Arrival in Historic Boston – Our adventure begins today as we depart Des Moines and fly to beautiful Boston! After checking into our hotel, you’ll have time to unwind and relax from the flight. Tonight, we’ll enjoy a special included dinner together as we kick off our Salem, Boston & Gilded Mansions experience.

After breakfast, we’ll enjoy a guided tour of historic Boston, exploring famous landmarks, the scenic waterfront, Beacon Hill, and other iconic sites that showcase the city’s rich colonial and Revolutionary history. Our local guide will bring Boston’s past to life with fascinating stories of the people, events, and traditions that helped shape our nation.

You’ll have free time for lunch near the popular Quincy Market area, where you can browse shops, enjoy local favorites, or simply soak in the atmosphere of this vibrant historic district.

This evening, we’ll board a festive Halloween-themed trolley for a fun and entertaining look at Boston’s history, folklore, and seasonal traditions. After an included dinner, we’ll return to our hotel reflecting on a day filled with history, architecture, beautiful scenery, and New England charm.

Boston truly shines during the fall season!

After breakfast, we travel from Boston to the historic coastal town of Salem, known for its rich maritime heritage and fascinating colonial history.

Upon arrival, enjoy a guided walking tour highlighting Salem’s most well-known historic sites and stories, including the events of 1692 and the town’s important role in New England’s seafaring past. Visit the Salem Witch Museum for an immersive look into this pivotal chapter of American history.

Enjoy free time for lunch on your own to explore Salem’s charming streets, unique shops, and local dining.

In the afternoon, step into maritime history at the Real Pirates Salem Museum, featuring artifacts and the incredible story of the Whydah Gally shipwreck and the lives of those who sailed the Atlantic.

We’ll wrap up the day with a live historical reenactment at Gallows Hill, bringing Salem’s early history to life through storytelling and performance.

Dinner is included this evening at a local restaurant as we end a full day of discovery, culture, and coastal New England charm.

After breakfast, we travel to the picturesque seaside village of Rockport, home to the famous Motif #1 fishing shack. Enjoy time to stroll the harbor, browse local artist studios, take in lighthouse views, and soak up the classic charm of this New England coastal gem.

Next, we continue to Gloucester, America’s oldest seaport, where we tour the remarkable Hammond Castle Museum. This unique 1920s stone castle blends medieval-style architecture with sweeping Atlantic views and the fascinating story of inventor John Hays Hammond Jr.

Lunch is on your own in Gloucester, with plenty of opportunities to enjoy fresh local seafood and explore the waterfront.

This evening, we return to Salem for a guided experience highlighting the town’s rich history and coastal legends, presented in an engaging storytelling style. We’ll then enjoy an included dinner together before returning to our hotel.

A perfect day filled with seaside beauty, historic architecture, and timeless New England beauty.

After breakfast, we check out and travel to Newport, Rhode Island, the crown jewel of America’s Gilded Age. Enjoy a scenic coastal drive past sweeping Atlantic views and the grand seaside estates that once welcomed some of the nation’s most influential families.

Upon arrival, meet your costumed guide for a lively walking tour through downtown Newport, where the stories and style of the Gilded Age come to life. We then tour The Breakers, the magnificent Vanderbilt mansion, showcasing breathtaking architecture, ocean views, and unmatched opulence. Along the way, we’ll also view The Elms, Marble House, and the Astor-era estates that define Newport’s historic grandeur.

Lunch and shopping are on your own in charming downtown Newport.

As the day winds down, enjoy a guided evening experience at Belcourt Castle featuring captivating storytelling that blends Newport’s history, legends, and architectural drama.

The day concludes with an included dinner, providing a perfect opportunity to reflect on the week’s mix of Gilded Age elegance, coastal beauty, and ghostly intrigue, leaving lasting memories for every traveler.

After breakfast at the hotel, we check out and prepare for our journey home. Travel to Logan Airport with fond memories of cobblestoned streets, gilded mansions, coastal villages, and ghostly legends. As your Salem, Boston & Gilded Mansions adventure concludes, take a final moment to reflect on the stories, sights, and experiences that made this trip truly unforgettable. Safe travels home!