Salem and Boston Private Tour: Witch Trials and Freedom Trail

Walk through Salem's witch trial history, then trace Boston's role in the American Revolution

A private full-day tour of Salem and Boston combines the Witch Trials Memorial and historic Salem sites with Boston's Freedom Trail landmarks and Revolutionary history. You'll see the Witch House, Paul Revere's House, Old North Church, and Boston Common, with a licensed guide driving you between the two cities and a lunch break in between.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each6 stops

1. Salem Witch Trials Memorial25m
2. Bewitched Statue10m
3. 13th ArrondissementEntry included20m
4. North End15m
5. Freedom Trail30m
6. Boston Common15m

Explore Salem and Boston history

• Drive to Salem
• Learn Salem's maritime past
• Walk historic Salem town center
• Visit Witch Trials Memorial
• See oldest Salem cemetery
• Learn about Houdini's jail escape
• See Bewitched Statue
• Visit Witch House
• Visit Hocus Pocus mansion
• Stroll Salem's mansions street
• Visit Salem dance hall
• See witches' hanging site
• Lunch and shopping break
• Drive back to Boston
• Visit Paul Revere's House
• Visit Paul Revere Mall park
• See Old North Church
• Drive Boston Freedom Trail
• See Boston Common park

The experience

The tour starts in Salem, where you learn how the town's Puritan settlers built one of America's richest cities through Far East trade before the witch hunt hysteria of the late 17th century took hold. You'll walk through historic Salem to see the Witch Trials Memorial, the Witch House (the only building still standing directly connected to the trials), and the oldest cemetery with graves dating back to that era. The guide explains what actually happened during the trials, the harsh reality of daily life under New England's early theocratic government, and how the famous TV show Bewitched later put Salem on the tourism map. You'll also see where the accused were hanged, tour a mansion featured in Hocus Pocus with its resident ghosts, and stroll one of Salem's most beautiful streets lined with multi-million-dollar mansions from the gilded age.

After an hour for lunch and shopping in Salem or Boston, you drive back to the city to explore its Revolutionary War sites. The guide takes you through Boston's Freedom Trail landmarks and stops at Paul Revere's House in the North End, one of the oldest wooden houses in Boston. You'll visit the Paul Revere Mall to see the iconic statue with the Old North Church as backdrop, and learn the real story behind Paul Revere's midnight ride: the lanterns hung in that church's steeple signaled him to begin. The tour also covers Boston Common, America's oldest park, where you'll learn about the hangings that took place there during Boston's Puritan era.

The full day runs about seven and a half hours with private transportation throughout, an air-conditioned vehicle, bottled water, and admission to both the Witch House and Paul Revere's House included. Your guide is fully licensed by Salem. If you're traveling with children under 8 or under 57 inches tall, you'll need to bring federally approved car seats. The tour cannot proceed without them. Luggage decreases vehicle capacity, so mention it when booking.

What’s included

• Private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle.
• admission to the Witch House and Paul Revere's House.
• bottled water.
• fuel surcharge and parking fees.
• a fully licensed guide in English.

Options for this experience

2 options

Standard PickupGuide in English · 08:30, 09:00, 09:30 and 10:00Pickup is included within 3 miles of Boston's North End, except at Boston Logan International Airport or Boston Flynn Cruiseport

Cruiseport PickupGuide in English · 08:30, 09:00, 09:30 and 10:00Pickup at Boston Flynn Cruiseport is included

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Information

Lasts 7h 30m, runs every day, 4 start times, from US$ 475 per person, with a live guide in English, as a private tour and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 08:30, 09:00, 09:30 and 10:00Last departure this season: 26 Feb 2027Another time? ›

GroupPrivate3 group tours ›

Live guideEnglishOther languages ›

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Boston Hidden Gems

Is this one for you?Choose this if you want to see both Salem's witch trial sites and Boston's Revolutionary War landmarks in one day with a private guide who drives between cities, so you're not managing transportation logistics yourself.

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Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What exactly happened during the Salem Witch Trials that the guide explains?

The guide covers what really happened at the trials, the hysteria of the late 17th century, and the harsh reality of daily life under New England's early theocratic government. You'll visit the Witch Trials Memorial and see the oldest cemetery with graves from that era, plus the place where the accused were hanged.

Can I choose between Salem and Boston, or do I visit both on the same day?

You visit both on the same day. The tour drives to Salem first to cover the witch trial sites and historic town, then returns to Boston for the Freedom Trail landmarks and Revolutionary War history, with a lunch break in between.

What's included in the admission fees for this tour?

The tour includes admission to the Witch House in Salem and Paul Revere's House in Boston. Lunch is not included, but you have an hour free time to eat and shop in Salem or Boston during the break.

Does the guide drive the whole time, or do we walk through the cities?

The guide drives you between Salem and Boston and through Boston's Freedom Trail landmarks, but you also walk through historic Salem and the North End to visit sites like the Witch Trials Memorial, the Paul Revere Mall, and Old North Church on foot.

What's the difference between Standard Pickup and Cruiseport Pickup?

Standard Pickup starts from a central Boston location, while Cruiseport Pickup is for passengers arriving by cruise ship. Choose based on where you're staying or arriving that day.