Boston, Cape Cod & The Islands a Women-Only Tour
Boston, Cape Cod & The Islands a Women-Only Tour
Boston, Cape Cod & The Islands a Women-Only Tour
8 Days Starting and ending in Boston (MA)
Visiting: Boston, Plymouth, Cape Cod, Sandwich, Martha's Vineyard, Nantucket, Newport
Tour operator:
Tour code:
XACAPM20
Specialist Group:
Women Only
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishActivities:
Tour Overview
Embrace history and glamour on this 8-Day women-only tour as you travel with a small group from Massachusetts to Rhode Island. Follow the red-brick Freedom Trail in Boston to see where the U.S. took shape. On the shores of Cape Cod Bay, see Sandwich, a coastal town famous for its glassmakers; here, visit the Sandwich Glass Museum, where you can learn tricks of the trade. At Martha's Vineyard, pass the former home of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis and to Oak Bluffs, an idyllic town with gingerbread-like cottages. Indulge in a sea-to-table feast filled with fish caught from local fishermen, fresh produce from nearby farms and delicacies picked by foragers. In the seaside city of Newport, board an 80-foot schooner to cruise the coastline, taking in views of historical buildings and the homes of the rich and famous — and learn about the area’s past as a pirates’ haven.
Top Rated Highlights
- Boston: Explore the great city of Boston, with your Travel Director and learn about its transformative past. You’ll follow part of the red-brick Freedom Trail that brings the story of the American Revolution to life. Journeying to other historically significant sights that include the Boston Common, the Old Corner Bookstore and the Bunker Hill Monument in Charlestown. View the colourful neighbourhood of Back Bay and the lively North End, otherwise known as Boston’s Little Italy.
- Cape Cod: Experience the natural wonder and human history emphasizing the cultural themes represented on Cape Cod, including the First People--the Wampanoag; European settlement culture; fishing, life-saving, and lighthouses; communication technology of Cape Cod's National Seashore.
- Martha's Vineyard: After disembarking from your ferry ride, visit the port neighborhood of Oak Bluffs and be transported to a different era. Known for its rainbow-colored, gingerbread-like cottages with Gothic storybook decorations, high-peaked roofs, and dainty verandas. You’ll also find the oldest operating platform carousel in America here.
Authentic Dining
Boston: At 18:00, join your Travel Director for a dinner with wine and an opportunity to mingle with fellow guests.
Martha's Vineyard: Indulge in a locally sourced dinner in a private dining space in Bettini Restaurant.
Newport: Meet your new friends in the evening for a seafood dinner with wine, where you can share the highlights of your trip while savouring a freshly prepared meal.
Itinerary
Day 1: Boston, The Cradle Of Liberty
Location: Boston
Accommodation: Hyatt Regency Boston
Accommodation Name: Hyatt Regency, Boston
Meals Included: Dinner
Welcome to Boston, described by many as the most European city in the U.S. You can expect a thriving art scene, delicious variety of seafood delicacies and plenty of charm. Enjoy the most notable attractions such as the Boston Common, Faneuil Hall, and Boston's famous shopping destination, Newbury Street. Enjoy a short walk to the South End, Back Bay, or Charles River Esplanade before joining your Travel Director for dinner with wine and the opportunity to mingle with your fellow guests.
Day 2: Historic Boston
Location: Boston
Accommodation: Hyatt Regency Boston
Accommodation Name: Hyatt Regency, Boston
Meals Included: Breakfast
Explore Boston with your Travel Director and learn about the city's transformative past. Follow part of the red-brick Freedom Trail that brings the story of the American Revolution to life. Sights include Boston Waterfront, the Old State House and the Bunker Hill Monument in Charlestown. View the colourful neighbourhoods of Back Bay and historic North End, otherwise known as Boston’s Little Italy. Make sure you try the neighbourhood's famous cannoli and grab yourself some of the best espresso in town. Later, choose to visit Fenway Park, America's oldest baseball stadium and home of the Boston Red Sox or tour The John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum dedicated to the memory of the nation's thirty-fifth president.
Day 3: Pilgrim Heritage And On To Sandwich
Location: Plymouth
Accommodation: Dan'l Webster Inn and Spa, Sandwich
Accommodation Name: Dan'l Webster Inn and Spa, Sandwich
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Discover Plymouth's history at the first pilgrim settlement. Visit Pilgrim Hall Museum, where you'll learn about Pilgrim Women of the 17th Century. Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience as you visit the Plimoth Patuxet Museum learning about the relationship between English and Wampanoag women of the 17th century. View Plymouth Rock and a full-scale replica of the Mayflower II – the ship that made the initial voyage to the Americas in 1620 – before indulging in a lunch hosted by the Museum Educator. Get to know the Cape more intimately as you make your way to the coastal haven of Sandwich home to the Sandwich Glass Museum. Here, you'll meet and greet a local glassblower who shares her passion for this traditional technique.
Day 4: Sandwich, Oldest Town On The Cape
Location: Cape Cod
Accommodation: Dan'l Webster Inn and Spa, Sandwich
Accommodation Name: Dan'l Webster Inn and Spa, Sandwich
Meals Included: Breakfast
Head out to Salt Pond on Cape Cod's National Seashore which, since 1961, has preserved these 40 miles of dunes, beaches and marshes along the eastern side of Cape Cod. Learn about the natural wonder and human history represented on the Cape, from its First People and European settlement to modern lifestyles. Perhaps join a Local Expert for an Optional Experience driving through the historic Sand Dunes to catch sight of Pilgrim Lake and the famed artists’ dune shacks.
Day 5: Martha's Vineyard, A Presidential Paradise
Location: Sandwich, Martha's Vineyard
Accommodation: Harbor View Hotel, Martha's Vineyard
Accommodation Name: Harbor View, Martha's Vineyard
Meals Included: Breakfast
Board a ferry this morning to Martha's Vineyard. Home to pristine sandy beaches, outdoor attractions and heavenly harbour towns, this summer hangout is no stranger to presidential visits. The island has hosted the Clintons and the Obamas, while the former U.S. First Lady, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, maintained a home here. After disembarking, make your way to Oak Bluffs, known for its rainbow-coloured, gingerbread-like cottages with gothic storybook decorations, high-peaked roofs, and dainty verandas. You’ll also find the oldest operating platform carousel in America here. Get acquainted with the island, before reaching your hotel. Tonight's Sea-to-Table dinner at Menemsha Room is sure to delight with the season’s freshest offerings from local farms, fishing boats, foragers and markets.
Day 6: Nantucket Island
Location: Nantucket
Accommodation: Hotel Viking Newport
Accommodation Name: Viking, Newport
Meals Included: Breakfast
Depart Martha's Vineyard in style on a high-speed catamaran for the picturesque island of Nantucket. Not only has it retained the charm of a bygone era, but it is also one of the most exclusive coastal communities in the U.S. During your Notable Nantucket Women walking tour, take in the beauty of the antique cobblestone streets, lined with high-end boutiques and breathtaking architecture. The simple homes date back to its whaling days, which also influenced much of the culture on the island. In the past, the style of home directly correlated to a whaler's ranking. Return to the mainland in the late afternoon to relax at your historic hotel.
Day 7: Newport's Gilded Age Relaxed Start
Location: Newport
Accommodation: Hotel Viking Newport
Accommodation Name: Viking, Newport
Meals Included: Breakfast
Begin your day with a relaxed scenic drive along Newport’s famed Ten Mile Drive, surrounded by opulent mansions from America’s Gilded Age. Visit the magnificent Breakers Mansion, a testament to the Vanderbilt family’s legacy. Then, board a sailboat helmed by a female captain, for a leisure sunset sail on Newport Harbor and Narragansett Bay. Over dinner, savour a delicious meal at the historic La Forge Casino Restaurant before returning to your boutique hotel for a tranquil night in Newport’s charming seaside setting.
Day 8: Back To Boston Relaxed Start
Location: Newport, Boston
Meals Included: Breakfast
It's time to say goodbye to your fellow travellers as you return to Boston. For those heading home there will be complimentary transfers to Boston Logan International Airport, arriving at 12:00. Alternatively, extend your stay in Boston.
What's Included
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Guided Tour of Fenway Park
Enjoy an in-depth one-hour guided tour of Fenway Park, the oldest baseball stadium in America, with a chance to visit the press box, view memorabilia, and sit in the fabled 'Green Monster'.
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Visit to the Museum of Fine Arts
Visit the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, renowned for its Impressionist paintings, Asian and Egyptian collections, and early American art.
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Explore Boston with Travel Director
Explore the great city of Boston with your Travel Director, following part of the red-brick Freedom Trail and visiting historically significant sights.
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Cape Cod Experience
Experience the natural wonder and human history of Cape Cod, including cultural themes such as the First People, European settlement, and lighthouses.
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Martha's Vineyard Visit
Visit Martha's Vineyard, including the port neighborhood of Oak Bluffs, known for its rainbow-colored, gingerbread-like cottages and the oldest operating platform carousel in America.
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Authentic Dining Experiences
Enjoy a dinner with wine in Boston and a locally sourced dinner in a private dining space in Bettini Restaurant on Martha's Vineyard.
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Insight Experiences
Enjoy visits to renowned landmarks such as The Vanderbilt's Breakers Mansion in Newport and participate in unique experiences like a walking tour in Nantucket.
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Women-Only Experiences
Participate in women-only experiences such as visiting the Pilgrim Hall Museum and learning about the women of 17th-century Plimoth Colony and Patuxet.
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Dining Summary
The tour includes 3 dinners with wine, 7 breakfasts, and 1 lunch.
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Transport Description
Travel includes a ferry ride to Martha's Vineyard and a high-speed catamaran to Nantucket, ensuring a scenic and comfortable journey between these picturesque islands.
What's Not Included
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Optional Experiences
Optional experiences such as driving through the historic Sand Dunes on Cape Cod are not included in the tour package.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks outside of the included dining experiences are not covered.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and should be purchased separately by the traveler.
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Airfare
Airfare to and from Boston is not included in the tour package.
Dining Summary
- 3 Dinner with Wine (DW)
- 7 Breakfast (B)
- 1 Lunch (L)
Insight Experiences
- Newport: Enjoy a visit to one of Newport's renowned landmarks, The Vanderbilt's Breakers Mansion.
Women-Only
- : Visit Pilgrim Hall Museum, the oldest continuously operating public museum in the country and America’s museum of Pilgrim possessions. Get up close and personal exploring Pilgrim Hall’s extraordinary collection of 17th-century artifacts, some of which came on the Mayflower, illuminating the story of early Plymouth Colony. Hosted by a direct descendant of the Mayflower arriving in 1620, hear family stories of differing cultures and of courage in the face of great difficulties.
- Plymouth: Join Plimoth Patuxet Museums educators to learn more about the women of 17th-century Plimoth Colony and Patuxet. Over your “Matriarchs in the Margins” immersive experience, understand the traditions that shaped the roles women played in English and Wampanoag society. This living memorial is dedicated to the lifestyle of the first English settlers and the Wampanoag Indigenous community. By visiting, you’re helping the museum preserve the histories and stories of the early inhabitants and the revitalization of pre-industrial crafts, trades, domestic skills, horticulture and the maritime arts. This experience supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.
- : Discover what happened when two cultures met along New England’s shores over A Taste of Two Cultures Lunch at Plimoth Patuxet Museum. Learn about how the way we eat today is influenced by the cultures that met 400 years ago. Step back in time as you dine on traditional English and Indigenous foods including turkey sauced two ways, Naussamp cornmeal, Native stewed squash, Cheate bread with butter, colonial carrot soup, and mint tea with blueberries.
- Sandwich: Full of curiosities, the Sandwich Glass Museum is a treasure trove of unique art celebrating the rich history of glassmaking in America. Get up close and personal viewing glass art, historical artifacts and exhibits that highlight the significance of the Sandwich Glass Company, which has operated in the area since the 19th-century. You'll also learn about the historic techniques of the English and Irish glassmakers when you meet a skilled craftswoman who will share her personal glassmaking story.
- Nantucket: Join a Local Expert walking through historic downtown Nantucket to discover the island’s unique history. As you journey through Nantucket’s past, learn about the rise and the fall of the whaling industry, the tourism boom, and the impacts the island’s economy has had on social and racial development on Nantucket. You'll also hear tales of notable Nantucket women and their impact on the island from the fishing industry to local lifestyles.
- Newport: Meet your female captain and jump onboard the Adirondack II, an 80-foot schooner sailing ship and cruise around the coastline. You’ll sail out and pass nearby islands, old historical buildings and homes of the rich and famous, as you learn about the region’s exciting history, including its pirate activity.
Check out our Q&As
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What unique experiences are included in the tour for women?
The tour includes women-only experiences such as visiting the Pilgrim Hall Museum to learn about the women of the 17th-century Plimoth Colony and Patuxet. Participants will also engage in a 'Matriarchs in the Margins' immersive experience to understand the roles women played in English and Wampanoag society.
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What kind of dining experiences can I expect on this tour?
The tour offers authentic dining experiences including a dinner with wine in Boston, a locally sourced dinner in a private dining space at Bettini Restaurant on Martha's Vineyard, and a seafood dinner with wine in Newport. Additionally, there is a 'Taste of Two Cultures' lunch at Plimoth Patuxet Museum featuring traditional English and Indigenous foods.
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What transportation is provided during the tour?
Transportation includes a ferry ride to Martha's Vineyard and a high-speed catamaran to Nantucket, ensuring a scenic and comfortable journey between these picturesque islands.
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Are there any optional experiences available during the tour?
Yes, there are optional experiences such as driving through the historic Sand Dunes on Cape Cod, which are not included in the tour package.
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What historical sites will be visited in Boston?
In Boston, the tour includes exploring the Freedom Trail, visiting the Boston Common, the Old State House, and the Bunker Hill Monument. Participants will also have the option to visit Fenway Park or the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum.
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What is the significance of the Sandwich Glass Museum visit?
The visit to the Sandwich Glass Museum allows participants to learn about the rich history of glassmaking in America. Guests will meet a local glassblower who shares her passion for this traditional technique and view unique glass art and historical artifacts.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
We regret that no refunds can be made for absences from a tour, including experiences such as missed meals or sightseeing.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1978.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Insight Vacations is a founding member of the TreadRight Foundation, a joint initiative created by the brands within The Travel Corporation (TTC) almost 15 years ago to ensure our impact through tourism is positive. Our ethos to #MakeTravelMatter guides our decision-making at every level of our business.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
You have two options as a solo traveller. Either choose to be matched with a same sex partner for a room share - at no extra cost. Or choose a room of your own with a reduced or even free private room upgrade on select tours.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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Barrhead Travel requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 98 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of barrhead travel charges.
Up to 98 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 97 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 28 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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