my wife and I are planning to visit new england for 5 days and want to know if its possible to see and enjoy the following; Arrive Boston first evening, see essentials next morning, hire car and end up around Newport next evening, drive next day via Bekshired to Burlington area, next day through White Mountainns, and arrive evening at Camden, next day drive to Boston for 12.30 flight. We're used to driving holidays, but have been caught once underestimating time to get to our destination in mountain country.

Too much distance. You can't see Boston in a "morning". I would suggest you either add another week or just perhaps see Boston and New Hampshire.

Agree with Budget Queen. Last Fall I spent one week touring from Boston up to Camden in Maine then back to Boston where I spent another week. So much to do around Boston I may go back!!

Drive you propose is possible - but, why? You would not have a chance to see anything - just rack up miles on the rental car. You mention Boston, Newport, Berkshires, Burlington, White Mountains, Camden. For 5 days I would pick only 2 of these places - save the others to dream on/plan for another trip. Your interests would determine what to skip - but Burlington, White Mts, and Berkshires would head my list for geography reasons.

Package Burlington with a trip to Montreal and Quebec City in the future.

Pick Boston and one other spot. Because of the driving time. I would pick the one other spot based on when you are visiting and what is going on in the area and what you like to see. One of my favorite New England late summer afternoons was sitting in a lawn chair with a picnic lunch and listening to fiddlers of all ages. Our favorite place for lobster at a picnic table is near Owl's Head Transportation Museum in Maine but it took a second visit to also hike out to the Owl's Head lighthouse which has an incredible view. Although not quite as fabulous as the one overlooking Camden Harbor. Also a good place for a picnic lunch (bring binoculars). Maybe find some place off the beaten path. New England is a small area but there's a tremendous amount of sights, history and activities available. Don't spend so much time driving.

That is way too much to try to do. I agree with the previous poster that said pick two places. I live in Boston and there is alot to do. In just a morning, you would get a quick drive through and see nothing. From here it is 1.5 hours to newport, 2 hours to Berkshires, etc. -- too much. If you really want a taste of New England in such a short time, spend two days in Boston and then drive either to the coast of Maine, the White Mountains, or the Berkshires for the remainder of the days.

hlsssea, you didn't go far enough -- from Bulrington VT to Camden ME is about 5 hours, from Camden to Boston is 3 or 4 hours. This would be a great vacation for people who don't want to get out of the car except to eat and sleep. If you expect to see the "esentials" of Boston in a morning, perhaps a Duck Tour would sffice for you.