Boston is comprised of many neighborhoods, each with its own architecture and atmosphere. You'll have an overview of the city when you see the major neighborhoods and the historic sites that make Boston such a fascinating place to visit. You'll see Beacon Hill, Boston's most prestigious address, and visit the Back Bay, an elegant section of Boston which, one hundred years ago, was built according to the plan of Paris' Bois de Bologne. You'll pass by the Midtown Cultural District, Chinatown, and the South End which boasts the largest Victorian neighborhood in the United States. The medical areas near Chinatown and along Longwood Avenue will also be seen. Fenway Park is on your route, and the Fens section of Boston which contains the Museum of Fine Arts, Symphony Hall, and the Isabella Stuart Gardner Museum will also be seen. You'll drive by the Waterfront and then walk into the North End, Boston's famous Italian neighborhood, where you will visit the Old North Church to see where the lanterns were hung to signal the beginning of Paul Revere's famous `midnight ride.' Boston's Freedom Trail continues from here. You will have a photo stop at the U.S.S. CONSTITUTION, as well as see the Massachusetts State House, the Old South Meeting House, Boston Common, and other sites along the Trail. You will have time on your own in Quincy Market, Boston's renovated central market, where you can browse among the vast array of carts and shops offering everything from local crafts to merchandise from around the world.
Boston Duck Tours is the brand new way to see Boston, by land and water. It's a 90 minute adventure that begins as soon as you board your `duck', an authentic, renovated World War II amphibious vehicle, where you'll be greeted by a tour conDUCKtor. Then you're off to see all the places that make Boston a world class city and the birthplace of freedom, from the Golden Dome to the Hancock Tower, the Old North Church to Quincy Market. And just when you think you've seen it all, there's more, as your duck actually splashes into the Charles River for a spectacular water view of the city.
Your first stop is historic Lexington Green, the site of the first skirmish of the Revolution. Surrounding the Green are three historic homes, all of which played a significant role in the events which occurred in April, 1775. You will have a private tour of one of these homes, preserved as they were over two hundred years ago, and learn what role each played in the beginning of the Revolution. After your tour, you will travel the Battle Road to Concord, where you will visit the Old North Bridge, see the famous Minuteman Statue, and stand on the site where the `embattled farmers stood and fired the shot heard 'round the world.' While in Concord, you will pass by the homes of Louisa May Alcott, Ralph Waldo Emerson and Nathaniel Hawthorne, and you'll see the Sleepy Hollow Cemetery.
Worcester Commons is an upscale fashion outlet center that has over 100 stores under one roof. The anchor stores are Saks Fifth Avenue Clearinghouse, Media Play, Sports Authority, Filene's Basement, and Bed, Bath and Beyond. With over one million square feet of shopping space, a glass atrium, a 700 seat food court with 12 eateries, and a wide variety of shopping venues, the Commons is the perfect place for shoppers to spend the day. Among the shops offering discounted merchandise are: For Women--Ann Taylor, A Touch of Cashmere, Donna Karan Company Store, Karl Lagerfeld, Barney's, Guess Outlet, Leather Loft, Levi's Outlet, London Fog, Polo; For Men--Milton's Fashion Outlet, Vanhuesen, Colours by Alexander Julian; For Children--Oshkosh B'Gosh, Genuine Kids, Common Sense Designs. These are just some of the stores located here along with outlets offering accessories, home furnishings, health & beauty, sports paraphernalia and much, much more. When you arrive at the Commons, you will receive a discount coupon book and a description of the shops, eateries and other services located within the mall. This tour is a shopper's dream!
You will spend the morning exploring the world famous Harvard University area, where young JFK lived and studied. You will stroll through Harvard Yard, the original campus of the oldest university in the country. Within it and nearby, are some of the oldest college buildings in the nation. You will have time to browse among the over 25 bookstores and vast array of boutiques located in Harvard Square. Your tour will continue as you travel from Cambridge to the shoreline of Dorchester Bay, where you will visit the spectacular and recently redesigned John F. Kennedy Library and Museum, designed by I.M. Pei. Here you will see a retrospective view of President Kennedy's life, starting from the time he began his political career, and ending with the legacy of his Presidency.
Come to Olde Sturbridge Village where you will have the opportunity to turn back the clock over 150 years, and experience the life, work and celebrations of a rural New England community in the early 19th century. Over 200 acres of rolling landscape, woodlands, gardens, country pathways, a working historical farm and more than 40 restored buildings are all part of this recreated village. Demonstrations of daily tasks and conversations with costumed interpreters will help you to understand early American life. You can explore village homes, shops, businesses and the meeting house, and wander the country roads that lead from the village to the Freeman farm and the mill neighborhood. The sights, smells and sounds of 1830's New England will greet you each step of the way on your visit back in time.
You will travel to Gloucester, where you will board a chartered vessel for a four and one half hour whalewatch. You will find coffee and muffins on board to enjoy as you travel to the whales' playgrounds. A naturalist will accompany the group and will point out the many fascinating facts about the whales' feeding and traveling habits. Since most whales return year after year to the same feeding grounds, the naturalist will be able to identify some of the whales and give their histories. They are easily recognizable by their unique markings, and over the years, some of them have even been given names. During your trip, you will enjoy a boxed lunch on board. After leaving the dock, you will be driven north to beautiful Bearskin Neck, an artists' colony in Rockport, where you will have time to browse among the many galleries and shops located in the harbor.
You will be driven north to beautiful Cape Ann, where the first stop will be a private tour of Hammond Castle, designed by the famous inventor John Hays Hammond, Jr., to reflect the style and grace of a European castle. This was Mr. Hammond's own home, and it contains his collections of Roman, Medieval and Renaissance objects. Following your tour, you will be driven to the Harbor, where you will see the famous Fisherman's Monument, and then you will be driven north to Rockport's beautiful Bearskin Neck. This seaside artist's colony is a spectacular area in which to sightsee, browse among the many shops and galleries, and enjoy lunch on your own in any of a number of harborside restaurants. Your next stop is beautiful Marblehead, where you will see the historic Colonial townhouses and the palatial mansions which make up this seaside community. You can take pictures at `Castle Rock' which overlooks the harbor. Here you will see the Witch Museum and hear tales of the legacy of fear left by the infamous witch trials. Salem is also famous for its maritime traditions. The homes the sea captains built from the great profits earned during the China Trade are located in an area which has been called `the most distinguished street in America.' After visiting this neighborhood, your last stop will be Ye Old Pepper Company, the oldest candy shop in America. Across the street is the House of Seven Gables, which is the perfect spot to take your final photograph.
Repeat of Sunday's Tour.
$23 Under 14 Yrs Advance Registration
$25 Under 14 Yrs On-Site Registration
The world renowned Boston's Museum of Science is an educational marvel which has excited the curiosity of all children no matter how old they are. In addition to over 400 permanent exhibits, there are also short, live demonstrations which are offered throughout the morning. Subjects include `Lightning', `Live Animals', `Physics Science', and `the Science of Special Effects.' Admission includes The Omni Theatre, with its specialized curved screen and surround sound system.