Boston Revolutionary Story: Comprehensive American History Tour
5.0
1,236 Ratings
Boston
Experience the Boston Revolutionary Story, a comprehensive American history tour that brings the landmarks, characters, and events of the American Revolution to life. Explore Boston's oldest neighborhoods and follow the revolution's timeline, all while being entertained and educated by knowledgeable guides. Voted Best Historical Tour and a top tour in the United States.
Duration:
3 hours, 30 minutes
Cancellation:
1 day
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Highlights
- The Revolutionary Story Tour - City Hall Plaza is a pedestrian only plaza very centrally located directly across from and overlooking Faneuil Hall. We meet between the Five Iron Golf and City Hall. There is a statue of a basketball player (Bill Russel) in front of the seasonal Beer Garden and next to a large “BOSTON” sign that provides a great photo opportunity to start off the tour with.
- Boston City Hall - Famous (or infamous) for its unique architecture.
- King’s Chapel Burying Ground - Learn about the incredibly unique people who first settled Massachusetts Bay. The Puritans are more important (and much weird!) than you can imagine!
- King’s Chapel - First Anglican Church in Boston
- Granary Burying Ground - Who really were the Sons of Liberty? Visit the tombs of Paul Revere, John Hancock, and Sam Adams and find out!
- Park Street Church - Brimstone corner. Famous for its fiery sermons. July 4, 1829 “William Lloyd Garrison made his first public address against slavery here.
- Old City Hall - Some of the most beautiful architecture in the city is the background of a discussion about the historic obstacles to and inherent challenges of democracy
- Statue of Benjamin Franklin - Lean about America’s first public school and its most famous pupil the incomparable Benjamin Franklin!
- Old State House - The oldest public building in the country and the nerve center of Massachusetts politics. The great political debate between British authority and American rights was here
- Boston Massacre Site - Learn about the soldiers, the citizens, the loyalists, and patriot leaders all pulled into this explosion of tensions!
- Old Corner Bookstore - Former publishing house of American literary icons (Ralph Waldo Emerson, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, Nathanial Hawthorne, and more)
- Old South Meeting House - The Boston Tea Party starts here! The most pivotal event leading up to the American Revolution. There’s no turning back after this!
- Post Office Square - The road to revolution runs right the heart of downtown Boston. While the core of this tour is built upon 12 of the 15 Freedom Trail locations a beautiful and booming modern city has grown up all around its historic foundation. Neither should be missed and we will not overlook the present in our pursuit of the past.
- Financial District - Education, Healthcare, & Finance
- Faneuil Hall Marketplace - “The Cradle of Liberty” is not only the symbol of American Democracy but its deepest roots can be traced to this building. This is where a protest becomes a revolution!
- Quincy Market - Warning! Tourist traps abound!
- Rose Kennedy Greenway - Beautiful public garden running the length of Boston
- The Paul Revere House - The house is in the oldest and most charming square in the city and surrounded by some of the best restaurants in America. The man is even more impressive than the legend!
- North Square Park - Oldest residential square in America
- Paul Revere Statue - Iconic photo opportunity
- North End - The oldest residential neighborhood in America. You won’t find a better combination of culture, food, and history in any square mile in the country. Italian, Seafood, Pizza, Cannoli, we’ll talk about it all!
- Old North Church & Historic Site - “One if by land, two if by sea.” We go through Paul Revere’s legendary midnight ride with the iconic steeple from which he signaled his famous warning; culminating in “the shot heard round the world,” and chaotic battle at Lexington & Concord. The British are coming - are you?
- Copp’s Hill Burying Ground - We go in depth on the Battle of Bunker Hill. The strategy, the tactics, the consequences.
- Boston Harbor - We stroll along the Harbor Walk for one of the best views of the city, the beauty of Boston Harbor, and to finally kick the British out of Boston!
- Christopher Columbus Waterfront Park - We finish up along at Christopher Columbus Park. A jewel in Boston’s revitalized crown, some of best people watching in the city, and very centrally located between the North End (pizza, restaurants, & cannoli); Long Wharf (Aquarium, Harbor Tours, water shuttle to Charlestown, Metro station); and Quincy Market (souvenirs & shopping). Only a five minute walk to where we begin if you’ve parked nearby
What's Included
- Expert Guide with specialized knowledge (Masters in American History)
- Experience 14 key sights on the Freedom Trail, plus Faneuil Hall entry
- Discover public spaces and secret spots, like ‘Little Italy’ and Harborwalk
- Scheduled breaks for snacks and refreshments
- Insights from award-winning historians and engaging storytelling
- Entertaining experience with a sense of humor throughout the tour
- Enjoy a personalized experience in a small group setting
- Curated tour connecting significant Revolutionary events and characters
What's Not Included
- Costumes, Actors, Scripts, or Kitsch
- Transportation (this is a walking tour.)
- Museum entry fees (other than Faneuil Hall & Quincy Market we stay outdoors)
- Gratuities (optional)
Additional Information
An all-inclusive retelling of the American Revolution entwining the prominent locations, notable figures, principal events, and oldest quarters of Boston into a single monumental and sweeping narrative. Contrary to most tours that stick geographically to the Freedom Trail - beginning at one end and progressing to the other - doling out sporadic information and specifics en-route, this tour navigates the Freedom Trail in the sequence of the revolution’s progress and expands its scope to explore the city in its entirety. It brings to light and interlinks the motivations, characters, and fervor fueling the action.
The historical account is meticulously derived from extensive research and includes insights from renowned scholars in the sector, yet it is presented with an enjoyable flair of humor and vibrancy. The aim is to strike a balance between educational and entertaining, suitable for both ardent history enthusiasts and tourists visiting for the first time.
Boston Magazine’s Top Historical Tour 2022. Viator Experience Award recipient for the best tour in the United States.
- Children must be accompanied by an adult. The tour is appropriate for all ages, but it is not a “kids” version of events.
Location
City Hall Plaza
City Hall Square
The tour meets in City Hall directly across the street from Faneuil Hall (1 City Hall Square, Boston MA, 02201.) Your guide will be in the plaza between a Five Iron Golf (1 Washington Mall, Boston, MA 02108) and a seasonal beer garden next to a statue of a basketball player (Bill Russel)
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
5.0
(1236 Ratings)
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Danielle_g
Mar 21, 2024
Best walking tour in Boston! - This was a fantastic tour! Extremely informative and very entertaining! I can’t recommend it enough! I learned so much and laughed a lot!
Review provided by Viator
Md_c
Mar 20, 2024
Had an awesome tour with... - Had an awesome tour with Tyler! He was so knowledgeable and made the great city of Boston’s history come alive. So refreshing to see people care about their job! His passion for the city’s history was evident. Had our kids 16,15,13 and 10. Great tour for the fam. Bundle up!
Review provided by Viator
Zacharyhq5538dg
Mar 19, 2024
Great way to learn about Boston. This tour is a must! - This tour was amazing. Tyler did such a fantastic job with his presentation. Informative and entertaining. This tour is a must for anyone looking to see the historic spots and learn about Boston. Highly recommend!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Hatzarbp
Mar 19, 2024
Brilliant Boston!! - This tour was brilliant!! This was our first trip to Boston and Mike made this tour memorable, informative, funny and thought provoking. We were the only Brits on the tour and we were the bad guys throughout (all in good fun). We crammed a lot of information in but Mike’s storytelling skills kept us all interested from start to finish. Excellent way to understand the history behind both Boston and the USA. Loved the audience participation too! Highly recommended.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Gemy_c
Mar 19, 2024
Best Tour! - Mike was beyond awesome! So knowledgeable and friendly. We were able to see so many parts of Boston plus get the history about the city. A must do for someone who’s never been to Boston!!
Review provided by Viator
Danielle859
Mar 18, 2024
Take This Tour! - The tour was amazing. Mike was an awesome tour guide. He was extremely knowledgeable, funny and engaging. I couldn't recommend the tour more.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kellykr6639dn
Mar 17, 2024
Intimate and interesting - Loved the intimacy of this tour- like he really is into sharing his knowledge- it was very informative- and not just what you can read on plaques!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Alyssajordano
Mar 16, 2024
Boston History Tour - Very knowledge, interactive, and just a all around a great experience would highly recommend. Tour guide Tyler is a history buff and you can tell.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Amy_b
Mar 16, 2024
Great tour & guide - Tyler was great! Very knowledgeable, great energy and enthusiasm. Weather wasn’t great but he made the tour informative and enjoyable.
Review provided by Viator
Kelly_b
Mar 16, 2024
Incredible - Truly knowledgeable and brought the history to life. Was not gimmicky but so expansive. Would absolutely do this again.
Review provided by Viator