Boston Historic Taverns Tour: Tastings & Ferry
4.7
84 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”.
-
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
(84 Ratings)
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
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
Sondra_r
Oct 17, 2023
Historic and FUN pub crawl - This is by far the best tour we've ever been on. This tour combines Freedom Trail & US history with a pub crawl. "Big" Al is so knowledgeable of Boston history and VERY engaging! Everyone on the tour seemed like old friends by the time it ended. The highlight of the tour was taking the ferry boat across Boston Harbor and going to the historic Warren Tavern. It was so much fun!
Review provided by Viator
Jilljergel
Oct 12, 2023
Best tour of Boston for non-tour people! - Guide Alvin was a sensational storyteller recounting Bostons History with insight and humor. We had a ball with like-minded visitors to Boston on a lovely autumn day. Wear your sneakers and be ready to walk - we did 18,000 steps!! Loved it!
Review provided by Viator
Yumiko_n
Sep 27, 2023
Fantastic and energetic... - Fantastic and energetic guided tour I ever had. The guide spoke Historical story was awesome and fun
Review provided by Viator
Camcam
Sep 23, 2023
Drinks, grub , fun and history - Roger was very knowledgeable and a lot of fun. The view of the Boston skyline from the ferry was beautiful. The taverns were very different and yet their historical background was very interesting. Roger was quite generous in his drink and appetizer choices. Great fun!
Review provided by Viator
Vicki
Sep 6, 2023
The BEST afternoon in the North End! Highly recommend!! - Mark, our tour guide, welcomed us as old friends! Showed us his beloved North End Neighborhood and historic taverns with great food and drink !
Review provided by Tripadvisor
