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:
There will never be a dull moment in Salem during this year’s Haunted Happenings. This weekend, costumed visitors as far as the eye can see will descend upon this historic community in a vibrant open-air pedestrian mall with numerous food and craft vendors. There will be much history to see and much fun to have!
We’ll follow the history of witches, witchcraft, and witch hunts through the ages at the Salem Witch Museum and step into Nathaniel Hawthorne’s story at the infamous House of Seven Gables. A narrated trolley tour will show us the Witch City’s unique and colorful past, and we’ll take in the scenery at the Salem Maritime National Historic Site. A special costume dinner party is included on Halloween Night in downtown Gloucester! Bring your costume and sense of fun and adventure to Salem in 2021!
Day One: Ocean House at Bass Rocks
This morning we head into the heart New England where a delicious surprise awaits us in Hartford for lunch. After checking into the lovely Ocean House at Bass Rocks, we’ll relax and enjoy an included dinner in the picturesque town of Manchester by the Sea.
Day One: Nighttime at the Salem Witch Museum
Tonight, in the dark of night, we visit the Salem Witch Museum. A mesmerizing, insightful sight-and-sound presentation will bring to life many of the horrifying events that occurred during the witchcraft hysteria that gripped Salem in 1692. The drama is more frightening when we realize that it really happened.
Day Two: Salem Trolley Tour
Today is Halloween, and there’s no better place to spend a fun-filled afternoon then Salem! Feel free to join in the festive atmosphere by wearing your costume, as you’ll find most fun-loving visitors will be dressed in their Halloween best.
Once downtown, a ride on a replica turn of the century trolley will provide an historical perspective of this bewitching town while also pointing out interesting sights, many of which we’ll visit together.
Day Two: House of Seven Gables
Salem Maritime National Historic Site
Pickering Wharf
The infamous House of Seven Gables, the inspiration for Nathaniel Hawthorns legendary novel is next. We’ll step inside this seaside mansion for a guided tour and stroll the Colonial Revival seaside gardens.
Nearby is the Salem Maritime National Historic Site filled with historic buildings, wharves, and the replica tall ship, Friendship. From here we can stroll to Pickering Wharf, a harborside shopping village filled with history and picturesque views.
Take the next few hours to yourself to take in the excitement of the Halloween festivities, browse in the numerous shops, sightsee, and enjoy lunch on your own.
Day Two: Costume Dinner Party
Tonight we revel in All Hallows Eve, dressed in our favorite costumes for a fun adventure and included dinner in downtown Gloucester.
Day Three: Witches of Wethersfield
Today we leave Salem but take the spirit of Halloween with us as we visit Wethersfield, Connecticut. You may be surprised to learn that witch trials here predate those in Salem by nearly thirty years. In particular, Mary Johnson’s confession of witchcraft in 1648 in Wethersfield was the first of its kind in the colonies. The Wethersfield Historical Society will provide more details of this witchcraft history while we all take part in an interactive mock trial for the accused witch Katherine Harrison. Will she be found guilty or innocent? It will be up to you and YOU may be the one on trial!
After the sentencing, there will be time to stroll the authentic, historic New England streets, find lunch on your own, and browse in the shops or wander through the ancient burying ground. Before you know it, we’ll be back in home sweet home New Jersey.
Pricing & Departures:
Departs from South Plainfield High School at 7:30 AM and returns at approximately 6:15 PM. As you enter from Lane Avenue, park down on the left side along the fence near the gate between the two schools.
Departs from the Chatham Middle School at 480 Main Street (behind the Methodist Church) at 8:15 AM and returns at approximately 5:45 PM.
Departs Ridgewood’s Graydon Pool Parking Lot (at the corner of Linwood Avenue and Northern Parkway) at 9:00 AM and returns at approx. 5:00 PM.
Price per person is $950 Twin & $1,195 Single. No reservations accepted without a deposit of $150 per person. Make checks payable to Group Tours & Travel, and mail to the above address. Final payment is due August 20, 2021. Deposits are fully refundable if cancellation occurs on or before August 20, 2021. There are no refunds if cancellation occurs after August 20, 2021. Travel protection/cancellation coverage is available and highly recommended (approximately 10% of the total cost of the tour), but not included. One piece of luggage per person and one carry-on are 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.
Group Tours & Travel
1710 E. Lancaster Ave. #319 Paoli, PA 19301
973-513-9001
