Silversea Luxury Cruises Nach SALEM (Massachusetts)

Discover some of the most historic and renowned homes in Salem during this scenic and informative, half-day sightseeing excursion.

Salem, John Ward House, Guided Tour, Steeply-Gabled Interior

Depart the pier for guided visits to some of the most historic and renowned homes in Salem, all National Historic Landmarks, and formerly-owned by wealthy sea captains and merchants. Your first stop is at the home of John Ward, a currier by profession. Built in 1684, the home is one of the finest surviving 17th-century buildings in New England. It originally stood on a one-acre (about 0.4-hectare) plot with a kitchen garden, an outhouse and a well; opposite the jail used during the Witch Trials of 1692. Upon arrival, take a guided tour of the home with its steeply-Gabled interior.

Guided Tours of the Crowninshield-Bentley House and Gardner-Pingree House

Next, re-board your coach and head to the Crowninshield-Bentley House. Built for fish merchant and sea captain John Crowninshield, this circa 1727 Georgian-Colonial home exhibits the changing tastes of the new century. It has been suggested that this house may be the model for the 'old Crowninshield House' noted in the H. P. Lovecraft story, The Thing on the Doorstep (his Arkham was clearly modelled after Salem). Your tour continues with a guided visit to the adjacent Gardner-Pingree House. Built for John Gardner, a wealthy Salem merchant and nephew of Elias Hasket 'King' Derby, this 1804 home was noted in the preface to Nathaniel Hawthorne's The Scarlet Letter. This elegantly-proportioned, Federal-style house is one of Salem architect Samuel McIntire's finest and best-preserved designs.

Peabody Essex Museum, Yin Yu Tang House Tour, Exhibitions, Free Time, Museum Shop

Please take special note of the details of the Gardner-Pingree House to compare it to the Yin Yu Tang House, located within your final destination, the Peabody Essex Museum. The Yin Yu Tang house dates from the late-Qing Dynasty, home of the Huang family for 200 years in south-eastern China. These two homes, built around the same time by successful merchants and originally located 8,000 miles (about 12,874 kilometres) apart, offer fascinating glimpses of trade, daily life, values and aesthetics in two cultures connected by trade. Afterward, some free time is made available to explore the Peabody Essex Museum exhibitions and shop full of ample treasures. At the appointed time, commence the short drive back to the pier, or opt to remain at the museum for further exploration and return to the ship on your own.

Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking and standing for approximately two hours, at times over uneven and cobblestone surfaces, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach and at the sites visited. Walking at each of the homes is at the discretion of each guest. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to lightweight, comfortable clothing with flat, closed-toe walking shoes, and bring sun protection and a light sweater or jacket from the ship. Non-flash photography is permitted in the Peabody Essex Museum, except on certain exhibits as noted. The tour sequence may vary.

Travel back to Revolutionary Boston with a walk along the Freedom Trail. Learn about the sites and scenes of critical events that paved the way for American Independence.

Scenic Ferry Ride

At the pier in Salem, board the Nathaniel Bowditch high-speed catamaran ferry for a ride to Boston in less than an hour.

Quincy Market & Free Time

Upon arrival, set off to the Faneuil Hall Marketplace which is located only a few blocks from the jetty. Enjoy some free time to purchase lunch at your own expense or browse for treasures in the myriad of shops and cafés.

Freedom Trail Walking Tour

Afterwards, begin a fascinating walk along Boston's amazing Freedom Trail. Your guide will reveal the sites and scenes of critical events that paved the way for American Independence. Pass by the Massachusetts State House, featuring a magnificent gold-leaf dome, Park Street Church and the Granary Burying Ground. The latter is the final resting place of many famous Americans including John Hancock, Samuel Adams and Paul Revere. See America's first public school and the country's oldest continuously operating hotel.

In the heart of Old Boston, find the Old South Meeting House, where angry colonists met on the eve of the Boston Tea Party. Near the circle of stones in front of the Old State House, your guide shares the story of the Boston Massacre - the first bloodshed of the Revolutionary War. Passing Faneuil Hall, continue to the North End to see the home of Paul Revere in Boston's oldest surviving residential neighbourhood. Visit the Old North Church where Revere ordered lanterns hung in the steeple to signal that the British Redcoats were on the move - one if by land, two if by sea.

At the conclusion of your tour, re-board the return ferry to Salem.

Please note: This tour involves a moderate to extensive amount of slow walking for approximately 2 miles (about 3.2 kilometres), including one small hill, uneven surfaces, cobblestone streets, and a few stairs to negotiate. This tour is not recommended for guests with limited mobility or those who utilise a wheelchair. We recommend lightweight comfortable clothing, comfortable closed toed walking shoes and a camera. The ferry is not exclusive to Silversea guests. Lunch is not included; guests will have free time to purchase lunch (at your own expense). The tour sequence may vary.

Relive colonial Boston's bustling seaport, past the site of the Boston Tea Party and see the major points of interest such as Faneuil Hall, the Old State House, Boston Common and Public Garden, Trinity Church, Beacon Hill.

Scenic Ferry Ride

At the pier in Salem, board the Nathaniel Bowditch high-speed catamaran ferry for a ride to Boston in less than an hour.

Quincy Market & Free Time

Upon arrival, set off with your guide to the Faneuil Hall Marketplace a few blocks from the jetty. Enjoy some free time here to purchase lunch at your own expense or browse for treasures in the myriad of shops and cafés.

Panoramic Drive through Boston & Copley Square

Afterward, take a panoramic drive through Boston, beginning with the Back Bay district. Pass Victorian brick and brownstone mansions and travel down Parisian-inspired boulevards en route to Copley Square. The square showcases stunning examples of medieval, classic, and modern design. The most prominent building is the Romanesque Trinity Church. Completed in 1877, it was designed by famed architect H.H. Richardson and, although it is considered an exceptional example of early American architecture, the tall tower, majestic arches and clay roof have a decidedly European flair. Walk over to the south side of the square to see the magnificent Boston Public Library with its beautiful Italian Renaissance-style exterior. Founded in 1848, it was the first free municipal library in the United States. Nearby is the ultra-modern John Hancock Tower, created by world-renowned Chinese architect I.M. Pei. Its modern design transforms the city's skyline.

Public Garden, Beacon Hill, CHEERS Bar, Freedom Trail, King's Chapel

Continue past the exquisite Public Garden, famous for its century-old swan boats and home to the beloved Make Way for Ducklings statue. In the Beacon Hill area - a 19th-century neighborhood in Victorian and Georgian style - watches for the Bull & Finch Pub that inspired the Cheers TV series. View some parts of the Freedom Trail, including the Boston Common, the Massachusetts State House featuring a magnificent gold-leaf dome, King's Chapel, and the resting place of some of Boston's most historic figures. See the balcony from which the Declaration of Independence was read on July 18, 1776, and conclude your tour at Long Wharf.

You will re-board the return ferry to Salem. A short walk in Salem brings you back to the ship.

Please note: This tour involves a minimal amount of walking, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach and to embark/disembark the ferry. This tour is suitable for guests with limited mobility but it is not recommended for guests utilizing a wheelchair and for guests prone to seasickness. Guests are advised to wear lightweight, comfortable clothing with flat, closed-toe walking shoes, and bring sun protection and a sweater or light jacket from the ship. The ferry is not exclusive to Silversea guests. Lunch is not included; guests will have free time to purchase lunch (at your own expense). The tour sequence may vary.

Explore the historic sights of Salem and infamous Witch Trials of 1692 during this picturesque, half-day sightseeing excursion.

Salem, Sightseeing Drive, Chestnut Street, Federal Architecture

Depart the pier for a scenic, approximately 45-minute sightseeing drive through the historic seaside city of Salem, best-known for its 17th-century witchcraft hysteria. Along the way, drive along Chestnut Street, dubbed the 'most beautiful street in America' for its unrivalled examples of Federal-style architecture.

Derby Wharf, Free Time, Historic Buildings, Friendship Replica Clipper Ship

Next, proceed for a visit to Salem's picturesque Derby Wharf, which dates back to the fabled China Trade period. After the American Revolution, Salem's Yankee Clipper ships sailed around the globe to Canton and the South Seas. Back then, Salem was the wealthiest city in the United States. Upon arrival, some free time is made available to independently explore the historic buildings along the waterfront, snap a photo of Friendship, a replica clipper ship, or simply relax and enjoy the waterfront.

Salem Witch Museum, Audio-Video Presentation about the Witch Trials, Free Time, Museum Shop

Following your visit, head to the Salem Witch Museum. During your guided tour, a dramatic audio-visual presentation recounts the tragic events of the Witch Trials of 1692, and offers a first-hand look into the mysterious practices of pagans, wiccans, midwives and healers. Following your tour, some free time is made available to browse the museum's gift shop for souvenirs. At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your coach and commence the short drive back to the pier.

Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking, at times over uneven and cobblestone surfaces, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach and three steps at the sites visited. Walking at the Derby Wharf and Salem Witch Museum is at the discretion of each guest. Walking at the photo stops is at the discretion of each guest. This tour is suitable for guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to lightweight, comfortable clothing with flat, closed-toe walking shoes, and bring sun protection and a light sweater or jacket from the ship. Guests must be at least six years old to participate on this tour; part of the diorama in the museum may be frightening for children.