Make the short transfer across the Hudson River into the heart of New York – Midtown Manhattan – for a marvellous, memorable day in the incomparable Big Apple. Explore this breathtaking city under your own steam, or join our optional guided city tour. Marvel at the famous sights – the Empire State and bustling Times Square, the green acres of Central Park, the southern tip of Wall Street and the waterfront district, before ending your tour with a ride to the top of the Rockefeller Center.

This afternoon, perhaps take in Macy’s or Saks, two of the world’s most celebrated shopping meccas before we return to New Jersey at the end of the day.

Board the coach for the journey north into the scenic highways and by-ways of Upstate New York. Break your journey at Yankee Candle's flagship store in Deerfield, where a huge range of candles, Christmas and Halloween novelties make for a fascinating diversion. You’ll then continue into the scenic Berkshire Hills for an overnight stay in Mount Snow in Vermont.

Take a full-day tour through New England's spectacular scenery at a time when it's at its very best. Soak up the beauty of this region of rolling, forested hills and picture-book villages and towns like idyllic Woodstock. Travel through spectacular Quechee Gorge and along the Kancamagus Highway - often voted best spot for foliage viewing, or leaf peeping as it's sometimes known - enjoying the startling Fall Foliage displays, then make a short stop in North Conway, in the heart of New Hampshire. Here several renowned outlet malls vie for your custom, before we head into Maine and to the beautiful mountain village of Bethel for a two-night stay nestled at the foot of appropriately named Paradise Hill.

Today offers opportunities to rest, relax and enjoy the delights of Bethel, but many will want to join our optional excursion to Mount Washington. Ride the mountain's historic Cog Railway – the only one east of the Rockies – to the summit of what is New England's highest peak, at the heart of the scenic White Mountains. (The summit station can be one of the worlds windiest places, so hang onto your hat!)

Back in Bethel, this evening, you'll also enjoy a guided drive in search of moose.

Journey south to the prosperous, seafarers city of Portland, with its waterfront wharves and fine seafood restaurants, today. Then continue - via the exclusive Bush Family retreat of Kennebunkport - towards America’s most European city, Boston, and to the resort of Nantasket Beach, south of Boston across Quincy Bay and your base for the last two nights of your tour.

Spend an unforgettable day in Boston, one of America’s most welcoming, walkabout cities. You'll have an opportunity to begin your visit with a fascinating optional guided tour that will bring to life this Cradle of the American Revolution, as you follow the famous Freedom Trail through the heart of the compact city. Take in the green acres of Boston Common, and the gold-domed State House, then perhaps visit colourful Quincy Market and its speciality stalls.

Boston's rejuvenated Waterfront area is also home to the wonderful New England Aquarium and to the replicas of the famous Tea Party ships. Stroll around the parks and gardens, check out Newbury Street’s stylish boutiques, or perhaps visit one of the city's many brew houses – Boston is one of North America’s craft beer capitals – and enjoy lunch in a vast choice of eateries.

This afternoon, cross the Charles River to famous Cambridge, home to Harvard University, before returning to Nantasket at the end of the day, perhaps to dine on traditional clam chowder or New England lobster – a final holiday treat.

Your final day sees you head to New York to board your overnight flight back to the UK. On your way, call in the Pilgrim city of Plymouth, where the historic streets of "America's Hometown" were once trodden by the first settlers, and fashionable Newport, Rhode Island, where "weekenders' cottages" are opulent mansions.

Arrive back in the UK at the end of a wonderful, colourful autumn holiday in New England.