Historical Boston and Salem, Massachusetts

Journey to two of the most historic cities in the United States – Boston and Salem, Massachusetts.  Explore the Freedom Trail, Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market, the USS Constitution Museum, Lexington/Concord, the Salem Witch Museum, a Haunted Footsteps Ghost Tour and much more.

Two Night Package

Day One

Today we depart via deluxe motorcoach for Boston, Massachusetts where we will be greeted by our local guide at Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market. Your students will love exploring Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market, a perfect introduction to Beantown – both the treasured meeting hall and historic landmark were established way back in 1742. A hopping’ gathering spot for tourists and locals alike, featuring live entertainment, fantastic shopping at over 70 retailers and excellent dining options; also the home of the world-famous colonnade and the Finch and Bull – the watering hole made famous in the long-running mega-hit sitcom, “Cheers.” A well-known stop on the Freedom Trail, this attraction is sometimes referred to as “the Cradle of Liberty”. P.S.: This is the place to get those Boston sweatshirts, sample Boston baked beans and Boston clam chowder and fortify your dwindling stash tea bags. (Lunch vouchers can be arranged for your group).

Following lunch, our first journey takes us for a walking tour along the 2.5-mile brick lined Freedom Trail. Our route will bring your group past 16 historically significant landmarks including the Bunker Hill Monument, Old North Church, Copp’s Hill Burying Ground, and the Paul Revere House. Along the way, you will hear the fascinating true tales of the courageous Bostonians and colonialists who dared challenge Britain and went on to establish the greatest republic in the world.

In front of the old State House, also known as Boston’s “Towne House”, your students will find a swirl of cobblestones commemorating the Boston Massacre; tensions between the colonialists and occupying Redcoats ran high in March 1770, and a minor squabble between a wigmaker’s young apprentice and a hot-headed British sentry quickly escalated into a deadly riot. Soldiers coming to the aid of the guard were met with an onslaught of sticks, stones, snowballs, and other such crude weapons of the moment, and fired directly into the angry crowd, killing five colonialists. Samuel Adams and other patriots dubbed the unfortunate event a “bloody massacre”. Travel to the North End for a visit to the Old North Church. “One, if by land, and two, if by sea;” we’re all familiar with Longfellow’s “Paul Revere’s Ride.” On the evening of April 18, 1775, Robert Newman, and Vestryman Capt. John Pulling, Jr. climbed the Old North Church steeple – at the time, the tallest building in Boston – and held high two lanterns as a signal from Paul Revere that the British were, indeed, making their way to Lexington and Concord by sea across the Charles River – the most expeditious approach possible – and not by land. (This was a backup plan; Revere was able to complete his ride and warn his fellow countrymen.).  Founded in 1722 as Christ Church, it is Boston’s oldest surviving church building and most visited historical site; popular 30-minute guided tours tender guests an engaging, in-depth look at the Old North and its place in history

Our next stop will bring us to the USS Constitution Museum. Here, you and your students will discover the largest assemblage of USS Constitution-related objects displayed in any one location. The collections, which include a wide range of artifacts spanning the 200+ year history of the Constitution focus on the ship’s origin, her crew, her role in the early republic and her part in present day. Through the showcasing of personal possessions including images, journals, and correspondence, the museum endeavors to bring the story of the oldest U.S. commissioned vessel afloat to life. Tours of the USS Constitution are offered depending upon the season and availability – reservations are required prior to arrival.

We conclude our day with dinner at a local student friendly restaurant followed by an interactive performance with the Blue Man Group. (L**, D)

Day Two

Breakfast is included at the hotel this morning. Our local city guide will meet the group and motorcoach this morning for a short ride to the Lexington/Concord area where we will visit the Old North Bridge, the Lexington Battle Green, Minuteman National Historic Park and more.

Next, we travel to historic Salem, MA where you can enjoy lunch on your own at one of the local restaurants.  Following lunch, we visit the Salem Witch Museum. The Salem Witch Museum revisits the hysteria of 1692, when people in the town were falsely accused of being witches or ‘consorting with the devil.’ Twenty people were put to death during this notorious time. The museum explores in-depth this historical time with a presentation that includes narration and life-sized figurines. Students will also learn about peoples changing views on witch hunts and witchcraft over time. The museum store has some interesting souvenirs to pick up.

Following our visit to the Witch Museum we will have an opportunity to explore the historic Salem Waterfront before heading to dinner at a popular, local restaurant.  We end our day with Salem’s popular Haunted Footsteps Ghost Tour. After a busy day, you and your students will embark on the area’s longest running “walking” ghost tour. On this 90-minute lantern lit stroll, experienced and costumed guides artfully concoct a tantalizingly, chilling blend of captivating stories and documented paranormal activity. They might even dish their own personal encounters with some of Salem’s dearly departed. Return to the hotel. (B, D)

Day Three

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at the hotel before boarding the coach for your journey home. (B)

Inclusions:

Two night’s accommodations

Two dinners, Two breakfasts

Visit Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market

Guided exploration of the Freedom Trail

Visit to the USS Constitution Museum **you may add a tour of the USS Constitution

Admission to the Blue Man Group Performance

Visit to Concord and Lexington including the Battle Green, North Bridge and Minuteman National Park

Admission to the Salem Witch Museum

Visit to the Historic Salem Waterfront

Haunted Footsteps Ghost Tour

Roundtrip Deluxe Motorcoach Transportation

Two Day Local Boston/Salem guide service

Tax and Service Charges

Two Single Escort comp packages for 40 paid packages

Call for Customized Itinerary and Pricing

Additional Opportunities may be added: 

A Third Day of touring * Paul Revere House * Tour of the Old North Church * Bunker Hill Monument Climb * Boston Harbor Cruise * New England Aquarium * Museum of Science * Duck Boat Tour * Tour of Fenway Park * Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum * Skywalk Observatory * House of Seven Gables * JFK Presidential Library and Museum * Gloucester * Meals