The Revolutionary Story Small Group Walking Tour of Boston
Overview
A complete retelling of the American Revolution weaving the landmark sights, iconic characters, main events, and oldest neighborhoods of Boston into one single comprehensive and epic narrative. Most tours limit themselves to the Freedom Trail geographically - starting at one end and following it to the other - providing random information and details along the way. This tour walks the Freedom Trail in the order the revolution unfolded and goes beyond it exploring the city as a whole and bringing out and connecting together the psychologies, personalities, and passions driving the action.
The history is meticulously researched and incorporates insights from the most prestigious scholars in the field but is presented with light-hearted humor and enthusiasm. The goal is to be equal parts educational and entertaining for hardcore history buffs and first-time visitors alike.
Boston Magazine's Best Historical Tour 2022. Viator Experience Award for top tour in the United States.
The history is meticulously researched and incorporates insights from the most prestigious scholars in the field but is presented with light-hearted humor and enthusiasm. The goal is to be equal parts educational and entertaining for hardcore history buffs and first-time visitors alike.
Boston Magazine's Best Historical Tour 2022. Viator Experience Award for top tour in the United States.
Inclusions
- Curated route weaving the main events, characters, and sights of the Revolution into one epic story.
- 14 (of 16) Freedom Trail Sights + Entrance into Faneuil Hall (when open)
- Expert Guide: Owner Operated (Mike); Masters in American History (Tyler)
- Small Group
- Break for Snack / Restroom / Coffee
- Public Spaces & Hidden Hideaways Beyond Freedom Trail: including "Little Italy" and Harborwalk,
- Insights & Interpretations from Prestigious & Pulitzer Prize Winning Historians
- A Sense of Humor
What to expect
Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Stop At: The Revolutionary Story Tour, 1 City Hall Plaza Between City Hall and Staples Connect, Boston, MA 02108
City Hall Plaza is a pedestrian only plaza very centrally located directly across from and overlooking Faneuil Hall. We meet between the Five Iron Golf and City Hall. There is a statue of a basketball player (Bill Russel) in front of the seasonal Beer Garden and next to a large "BOSTON" sign that provides a great photo opportunity to start off the tour with.
Duration: 10 minutes
Pass By: Boston City Hall, 1 City Hall Sq, Boston, MA 02201-1020
Famous (or infamous) for its unique architecture.
Stop At: King's Chapel Burying Ground, Tremont Street Between School And Park Streets, Boston, MA 02108-3201
Learn about the incredibly unique people who first settled Massachusetts Bay. The Puritans are more important (and much weird!) than you can imagine!
Duration: 15 minutes
Pass By: King's Chapel, 58 Tremont St, Boston, MA 02108-3201
First Anglican Church in Boston
Stop At: Granary Burying Ground, Tremont Street (between Park and School Sreets), Boston, MA 02108
Who really were the Sons of Liberty? Visit the tombs of Paul Revere, John Hancock, and Sam Adams and find out!
Duration: 20 minutes
Pass By: Park Street Church, One Park Street, Boston, MA 02108-4899
Brimstone corner. Famous for its fiery sermons. July 4, 1829 "William Lloyd Garrison made his first public address against slavery here.
Stop At: Old City Hall, 45 School St, Boston, MA 02108-3206
Some of the most beautiful architecture in the city is the background of a discussion about the historic obstacles to and inherent challenges of democracy
Duration: 5 minutes
Stop At: Statue of Benjamin Franklin, School St. at City Hall Ave, Boston, MA
Lean about America's first public school and its most famous pupil the incomparable Benjamin Franklin!
Duration: 10 minutes
Stop At: Old State House, 206 Washington St, Boston, MA 02109-1702
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
Duration: 10 minutes
Stop At: Boston Massacre Site, 206 Washington St, Boston, MA 02109-1702
Learn about the soldiers, the citizens, the loyalists, and patriot leaders all pulled into this explosion of tensions!
Duration: 10 minutes
Pass By: Old Corner Bookstore, 283 Washington St, Boston, MA 02108-4304
Former publishing house of American literary icons (Ralph Waldo Emerson, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, Nathanial Hawthorne, and more)
Stop At: Old South Meeting House, 310 Washington St, Boston, MA 02108-4616
The Boston Tea Party starts here! The most pivotal event leading up to the American Revolution. There's no turning back after this!
Duration: 15 minutes
Stop At: Post Office Square, Boston, MA, USA
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.
Duration: 5 minutes
Stop At: Financial District, Financial District, Boston, Massachusetts
Education, Healthcare, & Finance
Duration: 10 minutes
Stop At: Faneuil Hall Marketplace, 1 Faneuil Hall Sq Quincy Market, Boston, MA 02109-1604
"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!
Duration: 15 minutes
Stop At: Quincy Market, 206 S Market St, Boston, MA 02109-6201
Warning! Tourist traps abound!
Duration: 10 minutes
Stop At: Rose Kennedy Greenway, JFK Surface Road, Boston, MA 02111
Beautiful public garden running the length of Boston
Duration: 5 minutes
Stop At: The Paul Revere House, 19 North Sq, Boston, MA 02113-2405
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!
Duration: 10 minutes
Stop At: North Square Park, North Square &, Moon St, Boston, MA 02113
Oldest residential square in America
Duration: 10 minutes
Stop At: Paul Revere Statue, Paul Revere Mall, Boston, MA 02113
Iconic photo opportunity
Duration: 5 minutes
Stop At: North End, North End, Boston, Massachusetts
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!
Duration: 5 minutes
Stop At: Old North Church & Historic Site, 193 Salem St, Boston, MA 02113-1123
"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?
Duration: 10 minutes
Pass By: Copp's Hill Burying Ground, Corner of Snow Hill and Hull Streets, Boston, MA 02118
We go in depth on the Battle of Bunker Hill. The strategy, the tactics, the consequences.
Stop At: Boston Harbor, Boston, MA, USA
We stroll along the Harbor Walk for one of the best views of the city, the beauty of Boston Harbor, and to finally kick the British out of Boston!
Duration: 10 minutes
Stop At: Christopher Columbus Waterfront Park, Atlantic Ave Richmond St, Boston, MA 02110
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
Duration: 5 minutes
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Stop At: The Revolutionary Story Tour, 1 City Hall Plaza Between City Hall and Staples Connect, Boston, MA 02108
City Hall Plaza is a pedestrian only plaza very centrally located directly across from and overlooking Faneuil Hall. We meet between the Five Iron Golf and City Hall. There is a statue of a basketball player (Bill Russel) in front of the seasonal Beer Garden and next to a large "BOSTON" sign that provides a great photo opportunity to start off the tour with.
Duration: 10 minutes
Pass By: Boston City Hall, 1 City Hall Sq, Boston, MA 02201-1020
Famous (or infamous) for its unique architecture.
Stop At: King's Chapel Burying Ground, Tremont Street Between School And Park Streets, Boston, MA 02108-3201
Learn about the incredibly unique people who first settled Massachusetts Bay. The Puritans are more important (and much weird!) than you can imagine!
Duration: 15 minutes
Pass By: King's Chapel, 58 Tremont St, Boston, MA 02108-3201
First Anglican Church in Boston
Stop At: Granary Burying Ground, Tremont Street (between Park and School Sreets), Boston, MA 02108
Who really were the Sons of Liberty? Visit the tombs of Paul Revere, John Hancock, and Sam Adams and find out!
Duration: 20 minutes
Pass By: Park Street Church, One Park Street, Boston, MA 02108-4899
Brimstone corner. Famous for its fiery sermons. July 4, 1829 "William Lloyd Garrison made his first public address against slavery here.
Stop At: Old City Hall, 45 School St, Boston, MA 02108-3206
Some of the most beautiful architecture in the city is the background of a discussion about the historic obstacles to and inherent challenges of democracy
Duration: 5 minutes
Stop At: Statue of Benjamin Franklin, School St. at City Hall Ave, Boston, MA
Lean about America's first public school and its most famous pupil the incomparable Benjamin Franklin!
Duration: 10 minutes
Stop At: Old State House, 206 Washington St, Boston, MA 02109-1702
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
Duration: 10 minutes
Stop At: Boston Massacre Site, 206 Washington St, Boston, MA 02109-1702
Learn about the soldiers, the citizens, the loyalists, and patriot leaders all pulled into this explosion of tensions!
Duration: 10 minutes
Pass By: Old Corner Bookstore, 283 Washington St, Boston, MA 02108-4304
Former publishing house of American literary icons (Ralph Waldo Emerson, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, Nathanial Hawthorne, and more)
Stop At: Old South Meeting House, 310 Washington St, Boston, MA 02108-4616
The Boston Tea Party starts here! The most pivotal event leading up to the American Revolution. There's no turning back after this!
Duration: 15 minutes
Stop At: Post Office Square, Boston, MA, USA
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.
Duration: 5 minutes
Stop At: Financial District, Financial District, Boston, Massachusetts
Education, Healthcare, & Finance
Duration: 10 minutes
Stop At: Faneuil Hall Marketplace, 1 Faneuil Hall Sq Quincy Market, Boston, MA 02109-1604
"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!
Duration: 15 minutes
Stop At: Quincy Market, 206 S Market St, Boston, MA 02109-6201
Warning! Tourist traps abound!
Duration: 10 minutes
Stop At: Rose Kennedy Greenway, JFK Surface Road, Boston, MA 02111
Beautiful public garden running the length of Boston
Duration: 5 minutes
Stop At: The Paul Revere House, 19 North Sq, Boston, MA 02113-2405
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!
Duration: 10 minutes
Stop At: North Square Park, North Square &, Moon St, Boston, MA 02113
Oldest residential square in America
Duration: 10 minutes
Stop At: Paul Revere Statue, Paul Revere Mall, Boston, MA 02113
Iconic photo opportunity
Duration: 5 minutes
Stop At: North End, North End, Boston, Massachusetts
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!
Duration: 5 minutes
Stop At: Old North Church & Historic Site, 193 Salem St, Boston, MA 02113-1123
"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?
Duration: 10 minutes
Pass By: Copp's Hill Burying Ground, Corner of Snow Hill and Hull Streets, Boston, MA 02118
We go in depth on the Battle of Bunker Hill. The strategy, the tactics, the consequences.
Stop At: Boston Harbor, Boston, MA, USA
We stroll along the Harbor Walk for one of the best views of the city, the beauty of Boston Harbor, and to finally kick the British out of Boston!
Duration: 10 minutes
Stop At: Christopher Columbus Waterfront Park, Atlantic Ave Richmond St, Boston, MA 02110
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
Duration: 5 minutes
Additional information
- Not wheelchair accessible
- 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.
- Stroller accessible
- Not wheelchair accessible. We cover a significant amount of Boston and those with injuries or mobility limitations may find it difficult to complete.
- Children must be accompanied by an adult. There is no minimum age but the kids who enjoy it the most seem to be those who are old enough to have had some prior exposure to the characters and story.
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
- Not recommended for travelers with back problems
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- We will be outside in the open air for the duration.
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
- This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 16 travelers
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Ticket delivery
You can present either a paper or an electronic voucher for this activity.
Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start time of the experience.
Cynthia_L
May 2022
Mike was a very knowledgeable and engaging narrator. He brought us to many sites, told interesting stories, and kept a good balance of standing and walking. He definitely knows his history! We recommend this tour!
Mike was a very knowledgeable and engaging narrator. He brought us to many sites, told interesting stories, and kept a good balance of standing and walking. He definitely knows his history! We recommend this tour!Roam821997
May 2022
Mike is an excellent tour guide! Both my son and I loved every minute! Great tour with so much detailed history!
Mike is an excellent tour guide! Both my son and I loved every minute! Great tour with so much detailed history!kberezowitz
May 2022
Mike is beyond excellent. His commentary & ability to pull it all together was so enjoyable. Loud and clear. Fast paced.
Mike is beyond excellent. His commentary & ability to pull it all together was so enjoyable. Loud and clear. Fast paced.SuzanneT1120
May 2022
We as humans learn best through storytelling. Mike is a wonderful, and super knowledgable storyteller! It is one thing to walk the Freedom Trail; it is another to have the Revolutionary Story drama unfold, and build chronologically, with the psychology and actions of all sides considered. Mike ...
We as humans learn best through storytelling. Mike is a wonderful, and super knowledgable storyteller! It is one thing to walk the Freedom Trail; it is another to have the Revolutionary Story drama unfold, and build chronologically, with the psychology and actions of all sides considered. Mike does this while teasing apart myth from fact. Cannot recommend highly enough! You will take a tour once. This is the one!Gina_D
May 2022
Don't miss this tour!!!!! If you have never been to Boston this tour will give you more history in 3 and 1/2 hours than a semester in college. Mike was hilarious and beyond knowledgeable.
Don't miss this tour!!!!! If you have never been to Boston this tour will give you more history in 3 and 1/2 hours than a semester in college. Mike was hilarious and beyond knowledgeable.christies808
May 2022
This tour was amazing! Very informative and the tour guide Mike was awesome! Made it very fun and interactive for the tour participants! Answered questions and made it personal, even with a large group. Highly recommended!
This tour was amazing! Very informative and the tour guide Mike was awesome! Made it very fun and interactive for the tour participants! Answered questions and made it personal, even with a large group. Highly recommended!