Tour #2 – Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Museum of Science (DEAD SEA SCROLLS)/Duck Tour, Boston, MA

Depart Durham: 8:00 AM and Portsmouth: 8:30 AM

We all know the Museum of Science in Boston is a world-class museum with a vision to promote science, technology, engineering, and math education. However, it began as the Museum of Natural History in 1864 and true to its beginning; it is bringing in the temporary exhibit of the Dead Sea Scrolls: Life in Ancient Times. These scrolls had not been seen in 2,000 years until a shepherd wandered into a hidden cave along the banks of the Dead Sea. They include literary writings of the times and the oldest known texts of the Bible, making their discovery perhaps the most significant archaeological find of the last century. Along with the scrolls is the most comprehensive collection of artifacts from ancient Israel ever organized.

Since 2004, the Museum has undergone a floor-to-ceiling renovation of the Hayden Planetarium, upgrades to the Omni Theater and construction of the Gordon Wing. Not only may we have this once in a life time opportunity to visit the scrolls and ancient artifacts of Israel, but to visit the live animal presentations, the Lightening exhibit, plus some 700 more interactive exhibits. For an extra fee of $4.50, one may visit the Planetarium, Omni, 3-D or IMAX Theaters or the Butterfly Garden.

If we find time, we can enjoy some lunch (on your own) in a wide selection of Wolfgang Puck sponsored eateries that offer spectacular views of Boston, Cambridge and the Charles River.

Now, for Option #2, if science and ancient history are not your thing or bore you easily, at 12:30 PM, you may head to the front of the Museum for a 1 PM departure of the DUCK TOUR of Boston, the birthplace of freedom. This tour will be 80 minutes long and will go rain or shine. (Others will stay and enjoy the museum.) This is a tour on an authentic replica of a WWII amphibious vehicle renovated for sightseeing. Your conDUCKtor will be giving lots of little known facts and interesting insights about the unique and wonderful city of Boston. And just when you think you have seen it all, your conDUCKtor will SPLASH your DUCK right into the Charles River for a breathtaking view of the Boston and Cambridge skylines, the kind of view you just won’t get elsewhere.

Handicap accessibility: fully for both Museum and Duck Tour (will need assistance getting on and off boat) If walking is difficult for you, there are many sitting venues within the museum.

Option #1: $59.00 per person includes admission to the museum and the Dead Sea Scrolls Exhibit Tour, transportation, snack, taxes and gratuity (including the bus driver). LUNCH IS ON YOUR OWN.

Option #2: $85.00 per person includes admission to the museum and the Dead Sea Scrolls Exhibit Tour, and the Duck Tour of Boston, transportation, snack, taxes and gratuity (including the bus driver). LUNCH IS ON YOUR OWN.

The approximate time of return: Portsmouth 5:30 PM and Durham 6:00 PM