Print Full Itinerary
Itinerary: Subject to change due to local conditions, unforeseen events, or more interesting as yet unplanned awesome experiences that become available
Overview:
Are you enticed by rugged cliffs, picturesque fishing villages and uncrowded seaside landscapes? Then Cape Ann is the perfect place for you! This birthplace of fried clams offers not only great seafood but tons of history including castles of all kinds and we intend to visit them all.
The coastal communities of this area have drawn travelers from poets to painters to presidents so why not join us as we delve into the history, wander artsy seaside towns and sail the ocean blue out of Gloucester Harbor, and enjoy magnificent view from the spectacular Ocean House at Bass Rocks.
Day One: Lunch at Black Eyed Sally's
There’s a perfect place to stop for lunch as we head north, the deliciously wonderful Black Eyed Sally’s in Hartford, CT. You will not go away hungry here!
Day One: Bancroft Tower
Our first stop as we head north towards the cape will be Worcester’s massive stone castle, Bancroft Tower. We will marvel as we take in the grandeur of this 56-foot-high castle like tower, built in 1900 using horse and carriages to transport the large stones up Prospect Hill.
Day One: Ocean House at Bass Rocks
Now it’s time to relax at our amazing seaside hotel perched along the Atlantic Coast in Gloucester where you’ll be entranced by the surrounding beauty before heading out to nearby Gloucester for dinner on your own.
Day Two: Hammond Castle
Today we visit a true European castle sitting high on a bluff overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Hammond Castle, built in the late 1920s, brings together an interesting combination of art, architecture, and culture including unique features of the builder’s own design that are virtually indiscernible to the untrained eye.
Our guided tour will take us through the medieval surroundings as we hear interesting historical tales of the Hammonds.
Day Two: Lunch in Gloucester
Next, onto downtown Gloucester where you’ll find shops, art galleries, historic homes along with a good variety of restaurants for lunch on your own.
Day Two: Beauport
We will then be amazed and enthralled by the designer’s dream of Beauport, the Sleeper McCann House. Perched on a rock ledge above Gloucester Harbor, Beauport is made up of a collection of curiosities, colored glass, folk art, china, and silhouettes in every nook and cranny. No two rooms are the same and each one is more dazzling than the last!
Day Two: Eastern Point Lighthouse
Just down the coast on a rocky cliff sits the Eastern Point Lighthouse, protecting sailors from the treacherous currents, ledges and even the Gloucester Sea Serpent since 1832. Walk along the Dog Bar breakwater, added to the lighthouse waters after ships continued to crash into this hidden reef, for dramatic, picturesque views.
Day Two: Schooner Sunset Sail
This evening will be another scenic delight as we board the Schooner Lannon for a sunset cruise after an included dinner at the Gloucester House.
Day Three: Relax at the Ocean House
We’ll take the day to pause and take in the spectacular scenery and peacefulness of the Ocean House at Bass Rocks. Relax on your oceanfront veranda, take a dip in the pool, walk along the stunning coastline and magnificent rocks, swing on the hammock while taking in the fresh, salty sea air.
Day Three: Dinner in Marblehead
But while we’re here, we can’t miss the coastal town of Marblehead! This evening we’ll spend time the wandering the narrow, crooked streets among the colorful colonial era homes lining the way, each with its own historic plaque or explore the unique, local shops throughout the historic district.
After our wanders, we’ll enjoy an included dinner downtown then make our way back to take in the fresh nighttime air at Bass Rocks.
Day Four: Castle Hill
This morning we journey to Castle Hill on the Crane Estate, in all its grandeur with its marvelously landscaped grounds, restored Grand Allee, gardens and Casino complex. Our guided tour will take us through the 59 room Stuart style mansion designed as a summer house by the world-renowned architect David Adler.
Day Four: Rockport
The rest of the afternoon will be spent wandering the perfectly charming seaside town of Rockport. As soon as you step foot into this lovely village, you will be entranced by its ability to capture the essence of coastal life and its magical light that has inspired painters for over a century.
As you stroll through the eclectic shops of Bearskin Neck, pause for a moment by the iconic Motif No.1, America’s most painted building. After a lunch on your own, we’ll make our way back home to New Jersey filled with delicious food, scenic memories, and fresh sea air.
Pricing & Departures:
Departs South Plainfield High School, at the end of Lane Avenue at 8:15 AM and returns at approximately 8:15 PM.
Departs Madison’s Kings Road Parking lot, 62 Kings Rd. at 9:00 AM and returns at approximately 7:45 PM. Park in the large lot next to the police station. We will take care of parking fees but will need your car info.
Departs Ridgewood’s Graydon Pool South lot, across Linwood Avenue on the field side at 9:45 AM and returns at approximately 7:00 PM.
Price per person is $1,545 Twin & $1,955 Single. No reservations accepted without a deposit of $350 per person. Make checks payable to Group Tours & Travel and mail to the above address. Final payment is due April 12, 2022. Deposits are fully refundable if cancellation occurs on or before April 12, 2022. There are no refunds if cancellation occurs after April 12, 2022. Travel protection/cancellation coverage is available and highly recommended (cost is approximately 10% of the total cost of the tour) but not included. One piece of luggage per person and one small carry-on is permitted. Group Tours is not responsible for any delays, cancellations, injuries or circumstances beyond its control and reserves the right to change this itinerary. All trip components are subject to change in accordance with Government, State and Local guidelines and/or mandates. This tour will run rain or shine.
The Educated Wanderer
Group Tours & Travel
1710 E. Lancaster Ave. #319 Paoli, PA 19301
973-513-9001
