Cape Cod, The Islands and Newport
We are thinking of taking this trip next year but noticed some bad reviews on the food and hotels. We would love to hear from anyone that has taken this trip recently.
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We are thinking of taking this trip next year but noticed some bad reviews on the food and hotels. We would love to hear from anyone that has taken this trip recently.
Comments
We toured the area of Cape Cod on our own. Provincetown was a dump compared to when we went years ago, we saw a Tauck group while we were there. There are not many Tauck style hotels in the area. We stayed in a fancy hotel at a huge price, We got a very small attic room, it did have an ocean view. Service in the restaurants in the hotel were dreadful. Most places are within driving distance of staying in one hotel ‘home base’ in the Cape COD area, we had a day trip to Martha’s Vineyard and did whale watching. We did not go to Newport because we went there years ago, I would not mind going back to Newport a bit out of high season. Unless you really want to see the area with Tauck, I think you might be better planning it yourselves and saving the expensive trip money for another Tauck tour.
British it correct. You would be better planning your own trip. I spent many summers at my house in East Falmouth and visiting friends on Martha’s Vineyard. July and August are the busiest months and driving can be difficult. I always recommend the Inn on the Sound in Falmouth. It has an outstanding view of the Vineyard and the delicious breakfast can be enjoyed on the front deck. The Innkeeper is very knowledgeable and loves to bake. From the Inn you can take day trips to the whale watching in Hyannis and take the Island Queen to Martha’s Vineyard which is a short distance from from the Inn. There is so much to do and you will have time to plan and contact the relevant tourist offices.
Cape Cod, Newport and the Islands are very tourist oriented in the summer, with a good amount of temporary summer help, including may foreign students, who are there for the summer only.
From Oct to May it is very different from the summer, then the stores/restaurants cater to the locals.
Lives in MA
I agree that independent travel through the area is very easy. Long ago, we stayed at different bed and breakfasts and toured at our leisure. As mentioned, doing this during off season would be better and far more relaxing.
We went in October, quiet, but it meant some places were closed. A forum member went independently and stayed in the Tauck hotels and was disappointed in them. I’m fine with staying in basic hotels but the Tauck tour is too expensive.
I have to defend this tour. My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed it in 2022. It was a walk through Colonial history and the Gilded Age.. There was nothing negative about the hotels or meals. The best lobster rolls were in Provincetown! The harbor was beautiful in Edgartown!. Our guide, Sue, lived in the region and was delightful .
One of the joys of group travel is meeting new people and hearing their experiences and thoughts.. Our tour included international travelers.
I see some changes in the itinerary which now includes Woods Hole.
I would go again!
Thank you for your comments on this tour. We haven't decided yet if we will take it next year.
I absolutely agree with Daisy regarding the cities, food and overall quaintness of the area. I no longer take driving trips in the U. S., so I would definitely take this tour and would probably experience new things if I did.
Hi Noreen I have lived south of Boston for over 70 years. I have read many of the reviews and agree with most of the bad ones. The best quaint hotels are too small for an organized bus trip and the larger nice ones are only in the big cities, so they are not what you would be used to on Tauck tours.
That being said, spring and fall are the best times to go because of crowds.. Jim and I just went to the Acadia National Park area "Glamping" Under Canvas in Maine just before things started closing for the season, the end of September. I think early September is the best time to go. We have a cottage on Martha's Vineyard and see the tour buses. Nantucket is probably the better island for a tour, great town area. Newport is really nice too. If you were not going to see the area on your own at some time, then the itinerary looks good.
Debi,
Thank you! I appreciate your comments.
It was wonderful meeting you and Jim in Morocco. What a great and interesting time we had there.
We have four Tauck trips planned this year and don't want to add another one but next year is still open during the hot summer months in Tucson. We will go on a Silversea cruise to Asia but this is early in 2026.
Driving around the Cape independently can be very interesting. There are lots of shops (especially antiques), plenty of scenic views like beaches, lighthouses etc. Getting to the islands is very easy, too Getting out of Boston is no fun. If you go by yourself, thing of flying into TF Green airport in Providence RI.
Noreen I tried to private message you but there were too many Noreens to choose from. What are your other trips planned? We go to Patagonia in a couple weeks and then Namibia in May..
Debi, just left click on Noreen's name above, then in the next screen, click on the little box just to the left of her avatar that says "Message."
Alan, thank you so much! You are always so helpful and we appreciate it!
Debi, check your messages.
Noreen
Debi,
I haven't heard back from you and hope you were able to read my private message regarding the Tauck trips.
We live in New York and have been to the Cape and Martha's Vineyard many times. If you like Tauck trips ( we have been on 16) especially meeting social people and not lifting a finger then this is for you. Yes you can easily do it on your own but you have to do some reading up not to miss things. In Edgartown we stay at the LakeView hotel. Martha's Vineyard has a trolley that takes you to the other towns. It's almost impossible to get your car onto the car ferry so you will be doing a lot of walking. The Cape can be fun. Early fall is the best time to go. Now we take New England/Canada cruises from Brooklyn every year. You stop at Newport ( enough time to see one or two mansions or do the Cliff Walk or eat a lobster roll). Boston and or Portland ( go to DeMillio's on the water) Bar Harbour for Acadia National Park, St. John and or Halifax.. It is a wonderful way to see the area and unpack once. We are taking our grandkids on Tauck Red Rocks in April because we want to stay in the National Parks.