Holiday Day Trips from Boston: Christmas & Winter Adventures

 
 
 
 
  
 
4.9
 
4.9
 
Top Rated Day Tour Operator
 
 
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Top Rated Day Tour Operator
 
 
 4.9 Excellent rating Last 12 months 
 
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 Posted on Tripadvisor  
 
  
 
 
 Deborah S 
 
3 days ago
 
 
 Verified 
A Pleasant Day in the Country
I don't drive anymore, and I have missed going to the countryside west of Boston in the fall. The Keolis Mass Adventures train trip seemed like a nice chance to spend a day in the country and see the bright foliage. The van driver, a retired teacher, who picked us up at Grafton station, was friendly and helpful. We had a good amount of time at the Botanic Garden, about four hours. We were fortunate that the weather was near perfect. It was very peaceful in this quiet part of Massachusetts, and there were a moderate number of visitors, even on a beautiful Saturday. On arrival about mid-day, I had lunch in the pleasant cafe in the Visitor Center, sitting on the terrace with a long view of Wachusett Reservoir and Mountain. Besides walking on the trails and enjoying the landscape and views, I found several other things of interest: fairy house creations in the area called "The Ramble," stained glass sculptures of birds and butterflies in the gardens, a Garden Club show in the Visitor Center, and two greenhouses full of vibrant plants. At the end I still had time to look at the gift shop and have a cup of tea and a pastry from the cafe, which I took to the garden right outside the Visitor Center, where there were tables near a fountain. There is a summit trail up to the high point of the hill, where the views of the surrounding countryside, the Reservoir, and Wachusett Mountain are vast, but it seemed a bit too rocky and steep for me without my walking stick. I regret not getting to the top, but I couldn't risk turning an ankle. Younger people should definitely go up. There are a few improvements I would suggest. I wish a Botanic Garden staff member or volunteer docent had greeted us on arrival and given us a brief overview before we went out on our own. I do think that for the $26 admission fee (which was included as part of our Keolis trip) we should have been given a paper map. There was a beautiful old farmhouse next to the Visitor Center, and I wondered about the history of the farm, but I couldn't find any information about it, even a booklet in the gift shop. I wish the staff had told us about it. All in all, I had a nice day and a good time taking photos and enjoying the peaceful setting.
  
 
 
 
 
 
 Posted on Tripadvisor  
 
  
 
 
 Brianna K 
 
21 days ago
 
 
 Verified 
Excellent Experience
Mike was an excellent driver & guide, went above and beyond to make sure we all got on and off the van safely, walked us in to the fair, showed us where to meet him, gave us his phone number, and was waiting promptly when it was time to pick us up. Too bad he couldn't be cloned, because companies need more wonderful staff members like him. The Topsfield Fair trip was well worth the $65 cost including train fare, $20 fair admission, and a $12 food voucher.
  
 
 
 
 
 
 Posted on Tripadvisor  
 
  
 
 
 Nancy C 
 
41 days ago
 
 
 Verified 
Castle Hill Crane Estate
The trip to Castle Hill Cranes Estate was worthwhile. Keolis provided excellent communication prior and during the trip - when the pick up was going to be a bit late, there was an immediate text. Keolis made it a seamless trip!
  
 
 
 
 
 
 Posted on Tripadvisor  
 
  
 
 
 John C 
 
41 days ago
 
 
 Verified 
Afternoon at deCordova Sculpture Garden
I did the deCordova Sculpture Garden tour with Mike on 9/20/26. Beautiful sculpture garden and large grounds for a fall walk! Mike was courteous, helpful, and professional. Would recommend!
  
 
 
 
 
 
 Posted on Tripadvisor  
 
  
 
 
 Mary Jean L 
 
50 days ago
 
 
 Verified 
Hammond Castle Day Trip
Very nice day out at beautiful Hammond Castle! Train was on time. Pick up van driver met us promptly at the train station in Gloucester and also for the return trip. We planned another trip already!
  
 
 
 
 
 
 Posted on Tripadvisor  
 
  
 
 
 Passport17196154419 
 
63 days ago
 
 
 Verified 
Plymouth Aug 2026
The trip to Plymouth with Keolis was really fun. You ride the Kingston line and get picked up in a comfortable clearly marked van at the station and it takes you to the museums. My driver Mike was super friendly and gave good recommendations for things to see. The price really isn't too bad especially for a solo trip. I recommend buying the weekend pass on your own through the mbta as the conductors who checked my ticket provided through the booking didn't seem to know what it was and it didn't scan right. Overall it was a very good experience.
  
 
 
 
 
 
 Posted on Tripadvisor  
 
  
 
 
 Teresa F 
 
69 days ago
 
 
 Verified 
Glimpse into guilded age
Clam Box great add-in. Best for those ready to walk & enjoy ocean views.
  
 
 
 
 
 
 Posted on Tripadvisor  
 
  
 
 
 J M 
 
79 days ago
 
 
 Verified 
Beautiful sunset kayak tour
Emily was a wonderful tour guide and the Crane Estate was beautiful. We loved getting the whole backstory of the refuge and the three houses on the islands, and learning about the sea creatures that inhabit the area. Watching the sunset from our kayaks was especially magical!
  
 
 
 
 
 
 Posted on Tripadvisor  
 
  
 
 
 Amanda J 
 
98 days ago
 
 
 Verified 
Wishing the guide/driver was more professional and knowledgeable about the area
The tour guide on the bus didn't know a number of things about the area and wasn't dressed very professionally. The first part of the tour ran long and we had limited time to explore during the second part of the tour because of it. It felt expensive for what it was and I think a person could easily have gone and done these things without using this company.
  
 
 
 
 
 
 Posted on Tripadvisor  
 
  
 
 
 Angie L 
 
126 days ago
 
 
 Verified 
Great Nature Day Trip Getaway from Boston
Living in the city without car can make it difficult to get out to nature adventures, but the Keolis kayak daytrip package makes it super easy! The pick up from the Ipswich commuter rail station by Mike and drop off at Crane Beach and subsequent pick up was seamless, and the kayak group of 7 came with two experienced kayak guides. I got to spend a few peaceful hours on the water, and got to see the marshes, the beaches and the dunes. Afterwards, Mike took me to the Clam Box where we got some great fried seafood classics - a rewarding treat after a day of kayaking! A special thank you to Mike, who was very personable and easy to talk with, and made the excursion an extra enjoyable one!