Autumn Colours of New England 2017 1
Itinerary Experience nature s spectacular display of autumn hues as we explore New England amidst the golden glow of the fall. Warm days and walking through this legendary landscape make for an unforgettable holiday. Day 1: Boston After arrival in Boston, you will be met at the airport for the short transfer to your hotel. Accommodation: Revere Hotel (2 nights) Boston Day 2: Boston s historic Freedom Trail We re treated to a fantastic start and a spectacular finish, with a discovery of the grand architecture of Boston, and the towering skyline of New York City. This is the ideal mix of cityscapes and stunning countryside, accompanied by fabulous walks throughout. Today, we explore Boston by means of the Freedom Trail which visits a number of sites made famous during America s quest for independence. 2
Each site is unique and there will be special presentations at some. There will be some free time for shopping and additional sightseeing. Day 3: Boston & Jackson, New Hampshire Today we drive through the Massachusetts countryside and into the beautiful White Mountains. We stop at Franconia Notch for walks through the Flume Gorge and ride the aerial tramway to the summit of Canon Mountain for outstanding views of the area. We continue to Jackson, our base for exploring the White Mountains. Walk information: Flume Gorge - an easy walk through a unique geological area, crossing the Potomac River on a scenic covered bridge to follow the Wildwood Path on a loop trail (Distance: 2 miles/3.2km, ascent: 1,000 feet/300m) Accommodation: Eagle Mountain House (3 nights) Day 4-5: Jackson, the White Mountains Jackson is a small New Hampshire town nestled in the mountains. Your hotel offers comfort in idyllic surroundings, overlooking a small golf course with views to the mountains. It is a short walk alongside a river leading to waterfalls in the town. Your guide from the Appalachian Mountain Club will advise you as to the walking programme. Possible walk options: Mount Willard - Follow the Avalon Trail across the railroad tracks of the old Maine central line, before ascending on an old carriage path, past Centennial Pool to the open summit of Mount Willard for an incredible panorama of Crawford Notch. Peregrine falcons occasionally nest in this area. (Distance: 3.2 miles/5.1km, ascent: 900 feet/275m). Ammonoosuc Lake and Red Bench - This is a short walk around the lakeshore with views across to the surrounding mountains (Distance: 1.8 miles/2.9km. Ascent 150ft/46m). Arethusa Falls - This is a pleasant trail walk along Bernis Brook to the highest falls in New Hampshire. There are a number of side trails to other waterfalls and the option to extend the walk to Frankenstein Cliff (Distance: 2.6 miles/4.2km, ascent: 400 feet/230m) Zealand Falls Hut Hike - This hike is generally flat, but does cross uneven ground to the Appalachian Mountain Club s backcountry hut. The trail meanders through the northern hardwood forest of the Zealand Valley crossing streams and skirting around beaver bogs. The ascent is all in the final short climb to the hut, which can be curtailed at this point for those who prefer a shorter walk (Distance 5.6miles/9km, ascent 650ft/198m). 3
Other walk possibilities include short walks to Lost Pond, Saco Lake and Elephant Head, and longer trails to Mt Avalon and Mt Pierce. Day 6: Jackson & Stowe Our short journey to Stowe includes a stop at the Ben and Jerry ice cream factory for optional tastings! On arrival in Stowe we enjoy an easy walk along the town s Recreation Path through open fields and meadows to the centre, where there is free time to explore the galleries and speciality shops. Return to our hotel, a 20 minute walk from the main street. Accommodation: Golden Eagle Resort (3 nights) Day 7-8: Stowe, the Green Mountains From Stowe there are a number of walk options within the Mount Mansfield mountain range and lower level walks to Sterling Pond and on the Trapp Family Estate. Possible walk options: Trapp Family Trails - The Trapp Family Estate (the original home of the Von Trapps of Sound of Music fame) encompasses areas of scenic conservation land and a wide trail network. We follow the Burt Trail alongside Ranch Brook for a pleasant easy walk to the Rob George Saddle and by way of Owls Howl to the Trapp Family Lodge (Distance: 6 miles/9.6km, ascent: 1,100 feet/335m) A shorter walk on the Trapp Family Lodge trail is possible (Distance: 5 miles/8km Ascent: 800ft/244m) Sterling Pond - A great hike, from Smugglers Notch, famous as a smugglers trade route during the War of 1812 with the British, to the north to Stowe Mountain Lodge (Distance 4 miles/6.4km, ascent 1,520ft/463m). A shorter walk from Smugglers Notch, with expansive southern views of the Stowe Valley (Distance 2 miles/3.2 km, ascent 800ft/244m) 4
Day 9: Stowe to Williamstown We journey through the Green Mountains with a stop in the picturesque village of Woodstock for optional walks on Mount Tom. We continue to Williamstown, a classic New England town in the Berkshire Hills. the Pleasant Valley Audubon Sanctuary. Mount Tom Walk through a delightful town park up the side of a substantial hill on numerous switchbacks. From the top, there are superb views of the town and surrounding landscape (Distance: 5.4 miles/8.6km Ascent: 600ft/180m) Accommodation: Williams Inn (3 nights) Day 10-11: Walks and excursions in the Berkshires In the Berkshires, there is time to explore the college town of Williamstown, with its many fine buildings, visit the highly acclaimed Clark Art Gallery, and take walks on Mount Greylock (weather permitting) and the Stone Hill Trail (self-guided). We take a day excursion to visit the Hancock Shaker Village and walk in Possible walk options: Pleasant Valley: Massachusetts Audubon Sanctuary: Overbrook Trail - A steady moderate climb on a rocky mountain with a side diversion to the Beaver Ponds (Distance: 3 miles/4.8km, ascent: 800 feet/240m). Bluebird Trail - Easy walking through meadows to the beaver ponds. Native birds and wildflowers are the theme of the walk (Distance: 2 miles/3.2km, ascent: minimal). Mount Greylock: Jones Nose and Appalachian Trail - This is mostly a ridge walk on the saddle between the summits with two short, steep climbs, one of 847ft, and another of 400ft, to Bascom Lodge (Distance: 3.6 miles/5.8km, ascent: 1,500 feet/460m). The Overlook Trail - This follows the Northrup trail to Rounds Rock and then back to Jones Nose via the Woodason Spring Trail. Fine views all around (Distance 2.6 miles/4km with an initial descent of 120ft/36m, followed by a 235ft/71m ascent to Rounds Rock, and ending with 160ft/48m descent to Jones Nose). Stone Hill - A leisurely stroll from the Clark Art Institute on a meandering path through old growth hardwood forest, then down through open fields with a striking view of downtown Williamstown and the 5
surrounding hills (Distance: 1.5 miles/2.4km, ascent: 350 feet/105m). Different walks on Mount Greylock may be undertaken on the advice of our local guide. Day 12: Journey to New York Please note: Guests who are not returning to the UK on the HF Holidays group flight will need to co-ordinate their transfer arrangements to either the airport or a designated hotel with the HF Holidays leader. Any additional costs for these transfers will be the responsibility of the individual guest. We depart from Williamstown for the four hour drive to New York. In the afternoon we enjoy a New York harbour cruise before transferring to our hotel in mid-town Manhattan. Accommodation: Hotel Beacon (1 night) Day 13: New York walking tour This morning, we will take a walking tour of New York s main sights. Should you prefer to tour on your own, you are of course welcome to do so. Please ensure that you advise the leader of your plans in order that arrangements can be made to meet up for the coach transfer back to the airport. (Meals included: breakfast) 6
Accommodation Welcoming and comfortable country inns, hotels and lodges with welllocated city hotels, all offering good standards of accommodation and facilities. In the small towns of Stowe, Jackson and Williamstown, our accommodation reflects the character of the area. Set in 40 acres, the Golden Eagle Resort in Stowe (3 nights) has Mt. Mansfield, Vermont's highest mountain, in its backyard. Ideally located 1/2 mile from Stowe Village, Golden Eagle Resort is walking distance to shops, and the Stowe Recreation path. www.goldeneagleresort.com The Revere in Boston (2 nights), is located in the city centre, with the Freedom Trail passing in front of the door. www.reverehotel.com The hotel in Jackson Eagle Mountain House (3 nights) is one of the Historic Hotels of America. Built in 1879, the hotel is a listed building with the National Trust of Historic Preservation, and has its own swimming pool, tennis courts, and golf course. www.eaglemt.com Our accommodation at the Williams Inn in Williamstown (3 nights) continues the theme. One of the nicest destination inns in New England, the Williams Inn was built in 1912, and blends the charm of its history with modern facilities such as the pool, hot tubs and spa. www.williamsinn.com Our final hotel is the Hotel Beacon NYC (1 night) on the historic Upper West Side with views of Central Park, the Hudson River and Midtown Manhattan, a great vantage point 7
from which to venture anywhere in New York. www.beaconhotel.com Before your holiday We hope you find this information comprehensive if not please visit our website for more details or contact us. All details correct at time of writing (July 2016). Passport and visa requirements are subject to change; please check with your consulate before you travel. We would advise that you check your government s travel advisory before travelling. For UK travellers, please check www.fco.gov.uk In all instances during your holiday, your first point of contact should be your HF Holidays leader or local leader. If for any reason this is not possible, HF Holidays emergency contact details are as follows: Mon - Fri 9am - 7pm Tel +44 (0)345 470 7558 or +44(0)20 8732 1250 ( from overseas) Fri - Mon 7pm - 9am Tel +44 (0)7918 737777 Airport parking and accommodation If you require airport parking or accommodation before your flight, we recommend our partner Holiday Extras. Call 0871 360 2750 and quote HX031 or book online at www.holidayextras.co.uk/hfholidays Kit List Please try to keep luggage to a minimum as you will need to carry it yourself at airports and between your transport and your hotel. Walking boots (worn in) with good ankle support and spare bootlaces Walking socks Lightweight fleece Lightweight waterproof trousers and jacket Shorts Long trousers and long-sleeved light coloured shirts with collars to protect from the sun your clothing should ideally be pretreated with insect repellent and in-built sun protection (available from specialist clothing stores such as Rohan, Cotswold Outdoor) Sun hat Scarf/buff Comfortable clothes and shoes for evenings and sightseeing Sun protection sunglasses, high factor sunscreen and lip protection Water bottle at least 2 litre capacity Lightweight survival bag Small/medium rucksack (30 litre) a bin liner will keep contents dry if it rains Soap and hand sanitizer gel Insect repellent Universal adaptor plug Universal sink plug Personal first aid kit including: personal medication, tissues, 8
plasters, blister kit, painkillers, antiseptic wipes, Imodium, rehydration sachets Passport (and copies); booking confirmation; insurance cover note; HF Holidays registration form Optional: trekking poles, camera, umbrella, binoculars. Please ensure you have access to emergency funds should you need them; carrying a credit card is probably the most convenient method. Please note that your HF Holidays leader reserves the right to refuse to take any guest on a walk should they consider that a lack of suitable clothing/footwear may affect safety. Baggage allowance 1 piece checked-in luggage (max 23kg). Please check details of your airline s baggage allowance, as shown on your e-ticket. Remember to also check any connecting flights you may have booked. Passports & visas Passports must be valid for the duration of stay. As of June 2017 Immigration processes will now take longer due to enhanced security screening. For those travelling to, or through, the USA, you will need a visa or ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorisation). No visa is required by citizens with full right of residence in visa waiver programme (VWP) countries. This includes UK, Australia, New Zealand please see https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/ for details of other countries included in the VWP. Citizens of VWP countries are required to obtain travel authorisation prior to travel. Other countries should consult the embassy for advice. You can register for authorisation online through the website above. From January 2016 all passengers entering the US under the VWP will need a passport with an integrated chip. From April 2016 most people who have travelled to Iran, Iraq, Sudan, or Syria since March 2011, or are dual nationals of these countries, will no longer qualify for entry under the VWP and existing ESTAs could be revoked. You will instead need to apply for a visa from the nearest US Embassy or Consulate. Please note it is compulsory to apply online via the ESTA website for this authorisation. If you have any questions, please consult the US Embassy (www.usembassy.org.uk) or the Department for Homeland Security (www.dhs.gov/xtrvlsec/programs) or the UK Foreign Office website. Those not included under the VWP should check requirements with a US embassy or consulate. Travel insurance If arranging your own travel insurance, please ensure it is adequate for your specific itinerary. Health advice This is subject to change and we would highly recommend that you consult your doctor before travelling. 9
For further information on country specific advice, visit www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk or www.traveldoctor.co.uk Tetanus vaccination is recommended. Please note: the use or possession of some common prescription or overthe-counter medicines is banned in some countries. If you will be carrying medication, please check with the country s embassy/ consulate prior to travel. As an extra precaution: Keep your medication in its original packet Take a copy of your prescription too If possible, ask your chemist to write the name of your medication in the language of the country that you re visiting Dietary requirements Please contact us as far in advance as possible if you have any specific dietary requirements. We will do our best to accommodate you. If you require a specific meal on the flight, please let us know as soon as possible, and no later than 96 hours before travel. Travel tips for a comfortable flight We ve put together a few simple tips to help make your flight as comfortable as possible, ensuring you begin your holiday in tip-top shape. No pills. Unless advised by your doctor, do not take sleeping tablets on the flight; this will reduce your mobility and make you feel sluggish Protect your ears. If you experience discomfort due to the cabin pressure changes, suck a sweet, chew, or hold your nostrils and gently blow through your nose; this should equalise the pressure. If you still experience problems, speak to a member of the cabin crew Drink plenty. Ask a member of the cabin crew if you are thirsty. Avoid alcohol, tea, coffee or carbonated drinks as these will dehydrate you. Instead, try to drink plenty of fruit juices or water Eat light. Avoid heavy meals and foods air expands at altitude and heavy meals will result in that bloated feeling Moisturise. Your skin, especially your lips and nostrils, may feel dry so moisturising creams may help. If you wear contact lenses, always carry your glasses with you, as your eyes may feel dryer than usual Stay loose. Wear loose fitting, comfortable shoes and clothes Flight socks are recommended to help prevent DVT on longhaul flights Lost/damaged luggage Move about. Change position and avoid crossing your legs. Immobility poses the greatest risk in the development of clotting disorders. Get out of your seat and walk around as regularly as possible to improve circulation If your bag or its contents are damaged or lost while in the airline s care, this should be reported to the baggage service agents at the airport. They will assess the damage and in some cases the airline may decide to settle your claim immediately. You will be given a 10
reference to quote to your insurance company if settlement cannot be reached. In many cases baggage claims can only be accepted in writing. A baggage claim form must be obtained from the airport. HF Holidays with-flight guests For those travelling on our HF Holidays group flight, please proceed to the arrivals hall once you have passed through passport control, customs and baggage reclaim, when you arrive at your destination. Your leader or local leader will assemble the group in the arrivals hall. Look out for the HF Holidays sign. Independent travellers If you are arriving ahead of the group, and are meeting them at the first hotel, please leave a message at the hotel reception for the HF Holidays leader or local leader, detailing your room number, and a mobile telephone number if possible. The leader will contact you once the group arrives. If you are arriving after the group, a message will be left for you at the hotel reception, welcoming you and giving details of the time and place to meet the group. If your flight arrives before the group flight and you would like to join the transfer to the first hotel, please contact our Abroad Administration team on (0)20 8732 1271. They will have a list of the relevant transfer costs. Safety on your holiday Once you have made your booking, you will receive a pre-holiday questionnaire where we ask for details of next of kin, and insurance details. We need to have this from you at least 4 weeks before travel. Please also inform us of any medical situation which may affect your enjoyment of the holiday Please listen to any safety instructions from the leader Keep group members in view, especially if weather or visibility is poor If you become separated from the group, please stay where you are, the leader will retrace their steps to find you Each leader carries a first aid kit but is not allowed to supply any medication including aspirin, paracetamol, antihistamines, and antiseptic cream. You may wish to bring these items with you In the unlikely event that your leader is incapacitated, please use any emergency kit in their rucksack and call emergency services on 911. Please then call our emergency number (see page 8) and let us know there is a problem. Tipping Tips have been included in your holiday price for key services such as local guides/ driver/restaurants. Any additional tips are at your own discretion. Climate The perfect climate for walking. The weather in the fall is generally warm and sunny, without being too hot for our walks. Daytime temperatures are a comfortable 18 to 24ºC, with the evening and night-time temperatures dropping to a cool -1 to -5ºC. Local currency & money matters 11
US Dollars (US$). Credit cards widely accepted. ATMs are widely available across the country. Traveller s cheques are not advised. Suggested reading and maps Lonely Planet New England 2014 Maps can be obtained in advance from The Mapshop www.themapshop.co.uk Electricity 120V, 2 or 3 pin plugs UK, this waiver form has no legal weight whatsoever. Your holiday contract is with HF Holidays and as stated in our Booking Conditions, is therefore governed by UK law. We must ask you to sign the waiver forms presented to you by our agents, as not doing so could effectively invalidate other key aspects of the insurance cover they hold. But please be reassured that in the unlikely event that you had cause to make a claim for negligence arising from your holiday, your signing of these waiver forms would in no way undermine or alter your legal rights. Group size Maximum group size will be 22, plus local guide/s Time difference GMT/UTC -4 hours Liability waivers Companies operating outdoor or adventure activities in the USA now commonly require their clients to sign a liability waiver form before participating in the activity. These forms have been introduced by American insurance companies as a means of offering protection against frivolous or opportunistic legal claims. During the course of your holiday you may be asked to complete a liability form with your name, address and signature. This form indicates that by signing it you are waiving your rights to pursue legal action against our agents, in the event of personal injury or loss. However, as all of the activities included in your itinerary are part of a pre-arranged holiday, booked and paid for in the HF Holidays Ltd, Catalyst House, Centennial Court, Elstree, Borehamwood, WD6 3SY, UK 12