Gloucester and Salem, Massachusetts: Whale Watch

Gloucester and Salem, Massachusetts: Whale Watch

Trip Duration: 4 Days

 

 

Trip Inclusions:

• Meals: 3 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch

• Tour Director

• Overnight accommodations

• Deluxe motorcoach transportation

• Baggage handling and related gratuities

• Taxes

 

 

Trip Highlights:

 

Seven Seas Whale Watch

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 is the cleanest, newest, most comfortable whale watch boat in Gloucester. It 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 heated, 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. Suggestions to bring: Rubber soled shoes or sneakers for good deck traction, jacket, sunscreen, and camera.

 

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 lifetime 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. The tour features architectural details rescued from dilapidated buildings, magnificent arrangements of colored glassware, secret staircases, and a kitchen and servants' quarters.

 

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. You will see many yachts and sailboats that make this place a "picture perfect New England Town."

 

House of 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 the Seven Gables is best known today as the setting of world-renowned American author Nathaniel Hawthorne's 1851 novel. Tour the mansion made famous by the Nathaniel Hawthorne novel, including the author's birthplace, seaside gardens, museum store, and Garden Cafe.

 

Olde Mistick Village

Stroll the beautiful lanes and enjoy shopping in distinctive buildings designed to represent a New England Village of about 1720. Picturesque settings of flowers, trees, and duck ponds surround you as you relax and unwind. Shopkeepers pride themselves on offering some of the most interesting and unique items from around the world. Feeling hungry? Olde Mistick Village is home to some of Mystic's best restaurants. There are many benches and rest areas to catch your breath, unwind, enjoy the beautiful surroundings and let your mind slip pleasantly back to another era.

 

Free time in Rockport, MA

Rockport is 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.

 

Free Time at Boston's Faneuil Hall

Faneuil Hall Marketplace is at the top of the list of things to see in Boston. Located in downtown Boston, steps away 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." Over 70 retailers and 40 office tenants occupy the 200,000 square feet of retail and 160,000 square feet of office space on Boston's iconic mixed use festival marketplace. Customers enjoy unique, locally loved, and nationally recognized shops while indulging in the worldwide cuisine at the restaurants, pubs, and in the world-famous Quincy Market Colonnade. The cobblestone promenades are filled with the music and jaw-dropping routines of world-renowned street performers and musicians.

 

 

Need to Know:

 

For the Seven Seas Whale Watch it is suggested to bring Rubber soled shoes or sneakers for good deck traction, a jacket, sunscreen, and camera.

 

 

Accessibility:

 

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. Additionally, it is necessary to climb a staircase in order to reach the second floor of the house. Individuals who are unable to climb the staircase may participate in the first floor tour of the house. It is important to note that once the first floor portion of the house tour is complete, the visitor will have to exit the building. Please let Starr know in advance to make the special arrangements necessary. The boat is a short walk from the parking lot, about 35 yards. There is a short, steep ramp up to the boat. It is accessible by wheelchair.

 

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

The Doubletree by Hilton Boston North Shore, Danvers, MA Hotel is conveniently located close to Boston and Salem, MA. The hotel features a restaurant, indoor pool and fitness center. Guestrooms include coffee maker, iron/board, and hairdryer.