Welcome to the Journey
The Literary HEART of New England: Little WOMEN & Beyond
invites you to a
Literary Tour Featuring Louisa May Alcott, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Nathaniel Hawthorne & More…
Literary Heart of New England – September 10-14/16, 2026
In celebration of America’s 250th and as a companion to our Oct–Dec season of Whispers at the Garden Gate™ literary experience, we journey across New England–the birthplace of some of America’s most enduring stories. From Concord and Sturbridge to Salem and Boston, we’ll listen to the whispered stories left behind as we trace the landscapes where Little Women, transcendental thought, Gothic imagination, and revolutionary ideals were born.
Departure Dates & pricing
September 10-14, 2026 or September 10-16, 2026 | Limited to 20 Guests
$2,875 USD/ $4,285 USD
Secure your spot for just $250 deposit (nonrefundable) and three convenient payments starting in May
The Details
Welcome to Whispers at the Garden Gate’s literary journeys. This intimate, small-group tour invites you to walk the same paths as Louisa May Alcott, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Nathaniel Hawthorne, Henry David Thoreau, and their contemporaries, while savoring thoughtfully chosen meals, afternoon teas, and literary attractions. As the nation reflects on America’s 250th anniversary, this journey honors not only the founding of a country, but the voices, stories, and ideals that shaped its soul.
See the original Little Women manuscript and Paul Revere’s lantern. Visit the Waysite, Louisa May Alcott’s childhood home, where many of the scenes in Little Women took place and where Nathaniel Hawthorne wrote The Scarlet Letter. Tour Orchard House, where Alcott’s beloved novel was brought to life, and The Old Manse, once home to Hawthorne and a center of America’s Transcendentalist movement. Enjoy time for reading and reflection at Thoreau Farm, picnic beside Walden Pond, and experience an intimate living history performance that brings Louisa May Alcott and her sister May to life.
Step into a 19th-century New England village as you experience what it would have been to live in the time of Jo and the March sisters. Wander Salem’s storied streets and tour the famed House of Seven Gables. In addition to author homes and historic landmarks, private guided tours customized for our group include The Concord Museum, Rebecca Nurse’s Homestead, and the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, where we’ll experience the magic of the exquisite, verdant courtyard.
Experience the literary heart of New England through the pages and places that shaped some of America’s greatest writers and ideas. Travel through the centuries of American history – from Puritan Salem, Revolutionary Concord to early New England village life and the glamour of the Gilded Age. We won’t just visit the homes of our favorite authors, but experience the world that shaped and inspired their works.
Highlights
Each site we visit is a chance to step inside the pages of Little Women & The Scarlet Letter’s world and the landscapes that inspired Louisa May Alcott and Nathaniel Hawthorne.
Package 1: September 10-14th
- Concord MA Attractions
- The Old Manse- Both Nathaniel Hawthorne & Ralph Waldo Emerson lived and wrote there
- The Wayside: Home of Authors
- Orchard House: The Home of Little Women
- Ralph Waldo Emerson House
- Concord Museum, Library & Historic Center
- Walden Pond & Thoreau’s cabin
- Thoreau’s Farm
- Old North Bridge
- Sleepy Hollow Cemetery Tour
- Private viewing of the Little Women original manuscript & the new Alcott collections
- Old Sturbridge Village – Living History
Package 2: September 10-16th -everything in package 1 plus:
- Boston, MA Attractions
- Boston Public Library
- Boston Athenaeum
- Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
- Beacon Hill Books
- Gibson House Museum – Little Women Filming Location
- Make Way of Ducklings
- Salem, MA Attractions
- Rebecca Nurse Homestead
- The House of the Seven Gables
- Nathaniel Hawthorne’s Birthplace
- Bewitched Statue
- Witch House
- Witch Trial Memorial
The details…
Stay, Meals & More
Accommodation
Meals
Transportation
Optional Add On
See you there- Ivanka
“Kindred spirits are not so scarce as I used to think.” Anne of Green Gables, L.M. Montgomery
About Your Host
This journey is hosted by Ivanka Dimitrova
Ivanka is a writer, literary curator, and creator of Whispers at the Garden Gate, a program devoted to exploring classic literature by celebrating the pages and places where stories are born. Her own love of storytelling spans multiple genres, from children’s literature to contemporary fiction and poetry, and is reflected in her writing, travel, and literary explorations.
Ivanka is a published author, a literary agent intern, and an active member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, the Mystery Writers of America, the Women’s National Book Association, and a travel journalist with the International Travel Writers Alliance. Ivanka is represented by Focused Artists Agency and writes fiction and nonfiction for both children and adults. Through Whispers, she has interviewed renowned authors, scholars, and literary historians, including Natalie Jenner, Sarah McCoy, Genevieve Graham, Irina Shapiro, Francine Mathews, and more.
Ivanka’s approach to literary travel combines deep curiosity, storytelling, and a love of landscapes that inspired great works of literature. Guests often describe Whispers gatherings as thoughtful, intimate, and deeply inspiring — the perfect spirit for a literary pilgrimage to New England. On this journey, Ivanka curates every detail to ensure that each moment, from quiet garden strolls to lively discussions of Little Women’s world, connects you with the heart of the story.
Need more information? Check our…
Frequently Asked Question
What airport should we fly into? We recommend flying into Boston Logan Airport (BOS).
What is not included? Airfare to and from Boston, travel insurance, airport transfers, personal purchases and experiences, and some meals.
Who is the tour for? This is a ladies-only tour for ages 18+.
Is this tour meant for someone like me? This tour is ideal for readers who cherish classic American literature and are eager to experience the historic towns and landscapes that inspired authors like Louisa May Alcott and Nathaniel Hawthorne. If you enjoy literary heritage, charming historic villages, and traveling with a small group of fellow book lovers, this journey offers a wonderful opportunity to step into the worlds behind beloved works such as Little Women and The House of the Seven Gables.
How physically demanding is the tour? Our itinerary is designed with a gentle pace so that guests can truly savor the landscapes and literary places we visit. Most days include relaxed walks through gardens, village streets, and historic sites. Walks are generally short and unhurried, and there will be time to rest, browse, and enjoy the scenery along the way. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
What is your cancellation policy? To secure your booking, we require a $250 non-refundable deposit. You may cancel up to 90 days prior to departure for a full refund, minus the deposit, up to 60 days for 75% and up to 45 days for 50% refund. No refunds will be issued for cancellations within 45 days prior to departure. Because of that, we strongly recommend traveler’s insurance.
What do I need to secure my space? You are required to pay your deposit and sign a travel waiver and acknowledgement of the cancellation policy prior to your first installment. Those will be emailed to you upon registration.
Will we have any free time? You will have some free time to relax and explore on your own. We will equip you with our list of recommended restaurants, shops, and activities.
Can I bring a friend? Absolutely! Please invite your lady friends and relatives, or send a gift to a loved one. Share this page with anyone you know may like to join us. Keep in mind that this is a ladies-only event and all rooms are single occupancy.
Have additional questions? Reach us at: hello@ivankadimitrova.com
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