Fall for New England: A Leaf-Peeping Adventure

$3000

Deposit: $500

Interest-Free Monthly Payments Available

Oct 14 – 18, 2026

Group size: 6 – 10

Booking Deadline: September 14, 2026

About this trip

Experience the best of New England’s fall colors on this intimate, off-the-beaten-path adventure designed just for women. From the charming harbors of coastal Maine to the postcard-perfect villages of Vermont, we’ll immerse ourselves in vibrant foliage, local flavors, scenic hikes, and meaningful connection.

This 5-day getaway blends relaxed exploration with cozy charm—featuring historic towns, quiet trails, cider tastings, and boutique stays. If you love crisp air, golden leaves, and the kind of trip that feels like a warm sweater for the soul, this one’s for you.

Important Notes

Activity Level – Easy to Moderate

This Fall Foliage Escape is rated Easy to Moderate in activity level, making it ideal for women who enjoy gentle movement, scenic walks, and light hiking. We’ll explore charming New England towns on foot at a relaxed pace and enjoy a couple of moderately challenging but rewarding hikes that offer beautiful views without requiring technical skill or high endurance. The trip is designed to be active enough to feel invigorating, while still allowing plenty of time for rest, relaxation, and connection. Whether you’re strolling through vibrant fall-colored villages, hiking to sweeping viewpoints, or sipping cider on a cozy porch, this adventure strikes the perfect balance between exploration and ease.

Weather

October in New England—especially in coastal Maine and central Vermont—is one of the most beautiful times of the year, with crisp air, vibrant foliage, and the cozy feel of autumn setting in.

You can expect daytime highs in the upper 50s to mid 60s°F (15–18°C) and nighttime lows in the 30s to 40s°F (1–7°C). In other words, you’ll want to pack layers! Mornings may be chilly and foggy, but the sun often warms things up by mid-day. This time of year also brings brilliant fall colors, especially in mid-October, when the trees are typically at or just past peak in Vermont and still colorful along the Maine coast.

While October weather is generally dry, occasional rain showers or overcast days are possible—so a waterproof jacket and sturdy footwear are a must. Overall, it’s the perfect sweater-weather season: crisp, refreshing, and ideal for hiking, walking, and enjoying hot cider by a fire.

Are you ready to embark on a journey of a lifetime?

Sneak Peek Trip Details

Cava Misericordi
Day 1-Arrive in Portland

Oct 14 – Arrive in Portland and transfer to Belfast

Arrive in Portland, Maine by 1:00 PM and meet your fellow travelers as we head up the scenic coast to the harbor town of Belfast. Check in to our seaside hotel, where we can smell the salty air — and maybe even a porch swing to soak it in. We’ll kick off our journey with a cozy welcome dinner overlooking the bay, sharing stories and laughter while the sun sets over Penobscot Bay. Feel the pace slow, your shoulders drop, and the adventure begin.

 Included Meals: Welcome Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel in Belfast

 Note: The Chicas Abroad team can help you book a hotel if you would like to arrive in Portland the day before the adventure.

Day 2-Mountains & Sea

Oct 15 – Mountain hike and harbor town stroll

After breakfast, we’ll head to Camden Hills State Park for a longer scenic hike combining the Mount Megunticook Tablelands Trail with a summit stop at Mt. Battie. This 5-mile route offers serene forest trails, rocky ledges, and jaw-dropping views of Camden Harbor and the Atlantic.

After our hike, enjoy a well-earned lunch in the postcard-perfect town of Camden, then spend the afternoon exploring its boutique shops, lighthouse views, or relaxing by the sea. Tonight, we’ll return to Belfast for a casual group dinner with time to share stories and soak in small-town Maine vibes.

 Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Snacks

Accommodation: Hotel in Belfast

 Activity: Hiking 5 miles with approximately 1000′ elevation gain

Arrive Catania
Cava Misericordi
Day 3 - Drive to Stowe

Oct 16 – Belfast Stroll, Scenic Drive & Summit Views

This morning we’ll enjoy a leisurely stroll through Belfast, with stops at local shops, historic homes, and the waterfront harbor walk. Afterward, we’ll load up for our journey west to Vermont.

On our way into Stowe, we’ll stop for an optional afternoon hike on the Stowe Pinnacle Trail — a moderately challenging 3.7-mile out-and-back with one of the best panoramic foliage views in the region.

We’ll arrive at our mountain accommodations in time to check in, refresh, and enjoy a cozy dinner with mountain views.

 Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Snacks

Accommodation: Mountain resort in Stowe, VT

 Activity: Optional 3.7 mile hike with around 1,600′ elevation

Day 4 - Woodstock

Oct 17 – Village Vibes & Mountaintop Moments in Woodstock

Today we head to Woodstock, one of Vermont’s most charming and walkable towns. We’ll begin with a walking tour through covered bridges, quaint shops, and colonial architecture.

After lunch, we’ll hit the Faulkner Trail to Mount Tom, this time completing the North Peak Loop (about 4 miles total), which offers extended ridge views and peaceful forest paths.

After returning to Stowe, the evening is yours to relax by the fire, take a hot tub soak, or join the group for a farewell dinner and cider toast to close the adventure.

 Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Snacks

Accommodation: Mountain resort in Stowe, VT

 Activity: Hiking 4 miles with about 850′ elevation

Ragusa to Noto
Cava Misericordi
Day 5-Depart Boston

Farewell Breakfast and Drive to Boston

Enjoy one last breakfast together before our group transfer to Boston Logan Airport (about 3 hours). Plan your flights for after 2:00 PM to ensure smooth travels.

 You’ll head home filled with crisp mountain air, vibrant leaf memories, and the kind of connections only Chicas Abroad can create.

 Included Meals: Breakfast

Let’s Make This Journey Yours

What’s included

Lodging

2 nights at a seaside hotel in Belfast, Maine and 2 nights at a mountain lodge in Stowe, Vermont.

Ground Transportation

The trip will begin in Portland, ME and end in Boston, MA. All ground transportation included throughout the trip from airport to airport.

Tips For Local Guides

Generous tips are provided for all LOCAL guides and drivers. Tips for the Chicas Abroad tour leader are optional and at your discretion.

Meals

All meals included (4 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 4 dinners)

Excursions

Hiking & Leaf-Peeping

Chicas Abroad Swag

Commemorative Chicas Abroad swag included for you to enjoy during and after the adventure

Lifelong Memories

Freedom to enjoy your vacation and mindlessly wander, as well as make lifelong memories and new friends!

What’s not included

Flights

Arrive in Portland, ME (PWM) on Wednesday, Oct 14 by 1:00pm; depart Boston, MA (BOS) on Sunday, October 18 after 2:00pm

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is highly recommend to cover any unforeseen events. Chicas Abroad will provide you with a link to our recommended carrier upon booking, but you may choose any carrier.

Alcoholic Beverages

Alcoholic drinks are at your own expense

Chicas Abroad Leader Tip

If you’ve had an exceptional experience, a typical gratuity for a trip of this length ranges from $200–$250.

Reviews

What a fabulous trip to Greece and the islands of Santorini and Mykonos! This is my second trip with Chicas Abroad and both trips have been stellar. Last year I hiked the Camino De Santiago trail with the Chicas and had a blast. The hotels are top of the line. You won’t be disappointed. I love that everything is arranged for you and all you have to do is enjoy! No stress on vacation as Melanie and her trip leaders take care of everything. The activities and tours are carefully chosen and all have been fabulous. And you get to make new friends with your fellow travelers. If you are looking for a tour company that is top of the line, check out ChicasAbroad.com for all of their fabulous trips! I am already looking forward to my next trip with the Chicas!

5
By Patricia M for Greece Adventure on May 20, 2024

Just returned from 8 days in Greece with Chicas Abroad! What an amazing trip. From Athens to Santorini to Mykonos back to Athens. From the time I landed until the time I left I didn’t have to think about a thing. Everything was thoughtfully planned, including free time to explore and to see all of the relevant sights. It was a dream vacation. I have met wonderful ladies from all across the country, whom I will remain friends with for years to come. Melanie and Kathy were the most excellent Chicas guides! I loved every single minute. Can’t wait for the next adventure!

5
By Kristen H for Greece Adventure on May 26, 2024

Melanie and Kathy did a wonderful job organizing our trip. All events flowed smoothly and we saw some amazing sites. I got to know some fantastic women and look forward to seeing them again on some of my future trips with Chica’s Abroad!

5
By Kristi B for Greece Adventure on May 29, 2024

I traveled to Greece with 2 friends from my hometown and we had a wonderful time. However, the Chicas Abroad leaders, Melanie and Kathy had all the details planned extremely well and everyone was so nice that I would not hesitate to take another Chicas’ trip on my own. What a confidence booster! It was a super experience all the way around. Great job ladies!

5
By Kim E for Greece Adventure on Jun 10, 2024

This was my first trip with the Chicas. It will not be my last! The accommodations were top notch. The activity level was very active, we truly had great adventure. I learned so much thru the people I met. There was a real sence of belonging. The guides were incredibly knowledgeable and fun as well. I started out with strangers but gained a new group of strong friends with these ladies. It was an unforgettable experience.

5
By Marlene B for Northern Italy Food & Wine Adventure on Jul 01, 2024

This trip felt “intimate” and very cultural. I enjoyed meeting meeting the food artisans in their shops (pasta, chocolate, dairy). The chefs and owners of several restaurants came to our table to welcome us, and will always remember dinner at Monica’s family home.

5
By Linda M for Northern Italy Food & Wine Adventure on Jul 03, 2024

We could not have had the experience we had without your assistance. From the driver who picked us up from the airport to the driver of the 55 passenger bus the drivers were amazing. Having a guide for every excursion/tour was a must. Our tickets were ready, no lines to wait in, and having a knowledgeable guide was so appreciated!!! We were able to see everything we hoped to. Our time in Grimaldi was so special…we didn’t know what to expect. The people of Grimaldi were so kind and made us feel very welcomed. A trip of a lifetime that we were able to experience as a family🇮🇹❤️

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Absolutely beautiful beyond words! Inspiring women, trip details were well organized, a lot of fun, laughter and smiles.
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My niece and I went on this trip together and the memories and experiences we gained are something I will always cherish. The trip was perfectly planned, the group was full of kind and fun women, and the itinerary was challenging while also safe and enjoyable. I will definitely be checking back in to book a future Chicas Abroad trip!

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AmaziAmazing experience and a fantastic adventure. It was a six star trip! Definitely looking forward to the next one. Sarah S.ng experience and a fantastic adventure. It was a six star trip! Definitely looking forward to the next one. Sarah S.

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