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

Fri 20 Sep

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Starting at $76.00

Make a reservation

Fri 20 Sep

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)

Ken and Laura R

May 2018

We took the tour on May 1st, 2018. Mike, the owner-operator, was our guide and told us this tour was the first weekday event of the year. Our group was small and Mike intends to keep it that way. His knowledge of the history and geography of Boston is amazing. But what really makes his tour dynamic is his personality and enthusiasm for what he does. He does not play a historical "character" as he tells the story of Boston but rather narrates the events that led to the call for independence while navigating through the divergent neighborhoods of Boston, all with low-key charm and wit. All questions were welcomed and Mike does not limit the discussion to the colonial period. We walked away (Mike spent nearly 4 hours with us!!!) with a great, new perspective on Boston and that we certainly spent our time well. Definitely recommend to those with even a passing interest in historical Boston, as well as the hard-core history buff. Continued success to Mike!

vpo82

Apr 2018

I went on this tour on the perfect spring day in Boston. We were a small group. There were only about 5 of us. The tour meanders throughout downtown Boston and the North End and follows the people, places, and events that led up to the American Revolution. Mike, the tour guide, has a scholarly approach to his tour and certainly knows his stuff. His multiple degrees in history and philosophy add a unique flavor to his storytelling abilities. It was impressive. I tried stumping him with a few curve ball history questions. I failed. I think what I found most interesting is how Mike described the tensions and conflicting philosophies between the Puritans and the Church of England – and the creative response early America took to bypass various injunctions placed by the British. He painted a vivid picture of early American culture and it in many ways felt eerily similar to our political discourse today. Be advised: This is a walking tour where you’ll hit your 10,000 steps for the day… so get ready to walk. I don’t recommend this for small children or the physically unfit. Also, bring water and snacks. Halfway through the tour I was super hungry and had to sneak off to grab a bite. Luckily, the tour includes wireless headphones so you can hear the tour guide even when you wander off a bit – so I didn’t miss too much. In summary, this is a tour for adults who are specifically interested in the revolutionary war buildup in Boston. This doesn’t talk about the first Dunkin Donuts to open downtown or about who won the World Series in 2004. It’s more like a field trip from a university level history professor. Most people visiting Boston will want to go on a Duck Tour. But for those want it heavy on the revolution, this is the jackpot.

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The Revolutionary Story Walking Tour in Boston

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