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Other Programs - Boston Tour Program
While attending the General Meeting, take advantage of the rich cultural and historical assets of one of Americas oldest cities! A stimulating and diverse tour program has been developed for General Meeting attendees, to compliment your experience in Boston. For your convenience, a tour may be selected with your General Meeting registration. Since spaces are limited and tickets are sold on a first-come, first-served basis, advance registration is strongly recommended. However, pending availability, tickets may be purchased up until 1 week prior to the meeting.
Tour buses will depart from the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center. Tour prices include tour guides, transportation, admission, and items as noted in the tour descriptions. All children old enough to occupy their own bus seat must purchase a ticket and be accompanied by a responsible adult.
Tours are subject to change.
Note: Should the minimum number required to operate a tour not be reached in advance of the meeting, ASM reserves the right to cancel the tour.
| Date | Tour | Fee through April 25 | Fee April 26 - May 16 | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sunday, June 1 | Complete Boston Tour : 350 Years in a Day | $40 | $50 | 12:30 pm - 4:30 pm |
| Sunday, June 1 | Freedom Trail Walking Tour | $40 | $50 | 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm |
| Monday, June 2 | Complete Boston Tour: 350 Years in a Day | $40 | $50 | 8:30 am - 12:30 pm |
| Monday, June 2 | Behind the Scenes at Fenway Park | $50 | $60 | 1:30 pm - 4:30 pm |
| Tuesday, June 3 | Newport Mansion Tour | $90 | $100 | 8:30 am - 5:00 pm |
| Tuesday, June 3 | Freedom Trail Walking Tour | $40 | $50 | 9:00 am - 12:00 noon |
| Wednesday, June 4 | Whale Watching Cruise | $90 | $100 | 7:00 am - 4:30 pm |
| Wednesday, June 4 | Homes of Beacon Hill | $85 | $95 | 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm |
| Thursday, June 5 | Harvard University and JFK Library | $45 | $55 | 10:00 am - 3:00 pm |
Tour Program Descriptions
Complete Boston Tour: 350 Years in a Day
Boston is comprised of many neighborhoods, each with its own architecture and atmosphere. You'll have an overview of the city when you see the major neighborhoods and the historic sites that make Boston such a fascinating place to visit. You'll see Beacon Hill, Boston's most prestigious address, and visit the Back Bay, an elegant section of Boston which, one hundred years ago, was built according to the plan of Paris' Bois de Bologne. You'll pass by the Midtown Cultural District, Chinatown, and the South End, which boasts the largest Victorian neighborhood in the United States. Fenway Park is on your route, and the Fens section of Boston, which contains the Museum of Fine Arts, Symphony Hall, and the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. You'll drive by the Waterfront and then walk into the North End, Boston's famous Italian neighborhood where you will visit the Old North Church to see where the lanterns were hung to signal the beginning of Paul Revere's famous "midnight ride". Boston's Freedom Trail continues from here. You will see the USS CONSTITUTION, as well as the Massachusetts State House, the Old South Meeting House, Boston Common, and other sites along the Trail.
Note: Participants shoud wear comfortable shoes as part of the tour involves walking on cobblestone streets.Behind the Scenes at Fenway Park
Visit America's most beloved ballpark - Fenway Park, the home of the 2008 World Champion Red Sox. This is the park where the Babe pitched, the Kid hit, Yaz dazzled, and famed players such as Manny and "Big Papi" Ortiz still thrill young fans today. Soak up the rich history and hear the echoes of the past. Touch the Green Monster, imagine being one of the "Knights of the Keyboard" as you see the view from the Press Box, visit the new Red Sox Hall of Fame and take a seat in the new EMC Club before strolling around Fenway Park.
Your tour will give a behind-the-scenes look at America's most-beloved ballpark. Tours of the oldest park in Major League Baseball include the press box, broadcast booths and the control room; the new Red Sox Hall of Fame Club presented by Volvo; the new Legends Suite presented by W.B. Mason; the Dugout Seats; and Pesky's Pole. When the field is available, fans may also have the opportunity to walk along the warning track and come face-to-face with the fabled Green Monster.
Following the tour, you'll have an opportunity to shop in a licensed Red Sox gift shop for authentic Red Sox souvenirs.Newport Mansions
Newport, Rhode Island, is rich in both history and culture. A town, which was established in the colonial era, and made a name for itself during America's Gilded Age, has since become the yachting capital of the world. Today, the town thrives as a hub for American culture and visitors are faced with an abundance of activities, quaint B&B's, museums, shops, beaches, and outstanding restaurants. Newport is not to be missed.
You will visit the spectacular "Breakers" mansion, the summer "cottage" of Cornelius Vanderbilt, Chairman and President of the New York Central Railroad system. Guests will also have the opportunity to tour The Marble House, built for William K. Vanderbilt. Constructed between 1888 and 1892, the Marble House was to become a social and architectural landmark that set the pace for Newport's subsequent transformation from a quiet summer colony of wooden houses to the legendary resort of opulent stone palaces.
After a morning spent touring these homes, guests will have the opportunity to explore Newport Harbor and will subsequently enjoy a luncheon at one of the town's most charming restaurants. The group will then take pleasure in a tour of the famed 10 mile Ocean Drive for a view of the area's estates and gardens that dot this beautiful shoreline.Freedom Trail Walking Tour
Follow the Red Brick Road! In 1958, local journalist William Schofield had the idea that Boston’s sites should be more accessible to residents and visitors, and conceived the Freedom Trail. The Freedom Trail is a 2.5 mile red brick or red painted line that travels through Beacon Hill, downtown Boston, the North End and Charlestown. A natural and easily-accomplished idea, the sixteen historic sites between Boston Common and The Bunker Hill Monument in Charlestown were connected by a red line, and The Freedom Trail was born. In addition to the historic sites, the beauty of the sights, sounds and neighborhoods along the way makes walking the Freedom Trail an instantly popular activity.
Be sure to wear layers, bring an umbrella and put on your most comfortable walking shoes!
Homes of Beacon Hill
Beacon Hill is one of Boston's most prestigious neighborhoods, with historic buildings and the private residences of some of the city's more renowned citizens - past and present. The homes on the Hill were designed by the country's most celebrated architects, and built for governors, senators and presidents. The morning begins with a walking tour of the Hill, which will enhance your appreciation of the history of this landmark neighborhood. Your guide will also share anecdotes about the past and present residents. Special arrangements have been made to visit three private homes, whose owners will offer their own perspective of life on the "Hill."
Whale Watching Cruise
It's an early morning trip to Gloucester, where you'll board a vessel for a 4-hour whale watch. Juices and muffins will be served en route to the whale's playground. On the way out to Stellwagen Bank, the whales' feeding ground, a naturalist will explain the fascinating facts about whales feeding and traveling habits. Since most whales return year after year to the same feeding grounds, the naturalist will be able to identify some of the whales and give their histories. Box lunch will be served aboard the boat. Once back on shore, you'll drive north to Rockport, the artist's colony on picturesque Bearskin Neck. You will have time to browse among the shops and galleries, or stroll along the beautiful waterfront, before returning to Boston.
Harvard University and the JFK Library
Explore world-famous Harvard University and visit the many sites where the young JFK lived and studied. You will stroll through Harvard Yard, the original campus of the oldest university in the country and have free time to browse in Harvard Square, with its shops, boutiques, and over 25 bookstores. Your tour will continue as you travel from Cambridge to the shoreline of Dorchester Bay, where you will visit the spectacular John F. Kennedy Library, designed by I.M. Pei. First, you will see a short film about President Kennedy, then you will walk the campaign trail, view the famous Kennedy/Nixon debates, see the often humorous press conferences, and continue on through the highlights of his presidency. You can sit in on the strategy sessions during the Cuban Missile crisis, see an exact replica of the Kennedy oval office, and view the gifts the Kennedy's received during his presidency, as well as mementos from his personal life. For a short time, you will re-live the thousand days of "Camelot."
