Careful attention to detail creates carefree getaways     

                           

 

 

 

 

“Love is in the Air,” Museum of Fine Arts

Sunday, February 5

Treat yourself and cure your cabin fever at the same time!  We will visit the MFA in Boston to explore their exhibits including the current traveling exhibit “Aphrodite and the Gods of Love”.  Known today as the goddess of love and beauty, Aphrodite, or Venus as she was known to the Romans, was one of the most powerful ancient Greek divinities and a favorite subject in ancient art. This is the first exhibition about the powerful goddess that both ancient writers and artists described as complex and even dangerous. Through the presentation of 150 Greek and Roman works of art, “Aphrodite and the Gods of Love,” which includes spectacular loans from Rome and Naples, reveals the most popular ancient goddess in her role as adulterous seductress, and much more.  Before our visit to the MFA we will indulge ourselves at Boston’s most famous desserterie Finale, where we will enjoy a dessert party featuring a selection of salads and sandwiches and, of course, an extensive dessert buffet.  $ 92

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Mary Poppins

Thursday, February 16

Mary Poppins is bringing its own brand of Broadway magic to theaters across the country, which has Variety raving, “This is the rare touring production that over-delivers on every level!” Featuring the irresistible story and unforgettable songs from one of the most popular Disney films of all time, plus brand-new breathtaking dance numbers and spectacular stage-craft, Mary Poppins is everything you could ever want in a hit Broadway show! So get swept up in the fun of this high-flying musical the New York Post gives 4 out of 4 stars and calls “a perfect piece of musical theater.”  We have orchestra seating for the 2:00 PM matinee at the Providence Performing Arts Center with free time for lunch before the show $ 92

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Mystery Tour

Saturday, February 18

Don’t you love surprises?  Bring your adventurous spirit and join us for a secret trip where you won’t know our destinations until you arrive!  We don’t want to spoil the surprise but here are some clues to entice you to join us….we will experience two European countries (and even a piece of heaven!) without ever leaving Massachusetts…we will visit a lemon house, an orange house, a country house and a green house….we will meet twin turtles who love the cold…we will look out the windows to heaven and the windows to winter…we will enjoy a little bit of Christmas and a little bit of summer all on a crisp February day…have we got you guessing yet?  The only way to know for sure is to come along for a day full of fun and surprise!  A full lunch is included as well as a gift to take home.  $ 79

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RI Flower Show

Friday, February 24

Enjoy a break from the winter weather to see dazzling floral exhibits and take in the sweet fragrances of the displays at the Rhode Island Flower Show! The 2012 show is bound to live up to the its reputation as an utterly creative, and uplifting experience - a tonic for winter blues. At a time when life is hectic, this show provides a welcome alternative. This year’s theme “Simple Pleasures” will evoke images of those moments in our lives that we recall as the special ones - memories of childhood, in Grandma’s garden, bursting with daisies, roses, delphinium.....perhaps a longing to return to the Zen garden we enjoyed on our last holiday, or teasing out a plan to create our own meditation garden. There will be landscape gardens, discovery gardens, speakers, and demonstrations. The flower show is at the Rhode Island Convention Center, which also has indoor access to the Providence Place Mall, where there are plenty of options for lunch and shopping.  A sure cure for “cabin fever!” Even if you’re not a gardener, join us for a breath of springtime & shopping at Providence Place Mall!  $ 55

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Come Fly Away, a new Musical

Saturday, March 3

Come Fly Away is the new Broadway musical that brings together the legendary vocals of FRANK SINATRA and the creative vision of Tony Award® winner TWYLA THARP (Movin’ Out). This one-of-a-kind experience combines the seductive vocals of “Ol’ Blue Eyes” with the sizzling sound of a live on-stage big band and the visceral thrill of Tharp’s choreography.  As fourteen of the world’s best dancers tell the story of four couples falling in and out of love, you will experience the exhilaration of a first kiss, the excitement of a first dance, and the bittersweet moments of a first good-bye in a world of sparkling romance and astonishing beauty. Come Fly Away features a score of beloved Sinatra classics including "Fly Me to the Moon," "My Way," "New York, New York," and "Witchcraft". We have orchestra seating for the 2:00 PM matinee at the Providence Performing Arts Center with free time before the show for lunch $ 105 

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Cabin Fever and the “Irish Rovers”

Wednesday, March 7

After a long, cold winter it’s time to break out of our homes and enjoy a breath of spring.  Start the day at the Log Cabin in Holyoke where we will enjoy a delicious full Irish feast and entertainment sure to bring out the Irish in us all.  “St Patty’s” lunch to include potato & leek soup, Guinness stew, O’Brien potatoes, Corned Beef & Cabbage, salmon with parsley cream and bread pudding with Bailey’s Sauce.  The Irish Rovers (of The Unicorn Song fame) have been called the International Ambassadors of Irish music; they have maintained their timeless ability to deliver a rollicking, rousing performance of good cheer. Their songs have become anthems of revelry and joy among generation after generation of fans. After lunch we’ll visit the 8,000 square-foot Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory, which is home to over 4,000 native and tropical butterflies year round. It is also home to many gorgeous plants, flowers and flowering trees, a pond with a small waterfall and brilliantly colored Japanese koi sure to get us thinking about spring! You’ll be delighted with the many different varieties of butterflies fluttering gracefully amidst the beautiful plants and flowers; and if you stand still, you might find that a butterfly will gently descend and land on your shoulder! End the day browsing the fresh spring scents at Yankee Candle Shop.  Watch candles being dipped, browse the enormous selection of scented candles, stroll the expansive Bavarian Christmas Village, Nutcracker Castle, and venture into the Black Forest to watch the snow fall!  You’ll find candles and collectibles of all sorts in this enormous store, and don’t miss the bargains at the second’s shop! $ 119

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Celtic Woman “Believe”

Friday, March 9

Celtic Woman returns to the Citi Performing Arts Center Wang Theatre as part of their BELIEVE 2012 North American Tour.  Celtic Woman’s breathtaking new show, BELIEVE, features the all-female singing sensation performing classic Irish tunes, such as ‘The Water Is Wide,’ ‘Green Grow the Rushes,’ ‘A Woman’s Heart,’ and ‘The Parting Glass,’ timeless pop anthems such as ‘Bridge Over Troubled Water’ and ‘Sailing,’ and inspirational songs including ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ and ‘Ave Maria,’ with their signature Celtic Woman twist, under the distinct musical direction of Emmy-nominated music producer, David Downes. Celtic Woman’s awe-inspiring vocalists and mesmerizing violinist will be backed by a dazzling six-piece band, the Aontas Choir, and renowned championship Irish dancers. We have orchestra seating for the 8:00 PM show at the Citi Performing Arts Center with free time for dinner at the Prudential Center. $ 105

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Boston Flower Show

Friday, March 16

The Boston Flower Show is back and better than ever!  Visit the flower show at its new location at the Seaport World Trade Center. The tradition loved by New Englanders for more than 100 years has been re-established and updated to appeal to everyone who loves flowers and plants, gardens and landscape design.  From the first-time gardener to the greenest green thumb, Boston's biggest horticultural happening will provide the tools and inspiration to kick off the season in style!  The theme - First Impressions- will showcase ways to express one's personality and style as well as add enjoyment and value to one's property. Set to the backdrop of over 25 garden displays by cutting-edge landscape professionals and area nurseries, the 2012 Boston Flower & Garden Show will also offer 48 lectures and demonstrations by top garden writers, industry professionals and chefs, shopping from 200 vendors featuring plants and hundreds of the newest gardening products, as well as garden furnishings and handcrafted gifts. Among the presenters for this date are HGTV star John Gidding, host of Curb Appeal: The Block, where he will be demonstrating easy garden makeover ideas.  $ 60

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Life is Sweet

Friday, March 23

Bring your sweet tooth as we travel to southern New Hampshire and celebrate all that makes life so sweet! Start the day with a delicious sugar party brunch at Parker’s Maple Barn featuring eggs, sausages, blueberry pancake, bacon, maple ham, and plenty of fresh maple syrup products!  After brunch we’ll take a tour of the sugar house to learn how they make their maple syrup the old fashioned way, over a wood fire.  You’ll enjoy browsing their unique gift shop to pick up some maple products to enjoy at home.  Next, we’ll head to Van Otis Chocolates where we will take a "behind closed doors" look at how they get all of those yummy things inside their chocolates. Try your hand at some of the candy making tasks (the best part is if it doesn't turn out exactly right you can eat your mistakes!) while enjoying delicious samples and of course there will be time to shop for goodies in their store before we round our day out at Flagg Hill Winery, where we will enjoy a tour of the winery to learn how their wines are made and fermented.  Then, we’ll enjoy a fun and informative wine tasting, and we will each receive an engraved souvenir wine glass to take home.  $ 79

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Addams Family

Saturday, March 24

The weird and wonderful family comes to devilishly delightful life in THE ADDAMS FAMILY. This magnificently macabre new musical comedy, based upon the original illustrations by legendary cartoonist Charles Addams, is created by Jersey Boys authors Marshall Brickman & Rick Elice, with creative consultation by four-time Tony Award® winner Jerry Zaks.  It's every parent's nightmare. Your little girl has suddenly become a young woman, and what's worse, has fallen deliriously in love with a sweet, smart young man from a respectable family. Yes, Wednesday Addams, the ultimate princess of darkness, has a “normal” boyfriend, and for parents Gomez and Morticia, this shocking development will turn the Addams house downside up. Come meet the family. We’ll leave the light off for you.  Orchestra seating for the 2:00 PM matinee at Providence Performing Arts Center with free time before the show for lunch at the Providence Place Mall.  $ 109

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Stars on Ice

Date to be Announced

Don’t miss the 2012 tour of Smucker’s Stars on Ice!  Skaters scheduled on the 2012 National Tour (skaters vary by venue): Todd Eldredge (US World Champion),  Sasha Cohen (Olympic Silver Medalist), Kurt Browning (Canadian World Champion), Ilia Kulik (Russia Olympic Gold Medalist), Ekaterina Gordeeva (Russian Olympic Gold Medalist), Kyoko Ina & John Zimmerman (3 time National Champions), and many more of your favorite skaters (more special guest announcements to come). Free time for lunch or dinner (depending on show time) at Providence Place Mall, performance at Dunkin Donuts Center in Providence. 

Final schedule has not been released as of this printing – please call for details

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New York City Day-trip with optional Dead Sea Scrolls exhibit

Tuesday, April 3

Take a fascinating journey through the Holy Land in this once-in-a-lifetime exhibit featuring the famed Dead Sea Scrolls.  The Dead Sea Scrolls are a collection of texts from the Bible and extra-biblical documents found on the northwest shore of the Dead Sea, from which they derive their name. The texts are of great religious and historical significance, as they include the oldest known surviving copies of Biblical and extra-biblical documents. These manuscripts date between 150 BC and 70 AD.  Experience the Holy Land through over 500 never-before-seen artifacts from biblical times – the largest collection of artifacts ever assembled; see the Dead Sea Scrolls, the oldest known texts of the Bible; discover first-hand the traditions, beliefs and iconic objects of ancient Israel that impact world religions today; and place your prayer on an authentic 3-ton stone from the Holy Land's Western Wall.  The exhibit is at the Times Square Discovery Center, you will have a total of 5 hours in the city, to enjoy the exhibit, and do some sightseeing.  $ 97 with the exhibit -- $ 79 without the exhibit (transportation only)

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Historic Portsmouth, New Hampshire

Saturday, April 14

Join us as we travel to Portsmouth, NH to learn about the city’s rich maritime history and see the wonderful job the city is doing to preserve and restore its historic properties and downtown area. George Washington visited Portsmouth’s future governor, John Langdon at his home in 1789, and the Presidential parade marched along streets packed with cheering onlookers.  We’ll follow his footsteps on our “Walk with Washington” walking tour of Portsmouth.  Our local guide will take us down the streets that Washington walked (about a 1 mile walk), talk about the town’s history, and point out the restored mansions and landmarks that still line the streets.  We’ll learn about the development of Strawberry Banke, and then our guide will step on our bus and take us on a tour of other historic areas in Portsmouth. Our lunch at Warren’s Lobster House begins with a hot cup of clam chowder, includes the seacoast’s finest salad bar with over 60 selections, and your choice of entrée - Seafood Newberg, Fried baby shrimp, filet of haddock, crab crusted salmon, top sirloin steak, or chicken parmesan.  After lunch, we’ll tour the Jackson House, the oldest surviving wood frame house in New Hampshire, circa 1664, built by Richard Jackson, a woodworker, farmer, and mariner.  Continuing in George Washington’s footsteps, we’ll then stop for a visit at the Governor John Langdon House.  Please wear comfortable shoes & come dressed for the weather.  $ 99

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Boston Landmarks, the NEW Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum & Christian Science Plaza

Thursday, April 19

We will spend the morning exploring the buildings that make up the Christian Science Plaza in Boston.  We’ll tour the Mary Baker Eddy Library, with their many exhibit halls and galleries including the world famous Mapparium.  Standing three stories tall, the Mapparium is a beautiful painted glass globe that is a work of art in itself when viewed from the outside, but to traverse the 30 foot glass bridge INSIDE the globe is truly breathtaking. We will enjoy a guided tour of the Romanesque style Original Church building, which was built in 1894. It includes frescoes, mosaic work, Italian marble floors, and stained-glass windows, as well as the 1906 Byzantine-Renaissance style Church Extension with a soaring dome, seating for over 3,000 people, and one of the world's largest Aeolian-Skinner pipe organs. For lunch we will indulge ourselves at Boston’s most famous desserterie Finale, where we will enjoy a dessert party featuring a selection of salads, sandwiches and, of course, an extensive dessert buffet.  Our final stop is the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, where we will see their brand-new wing and the upgraded exhibit spaces.  The Gardner displays an art collection of world importance, including works that rank among the most significant of their type from ancient Rome, Medieval Europe, Renaissance Italy, Asia, the Islamic world and 19th-century France and America.  Over the winter the Gardner closed its doors while completing the final stages of its new wing to include more galleries, a greenhouse, restaurant, and 296-seat concert hall, more than doubling the square footage of the museum. In addition to the new wing, the entire museum received upgrades and restorations.  We’ll take a guided tour of museum and also have time to explore on our own.  $ 99

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Gourmet Getaway

Saturday, April 21

Travel to New Bedford, Fairhaven, Seekonk & Providence to visit some of the best of the best food purveyors just outside our own doors and to sharpen our culinary skills.  We begin at Lydia’s Bakery, a well-known Portuguese bakery in New Bedford, where we will enjoy a sample of her delicious baked goods.  Everyone will receive a bakery sample and take home a loaf of her delicious Portuguese sweet bread.  Then, we’ll stop for some shopping at Sid Wainer & Sons, International Gourmet Food Distributor before heading to Audrey’s Restaurant, located at the Johnson & Wales Inn, which boasts exceptional cuisine prepared by Johnson & Wales University graduate chefs.  We will enjoy a full lunch and one of their talented chefs will give us a dessert demonstration. After lunch, spend some time browsing the culinary hotspot that is Federal Hill.  Be sure to pay a visit to Venda Ravioli, the gourmet Italian store & grocery and Scialo Brothers Bakery, a Federal Hill staple since 1916. We will cap off our trip with a visit to Dorothy Cox Chocolates in Fairhaven, where we will take a tour to see them making chocolate, and everyone will get a sample of her delicious chocolates to take home.  You’ll find chocolates, brittles, chocolate covered nuts, truffles and much more to tempt your sweet tooth here!  $ 92 

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Rhode Island Daffodil Days

Tuesday, April 24

This spring, Blithewold Mansion’s gardens once again come to life as fifty thousand daffodils, early blooming bulbs, trees and shrubs are coaxed from winter slumber to enchant guests with their quiet beauty and subtle scents during the annual Daffodil Days celebration.  Blithewold Mansion is a beautiful seaside garden estate located in Bristol, RI. Visitors experience breathtaking views of Narragansett Bay as they tour the graceful mansion decorated with original furnishings.  The guided tour continues through the grounds where magnificent trees and a variety of colorful gardens demonstrate Blithewold’s prominence in horticulture. A delicious lunch at the Brick Alley Pub is included, with some free time at the Brick Marketplace for shopping before we tour the Elms, one of Newport’s sparkling mansions. In 1898, the Mr & Mrs Edward Berwind engaged Philadelphia architect Horace Trumbauer to design a house modeled after a mid-18th century French chateau outside Paris.  Construction of The Elms was completed in 1901, and the extravagant interiors and furnishings of French design provide the perfect backdrop for their collection of Renaissance ceramics, 18th century French and Venetian paintings, and Oriental jades.  Please note both Mansions have stairs, please wear comfortable shoes.  $ 89

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One FAN-tastic Day

Saturday, April 28

Die hard Boston sports fans, this is the tour for you – celebrate Boston’s rich & storied sports history and rejoice (or commiserate!) in its present.  Start the day with a tour of our beloved Fenway Park as she marks her 100^th Anniversary! Though generations have come and gone, Fenway Park remains, much like it did the day it opened on April 20, 1912. Visit the park where the Babe pitched, The Kid hit, Yaz dazzled and today’s stars still thrill young fans today. Soak up the rich history; hear the echoes of the past, see the view from the Press Box, and step back in time to stroll through Red Sox history, tradition and memories on our behind-the-scenes tour of this historic ballpark.  The tour will also include the Press Level, a Red Sox private suite, and the view from the Green Monster seats.  Many Boston restaurants and bars have Red Sox tchotchkes on their walls, but none can rival the “museum-quality” memorabilia covering generations of Fenway Park history that you’ll find at Jerry Remy’s Sports Bar & Grill owned by the voice of the Red Sox, Jerry Remy.  Enjoy a full lunch with choice of The Remy Burger, Pulled Pork Sandwich or Grilled Marinated Steak Tips.  Next stop is Gillette Stadium and the Hall at Patriot Place.  Opened in 2008 The Hall is a modern interactive “museum” that takes guests through New England football history in a cutting-edge way, utilizing amazing video and audio to tap into fans’ emotions in a manner never before seen in a sports museum. Put your finger in a Super Bowl XXXIX ring and get up close with all the Patriots Super Bowl Trophies while confetti rains down upon you, go under the hood and review plays like an actual NFL official.  Step inside a DUCK boat used in the Super Bowl XXXVI parade, kick a field goal, and listen to never-before told stories from past Patriots. After the museum enjoy some free time to browse the shops of Patriot Place. This is one trip you’ll be telling your friends about! $ 105

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Boston Pops Gershwin Spectacular

Saturday, May 12

George Gershwin fans will love this Boston Pops celebration! Honoring a composer whose masterpieces are vibrant, lush, jazzy and uniquely American, the Pops will perform many of Gershwin's classic pieces, including his iconic “Rhapsody in Blue”, as well his songs made famous by Fred Astaire, Ginger Rogers, and Gene Kelly, such as “I got Rhythm”, “S'Wonderful”, and “Embraceable You”.  Keith Lockhart is scheduled to conduct this performance (as always, subject to change).  We have first balcony seating for the 3:00 PM matinee at Boston’s Symphony Hall with free time before the show at the Prudential Center for lunch.  $ 95

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Arnold Arboretum Lilacs & the Swan Boats

Tuesday, May 15

The Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University is the oldest public arboretum in North America and one of the world's leading centers for the study of plants. A link in Boston’s Emerald Necklace of parks, the Arboretum is a unique blend of respected research institution and beloved public landscape. There are over 422 lilac plants of approximately 194 different varieties in the Arnold Arboretum collections. Together they provide a season of color and scent that extends over five weeks each spring.  They may be known for their lilacs, but the arboretum features plants of all kinds from azaleas to magnolias.  Our knowledgeable guide will take us on a fascinating walking tour of the arboretum sharing their horticultural knowledge along the way.  Afterwards we’ll head to Quincy Market where you will have some free time for lunch & shopping.  Cap the day off with a relaxing ride on Boston’s iconic Swan Boats in the Public Gardens.  Come with us and enjoy the best of springtime in Boston!  Please note this is a walking tour, please wear comfortable shoes and come dressed for the weather.  $ 60

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Hidden Gardens of Beacon Hill

Thursday, May 17

Join us as The Beacon Hill Garden Club presents the 83^rd annual Hidden Gardens of Beacon Hill Tour.  Each year the Garden Club welcomes the pubic into their member’s private gardens that feature a great variety of plantings, arrangements, architecture and situation. In addition, ribbon gardens viewable from public thoroughfares will also be presented. The Hidden Gardens is the club’s most important and enduring fundraiser, one which benefits environmental, horticultural, and conservation organizations across Boston. This event is held rain or shine, and good walking shoes should be worn because of the uneven sidewalks and cobblestone streets. Strolling the picturesque streets and gardens of Boston’s historic and exclusive Beacon Hill section – what a wonderful way to spend a spring day!  A map of the gardens is provided for this self-guided tour, and a hearty box lunch is included.  $ 90

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Springtime Mystery Tour

Wednesday, May 23

So, it seems we have more than a few daring souls among our customers!  Our February Mystery Tour sold out so fast we knew we had to plan a new one for the spring!  So grab some friends and bring your adventurous spirit on this surprise trip where you won’t know our destinations until we arrive.  This time we will be trotting to a neighboring state and then we’ll slow down and take the time smell the roses, or at least their hips! On this tour we will discover what a delicious combination Joe Pye and the Lemon Queen make!  We’ll go to a holy place to visit the good Reverend’s dynasty, gaze at an actresses breathtaking combinations of natural and man-made beauty, and graze with a carousel horse. You’ll really dig this trip, so come on you know you are curious, join us for a spring day of fun and friends!  A full lunch is included as well as a surprise gift to remind you of our fun for years to come!  $ 89

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Steve Martin Performing with The Boston Pops & the Steep Canyon Rangers

Tuesday, May 29

Join us for an evening of Bluegrass & Comedy!  One of the greatest comedic actors of our generation, Steve Martin is also a renowned author, art collector, playwright, highly-trained banjo player and songwriter! He joins Keith Lockhart & the Boston Pops for his orchestral debut, and brings with him the Steep Canyon Rangers, who, along with Steve Martin were the winners of the IBMA's Emerging Talent Award. Selections include songs from his Grammy Award-winning album “The Crow”, his most recent release “Rare Bird Alert”, and a few surprises along the way. The first half of the concert will include Copland's “Outdoor Adventure,” “Prairie Night” and “Celebration” from Billy the Kid. We have first balcony seating for the 8:00 PM show at Symphony Hall, with free time before the show for dinner at the Prudential Center. $ 95

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Boston Museum of Science, “Lost Egypt"

Thursday, May 31

Lost Egypt is an immersive quest for knowledge that reveals how archaeologists use modern science and technology to uncover and understand the ancient civilization of Egypt. See real human and animal mummies, as well as scans, forensic facial reconstructions and - for the first time ever - life size rapid prototypes displaying the mummy in various stages of "unwrapping." Explore the art and artifacts from the daily life and funerary culture of ancient Egypt and connect with real scientists working in Egypt through video interviews and photographs from the field.  See archaeologists uncover the city of builders of the world's first skyscrapers: the pyramids. Who were the tens of thousands of people who built these massive structures? Modern science illuminates our understanding of the ancient past.  Through hands-on challenges, authentic artifacts and guidance from archaeologists, you will unearth the mysteries of Egypt, its culture and its people.  You will have time to explore the Lost Egypt traveling exhibit as well as time to visit the other exhibit halls or take in an IMAX film.  $ 65

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 Coastal Maine Culinary Getaway

Tuesday, June 5

Whether you're a novice or an experienced cook, we invite you to join us for a culinary adventure to coastal Maine! Stonewall Kitchen in York, Maine, named for the graceful stone walls that surrounded the original farm where this New England business began, has seen a remarkable growth in the past two decades. Started from humble origins they are now nationally renowned for their gourmet, specialty foods.  They have now opened their kitchens to the public in the new Stonewall Kitchen Cooking School, voted Best Cooking School by the Taste of the Seacoast Magazine. Their “Learning with Lunch” series will teach us how to prepare a tasty meal while also being served the recipe we are learning (includes three-course lunch).  You'll go home with a clear understanding of how to recreate the recipes in your own kitchen and have the opportunity to purchase the finest foods, tools, appliances and utensils used by the chefs after lunch.  Then we’ll head to Portland to visit a brewery and shop some of their famous culinary stops.  We will visit Shipyard Brewery, where we will enjoy a virtual video tour, view the bottling line, and sample their fine ales and Capt'n Eli Soda. Since 1994, Shipyard Brewing has been brewing fine quality products with a wide range of style profiles using only top quality ingredients hand crafted from recipes developed by their master brewer.  Afterwards, you will have two hours to discover for yourself why Portland has been named the Foodiest Small Town in America.  Shop for kitchen gadgets in K. Horton Specialites or grab a slice of authentic Italian pizza at Micucci Grocery.  Maps and suggestions will be provided.  $ 92

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Boston Pops Cole Porter Tribute

Friday, June 8

Spend the evening with the music of one of the best-known contributors to the Great American Songbook, Cole Porter. Keith Lockhart & the Boston Pops, along with Broadway's golden couple Marin Mazzie and Jason Danieley, bring to life a selection of his many hits including “So In Love”, “In the Still of the Night”, and “Anything Goes”.  Keith Lockhart is scheduled to conduct (as always, subject to change).  We have first balcony seating for the 8:00 PM performance at Boston’s Symphony Hall with free time before the show for dinner at the Prudential Center.  $ 95

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New York City with the National September 11 Memorial & Museum

Sunday, June 10

Commemorate the tragic attacks on our country with a visit to the new 9/11 Memorial, which opened this past September, a tribute of remembrance and honor to the nearly 3,000 people killed in the terror attacks of September 11, 2001, as well as the six people killed in the World Trade Center bombing in February 1993.  The Memorial’s twin reflecting pools are each nearly an acre in size and feature the largest manmade waterfalls in the North America. The pools sit within the footprints where the Twin Towers once stood.  The names of every person who died in the 2001 and 1993 attacks are inscribed into bronze panels edging the Memorial pools, a powerful reminder of the largest loss of life resulting from a foreign attack on American soil and the greatest single loss of rescue personnel in American history.  We will also visit the 9/11 Museum Preview Site located across the street from St Paul’s Chapel.  The 9/11 Museum, set to open in late 2012 has opened the preview site to allow guests to view the still growing collection of artifacts, photographs, personal effects and memorabilia & remembrance honoring the victims of the terror attacks.  You will have free time to explore St Paul’s Chapel and the Wall Street financial district before returning to the Cape.  Maps & suggestions will be provided.  $ 75

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Newport Rail & Sail

Thursday, June 14

A NEW Rail & Sail adventure for all of our train & boating enthusiasts!   We will begin our day browsing the shops in posh Newport, RI. Then enjoy the experience of Rhode Island's only moving Dinner Train on a 22 mile, sentimental journey along scenic Narragansett Bay. Each of the three dining cars was built between 1941 and 1952 with the interior of each dining car meticulously restored to quietly reflect the Golden Age of Railroading. While enjoying the narrated, scenic railway journey we will be treated to a full lunch onboard the train.  The Newport Dinner Train is proud to be one of the three outstanding dinner trains in the country selected by the Food Network for dining excellence.  Next, relax and enjoy the beautiful sights of Newport Harbor and Narragansett Bay aboard a 1953 classic wooden ferry boat as we enjoy an hour long, narrated cruise.  While cruising we will be served coffee, tea and cookies by the boat staff.  Round out our adventure with a stop at Newport Vineyards where we will enjoy a guided tour of their vineyard and wine making facilities as well as a wine tasting.  Everyone will receive a Newport Vineyards wine glass to remember our day.  $ 119

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Boston Duck Tour

Saturday, June 16

Always a fun day in Boston and never the same tour twice!  Start the day at Maggianos where we’ll enjoy an Italian feast where you are guaranteed to leave very full and very happy!  Then we’ll board our DUCK as we cruise by all the places that make Boston the birthplace of freedom and a city of firsts, from the golden-domed State House to Bunker Hill and the Fleet Center, Government Center to fashionable Newbury Street, Quincy Market to the Prudential Tower and more.  Your ConDUCKtor will give you lots of little known facts and interesting insights about this unique city, then, splashdown into the Charles River for a breathtaking view of the Boston and Cambridge skylines.  After the tour you’ll have free time to browse the shops on Newbury Street or the Prudential Center, or take the elevator to the Skywalk Observatory at the top of the Prudential Center. $ 95

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Downeaster Rail & Sail

Tuesday, June 19

In Colonial times, Maine shipbuilders created some of the finest sailing vessels ever built and called them "Downeasters." Today, Amtrak's sleek and sophisticated Downeaster train runs between Boston and Portland, Maine with a magical journey along the New England shoreline.  Along the Downeaster route you'll find historic colonial cities, beautiful beaches & quaint villages.  We’ll board the train at Boston’s North Station for our one-way journey to Portland, Maine.  We’ll meet our bus and enjoy free time for lunch in Portland’s exciting downtown area.  Then, enjoy a narrated 90-minute scenic cruise through the busy Portland harbor and innermost islands to see lighthouses, forts, lobster boats, and seals. Four lighthouses can be seen up close with as many as seven in view during the cruise, including a close-up view of Maine’s oldest and most photographed lighthouse, Portland Head Light!  You’ll have free time to browse the shops in Portland before we depart.   $ 82

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Ansel Adams at Peabody Essex Museum

Friday, June 22

We will begin our day with an informative guided bus tour of Salem, MA.  During our hour long tour we will enjoy the sights of Salem as our knowledgeable guide tells us of the history and happenings in this small coastal town.  Next, browse the shops and enjoy lunch on our own at Pickering Wharf before we spend the afternoon at the Peabody Essex Museum and Yin Yu Tang Chinese House.  The museum was founded in 1799, and its 2.4 million dollar collection ranks among the finest of its kind. Peabody Essex’s most stunning architectural acquisition, Yin Yu Tang House, is the only complete Qing Dynasty house located outside China.  We’ll explore this 16-bedroom Chinese merchant’s house with our docent guide to discover this rare example of the regions architecture and learn about the daily life of the eight generations of the Huang family that inhabited the house for over 200 years. You will have 4 hours to enjoy the museum, including their current traveling exhibit, “Ansel Adams: At Water’s Edge”. Wherever he photographed, Ansel Adams' appreciation for water was never far from the surface. We will enjoy a docent tour of this exhibit as we explore Ansel Adam’s famous images and some of his extraordinary but lesser-known examples, expanding our knowledge of Adams' work and building appreciation for the artist as an important and innovative modernist.  $ 72

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"DINO - His Son Remembers” at Foxwoods

Wednesday, June 27

For six decades, Dean Martin entertained millions of adoring fans around the world. And now, his son, Ricci Martin, travels around the globe entertaining millions of Dean Martin fans - both young and old alike - in a profoundly entertaining show. “DINO” features Ricci Martin singing the classic hits of his father in a tribute like you’ve never seen before! Wearing the trademark Martin tux, Ricci croons “Everybody Loves Somebody,” “Volare,” “Houston,” “That’s Amore,” “Mambo Italiano,”“Memories Are Made of This” and all the other easy-going, romantic hits that put his dad into the stratosphere of stars. Reviews of the show and audience response have been tremendous! It’s loaded with live music, personal video and true life stories not only about Dean Martin, the International Entertainer, but also Dean Martin, the Father - and they are told from the heart by none other than his son, Ricci.  In addition to the show you will have free time to enjoy Foxwoods Casino as well as a $10 Keno bet and $15 food voucher.  $ 72

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 Upcoming Trips

Tall Ships are coming, first week in July! -- Call us or check our website at the end of January for details!

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Constitution Turnaround & the commemoration of the War of 1812

Wednesday, July 4^th

Don’t miss this very special turnaround cruise for the oldest active commissioned war ship in the world.  Our narrated tour of Boston's inner harbor focuses on the annual turning of the USS Constitution. This historic turn happens to ensure her sides weather evenly while she is at dock, and in order to keep her active commission in the US Navy she must travel one nautical mile each year. On this voyage she heads out to Castle Island in South Boston, where she fires a 21-gun salute before returning to her berth in Charlestown.  This is the 200^th year commemoration of the war of 1812, in which the USS Constitution fought, and I’m told it will bring some added surprises – we have booked the special 5-hour turnaround cruise with luncheon (cruises 10am – 3pm), and are awaiting final details to be announced early January.  Please call the office for details & pricing.

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