Full Day Private Salem Tour from Boston
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Discover Salem on a private full-day tour from Boston, where history and legends come alive. Your guide will pick you up and take you through the city's storied streets, revealing the dark chapters of the witch trials as well as Salem's prosperous past during the "Old China Trade." Walk the historic sites, visit museums, and learn about how Salem became one of the wealthiest towns in early America.
Enjoy 1.5 hours of free time to grab lunch, explore local shops, and pick up unique souvenirs—from traditional keepsakes to mystical items like tarot decks and potion ingredients. Afterward, continue your journey through Salem’s iconic landmarks, including the Witch House, the Salem Maritime National Historic Site, and the Old Town Hall.
This private Salem full-day tour offers a rich blend of history, culture, and local stories, all wrapped up in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle with WiFi. It’s perfect for anyone eager to see Salem’s highlights and uncover its fascinating past.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the Salem full-day private tour?
The tour lasts approximately 8 hours, giving you plenty of time to explore Salem's key sights and enjoy some leisure time.
What is included in the tour?
Your package includes private transportation, bottled water, WiFi on board, an air-conditioned vehicle, entrance to either the Peabody Essex Museum or the Real Pirates Museum, Witch House entry tickets, and parking fees.
Can I customize the museum visits?
Yes, if both museums are open, guests can choose which one to visit during the scheduled stop.
Is lunch included?
Lunch is not included in the tour price. You will have 1.5 hours for lunch and shopping during your free time.
Is this tour suitable for children?
The tour is suitable for adults and children aged 0–120. Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness to enjoy all stops comfortably.
How do I get picked up?
Pickup is included from over 119 hotels in Boston and Cambridge. Exact times are confirmed after booking, and guides will meet you outside your hotel.
Free cancellation
Cancel at least 24 hours before your scheduled departure for a full refund. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before are non-refundable.
Reserve now
Check a date here, then finish booking with our partner. Payment options are confirmed at checkout.
Duration 8 hours
Check availability to see start times.
Live tour guide
English
Key facts
What's included
Included
- Private transportation
- Bottled water
- WiFi on board
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Entrance to Peabody Essex Museum or Real Pirates Museum
- Witch House entry tickets
- Parking fees
Not included
- Gratuities
- Lunch
- Souvenirs
Itinerary
A comprehensive full-day exploration of Salem's historic sites, museums, and legends, with leisure time for lunch and shopping.
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Drive to Salem from Boston
Travel approximately 45 minutes from Boston to Salem, enjoying scenic views along the way.
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First glimpse of Salem and historic streets
Get oriented with Salem’s layout, use the restroom, and soak in your first impressions.
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Salem Common and Roger Conant Statue
Learn about Salem’s early settlers and see the statue honoring Roger Conant, the town’s founder.
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Salem Witch Museum
View the museum from outside as the witch trials are introduced, setting the scene for deeper exploration.
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Maritime District and Gilded Age wealth
Explore Salem’s historic maritime area, home to America’s first millionaire, and learn about its trade history.
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Derby Wharf and Salem Harbor
Stand at Derby Wharf, overlooking the harbor, and hear stories of Salem’s rise through global trade.
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Custom House and optional tour
View the historic Custom House with its carved eagle, and take an optional self-guided tour if open.
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Salem Witch Trials story
Learn the real stories behind the witch trials, including victims and their fates, in a 40-minute session.
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Oldest Salem Cemetery
Visit the cemetery where Salem’s earliest settlers are buried, absorbing the history of the town’s roots.
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Museum visit: Real Pirates or Peabody Essex Museum
Explore one of Salem’s renowned museums, with the choice depending on open hours, for about 50 minutes.
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Lunch and shopping break
Enjoy 1.5 hours to eat, shop, and browse for souvenirs, from mystical items to local crafts.
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Harry Houdini's escape story
Hear about Houdini’s famous escape from Salem’s jail, a story blending magic and history.
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Old Town Hall and historic architecture
Admire the 1816 Federal-style Old Town Hall with its detailed architecture.
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The Blue Lady ghost legend
Learn about Salem’s most famous ghost, the Blue Lady, and her spooky tales.
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Salem fire story
Discover how a fire at a local TV studio helped bring Salem into the spotlight.
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Witch House visit
Explore the Witch House built in 1642, once home to Judge Corwin, and learn about the Curse of the Corwin family.
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Hocus Pocus mansion
See the historic mansion used in the filming of Hocus Pocus and hear about the ghosts haunting it.
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Mansion-lined Chestnut Street
Drive along Salem’s prestigious Chestnut Street, lined with historic mansions from Salem’s prosperous days.
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America’s First Red Carpet
Visit the historic dance hall known as America’s First Red Carpet, named after a founding father.
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Witch Trials hangings site
See the location where the hangings of the witch trial victims took place.
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Return to Boston
Relax during the hour-long drive back to Boston, ending your Salem adventure at your hotel.
Meeting point & pickup
Hotel pickup included for all travelers
Pickup is available from over 119 hotels in Boston and Cambridge. Exact pickup times will be confirmed after booking. Guides will meet you outside your hotel. Please note, pickup is not available at Boston Logan Airport.
Open in Google MapsHow to get there
You will receive a message two days before the tour with your guide’s details. Guides are identified by the blue Boston Hidden Gems logo on the vehicle front doors.
Cancellation & confirmation
Free cancellation
Cancel at least 24 hours before your scheduled departure for a full refund. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before are non-refundable.
- 100% refund if canceled at least 1 day before
- No refund if canceled within 24 hours
Instant confirmation
Your booking is confirmed immediately after checkout.
From $446.50 per person
- Free cancellation
- Secure checkout with our booking partner
