Christmas in the Berkshires - December 6-8, 2024

CHRISTMAS IN A CASTLE - A NORMAN ROCKWELL HOLIDAY

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6 - SUNDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2024

PRICE PER PERSON:

$1075 - Double 

$1050 - Triple 

$1350 - Single 

Travel protection is available to help protect your investment, your belongings and most importantly, you. The full plan details can be viewed under About / Travel Protection Plan. Rates are per person and based on the excursion price & length, and guest’s age at time of booking. Travel protection must be purchased at the time of booking and paid in full with the excursion deposit.

TENTATIVE ITINERARY:

Day One – Friday, December 6: Upon arrival, we will visit YANKEE CANDLE FLAGSHIP STORE, South Deerfield, MA. It's always Christmas time at the Bavarian Christmas Village. Your adventure continues in the Black Forest on to the Village Square past the waterfall beside the moat over the drawbridge to the Nutcracker Castle. After that you most definitely visit Santa's Toy Factory. 

Early everning, we will see the BRIGHT NIGHTS HOLIDAY LIGHT DISPLAY. Set in Springfield's historic 750-acre Forest Park, a perfect backdrop for the more than 500,000 twinkling lights. Springfield was the birthplace of the author of Dr. Seuss books. You will marvel as you drive past dozens of holiday scenes. The two-and-a-half-mile drive turns us all into children again. Following enjoy an included dinner at a local restaurant. 

Day Two – Saturday, December 7: After breakfast meet your LOCAL GUIDE at the hotel for a day of touring including commentary about the BERSHIRE COTTAGES as you tour about today. 

STOCKBRIDGE TOUR. This tour promises to whet your appetite for further exploration of this "picture postcard" town. Amazing stories are told abou the founders of the town and others who have had an impact on its growth. See the former Norman Rockwell Museum at the Old Corner House. You will see the famous Red Lion Inn, the First Church, the Children's Chimes Chapel, the village cemetery, where the first slwave to be legally freed in the U.S. is buried, and many other points of interest. This is a light and informative tour with history, humor and facts. 

Tour of the MOUNT, which was the home of Edith Wharton, the first woman to receive the Pulitzer Prize. A National Historic Landmark, The Mount has undergone extensive restoration and many rooms are presently furnished by international interior decorators. The tour combines literary, historical, biographical and design aspects of Wharton's life and writing. There is a gift shop with may of Wharton's works for sale. The MOUNT will be decorated for the HOLIDAYS. 

After lunch on your own, continue with the Cottages toru enroute back to your hotel. Dinner is included this evening at a local restaurant. Following dinner, travel down the street to the First Congregational Church, for the 7pm STOCKBRIDGE MAIN STREET AT CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY CONCERT* featuring The Berkshire Bach Players. 

*Note: General Admission Seating

Day Three – Sunday, December 8: Enjoy a morning EXPANDED CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST at the hotel this morning. Following breakfast, MEET YOUR LOCAL GUIDE. 

NORMAN ROCKWELL MUSEUM. See many of the illustrator's works in the original oil paintings at your own pace. There are gallery talks, Rockwell's studio, and a gift shop to explore. 

This afternoon is the highlight of your tour! STOCKBRIDGE MAIN STREET AT CHRISTMAS. The main street of Stockbridge, with antique cars parked along the street, comes alive recreating the famous painting by Norman Rockwell. Children young and old welcome Santa and Mrs. Clause. Activities may include a gingerbread competition, story readings, caroling with Santa. Horse drawn tours of Main Street are extra. This festive atmosphere is sure to get anyone into the holiday spirit!!

Please note that departure and arival home will be noted on your final trip itinerary.