Viator Experience Award Top 20 experience (#2) in the United States. What makes this tour different is that instead of walking the Freedom Trail geographically – starting at one end and following it to the other – the sightseeing is synchronized with and unfolds to the storytelling. There’s a lot less emphasis on dry facts and dates and a lot more on the passions, personalities, and psychologies driving the events. The escalating action of the Revolution guides us through the crooked streets of Boston, recreating the drama and recapturing the energy that invented America. It's not only much more enjoyable it's also the most effective way to explore the city and learn the history.
Built with the aspirations and anxieties of a fellow tourist in mind: the groups are kept small so you aren't herded around; we cover both major landmarks and hidden gems; visual aids and props help you grasp the material; we traverse all original neighborhoods getting a sense of the modern city as well.
What's Included
12 (of 15) Freedom Trail sights visited
A sense of humor
Insights from prestigious historians and scholarship
Restroom / Coffee / Snack break midway through
What's Not Included
Gratuity (optional)
Museum Entrance (This is an external only WALKING tour)
Partisan Bias (then or now)
Pedantic Lecturing
Traveler Information
ADULT: Age: 0 - 99
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Public transportation options are available nearby
Tour operates in most weather conditions. Pay attention to the forecast as the weather in Boston can shift even a day or two out. Please dress appropriately.
We will be outside in the open air for the duration.
Children must be accompanied by an adult. There is no hard age restriction but this is not a "kids" version of events. The narrative structure helps keep them engaged but the younger they are the more difficult it is to stay involved for the duration. How
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Not wheelchair accessible. We will be covering a significant amount of ground and those with injuries or significant mobility limitations will likely find it difficult to complete.
Service animals allowed
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
Experience may be cancelled due to Insufficient travelers
This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
What To Expect
The Revolutionary Story Tour
City Hall Plaza is a pedestrian only plaza very centrally located. We meet between the Staples Connect and City Hall (The big angular concrete building) I will be standing directly in front of a large statue of a basketball player.
10 minutes
•
Admission Ticket Free
King's Chapel Burying Ground
Learn about the incredibly unique people who first settled Massachusetts and how they created the cultural bedrock the Revolution was built on. The Puritans are much more important (and weird) than you can imagine!
15 minutes
•
Admission Ticket Free
Granary Burying Ground
The Sons of Liberty! We'll visit the tombs of Paul Revere, John Hancock, and Sam Adams. They'll be with us all day!
15 minutes
•
Admission Ticket Free
Old City Hall
The most beautiful architecture in the city is the background of a discussion about about the role of Boston as the Athens of America, the historic obstacles to and inherent challenges of democracy, and the incomparable Benjamin Franklin.
15 minutes
•
Admission Ticket Free
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
10 minutes
•
Admission Ticket Free
Boston Massacre Site
Learn about the soldiers, the citizens, the loyalists, and patriot leaders all pulled into this explosion of tensions!
10 minutes
•
Admission Ticket Free
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!
15 minutes
•
Admission Ticket Free
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.
5 minutes
•
Admission Ticket Free
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!
10 minutes
•
Admission Ticket Free
Quincy Market
Warning! Tourist traps abound!
10 minutes
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Admission Ticket Free
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!
10 minutes
•
Admission Ticket Free
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!
60 minutes
•
Admission Ticket Free
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?
10 minutes
•
Admission Ticket Free
Copp's Hill Burying Ground
We go in depth on the Battle of Bunker Hill. The strategy, the tactics, the consequences.
15 minutes
•
Admission Ticket Free
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
5 minutes
•
Admission Ticket Free
Reviews
BEST TOUR I'VE EVER BEEN ON!
josephoJ2140SD, 28-11-2022
Absolutely the most knowledgeable person I have ever had anywhere for an almost personnel guided tour. I don't write many reviews. Just have to let the world know how great Mike is.
BEST TOUR I'VE EVER BEEN ON!
Great tour for solo travelers!
B5786GSmiab, 23-11-2022
Fantastic way to learn about Boston’s (and America’s) heritage! Entertaining presentation by Mike. I would never have ventured to all of these sights on a self-guided tour.
Wonderful
Reinaldo_P, 20-11-2022
It was a very pleasure, the best thing you can do while visiting Boston.
Very accurate and great presentation.
Awesome Time
chrisolivia99, 20-11-2022
Mike was awesome. He really pieced together a great story. Would highly recommend this tour one of the best that i have been on.
A Must Do in Boston
M8841AHmeganl, 19-11-2022
If you take any tour in Boston, take this one! Mike brought the story of The Revolutionary War to life in a fun and unique way. It’s also a great way to see the city and learn how historical and modern Boston are still so intertwined.
Cannot recommend enough!