Connecticut/New Hampshire
All Aboard! Discover New England’s Railroad Legacy
Program No. 12310RJ
From the Essex Steam Train in Connecticut to the Cog Railway up New Hampshire’s Mount Washington, discover the history and charm of New England’s railroads.
Participant Reviews
Based on 34 Reviews
SHOWING
Suprisingly fun and instructive. Food is mediocre so not for foodies but visits and lectures were great and pace of tour just right. Depending on what is of interest to you make sure you pick the right season
— Review left October 26, 2025
Amazing! Jam packed with trains, history and great tour guide.
— Review left October 25, 2025
First class/world class lectures. Excellent.
— Review left October 18, 2025
Rail transportation had become more a part of my hobby prior to the program. Still, I learned quite a bit from the program that I did not know. And, I had the history experiences of riding the rails as many in the past did.
— Review left October 15, 2025
If you like cog trains - the trip to Mount Washington was great!
— Review left October 15, 2025
If you love trains, take this trip! It was awesome!!
— Review left October 7, 2025
My husband and I enjoyed this trip tremendously! Although I was tired at the end of each day, it never felt like we were being rushed through activities. The activities were well-planned, well-thought out, and well-organized. And we did certainly not go hungry! The whole trip was delightful, and I would highly recommend it to any train fan who is considering this program.
— Review left October 4, 2025
What can be better than a train trip every day!? Plus throw in a Gondola Ride, a Trolley Museum and a Riverboat ride! This 5-Star tour informs travelers on the various types of train travel and its impact on personal travel and commerce. All the speakers including our great guide Joe enlightened us on the rich regional history of the areas visited.
— Review left September 28, 2025
Both enjoyable and informative. This program highlights some of the most enjoyable and historic tourist experiences New England has to offer. Excellent group-leader/bus-driver team and fabulous lecturers.
— Review left September 19, 2025
Overall, this was a wonderful experience! Our group leader was so knowledgeable and easy to understand, and just a pleasure to be around. All of the speakers and tour guides made each of the experiences exciting and interesting. The trains and trolleys were truly a trip back in history.
— Review left August 20, 2025
This is a very enjoyable trip as well as a highly informative experience.
— Review left October 12, 2024
Highly recommend this trip. Speakers, tour guide and bus driver were wonderful!
— Review left October 5, 2024
The was the first Road Scholar trip that my husband and I took. We were very satisfied with the program and organization and the sites/field trips that we took. Our group leader, Brent, did an excellent job at keeping us all on track and Carrie, our bus driver was great as well getting us everywhere on time and safely! Kudos to both of them! You will not go hungry on this tour! All of the experiences were top notch. I would definitely recommend this trip for the end of September, beginning of October--the colors in New Hampshire were gorgeous. We are looking forward to picking out our next trip!
— Review left October 4, 2024
I had not reviewed the railroad trip, and today got notification that due to complaints about leader Brett, you are offering a refund. He was very conscientious, attentive and enthusiastic. I suspect people complain to get a little kickback on the price. That’s maybe cynical of me, but I can’t fault him for the job done.
I didn’t get much out of the Clark’s Bears stop, but others definitely did. Hey, all activities on a group tour aren’t going to appeal to everyone equally. Overall, RS makes travel and education so enjoyable. Keep up the good work!
Pam
— Review left September 28, 2024
A busy program with many stops for activities but coordinated with the bus rides and worked out nicely. Also, no shortage of good food on this trip.
— Review left September 17, 2024
Great trip - lots of variety of experiences besides many opportunities to ride the rails. Great guide in Brent Curtis and fun bus driver in Carrrie. Would recommend it to anyone.
— Review left September 13, 2024
A fun trip to visit the early beginning of rail transportation. Great history, food and friends made.
— Review left July 23, 2024
All Aboard was a great trip with many different train related excursions included. I recommend this trip to anyone interested not only in trains, but in visiting the Northeast United States in general.
— Review left July 22, 2024
The train rides were lots of fun.
— Review left October 15, 2023
Enjoyed the program, especially Mt Washington. The scenery everyday was breathtaking! Highly recommend the program for those who want to enjoy the beauty of autumn.
— Review left October 14, 2023
This is a really interesting program ever if you are not a "rail buff". I am from the west coast and knew nothing about the railroads of New England and I loved this program. I learned so much and met so many wonderful people.
— Review left October 8, 2023
Although nature did not always give us sunny days on this six day trip I had an enjoyable time. My fellow travelers were interesting and the guides and various educators that helped us to navigate the world of New England's railroad history were knowledgeable and informative. I'd previously read up on the history of American railroading prior to coming on this trip and I found that the people we met in our travels who worked on the railroads and those who had a passion for this form of travel enhanced my knowledge immeasurably.
Our sleeping accommodations were comfortable and I will remember the food on our lunch train and dinner dining cars and the lunch at the Mt. Washington Hotel.
The highlight, for me, was the trip on the Cog Railroad because of the innovation of its creation and the fact that it stills runs after all these years effectively. The fact that the sun was out and we could see for miles from the top of Mt. Washington on a day when the temperature was mild made it the best trip to the top of this noted place for measuring meteorological events in the northeastern U.S.A.
— Review left October 7, 2023
This was our first tour with an educational component and it was excellent. It changed how we will plan future trips.
— Review left September 15, 2023
If you love excursion trains, excellent meals, and accommodations. this trip is for you!
— Review left July 23, 2023
This trip provided experiences on trains that you would not be able to find elsewhere. The mountains of New Hampshire are lovely. The train rides along Lake Winnipesaukee, and on the Lafayette Cafe Train and the trip up Mount Washington were outstanding! The food all during the trip was plentiful and well done. Our group leader was a wealth of knowledge (mechanical engineer with a passion for trains). Great trip!
— Review left July 22, 2023
We were there during the peak of the color season and the scenery was stunning! The cog railway and mount washington was a wonderful experience. The Indian Head Lodge was lovely and the food was great on the whole trip. I learned alot about the past and our history. Take a step back in time!!!!!
— Review left October 23, 2022
I love the emphasis on history and culture. All the participants are nice and welcoming!
— Review left October 19, 2022
Great trip to take in October. Leaves were gorgeous and the train trips relaxing.
— Review left October 16, 2022
Welcome to New England and to the many rail attractions of the region. From a cog railway to trolleys to scenic excursions to on-board elegant dining you will experience it all. You certainly don't need to be a rail fan to enjoy what you will learn along the way. And more than once, see where history was made.
— Review left September 30, 2022
This was the least physically active trip I have made of my 8 trips with Road Scholar.
— Review left July 24, 2022
The program is a sampling of New England railroading as it now is -- more a social experience than a serious transport mode. But a well-organized romp it is; on balance, I encourage it.
— Review left October 11, 2021
I did not realize that there is so much railroad history in New England.
— Review left October 9, 2021
If you are interested in trains and like the New England area particularly during the Fall, then I would highly recommend this program. And I hope that you are lucky enough to have Corinne Lunnin as your Group Leader.
— Review left September 26, 2021
I enjoyed the Epic Journey: New England History Come to Life. I learned a lot about trains and trollies from a different era. Lynn Macaluso is an excellent tour director. The addition experts added a lot to this trip.
— Review left July 19, 2019