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.
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.
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.
Famous (or infamous) for its unique architecture.
Learn about the incredibly unique people who first settled Massachusetts Bay. The Puritans are more important (and much weird!) than you can imagine!
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.
First Anglican Church in Boston
Brimstone corner. Famous for its fiery sermons. July 4, 1829 "William Lloyd Garrison made his first public address against slavery here.
Who really were the Sons of Liberty? Visit the tombs of Paul Revere, John Hancock, and Sam Adams and find out!
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
Lean about America's first public school and its most famous pupil the incomparable Benjamin Franklin!
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
Learn about the soldiers, the citizens, the loyalists, and patriot leaders all pulled into this explosion of tensions!
Former publishing house of American literary icons (Ralph Waldo Emerson, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, Nathanial Hawthorne, and more)
The Boston Tea Party starts here! The most pivotal event leading up to the American Revolution. There's no turning back after this!
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.
Education, Healthcare, & Finance
"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!
Warning! Tourist traps abound!
Beautiful public garden running the length of Boston
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!
Oldest residential square in America
Iconic photo opportunity
"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?
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.
We do a complete recreation of the Battle of Bunker Hill - the biggest battle of the American Revolution.
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.
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!
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!
Stroll along the Harborwalk and enjoy ocean breezes and spectacular cityscapes from the piers, wharfs, and waterfront parks other tours leave out.
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.
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)
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A group of islands in Boston Harbor offering outdoor recreation, historic sites, and stunning views of the city skyline.
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.
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.
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.
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.
This is the best time to visit Boston for pleasant weather and outdoor activities. The city is vibrant with festivals and outdoor events.
US Dollar (USD)
Eastern Standard Time (EST) (UTC-5) or Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) (UTC-4) during daylight saving time
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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.
South Station, North Station
South Station, Logan Airport
The MBTA subway system is efficient and affordable, with four main lines (Red, Blue, Green, and Orange) connecting major attractions and neighborhoods.
Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft
Car, Bike, Scooter
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.
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.
A popular summer destination known for its beautiful beaches, charming coastal towns, and outdoor recreation. Cape Cod offers a mix of relaxation and adventure.
Price varies by option