Discover Boston, Rhode Island, and New Haven in Two Days for $388

This 2-day tour from New York City offers an efficient way to explore three iconic universities—Harvard, Yale, and MIT—along with highlights like the Breakers mansion in Newport and the vibrant city of Boston. At $388 per person, the trip includes roundtrip transportation, one night hotel stay, and a variety of guided and optional activities. The tour has an impressive rating of 4.8 out of 5 based on four reviews, pointing to a generally positive experience, especially for those interested in history, architecture, and university campuses.

Travelers who enjoy a mix of city exploration, historical sites, and scenic drives will find this tour highly appealing. The guided campus tours of Harvard and Yale are official and in-depth, providing a deeper understanding of these prestigious institutions. The trip’s pacing balances sightseeing, leisure time, and optional activities, making it suitable for those with limited time but eager to cover multiple highlights in the New England area.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

Includes transportation, hotel stay, and guided tours for convenience and value
Visits Harvard, Yale, and MIT with official campus guides
Highlights Newport’s Breakers mansion and features a Boston Harbor Cruise
Options for additional activities such as the Boston Harbor Cruise, Lobster dinner, and city viewpoints
Good for history, architecture, and university fans who want a compact, guided experience
Pacing is flexible with optional stops and activities, but some may wish for more time at specific sites

While in New York City, here are other experiences we've covered

Start in New York City with Convenient Pickup Options

The tour departs from Manhattan’s Chinatown at 8:00 am, with other pickup points in Brooklyn and Flushing, Queens. The pickup process is smooth, with dedicated pickup services available for Brooklyn and Flushing, before dropping off at Chinatown. The roundtrip transportation uses a vehicle appropriate to the group size, ensuring comfortable travel through New England.

Traveling from New York, the journey covers approximately 4 hours to reach New Haven and Rhode Island, setting the stage for a busy two days of sightseeing. The transportation is designed for comfort and convenience, helping travelers settle in for the full experience ahead.

Exploring Yale University and Cambridge’s Harvard

The tour’s first major stop is Yale University in New Haven, where an optional 60-minute campus tour offers in-depth insights into the university’s history and architecture. Visitors see notable sites like the Yale campus with its historic buildings and lush grounds.

Later, the trip continues to Cambridge, Massachusetts, home to Harvard University, where a one-hour official campus tour is included. The guide walks through Harvard Yard and explains the university’s history, traditions, and notable alumni, providing a comprehensive look at one of America’s most famous institutions.

Visiting the Massachusetts Institute of Technology

A quick stop at MIT offers a chance for photos with the main academic building. While the visit here is brief, the photo opportunity with MIT’s iconic architecture is a highlight for architecture enthusiasts and those interested in engineering and innovation.

More Great Tours Nearby

Scenic Drive and the Newport Breakers Mansion

In Newport, the tour features a visit to The Breakers, one of the grandest summer “cottages” built by the Vanderbilt family. The 90-minute visit gives a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of America’s wealthy during the Gilded Age, with stunning architecture and beautifully maintained interiors.

The drive through Rhode Island offers scenic views, modern buildings, and summer homes, making it a pleasant visual contrast to the historic university campuses.

While in New York City, here are other experiences we've covered

Boston City Highlights and the Harbor Cruise

Arriving in Boston, the tour includes a three-hour “Firsts of America” exploration tour. This guided walk covers significant landmarks such as the Old State House, where the Declaration of Independence was first published, and the Tremont Street Subway Marker, marking the first subway system in America.

For a different perspective, travelers can opt for the Boston Harbor Cruise, which lasts about 60 minutes. The cruise provides a breathtaking view of Boston’s skyline from the water—an experience highly praised for its scenery and relaxed atmosphere.

Other optional activities include a visit to Quincy Market, where the Boston lobster dinner and clam chowder are available, and the Prudential Center viewpoint, offering panoramic city views. While these extras are optional, they enhance the Boston experience with local flavors and cityscapes.

Visiting Historic Boston Landmarks

The tour also visits Boston Common, Public Garden, Boston Public Library, and Boston Trinity Cathedral outside view. These sites highlight Boston’s role as a founding city and its cultural significance, with each location being the first of its kind in America.

The self-guided walk through these landmarks allows for appreciation of Boston’s historic foundations, with ample opportunities for photos and brief explorations.

Hotel Accommodation and Pacing

The hotel stay is arranged at Sonesta Select Boston Lowell Chelmsford, Westford Regency Inn and Conference Center, or similar, providing comfortable overnight lodging. The hotel is conveniently located for the next day’s activities and offers a restful base after a busy day of sightseeing.

The itinerary balances guided tours with optional activities, giving travelers flexibility to explore at their own pace or relax. The overall schedule allows for a mix of structured visits and leisure time, especially at key locations like Quincy Market and Boston harbor.

Optional Tickets and Additional Costs

While the mandatory “Firsts of America Exploration Tour” is included in the price (for bookings after July 28, 2025), other activities like the Yale campus tour, the Breakers mansion, the Harbor Cruise, and the lobster dinner are optional. These can be added at checkout if desired, providing flexibility based on interests and budget.

Food and drinks are not included in the base price, so travelers should budget for meals, especially if opting for the lobster dinner or clam chowder.

Practicalities and Booking Flexibility

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, making it a flexible option for those planning ahead. Payment is deferred until booking, and availability varies, so early reservations are recommended.

Live English-speaking guides lead the tour, ensuring clear explanations and engaging commentary. Pickup times are set at 8:00 am from Manhattan, with early departures to maximize sightseeing time.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out

This well-rounded 2-day trip emphasizes prestigious universities, historic landmarks, and scenic views, making it ideal for those with interests in American history, architecture, or academia. The official campus tours of Harvard and Yale provide an authentic experience rarely included in shorter trips.

The combination of city sightseeing, mansion visits, and harbor cruises offers a balanced itinerary. Plus, the inclusion of hotel accommodation and roundtrip transport simplifies logistics for travelers.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour Most

This tour suits history buffs, architecture lovers, and university admirers who want a comprehensive yet manageable visit to New England’s highlights. The pacing allows for optional activities and some flexibility, making it suitable for those who prefer a guided, organized approach without sacrificing personal exploration.

However, those seeking in-depth exploration of each location might find the schedule somewhat limited, especially at sites like Newport’s Breakers or Boston’s historic districts. The trip is best for visitors who want a broad overview in a short timeframe.

Final Thoughts on the 2-Day New York to Boston, Rhode Island, and New Haven Trip

This $388 trip offers good value for a packed, guided experience covering major landmarks and university campuses. The guides are praised for their helpfulness and knowledge, particularly during the Yale and Harvard campus tours.

While some may wish for more time at individual sites, the overall balance of sightseeing and optional activities makes this tour an efficient way to see key attractions in a short period. It’s an excellent choice for travelers who prefer a structured, informative, and scenic trip that covers the essentials of New England’s historic and educational sites.

✨ Book This Experience

From New York: New Haven, Rhode Island and Boston 2-Day Trip

4.8

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the tour include transportation and hotel stay?
Yes, roundtrip transportation is included, along with one night hotel accommodation at a comfortable inn or hotel.

Are the campus tours of Harvard and Yale official?
Yes, both Harvard and Yale offer official in-depth campus guided tours as part of the itinerary.

Can I customize which optional activities I do?
Yes, the optional activities like the Boston Harbor Cruise, lobster dinner, and mansion visits can be added at checkout, allowing customization based on interests.

What is the duration of the tour?
The tour lasts 2 days, with departure from New York City at 8:00 am and returning the following evening.

Is food included in the tour?
No, food and drinks are not included, so travelers should plan for meals, especially if participating in the optional lobster dinner.

How flexible is the booking?
The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the scheduled departure, providing flexibility for changing plans.