Arrive in Boston and transfer independently to our luxury historic Boston hotel.  Founded in 1630, Boston is one of America's oldest cities.  The most European of American cities, Boston will charm the most discerning traveler.  Known for its role in the American Revolution, Boston has something for everyone: historic landmarks, museums, and cuisine ranging from fresh seafood to Italian food in the North End. Get acquainted with Boston by taking the infamous and fun Duck Tour for an overview of Boston proper.  The ducks are WWII amphibious vehicles that travel over land and sea. We will view Boston's Public Garden, The Common, Old North Church and chic Newbury St. before cruising the Charles River.  We will join together for dinner at one of Boston’s choice restaurants. D

After breakfast, we will take a guided historical walking tour of Copley Square framed by Boston's beautiful public library, the colonnades of Trinity Church and the glassy spear of the Hancock Tower.  Copley Square is the heart of Boston.  This afternoon, those wishing may join in a visit to The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum.  The museum houses an intimate collection of fine and decorative art and provides a vibrant, innovative venue for contemporary artists, musicians and scholars.  Housed in a stunning 15th-century Venetian-style palace with three stories of galleries surrounding a sun and flower-filled courtyard, the museum provides an unusual backdrop for the viewing of art.  The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum's preeminent collection contains more than 2,500 paintings, sculptures, tapestries, furniture, manuscripts, rare books and decorative arts. The North End, Boston’s colorful lively Italian neighborhood, is where we will go for dinner this evening. B

This morning we will leave Boston for a drive north through Essex county and the villages of Hamilton, Ipswich, Essex and Rockport.  We will visit the Castle Hill Estate to enjoy the Historical Landscape Garden.  Centuries before becoming a grand summer estate owned by one of America's wealthiest families, Castle Hill was well known by Native Americans who called the area Agawam, referring to its rich fishery.  John Winthrop, Jr., son of the first governor of the Massachusetts Bay Colony, laid claim to Castle Hill in 1637. We will delight in an Essex River Cruise and lunch before a jaunt to Rockport via Gloucester.  Generations of artists have been drawn to Rockport, in particular for its uncommonly magical light that has inspired artists since Winslow Homer including many from the Cape Ann School of artists at the turn of the century.  We will walk the lanes of the village breathing the salty air and visiting the shops and galleries before we savour a fresh seafood dinner overlooking the Atlantic.  As the sun sets, we will begin our drive to Boston. B, D

Return to home  with memories of one of America’s favorite cities and salty walks by the sea.