Iconic Boston Institution
Incredible Architecture & History
Masterpiece Artwork
From Iconic to Infamous – Isabella’s Masterpiece
From iconic to infamous, are just a couple of the words that have been said and written about the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum since its inception in 1903. Rising out of the nearly empty swamp land of what is now the Back Bay Fens section of Boston, the 15th century-inspired Italian Palazzo building design is a work of art unto itself.
The museum’s founder and visionary, Isabella Stewart Gardner (1840-1924) amassed a world-renowned collection that has stood the test of time and the envy of collectors from around the globe. The collection consists of over 7500 paintings, sculptors, furniture, textiles, silver and ceramics, 300 rare books and 7000 archival objects from ancient Rome, Medieval Europe, Renaissance Italy, Asia, the Islamic world and 19th century France and America.
On March 18, 1990, the museum was the scene of the largest art heist in history, when two thieves dressed as Boston police officers tied up the two security guards on duty and in the ensuing 81 minutes, stole 13 masterpieces that have yet to be recovered despite a $10 million reward for their return.
Join Unicorn Tours for a fun and enlightening experience starting with a guided tour and great introduction to the museum’s formation and early days, its revolutionary founder, and the many masterpieces that continue to call the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum home. After the guided tour, we will break for lunch in the Museum’s Cafe G and after lunch there will be plenty of time for a self-guided tour through the galleries and the famous verdant courtyards and botanical surprises embedded throughout the collection.
Why Choose This Tour?
View Masterpieces, such as Rembrandt’s Self Portrait, Age 25, and Titian’s Europa
Explore an architectural marvel, a 15th century inspired Italian Palazzo
Experience the magic of the verdant courtyard designed by Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates
Learn something new and make new friends
Click the Tabs for More Information
Trip Details
Price
$199 per person
Departure time
10AM
Meeting point
- 10:00AM: Chelmsford – Burger King – 77 Drum Hill Road – back parking lot along far right
- 10:15AM: North Andover Mall – 350 Winthrop Ave. No. Andover – RT 114 – opposite end of lot away from Market Basket
- 10:30AM: Haverhill – Papa Gino’s, 782 River Street, Haverhill
Availability
Wednesday, May 8, 2024
Group size
Limited to 35 people
Accessibility
Yes, but please review the venue’s accessibility information
Duration
10AM – 3PM (from pick up to drop off)
Included
- Guided museum tour
- Lunch at the Museum’s Cafe G, see sample menu
- Time for self-guided exploration
- Luxury motorcoach round-trip transportation
- One raffle ticket to win $250 OFF on future Unicorn Tour Package
Lunch/dinner
Lunch at Cafe G
Frequently Asked Questions
We currently have 3 convenient Merrimack Valley locations which include:
Haverhill: Papa Gino’s – 782 River St, Haverhill MA 01832 – shares parking lot with Dunkin Donuts – at intersection of River St and RT 495 – 1/2 block past Walgreen’s on the right
North Andover: North Andover Mall, 350 Winthrop Ave(Rt 114), North Andover – Near the Payless Shoe end of parking lot
Chelmsford: Drum Hill –Burger King, 77 Drum Hill Road (back parking lot to the far right away from Drive-Thru)
Note: Overnight parking allowed at this location only. (Open 24hrs)
Parking is at your own risk at the Haverhill and North Andover locations if it’s overnight, day time parking is allowed!
For day trips, we require full payment at the time of booking. If the trip is canceled, a full refund will be issued. Payment arrangements are not available for day trips.
Our refund policy for day trips varies by trip. Up to 30 days from departure, a full refund is available, but please check the specific trip flyer for any variations. Within 29 days of departure, trips become non-refundable, with details outlined on the trip flyer. We recommend reviewing the flyer when booking for specific terms.
Unicorn Tours gladly accepts most major credit cards for convenient payment. You can process payment directly by clicking on the Book Now button on the sidebar of this tour page.
Additionally, we welcome payments by check. If opting for check payment, kindly mail it to our address at:
Unicorn Tours
60 Highland Ave. E
Braintree, MS 02184-1600
Unicorn Tours provides trip cancellation insurance for day trips, offering protection against cancellation penalties. The premium is due at the time of booking and varies with the trip cost, stated on individual trip flyers. This insurance safeguards against unexpected medical or other emergencies. With trip cancellation insurance, a full refund is available from 29 days up to the day of departure. Reimbursements extend to those sharing accommodations with the insured, provided they also purchase the trip cancellation insurance.
Purchasing trip cancellation insurance is a wise choice to safeguard your vacation investment. It ensures a full refund of your trip costs if you need to cancel for any reason from 29 days up to the day of departure.
The cost of trip cancellation insurance with Unicorn Tours is 10% of the total trip cost.
If your roommate has insurance, we recommend purchasing it as well for full protection. In the event your roommate cancels, with insurance, you can choose to cancel and receive a full refund or continue on the tour at the double rate. Without insurance, you won’t be entitled to a full refund, and your status changes from a double to a single rate. For any questions about the motor coach trip cancellation insurance policy, feel free to call our office at 978-256-6559.
For tours that include airfare, Unicorn Tours provides alternative insurance through various companies, each with varying coverage. To learn the specifics of coverage, please contact our office to request a brochure. Feel free to call us at 978-256-6559 for more details.
To guarantee departures for day trips, Unicorn Tours requires a minimum of 30 passengers. Our transportation is provided by a 55-passenger luxury motor coach for a comfortable travel experience.
Yes, tour guides will be provided for all Unicorn Tours. Our tours are fully escorted by professional tour directors to ensure a guided and enjoyable experience.
Unicorn Tours accommodates passengers with special needs. Requests for special dietary or handicap needs should be made at the time of booking. It’s important to note that late notifications within 48 hours may limit our ability to honor your request. While our employees and transportation vendors cannot physically assist or lift disabled passengers, we recommend that those requiring special assistance travel with a companion capable of providing the needed help. Additionally, wheelchairs, scooters, and walkers can be stored in the baggage compartment on the bus.
Unfortunately, alcoholic beverages are not allowed on the bus. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation to ensure a safe and enjoyable travel experience for all passengers.
