Experiencing the late summer in New England, with the scenic Boston Waterfront as the backdrop for your stay, is a wonderful way for you to marvel at all that this great city has to offer. The tour options outlined below are a good reflection of how diverse and cultural Boston and beyond truly is. We hope you have great stay while in Boston!
To sign up for tours, click here. You can also sign up while you're at Congress. The Sightseeing Tours Desk, located in East Registration Lobby of the BCED, will be open Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Saturday, August 14, 2010
TOUR OF PROVINCETOWN & THE DUNES OF CAPE COD
8:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.
TOUR COST: $219 Per Person
Visit historic Provincetown on the tip of Cape Cod, known as “P-Town” to the locals, via high speed ferry from Boston. Provincetown is famous as an artist’s and writer’s community, and was once the summer residence of such notables as Norman Mailer, Tennessee Williams, and Eugene O’Neil. Before that it was a whaling and fishing community and was the site of the Pilgrim’s first landing in the new world in 1620.
Depart Boston in the morning on a fast, modern catamaran, and enjoy the lighthouses and islands of oston Harbor, then relax and take in the beautiful scenery as you enter Cape Cod Bay and approach the magnificent dunes of Provincetown. There may even be whale sightings!
Upon arrival, take a one hour guided tour of the sand dunes of the Cape Cod National Seashore in an air-conditioned 4-wheel drive Suburban. See miles of unspoiled beaches and nature with a local expert.
Provincetown is a great place for leisure time. After the tour, enjoy free time for lunch, shopping, discovering hidden treasures on quaint side streets, or just relax and people watch at a sidewalk café. Then take a forty minute narrated trolley tour and learn the history. Return to Boston on the fast ferry with many warm memories of your day on Olde Cape Cod.
GLOUCESTER AND ROCKPORT – SCENIC CAPE ANN TOUR
9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
TOUR COST: $92 Per Person
You'll see some of the Northeast’s most beautiful coastline, as well as the "Man at the Wheel" - the fisherman's Memorial Statue on Gloucester harbor. Gloucester balances it’s intertwined past and future with assurance and skill. The city, long renowned among artists for the purity of its light, has traditionally been the home of internationally known painters like Winslow Homer, Edward Hopper and Fitzhugh Lane and sculptors like Walker Hancock.
In addition, the Cape Ann Symphony makes its home in Gloucester as does the critically acclaimed Gloucester Theatre Company, whose director and playwright, Israel Horovitz, is known on and off Broadway. But the beautiful harbor that attracts a sizeable artistic population is also a working harbor which is one of the top three fishing ports in the northeast. The picturesque fishing fleet, manned primarily by Portuguese and Italian residents of the city, supports a major fish packaging and freezing industry.
There will be a photo stop at the Fisherman’s Statue and a visit to beautiful Hammond Castle perched on the Atlantic. John Hays Hammond, Jr. built his medieval-style castle between the years 1926 and 1929 to serve both as his home and as a backdrop for his collection of Roman, medieval, and Renaissance artifacts. Visitors are welcome to explore the castle on a self-guided tour of eight rooms including the great hall, indoor courtyard, Renaissance dining room, two guest bedrooms, the inventions exhibit room, the Natalie Hays Hammond exhibit room, the tower galleries, as well as several smaller rooms and passage ways.
Luncheon will be enjoyed at a local restaurant and then you will be driven further north to Bearskin Neck in Rockport, world-renowned home of artists and artisans. Here you can capture your own photograph of "Motif #1"- one of the most photographed and painted scenes in America. Time will also be allowed for shopping and browsing before returning to your hotel.
Sunday, August 15, 2010
ONE IF BY LAND…350 YEARS IN A DAY
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
TOUR COST: $34 Per Person
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. Fenway Park is on your route, and the Fens section of Boston, which contains the Museum of Fine Arts, Symphony Hall, and the Isabella Stewart 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 see the USS CONSTITUTION, as well as the Massachusetts State House, the Old South Meeting House, Boston Common, and other sites along the Trail.
“QUACK QUACK!” – MAKE WAY FOR BOSTON’S DUCK TOUR
2:45 p.m. – 4 p.m.
TOUR COST: $47 Per Person
Unless you fought in World War II, you probably haven't ridden on a "duck" before. This "duck" is an authentic renovated amphibious landing vehicle, retrofitted to take you on a special historical tour of Boston, with a very special splashdown right into the Charles River for a breathtaking water side view of Boston, the kind of view that you can't get anywhere else. The tour starts off impressively at your hotel* when your chartered "duck" and conDUCKtor call for you.
Your tour will last approximately 70-80 minutes, during which you'll see the highlights of Boston's Freedom Trail and other famous landmarks. You'll cross over the Charles River, and once on the Cambridge side, your "duck" becomes waterborne, for the ride of your life.
HISTORIC TROLLEY TOUR OF BOSTON
4 p.m. – 6 p.m.
TOUR COST: $41 Per Person
You'll have an overview of the city while riding on the original orange and green Old Town Trolley. You will 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. You will see the USS CONSTITUTION, as well as the Massachusetts State House, the Old South Meeting House, Boston Common, and other sites along the Trail. . 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".
Monday, August 16, 2010
HISTORY OF BOSTON UNDER YOUR FEET – BOSTON’S FREEDOM TRAIL
9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
TOUR COST: $20 Per Person
In 1958, local journalist William Schofield had the idea that Boston's sites could be more accessible to residents and visitors, and conceived of the Freedom Trail. Follow the Red Bricks Road! The Freedom Trail is a 2.5 mile red brick or red painted line that travels through Beacon Hill, downtown Boston, the North End and Charlestown.
A natural and easily-accomplished idea, the sixteen historic sites between Boston Common and The Bunker Hill Monument in Charlestown were connected by a red line, and The Freedom Trail was born. In addition to the historic sites, the beauty of the sights, sounds, and neighborhoods along the way makes walking The Freedom Trail an instantly popular activity. Whether taking a brisk walk or a lazy day stroll slip into a cozy pub for coffee, tea or a more spirited beverage or relax in an outdoor café for refreshing summer cooler. Be sure to wear layers, bring an umbrella and be sure to put on your most comfortable walking shoes!
BOSTON BREWERY TOUR AND TASTING
3 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
TOUR COST: $45 Per Person
Samuel Adams Brewery
Boston’s reputation as a historic city applies not only to her buildings and events, but to beer as well. Sam Adams was a statesman, a patriot and a brewer. Your guests will tour the world famous Samuel Adams Brewery to see how this award winning lager is brewed - and with a generous tasting you can judge for yourself why Time Magazine voted Sam Adams Lager the “Best Brew of the Decade”.
Harpoon Brewery
Located on Boston's waterfront, the Harpoon Brewery is New England's largest brewer of specialty beers. Tours, tastings, and “Five Thirty Club” gatherings, catalogue Brew-Wear and events make the Harpoon Brewery a great place to taste hand crafted beers in all seasons. The Tasting takes place in the Tasting Room and includes in-depth information about Harpoon and the great beers they brew. This information is narrated by the knowledgeable staff and includes complimentary samples of our delicious beer. The Tasting lasts about 1 hour which includes access the Brew house Platform. Because of the small size of the Brew house, guests are not allowed to walk through the brewery.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
WRENTHAM VILLAGE OUTLETS
11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
TOUR COST: $30 Per Person
Wrentham Village is one of the easiest to negotiate and most attractive outlet shopping areas in the country. With 170 outlet stores, one can find impressive savings at Barneys New York Outlet, Bebe, Donna Karan, Gap Outlet, Hugo Boss, Kenneth Cole, Liz Claiborne, Nike, Polo Ralph Lauren, Reebok, Sony, Timberland, Versace, Williams-Sonoma and much more! There are shops of every kind, as well as many areas to relax and enjoy refreshments during your visit. You will be given a map, as well as a variety of coupons prior to your arrival.
Wrentham is located approximately 45 minutes from Boston and the drive is well worth it! Here you can truly “shop ‘til you drop”!
SPOIL YOUR SENSES IN BOSTON’S LITTLE ITALY – NORTH END TASTING
1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
TOUR COST: $81 Per Person
Explore the crooked alleys of the North End in search of robust cheeses, breads, fruity olive oils, salumerie (imports), liquor marts and cafes! The meats, savory spices and desserts are the essentials of remarkable Italian culinary art. The streets of the North End are filled with a fascinating mix of ethnic shops and food. Your guided tour will be hosted by a WONDERFUL “native” who will give the history of Boston’s Italian immigrants, and introduce you to different shops, bakeries, candy stores, imports, and cafes! You will experience the colorful sites and aromas of this fascinating neighborhood with an expert! After your walk enjoy a specialty of the North End - a cannoli and cappuccino at a charming Italian trattoria.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
HEAR THE ECHOES OF OUR PAST - FENWAY PARK TOUR
9 a.m. – Noon
TOUR COST: $48 Per Person
Visit the home of the 2004 & 2007 World Champion Red Sox. This is the park where the Babe pitched, the Kid hit, Yaz dazzled, and famed players such as Yuke and “Big Papi” Ortiz still thrill young fans today. Soak up the rich history; hear the echoes of the past. Touch the Green Monster, imagine being one of the "Knights of the Keyboard" as you see the view from the Press Box, visit the new Red Sox Hall of Fame presented by Volvo, and take a seat in the new EMC Club before strolling around Fenway Park.
Your tour will give a behind-the-scenes look at America's most-beloved ballpark. Tours of the oldest park in Major League Baseball include the press box, broadcast booths and the control room; the new Red Sox Hall of Fame Club presented by Volvo; the new Legends Suite presented by W.B. Mason; the Dugout Seats; and Pesky's Pole. When the field is available, fans may also have the opportunity to walk along the warning track and come face-to-face with the fabled Green Monster.
You’ll depart your hotel at a specified time and following the tour, you’ll have an opportunity to shop in a licensed Red Sox gift shop for authentic Red Sox souvenirs.
LEXINGTON AND CONCORD - THE SHOT HEARD ROUND THE WORLD
10 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
TOUR COST: $48 Per Person
You will see many historic sites on this visit to Lexington and Concord. This tour includes a stop at historic Lexington Green, the site of the initial skirmish of the Revolutionary war. 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 and learn what role it played as our country declared its freedom from England. You will travel the Battle Road between Lexington and Concord. You will visit the Old North Bridge, see the 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, three of Concord's most famous residents.