Boston Food and History Private Tour
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Boston Food and History Private Tour

Active
(10 reviews)
5h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Start the day in Little Italy, with traditional cannoli and espresso at the oldest Italian café in Boston. Proceed through the historic "Little Italy" neighborhood to learn about Boston's history! Listen to stories about the neighborhood's ties to the American Revolution such as the ride of Paul Revere. Try traditional sandwiches from an Italian Salumeria. Drive through Boston's historical downtown while learning about the city's colorful past. Walk through Beacon Hill, Boston's most prestigious neighborhood. Visit Boston Common, the oldest public park in America. Stop at a local seafood chain for lobster rolls and New England clam chowder. Take a drive through Back Bay, Boston's man-made neighborhood lined with 19th century Victorian houses. Take a quick drive through Cambridge for stunning views of Boston and MIT. End the tour with seeing the stunning Copley Library! Be sure to come hungry! The tour includes pick-up and drop-off anywhere in the Boston area (up to 6 people).

Available options

Private Tour w/Standard Pickup

Standard Pickup (no airport): Pickup anywhere within 3 miles of the North End, Boston; EXCEPT from Boston Logan Airport.<br/>Pickup included

Private Tour w/Airport Pickup

Airport Pickup: Pickup from Boston Logan Airport<br/>Pickup included

What's included

Traditional Italian sandwiches from a salumeria
Private transportation
Lobster Roll & Cup of Chowdah
Bottled water
Coffee/Tea & Cannoli
Air-conditioned vehicle
Breakfast
Fuel surcharge
Parking Fees

Detailed itinerary

1

Start the day with a classic Italian coffee and cannoli. Pick-up for up 6 people anywhere in Boston, including airport, hotels, or cruise terminals.

2

See Paul Revere's House, one of the oldest wooden houses in Boston. Learn about the immigrant history of the North End as told by artwork installed in the square.

3

Visit the historic Paul Revere Mall park, home to one of the city's most iconic "postcard" locations of the statue of Paul Revere with the backdrop of the Old North Church. View the plaques surrounding the park commemorating many of the other Revolutionary figures. Learn the real story behind the famous midnight ride of Paul Revere!

4
Stop 4

See the Old North Church, where Paul Revere hung up two lanterns on the eve of the American Revolution.

5
Stop 5

Visit the second oldest cemetery in Boston, including the graves of some of Boston's most prominent citizens.

6

Classic Italian sandwiches for lunch!

7
Stop 7

Walk through Boston's most prestigious and wealthiest neighborhood, learning about the history of some of Boston's most famous families. Admire the brownstone mansions lining the brick paved streets with gas lamps lighting the area.

8
Stop 8

Take a walk through America's first botanical garden, learning about Boston's history through statues around the park. Hear stories about the invention of anesthesia, Boston's most corrupt yet beloved politician, and more.

9

Drive through the MIT campus and learn about the university's "theory and practice" motto, focusing on belief that the dual approach of learning and doing is the way! Hear all about (in)famous MIT pranks, some of which can be seen to this day! See the main MIT building, the Great Dome. See a stunning view of Boston's skyline from "north of the river" in Cambridge.

10
Stop 10

Drive through the historic Back Bay neighborhood. Back Bay is built entirely on land reclaimed from the sea using dirt from hills of Boston to landfill the bay. The neighborhood has been home to the wealthy since its inception in the late 1800s, today it has some of the best preserved examples of 19th century Victorian architecture in the world!

11

Pick-up a cup of howdah and a delicious lobster roll from a local lobster shack.

12
Stop 12

Have a seafood picnic on the steps of the Boston Copley Library, while listening to stories about Boston's rich cultural and academic past. Feast on the chowder and lobster rolls from Luke's Lobster while learning how Boston's maritime past made the construction of the magnificent buildings surrounding Copley Square possible during Boston's "gilded age".

13
Stop 13

Walk through America's oldest public park, listen to the story of how Boston was originally founded right on this spot. Drive on the road that was previously water's edge in historic Boston to appreciate the magnitude of the man-made land the city has created! See the location of the very first football club in America!

What's not included

Gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide
EN

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0
2 reviews
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Tripadvisor 5.0
8 reviews
5★
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4★
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Important information

Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Note that per Massachusetts state law: "All children riding in passenger motor vehicles must be in a federally approved child passenger restraint that is properly fastened and secured according to the manufacturer's instructions until they are 8 years old OR over 57 inches tall." We do not provide child seats, please bring age appropriate car seats for kids who do not meet these criteria. We will not be able to do the tour if you do not have child seats for everyone that needs one. A refund will not be issued the day of the tour due to lack of proper car seats. All children must be registered as separate tour guests.
Luggage - please note that the tour vehicle is a Toyota Sienna minivan. If you are planning to bring luggage on the tour, the vehicle will only be able to seat up to four guests. The back row of seating can be collapsed to fit 4-5 suitcases or smaller bags, but the minivan will not fit 6 passengers with more than one personal item each. If you have more than 4 guests with luggage on the day of the tour, and your guide determines upon arrival that the luggage and passengers can not all safely fit in the vehicle, the tour will be canceled without refund. For alternative options, please contact us directly before booking.

Meeting point

Head to Hanover Street in the North End. If going by car, the address to set is 191 Hanover Street. Look for a statue of a boxer facing away from the Mother Anna's restaurant behind him. If coming by the MBTA, take the Green Line to Haymarket Station and walk across the park to the statue.

About Boston

Boston, one of the oldest cities in the United States, is rich in history, culture, and education. Known for its significant role in the American Revolution and its prestigious universities, Boston offers a unique blend of historic charm and modern vibrancy.

Top Attractions

Freedom Trail

A 2.5-mile (4 km) walking route that passes 16 locations significant to the history of the United States, including churches, meeting houses, burying grounds, museums, and historic markers.

Historical 3-4 hours Free to walk the trail; individual attractions may have admission fees

Fenway Park

Home to the Boston Red Sox, Fenway Park is the oldest ballpark in Major League Baseball and a must-visit for sports fans and history buffs alike.

Sports/Historical 1-3 hours (tour or game) Tour: $20-$25; Game tickets: $30-$200+

Boston Common

America's oldest public park, Boston Common is a central gathering place for both locals and visitors, offering green spaces, walking paths, and seasonal activities.

Parks/Historical 1-2 hours Free (Swan Boats: $4-$5 per ride)

Museum of Fine Arts (MFA)

One of the most comprehensive art museums in the world, the MFA houses nearly 450,000 works of art, ranging from ancient Egyptian to contemporary.

Museum 2-4 hours $27 (adults), free for children under 17

Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area

A group of islands in Boston Harbor offering outdoor recreation, historic sites, and stunning views of the city skyline.

Nature/Historical Half-day to full-day trip $5-$15 per person, depending on the island and activities

Must-Try Local Dishes

Clam Chowder

A creamy, hearty soup made with clams, potatoes, onions, and sometimes bacon or salt pork. Boston-style clam chowder is typically made with milk or cream and is served with oyster crackers.

Soup Contains dairy and sometimes pork; vegetarian and vegan versions are available at some restaurants.

Lobster Roll

A buttered, toasted split-top roll filled with lobster meat, usually dressed with mayo or butter. Some versions include celery or other vegetables for added crunch.

Sandwich Contains shellfish and may contain dairy or eggs; gluten-free buns may be available at some restaurants.

Boston Cream Pie

A layered dessert consisting of sponge cake filled with custard or cream and topped with chocolate glaze. It's the official dessert of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Dessert Contains dairy, eggs, and gluten; vegan and gluten-free versions may be available at some restaurants.

Oysters

Boston is known for its fresh oysters, which can be found at many seafood restaurants and raw bars. They are typically served on the half-shell with various toppings or sauces.

Appetizer Contains shellfish; vegan and vegetarian options may be available at some restaurants.

Popular Activities

Hiking in the Blue Hills Reservation Kayaking or paddleboarding in the Charles River Biking along the Charles River Esplanade Rock climbing at Brooklyn Boulders Picnicking in the Boston Common or Public Garden Strolling along the Charles River Esplanade Enjoying a spa day at one of Boston's many luxury spas Reading a book at the Boston Public Library

Best Time to Visit

Late spring to early fall (May to October)

This is the best time to visit Boston for pleasant weather and outdoor activities. The city is vibrant with festivals and outdoor events.

10°C to 25°C (50°F to 77°F) 50°F to 77°F

Practical Information

Language

  • Official: English
  • Widely spoken: Spanish, Chinese, Portuguese, French, Italian
  • English: Widely spoken

Currency

US Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

Eastern Standard Time (EST) (UTC-5) or Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) (UTC-4) during daylight saving time

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Boston is generally a safe city for travelers, with a low crime rate and a strong police presence. However, as with any major city, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable visit. Some areas of the city, such as certain neighborhoods in Dorchester, Roxbury, and Mattapan, have higher crime rates and should be avoided, especially at night.

Important Precautions:
  • • Be aware of your surroundings and keep valuables secure, especially in crowded tourist areas and on public transportation
  • • Use licensed taxis or rideshare services, and always check the fare before starting your journey
  • • Be cautious of strangers approaching you with petitions or surveys, and avoid sharing personal information

Getting there

By air
  • Logan International Airport • 3 miles (5 km) from city center
By train

South Station, North Station

By bus

South Station, Logan Airport

Getting around

Public transport

The MBTA subway system is efficient and affordable, with four main lines (Red, Blue, Green, and Orange) connecting major attractions and neighborhoods.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Downtown/Financial District Back Bay North End South End Fenway-Kenmore Beacon Hill

Day trips

Salem
16 miles (26 km) from Boston • Half-day to full-day trip

A historic coastal city known for its connection to the Salem Witch Trials of 1692. Salem offers a mix of historic sites, museums, and waterfront activities.

Lexington and Concord
10-15 miles (16-24 km) from Boston • Full-day trip

Two historic towns that played significant roles in the American Revolution. Lexington and Concord offer a mix of historic sites, museums, and scenic walking trails.

Cape Cod
60-80 miles (97-129 km) from Boston, depending on the destination • Full-day trip or overnight stay

A popular summer destination known for its beautiful beaches, charming coastal towns, and outdoor recreation. Cape Cod offers a mix of relaxation and adventure.

Festivals

Boston Harbor Hotel Chowder Festival • October (annual) Boston Pride • June (annual) Boston Film Festival • September (annual)

Pro tips

  • Visit the Freedom Trail early in the morning or on a weekday to avoid crowds and enjoy a more peaceful experience
  • Take advantage of free or discounted admission days at museums and other attractions, such as the Museum of Fine Arts' free Wednesday evenings or the Boston Public Library's free exhibits and events
  • Explore Boston's diverse neighborhoods, each with its own unique character, history, and attractions
  • Try local specialties, such as clam chowder, lobster rolls, and Boston cream pie, at historic and iconic eateries like Union Oyster House, Neptune Oyster, and Mike's Pastry
  • Attend a Red Sox game at Fenway Park, one of the most iconic and historic baseball stadiums in the world
From $25 per person

Price varies by option

Adults
Age 0-99
1
Booking requirements:
  • Min travelers: 1
  • Max travelers: 9
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation

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