Boston: North End to Freedom Trail – Food & History Walking Tour

Discover the local side of Boston’s most popular neighborhood, the North End.  Visit Boston’s most revered church and snack your way through the neighborhood, tasting meats, cheeses, fresh bread, pastries, pizza and cappuccino.  Continue along the Freedom Trail and beyond and experience modern Boston through the city’s incredible history.  From the iconic Boston Harbor,  into the heart of beautiful Beacon Hill, join your local guide on an experience that connects you to the Boston of old and new.

Your North End to the Freedom Trail combines our North End Food Tour and our History and Highlights Tour to make up a brilliant half day tour that will give you a comprehensive introduction to our fair city. Your experience begins at the lifeblood of Boston, the Boston Harbor. Walk through a scenic waterfront park, with views of the harbor, East Boston and the historic wharfs lining Atlantic Ave. We’ll make our way to the heart of the North End, with views of some of the most historic sites and properties in the neighborhood, some dating back to the late 1600s and early 1700s.

Here, you’ll hear about the notable revolutionaries who were the first to advocate for independence from Great Britain.

We will pass by the Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway, a linear park located in several Downtown Boston neighborhoods. It consists of landscaped gardens, promenades, plazas, fountains, art, and specialty lighting systems.

We’ll make our way to the heart of the North End, with views of some of the most historic sites. Tasty food is never far away in the North End. Your guide will introduce you to a small, hidden Italian bakery serving up fresh bread daily. A proper Italian salumeria is next, where you’ll have a chance to enjoy some Italian meats and cheeses. Next up, we’ll take in the energy of the North End’s busiest corridor, Hanover Street, where it’s time for a mid-tour break with your guide at a traditional Italian café.

You’ll hear stories about some of the most influential events that happened in Boston, including Paul Revere’s Midnight Ride. We will make our way to the Old North Church and step inside the hallowed walls. The Old North Church is closed until the beginning of April. During this time, we will not be able to visit inside the church, but we will stop outside of it.

A short trek through Downtown Crossing

From Faneuil Hall, you’ll be able to see Custom House Tower, the first skyscraper built in the city of Boston and originally the location where incoming goods were stored upon arrival to Boston.

Moving into the heart of Downtown Boston, we stop in front of the Old State House. This is where the Declaration of Independence was announced to elated crowds in July 1776 - your guide will paint quite the picture for you of that exciting time in Boston. On the flip side, you’ll also hear about the tragic Boston Massacre that occurred here and what led up to that fateful day.

You can’t come to Boston and not mention the Boston Tea Party. While at this stop, which was originally a church, your guide will fill you in on all that led up to the infamous event. Learn who said “No taxation without representation!” and how Bostonians planned their act of rebellion in 1773.

Next we’ll pass by the site of the first bookstore in Boston, which has housed the publishers of Thoreau’s Walden, Hawthorne’s The Scarlet Letter, and Longfellow - you may have heard of his famous tale: Midnight Ride of Paul Revere.

This hall was home to the city council in the 19th and 20th century, as well as the site of the first public school in America. You’ll also marvel at its breathtaking French architecture and be able to snap a photo with the famed Bronze Donkey.

A short trek through Downtown Crossing and past the Old City Hall takes you to one of the most historic places in the country – King’s Chapel, the first Anglican church in New England. Your guide will teach you about its history and its progression through the centuries. If we're lucky, we could hear the organist practicing on the oldest church organ in the US.

Originally part of Boston Common, this cemetery dates back to 1660. Along the way, you’ll pass by the final resting spot of famous Revolutionary heroes like John Hancock, Paul Revere, and Sam Adams.

The oldest city park in the United States, Boston Common (not Commons) is a favorite with locals and visitors alike. Walking through the park, you’ll see various memorials, fountains, and recreation areas - which have been enjoyed daily since 1634.

One of the most popular and well-known neighborhoods in all of Boston, this area wasn’t always as attractive as it is today. You’ll peek down the cobbled streets as your guide shares the fascinating history of this area - how sailors and British soldiers in the 17th and 18th centuries actually decreased its favor for local residents and how it became the iconic and aspirational neighborhood it is today.

• Wheelchair accessible
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• This is a child-friendly tour. Children under the age of 6 are permitted to join this tour free of charge.
• This tour can accommodate vegetarian, vegans, and gluten free options. Please notify us in advance at least 24 h before the tour start time if you have any dietary requests.
• This tour is environmentally friendly because unlike many of the tour companies in Boston, you walk as opposed to using buses or other vehicles.
• In the morning when you are in the famous North End, all of the food stops are 100% owned and run by locals, ensuring that local people benefit from tourism to their city. So any inclusions on the tour and additional purchases you make will directly benefit the local community.
• You also stop at one of the world-famous churches which is as much a part of Boston's (and America's) history as you can get. The Old North Church is a non-profit organization that works hard to educate school children and adults on American history and colonial life. By paying an entrance fee, you are helping to maintain the church and their work.
• We reserve the right to change both the route and places visited within the tour. Food inclusions are subject to change, dependent on availability on the day.
• Suitable for all ages and fitness levels, but please note that this tour covers 8 km (5 miles) of walking.

• Food & History Tour
  Add
  

• Enjoy a surprise local treat
• Admire the historic Old North Church (or equivalent alternative)- Entrance fee Included
• Get tips on what else to see, do and eat during your stay
• Join Friendly Local English-speaking guide and learn some local secrets
• Enjoy 3 food stops (with a variety of food samples such as fresh bread, pizza, meats, and cheese)
• Relax the Italian Way with Hot Italian beverage and Pastry
• Enjoy the stunning views from Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market
• Learn about the Sons of Liberty and see where the Boston Tea Party took place

• Tips/gratuities for your guide
• Additional food and drink

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Drop Off Information Your tour will conclude in a different part of Boston, more than a mile away. We recommend walking, taking public transit, or taking a taxi to get to the meeting point for your tour. If you need to return to the starting location, your guide will be happy to provide general directions. In the event of a site closure, we will do our best to replace it with a similar alternative. Dress Code Comfortable shoes for walking are recommended. Dietary Information On this tour we can accommodate vegetarian, vegans, and gluten free options. Please notify us in advance at least 24 h before the tour start time if you have any dietary requests. Additional Information Entrance to the Massachusetts State House requires a government ID and all guests must pass through metal detectors. The State House is open on weekdays only, we will find alternate sites to visit on weekends. Weather Experience happens rain, shine, or snow unless such weather constitutes a dangerous situation. Child Policy Please inform us if you’ll be bringing a child under the age of 6. Tipping Your Guide A tip / gratuity for your guide is not included in the price of this tour. If you feel that your guide has done their best to provide a personal and engaging experience, giving a gratuity is encouraged. Review us How did we do? Your experience matters! Let us know by leaving a review.

Please be advised..

• This Tour is Provided by Intrepid Urban Adventures - USA.
• Tour Timezone & Starts at America/New_York.
• Mobile or paper ticket accepted.
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
• This Tour is Rated 5 Stars based on 1498 valid reviews on VIATOR.
• Minimum 1 Travelers is required to book.
• Maximum 12 Travelers is accepted for booking.