Gloucester, Salem, & Boston: Whales & Witches

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

 

Trip Highlights:

 

Seven Seas Whale Watch Cruise

Travel aboard The Privateer IV, as an experienced naturalist guides you out to sea through Gloucester Harbor, where you may see various species of whales from Pilot, Humpback (the singing whale), Minke, and Finback (the 2nd largest whale on the earth), as well as dolphins. A naturalist is available to answer all your questions on this 3 1/2 - 4-hour tour. The Privateer IV has two restrooms, a full-service galley, the latest navigational and safety equipment, a wide beam (width) for added stability and less motion sickness, a "Low-Profile" hull design which gets you closer to the water and the whales than on any other whale watch boat in Gloucester, a spacious inner cabin, cushioned seating with large tables, wrap-around windows for easy viewing from inside, and an open second level "sun deck" for panoramic views.

 

Beauport, Sleeper-McCann House

Perched on a rock ledge overlooking Gloucester Harbor, Beauport, Sleeper-McCann House, was the summer home of interior designer Henry Davis Sleeper. Sleeper, a nationally noted antiquarian and collector, and one of the first professional interior designers in the United States, began building Beauport in 1907. He eventually enlarged the house to over 40 rooms filled with a collection that includes period furniture, glassware, books, ceramics, hooked rugs, and silhouettes arranged within various rooms, many decorated to evoke different historical and literary themes. After Sleeper's death, Beauport was purchased by Mr. and Mrs. Charles McCann, who left most of Sleeper's arrangements and collections intact. The house and its rooms remain virtually as Sleeper left them.

 

Salem & Marblehead, MA Sightseeing Tour

Discover the town of Salem linked to the witchcraft hysteria of the 1690s. Learn about Salem's maritime history and splendid architecture. Some of the finest 18th century houses in America can be found here, evidence of the enormous wealth amassed by Salem's ship captains. Ride past the Salem Witch Museum and one of the first "mansions" in the 17th century, made famous in 1851 by the Salem author, Nathaniel Hawthorne, when he wrote The House of Seven Gables. In Marblehead, enjoy a ride through the narrow and winding streets of Old Town and visit Castle Rock where you will be provided with a spectacular view of the Atlantic Ocean and the Boston skyline.

 

House of the Seven Gables

In 1668, merchant and ship-owner John Turner built a house on Salem Harbor that was destined to become one of America’s most beloved historic homes. Designated a National Historic Landmark District in 2007, The House of Seven Gables is best known today as the setting of world-renowned American author Nathanial Hawthorne’s 1851 novel. Tour the mansion made famous by Hawthorne’s novel, including the author’s birthplace, seaside gardens, museum store, and Garden Cafe.

 

Rockport, Massachusetts

Enjoy free time in Rockport, known for its delicious, fresh seafood served in waterfront restaurants with spectacular views. Restaurants in Rockport offer a variety of cuisine to satisfy any appetite, complemented by breathtaking water views.

 

Faneuil Hall Marketplace

Faneuil Hall Marketplace is at the top of the list of things to see in Boston. Located on Boston's historic Freedom Trail just steps from the waterfront, Faneuil Hall is as alive today as it was in 1742 when our nation's fathers proclaimed it "The Cradle of Liberty." Visitors can enjoy unique, locally loved, and nationally recognized shops while indulging in worldwide cuisine at the restaurants, pubs, and in the world-famous Quincy Market Colonnade. The cobblestone promenades are often filled with the music and jaw-dropping routines of world-renowned street performers and musicians.

 

Meal Information:

 

Dinner on Day One is included at a local restaurant. Choices are:

Menu TBA

 

Lunch on Day Two is included at Minglewood Harborside Restaurant. Choices are:

Menu TBA

 

Menus are subject to change.

 

Need to Know:

• Whale Watch Cruise: We suggest wearing rubber soled shoes or sneakers for good deck traction. Bring a jacket and sunscreen. If you are prone to motion sickness or have never been on a boat in the ocean, we suggest taking motion sickness preventing medication 30-60 minutes prior to the boat's departure.

• 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:

• House of Seven Gables: Due to the nature of the architecture at The Gables’ campus, the historic houses are not wheelchair accessible; however the Visitor Center, restrooms, Colonial Revival Gardens, grounds, and a portion of the Museum Store are. The Mansion Tour lasts approximately 45-minutes and takes place on multiple levels in a historic home from the 1600s. Visitors are standing, walking, or climbing stairs during this experience. Access to the first floor of the Mansion and information regarding the upper floors for those who can access the building but are unable to climb stairs, is available.

• Beauport, Sleeper-McCann House: Tour requires a considerable amount of standing. Folding chairs can be provided for visitors who would like to use them throughout the house. You will have to climb a staircase in order to reach the second floor of the house. Once the first floor portion of the house tour is complete, the visitor will have to exit the building.

• Whale Watch Cruise:The boat is a short walk from the parking lot. There is a short, steep ramp up to the boat. It is accessible by wheelchair.

• This tour has many parts that require walking and standing and therefore is not recommended for everyone.

• 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.

The Doubletree Boston Northshore (Danvers, MA)

 

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