If you’re looking for a way to explore New England, you should consider taking a bus tour. Bus tours offer the opportunity to see a lot of the region in a short period, and they’re perfect for people who want to learn about the history and culture of New England.
There are many different buses and New England tours available, so you can find one that fits your interests and budget.
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What are New England Bus Tours?
New England bus tours are guided tours of the northeastern United States that include the six states of New England; Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut. These tours typically last between four and seven days, although some are shorter or longer.
Bus tours typically include stops at historical sites, popular tourist attractions, and natural landmarks. Many New England bus tours also include opportunities to sample local food and drink.
Why Visit New England?
For its natural beauty, history, culture, its sporting pedigree, and seafood! If you’re looking for a fun way to see some of New England’s best, consider taking a bus tour. These tours are a great way to get acquainted with the region, and they typically include visits to some of the most popular attractions.
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Types of New England Bus Tours
There are many different types of New England bus tours available, so you can find one that fits your interests and budget. Here are some of the most popular types of New England bus tours:
Historical Tours
These tours focus on the region’s rich history, and they often include stops at historical sites like Plymouth Plantation and Harvard University.
Cultural Tours
These tours focus on the culture of New England, and they often include stops at popular tourist attractions like Fenway Park and Quincy Market. Or tours the include museums such as Norman Rockwell Museum or a tour to see the New England countryside.
Nature Tours
These tours focus on the region’s natural beauty, and they often include stops at natural landmarks like Niagara Falls and Acadia National Park or enjoying a scenic lake cruise.
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Bus Tours of New England
Now that you know what to look for in a New England bus tour, here are five of the best tours available:
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1. Oak Bluffs All Island Tour
All Island Tour by Bus in the scenic Oak Bluffs is a great way to see Martha’s Vineyard. You can see all sorts of things on this tour, like the bluffs, the harbor, and more. You’ll learn a lot about Sarson Island (frequently known as Martha’s Vineyard Island) and its history while you’re on this tour. Plus, it’s a great way to get around and see everything the island has to offer.
This is the perfect trip for you if you want to see some of Martha’s Vineyard Island’s most well-known sights quickly without having to worry about transportation or parking issues.
After boarding the bus, you will make your way to meet your tour guide, who is a native of Martha’s Vineyard and a third-generation resident of the island.
The tour not only takes visitors to see the Aquinnah Cliffs, East Chop Lighthouse, the Menemsham fishing town, and Oak Bluffs, but it also provides a concise historical overview of the surrounding region. Enjoy a break from driving and the planning process with this simple tour to utilize.
One trip will allow you to see all of the most notable sights that Martha’s Vineyard offers. A guide in their third generation will fill you in on the history of Martha’s Vineyard Island. Make the most of the time you have off by going sightseeing, shopping for souvenirs, and doing other fun things.
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2. Newport Scenic Trolley Tour (Optional Breakers Entry Included)
This is a trolley tour of Newport to help you learn more about the city as you admire it on the go. Among the approximately 150 points of interest to see are the Historical Center, the Newport Waterfront, and the famous Marble House.
It allows experiencing Newport, Rhode Island, in style on an antique trolley tour that lasts for around three hours. You’ll meet your tour guide at the Newport Visitor Center, where you’ll begin your day. You’ll be able to go on a tour of Newport from there.
In Newport’s picturesque historic downtown neighborhood, you can begin your tour. Ten-Mile Ocean Drive and Bellevue Avenue, which are surrounded by trees, are two of the best places to see the area’s natural beauty.
The trolley tour travels through neighborhoods of homes and buildings from the Modern Age to the Gilded Age including Historic Thames Street, Rosecliff and the Newport Waterfront. Upgraded tickets allow you to tour the magnificent estate of Cornelius Vanderbilt, including the famed Breakers Mansion.
During your residence tour, be sure to take in the sumptuous furniture and stunning lake vistas. The three-hour tour of the estate will include a stop at the wine cellar.
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3. 1.5-Hour Boston Ghosts and Gravestones Tour
If you’re looking for a spooky way to see some of Boston’s most famous sites, this 1.5-hour ghosts and gravestones tour is perfect for you! You’ll hear tales of hauntings, murders, and more at sites like the burial ground of the victims of the Boston Massacre and the USS Constitution Museum.
You’ll also experience a ride with a friendly coach driver or a bus driver and a narrated trolley or bus past Beacon Hill, the State House, and other Boston landmarks.
This tour is great for history buffs and horror fans alike. It is also one of the spooky and fun group bus tours to experience. So if you’re looking for a new way to experience Boston, this is the tour for you.
This tour traverses the areas of Boston that the Boston Strangler frequented, and it includes tales, ghosts, and ghouls associated with the notorious serial killer. Take a break from riding the trolley and head on foot to Copp’s Hill and Granary Burying Grounds, the two oldest cemeteries in the city.
When traveling to the burial sites of historical individuals like John Hancock, Paul Revere, and Samuel Adams, you never know what kind of creepy critters you might run into! Discover the lives and deaths of some of the most renowned people ever to call Boston home or move there in the future.
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4. Martha’s Vineyard All Island Tour
The Martha’s Vineyard All Island Tour is a great option for visitors looking to see as much of the island as possible in a short amount of time. The tour makes stops at all of the major attractions on Martha’s Vineyard Island, including Edgartown, Oak Bluffs, and Vineyard Haven.
This tour takes you through Martha’s Vineyard in a fun-filled bus that has air conditioning, so you can take in the breathtaking views while traveling around Martha’s Vineyard Island.
In the midst of undulating hills surrounded by historic stone walls and stunning clay cliffs steeped in history, you will find quaint communities that provide wonderful cuisine.
The All Island Tour of Martha’s Vineyard Island highlights the history behind the start of American Sign Language, see Weslyan Grove Campgrounds cottages, and explore the amazing clay cliffs. The trip also emphasizes the African American heritage that was brought to the Island.
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Best New England Bus Tour Companies
If you’re looking for a new and exciting way to explore New England, consider taking a bus tour with one of the following operators.
These bus tour companies offer a variety of tours that will take you to some of the most beautiful and historic spots in New England. Here are some of the best companies that operate New England bus tours.
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Yankee Trails
Yankee Trails World Travel offers New England bus tours that are a great way to see the region. There is sure to be something for everyone with a variety of different tour packages to choose from.
Whether you’re looking for a historical tour of some of the oldest towns in the country or want to take in the natural beauty of New England, Yankee Trails World Travel has a tour for you.
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New England Coach Tour and Travel
Many different companies offer bus tours of New England. Some are more general, while others specialize in certain parts of the region.
You can find tours that go to popular destinations like Boston and Cape Cod, or you can explore lesser-known areas. Be sure to research the different options and choose the tour that best suits your needs.
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Gray Line
Gray Line is a tour company and one of the best tour operators in the US. Among their many tours, they also offer a bus tour of New England.
This includes Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island stops. You will also have the opportunity to explore each state independently and take part in optional activities. This is a great way to see New England if you want to visit multiple states but don’t want to drive.
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CheckMyBus
If you’re looking to explore New England, there’s no better way to do it than by bus! CheckMyBus can help you find the perfect bus tour for your needs, making it easy to explore everything the region has to offer.
Plus, they have a selection of tours that includes something for everyone, so you’re sure to find the perfect one for you and your group.
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Caravan Tours
There are many different bus tours and tour directors that you can take in New England to see the fall foliage. Caravan Tours is one of those companies, and they offer 8-day trips that depart from Boston.
If you book in fall, you’ll get to see all of the beautiful leaves changing color in each of the New England States and some of the best sights in the area.
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Advantages of Taking a New England Bus Tour
There are many advantages to taking a New England bus tour, including:
Convenience
Bus tours are convenient because they allow you to see a lot of the region in a short period of time.
Flexibility
Bus tours are flexible because you can choose a tour that fits your interests and budget.
Educational
Bus tours are educational because they provide opportunities to learn about the history and culture of New England.
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How to Choose the Right New England Bus Tour
There are many factors to consider when choosing a New England bus tour, including your interests, budget, and the amount of time you have available. Here are some tips to help you choose the right New England bus tour for you:
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Determine your interests
There are many different kinds of bus tours in New England. You can pick the one that is right for you, depending on what you want to learn and see. If you want to learn about the history of the region, there are tours for that.
If you want to see the natural beauty of the area, there are also tours for that. Make sure to pick the right tour for you so that you can have the best experience possible.
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Take your time choosing
There is no need to rush when choosing a bus tour. You want to make sure that you choose the right one so that you can enjoy your time and learn about the area.
New England is a beautiful region with a lot to offer. There are many different bus tours to choose from. You can take your time and pick the one that is right for you.
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Choose the right tour company
Many different New England tour companies offer bus tours in New England. You want to make sure you choose a good company to have a good time.
Do some research on the different companies and read reviews. This will help you choose a company that is right for your budget. Some companies are more expensive than others, so read reviews and compare prices.
You also want to make sure the company has a good safety record. You can check this by doing a quick search online. Make sure to read the company’s reviews as well before you book anything.
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Consider your budget
When looking for a bus tour, it is important to think about how much money you want to spend. There are many different types of bus tours, and some of them are more expensive than others.
That said, there are also many affordable options, so you don’t have to spend a lot of money to take a tour.
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Decide how much time you want to spend on a bus tour
Depending on your interests, you can spend anywhere from a half-day to a week exploring New England by bus.
There are tours that visit just one or two destinations, while others offer more flexibility and allow you to explore several different places. No matter what you choose, though, you’re sure to have a great time.
FAQ
How much does a bus tour of New England cost?
The cost of a bus tour of New England will vary depending on the company you choose, the length of the tour, and the number of people in your group. Some tours can be as affordable as $50 per person, while others may cost more than $100 per person.
How long does a bus tour of New England last?
The length of a bus tour of New England will vary depending on the company you choose and the itinerary. Some tours may last for only a few hours, while others may last for several days.
What is the best time to take a bus tour of New England?
The best time to take a bus tour of New England will depend on your interests and the weather. Some people prefer to take tours in the spring or summer so they can see the beautiful scenery. Others may want to take a tour in the fall so they can see the leaves changing color.
Where do bus tours of New England depart from?
Most bus tours of New England depart from Boston. However, there are some companies that offer tours from other cities, such as Portland, Maine.
What is included in a bus tour of New England?
The cost of a bus tour of New England will vary depending on the company you choose and the itinerary.
Some companies may include transportation, lodging, meals, and admission to attractions in the price of the tour. Others may only include transportation and admission to attractions.
What should I wear on a bus tour of New England?
You’ll want to dress comfortably and in layers, as the weather can be unpredictable. Wear comfortable shoes, as you’ll be doing a lot of walking too!
Where do bus tours of New England depart from?
Most bus tours of New England depart from Boston. However, there are some companies that offer tours from other cities, such as Portland, Maine.
What is included in a bus tour of New England?
The cost of a bus tour of New England will vary depending on the company you choose and the itinerary. Some companies may include transportation, lodging, meals, and admission to attractions in the price of the tour. Others may only include transportation and admission to attractions.
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