Islands of New England
Presented By: Pittsburg State University

Day 1: Monday, October 12, 2009 Providence, RI - Tour Begins
Join Collette on a journey highlighting the natural beauty and traditional charm of New England. Your tour begins in Providence, the capital of Rhode Island, nestled in the heart of New England.

Day 2: Tuesday, October 13, 2009 Providence - Newport - Providence
Known as “America’s Renaissance City,” Providence offers historically significant treasures like the Baptist Meeting House, the first Baptist Church in America. See this and other sights including renowned Brown University, founded in 1764, on your sightseeing tour of this city. Later, visit Newport, the “Yachting Capital of the East.” Travel along breathtaking Ocean Drive on your way to Bellevue Avenue which is lined with 11 historic mansions representative of America's Gilded Age and its socially and financially preeminent families. Built beginning in the mid-1800's as summer "cottages," 7 of the 11 mansions have been designated National Historic Landmarks. You will have the opportunity to tour the Marble House, one of these architectural marvels. As you explore the gorgeous summer “cottage” of Mr. and Mrs. William Vanderbilt, you will gain an understanding of why Newport became known as a legendary resort. (B, D)

Day 3: Wednesday, October 14, 2009 Providence - Boston, MA - Providence
Today you depart Providence and travel north to the exciting city of Boston. Your passport to history, Boston’s charm will envelop you while on a tour of Beacon Hill, the Old South Meeting House, the Public Gardens, the historic North End, the Old North Church, the U.S.S. Constitution and Faneuil Hall Marketplace. With time at leisure, you may stroll along the famed Freedom Trail, a 2.5 mile walking path along the streets of Boston showcasing the city's historical sites. Perhaps you would rather explore the lively marketplace in Faneuil Hall or peruse the red-brick townhouses, quaint boutiques, outdoor cafés and art galleries found along Newbury Street. (B)

Day 4: Thursday, October 15, 2009 Providence - Cape Cod, MA
Today you'll tour a traditional New England cranberry bog and learn about dry harvesting. Perhaps you'll bring a taste of New England home with you. Next, step back in time with a stop in the celebrated city of Plymouth. It was here, in 1620, that the Pilgrims landed. See legendary Plymouth Rock and board a reproduction of the Mayflower, the 102-passenger ship used by the Pilgrims for the 65-day journey from England. Experience the Pilgrim way of life with a visit to Plimoth Plantation, a re-creation of a 17th-century Pilgrim village. (B, D)

Day 5: Friday, October 16, 2009 Cape Cod - Martha’s Vineyard - Cape Cod
A ferry ride transports you to the beautiful island of Martha’s Vineyard where you will spend a full day. Known for visits by presidents and royalty, this summer home to many artists, writers and celebrities is full of surprises. A local guide will show you all the highlights of "the Vineyard," including quaint gingerbread-styled cottages, and a once-famous whaling port, resplendent with sea captain’s homes and widow’s walks. Later, depart the island and cruise back to Cape Cod. Tonight, indulge in a traditional, savory New England lobster feast. (B, D)

Day 6: Saturday, October 17, 2009 Cape Cod - Nantucket - Cape Cod
Today you visit the incomparable Nantucket. You will step aboard a ferry complete with all the luxuries of first-class ferry service, including couch seating, air conditioning and bar service in the bow section of the boat. Arriving in Nantucket, you will set out on a tour of the island. Behold the beauty of this idyllic paradise, from its shingled cottages to its beaches and lighthouses. Then, enjoy leisure time to explore the island on your own. Take a stroll along the waterfront and see many marinas while enjoying fresh ice cream. Walk along the cobble-stoned Main Street where you can shop for Nantucket baskets and enjoy the seafood at a quaint restaurant. (B)

Day 7: Sunday, October 18, 2009 Cape Cod - Provincetown - Cape Cod
Your day begins with a tour of Hyannis. Catch a rare glimpse of the Camelot era as you travel through Hyannisport, home of the Kennedy compound, and visit the poignant Kennedy Memorial. Visit charming Provincetown, a lively artist colony, famous for its crafts and bright, Cape Cod flair. Your evening features a dazzling farewell dinner onboard an elegant dinner train. Indulge in a fabulous meal while you sit back and watch the beautiful Cape Cod scenery roll by. (B, D)

Day 8: Monday, October 19, 2009 Cape Cod - Tour Ends
(B)




October 12 - October 19, 2009
8 Days • 11 Meals
7 Breakfasts • 4 Dinners
Highlights: Providence, Newport, Boston, Cranberry Bog, Plymouth Rock, Plimoth Plantation, Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard, Lobster Feast, Nantucket, Hyannis, Provincetown
"Leisure Stays" are tours in which the itineraries are designed to allow for multiple-night stays in two or more cities. This allows you a more leisurely pace and more time to explore the destinations on your own.
Rates Per Person
Double: $1599, Single: $2199,
Triple: $1569
*Included in Price: Hotel Transfers for groups of 10 or more.
*Not Included in Price: Round Trip Air Fare, Cancellation Waiver and Insurance of $110 per person.
Itinerary at a Glance
Day 1 - 3 Hilton Providence, Providence, RI
Day 4 - 7 Radisson, Hyannis
On some dates alternate hotels may be used.
Essential Experiences
  • A comprehensive tour of Boston.
  • Visit Plymouth Plantation and journey back in time to the 1620s when the Mayflower had just landed in Plymouth, Massachusetts.
  • Spend a day exploring Nantucket, known for its beautiful cottages and cobblestone streets.
  • Enjoy a guided tour of a working New England cranberry bog that specializes in dry harvests.
  • Indulge in a traditional New England lobster feast.
For more information call
 Collette Vacations
Pittsburg State University
1-877-760-7605
Included Meals Key
B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner

AVAILABLE OPTIONS:
Nantucket, MA
Nantucket Whaling Museum & Lunch • $45.00
Discover Nantucket’s evocative maritime history during this delightful outing. You’ll capture the local flavor – literally – when you experience lunch at a Nantucket restaurant that has a long, rich history. Then, head over to the Nantucket Whaling Museum for a guided tour that features displays of thousands of artifacts - bringing to life the hardy work that brought wealth to this island. In addition to this fascinating tour, your guide will recount the true and tragic tale of the Nantucket whaler, The Essex. The Essex sailed from Nantucket in 1819, bound for the Pacific Ocean. She was attacked and destroyed by a bull sperm whale in the middle of the Pacific in 1820. Her crew’s battle and struggle for survival comprise an adventurous and enthralling tale that was a source of inspiration for Herman Melville’s literary masterpiece, Moby Dick.
CANCELLATION WAIVER:

Worry-Free Cancelation
Our industry-leading cancellation waiver offers travelers a full cash refund for the price of the tour, right up to the day prior to departure, minus the small cost of the waiver. Travel worry-free knowing if anything changes, you're protected.

Plus, you're covered on tour.
Our cancellation waiver and insurance plan covers you on tour. If you have to stop your trip or return home early, need medical assistance or evacuation, suffer a baggage loss or delay; or are delayed on tour for 12 hours or more, you're covered.

Cancellation Waiver and Insurance is just $110 per person.

Click here for complete details.

TRAVEL TIPS:
Islands of New England
Listed below is important information to assist you in preparing for your upcoming trip. This information provided will help you have a more enjoyable experience while you are on your tour.
Accommodations
On some programs, there are a limited number of single and triple rooms. Double rooms usually consist of 2 beds. Triple rooms are normally a standard double room with 2 beds. A cot or rollaway bed may be added to the double room at some hotels, based on room size and fire codes. When triples are not available, appropriate charges for single and twin accommodations will be assessed. We make every effort to accommodate your specific requests and forward them to the hotels. These requests cannot be guaranteed as hotels may not always be able to honor them. Check-in times are set by individual hotel properties and vary by hotel. Depending on your arrival time, there may be a delay in gaining access to your room as most hotels offer afternoon check-in. We ask guests to observe check-out times at all properties as designated by the hotel. Some hotels require a credit card imprint or your passport information upon check-in in order to activate telephones in the rooms and for potential incidental charges. Most hotels charge an access fee for using phones in hotel rooms. Please check with the front desk personnel at each hotel for specific policies. Hotel membership programs are not applicable.
Arrival Day Suggestions
Due to varied flight schedules and different arrival times of our tour guests, your tour will not have any scheduled activities on Day 1. Should your flight schedule allow for an earlier arrival time that day, enjoy the great opportunity for some independent exploration.
Clothing & Packing Tips
If you are taking prescription medication, please be sure to take an adequate supply for your tour and a few additional days, in original prescription containers. Medication should be packed in your carry-on baggage. Do not place it in your checked luggage. You may want to carry an extra prescription in a separate bag in case medication is lost.
Currency
Your personal bank card may work at local ATM machines in the destination you are traveling to. Please contact your bank to determine if this option is available, that your PIN number will be accepted and to inform them that you are traveling. We recommend carrying only a few major credit cards. Credit card purchases often provide an extra guarantee on your purchase (check with your specific credit card company for details and fees). It is advisable to contact any credit card company you intend utilizing while on tour before you depart to notify them where you will be traveling, to avoid any rejection of services. If optional tours are made available to purchase, please note that credit cards must have an expiration date of greater than 30 days from the start of the tour.
Electricity
An adaptor (which changes the physical plug) and/or converter (which changes the electric current) are necessary if you plan to use an appliance with voltage different from the standard within the country you are visiting. Please note, if your appliance has dual voltage you may still need an adaptor for the plug. When packing your electronic items for travel, please review the converter electric current level to make sure it the same or greater than the items you are planning on using. If you plan on utilizing or transporting a sleep apnea machine, please remember to pack an extension cord and adapter plug to ensure proper function.
Elevation
All sites are at or near sea level.
Helpful Hints
Bring a camera, memory cards, film, and batteries and be sure to bring enough photography supplies for your entire trip. If you have a video camera, bring an extra battery, plus proper recharging equipment. Due to security screening, we recommend storing your equipment in your carry-on luggage. Bring a travel alarm clock, travel sewing kit and an alcohol based gel hand sanitizer when soap and water is not accessible. Pack items that may leak in plastic bags. Do not pack any articles of value in your checked luggage. As a precaution, we suggest that you divide the contents of your suitcase with your traveling companion. Avoid over packing and leave room for souvenirs that you plan to take back home.
Bring a copy of your passport/identification and pack it separately from the original. Leave a copy of your tour itinerary at home with your emergency contact and a copy of your passport. Remember when flying you can only take one quart size bag with no more than 3 ounces of any one liquid. Liquids that do not fit in the one quart size bag and are larger than 3 ounces will be discarded by security. Remember to hydrate and get up and stretch while flying. If you are considering using your cell phone while traveling internationally, you should check with your cell provider concerning their access and charges for overseas calls, texting and emailing for the specific destination you are traveling to.
Included Features
The following are included in your tour package: transportation via motorcoach, accommodations, hotel luggage handling, meals, sightseeing, admission charges (as outlined in your itinerary), and applicable gratuities for bellmen, doormen and dining room wait staff. Customary gratuities for hotel housekeeping staff, local sightseeing guides, drivers and tour managers have not been included.
Luggage
Due to the limited motorcoach capacity, one carry-on (36 inches in length, height and width; not to exceed 11 lbs. /5.2 kg.) and one checked luggage (62 inches in length, height and width; weight not to exceed 23kg/50lbs) are allowed. Please consult with your scheduled airline as luggage fees and restrictions vary by carrier and destination. Wheeled carry-ons are not suitable for coach tours. If you exceed the limit of 2 bags, we cannot guarantee that your additional luggage will be able to fit in the touring vehicle. Storage or shipment of additional luggage will be at your own expense. If we are able to accommodate your additional luggage, we will assess a fee of 4 USD per bag per hotel. Please remember to label your luggage and important items with your name, home address and telephone number. We recommend labeling your luggage on both outside and inside of the bag. Please attach only the plastic luggage tag included in this mailing to your checked luggage before checking in for your flight. Your paper luggage tag is to be attached at the first hotel. We cannot assume liability or accept claims for loss or damage to luggage and personal effects due to breakage, theft or normal wear and tear that results from hotel, airline and group carrier handling. It is in your best interest to have adequate insurance (such as our comprehensive "No Worries Travel Protection") to cover these eventualities.
Meals
Most meals are included as indicated in your document itinerary. Guests with special dietary requirements must advise their travel counselor at the time of booking and also the tour manager upon joining the tour. When information is provided, every effort will be made to accommodate these requests. Please be advised that the average cost of meals (not inclusive of tax and gratuity) that are not included in your tour are as follows: breakfast 6 to 10 USD, lunch 5 to 15 USD and dinner 15 to 30 USD.
Name Badges
Name Badges Collette Vacations provides name badges to our travelers in order to facilitate conversation among fellow travelers. The name badge also ensures that a Collette Vacations representative can easily recognize you, especially at airports upon arrival.
Reading List
Interested in reading about your destination before you depart? Collette has pre-selected travel guides, novels and books on history, nature and art to help enhance your total vacation experience. You can access the complete list by typing the following into your web browser. Select the region of the world to find your tour: http://www.collettevacations.com/travel-books.cfm
Shopping
One of the best parts of traveling is coming back home with souvenirs that really reflect the place you’ve just been. New England is a charming region that offers you many shopping opportunities and a variety of items. Popular items to purchase while in New England include nautical art and artifacts and lighthouse memorabilia. In Nantucket, look for lightship baskets, a type of basket made from rattan and wood that originated on Nantucket Island Lightships in the 19th century. In Cape Cod look for jewelry including the very popular Cape Cod bracelet, salt water taffy, cranberry products, The Black Dog Restaurant clothing, and local crafts.
Smoking
Smoking Restrictions: Our tours are non-smoking throughout. If you require a smoking room, please alert your agent upon tour booking. Please be mindful of locations where smoking is prohibited: the motorcoach, at dining venues and other restricted areas on tour including most hotels. Customers are responsible for any fines incurred for failure to comply with smoking restrictions.
Time Zone
Eastern Standard Time
Tour Manager
We pride ourselves on having the best-trained and most experienced tour managers in the industry. Gratuities should be extended on a voluntary basis and should be in direct proportion to the level of professionalism and personal service extended to you throughout the tour. Past experience has shown that a guideline of 4-6 USD per person for each traveling day is a customary amount for the tour manager. A customary amount of 3-5 USD per person per day is suggested for the driver.
Transportation
Transfers We are pleased to provide you with complimentary airport to hotel, and hotel to airport transfers at the beginning and end of an escorted tour when you purchase an air-inclusive vacation. Land-only clients who have purchased round trip transfers will be accommodated at the same times as air inclusive clients. Arrival meeting locations and transfer departure times are provided on your document booklets. On some programs there may be a waiting period at the airport due to varying flight schedules of other arriving passengers. If you have secured your own transfer, you may meet your tour manager at the hotel. Motorcoach Information: We do not own or operate vehicles. We charter quality coaches that are temperature controlled vehicles. Coach size may vary based upon the number of tour patrons. In certain countries, lavatory equipped motorcoaches are not available or the lavatory is for emergency use only. Frequent stops will be made en route for comfort and convenience. Seat Rotation: Seats are rotated for the benefit of our tour guests, fosters communication, and enables our guests to enjoy a variety of vantage points on the motorcoach. Guests will rotate seats at least once a day, as directed by the tour manager. In fairness to all, there will be no exceptions to this policy.
Flight Information, Departure Taxes & Fees Land Only Vacations: If you chose to purchase a land only vacation, pay particular attention to flight segments that occur during the tour which are not included in your land only rate. You must purchase these internal flight segments and the schedule must match the flights that we utilize on the group tour. Please provide us with your flight schedules for the entire tour six weeks prior to departure so we may secure services if you purchased transfers from us, as well as maintain emergency contact. Air Inclusive Vacations Air inclusive vacations cover air transport to and from your origin gateway as well as all internal air segments on tour. In order to comply with Homeland Security’s “Secure Flight” mandate, all passengers must provide full name, date of birth and gender at time of reservation. Your airline ticket must match the name on your valid, non-expired, government issued photo ID to be shown at the airport (including middle name, first or middle initial). If you are a member of a participating frequent flyer program, provide the number upon booking and retain the passenger copy of your ticket and boarding pass to ensure that you receive proper credit of your mileage. Some air tickets are not eligible for mileage accrual. Whenever possible, we will add charges for air departure taxes to your invoice. Some international arrival and departure fees are not included in your air ticket and must be paid by you on tour in local currency.