dry cleaning/laundry service. Recreational facilities include a health club with steam room and sauna. Complimentary daily newspaper is delivered to room.

Overnight at Sheraton New York Hotel & Towers .

Enjoy a private airport transfer with vehicle and driver.

Depart from International Airport. End of itinerary.

Overnight at Depart (Int`l Airport).