Boston Historic Taverns Tour: Tastings & Ferry
4.7
85 Ratings
Boston
Experience the rich history of Boston through a 3.5-hour walking tour of historic taverns. Enjoy tastings, a ferry ride, and learn about iconic figures like Samuel Adams and Paul Revere.
Duration:
3 hours, 30 minutes
Cancellation:
1 day
learn more
Highlights
- North End - All Food & Drink Tours start in the North End. The North End is Boston’s oldest neighborhood, first settled in 1630. Today, this area is affectionately known as Little Italy, and is home to some of the City’s very best restaurants, pizzerias and bakeries. From here, walk to historic Long Wharf to catch a scenic Ferry Ride across Boston Harbor!
- Charlestown Navy Yard - The Charlestown Navy Yard is home to the USS Constitution, the only “floating site” on Boston’s Freedom Trail. Hear the story of how this famous War Ship earned it’s nickname - “Old Ironsides”.
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Bunker Hill Monument - Bunker Hill is the site of the 1st major battle of the American Revolution. Dr. Joseph Warren died in the waning moments of this historic battle. Hear the story behind that famous military command -
“Don’t fire til you see the whites of their eyes!” - Warren Tavern - Hoist a beer (or wine, or soda!) under the very same roof as George Washington, Samuel Adams, Paul Revere and Dr. Joseph Warren - the taverns namesake. This historic tavern was built in 1780!
- Old State House - The Old State House is the oldest standing public building in the Eastern US. The circle of cobblestones in front of this historical landmark commemorate the 1st bloodshed of the American Revolution - the Boston Massacre.
- Faneuil Hall Marketplace - After your return Ferry Ride from Charlestown, explore the Faneuil Hall / Quincy Market area. Faneuil Hall (aka the “Cradle of Liberty”) has always been the central marketplace for Boston, and still is today. Hear the story of wealthy merchant, Peter Faneuil, who built this at his own expense in 1742.
- Bell In Hand Tavern - The last tavern stop (includes one drink and snacks) will be at either the Green Dragon aka “Headquarters of the Revolution” or the Bell in Hand aka “America’s Oldest Tavern”.
- North End - This Fun & Unique walking tour finishes back in Boston’s North End for cannoli from a famous North End bakery!
What's Included
- Explore 5 significant Freedom Trail sites
- Complimentary snacks provided
- Experience a scenic round-trip ferry ride across Boston Harbor
- Relax with a drink at a historic tavern frequented by George Washington and Paul Revere
- Visit the ‘Oldest Tavern in America’ with history dating back to 1795
- Guided tour by a professional local expert
- Enjoy two included drinks (choice of beer, wine or soft drink)
What's Not Included
- Gratuities
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
Additional Information
Cheers to the legacies of Samuel Adams, Paul Revere, and George Washington by journeying back through nearly four centuries of Boston’s Tavern History. This enlightening 3.5-hour walkabout also gifts you a FREE round-trip boat ride over picturesque Boston Harbor! Experience and understand the history of FIVE Freedom Trail landmarks. The tour also features TWO visits to historic taverns, where you’ll savor a beverage (beer/wine/soda) and an appetizer at each tavern. Throughout the stroll, you’ll amble through Boston’s oldest districts like Charlestown, Blackstone Block, Faneuil Hall / Quincy Market, and the North End (Little Italy). Explore some of New England’s most iconic landmarks and two of Boston’s most historic watering holes. Don’t forget to check out our well-loved North End Pizza Tour and Boston Seafood Lovers Tour!
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
- Includes round-trip Public Ferry across Boston harbor.
- Visits two different Historic Boston Taverns.
- See FIVE Freedom Trail sites.
- Includes TWO Drinks, Tavern Snacks and a cannoli.
Location
Modern Pastry - Underground
Hanover Street
Tours start in Boston's historic North End. Meet your Tour Guide at Modern Pastry Underground. Please DO NOT wait in line for the pastry shop - walk right in, and head downstairs!
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.7
(85 Ratings)
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Alla_p
May 16, 2024
Excellent tour - Al was an excellent guide. He told stories as like he was part of them. He showed us more then it was described in the tour.
Review provided by Viator
L9570lmsusanl
May 16, 2024
Fantastic tour with history, great tour guide and delicious beer/food - Al was THE best tour guide! He was lively and full of information and personality. The tour itself was already great in of itself. We stopped by the boston massacre site, the navy shipyard, Bunker hill, and the 2 oldest taverns. We probably walked a few miles but it didn’t seem like it because there was so much to see as we were walking and Al gave us information about everything at the same time. If you’re a history buff, Al is the tour guide to get. He was easygoing, funny, accommodating, took pics for us. At the very end, we were running late for our flight and he offered to walk all the way to the Modern pastries’ shop to get us cannolis. He went over and beyond 😃 the appetizers at the taverns were delicious and so was the beer. Appetizers were plentiful. You MUST do this tour!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
H2142uxkevinc
May 14, 2024
History, Drinks/Eats & Fun - Our tour guide (“Big Al”) was exceptional, as he seamlessly blended his extensive knowledge of historic sites with other interesting snippets/background information. Al’s boundless energy and enthusiasm, coupled with his keen sense of humor, made for a really fun afternoon!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kevin_c
May 14, 2024
History, Drinks/Eats & Fun - Our tour guide (“Big Al”) was exceptional, as he seamlessly blended his knowledge of historical sites with other interesting snippets/background information. Al’s boundless energy and enthusiasm, coupled with a great sense of humor, made for a really fun afternoon!
Review provided by Viator
Donnamarie_d
Apr 27, 2024
Great time had by all !!! - Our tour guide did a great job!!! Big Al was very friendly and knowledgeable about how history of Boston !!! Great time had by all !!!
Review provided by Viator
Quest54277831438
Mar 28, 2024
Walk, talk, learn, and have fun - This was an excellent tour that hit some of the main hotspots in Boston. Their tour guy was informative and personable. I highly recommend this tour.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Linda_a
Nov 15, 2023
This tour is definitely worth the money and a lot of fun! - Great walking tour! Our guide Alvin was so knowledgeable about history and had a fun sense of humor too. Loved both taverns. Friendly service and delicious food!
Review provided by Viator
Danielle_l
Nov 11, 2023
Must do experience! - Our group had an amazing time with Big Al! He was informative and entertaining. The tour was a great mix of history facts with some walking and plenty of stops and opportunities to sit. The ferry ride was a great addition. Loved both tavern stops as well. Al went above and beyond to ensure that our group had a great time. Highly recommend!!!
Review provided by Viator
Kim_o
Oct 29, 2023
Big Al delivers! - We loved our guide - Big Al! He was funny, knowledgeable, and brought everything to life. Could not have asked for a better evening.
Review provided by Viator
Sue_b
Oct 24, 2023
Shout out to Big Al! Great tour guide! - Great tour and Big Al was an amazing guide! He was so knowledgeable and personable. The combination of history, food and beverages made for a great Boston experience!
Review provided by Viator
