Dates
October 15-19, 2023
Cost
$2,000
- Join us on an exciting journey to two of the most historically rich cities in the United States: Salem and Boston. This October, as the autumn leaves change, we’ll delve into the past and explore the cultural landmarks of this remarkable region. Our journey begins in Salem, where we’ll discover the city’s fascinating history, including its famous witch trials and maritime heritage. Then, we’ll travel to Boston, the birthplace of the American Revolution, and explore the city’s historical sites and museums. Along the way, we’ll have the opportunity to experience the local culture, cuisine, and charm of these two unique destinations. This trip promises to be an enriching experience that will leave you with a deep appreciation for the history and culture of this remarkable region.
Itinerary
DAY 1 SUNDAY OCTOBER 15
8:00AM Depart Lima, Oh. for Syracuse, NY.
5:30PM Check into The Hampton Inn or Comparable Hotel In Syracuse, NY. For the evening.
6:30PM Dinner at Local Restaurant
DAY 2 MONDAY OCTOBER 16
7:00AM Breakfast At Hotel
8:00AM Depart for Boston, Ma.
12:30PM Included Lunch in Springfield, Ma.
1:45PM Next, you will board the motorcoach and travel to Boston where upon arrival you will have free time to browse at Quincy Market.
3:45PM Arrive at Quincy Market to explore and take in this unique attraction. For over 250 years, the marketplace has played an integral role in the life of Boston’s residents. The marketplace houses 100 shops, carts, and artisans inside and out that offer unique treasures and diverse ethnic foods.
You will have dinner on your own this evening in Quincy Market.
6:00PM You will have included a Ghosts and Gravestone Trolley Tour of Boston. Hear all about Boston’s darker side. In a city nearly 400 years old troubled with war, murders, 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 its darker side. Walk amongst the dead in burying grounds nearly 400 years old, hear stories of those whose mortal remains lie beneath your feet, and listen to talks of many of the sordid practices that went along with them. Venture to the site of the biggest grave-robbing scandal in New England’s history. Walk atop Boston’s largest unmarked burying ground and hear tales of the tortures, punishments and executions that took place. See the city’s most haunted hotel, the Omni Parker. Following your narrated trolley ride, we will depart for our hotel the Beautiful Hilton Woburn for the next 2 nights.
7:30PM Depart for the beautiful Hilton Boston Woburn Hotel.
8:00PM Check into the Hilton Boston/Woburn for the next 2 nights.
DAY 3 TUESDAY OCTOBER 17
Breakfast buffet at hotel
After breakfast, you will meet your local guide and travel to Salem for the day. First, you will have a Witchcraft and Ghost Experience that is an incredible mix of special effects, actors, costumes, storytelling, diverse and exhilarating experiences and surprises blended with historical facts about the Salem Witch Trials, ghosts and local legends. Next, you will visit the Salem Witch Museum. Witness the testimony of the hysterical girls, the suffering of the blameless victims, and the decisions of the fanatical judges who sent innocent people to their deaths. When the witch hunt began no one was safe from being accused. This presentation is based on actual documents. With 13 stage sets, you will enter the web of lies and intrigue of the Salem Witch Hunt. One of the most enduring true stories in American History. Lunch this afternoon is on your own in Salem. During your free time in Salem, you may want to visit the House of the Seven Gables made popular in the novel by Nathanial Hawthorn (Admission into the home is not included in your tour package. You can visit https://7gables.org/visit/plan-your-visit/ to book and pay for your admission tickets for the guided house and grounds package. You will want to book your visitation for between 2-4 p.m. during your free time in Salem. Please contact our office if you have any questions.) The House of the Seven Gables was built in 1668 for merchant and ship-owner Captain John Turner, the head of one of the most successful maritime families in the New England colonies. The seaside mansion became famous by Nathaniel Hawthorne’s 1851 novel, The House of the Seven Gables. Hawthorne’s inspiration for the novel was the appearance of the house and the tales that were told to him by his second cousin and owner of the home, Susanna Ingersoll. Early evening, dinner is included at a local restaurant and followed by admission included to the Hammond Castle Candlelight Tour. Hammond Castle was built in the late 1920’s by late inventor, scientist and art connoisseur John Hays Hammond, Jr. This true European castle sits high on a bluff overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Following the advice of his mentor Alexander Graham Bell, Hammond conducted most of his work in the evening. Much to the dismay of the castle’s inhabitants, he concluded that working throughout the night and sleeping during the day was much more productive, with this in mind they offer evening candlelight tours. Guides will escort visitors through the castle’s many rooms, placing an emphasis on the Hammonds themselves and the time they spent in their home. (Note: The castle is not handicapped accessible due to the number of stairs.) Following the tour, you will return to the Encore for the night.
DAY 4 WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 18
Breakfast buffet at hotel
We will depart for Warehime, Massachusetts for a narrated cranberry bog tour by the world’s largest cranberry grower, A.D. Makepeace. Your guide will show you examples of an existing bog, currently in production and will discuss the stages of the cranberry growing process. There are two methods of harvesting cranberries, and you “may” even see it happening. Learn from the expert cranberry growers about farming and harvesting this fruit named “cranberry” by the Pilgrims.
We will have lunch at the café and then depart for Wilkes Barre and check into the Holiday Inn East Mountain Inn and have dinner at the hotel.
DAY 5 WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 19
Breakfast at the hotel
We will depart and travel to the Electric City Trolley Station and Museum for a tour of this unique museum and then get a ride on the electric trolley before departing for home.
Lunch will be on your own enroute to Lima, OH.