An Iconic City Tour Through The Must-See City Sites – 5 Days

Welcome to Boston! Upon your arrival, you’ll meet your Tour Manager and experience the signature historic experience in New England on the Freedom Trail. To preserve the story of the American Revolution, these sites are located along a unique 2.5 mile urban walking trail, marked with a bricked or painted red line. You’ll see Boston Common, the State House, the Granary Burial Ground and the site of the Boston Massacre. Then you’ll continue to the North End where you’ll see the home of Paul Revere and the Old North Church.

Next, you’ll visit the Old North Church located in Boston’s North End. Here, the signal from the steeple of Boston’s oldest church triggered the War for Independence. On that fateful night in 1775, the two lanterns in the steeple told Paul Revere that the British were approaching by boat, not on foot.

On the night of April 18, 1775, silversmith Paul Revere left his small wooden home in Boston’s North End and set out on a journey that would make him into a legend. Today that home is still standing at 19 North Square and has become a national historic landmark. It is downtown Boston’s oldest building and one of the few remaining from an early era in the history of colonial America.

After dinner you will return to your hotel and rest up for the exciting days ahead.

After breakfast you’ll explore the Salem Witch Museum and follow the history of witches, witchcraft and witch hunts through the ages. You will also watch a presentation of the events of the Salem Witch Trials of 1692.

Next, you’ll venture on an unforgettable historical experience at the House of Seven Gables. Outside, spectacular seaside gardens await you. Inside of The House of the Seven Gables, also known as the Turner-Ingersoll Mansion, you will discover a mysterious secret staircase where you least expect it! Built in 1668, this is the oldest surviving 17th century wooden mansion in New England. The House of the Seven Gables inspired author Nathaniel Hawthorne to write his legendary novel of the same name.

Before lunch, you’ll explore the historic cobblestone-and-brick street in the middle of downtown Salem that has been closed off to vehicle traffic. Here you’ll find dozens of attractions, museums, shops, restaurants, cafes, & more!

This afternoon, you’ll discover the exhibits at the Museum of Fine Arts. Here you will find everything from arts from the Americas, Europe, Asia, Africa, musical instruments, textiles, jewelry, photography and more. Did you know that The Museum of Fine Arts is one of the largest museums in the United States? It contains more than 450,000 works of art, making it one of the most comprehensive collections in the United States.

After dinner, you’re in for a treat! You’ll experience the wonder of Blue Man Group with incredible performances, astounding music and outstanding art form. Become part of the new Blue Man Group show from the minute you step inside the doors!

After breakfast, you’ll visit the historic towns of Lexington and Concord where the first shots of the American Revolution were fired. On April 18th, Paul Revere, William Dawes and Samuel Prescott made their midnight journey to warn the colonists of the impending British attack. On the morning of April 19th, 1775, Minutemen faced the British and fought at the Lexington Battle Green. You’ll also see the North Bridge in Concord where shots were fired. Ralph Waldo Emerson described the first shots by the Patriots here as, “The shot heard round the world.”

Next you’ll visit The Old Manse, a handsome Georgian clapboard building that sits near the banks of the Concord River among rolling fields edged by centuries-old stone walls and graced by an orchard. From upstairs, you can look out over the North Bridge where the famous battle of April 19, 1775 took place. Ralph Waldo Emerson and Nathaniel Hawthorne both called the Manse home for a time – and each found inspiration here.

Next is lunch and free time to explore Quincy Market. Built in 1825, Quincy market was an indoor pavilion of vendor sales. The main Quincy Market building continues to be a source of food for Bostonians, though it now houses food-stalls, fast-food, and restaurants. It is a popular and busy lunchtime spot for downtown workers. In the center, surrounding the dome, is a two-story seating area.

This afternoon you’ll visit the USS Constitution, a wooden-hulled, three-masted heavy frigate of the United States Navy. Named by President George Washington after the Constitution of the United States of America, she is the world’s oldest commissioned naval vessel afloat. She was nicknamed “Old Ironsides” after the War of 1812.

Later, you’ll arrive at The Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum for an interactive and exciting history experience. You will have a personalized “colonial character” host that will guide you through this never-before-seen museum experience. You’ll “meet” Sam Adams, you’ll participate in the re-enactment of the destruction of the tea; you’ll be invited to board a tall ship, you’ll marvel at one of only two known surviving tea crates and you’ll be inspired by the film Let It Begin Here in the Minuteman Theatre. Learn the role that you will play in one of the most important events in American history.

You’ll have dinner.

After breakfast, you’ll head to the water! Guided by naturalists, you’ll adventure on high-speed catamarans to view the ocean’s most fascinating and magnificent creatures. This area is home to several kinds of large whales, including humpback whales, finback whales, minke whales, as well as pilot whales and the critically endangered right whales. Relax indoors or outdoors and keep your eyes peeled on the waters!

Once back on land, you’ll visit the Copley Square area and have free time to shop at the Prudential Center.

After lunch, another adventure begins as you board your “DUCK”, a W.W.II style amphibious landing vehicle. First, you’ll be greeted by a legendary tour “conDUCKtor” who’ll be narrating your sightseeing tour of Boston. Then you’re off on a journey like you’ve never had before. You’ll cruise by all the places that make Boston the birthplace of freedom and a city of firsts, from the golden-domed State House to Bunker Hill and the TD Banknorth Garden, Boston Common and Copley Square to the Big Dig, Government Center to fashionable Newbury Street, Quincy Market to the Prudential Tower, and more.

This evening, you’ll take a walking ghost tour and hear all about Boston’s darker side! In a city nearly four hundred years old – troubled with war, murderers, strife and the occasional bout of stray molasses, it is hardly any wonder that Boston remains one of the most haunted cities in America and stories of the glory days of Colonial Boston only scratch the surface of Boston’s darker side.

After breakfast, experience a thrilling, one hour, walking tour of Fenway Park. Known to some as “America’s Most Beloved Ballpark,” Fenway is uniquely nestled in the city of Boston. See the home of Red Sox Legends and visit Pesky’s Pole and sit atop the world famous Green Monster which stands 37 feet 2 inches high overlooking left field. This is a place where dreams are made, traditions are celebrated and baseball is forever.

The “Hahvahd” Tour is the most popular tour of Harvard University. Take a guided tour of the “Yahd” and learn the history, lore and legend of one of the world’s most respected institutions. This entertaining and informative tour is lead by current Harvard students.

You’ll head to Harvard Square where you’ll have free time. You can visit the campus of America’s oldest institution of higher learning, visit the campus book store and have time to explore the neighborhood.

You’ll head to the airport for your return trip home.