Where do the tours meet?
PLEASE NOTE! Our Taste Gloucester tour meets by the big green buoy out front of the US Coast Guard Station in Gloucester. Ales and Tales meets at the giant green buoy next to Cape Ann Brew Pub. Taste Newburyport meets at Market Square at the Brass Lion store and Sights and Sweets meets next to the Sandy Bay Yacht Club on T Wharf. Look for our guides to be carrying a giant fork…you can’t miss them!
Where do I park?
For Taste Gloucester there are metered spots all around harbor loop. There is also a metered lot next to CPT. Bills Whale Watch. Harbor loop has 10 hour meters. Typical meters are $.25 for a half hour. Newburyport has metered parking lots throughout town. Please look at our various tour pages for more parking info.
Do you accept walk-ups or do I have to buy a ticket in advance?
Tickets must be purchased before the day of the tour via our online ticketing system. Walk ups/cash sales are highly discouraged as we will not be able to guarantee your space on the tour.
How long is the tour?
The Taste Gloucester tour is 2 hours and 45 minutes. Taste Newburyport is 2 hours and 45 minutes, Rockport Sights and Sweets is 1.5 hours and Ales and Tales is 1.5 hours (all tours have a 15 minute grace period)
Are young children allowed on the tour? If so how much will I need to pay?
Children of all ages whether walking or in a stroller can take one of our tours. Kids under 12 are always free to share off of your plate. We kindly ask that kids over 12 purchase a full price ticket
How much food is served on the tours?
We will enjoy several delicious food tastings throughout the tour, our line of “Taste Tours” should be enough to fill you up for lunch. Rockport Sights and Sweets is a dessert tour and will hopefully ruin your dinner
How many miles will the tour cover and what is the pace?
For the majority of the time we will be on our feet. The tours are very casual. We will walk roughly 1 mile. The terrain is flat and mostly on pavement. There will be a few spots where you can sit and relax.
Is there alcohol on the tour?
Taste Gloucester tour offers you a taste of some local brew. For those under 21 a soda or water will be available as a substitution.
Are other beverages served?
It is recommended that you bring a water bottle. On our “Taste Tours” one of our stops offers a variety of drink choices for guests. You can buy a beverage along the route, also we are served water at various food stops.
What if I have dietary restrictions or food allergies?
Please be aware that Taste Gloucester is a maritime related food/cultural tour a lot of the food we try is seafood or shellfish. We do not accommodate for food allergies. We chose the tour stops based off the delicious offerings of vendors. Please contact us for a list of vendors if you would like to contact them in advance. Thanks for understanding.
What is the maximum number of people on the tour?
The maximum number of people on a tour is 12.
Do you offer private tours?
Yes! please contact us for more details. We also offer private tour rates for tours that do not meet the minimum.
Are bathrooms available during the tour?
Bathrooms will be available at many vendor locations.
Can I bring my camera?
Yes, bring your camera so you can show your friends all the delicious food you’ve eaten and the beautiful sights! We do kindly ask that you do not video tape the entire tour.
Are there food tastings available for vegetarians?
Please see the food allergy FAQ.
If the tour that I want to take is sold out can I get on a waiting list?
There is no official waiting list. Please call us or email us if the tour is sold out.
Can I shop during the tour?
We will offer some time to shop during some parts of the tour but you are always welcome to come back after the tour is finished.
Is the tour wheelchair and baby stroller accessible?
Yes, the tour is both wheelchair and baby stroller friendly and accessible. Please contact us if you require assistance.
Are tour guide gratuities included in the price?
Gratuities are NOT included in the ticket price and they are always greatly appreciated! The industry standard for walking tours is 15%.
Where does the tour end?
On all of our tours the end is less than a 5-minute walk from where the tour begins.
What about weather?
Our tours go out rain or shine. We will be able to go inside some of the eateries in case of foul weather. Of course look ahead at the weather and dress accordingly. In case of severe weather a weather call will be made two hours prior to the tour and an email/phone call will be sent out to customers. This is the only time customers will be allowed to rebook.
Cancellations/rescheduling
There are no cancellations and/or rescheduling. Sorry but as we are a small operation we hope you understand that cancellations would directly affect our business as we are reserving your spot.
Tour minimums
Please note that we reserve the right to cancel or reschedule the tour if the minimum number is not met (4 people). You will be notified if this happens and will be refunded or given the option of rescheduling, this is the only time you may do so. If the minimum is not met you may also choose a “Private” tour at a higher rate. This rate is $10 a ticket.
Private/Group Gratuity
We reserve the right to charge a %15 gratuity for private groups over the size of 8