Boston Historic Taverns Tour: Tastings & Ferry

Experience the rich history of Boston through a 3.5-hour walking tour of historic taverns. Enjoy tastings, a ferry ride, and learn about iconic figures like Samuel Adams and Paul Revere.

Duration: 3 hours, 30 minutes
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • North End - All Food & Drink Tours start in the North End. The North End is Boston’s oldest neighborhood, first settled in 1630. Today, this area is affectionately known as Little Italy, and is home to some of the City’s very best restaurants, pizzerias and bakeries. From here, walk to historic Long Wharf to catch a scenic Ferry Ride across Boston Harbor!
  • Charlestown Navy Yard - The Charlestown Navy Yard is home to the USS Constitution, the only “floating site” on Boston’s Freedom Trail. Hear the story of how this famous War Ship earned it’s nickname - “Old Ironsides”.
  • Bunker Hill Monument - Bunker Hill is the site of the 1st major battle of the American Revolution. Dr. Joseph Warren died in the waning moments of this historic battle. Hear the story behind that famous military command -
    “Don’t fire til you see the whites of their eyes!”
  • Warren Tavern - Hoist a beer (or wine, or soda!) under the very same roof as George Washington, Samuel Adams, Paul Revere and Dr. Joseph Warren - the taverns namesake. This historic tavern was built in 1780!
  • Old State House - The Old State House is the oldest standing public building in the Eastern US. The circle of cobblestones in front of this historical landmark commemorate the 1st bloodshed of the American Revolution - the Boston Massacre.
  • Faneuil Hall Marketplace - After your return Ferry Ride from Charlestown, explore the Faneuil Hall / Quincy Market area. Faneuil Hall (aka the “Cradle of Liberty”) has always been the central marketplace for Boston, and still is today. Hear the story of wealthy merchant, Peter Faneuil, who built this at his own expense in 1742.
  • Bell In Hand Tavern - The last tavern stop (includes one drink and snacks) will be at either the Green Dragon aka “Headquarters of the Revolution” or the Bell in Hand aka “America’s Oldest Tavern”.
  • North End - This Fun & Unique walking tour finishes back in Boston’s North End for cannoli from a famous North End bakery!
What's Included
  • Explore 5 significant Freedom Trail sites
  • Complimentary snacks provided
  • Experience a scenic round-trip ferry ride across Boston Harbor
  • Relax with a drink at a historic tavern frequented by George Washington and Paul Revere
  • Visit the ‘Oldest Tavern in America’ with history dating back to 1795
  • Guided tour by a professional local expert
  • Enjoy two included drinks (choice of beer, wine or soft drink)
What's Not Included
  • Gratuities
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
Additional Information

Raise a glass to the spirits of Samuel Adams, Paul Revere, and George Washington as you experience nearly 400 years of Tavern History in Boston. This engaging 3.5-hour Walking Tour (approximately 2.5 miles) also features a Round-Trip Ferry ride across the picturesque Boston Harbor! Discover and learn the history of FIVE Freedom Trail sites. The tour includes visits to TWO Historic Taverns, where you can enjoy one drink (beer/wine/soda) and an appetizer at BOTH stops. Along the way, explore Boston’s oldest neighborhoods such as Charlestown Navy Yard, Blackstone Block, Faneuil Hall / Quincy Market, and the North End (Boston’s Little Italy). Visit some of New England’s most historic landmarks as well as two of Boston’s most Historic Taverns. Don’t miss our popular North End Pizza Tour and Boston Seafood Lovers Tour!

  • Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
  • Includes round-trip Public Ferry across Boston harbor.
  • Visits two different Historic Boston Taverns.
  • See FIVE Freedom Trail sites.
  • Includes TWO Drinks, Tavern Appetizers and a cannoli.
  • If the minimum number of 4 travelers isn’t met, we will offer an alternative date or a full refund.
Location
Modern Pastry - Underground
Hanover Street
Tours start in Boston's historic North End. Meet your Tour Guide at Modern Pastry Underground. Please DO NOT wait in line for the pastry shop - walk right in, and head downstairs!
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.7
(102 Ratings)
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396shellyc
Jul 25, 2024
Fantastic Historic Tavern Tour - Our Historic Tavern Tour was fantastic. More than just taverns on this tour, enjoyed the history and the tour of the city! Big Al was entertaining and informative, would definitely recommend!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Michael_k
Jul 24, 2024
Historical taverns - Wonderful experience. Guide sensitive to our pace and limitations. A lot of historical knowledge and anecdotes.
Review provided by Viator
Debbie
Jul 20, 2024
Varied and engaging tour! - This is an excellent tour filled with rich history, told by a very knowledgeable guide! My son and I thoroughly enjoyed each aspect of the walking tour!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Rlobrien0669
Jul 11, 2024
Fantastic time in Boston! - Had a great time on the 4th of July of all times to be in the great city of Boston. Big Al was our guide and we couldn't of asked for anyone better! He was very knowledgeable of the area and the history of the city and oh quite funny! My husband and I had a fantastic time! Highly recommend
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jodye305
May 29, 2024
Best tour! - Best tour I have ever taken! Big Al is the best, so knowledgeable and entertaining. I would absolutely recommend taking this tour
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Alla_p
May 16, 2024
Excellent tour - Al was an excellent guide. He told stories as like he was part of them. He showed us more then it was described in the tour.
Review provided by Viator
L9570lmsusanl
May 16, 2024
Fantastic tour with history, great tour guide and delicious beer/food - Al was THE best tour guide! He was lively and full of information and personality. The tour itself was already great in of itself. We stopped by the boston massacre site, the navy shipyard, Bunker hill, and the 2 oldest taverns. We probably walked a few miles but it didn’t seem like it because there was so much to see as we were walking and Al gave us information about everything at the same time. If you’re a history buff, Al is the tour guide to get. He was easygoing, funny, accommodating, took pics for us. At the very end, we were running late for our flight and he offered to walk all the way to the Modern pastries’ shop to get us cannolis. He went over and beyond 😃 the appetizers at the taverns were delicious and so was the beer. Appetizers were plentiful. You MUST do this tour!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
H2142uxkevinc
May 14, 2024
History, Drinks/Eats & Fun - Our tour guide (“Big Al”) was exceptional, as he seamlessly blended his extensive knowledge of historic sites with other interesting snippets/background information. Al’s boundless energy and enthusiasm, coupled with his keen sense of humor, made for a really fun afternoon!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kevin_c
May 14, 2024
History, Drinks/Eats & Fun - Our tour guide (“Big Al”) was exceptional, as he seamlessly blended his knowledge of historical sites with other interesting snippets/background information. Al’s boundless energy and enthusiasm, coupled with a great sense of humor, made for a really fun afternoon!
Review provided by Viator
U8900vpjessicas
Jun 11, 2024
2 taverns in 4 hours - This was really fun and our tour guide, Alvin was great. Lots to see walking around and if you’re interested to see the rest of the Freedom Trail beyond the 90 minute one from Boston Commons, this is a great one to do.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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