New Englanders are proud of their region and of the abundance of attractions which highlight the history and culture unique to this area. But they do not just sit back and enjoy it. Museums and attractions are constantly working to enhance the visitor experience, continuing restoration work, adding exhibits or offering a tour with a new twist in a popular destination. Another thing New Englanders are passionate about is food. Lobster is the first thing that comes to mind when you think of New England’s cuisine. But Maine potatoes have found their way out of the fryer and into premium vodka, and the sea breezes along the south coast of Rhode Island and Connecticut help produce award-winning wines. In New England, there is always something new!

Connecticut

Mystic Seaport, the Museum of America and the Sea, is the nations most important maritime museum, but its also the most delightful way to learn about our seafaring history-whaling, fishing, boat building and life in a 19th-century coastal village. Because Mystic Seaport is also a research center, your group has the opportunity to watch as important historic vessels undergo restoration. In 2007, the Charles W. Morgan, the last wooden whaling vessel from the great days of sail, will be put in dry dock on-site and visitors will still be able to visit the Morgan and observe this preservation project first-hand. A very popular special exhibit through 2006 is Black Hands, Blue Seas, which chronicles the maritime heritage of African-Americans. In 2007, a special exhibition on Tugboats and their influence on maritime history is being planned.

Rhode Island

The newest addition to the Ocean States attractions is the Majestic, a 149-passenger yacht-style vessel that just launched its first season on Narragansett Bay at the end of April. Your groups will be able to enjoy a one-hour narrated cruise of Newports scenic harbor, a lunch cruise or an elegant dinner cruise.

Massachusetts

Historic Tours of America is diligently acquiring artifacts regarding the Boston Tea Party for the new Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum when it opens in 2007. The museum will be dedicated to the preservation and interpretation of the event in Boston Harbor on December 16, 1773, which sparked the revolution. The recently acquired Robinson Tea Chest is one of only two known surviving crates from the event and will be a centerpiece of the new museum.

Other news for 2006 at Historic Tours of America is that your clients taking an Old Town Trolley tour will enjoy a walking tour of Beacon Hill with a costumed guide as part of their package. If your group is looking for something fun to do in the evening, they have introduced a Ghosts andGravestones tour. Half the tour is on Old Town Trolleys, but these trolleys are black with purple fluorescent lights. Guides use keys to let the group into the historic cemeteries where they are met by a gravedigger in costume.

At the western end of the state, the Berkshires offers an abundance of great sightseeing opportunities. At The Mount, the magnificent estate of the author Edith Wharton, groups can take a 45-minute guided tour of the house, including the recently restored formal areas. The freshly planted gardens are spectacular and can be combined with the tour of the house.

Tanglewood is the summer home of the Boston Symphony, but the Berkshires have an abundance of theatre and music. This summer, the newly restored Colonial Theatre in Pittsfield will reopen after a comprehensive restoration project to bring it back to its turn-of-the-century elegance. It is one of Americas finest theaters to have survived the years intact. Attend a performance if possible, but groups can book tours of the facility to see this architectural treasure.

Source: www.leisuregrouptravel.com

other links:

www.grouptravelblog.com

www.grouptraveldirectory.com

London, the capital of England, is the most urban area in the United Kingdom. It is one of the worldâ??s leading financial, business and cultural centers and contributes to be a major global city. It houses four major world heritage sites and one of the major developed areas in the world. Not only this, but London is one of the major touristâ??s destinations in the world because of several sightseeing tours, parks, gardens, palaces and world famous towers. Due to all these attractions, hotels in London England are well established to provide comfortable accommodation to tourists with several facilities and amenities.

It is beyond doubt that London is well developed city and attracts tourists from the world around. In order to make the provision for touristsâ?? stay, there is wide network of hotels ranging from star hotels to cheap London hotels, to suit the taste and budget of every traveler. It is ineffable to describe the luxury for travelers in star hotels in London England. The immediate service and warm hospitality of the hotel staffs give the feeling of homely comfort to its visitors.

The visitors to London can easily come across many London airport hotels, which are located in proximity to airport. Most of these hotels include beautiful garden and restaurants, where visitors can enjoy several types of English and international dishes. The array of facilities offered at such hotels is excellent. It covers a wide range of network such as restaurant, bar, soundproof rooms; spa, sauna, pool, etc forms a long list. There are many hotels around touristsâ?? attractions that add fun to your trip. Travelers can find hotel through London hotel map, which gives you entire elaboration of hotels in London and their location.

Such London hotel map provides ease to travelers to pre-decide the hotel to stay and several touristsâ?? attractions to view. All these decisions can be taken according to oneâ??s own need. The traveler visiting London for exploring the city can go for some cheap hotel or star hotels on the basis of his affordability or in proximity to the places to be explored by him. A business traveler can look for the comfort of other members or for the facilities of various meeting and conference rooms offered.

The accommodation can be booked online through several agencies, which make the necessary lodging arrangements for the tourists, who might be busy in exploring the sightseeing views of the city. These online booking website have lended a helping hand to travelers in making arrangements for them in advance to save them from hustle and enjoy their trip.

England is one of the most historically interesting and vibrant countries anywhere in the world. That is why those heading on a vacation to England should visit some of the prime historical sites as part of their trip. With imposing castles, magnificent country estates and fascinating museums history buffs will certainly be entertained whilst visiting England; whether travelling on your own, as a couple or with the family it is hoped that the details of the following sights will give tourists essential vacation ideas.
Regarded by many to be the most marvellous castle in all of England, Warwick is a must see example of medieval castle construction and fortification. Literally it is step back in time, giving visitors the chance to truly experience the world of knights, kings and nobles. The history of Warwick Castle is unbelievably interesting; originally built by William the Conqueror in 1088 it passed hands to various Earls of Warwick and even the Count of Anjou in 1153. Its most famous resident however was Richard Neville, more commonly known as Warwick the Kingmaker. This name has been given to Neville due to immense power during the fifteenth century and the Wars of the Roses, enabling to place various kings onto the English throne for his own political ends. Today it remains one of the best kept examples of a castle in the land.
A vacation in England should also include a visit to the historic city of Bath. This city lying in Somerset has an amazing history from Celtic and Roman times up until the Victorian period. Because of the natural springs present within the city the Romans built up a considerable spa settlement, today some of these baths remain and are must see for travellers, although taking a dip in the waters is not allowed. During the Georgian period the city built up as a considerable spa resort, enticing those from London to ‘take the waters’, meaning that Bath toady has a large amount of sumptuous architecture and an air of luxury.
England has a rich spiritual heritage and as such there are various sites that should be visited whilst on vacation that will give an insight into this history. Naturally the most famous of these spiritual sights is in Canterbury. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site it is the seat of the Archbishop of Canterbury, the leader of the Church of England. Canterbury has played host to some of the most tumultuous events in British history, the most infamous probably being the murder of Thomas Becket, at the supposed orders of King Henry II, although conjecture still exists as to whether the king really did want his former best friend dead. Another cathedral worth including in a vacation is Durham; another UNESCO site, this time in the north of England is a fine example of a Norman cathedral; arguably the best in the country.
Another brilliant attraction worth visiting whilst on a vacation in England is Blenheim Palace. Built in the eighteenth century for the Earl of Marlborough, John Churchill and named after his greatest victory it represents the country’s gratitude for Churchill’s military exploits. To find a grander palace anywhere else in the nation would be difficult, as the home of the Churchill family for three hundred years, it was also the home of a famous modern Churchill, Winston, who once again led the country in a war on the continent.
Hopefully these sites give some idea of the historical wealth present in England and why any vacation should include a visit to at least one. A fascinating island proud of its heritage in war, and religion the many attractions will leave the visitor with a greater understanding of why England is so unique.