Adventist Heritage Tour

Arrive in Boston (BOS) to begin our journey. There will be complimentary airport shuttle to the hotel. If you would like to arrive a few days earlier, the hotel we’ve acquired will honor our discounted pricing to include up to 2 nights prior. If this is something you’re interested in, please call the office at (559) 264-2300 for details.

Visit the Joseph Bates Home in Fairhaven, MA. The bus will depart the hotel at 8:00am to travel to Fairhaven and participate in a guided tour of the Bates home; learning about Joseph Bates’ role in 1844, the Sabbath message, and in the inception of the Seventh-day Adventist church. After visiting the Bates home, we will travel to Portland, ME to spend the night.

Explore the childhood and early adult sites of Ellen G. White in Gorham and Portland, ME, plus the iconic Portland Head Lighthouse. We’ll spend the night again in Portland, ME.

• Why do I need a passport if the tour is mostly in the U.S.? To provide the most scenic and efficient route, our itinerary takes us into Ontario, Canada. A passport is necessary not only to enjoy Niagara Falls from the Canadian side but also because we will be traveling through Canada as we transit from the Northeast toward Battle Creek, Michigan. Please ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond our travel dates.

• Can I join the tour without a passport? Unfortunately, no. Because the group will be crossing the international border together by bus to reach our Michigan destinations, all participants must have valid international travel documents. A copy of your passport will need to be provided to Secrets Unsealed by the time final payment is made, and participants will be required to show our Coordinator their passport when boarding our chartered tour bus in Boston.

• Which airports should I use? The tour begins in Boston, MA (BOS) on October 6, 2026 and concludes in Grand Rapids, MI (GRR) on October 15, 2026. You will need to book your flights accordingly. Arrival into Boston would need to be on or before October 5, 2026. Departure out of Grand Rapids will need to be on or after October 15, 2026.

• What will the weather be like? October in New England and Michigan is beautiful but crisp. Expect daytime temperatures between 50°F and 65°F (10°C–18°C), with significantly cooler mornings and evenings.

• What should I pack? - Layers: Bring sweaters, a medium-weight jacket, and a scarf to adjust to changing temperatures. - Footwear: Comfortable walking shoes are essential, as we will be walking historical trails (like the Sabbath History Trail) and garden paths. - Luggage: Because space is limited, every attendee will be limited to one large suitcase, and a daybag that can be placed in the overhead of the bus.

• Is the itinerary finalized? While the core locations are set, the itinerary remains subject to minor modifications to ensure the best possible experience for our guests.

• How much walking is involved? The tour involves moderate physical activity, including walking through heritage villages, cemetery grounds, and nature trails. Most paths are well-maintained, but please be prepared for some uneven terrain.

• What is included in the tour? The tour pricing includes all lodging accommodations for 10 nights, daily hot breakfast (provided by the hotels), local transportation (via large charter bus), airport transfers, and hosted tours. The tour pricing does not include airfare or meals/snacks other than breakfast.

• When can I officially sign up? Registration is open. Space is limited for these tours, so we encourage you to secure your spot as soon as possible.

• Can I bring my family? Absolutely! This is a wonderful educational and spiritual experience for all ages, though children should be prepared for several hours of travel on certain days.

• What about Roommates? Everyone registering for a double, triple or quad occupancy is required to find their own roommate(s). There is a space provided to list the name of each roommate.

• Planning for this tour is exciting, but we know the "logistics" are what make or break the experience. Here is everything you need to know about where you’ll be staying and how to stay fueled throughout the journey.

• What should I expect with our Hotel Accommodations? We have carefully selected high-quality accommodations to ensure you are well-rested. Each hotel is a 3+ star property, primarily part of the Hilton or Marriott brand families.

• A Special Stay: On October 9, following our visit to the Washington, NH church and Sabbath Trail, we will stay at a charming private hotel (not part of a national chain) located in the beautiful Lake George, New York.

• Room Details: Rooms generally feature Queen or King-sized beds. Please note that at two of our hotel locations, rooms with two beds will be Double beds rather than Queens.

• Timing: Our itinerary is designed so that we arrive at our hotel between 5:00 PM and 6:00 PM each day, giving you time for dinner and to unwind.

• How should I plan for meals? Because we are visiting several historic and remote locations, meal planning varies by time of day:

• Breakfast: So you can start your day stress-free, a hot breakfast is provided at each hotel as a standard amenity before we depart for the day’s activities.

• Note on Dietary Needs: While the hotels have not customized breakfast specifically for our group, vegetarian options will be available. Please note that we cannot guarantee any other specific dietary modifications or specialized menus.

• Lunch:. To maximize our time at the sites, we do not have scheduled stops for lunch. Most Adventist Heritage sites are in remote areas without nearby dining facilities.

• Pro-Tip: We highly recommend packing snacks or power bars to keep your energy up until dinner. Some sightseeing stops may offer a chance to grab a quick bite, but this is not guaranteed every day.

• Dinner: Each hotel has been strategically chosen for its convenience. You will find dining options within easy walking distance of your room, allowing you to explore local flavors at your own pace.

• How should I handle hydration and restroom breaks? Rest assured, comfort is a priority. Our charter bus is equipped with an onboard restroom and all Adventist Heritage sites feature public restroom facilities for our group. Staying hydrated is essential for a comfortable trip. Please bring a refillable water bottle with you to use throughout the tour.