A great way to get an overview of Boston is by taking a tour. But what choices! You can go by foot, by
trolley, by boat, or even by duck, and each tour gives a unique perspective into the heart of Boston.
Trolley Tours
You can pick up one of these trolleys in front of your hotel, or at the Boston Common Visitor Information
Center, (146 Tremont Street, 617-536-4100). There are about five different trolley tours; the cost is about
$18-25 per adult. The trolleys let you get on and off as many times as you want, so you can spend time at
the Boston Common, Fanueil Hall and New England Aquarium. Try Boston Trolley (617-269-3626), Old Town
Trolley (617-269-7150), or Beantown Trolley, (617-236-2148).
Duck Tours
The Boston Duck Tours (617-723-DUCK) take you by land and by sea. A strange-looking amphibious creature on the highway, the Duck is a re-conditioned World War II
vehicle that takes you through Boston's historic Back Bay, onto elegant Newbury Street, the State House, the
Boston Common and more. Suddenly, your Duck spreads its wings and splashes into the Charles River for more
fun. The tour encourages visitors to "quack" at the locals. The 80-minute tour is $21 for adults, $18 for
seniors and students and $11 for kids ages 4-12.
Cruising
Sail through Boston Harbor on any one of the sightseeing cruises including Boston Harbor Cruises
(617-227-4321) or Massachusetts Bay Lines (617-542-800) which cruise though Boston Harbor. The
Charles River Boat Company (617-621-3001), takes your around the Charles, and gives you pretty views of
Cambridge. The tours cost from $8-10, and take about 60-90 minutes.
Ghosts & Graveyards
They're not just for Halloween anymore! Prepare to be spooked by some of Boston's most haunted haunts. Try
out the Minuteman Tours (617-269-3626) or the Old Town Trolley Tours (617-269-7150) and hear the tales of
Boston's Dark Side.
Horse and Buggy
Boston Hansom Cabs (toll free: 1-877-282-5250) offer romantic, leisurely rides through the North End,
Beacon Hill, Boston Common, Back Bay and much more.
The Great Limo Race
Boston's most unique scavenger hunt.
It's an absolutely wild romp around town. Each team of six, toting a
Polaroid camera and a custom scavenger list, navigates their own
stretch limo to capture on film as many items on their list as three
hours will allow. Everyone comes back laughing and telling some
great stories. (Group rates for 18 or more) You pick the time and
the point of departure. $55.00 per person (781) 320-0040
The Boston Barhopping Tour
A good time? ... You bet. This tour has been featured in the
Wall Street Journal and US Magazine. Over eight thousand people have
enjoyed this non-stop party. Our funky school bus takes us to some
of the best clubs and little known watering holes. We'll visit 3-4
bars during the course of the evening and take care of cover charges
and supply each tour with a host to coordinate the evening. Climb
aboard and let the fun begin! The cost is $35 per person.
21+ (781) 320-0040
Old Town Trolley's (Historic Tours of America)
Boston Brew Pub Tour
OK, so you're thirsty, and you're looking for
something a little less traditional than a walking tour of Boston. Old Town Trolley (617-269-7150) drops
you off at some favorite microbreweries/restaurants like the Commonwealth Brewery, Brew Moon Restaurant,
and John Harvard Brew House. For around $40, you get samples of food and beer.
Or, go right to the source and get free samples at the Mass Bay Brewing Company, (the folks who make Harpoon
beer) (617-574-9551) or the Boston Beer Company (617-368-5080) to get a taste of Sam Adams.
Chocolate Trolley Tour
The Old Town Trolley Tour Chocolate Tour is a two-and-one-half-hour trolley tour and features the history of the
creamy creation and-most importantly-samples at 3 landmark
restaurants. At Le Meridien visitors can sample from more than 25
different chocolate creations. These include chocolate mousses, ice
creams, tarts, cakes, and the hotel's signature chocolate croissant.
Next on the 'Chocolate Trail', the trolley will head toward
beautiful Beacon Hill to sample 75 Chestnut restaurant's Chocolate
Surprise. The 75 Chestnut Chocolate Surprise is a Chocolate Truffle
Strawberry Napoleon surrounding Callebaut Chocolate Bread Pudding
drizzled with White and Dark Chocolate, topped off with a Grand
Marnier infused Chocolate-dipped Strawberry. The last stop on this
Epicurean tour is across the street from Boston's famous Public
Garden as well as above the most well known pub in the country, The
Bull & Finch Pub, inspiration for the setting of the TV show
"Cheers." Executive Chef Markus Ripperger has created a
maple roasted almond and Swiss chocolate soup that will be
accompanied by a bitter sweet chocolate dipped wheat crunch!
Departures 11:30 am and 2:30 from the corner of Charles and
Boylston. The cost is $45.00 per person and at least two notches on
your belt. 617-269-7150
Seafood Trolley Tour
The Old Town Trolley Seafood Tour began in June 1998 and
runs Thursdays and Fridays through October. Much like the Boston
BrewPub and Chocolate Tours the Boston Seafood tour will include
stops at three seafood establishments - Anthony's Pier 4, Boston's
newest seafood restaurant - Aura at the new Boston Seaport Hotel,
and America's oldest restaurant-The Union Oyster House for a
"feast"- history, & fun facts as always are include in
the tour! $76.00 per parson. 617-269-7150
Discover Boston Tours
www.discoverbostontours.com
Boston is only 40 square miles but we boast a
population of over 3 million in the metro-area. Our "town"
is a beautiful mix of colonial history and exciting city life yet,
you'll find the most common question a visitor asks is "How do
I get around in this antique city?" That's where we come in!
Our trolleys cover the whole city, old
and new, just waiting to take you around, drop you off, and pick you
up again. Convenient, fun, and educational! We are Boston's best tour
value.
-Beth & Gideon Oknin
Owner & Founders Discover Boston
