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Signature City Boston: City Upon A Hill

Program Number: 18129RJ
Start and End Dates:
5/23/2013 - 5/28/2013; 11/7/2013 - 11/12/2013;
Duration: 5 nights
Location: Boston, Massachusetts
Price starting at: $1,196.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city
Program Type: Signature Cities
Meals: 14; 5 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches, 4 Dinners    
Meal Options: Vegetarian    

John Winthrop famously christened the young Boston a “city upon a hill” upon which the “eyes of all people” would be trained. Since his 1630 sermon, Beantown has certainly lived up to his lofty proclamation. Walk the Freedom Trail and trace the story of America’s birth to Faneuil Hall, Old North Church and many other key sites. Enjoy insider experiences of Boston’s famous arts institutions and cultural treasures and embark on multiple expert-led field trips.




Highlights

• Behind the scenes of Boston’s Symphony Hall, converse with a member of the Orchestra and enjoy an evening concert.
• Cruise the Charles River Locks and explore Boston harbor, Bunker Hill Monument and Charlestown Naval Yard.
• Discover the artistic masterpieces on display at the Museum of Fine Arts and the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum.



Activity Particulars

Walking up to two miles per day, some uneven surfaces. Must be able to climb stairs as there is extensive use of public transportation for field trips.



Coordinated by Road Scholar.




Boston

Home to many of America’s “firsts” — subway, park, public library — Boston is the oldest American metropolis with a dazzling array of historical lessons at every turn. From harbor to hillside, street to storefront, Boston offers history at its finest.
Accommodations
Downtown accommodations, steps away from the Boston Common, Freedom Trail and Beacon Hill.

Road Scholar Instructors
These instructors are participating on at least one date of this program. Please note that changes may occur.
Sheldon Stern
Dr. Sheldon Stern taught U.S. history at the college level for more than a decade before becoming historian at the John F. Kennedy Library in Boston, Mass. He was the first non-member of the ExComm, and the first professional historian, to listen to all the secret White House tape recordings made during the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis. His new book, “The Cuban Missile Crisis in American Memory: Myths versus Reality,” marks the event’s 50th anniversary and will be published in September 2012.
 
Jeannette Fullerton
Born and educated in the United Kingdom, Jeannette Fullerton holds a B.Sc. from London University, a M.Ed. from Boston University and a Certificate of Museum Studies from Tufts University. She attended the Radcliffe Institute for Advance Study and was Coordinator for Public Education at the Harvard University Art Museums for eight years. Jeanette has also worked as a docent at the DeCordova Museum in Lincoln, Mass., and a Doric Dame at the Massachusetts State House.
 
Meals and Lodgings
   Boston Park Plaza Hotel & Towers
  Boston 5 nights
 Boston Park Plaza Hotel & Towers
Type: Full Service Hotel
  Description: In the heart of historic Back Bay stands an equally legendary landmark. Built in 1927, The Boston Park Plaza Hotel & Towers is a member of Historic Hotels of America, and recipient of the Successful Meeting Pinnacle Award for delivering excellence in meetings. With an unmatched location, the hotel are adjacent to the Public Garden with its Swan Boats and the chic boutiques, art galleries and restaurants of the world-famous Newbury Street. Rich in history, the hotel offers the same luxury, hospitality expertise, service and splendor today that have attracted United States Presidents, international corporations, and celebrities in the past.
  Contact info: 50 Park Plaza at Arlington Street
Boston, MA 02116 USA
phone: 617-426-2000
web: www.bostonparkplaza.com/
  Room amenities: Electronic Key System, High Speed Internet, Voice mail, Data Ports on Phones, Cable TV, In-room Pay Movies, 24 Hour Room Service, Iron and Iron board, Wake-up calls, Hair dryer, Alarm clock, Windows can be opened
  Facility amenities: Every guestroom offers full room service, voice mail, modem lines, movies and more. Guest room amenities include a courteous, full service concierge staff, travel services and fitness facilities.
  Smoking allowed: No
  Elevators available: Yes
  Additional nights prior: Varies based on availability For pre and post night reservation call Boston Park Plaza reservation agent Esther Lo at 617-457-2423 (Monday-Friday 10:30am-6pm EST) to book pre and/or post nights. Make sure to state your program number (this is a 4 or 5 digit number) and that you are with the Road Scholar group. A limited number of rooms are available at a Road Scholar group rate if booked 30 days prior to your program start date. For all other Hotel needs please call Road Scholar at 617-521-5373
  Check in time: 3:00 PM
  Additional nights after: Varies based on availability For pre and post night reservation call Boston Park Plaza reservation agent Esther Lo at 617-457-2423 (Monday-Friday 10:30am-6pm EST) to book pre and/or post nights. Make sure to state your program number (this is a 4 or 5 digit number) and that you are with the Road Scholar group. A limited number of rooms are available at a Road Scholar group rate if booked 30 days prior to your program start date. For all other Hotel needs please call Road Scholar at 617-521-5373
  Check out time: 11:00 AM


Travel Details
  Start of Program:
4:00 PM You will be staying at Boston Park Plaza Hotel & Towers that night.
  End of Program:
12:00 PM You will be staying at Boston Park Plaza Hotel & Towers the night before.
  Required documents:
The Road Scholar Health & Safety Form is required.
  Parking availability:
Valet Parking: $26.00 for up to 8 hours and $44.00 per night. Valet is located at the Columbus Avenue Entrance of the Hotel. Self Parking - Motor Mart Garage: (201 Stuart Street) located directly across the street .$31 per 24-hours.
Transportation
To Start of Program
  Location:  Boston
  Nearest city or town:  Cambridge, South Boston
  Nearest highway: I-90, 93
  Nearest airport:  Logan International Airport
  From End of Program
  Location: Boston
    (Additional transportation information same as above)
Travel Details
 

Amtrak

 

 
 

Service:

 

Train
Advanced Reservations Required

   

Boston's Back Bay Station, located 0.5 miles from the hotel serves all routes from the South. North Station located 1.5 miles from the hotel serves all routes coming from the north.. Please visit www.amtrak.com or call1-800-872-7245. The closest subway stop to the Park Plaza is the Arlington "T" Stop on the Green Line. From North Station take the "T" green line outbound to Arlington St. The stop is one block from the hotel. From Back Bay station walk or take a taxi
 

Boston Logan Airport (Subway-Blue Line)

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Public Transportation

   

From the airport take the complimentary Massport shuttles bus # 66 (this bus picks up at all terminals) to the blue line airport stations. Take the blue line inbound to government center. At government center transfer to any outbound green line train. Exit at Arlington St. stop. At street level walk 1 block on Arlington St (make sure you are walking away from the park and walking with the follow of traffic on Arlington St.) and you will arrive at the hotel.
 

Boston Logan Airport

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Public Transportation

   

Logan International Airport (BOS) is located approximately 3 miles from the Park Plaza. You can reach the hotel via 3 options -Airport Cab Service (meter rate) -Boston 's Subway: The "T"- The Boston Park Plaza Hotel is located on Arlington Stop (Green Line) and Back Bay Stop (Orange Line) -Ultimate Shuttle (www.ultimateshuttle.com / 888-437-4379)
 
Driving Directions
  From Logan Airport to Park Plaza: Follow signs to Sumner Tunnel/Boston. Take the ramp onto RT-1A S/William F McClellan Hwy. Merge north onto Interstate 93 and take the Storrow Drive - Exit 26. Follow Storrow Drive and exit left at Back Bay/Copley Exit. At lights, take left onto Beacon St, and then take an immediate right onto Arlington St. The Boston Park Plaza Hotel is the 2nd building on the left after the park.
  From the North to Park Plaza Take Route I-93 South into Boston. Take the Storrow Drive - Exit 26 off of I-93. Follow Storrow Drive and exit left at the Back Bay/Copley Exit. At lights, take left onto Beacon St, and then take an immediate right onto Arlington St. The Boston Park Plaza Hotel is the 2nd building on the left after the park.
  From the South to Park Plaza Follow I-93 North towards Boston. Take the Storrow Drive - Exit 26 off of I-93. Follow Storrow Drive and exit left at the Back Bay/Copley Exit. At lights, take left onto Beacon St., and then take an immediate right onto Arlington St. The Boston Park Plaza Hotel is the 2nd building on the left after the park.
  From the West to Park Plaza Take the Massachusetts Turnpike (Rte. 90 East) into the city. Exit at Copley Square (22) and follow straight onto Stuart St. Follow to the 5th set of lights and turn left for the Boston Park Plaza Hotel.
The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.


Daily Schedule

Day 1: Registration/Welcome Dinner/Orientation
(Thursday, May 23)
   
 Arrive To: Registration and room check-in between 4:00-5:30 PM.
 Dinner: Welcome dinner at 6:00PM
 Evening: Orientation and welcome to Boston, led by the group leader at 7:30PM
   
Accommodations: Boston Park Plaza Hotel & Towers
Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2: Boston Athenaeum/Behind the Scenes Tour of Symphony Hall/Lecture with a BSO Administrator/Instrument Demonstration with a Member of the Pops/Evening Boston Pops Concert
(Friday, May 24)

Note: Broadway and television star Megan Hilty joins the Pops for an unforgettable evening. After stints on Broadway in "Wicked," "9 to 5: The Musical," and "Gentleman Prefer Blondes," she is now one of TV's newest stars of the hit series, Smash. In addition to Megan Hilty, the Pops will perform some of Hollywood's greatest love songs.
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast
 Morning: Venture into Beacon Hill for either a tour of Boston's Athenaeum or the Massachusetts State House. The Boston Athenaem is one of the oldest private libraries in the country, it was founded in 1807 as a library, art repository, natural history museum, and laboratory. You will have the option to visit either place again on the final morning of the program.
 Lunch: Lunch at a local restaurant.
 Afternoon: Spend the afternoon at Boston's Symphony Hall. Enjoy a behind- the-scenes tour of Symphony Hall, and hear from an administrator about working for a world class orchesetra.
 Dinner: Dinner at a local restaurant
 Evening: Enjoy a Boston Pops performance before returning to the hotel.
   
Accommodations: Boston Park Plaza Hotel & Towers
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: JFK Lecture/Fieldtrip to JFK Library & Museum/ Free Afternoon & Evening
(Saturday, May 25)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast
 Morning: Listen to a presentation about the life and presidency of JFK, Boston's local political hero by local historian and author Sheldon Stern. Then visit the JFK Library and Museum to explore the museum which portrays the life, leadership, and legacy of President Kennedy.
 Lunch: Lunch at the JFK Museum Cafe.
 Afternoon: Free Afternoon to explore Boston's Back Bay, or go with the Group Leader on an optional excursion to Copley Plaza and step inside Trinity Church to discover why the building is heralded as one of the finest examples of American, ecclesiastical architecture.
 Dinner: Dinner on your own
 Evening: Evening on your own.
   
Accommodations: Boston Park Plaza Hotel & Towers
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 4: Charles River Locks & Boston Harbor Cruise/USS Constitution and Charles Town Naval Yard/Explore Boston's Freedom Trail
(Sunday, May 26)

Note: In an effort to ensure the safety of all visitors to USS CONSTITUTION, additional measures have been implemented to the ship's security procedures. Visitors ages 18 and over wishing to embark USS CONSTITUTION may be subject to present a valid federal or state-issued photo ID at the ship's security entrance.



   
 Breakfast: Breakfast
 Morning: Enjoy a fully narrated cruise through the Charle's River Locks, and tour Boston's historic harbor. Learn about Boston's connection to the sea as you journey past the the Bunker Hill Monument and Charles town Naval Yard. Visit the USS Constitution before taking a water ferry back to the North End for lunch.
 Lunch: Lunch in the North End.
 Afternoon: Enjoy an escorted walk along Boston's Freedom Trail. Visit the Old North Church, Paul Revere's house, the Old State House, Faneuil Hall, Granary Burying Ground, the Old South Meeting House, and Boston Common.
 Dinner: Dinner at a local restaurant
   
Accommodations: Boston Park Plaza Hotel & Towers
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Boston Art Lecture/Museum of Fine Arts/Isabella Stewart Gardner/Farewell Dinner
(Monday, May 27)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast
 Morning: Listen to a lecture by an expert on many art forms with a focus on the collections at the Gardner Museum and the MFA. Following the lecture, travel to the MFA. Use the knowledge you obtained from the morning's lecture to explore the museum's collections.
 Lunch: Enjoy lunch at the Courtyard Cafe at the MFA.
 Afternoon: Following lunch, travel to the Gardner Museum where you will explore the museum, including it's new wing, and get a walking presentation from an experienced docent.
 Dinner: Farewell Dinner at the hotel
   
Accommodations: Boston Park Plaza Hotel & Towers
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Massachusetts State House/Program Departures
(Tuesday, May 28)
   
 Breakfast: Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before you check out of your room.
 Morning: Return to Beacon Hill for either a tour of Boston's Athenaeum or the Massachusetts State House. The Massachusetts State House, designed by Charles Bulfinch, the leading architect of his time, is a grand repository of history as well as an architectural treasure.
 Lunch: Lunch on your own at a local restaurant. Meal vouchers will be provided.
 Afternoon: Return to the hotel at your leisure to retrieve your luggage.
   
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Free Time Opportunities
  
  Boston Greater Boston Visitor's Bureau
For all information on Boston activities and places to visit please check the web site below. For additional information, visit www.bostonusa.com/
Important information about your itinerary: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information featured on this website. Itineraries are based on our best information at this time. Circumstances beyond our control may require us to adjust itineraries or other details. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. Information will be sent to you from your Program Provider approximately three weeks prior to the program start date. The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.

Suggested Reading List


Averting the Final Failure: John F. Kennedy and the Secret Cuban Missle Crisis Meetings


Author: Sheldon Stern


The Week the World Stood Still: Inside the Secret Cuban Missile Crisis


Author: Sheldon Stern


The Athens of America 1825-1845


Author: Thomas H. O'Connor


John Singer Sargent


Author: Carter Ratcliff


Boston Firsts: 40 Feats of Innovation and Invention that Happened First in Boston and Helped Make America Great


Author: Lynda Morgenroth




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