Salem, MA: A Bewitching Place

Duration: 3 Days | Meals Included: 2 Breakfasts

 

Trip Highlights:

 

Salem Witch Museum

Follow the history of witches, witchcraft, and witch hunts through the ages at the Salem Witch Museum. The main presentation takes you back to the events of the infamous Salem Witch Trials of 1692. Additionally, the exhibit titled "Witches: Evolving Perceptions" explores the stereotypical witch, the practice of witchcraft in the 17th century, modern interpretations of witchcraft, and the enduring phenomenon of witch hunts. Do you believe in witches? Don't answer until you visit.

 

Salem Sightseeing Tour

See the town of Salem, linked to the infamous witchcraft hysteria of the 1690s. Learn about Salem's vibrant maritime legacy, literary contributions, and magnificent architecture on this guided sightseeing tour. Marvel at some of America's finest 18th-century houses, a testament to the wealth amassed by Salem's ship captains. Stroll through the Witch Trial Memorial as part of this enriching journey through Salem's past and present.

 

House of Seven Gables

Built in 1668 by merchant and ship-owner John Turner along Salem Harbor, the House of the Seven Gables stands as one of America's cherished historic homes. Designated a National Historic Landmark District in 2007, this mansion is immortalized as the setting of Nathaniel Hawthorne's acclaimed 1851 novel. Explore the mansion brought to life by Hawthorne's words, which includes the author's birthplace, seaside gardens, a museum store, and the inviting Garden Cafe.

 

Rebecca Nurse Homestead

Dating back to 1680, the Rebecca Nurse Homestead exemplifies the classic New England saltbox architecture. This historic site was once the residence of Rebecca Nurse, a saintly woman who tragically fell victim to accusations of witchcraft during the hysteria of 1692. Step inside to discover meticulously restored rooms adorned with 17th and 18th-century furnishings, alongside outbuildings, a replica of the 1672 Salem Village Meetinghouse, and engaging exhibit spaces.

 

Need to Know:

• The guided tour of Salem involves moderate walking.

• October is a very busy time in Salem, so we suggest making dinner reservations ahead of time while in Salem for dinner on own. Click here for a listing of restaurants.

• Rebecca Nurse Homestead: The homestead does not have a heating system, preserving its authentic historical ambiance.

• 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 trip includes free time on own, with walking required between attractions. Please note that the cobblestone streets of Salem may pose challenges for individuals with physical disabilities.

• 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.

• Rebecca Nurse Homestead: The grounds of the museum consist of uneven dirt, grass, and gravel paths. Guided tours of the Nurse family home last approximately 25-30 minutes and require one step up into the building, and multiple steps up to the bed chamber. The home also has narrow doorways and raised thresholds. Visitors will be standing, walking, or climbing stairs during this experience. A portable ramp is available for wheelchair access to the first floor only; unfortunately, the second floor is not wheelchair accessible. Entering the Meeting House requires two steps up from ground level, and there are backless benches and some folding chairs available for seating in this building.  Entering the Endecott Shop requires multiple steps up and has a couple folding chairs available for seating. The cemetery is 300 yards from the historic buildings, and requires walking a rocky dirt pathway with partial areas of steep decline. There are no places to sit on the way down or at the cemetery.

• 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 Doubletree Boston Northshore is conveniently located to Boston and Salem, MA. The hotel has a restaurant/lounge, indoor pool, and fitness room. Guest rooms include coffee maker, mini-fridge, hair dryer, and iron/board.

 

 

 

Watch Starr's Tour Tuesday Session Featuring Salem