Total Boston
Boston, USA
From EUR 175.86
Office phone number: + 1 617 539 8271
Total Boston
Boston, USA
Culture shock rating
Worried we’re going to shock your senses? Relax! We believe part of the fun of travel is immersing yourself in the destination and its culture, meeting the people, and learning what makes the place tick. We’ve got a wide range of tours with something for everybody. The cultural shock rating ranks how different the experience is from most Western cultures. But no matter the level, don’t worry, you’ll have a local, in-the-know guide with you every step of the way.
Low
Consider these tours your 101 intro to a place. Transportation might be private or a very comfortable public option, and the activities are usually visits to iconic sites and locations that are familiar to most Western cultures – but that will still give you fantastic insight into a destination.
Medium
Expect to rough it for parts of this tour, whether that’s on a packed public bus or in a local market off the tourist trail. There might be a few language barriers or unfamiliar cultural customs, and you’ll get an experience different from what you're used to at home.
High
You're out there in the global community! We’re going to take you down streets you’d rarely explore on your own, introduce you to local customs and languages, and take you for a ride in whatever transport is available. Get ready to take it as it comes, whatever comes. There might be a shock, but oh man, it’s worth it.
Physical rating
Worried our tours are too tough? Relax! From leisurely strolls to muscle-burning treks, we’ve got a wide range of tours with something for everybody. The physical grading gives you an idea of how much huffing and puffing you can expect on the tour.
Low
Slow and steady is all you need here. These tours have very limited physical activity, such as walking relatively flat streets, sites, or markets, and climbing in and out of the transport provided.
Medium
Not too hard, not too soft, these tours are just right! You can expect a bit of physical activity, but nothing overly challenging – perhaps walking up and down hills, riding a bike for up to 30 kilometers along mostly flat terrain, or jumping in a kayak for a gentle paddle on flat water.
High
Get ready for a workout! These tours are our most challenging and involve intense walking, hiking, kayaking, swimming, or bike riding. You could be making steep climbs by foot or pedal, or working your core in the water. We recommend you have a good level of fitness to join this tour.
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Tour snapshot
Get a feel for Boston on a full day tour with a local guide! Visit the city’s most revered church, taste her best food, take a journey along the Freedom Trail and join us for an epic game of bowling, Boston-style! Along the way, you’ll discover the city’s fascinating history, ride the oldest subway line in the USA and take in amazing views of the city skyline on a water taxi. Take this tour if you want to get the most our of our beautiful city and we promise it will be a day that you’ll never forget!
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Highlights
- Walk past some of the most historic locations in Boston’s oldest neighborhood
- Take in the tastes and smells of a traditional salumeria, a generations-old bakery, and a family-run pastry shop
- Join your local guide for a fun-filled journey on and off Boston’s famous Freedom Trail
- Take a turn at candle-pin bowling, New England-style, or find your inner pool shark at a local billiards hall and enjoy a beer with us!
- Enjoy breathtaking views of the skyline as you float through Boston Harbor on a water taxi
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Schedule details
- Duration: 9 hours
- Meeting point:
The Aquarium “T” Station (Outside, in front of the Long Wharf Entrance – Northeast Corner of State St. and Atlantic Ave.) 222 State Street, Boston, MA 02109
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- Find the exact meeting point with what3words:
- Starting time: 10.00 AM
- Ending point:
Long Wharf (or nearby dock), 66 Long Wharf, Boston, MA 02110
Language: English
Inclusions: Local English-speaking guide, a variety of food samples such as pizza, pastries, fresh bread and charcuterie, entrance fee to the historic church, one beer (or non-alcoholic beverage of your choice), “T” (subway) ticket, 2-3 snacks, bowling alley fee OR billiards table fee, water taxi ticket.
Exclusions: Additional food and drink, souvenirs, tips/gratuities for your guide.
This Total Boston tour combines three of our most popular group tours — North End Food Tour, From Food to Freedom Trail and Bowling, Bites & A Boat Ride — to give you one perfect day out!
Your Boston adventure begins at the lifeblood of Boston, the Boston Harbor. 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 1700s.
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 Italian meats and cheeses at their finest and freshest.
Take in the energy of the North End’s busiest corridor, Hanover Street, as you take time for a break with your guide at a traditional Italian cafe Here, you will have a chance to enjoy your choice of a classic cappuccino, espresso, or tea.
Next up, we will make our way to the Old North Church and step inside its hallowed walls. After Church, we’ll dive deeper into the local side of the North End, where a taste of pizza awaits at a neighborhood favorite. We cap off the North End food experience with samples of the best Italian pastries located in the backstreets. Hopefully there will be a chance to meet and chat with the best bakers around if we catch them at a quiet moment.
Rest your legs for a bit before continuing on with your guide toward the historic Custom House Tower, the city’s first skyscraper. We’ll take a quick peek inside this picturesque building if we can, then we’ll lead you toward the famous Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market.
Moving into the heart of Downtown Boston, we’ll stop in front of the Old State House, site of the Boston Massacre. A short trek through Downtown Crossing and past Old City Hall will take you to one of the most historic places in the country, King’s Chapel Burial Ground and King’s Chapel. Whenever possible, your guide will take you inside King’s Chapel, the first church in the USA to have a pipe organ. If we’re lucky, we might just get to hear it being played.
Somewhere along the way during this tour, you’ll have a chance to rest your legs and enjoy a refreshing local beer. Your guide will choose from among some of the most historic, quirky and hidden local bars and taverns in the area.
On most weekdays, you’ll have a chance to see the government at work (or not) inside the inspiring, historic and beautiful Massachusetts State House. Outside, you can take in the views of modern Boston, including the skyscrapers of Downtown, the Financial District, and the tallest building in New England: the John Hancock Tower.
We’ll continue our journey through Beacon Hill, where you’ll have a chance to take in the quintessential architecture of Boston’s red brick row houses. Get out your cameras — this neighborhood is one of the most photogenic in the city.
We arrive at the beautiful Boston Public Garden, one of Boston’s favorite green spaces, where you’ll see locals walking the dogs, playing with their kids and enjoying lunch in the shade.
After a short walk or ride back to Long Wharf, you’ll be recharged and ready for an unforgettable time in East Boston. Head underground with your guide to the Blue Line T Station. Your guide will help you navigate the modern system as you get on the train and travel under the harbor through the oldest subway tunnel in the country, which happens to be the third oldest in the world, dating all the way back to 1904.
We’ll then get off the train and enjoy the local neighborhood scene. As we walk, you’ll see shops and restaurants reflecting the diversity of East Boston’s residents.
Next, it’s time for bowling Boston-style! Before hitting the lanes, you’ll have the option to pick up a beverage to bring over to this classic neighborhood bowling alley, which encourages you to BYOB. With manual scoring, gravity-powered ball return, and wood paneling, this joint hasn’t changed much in 60 years. If bowling isn’t available, we’ll make our way over to our favorite billiard hall where we’ll have a chance to play a game of pool together with the locals.
The evening continues as you walk down Meridian Street, taking in some murals depicting the history and influence of immigration in East Boston. We will continue to Maverick Square, where we will enjoy a snack or two along the way. You’ll discover the best variety of food in all of Boston concentrated in this area, from Colombian bakeries, to Italian sandwich shops, Mexican taquerias, El Salvadorian cafes and Chinese restaurants.
Next, we head to the waterfront for stunning views of the skyline and, at certain times of the year, you’ll have a chance to catch an amazing sunset.
If time allows, and on certain days of the week, we’ll continue walking through the neighborhood and then along the water through a picturesque park and into the Boston Shipyard. Here you’ll see some creative public art, and a chance to visit a local ciderhouse for a tasting. One final bite or two of the amazing East Boston food might also be in the mix.
Finally, we’ll call the water taxi to bring us back across the harbor. Get your cameras ready for some of the best views of Boston from the water. From the boat, your guide will point out the must-see neighborhoods and landmarks that make Boston special. Take it all in and enjoy the harbor in style as you cruise back into Long Wharf.
After an epic day, you’ll probably be ready for bed but before you go, don’t forget to ask your guide for tips on what else to see, do and eat in buzzing Boston!
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Additional information
Inclusions: Local English-speaking guide, a variety of food samples such as pizza, pastries, fresh bread and charcuterie, entrance fee to the historic church, one beer (or non-alcoholic beverage of your choice), “T” (subway) ticket, 2-3 snacks, bowling alley fee OR billiards table fee, water taxi ticket.
Exclusions: Additional food and drink, souvenirs, tips/gratuities for your guide.
Your Trip: For your Urban Adventure you will be in a small group of a maximum of 12 people.
Confirmation of booking: If you have your voucher, your booking is confirmed. We'll see you at the start point. Get in touch if you have any concerns or require more information via the email address or phone number (business hours only) on your voucher.
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.
Closure of sites: In the event of a site closure, we will do our best to replace it with a similar alternative.
Child Policy: This is a child-friendly tour. Children between the ages of 6 and 11 inclusively are permitted on this tour at the rate listed above. Please select ‘child’ above when booking. Children under the age of 6 are permitted to join this tour free of charge. Please inform us at the time of booking if you’ll be bringing a child under the age of 6. You can do so in the special request box on the checkout page.
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Dietary Notes
We can accommodate vegetarians and other dietary restrictions. Please notify us in advance if you have any dietary requests. You can do so in the ‘Additional information’ box at checkout, or by emailing us at info@bostonurbanadventures.com.
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Local contact
Office phone number: + 1 617 539 8271
Email address: info@bostonurbanadventures.com
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