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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
Mon 23 Dec
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You can choose the date already on the booking website
Starting at $76.00
Mon 23 Dec
Starting at $76.00
Make a reservation
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
1
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.
2
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!
3
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!
4
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.
5
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
6
Boston Massacre Site
Learn about the soldiers, the citizens, the loyalists, and patriot leaders all pulled into this explosion of tensions!
7
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!
8
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!
9
Quincy Market
Warning! Tourist traps abound!
10
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!
11
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!
12
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?
13
Copp's Hill Burying Ground
We go in depth on the Battle of Bunker Hill. The strategy, the tactics, the consequences.
14
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)
Aaron B
Jun 2018
Mike is educated, well read, and passionate. The experience may only be 3hrs, but I was able to drill down on specific topics after the tour, and use him as an encyclopedia. As current education trends are intentionally eliminating American History, people similar to Mike are invaluable to our republic. You gotta do it!
NameIWantedWasTaken7
May 2018
This historical walking tour is highly recommended. We were part of a small group and enjoyed Mike's undivided attention. His enthusiasm for his subject is matched by his expert historical knowledge. He didn't simply take us from site to site, he fleshed out the main characters in the story, including assigning roles to different members of the tour. While giving us the story of the American revolution he put it in a context stretching back to the founding of the colony, and reaching forward to give us foreigners a bit of an insight into the modern American psyche. He answered all our questions - he is a genuine historian with a knack for communicating. Everything you want to know about Boston! This tour should be a must for any visitor. Even if you think history is boring, give Mike a chance to prove you wrong
Matt T
May 2018
The tour guide, Mike, was engaging throughout the full three hour experience while he showed us Boston through the narrative of the American Revolution. Mike encouraged interaction from the small group and kept things light by assigning us characters throughout the tour (I was John Hancock). Not only did I get to see all of the major historical sights in Boston, but I also learned their historical significance.I believe he said he has a degree in both American History and Poly Sci and it showed. Mike pulled out pictures, props, or maps at almost every stop to help explain his points and was able to clearly answer every question asked on the tour. This was not like any other city tour I've been on. If you are looking for a quick 30 minute walk around Boston by someone dressed in character, this is not for you. If you want a comprehensive tour of the city and it's history in just a few hours, then take a serious look at this tour especially while it's still discounted at $25.

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