Ghosts of Providence, RI & Boston, MA

Duration: 4 Days | Meals Included: 3 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, 3 Dinners

 

Trip Highlights:

 

Providence Ghost Tour

Immerse yourself in the spooky side of Providence's history. Allow the guides to lead you by lantern light as you are introduced to Providence's longest-lingering residents.  As you creep among the shadows, you will walk in the footsteps of local literary giants and humble servants alike, their restless souls still stirring among the living. Learn the tales that keep college students at Brown University and Rhode Island School of Design jumping out of their beds at night as you weave history and mystery into a fine tapestry of spine-tingling delight. As you explore the university campuses and admire the beautiful architecture, you will learn about the fascinating and chilling history of the area. 

 

Scialo Brothers Bakery Tour

Go behind the scenes at a century-old institution on Federal Hill. Founded in 1916 by Luigi Scialo, Scialo Brothers Bakery has been delighting generations with authentic Italian cakes and pastries. Discover the secrets and traditions that have kept this beloved bakery thriving for over 100 years.

 

Historic Providence Tour

As we make our way through Providence, marvel at the impressive Rhode Island State House, crowned by one of the largest self-supported marble domes in the world. Along the route, we’ll explore the national legacy of Roger Williams, the visionary founder whose bold ideas on religious freedom helped shape America’s story. From historic neighborhoods to architectural gems, you’ll uncover hidden details and fascinating stories at every turn—all while stopping at some of Providence’s most picturesque vantage points, perfect for capturing memorable photos of the city skyline.

 

Gondola Ride on the Riverwalk in Providence, RI

Take a “Viaggio Dilettevole” (delightful journey) along the Providence Riverwalk and enjoy a taste of the Venetian gondola experience. Glide through the city’s scenic waterways on this 20-minute trip, savoring the sights and sounds of downtown, and delight in a bit of singing from the gondolier. You will also get to enjoy a handmade authentic Italian style wine biscuit.

 

Storytelling Dinner

Enjoy a 3-course New England Old World-style dinner at Pot au Feu with restaurateur Bob Burke, historian, creator of the Independence Trail Tour, and folklore personality. You'll find his personality and powerful stories delightfully entertaining!

 

Jack O'Lantern Spectacular

The Jack O' Lantern Spectacular features expertly carved pumpkins lining the pathways and trails of the Roger Williams Park Zoo. This gourd-geous display of artistry, creativity and wonderment showcases thousands of professionally designed jack-o-lanterns, all arranged with whimsical and seasonal theatricality. The event consists of more than 5,000 jack-o-lanterns and has earned rave reviews as one of the country's finest displays of holiday artistry.

 

Halloween on the Hill/Beacon Hill Private Homes Tour

Beacon Hill is the place to see the best Halloween decorations. You'll begin at the gates of the historic Boston Common, the country's oldest park, where cattle once grazed, public hangings took place, and British troops camped before the Revolution. Walk along brick sidewalks shaded by colorful trees, lit by gas lamps, and lined with rows of 19th-century brick townhouses. Knowledgeable guides will talk about the architecture and history of these homes, tell wonderful stories about the artists, writers, and dignitaries who once owned them, and share amusing anecdotes and trivial tidbits about life in the neighborhood, then and now. During the tour, we’ll enter three homes and get a rare glimpse of how they’ve been restored and decorated with personal touches, as well as how 21st-century life looks in a home as old as 200 years.

 

Ghost and Gravestones Trolley Tour of Boston

Hear all about Boston's darker side on the Ghosts & Gravestones Trolley Tour. In a city nearly four hundred years old, troubled with a history of war, murderers, strife, and even the occasional bout of stray molasses, it’s no wonder Boston is one America’s most haunted cities. Walk among the dead in historic burying grounds, hear stories of those resting beneath your feet, and uncover the sordid practices of bygone eras. Visit the site of New England’s biggest grave-robbing scandal, explore Boston’s largest unmarked cemetery, and hear chilling tales of tortures, punishments, and executions. End your journey at Boston’s most haunted hotel, the Omni Parker House, and experience the city’s eerie past firsthand.

 

Historic Lizzie Borden House

The Historic Lizzie Bordern House isn't just your average museum. While they tell an accurate story based in the truth as they know it, they wholeheartedly embrace the macabre and provide a place for those seeking answers to the unexplained phenomena unique to this historically haunted location.

 

Meal Information: 

 

Dinner on day one is included at a local restaurant. Choices are:

Menu TBA

 

Dinner on day two is included at Pot au Feu

Enjoy a 3-course New England Old World-style dinner. Dinner includes your choice of chowder or mixed greens salad with house vinaigrette. The entrée is chicken with succotash and Rhode Island potatoes. Dinner includes apple crisp for dessert, along with soft drinks and coffee.

 

Dinner on day three is included at a local restaurant. Choices are:

Menu TBA

 

Lunch on day four is included at a local restaurant. Choices are:

Menu TBA

 

Menus are subject to change.

 

Need to Know:

• Providence Ghost Tour: wear comfortable walking shoes to explore the hills and streets of Providence.

• Halloween on the Hill/Beacon Hill Private Home Tour: there are no restrooms on this tour. This is a 2-hour walking tour through three different private homes. You can go back to the bus or to a coffee shop midway through the tour if you choose not to continue.

• Every Starr trip includes deluxe round-trip motorcoach transportation from one or more of our departure locations.

• A Starr Tour Director will accompany you on this trip.

• Baggage handling at hotels is included.

 

Accessibility:

• This tour involves a lot of walking.

• Starr has a select quantity of wheelchair accessible motorcoaches available; therefore, we suggest you contact a Travel Advisor to discuss any needs you may have before reserving your trip.

Crowne Plaza (Warwick, RI)

 

The hotel features an indoor pool and fitness room. Guest rooms include a coffee maker, hair dryer, iron/board.