Skip to Main Content
Massachusetts

New England Maritime Sampler

Program No. 11077RJ
Voyage along Cape Ann’s beautifully rugged coast, exploring unique wildlife, classic New England charm, traditional cuisine and the region’s famed history of shipbuilding.

Enroll with Confidence

We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. Learn more

Protecting the Environment

We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Learn more

Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone? 800-454-5768
Select your type of room
Price will update based on selection
Prices displayed below are based on per person,doubleoccupancy.
DATES & starting prices
PRICES
Jun 8 - Jun 13, 2025
Starting at
2,249
Jun 15 - Jun 20, 2025
Starting at
2,249
Jul 6 - Jul 11, 2025
Starting at
2,249
Jul 20 - Jul 25, 2025
Starting at
2,249
Aug 3 - Aug 8, 2025
Starting at
2,249
Aug 17 - Aug 22, 2025
Starting at
2,249
Aug 31 - Sep 5, 2025
Starting at
2,249
Sep 7 - Sep 12, 2025
Starting at
2,249
DATES & starting prices
PRICES
Filling Fast!
Jun 8 - Jun 13, 2025
Starting at
2,799
Filling Fast!
Jun 15 - Jun 20, 2025
Starting at
2,799
Filling Fast!
Jul 6 - Jul 11, 2025
Starting at
2,799
Filling Fast!
Jul 20 - Jul 25, 2025
Starting at
2,799
Filling Fast!
Aug 3 - Aug 8, 2025
Starting at
2,799
Aug 17 - Aug 22, 2025
Starting at
2,799
Aug 31 - Sep 5, 2025
Starting at
2,799
Filling Fast!
Sep 7 - Sep 12, 2025
Starting at
2,799
This date is available to book as a private experience for your group!

At a Glance

On an adventure by land and sea on Boston’s North Shore, discover the stunning beauty of Cape Ann as you explore its quaint harbors, artistic charm and picturesque villages. Aboard a lobster boat, see a lobsterman hoist his catch from chilly seawaters. Learn about the famous Gloucester fishing fleet. Experience the Rocky Neck art colony and view seascapes created by Winslow Homer and Fitz Henry Lane, who called Cape Ann home. At the Essex Shipbuilding Museum, let craftsmen lead you through the history of master shipbuilding. Bite into a mouthwatering fried clam. Experience a whale watch, learn about the witch trials in historic Salem and pass by gilded mansions on the shores of Marblehead and Manchester-by-the-Sea.
Activity Level
On Your Feet
Walking 3-5 blocks over smooth surfaces; some stairs; embark/disembark boats & coach bus.

Best of all, you’ll…

  • Voyage on Cape Ann's vibrant shoreline and a tidal river on five distinctive boats as you inhale salt air, marvel at lighthouses and view the unique wildlife attracted to the rugged coast.
  • Experience a whale watch, boating 3 miles to Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary in hopes of spotting a finback, minke or humpback breaching the waters.
  • Sail on one of Essex’s iconic schooners, learning from the captain about the construction of this magnificent wooden vessel.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Profile Image
Jim McAllister
Jim McAllister is a Salem historian, photographer, author and teacher, and serves as a historic consultant to the City of Salem and the Hawthorne Hotel. A graduate of Stonehill College, his photographs of Salem have appeared in numerous publications, and he is the author of “Salem: From Naumkeag to Witch City” and co-author of “Salem: Cornerstones of a Historic City.” Jim has appeared on both the “History Channel” and “Home and Garden TV.”

Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.

Profile Image of Jim McAllister
Jim McAllister View biography
Jim McAllister is a Salem historian, photographer, author and teacher, and serves as a historic consultant to the City of Salem and the Hawthorne Hotel. A graduate of Stonehill College, his photographs of Salem have appeared in numerous publications, and he is the author of “Salem: From Naumkeag to Witch City” and co-author of “Salem: Cornerstones of a Historic City.” Jim has appeared on both the “History Channel” and “Home and Garden TV.”
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
Program
At a Glance
Duration
6 days
Program Begins
Rockport
Program Concludes
Rockport
Meals
14 | 5B | 5L | 4D |
Activity Level
On an adventure by land and sea on Boston’s North Shore, discover the stunning beauty of Cape Ann as you explore its quaint harbors, artistic charm and picturesque villages. Aboard a lobster boat, see a lobsterman hoist his catch from chilly seawaters. Learn about the famous Gloucester fishing fleet. Experience the Rocky Neck art colony and view seascapes created by Winslow Homer and Fitz Henry Lane, who called Cape Ann home. At the Essex Shipbuilding Museum, let craftsmen lead you through the history of master shipbuilding. Bite into a mouthwatering fried clam. Experience a whale watch, learn about the witch trials in historic Salem and pass by gilded mansions on the shores of Marblehead and Manchester-by-the-Sea.)
Best of all, you'll...
  • Voyage on Cape Ann's vibrant shoreline and a tidal river on five distinctive boats as you inhale salt air, marvel at lighthouses and view the unique wildlife attracted to the rugged coast.
  • Experience a whale watch, boating 3 miles to Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary in hopes of spotting a finback, minke or humpback breaching the waters.
  • Sail on one of Essex’s iconic schooners, learning from the captain about the construction of this magnificent wooden vessel.
Featured Expert
Profile Image
Jim McAllister
Jim McAllister is a Salem historian, photographer, author and teacher, and serves as a historic consultant to the City of Salem and the Hawthorne Hotel. A graduate of Stonehill College, his photographs of Salem have appeared in numerous publications, and he is the author of “Salem: From Naumkeag to Witch City” and co-author of “Salem: Cornerstones of a Historic City.” Jim has appeared on both the “History Channel” and “Home and Garden TV.”
Please Note:
This expert may not be available for every date of the program
Activity Level
On Your Feet
Walking 3-5 blocks over smooth surfaces; some stairs; embark/disembark boats & coach bus.
Suggested Reading List
View Full List (5 Books)
You can also find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
HAVE QUESTIONS?
Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?
We can help. Give us a call, and we can answer all of your questions!
Call 800-454-5768
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Duration
6 days
5 nights
What's Included
14 meals | 5B | 5L | 4D |
5 expert-led lectures
7 expert-led field trips
An experienced Group Leader
5 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
Expand All
Activity Note
Hotel check-in 3:00 p.m.
Afternoon:
Program Registration: After you have your room assignment, join us at the Road Scholar table to register with the program staff, get any up-updated information, and confirm the time and location of the Orientation session. If you arrive late, please locate your Group Leader and let them know you have arrived. Your program materials will be sent to you a few days before the program, digitally, through your roadscholar.org account. This includes your program itinerary, any related handouts, and restaurant/free time suggestions. Please plan to print them out and bring along to the program, utilize the hotel's business center to access them, or view them on your own personal electronic device. Orientation: The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. Periods in the schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.
Dinner:
At the hotel
Evening:
At leisure. Optional video screening on the Schooner Thomas E. Lannon.
Activity Note
Walking up to 1/2 mile at a time on pavement and some uneven surfaces. Walk 50 yards on pavement from motorcoach to dock. Walk up a marine ramp with hand rails to wooden dock, walk 5 steps up and 2 steps down over gap to board boat. There is a bathroom on board, but it is down a steep flight of wooden steps so using the restroom on land before the boat departs is highly recommended. Schooner has sails and wooden benches.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will board a motorcoach for an educational journey around Cape Ann. This charming 2 hour drive will encompass some of the region's most stunning vistas, including Gloucester's "back shore", the winding wooded roads of Lanesville and Annisquam, the cluttered, colorful Gloucester waterfront, the famous Rocky Neck and Rockport art colonies, and the famed Gloucester Fisherman Statue. A local expert will enhance our experience with tales of early settlers and fishermen, famous artists, the inventors Clarence Birdseye and John Hays Hammond, and weird goings-on in Dogtown. We will expand our knowledge of Cape Ann artists on a historical art walk with a local expert through the Rocky Neck artist colony. We will walk in the footsteps of Winslow Homer, Fitz Henry Lane, Edward Hopper and a host of other pioneering American artists, to see first hand the iconic land and seascapes that gave rise to their illustrious artistic output.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
We will set sail aboard the Thomas E. Lannon, a ship modeled after schooners built in Essex, MA over a hundred years ago. The length of her deck is approximately 65 feet, and she drafts 9 feet. Thomas E. Lannon sails out of Gloucester harbor and offers an authentic opportunity to learn from an expert about the Gloucester fishing industry history and the role schooners played in supporting the sea side economy.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Embark and disembark vessel using ramps and/or stairs.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will listen to a lecture by a local fisherman on maritime life.
Lunch:
Aboard the whale watch, boxed lunches will be provided to enjoy at your leisure.
Afternoon:
Depart for the Gloucester harbor. On a whale watch, we'll learn about large aquatic baleen and toothed whales from a qualified naturalists. We will have the opportunity to interact one-on-one with researchers working as trained crew members onboard the vessel. We will see real whale artifacts, and even have a chance to participate in plankton tows, water visibility analysis, and temperature measurements. After whale watch, return back to the harbor and ride back to the hotel.
Dinner:
At the hotel
Evening:
Entertaining talk by local historian and storyteller.
Activity Note
Walk 50 yards on pavement from motorcoach to dock. Walk on a gangplank with hand rails to dock (depending on tide the gangplank may be level or downhill). Walk 25 yards on a wooden dock to the boat, then step over gap to board boat.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will leave Rockport and head to historic Salem, which dates back to 1626. Here, we will enjoy a narrated cruise that brings Salem Sound to life. We will see the lovely shorelines of Salem, Marblehead, Beverly, Manchester-By-The-Sea and the Misery Islands. We’ll learn about town history, the boom and bust of the local maritime industry, ocean life, historic landmarks and the latest on the multi-million dollar estates lining the sound.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
Free time. Take this opportunity for personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most.
Dinner:
This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. You might dine in Salem, Gloucester, Rockport or one of Cape Ann's other beautiful towns. All are accessible by the MBTA rail system.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Walk along a paved ramp to a floating dock, step over a gap to board the boat. There are padded seats on the boat.
Breakfast:
At hotel.
Morning:
Cruise on the Essex River, located in the village of Essex, Massachusetts. Essex is one of the four communities that comprise Cape Ann, along with Gloucester, Rockport and Manchester by the Sea.
Lunch:
In Essex at a classic New England restaurant who's legacy dates back to July 3, 1916 when Lawrence "Chubby" Woodman, decided to fry up a few clams at his roadside stand in Essex, creating the original fried clams.
Afternoon:
We will discover the history of Essex's shipbuilding industry at the Essex Shipbuilding museum. This museum was established in 1976 as part of the town's observation of the American Revolutionary Bicentennial. It provides Essex families a local repository for their ancestors' shipbuilding artifacts, keeping them from being acquired by other museums, being sold to private collectors, or degrading in private homes. Its collections include over 7,000 rare shipbuilding artifacts, photographs, tools, documents, builder's half-models and rigged ship models
Dinner:
At a local restaurant
Evening:
We will learn more about seafaring life and maritime stories of New England.
Activity Note
Need to be able to climb 2-3 stairs to embark and disembark vessel. Check-out 11:00 a.m.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will find out how lobsters are harvested on a cruise aboard the Lady Jillian. On this 1-1/4 hour exploration and demonstration, we'll learn all about lobsters and lobstering.
Lunch:
We will provide boxed lunches to take away with you. This concludes our program. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!
Please select a day to update the map
Map details are not available for this location.
MEALS
14 Meals
5 Breakfasts
5 Lunches
4 Dinners
The following choices may be available when requested in advance: Gluten Free, Low Fat, Low Salt, Vegetarian
LODGING
Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.
Showing Lodging For:
Sep 07, 2025 - Sep 12, 2025
  • Sep 07, 2025 - Sep 12, 2025
  • Jun 08, 2025 - Jun 13, 2025
  • Jun 15, 2025 - Jun 20, 2025
  • Jul 06, 2025 - Jul 11, 2025
  • Jul 20, 2025 - Jul 25, 2025
  • Aug 03, 2025 - Aug 08, 2025
  • Aug 17, 2025 - Aug 22, 2025
  • Aug 31, 2025 - Sep 05, 2025
  • Sep 07, 2025 - Sep 12, 2025
5 nights
Location: Rockport
The Rockport Inn & Suites, with its extensive renovation is the largest hotel in Rockport, MA. Features include a brand new indoor pool and spa, tennis courts, fitness room and 32” Flat Panel HDTV’s. Guests can enjoy a walk to beaches and downtown Rockport, where shopping, art galleries and beaches await you. Rockport is known as a community rich in the arts, including Rockport Chamber Music Festival and Motif #1, the most painted building in the world. You can pick up the local Trolley in season and take it to town, the beaches or to the “T”. Whale watching, deep sea fishing, state parks, museums and festivals are plentiful in this area and will keep families busy for days.
5 nights
Location: Rockport
The Rockport Inn & Suites, with its extensive renovation is the largest hotel in Rockport, MA. Features include a brand new indoor pool and spa, tennis courts, fitness room and 32” Flat Panel HDTV’s. Guests can enjoy a walk to beaches and downtown Rockport, where shopping, art galleries and beaches await you. Rockport is known as a community rich in the arts, including Rockport Chamber Music Festival and Motif #1, the most painted building in the world. You can pick up the local Trolley in season and take it to town, the beaches or to the “T”. Whale watching, deep sea fishing, state parks, museums and festivals are plentiful in this area and will keep families busy for days.
5 nights
Location: Rockport
The Rockport Inn & Suites, with its extensive renovation is the largest hotel in Rockport, MA. Features include a brand new indoor pool and spa, tennis courts, fitness room and 32” Flat Panel HDTV’s. Guests can enjoy a walk to beaches and downtown Rockport, where shopping, art galleries and beaches await you. Rockport is known as a community rich in the arts, including Rockport Chamber Music Festival and Motif #1, the most painted building in the world. You can pick up the local Trolley in season and take it to town, the beaches or to the “T”. Whale watching, deep sea fishing, state parks, museums and festivals are plentiful in this area and will keep families busy for days.
5 nights
Location: Rockport
The Rockport Inn & Suites, with its extensive renovation is the largest hotel in Rockport, MA. Features include a brand new indoor pool and spa, tennis courts, fitness room and 32” Flat Panel HDTV’s. Guests can enjoy a walk to beaches and downtown Rockport, where shopping, art galleries and beaches await you. Rockport is known as a community rich in the arts, including Rockport Chamber Music Festival and Motif #1, the most painted building in the world. You can pick up the local Trolley in season and take it to town, the beaches or to the “T”. Whale watching, deep sea fishing, state parks, museums and festivals are plentiful in this area and will keep families busy for days.
5 nights
Location: Rockport
The Rockport Inn & Suites, with its extensive renovation is the largest hotel in Rockport, MA. Features include a brand new indoor pool and spa, tennis courts, fitness room and 32” Flat Panel HDTV’s. Guests can enjoy a walk to beaches and downtown Rockport, where shopping, art galleries and beaches await you. Rockport is known as a community rich in the arts, including Rockport Chamber Music Festival and Motif #1, the most painted building in the world. You can pick up the local Trolley in season and take it to town, the beaches or to the “T”. Whale watching, deep sea fishing, state parks, museums and festivals are plentiful in this area and will keep families busy for days.
5 nights
Location: Rockport
The Rockport Inn & Suites, with its extensive renovation is the largest hotel in Rockport, MA. Features include a brand new indoor pool and spa, tennis courts, fitness room and 32” Flat Panel HDTV’s. Guests can enjoy a walk to beaches and downtown Rockport, where shopping, art galleries and beaches await you. Rockport is known as a community rich in the arts, including Rockport Chamber Music Festival and Motif #1, the most painted building in the world. You can pick up the local Trolley in season and take it to town, the beaches or to the “T”. Whale watching, deep sea fishing, state parks, museums and festivals are plentiful in this area and will keep families busy for days.
5 nights
Location: Rockport
The Rockport Inn & Suites, with its extensive renovation is the largest hotel in Rockport, MA. Features include a brand new indoor pool and spa, tennis courts, fitness room and 32” Flat Panel HDTV’s. Guests can enjoy a walk to beaches and downtown Rockport, where shopping, art galleries and beaches await you. Rockport is known as a community rich in the arts, including Rockport Chamber Music Festival and Motif #1, the most painted building in the world. You can pick up the local Trolley in season and take it to town, the beaches or to the “T”. Whale watching, deep sea fishing, state parks, museums and festivals are plentiful in this area and will keep families busy for days.
5 nights
Location: Rockport
The Rockport Inn & Suites, with its extensive renovation is the largest hotel in Rockport, MA. Features include a brand new indoor pool and spa, tennis courts, fitness room and 32” Flat Panel HDTV’s. Guests can enjoy a walk to beaches and downtown Rockport, where shopping, art galleries and beaches await you. Rockport is known as a community rich in the arts, including Rockport Chamber Music Festival and Motif #1, the most painted building in the world. You can pick up the local Trolley in season and take it to town, the beaches or to the “T”. Whale watching, deep sea fishing, state parks, museums and festivals are plentiful in this area and will keep families busy for days.
Participant Reviews
4.97
Based on 35 Reviews
Sort By:
Laura – Class of 2017 | Highland Hts, OH
I truly got my "moneys worth" on this trip. Way to go Road Scholar! Many meals out at different local restaurants and fabulous caterer. Wonderful excursions by 5 different boats.
— Review left August 24, 2024
Gail – Class of 1997 | West Chester, PA
The program provides an in-depth exposure to the Cape Ann area through road trips, instructors with a deep and varied knowledge of the area, and 5 boat trips to learn about different aspects of the water world which is so important to the residents of Cape Ann.
— Review left August 24, 2024
Gayle – Class of 2020 | Gainesville, GA
Who knew? I am from the Midwest and was blown away by how much I learned about fishing, the rocky coast lines/coves, the commitment and dangers of being a fisherman, and the unpredictably of the sea. The size of the group was just right; we got to know each other and participants were interesting and kind. Our guide was organized, prepared and fun! Did I say that the food was outstanding? Order Halibut every day; we never got tired of it.
— Review left July 28, 2024
John – Class of 2013 | Bridgeport, CT
This program is so good, I just finished doing it for the second time. Loved the Rockport / Gloucester area, the many boat rides including a whale watch, dining by the water, interesting lectures. Fun time, particularly for solo travelers. Don't miss it!
— Review left July 17, 2024
This participant did not give a star rating.
Shannon | Oakland City, IN
Wow! That’s all I can say. We enjoyed every minute of our trip. From our knowledgeable leader, Ruth Bennett, leader- in-training, Teri Contino, and instructor, Jim McAllister. We met folks from all walks of life. Ruth kept us on track and Jim taught us, while being highly entertaining. I also must take a moment to address our bus driver, Sal. What a great guy. He has unending patience and is such a funny guy. He can maneuver a bus and knows the ins and outs of the area. I would be remiss not to mention the folks we met along the way. From Sam Parisi explaining his views on fishing in Gloucester, the captains and crews aboard each ship, the instructors on the art colony and Essex shipping. The weather was absolutely perfect that week. We loved every type of vessel we were on. The whales were very cooperative and we were so excited to see them. I had been wanting to go to Salem for the longest time, so we spent the afternoon there. So much history to absorb and since it wasn’t Season, the crowds were manageable. We rode the train back to Rockport from Salem, a first train ride for me. We returned tired but so glad we went! All in all, we can’t brag about this trip enough. Thank you Road Scholar. Shannon and Roger C.
— Review left July 3, 2024
Virginia – Class of 2015 | Amarillo, TX
On this trip we got to board 5 different sea craft and see the area in full. The shore and ocean became one for me.
— Review left June 23, 2024
Moni – Class of 2023 | Pittsburgh, PA
Spectacular scenery, organization, and group leader! Our group was cohesive and even the weather was wonderful. Speakers, bus driver, and topics were meaningful and engaging. I highly recommend this trip!
— Review left June 22, 2024
Devon – Class of 2015 | Millis, MA
It is a terrific trip for those who live near and far—we learned so much about the North Shore of Massachusetts. Cape Ann and all surrounding towns are fascinating. It is a nice contrast to Cape Cod, with a totally different vibe and a great living history. Ruth, our group leader, was outstanding, as were all the expert speakers. They added to the depth of understanding of this excursion. Super fun and educational!
— Review left June 20, 2024
Thomas – Class of 2023 | Winston Salem, NC
Excellent program with with an exceptional group leader- Ms. Lili Murad. Comfortable accommodations and enjoyable boat tours around Cape Ann. Interesting lectures about local artists and Gloucester fishing industry.
— Review left August 26, 2023
David – Class of 2015 | Indianapolis, IN
This program offers depth about the fishing and shipbuilders on Cape Ann as well as education about the area's role in nurturing American art and artists. It’s an addition to my knowledge about US history I greatly vale.
— Review left August 25, 2023
Julie – Class of 2016 | Redmond, OR
This was my seventh and favorite Road Scholar program! Our leader and the special speakers were well informed and provided interesting and thorough knowledge of their fields of interest. All of my expectations were met; another great Road Scholar investment of my time and money.
— Review left August 18, 2023
Caroline – Class of 2017 | Harleysville, PA
Boat rides were wonderful; gorgeous "fishing village " setting. Cape Ann Museum had lovely artwork. Catered food brought to the hotel was awful. But the meals elsewhere, especially at the Antique Ann restaurant, were excellent. If you love being on the water, this is a good trip.
— Review left August 13, 2023
Linda – Class of 2017 | Kent, WA
The New England Sampler program was fantastic! The activities and the field trips were super fun!
— Review left July 29, 2023
Maris – Class of 2014 | North Grafton, MA
Having grown up and living in the greater Boston area I didn't expect to learn so much from so many superb speakers and see so many beautiful places from the water and on land. The restaurants and food were extraordinarily excellent and overall this program far exceeded my expectations.
— Review left July 28, 2023
Beth – Class of 2013 | New Milford, NJ
I thoroughly enjoyed he Rockport Maritime experience. Our group leader Lili Murad was kind, intelligent, interesting and so knowledgable on the areas we toured. She was a wealth of information and kept us engaged throughout the trip. I follow a gluten free diet and she made sure I was accomodated for every meal on the trip.She truly was fabulous. The people on the tour were lovely and friendly people. We had a great time together. I highly endorse this vacation.
— Review left June 23, 2023
Sandra – Class of 2015 | Valatie, NY
Terrific trip. From the outings on the water, the food, the group leader, the other participants, this was a great mix of ingredients, and we thoroughly enjoyed the program. Were sorry to see it end but took wonderful experiences and friendships home with us. We went in mid-June and that turned out to be a great time to go.
— Review left June 18, 2023
Judy – Class of 2017 | Franklin, WI
If you like the New England states and boat rides, this is the trip for you. Road Scholar takes participants on a water ride each day! The schooner sail around Gloucester harbor is 1.5 hours with the opportunity to raise the sails. The whale watch is 4 hours and the crew seems to know where to find whales. The river cruise out of Essex takes participants through channels of the river out to the ocean with beautiful views of the surrounding countryside. The scenic cruise out of Salem takes participants up the coast with distant views of the coast and the opportunity to study the topography of the coast. The lobster boat provides an up close view of Gloucester harbor, a demonstration of pulling up and emptying lobster traps and the opportunity to examine a live lobster. Getting to and from these boat rides gives participants scenic views of the area and the water from land. I enjoyed all of the boat rides, the expert speakers, and the exceptional educational content of this program.
— Review left September 28, 2022
Janine – Class of 2019 | Watertown, MA
This is a wonderful trip for those who love being on the water and want to experience marine life in the wild. The Cape Ann area is bursting with things to experience and this Road Scholar package lets you sample the variety that makes this area so special.
— Review left September 17, 2022
This participant did not give a star rating.
Linda – Class of 2015 | Lantana, FL
This truly was a Maritime Sampler of this beautiful area Cape Ann.Unfortunately Mother Nature had other plans for our Schooner voyage,but Peabody-Essex Museum was a fantastic fill-in.Our Art walk was also rained out,sowe had a lecture on the bus which I wish could have been rescheduled as an evening orWednesday afternoon event.Whale watch was very worthwhile as was the Essex river cruise.Speakers Jim,Sam,tour guide Debra and driverJim were fantastic.My tavelcompanion and Idid not stay for the lobster cruise because we wanted to catch an early flight out.Perhps,it would be better to have the lobster cruise andmore lecures on the last day and then send people on their way the next day.We wish we would have known ahead of time about the bus ride to Logan for $9,instead of our expensive limo ride.But,all in all a wonderful,learning experience.Thanks to all.
— Review left September 11, 2022
Martha – Class of 2014 | Lenoir City, TN
This was my third Road Scholar trip, it was absolutely wonderful. The variety of Maritime adventures was perfect for the week. I could not have asked for better Lunch and Dinner menus.
— Review left August 14, 2022
Robin – Class of 2016 | Gettysburg, PA
Five different boating experiences in five days, delicious meals, fishermen and the artists who painted them, seafood, sunsets,island scenery and beautiful Cape Ann in the summer…what could be better? This is a perfectly paced, well organized tour with a knowledgeable and seasoned tour leader. You can’t go wrong with the maritime sampler. Every day brought a new adventure.
— Review left July 30, 2022
Jodi – Class of 2017 | New Rochelle, NY
The Maritime Sampler is a fabulous program. I highly recommended it for all, especially those people who are unfamiliar with New England and perhaps have never been to the ocean.
— Review left July 29, 2022
Richard – Class of 2019 | Cincinnati, OH
A terrific program. Every day on the water: rebuilt schooner in Gloucester harbor, whale-watching in Massachusetts Bay, harbor tour from Salem to Marblehead, ride along the Essex River and estuary---all with knowledgeable guides and instructors. Walk through the artists' colony area of Rockport with a knowledgeable guide. Talks from fishermen, popular historians, etc. Delightful and insightful. Strongly recommended.
— Review left July 21, 2022
This participant did not give a star rating.
Carla – Class of 2022 | Carrboro, NC
This is a great tour. I learned many new things in a fun setting.
— Review left July 17, 2022
Gary – Class of 2020 | Festus, MO
This trip was better than expected. My wife and I learned more than we thought and the interaction on the trip with everyone was just right. We had enough free time to do a few things on our own. Ruth Bennett, our leader, was very professional and great about thinking on the fly. The 5 different sea trips was better than expected. We especially liked the trip on the tall ship, and the whale watch.
— Review left July 5, 2022
John – Class of 2013 | Bridgeport, CT
Really great way to experience coastal New England from both the shore and on the water! Highly recommended, particularly if you are not from the area.
— Review left June 26, 2022
Carol – Class of 2017 | Goodyear, AZ
Wonderful way to see and experience a wide variety of Maritime places and activities in the Rockport, MA area. Well organized and highly interesting. Be sure to read some or all of the suggested readings before the program to get the best benefit from the program!
— Review left June 25, 2022
Lenore – Class of 2017 | Glen Carbon, IL
I would encourage anyone who has not been to the Cape Ann area to go on this trip. It gave an excellent historical view of this area.
— Review left September 25, 2021
Carolyn – Class of 2003 | Bryan, TX
This was a very enjoyable experience!
— Review left September 24, 2021
Mary – Class of 2019 | North Chesterfield, VA
Local Color, isn’t limited to breathtaking seafaring, WhaleWatching, and landscapes in this Maritime New England Sampler. The speakers, lecturers themselves are Salty characters, strong personalities, whose life experiences and obvious love of this region gave special meaning to this memorable experience. BRAVO: Jim (Art, Life at Sea) Sam (Italian Fisherman, Entrepreneur), Liz (Group Leader Extraordinaire), Captain Steve (Lobsterman), Jim (Coach Driver)
— Review left September 20, 2021
Martha – Class of 2021 | Loudon, NH
very well presented and comprehensive
— Review left September 18, 2021
Jacqueline – Class of 2013 | Pennington, NJ
This is a fascinating program in a very interesting part of Massachusetts. The residents of Rockport, where we stayed, were kind and friendly, seemed pleased we were enjoying their town. Each boat trip (there were 5) was the second unique and the guides were great. We saw several whales, we saw many varieties of beautiful birds, we sailed on a famous wooden schooner, all so interesting. We ate great seafood. Best of all was our sensational group leader, Lili, who accommodated everyone’s needs, whose humor made us laugh, whose ability to bring great cohesion to our group was just superb. Don’t hesitate, just sign up and go!
— Review left August 28, 2021
Bryan – Class of 2008 | South Haven, MI
This is a great coastal tour with 5 boat rides and expert local storytellers to add dimensions to the maritime experience.
— Review left August 27, 2021
Fred – Class of 2002 | Millington, TN
Wonderful program if you love boats and information and history of boating.
— Review left August 16, 2021
Kathy – Class of 2021 | York, PA
A wonderful journey into maritime life. Learned about the interesting history of the area and present-day issues.
— Review left August 14, 2021





Recommended For You