The Full Revolutionary Story Epic Small Group Boston Walking Tour
Gallery image 2
Gallery image 3
Gallery image 4
Gallery image 5

The Full Revolutionary Story Epic Small Group Boston Walking Tour

Active
(2341 reviews)
3h - 3h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Winner of Boston Magazine's Best Historical Walking Tour.

A small group, in-depth exploration of Boson's original neighborhoods and a complete retelling of the American Revolution from the founding of Boston to the Declaration of Independence. Unlike most tours which limit themselves exclusively to what's on the Freedom Trail (in whichever order and direction it happens to go) this tour takes a wholistic approach to the city and the story. We follow a curated route visiting 14 iconic landmarks in the same order the history unfolded, pulling everything together into an immersive citywide narrative that recreates the drama and brings to life the passions personalities, and psychologies that invented America.

There are no big crowds or cheesy costumes. This tour combines expert insights with a light-hearted sense of humor and expands beyond "just" the Freedom Trail so you will enjoy the charm of the old town while getting a real sense of the beautiful and booming modern city as well.

Available options

Complete Citywide Masterclass

Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes: Award-winning story of America from the founding of Boston to the Declaration of Independence. 3.5 hours. 2.5 miles. <br/>Holistic Citywide Adventure: Explores areas of Boston's original neighborhoods, Financial District, North End and Harborwalk as well as The Freedom Trail.

What's included

We Finish in the World-Famous North End (Little Italy) with a "Surprise" Tea Party on Boston Harbor.
Not limited to Only the Freedom Trail. We Will Explore and Experience the Modern City as a Whole.
Curated Route Weaving World-Changing Events, Sites, Passions, and Personalities into Complete Story.
14 Official Landmarks with Built-In Break for Entrance into Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market.
Freedom Trail Masterclass with Expert Guide: Small Groups, Immersive Narrative, and Deep Learning.

Detailed itinerary

1

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. The guide will be in front of the seasonal beer garden and next to a large "BOSTON" sign with Faneuil Hall in the background that provides a great photo opportunity to start off the tour with.

2

Famous (or infamous) for its unique architecture.

3

Learn about the incredibly unique people who first settled Massachusetts Bay. The Puritans are more important (and much weird!) than you can imagine!

4
Stop 4

Iconic brick pathway connecting 16 historic landmarks. Whereas most tours just blindly follow this path geographically from one direction to the other, we weave around the city visiting the sights in chronological order.

5

First Anglican Church in Boston

6

Brimstone corner. Famous for its fiery sermons. July 4, 1829 "William Lloyd Garrison made his first public address against slavery here.

7
Stop 7

Who really were the Sons of Liberty? Visit the tombs of Paul Revere, John Hancock, and Sam Adams and find out!

8

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

9

Lean about America's first public school and its most famous pupil the incomparable Benjamin Franklin!

10
Stop 10

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

11
Stop 11

Learn about the soldiers, the citizens, the loyalists, and patriot leaders all pulled into this explosion of tensions!

12

Former publishing house of American literary icons (Ralph Waldo Emerson, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, Nathanial Hawthorne, and more)

13
Stop 13

The Boston Tea Party starts here! The most pivotal event leading up to the American Revolution. There's no turning back after this!

14

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.

15

Education, Healthcare, & Finance

16
Stop 16

"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!

17
Stop 17

Warning! Tourist traps abound!

18

Beautiful public garden running the length of Boston

19
Stop 19

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!

20

Oldest residential square in America

21

Iconic photo opportunity

22
Stop 22

"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?

23
Stop 23 Pass by

The second oldest burial ground in Boston. We have already gone in two sets of burying grounds, so we only visit this from the outside, but we get spectacular views of Charlestown and Boston Harbor from the terrace across the street.

24
Stop 24

We do a complete recreation of the Battle of Bunker Hill - the biggest battle of the American Revolution.

25
Stop 25 Pass by

The oldest commissioned naval vessel in the world. "Old Ironsides" was undefeated in battle. It was not part of the American Revolution, and we only see it from the other side of Boston Harbor, but we do provide an overview of its history and provide tips on how best to experience it.

26
Stop 26

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!

27

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!

28
Stop 28

Stroll along the Harborwalk and enjoy ocean breezes and spectacular cityscapes from the piers, wharfs, and waterfront parks other tours leave out.

29

We finish in the heart of "Little Italy" the historic North End only blocks from Boston's Best pizza, clam chowder, cannoli, seafood, and Italian. There are public restrooms, bicycles, public transportation and parking in close proximity, and we will be a less than ten-minute walk from our original meeting point.

What's not included

We're not in costumes and we don't "re-enact" the history. We're scholars we want you understand it.
Transportation (this is a walking tour.)
Museum Entry (other than Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market)
Gratuities (optional)

Available languages

Guide guide
EN

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0
1,067 reviews
5★
1035
4★
24
3★
5
2★
1
1★
2
Tripadvisor 5.0
1,274 reviews
5★
1248
4★
16
3★
6
2★
4
1★
0

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Children must be accompanied by an adult. The tour is appropriate for all ages, but it is not a "kids" version of events.

Meeting point

The tour meets in City Hall Plaza 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)

Important notes

If there are any questions or concerns text is preferred but feel free to call, e-mail, or lantern anytime:
Mike
TEL: (781)532-7879
EMAIL:  ask@therevolutionarystorytour.com

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 13-99
1
Childs
Age 6-12
0
Infants
Age 0-5
0
Booking requirements:
  • Min travelers: 1
  • Max travelers: 15
  • Adult required for booking
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation

Similar Experiences

Similar on Klook