The Revolutionary Story Walking Tour in Boston in Boston booking from $76.00

The Revolutionary Story Walking Tour in Boston

Overview

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.

City: Boston

Sun 06 Oct

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $76.00

Make a reservation

Sun 06 Oct

Starting at $76.00

Make a reservation

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What's Included

12 (of 15) Freedom Trail sights visited

Restroom / Coffee / Snack break midway through

Insights from prestigious historians and scholarship

A sense of humor

Additional Info

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
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.
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.
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. However, every child is different and parents know their own best.
We will be outside in the open air for the duration.

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.

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!

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!

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.

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 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!

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!

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 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.

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

Show 11 more stops

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Traveler Photos

Reviews (812)

Kristi_R

Mar 2022

Hearing the history in such great detail and in chronological order was such a rich experience! Mike is truly a wealth of knowledge, and makes learning it so fun!!

hrobinson1114

Mar 2022

As Mike told us at the beginning of the tour, he has degrees in history and political science and a graduate degree in policy. Having trouble finding a fitting job, he developed the Revolutionary Story Tour. And I am glad he did! As his website states, this is not a gimmicky, costumed 90 minute tour. Mike has very carefully developed this tour after extensive research, even speaking with authors and experts. The tour, which is about four hours in length and covers over three miles, is done chronologically. He is a magnetic, engaging speaker who is very witty, intelligent, and funny (he explained the Battle of Bunker Hill using Lego characters, which I loved). He doesn't just spit out random places and people; he is able to connect each character to the others, and explains each event that led to the Revolution. He is able to put this network of characters into the historically correct places and you can envision the Revolution unfolding before your very eyes. He adds more "why" and "how" than any of my history classes ever did. He also does some fun interactive exercises with the group and has a ton of pics and maps to enrich the process. He also adds in some modern day Boston history, explaining their more recent events and architecture, and explains how Boston nearly lost its historical and walkable feel, but was revitalized in the last part of the 20th century and the early part of the 21st century. He also gives a ton of dood and drink recommendations along the way. The basics: the tour is 60 dollars (worth every penny). There is a lot of walking, and Mike is a tall guy who keeps a fast pace between spots, so be ready to move. Not sure a disabled person would be able to do this tour, as there are some steps and a lot of uneven ground, but wouldn't hurt to ask, because Mike is such a nice guy who really seems to accommodate people the best he can! The tour is over three miles of walking, but there are opportunities for rest breaks and a bathroom break in the middle. Mike also has a very reasonable cancellation policy. He's a great communicator! Our original tour date was rained out, and he immediately assembled a new tour on the following day. He was very clear with meeting directions and made everything very easy. Oh, and he keeps the group small, so no overcrowding! Can't recommend this enough. I did a ton of research before choosing this tour. Also saw a lot of other tours in action. I really think this one is the very best.

Vacationer397581

Mar 2022

Mike was an excellent tour host. He was so knowledgeable and my husband and I learned so much. Make sure you have good walking shoes and layers because it did get chilly at times even though the sun was out. We highly recommend this to learn about so many details of the American Revolution.

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The Revolutionary Story Walking Tour in Boston

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