Private City Tour of Boston and Cambridge

The Private City Tour of Boston and Cambridge offers a detailed, personalized exploration of these historic and vibrant neighborhoods for $460 per person. Spanning approximately 7 hours, this tour provides an intimate experience with private transportation and a knowledgeable guide. It departs from Tony DeMarco Statue at 191 Hanover St and concludes at Copley Square in Boston, with convenient drop-off options including hotels, airports, or cruise terminals.

What makes this tour especially appealing is the careful balance of historical landmarks, academic institutions, and local food experiences. With admission tickets included for key sites such as the Old North Church and the USS Constitution, guests enjoy a seamless visit without extra costs. The tour’s flexibility and private format make it a strong choice for those seeking a comprehensive, relaxed day of sightseeing, with the ability to customize certain aspects based on interests or mobility needs.

While the tour is quite full, it is designed to maximize the time available, offering plenty of stops for photos, learning, and brief walks through neighborhoods like Beacon Hill and Back Bay. The cost includes amenities like breakfast, coffee, bottled water, parking, and fuel surcharges, making it a convenient all-in-one package. The only notable consideration is that luggage restrictions mean the vehicle fits only a limited number of bags, and luggage must be arranged prior to booking if necessary.

Key Points

• Private 7-hour tour of Boston and Cambridge with personalized guide and air-conditioned vehicle
• Includes admission tickets to historic sites like Old North Church and USS Constitution
• Deluxe food experience at Boston Public Market with breakfast, coffee, and cannoli
• Stops at Harvard, MIT, Boston Common, Bunker Hill, and other landmarks
• Flexible schedule and customizations available, suitable for various mobility needs
• Drop-off includes hotel, airport, or cruise terminal in Boston

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Start: Coffee and the North End

The tour begins at Caffe Vittoria, where guests enjoy Italian coffee and cannoli—a perfect start to energize for the day ahead. The pickup is available anywhere in Boston for groups up to six people, including hotel, airport, or cruise terminal pickups. This initial stop sets a warm, welcoming tone, and the included breakfast is a valued perk.

Following this, the group heads to North Square Park to see Paul Revere’s House, one of Boston’s oldest wooden structures. The guide shares stories of immigration history and local lore, complemented by artwork in the square, giving a sense of authentic Boston.

Discovering Revolutionary Boston at Old North Church and Copp’s Hill

The Old North Church stands as a pivotal site in American history. Here, visitors sit in a historical pew while guides recount the events of the Revolution, emphasizing the significance of this location. Admission is included, enabling a deeper understanding of Boston’s role in the fight for independence.

Next, Copp’s Hill Burying Ground offers a glimpse into Boston’s colonial past. Known as the second-oldest cemetery, it bears scars from the Revolution, with bullet holes in gravestones where British troops used them for target practice. This short stop provides a tangible connection to Boston’s turbulent history.

Exploring the Paul Revere Mall and Local Food Scene

A quick visit to the Paul Revere Mall allows for pictures of the iconic statue of Paul Revere with Old North Church in the background. Plaques in the park tell stories of other revolutionary figures, enriching understanding of the city’s past.

Free time at Boston Public Market follows, offering an hour to grab lunch or buy souvenirs. The market features over 20 local vendors serving chowder, bagels, sandwiches, smoothies, and more. Guests can also visit America’s oldest tavern or the oldest restaurant in America, adding a historic culinary twist to the day.

Visiting Historic Naval and Battle Sites

In Charlestown, the USS Constitution provides a spectacular view of the oldest wooden ship in service. The 20-minute stop allows guests to appreciate this maritime icon, with free admission.

Adjacent to this, the Bunker Hill Monument narrates the story of the famous battle and the Siege of Boston. The guide highlights George Washington’s and Henry Knox’s roles in expelling British forces, bringing to life a key chapter in American independence.

Walking Through Boston’s Green Spaces and Neighborhoods

The Boston Common invites a 20-minute walk, where stories of Boston’s founding come alive amid the city’s oldest public park. Next, Beacon Hill showcases some of the region’s most prestigious brownstone mansions and gas-lit streets. This neighborhood exudes historic charm and provides insight into Boston’s affluent past.

The Boston Public Garden offers another 20-minute stop, with statues and flora telling tales of inventions like anesthesia and local political history. The park is a visual highlight with its beautiful landscapes and historic statues.

Harvard and Cambridge: Academia and Innovation

The tour then ventures into Cambridge, starting with a drive-by of Kendall Square—known as “the most innovative square mile on the planet”. It hosts tech giants like Google, Apple, Moderna, and Amazon, and is a hub for cutting-edge projects such as the Human Genome Project and CRISPR.

Next, the group visits MIT, where the Great Dome marks the iconic campus. The guide shares insights into MIT’s ‘theory and practice’ motto and famous pranks, blending learning and fun.

The highlight is walking through Harvard Yard, where the first college in America was founded. Here, visitors learn about Harvard’s Puritan origins and its evolution into a world-class university. The tour concludes in Harvard Square, a lively area filled with shops and restaurants, including a three-story co-op shop for souvenirs.

End of the Tour: Copley Square and Back Bay

The final stops include Copley Square, home to Copley Library, Trinity Church, and the Fairmont Copley Plaza hotel. This area exemplifies Boston’s architecture and cultural richness. The tour then drives through Back Bay, a neighborhood built on reclaimed land, famed for Victorian architecture and design from the late 1800s.

The drop-off occurs at Copley Square, with options for hotel or airport transportation included, making it easy to transition to the next part of the trip or return home.

Practical Details and Accessibility

This private tour is designed to accommodate various mobility needs with prior notice, and service animals are allowed. The vehicle is a Toyota Sienna minivan, suitable for a group of up to six people with luggage. For guests bringing luggage, arrangements must be made beforehand, as space is limited.

The cost includes parking, fuel surcharges, and entrance fees for key sites like the Old North Church. Lunch is not included, but guests have ample options during the market stop.

Final Thoughts on Value and Suitability

This private tour offers a comprehensive, personalized experience of Boston and Cambridge, emphasizing history, academia, and local culture. Its private format ensures flexibility and a tailored experience, making it ideal for those who prefer more intimate, in-depth exploration over crowded group tours.

The price point reflects the premium for customization and private transportation, but many reviews highlight excellent guides and well-paced days. It’s particularly suited for history buffs, families, or groups with specific interests in Boston’s landmarks and its university towns.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
Yes, the tour can accommodate different mobility needs with prior notice.

What is included in the price?
The tour price covers air-conditioned private transportation, breakfast, coffee, bottled water, parking fees, fuel surcharge, and admission tickets for sites like Old North Church.

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts about 7 hours, starting in the morning and ending in Copley Square.

Can I customize the itinerary?
Yes, the guide is flexible and can adjust the schedule based on preferences and needs.

What stops are included at Harvard and MIT?
Guests see Harvard Yard, walk through Harvard Square, drive through Kendall Square, and see the MIT campus with the Great Dome.

Are meals included?
Lunch is not included, but guests have free time at Boston Public Market to choose from a variety of local food vendors.

Is luggage allowed on the tour vehicle?
Luggage restrictions apply; the vehicle fits only 4-5 suitcases, so arrangements must be made in advance for larger groups with luggage.

What is the cancellation policy?
Guests can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund.

What happens if I have children?
Children must be in federally approved child seats if under 8 years old or under 57 inches tall; the tour provider does not supply child seats.

How does this tour compare to other Boston experiences?
This private, personalized tour is praised for guides’ knowledge, engaging storytelling, and customization, setting it apart from larger group options.