Uncover Boston’s captivating past on this 3.5-hour walking and ferry tour. Explore the city’s iconic historic pubs, indulge in delectable food and drinks, and take in the scenic views of Boston Harbor. Led by an enthusiastic guide, this tour promises an engaging experience that blends the rich history and vibrant pub culture of this remarkable city. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, this tour offers a unique opportunity to discover the hidden gems that make Boston truly special.
Key Points
- A 3.5-hour walking tour that explores Boston’s historic pubs, landmarks, and includes a scenic round-trip ferry ride across Boston Harbor.
- Visits two iconic Boston taverns for drinks and appetizers, and concludes with a sweet treat from a renowned North End pastry shop.
- Follows in the footsteps of American Revolutionary heroes like George Washington and provides opportunities for photo stops at significant sites.
- Suitable for couples, friends, and solo travelers, with comfortable shoes recommended and hotel pickup/drop-off not included.
- Highly rated tour with an enthusiastic and knowledgeable guide, and an overall rating of 4.9/5 based on 49 reviews.
Tour Overview
The Boston: Historic Pubs Walking & Ferry, Food & Drink Tour is a 3.5-hour experience that takes visitors on a journey through Boston’s historic pubs and landmarks.
Priced from $99 per person, the tour includes a scenic round-trip ferry ride, visits to two historic taverns for drinks and appetizers, and a sweet treat from a renowned North End pastry shop.
Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance. The tour is likely to sell out, so checking availability for starting times is recommended.
Comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are advised for this walking tour.
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Experience Highlights
One of the main highlights of this tour is the opportunity to visit historic taverns, including the Oldest Tavern in America established in 1795.
Guests will follow in the footsteps of American Revolutionary heroes like George Washington, Paul Revere, and Samuel Adams as they explore the city’s historic neighborhoods and landmarks.
The tour also includes a scenic round-trip ferry ride across Boston Harbor, offering stunning views of the city skyline.
At two historic taverns, participants can enjoy drinks and appetizers, seeing the city’s rich history and culture.
The tour concludes with a sweet treat from a renowned North End pastry shop.
Itinerary Details
The tour begins at the Modern Pastry – Underground location in Boston’s North End neighborhood.
From there, the guided walking tour explores historic neighborhoods and landmarks. Participants enjoy scenic views during the round-trip ferry ride across Boston Harbor.
They also stop for photo opportunities at sites like Bunker Hill.
The 3.5-hour experience includes visits to two historic taverns, where guests enjoy one drink and appetizers at each.
The tour concludes with a sweet treat from a renowned North End bakery.
In total, 70 minutes are dedicated to the food and drink experiences.
Tour Inclusions
This tour includes an English-speaking guide to lead participants through the historic pubs and landmarks.
A knowledgeable English-speaking guide will lead you through Boston’s historic pubs and landmarks on this immersive tour.
The tour also includes:
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Visits to two iconic Boston taverns.
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A round-trip ferry ride across Boston Harbor.
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Two drinks (draft beer, house wine, or soft drink) and tavern appetizers.
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Tips for the knowledgeable guide.
Hotel pickup and drop-off aren’t included.
Travelers are advised to wear comfortable shoes and pack weather-appropriate clothing for the walking portions of the tour.
More Great Tours NearbyCustomer Feedback
How does the Boston Historic Pubs Tour fare in customer reviews? Based on 49 reviews, the tour earns an impressive 4.9/5 overall rating. Participants consistently praise the knowledgeable and enthusiastic guide, who brings the city’s historic pubs and landmarks to life. The tour is suitable for couples, friends, and solo travelers, though not recommended for young children. Reviewers advise wearing comfortable shoes and dressing for the weather to fully enjoy the experience, which includes a scenic ferry ride across Boston Harbor and treats from a renowned North End bakery.
| Reviewer Type | Rating | Recommendations |
| — | — | — |
| Couples | 5/5 | Wear comfortable shoes |
| Friends | 5/5 | Dress for the weather |
| Solo Travelers | 4.8/5 | Not for young children |
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Historic Taverns: The Oldest in America
One of the highlights of the Boston Historic Pubs Tour is the opportunity to visit the oldest tavern in America, established in 1795. This iconic hotel offers a glimpse into the nation’s past, where patrons can soak in the rich history and ambiance.
The tavern visit includes:
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Sampling traditional colonial-era drinks and appetizers.
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Exploring the well-preserved interior, complete with original features and furnishings.
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Learning about the tavern’s role in shaping American history and the stories of its famous patrons.
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Capturing memorable photos to commemorate the unique experience.
Scenic Ferry Ride Across Boston Harbor
A scenic round-trip ferry ride across Boston Harbor is one of the highlights of the Boston Historic Pubs Tour.
The ferry offers stunning views of the city skyline and historic landmarks like the USS Constitution. Participants can enjoy the fresh sea breeze and take in the sights during the relaxing 15-minute journey.
This transportation by water provides a unique perspective and a pleasant respite from walking the city’s streets. The ferry ride connects the North End to other iconic Boston neighborhoods, allowing visitors to experience the city from a different vantage point.
Exploring Revolutionary-Era Landmarks
As participants embark on the Boston Historic Pubs Tour, they’ll have the chance to follow in the footsteps of American Revolutionary heroes like George Washington, Paul Revere, and Samuel Adams.
The tour will guide them through historic neighborhoods and landmarks, stopping for photo opportunities at significant sites like Bunker Hill.
As participants traverse through historic neighborhoods, they’ll pause at Bunker Hill for captivating photo opportunities.
Participants can expect:
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Visits to iconic locations that played a role in the American Revolution.
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Insights into the pivotal moments and figures that shaped the nation’s history.
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Captivating narratives from the knowledgeable tour guide.
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A deeper appreciation for Boston’s rich, revolutionary past.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do We Get to Sample Local Beers During the Tour?
Yes, the tour includes drinks at two historic taverns, with options for draft beer, house wine, or soft drinks. This allows participants to sample local beers as part of the overall food and drink experience.
Is There an Option to Modify the Food and Drink Offerings?
While the tour includes two drinks and appetizers at historic taverns, the food and drink offerings are set. Participants can’t modify the selections, but they can choose from the provided options of draft beer, house wine, or soft drinks.
Can We Take Photos Inside the Historic Taverns?
Participants can generally take photos inside the historic taverns visited on the tour, but they should be respectful and avoid disrupting other patrons. The guide may provide guidance on appropriate times and locations for photography during the tour.
Are There Any Dietary Restrictions That Can Be Accommodated?
The tour can accommodate various dietary restrictions, such as vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options, upon request. Participants should notify the tour operator of any special dietary needs when booking the tour.
Can We Extend the Tour After the Initial 3.5 Hours?
The tour includes 3.5 hours of activities. While there’s no option to officially extend the tour, guests can explore the North End neighborhood further on their own after the guided portion concludes.
The Sum Up
This captivating 3.5-hour tour offers a unique blend of Boston’s historic pubs, scenic harbor views, and delectable food and drinks. Participants will embark on a round-trip ferry ride, visit two iconic taverns, and indulge in a sweet treat, all while learning about the city’s rich past from an enthusiastic guide. It’s a must-do experience for anyone seeking to enjoy Boston’s vibrant pub culture and history.
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