SHORE EXCURSIONS

OVERVIEW

Delve into the history of Boston, especially around the time of the American Revolutionary War, and enjoy the ultimate view of the city from a 52-story-high observation deck. Many of the attractions are along the Freedom Trail, a path that leads to Boston Common, the Massachusetts State House and the Granary Burying Ground, where Paul Revere and Samuel Adams are buried. But there is much more to Boston than 18th-century history. You will also drive through the theater district and pass the finish line for the Boston Marathon, the world’s oldest annual marathon. While the sights will be spectacular the entire way, the 360° view from atop the Prudential Center may make the most lasting impression. You can gaze out over Boston from indoors, enjoy the sights from the open-air roof deck and check out the 3D model of the city on the floor below.

HIGHLIGHTS

• See historical and contemporary attractions while driving through downtown Boston.
• Pass many of the most iconic landmarks from the American Revolutionary War.
• Drive through the theater district and along Boston’s waterfront.
• Enjoy a sweeping 360° view of Boston from the Prudential Center’s observation deck.
• Be dropped off at Boston Logan International Airport in plenty of time for your flight.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Ride an Old Town Trolley through Boston and hop off at the attractions that sound most fascinating. The trolley features stadium-style tiered seating so the views will be maximized as it follows the Green Loop around the city. When you see landmark that looks appealing or hear the conductor describe one that sounds interesting, just hop off the trolley and stay if you like. The trolleys make continuous loops around the capital, so you won’t have to wait long when you are ready to head to the next destination. Many of the landmarks were prominent during the American Revolution and are on the famed Freedom Trail, including the Paul Revere House, the USS Constitution, and the Bunker Hill Monument. Not all the attractions are historical as you could also stop in TD Garden – New England’s largest sports arena – and Cheers, the bar that inspired the TV show of the same name.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Ride a trolley through Boston and hop off at your choice of more than 20 attractions.
• Stay if you like at the attractions and hop on another bus when you are ready.
• See historical landmarks such as Boston Common and Faneuil Hall.
• Drop by contemporary attractions, including the New England Aquarium.
• Enjoy the views of Boston from the trolley’s stadium-style tiered seating.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Explore landmarks in North Shore’s classic seaports, including Rockport’s iconic red fishing shack, the fisherman’s statue in Gloucester and the Salem Witch Museum.

After departing from the pier, you will drive across beautiful Cape Ann to seaside Rockport. The magical setting has long inspired artists, including famed American landscape painter Winslow Homer, who was drawn to the area for years.

You will also be inspired as you explore downtown Rockport on your own. Be sure to see Motif No. 1, a red wooden fishing shack on the wharf that has been the subject of so many paintings that it has become Rockport’s signature attraction. The shack has even been featured on a U.S. postage stamp.

You will next stop in to Gloucester, a city with a rich maritime history. The sea has greatly influenced life here, epitomized in the Fisherman’s Memorial, where you will stop briefly for photos of this iconic statue of a fisherman at the wheel of his ship. It was erected as a tribute to the thousands of Gloucester fishermen who have lost their lives at sea.

A bit farther down the coast, you will find Salem, a town forever associated with the witch trials that were held here in the late 17th century. You will learn more about the hysteria and injustice of the witch trials at the Salem Witch Museum. A theatrical presentation will depict how the trials came about, how they were conducted and the aftermath.

Free time in Salem follows.

OVERVIEW

Enjoy the highlights of Boston as this panoramic tour takes you past the city's most important and scenic sites. One of the city's most attractive spots, you will see Copley Square bordered by the architectural wonders of Trinity Church and the Boston Public Library. Continuing through the upscale residential area of Back Bay and along Newbury Street, you will pass several upscale boutiques and trendy cafes as you make your way past the Public Garden. In the heart of the city and overlooking the green oasis of the Boston Common, lies one of the most elegant and wealthiest neighborhoods of the city, Beacon Hill. During your scenic drive you will pass by the gold dome of the Massachusetts State House, as well as the Granary Burial Ground, the final resting place of Samuel Adams and Paul Revere. Passing by the historic North End, you will see the steeple of Old North Church where Paul Revere ordered two lanterns hung in the steeple to signal that the British Redcoats were approaching.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Drive past Boston marquee destinations
• Hear intriguing commentary about the attractions.
• Get a great sense of America’s early history.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Browse the namesake library and museum dedicated to John F. Kennedy, the 35th President of the United States, who was born just a few miles away in Brookline. Designed by famed architect I.M. Pei, the nine-story complex holds a collection of archival photographs, videos, documents and personal items that detail key events in J.F.K’s life. There are exhibits on his early years, the 1960 presidential election and the president’s commitment to the U.S. space program and civil rights. Other areas are dedicated to First Lady Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy, the Peace Corps and Kennedy’s innovative live televised press conferences, which he held an average of once every 16 days. Afterwards, on a panoramic drive through Boston, you will pass landmarks such as the Public Garden, Boston Common and the Old North Church. if time allows, you can choose to be dropped off at Quincy Market, morning departures only, and return on the shuttle at your leisure.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Gain great insight into the life and times of J.F.K. at his presidential library and museum.
• Browse exhibits on topics ranging from the president’s early years to the Cold War.
• Enjoy a panoramic drive through Boston.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Snap selfies at the most photogenic spots in and around Boston, many of them iconic attractions that define the city. To ensure the best possible results, a selfie tutor will offer tips so you can capture just the right angle, lighting, and composition for every shot. Your pictures will be ideal for posting on social media and sharing in other ways.

As you walk and ride through Boston, you will pause at designated selfie stops that include:
• Christopher Columbus Park
• Quincy Market
• Boston Common
• North Square

HIGHLIGHTS

• Take inspiring selfies at the most photogenic attractions in Boston.
• Follow tips from your selfie tutor to ensure the very best pictures.
• Learn the historical significance of the locales while enjoying their dramatic settings.
• Pose at Christopher Columbus Park with Boston Harbor and the city skyline behind you.
• Capture stunning shots at North Square, one of Boston’s oldest public squares, surrounded by historic charm.
• Visit Quincy Market and Boston Common, two venues with multiple photo ops.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Wear casual, weather-appropriate clothing and comfortable walking shoes.
• Bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.
• Be sure your phone or camera is fully charged.

OVERVIEW

Walk through the heart of Boston with a costumed guide that personifies Paul Revere and visit places that had great meaning in the patriot's life. You will see the house where Revere lived when he made his legendary midnight ride to warn citizens that the British were coming. Another enlightening stop will be made at the Old North Church, where Revere famously ordered two lanterns to be hung from its steeple to signal that the British were advancing by boat across the Charles River. As you walk between attractions, "Revere" will offer his personal insights into the events of the American Revolution. The commentary will be particularly moving at Copp's Hill, Boston's largest colonial cemetery. The sexton that hung the lanterns at the Old North Church is buried there. You will have a panoramic view of the Granary Burying Ground, the final resting place for Revere, John Hancock and Samuel Adams.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Follow a costumed guide that personifies Paul Revere through downtown Boston.
• Walk by the places that played major roles in the American Revolution, including Revere’s home.
• Stop at the Old North Church, where lanterns famously signaled advancing British troops.
• See the largest colonial cemetery and the one where Revere and other patriots are buried.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Walk through the historical North End of Boston with a guide that will describe the most iconic attractions and then continue across the Charles River into Cambridge. Along the way, you will pass one historic landmark after another, so many of them key to the American Revolution. You will see Boston Common, the oldest public park in America, the exclusive neighborhood of Beacon Hill and the gold-domed Massachusetts State House, which was constructed in 1798 on land that was once John Hancock’s cow pasture. You will also behold the exterior of the Old North Church, where Paul Revere ordered two lanterns hung in the steeple to signal that the British were approaching by sea. After crossing the river to Cambridge, you can independently explore Harvard University and if time permits pause at Copley Square, an area is known for architectural treasures such as the Boston Public Library and Trinity Church.

HIGHLIGHTS

• See some of the landmarks in Boston that played key roles in the American Revolution.
• View the exterior of the Old North Church, the oldest church building in Boston.
• Cross the Charles River into Cambridge and explore Harvard University on your own.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Take a panoramic drive through the most historical areas of Boston and enjoy an insider’s tour of Fenway Park, America’s oldest baseball park. The guide will provide engaging commentary on the significance of the sights, but nothing will be quite as enlightening as seeing the ballpark up close and behind the scenes. Since opening in 1912, Fenway Park has remained largely intact and looks much like it did when Red Sox legends such as Ted Williams, Carl Yastrzemski and Jim Rice played. You will browse the press box and broadcast booths and get a good look at the dugout seats and Pesky’s Pole. The famed pole marks the right field foul line and the shortest distance for a home run-in major-league baseball. Take in a view of the field from the iconic Green Monster seats next to Fisk’s Pole.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Enjoy access to areas of Fenway Park that are usually off limits to the public.
• See iconic features of the ballpark such as the Green Monster and Pesky’s Pole.
• Gain insight into the history of Boston on a panoramic drive through downtown.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

See Boston's main attractions at your own pace by riding around town in a motor coach that allows you to get on and off nearby different attractions that will have entrance included with your pass. The vehicle makes a continuous loop around Boston, following a specific scenic route and approaching each attraction, you will hear enlightening commentary about it so you can decide if you want to visit or continue to the next attraction. If there is an entrance fee, just show your Attraction Pass and you will get in free. You might hop off for a visit to the Museum of Science or Old North Church, to browse the Institute of Contemporary Art followed by a visit to the USS Constitution Museum. Other Important American Revolution sites along the way include the Old South Meeting House, where the Boston Tea Party was organized.

HIGHLIGHTS

• With this pass, ride around Boston in a motor coach and stop at many attractions.
• Stay as long as you like at each attraction to enhance your understanding of it.
• Embark on a scenic route that showcases the city's iconic landmarks.
• Choose from a variety of well-known attractions as the motor coach loops around Boston.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Visit some of the most aesthetically pleasing attractions and outdoor oases in Boston, beginning with the Faneuil Hall Marketplace. Besides being a showcase for historic significance and modern commerce, the marketplace is an architectural work of art that includes the original Georgian-style building from 1742 and a series of vibrant, adjoining marketplaces revitalized centuries later. A walk through The Public Garden – America’s very first botanical garden – will provide a glimpse into Victorian life in Boston as it evokes a style of gardening and statuary that was popular during that time. Similarly, a stroll along Acorn Street will be reminiscent of colonial Boston when artisans and trades people occupied the row houses there. A Beacon Hill neighborhood landmark, it is one of the city’s most photographed streets. A visit to Boston Common, America’s oldest public park, will further immerse you in the city’s rich history.

HIGHLIGHTS

• View two historic gems: Faneuil Hall Marketplace and Boston Common.
• Stroll through The Public Garden, a leafy oasis that is America’s first botanical garden.
• Walk along Acorn Street, a gorgeous area in the Beacon Hill neighborhood.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

The seaside city of Salem is well known for its infamous Witch Hunts of three centuries ago and its special nautical heritage dating back to the China Trade. On this tour you’ll visit the Salem Witch Museum and experience Salem’s historic waterfront. At the museum, using stage sets, life-size figures, lighting and narration, you’ll learn about the Witch Trials of 1692 and have time to visit the witch exhibit. You'll also see the Witch Memorial and the Point Burying Ground where one of the 'witch' judges is buried - an ancestor of Nathaniel Hawthorne. Take in Salem’s picturesque Derby Wharf, dating back to the fabled China Trade period, when Yankee Clipper ships sailed around the globe and Salem was the wealthiest city in the United States. You’ll have time to independently explore the historic waterfront, snap a photo of 'Friendship,' a replica clipper ship or simply relax and browse the unique shops on the wharf.