Ultimate Boston Audio Tour Bundle

based on 5 reviews

Duration:6 hours to 8 hours (approx.)
Location: Boston, Massachusetts

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ADULT (Age : 5 to 90)

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Explore Boston, Cambridge, Salem, Cape Ann, and more! This package covers Boston's iconic Freedom Trail (Old North Church, Faneuil Hall, & more), the Harborwalk, Salem Witch Trails, and a scenic waterfront drive near Cape Ann. This is the ultimate "must-do" package for a Boston and New England trip.

This self-guided tour allows you to explore Boston’s historic wonders with maximum flexibility and value.

Purchase one tour per car. Everyone can listen at the same time!

After booking, you can check your email before downloading the Tour Guide App by Action, enter your unique password, and access your tour. The preceding steps require good internet/wifi access. Simply follow the audio instructions and the route from there.

This is not an entrance ticket. Check opening hours before your visit.

New, extra validity — now, it’s yours for an entire year! Use multiple times over multiple trips!

WHAT'S INCLUDED

WHAT TO EXPECT

1.
Embark on this adventure into America's Revolutionary past at the heart of old Boston: the Boston Common. This spacious green has been a part of the city since it's early colonial beginnings. We'll begin the tour by the Visitor Center and find the red-brick path. As we follow the path, we'll dive back in time to the 1700s and set the scene.... Each tour covers essential sights and takes 2-3 hours, over 3+ miles.
2. Freedom Trail
The Freedom Trail is a 2.5-mile-long path through downtown Boston, Massachusetts, that passes by 16 locations significant to the history of the United States. Marked largely with brick, it winds between Boston Common to the Bunker Hill Monument in Charlestown.
3.
The first stop along our red-bricked Freedom Trail tour is right at the corner of Boston Common: the Massachusetts State House! This building is both historic and architecturally beautiful.... and of course, we can't forget about it's eye-catching golden dome! We'll pause in front of the State House to catch up on a couple of key Revolutionary War characters (and soon-to-be American heroes) and a little colonial history. We'll also take a look at the Robert G Shaw and 54th Memorial, which stands opposite the State House. Who was Shaw and what made the 54th Regiment so significant? We'll get into all of those details right here.
4.
From the State House and Shaw Memorial, we'll continue following the Freedom Trail. That brings us through Boston Common and out to the Park Street Church. As we walk, we'll dive into the most important question of all: what prompted the Revolutionary War? As we peel back the layers, we discover that the battle for American Independence was one falling domino in a long chain of dominos stretching across multiple continents and older wars...
5.
This brings us to the truly ancient Granary Burying Ground! Established in 1660, this is only Boston's third-oldest burying ground. Can you imagine what's changed in the last 400 years? Well for one thing, this ground is so old it actually holds the grave of Mother Goose. We still hear her stories today! We'll also visit the graves of American legends like Paul Revere, Robert Paine, and James Otis. And we can't miss John Hancock and Sam Adams' graves either! Lastly, we'll visit the graves of those killed in the Boston Massacre, one of the stepping stones to the full-blown revolution. We'll be heading to the site of this Massacre later.
6.
From the Granary, we'll continue following the Freedom Trail's red bricks. We'll check out the King's Chapel along the way and pause in front of the Latin School. This historic site contains a number of fun statues to pose with (including a donkey!) and quite a lot of rich history to dive into.
7. Boston Irish Famine Memorial
A few steps down from the Latin School, we'll find the Irish Famine Memorial. Here we'll jump a bit later into Boston history and talk about the new wave of immigrants after the revolution. We'll learn about the hardships they faced and overcame... and where these communities are today.
8. Old South Meeting House
Just across the street from the Irish Famine Memorial, we'll find the historic Old South Meeting House. This small, tucked-away building is easy to miss but we'll pause in front of it. Here, we'll be transported back in time to one of the most fateful events leading up the Revolutionary War... the Boston Tea Party. We'll learn all about the organizers, their motivations, and of course the consequences of their "tea party".
9.
The Old Corner Bookstore is a historic commercial building located at 283 Washington Street at the corner of School Street in the historic core of Boston, Massachusetts. It was built in 1718 as a residence and apothecary shop and first became a bookstore in 1828.
10.
Our red-brick road finally brings us to one of the most popular stops along the Freedom Trail: the Old State House. We'll pause here to identify key architectural features and learn about it's significance (and long history!). Then, we'll walk around to the other side....
11.
... to see the site of the infamous Boston Massacre! But was it a massacre? Or just a rowdy riot, as the British said? We'll dive into the thrilling tale while standing at the very spot where history unfolded. We'll also learn about Crispus Attacks, an honored American hero.
12.
We'll follow the Freedom Trail to another popular resting spot: Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market! First, we'll explore the site's fascinating history and then explore its a huge range of food options!
13.
As we continue our journey along the red-bricked path of the Freedom Trail, we'll also dive into the story of the historic Haymarket, the new and striking Holocaust Memorial out in front, and the stunning view of the Custom House Tower a little beyond. We'll learn a bit about each of these sites as we make our way to another popular stop.
14.
Our path brings us to another popular stop along the Freedom Trail: Paul Revere's House! Here we'll learn about Paul Revere's famous "Midnight Ride", it's immortalization in a poem by Henry Wadsworth-Longfellow and the truths and myths behind this historic moment.
15.
From Paul Revere's House, we'll make our way to the Old North Church. This is the iconic site where the "one if by land, two if by sea" lanterns were lit, silently signalling the British troops' movements to colonial revolutionaries.
16.
From the Old North Church, we'll follow the Freedom Trail farther up to the historic Copp's Hill Burying Ground. This historic cemetery in Boston's North End is older than the Granary... but only by a year!
17.
Our last few stops are a little farther along, over the bridge and into the Charlestown Navy Yard. There we'll see the historic and impressive USS Constitution -- and learn all about her epic battle against the Guerriere. We'll explore the naval battles of the War for Independence in more detail while at this historic site.
18.
Finally we'll follow the Freedom Trail up to the Bunker Hill Monument, built to commemorate the Battle of Bunker Hill. We'll walk around this hill, exploring the site of this epic battle and getting an understanding of the brutality and intensity of the battle for freedom. This site is the last along our comprehensive tour along Boston's historic Freedom Trail.
19. Harvard University
Harvard Yard, in Cambridge, Massachusetts, is the oldest part of the Harvard University campus, its historic center, and modern crossroads.
20.
The centerpiece of Harvard's Yard is the statue of John Harvard... who actually didn't found the university! As we dive into the university's early years, we'll also learn about when and how the all-male college integrated women.
21.
Our tour continues past two picturesque student dorms - Mower and Holworthy. We'll learn about their significance and then continue to the famed Harvard Science Center.
22.
Next up: the imposing High Victorian Gothic Memorial Hall. This is the most beautiful building on campus, without contest.
23.
Our Harvard tour continues to Memorial Church and into the New Yard. We'll discover some significant Harvard history and sights along the way.
24.
Here we'll admire the gorgeous Widener Library and learn all about the eclectic Wideners..
25.
Our tour continues beyond the Library and towards more dorms. First up: Weld Hall, once home to President JFK. As we check out the beautiful architecture, we'll also learn about the dorm's other famous residents.
26.
Then we continue to Wigglesworth Hall, Bill Gates' once-domain. We'll learn about Gates and other notable alumni who lived in this dorm.
27.
Prefer someone more recent? Gray's Hall was home to Malia Obama.... and a couple of other names you're sure to recognize.
28.
That brings us to Matthews Hall, where Matt Damon once lived!
29.
And we can't forget Straus Hall, once home to Mark Zuckerberg. And so many others too! Our tour continues through campus, exploring traditions and anecdotes until we're almost back to where we started: Johnson Gate.
30. South Boston
Our historic tour begins at one of Boston's most underappreciated marvels of architecture: South Station. We'll take a moment to analyze the enormous eagle and clock dominating the facade.
31.
The Harborwalk is 43 miles long, but we’ll focus on the historic Waterfront District from South Station to Long Wharf. That’s only about 1 mile. We’ll cover everything from the Boston Tea Party to the newest skyscrapers along the shore.
32.
Right across the street, we'll find a stunning example of modern architecture with the Federal Reserve. As we walk past, we'll learn the intriguing stories behind the bland name.
33.
At Russia Wharf, we're officially at the start of our Harborwalk journey and our trip into the past. We'll learn about the booming international trade during the colonial era.... the foundation which would later lead to the epic Boston Tea Party.
34.
As we walk along Boston's Harborwalk, we'll look out across the water for a glimpse of an actual blast from the past: a colonial ship packed with tea crates! We'll learn about the events of Boston's Tea Party but we'll also dive deeper: what really caused this riot? Why were taxes so high? What did a far-away international war have to do with the price of tea in Boston?
35.
Our journey brings us to Rowe's Wharf — named for one of the tea smugglers who encouraged the "Tea Party"! We'll learn about John Rowe and his adventures with the law as we walk through.
36.
The Harbor Hotel is a stunning piece of architecture, blending modern and colonial styles seamlessly. Its 80-foot copper dome contains a glass cupola. If you walk to the center of the archway and look straight up, you can see all the through the top of the dome to the glass cupola above.
37.
As we continue our walk along Boston's Harborwalk, our journey back in time takes us from the Boston Tea Party into a more recent era. As we walk, we'll admire the beautiful Moakley Courthouse across the water and learn about its significance to the city and its people.
38.
The Brutalist-style Harbor Towers are unmissable. Brutalism was all the rage in the 1970s. Today, the style polarizes observers. Some people see a kind of strange beauty in the sparse, overbearing structures. Others see, well, just plain ugly buildings! These days, you can always identify the style anywhere by its grim, fortress-like appearance. We'll learn about the towers, Boston's struggle between affordable and luxury living, and one of the city's most ambitious projects: cleaning up this very harbor.
39.
We're now approaching a popular stop in Boston and along the Harborwalk: the Aquarium! This huge attraction is partially built over the Harbor, allowing the aquarium access to the natural environment of Boston's Harbor.
40.
Our tour along the scenic Harborwalk ends at one of Boston's most historic spots: Long Wharf. From colonial battles against the British to modern crowds of tourists, this Wharf remains a Boston hotspot. Enjoy the views and history as we conclude our story at this scenic stop.
41.
Our Cape Ann excursion begins at the Gloucester Visitor Information Center. We'll get our view breathtaking views of the waterfront from this point.
42.
Instead of setting off on our drive right away, we'll first check out the most striking feature of the scenery: the massive Tablet Rock. In 1907, the plaque the rock was unveiled to Commemorate the first settlers in this area.
43.
We can also choose to walk around this area before our driving, admiring the amazing views of the park, the ocean, and the city.
44.
Our drive along Cape Ann's scenic harbor begins once we cross the canal. First, we'll admire Cape Ann's most famous monument: the Fisherman's Memorial. As we continue, we'll learn about the significance of fishing in Cape Ann's past — and the famous movie about it, "The Perfect Storm".
45.
Here we can choose to pause again to explore Cape Ann's Harborwalk. Along the path are 41 granite slabs containing pieces of the town’s long, odd, sometimes sad history. These “story moments,” as they are called, were put together by teams of volunteers eager to show the world what Gloucester is made of. Taken together, they form a mosaic of this strange, beautiful place.
46.
Cape Ann and Glouchester’s whale watching industry guarantees whale sightings with every voyage. Their boats often take passengers to a marine wildlife preserve that’s been called one of the top five whale-watching destinations in the entire world!
47. Niles Beach
As we drive along scenic Cape Ann's waterfront, we'll discover beaches both big and small. We can choose to stop at one, some, or all, as we learn more about what's unique about each one.
48. Beauport, the Sleeper-McCann House
Beauport, also known as Sleeper–McCann House, Little Beauport, or Henry Davis Sleeper House, is a beautiful historic home tucked away on the Cape Ann waterfront. As we drive, we'll dive back into Cape Ann's history.
49. Eastern Point Lighthouse
During the early 1800s, maritime trade in Gloucester was booming. Ships traveling between these ports and China or India were turning enormous profits, and captains started to become especially anxious at the prospect of losing their extremely valuable cargo in a shipwreck. Enter: lighthouses!
50. Thacher's Island
Thacher Island is a small island off Cape Ann on the Massachusetts coast in the United States. It is a part of the Town of Rockport. It was a place where some naval confrontations, both minor and major, took place, which helped secure a victory for the colonists.
51. Rockport
Our scenic drive along Cape Ann now leaves Gloucester and brings us into Rockport. We'll learn more about Rockport and the region as we drive.
52.
Our brings us to "the most painted building in America"!
53. Bearskin Neck
This land was once home to a large number of bears, but don’t worry! They’re long gone now. According to legend, one such bear was caught by the tide and killed in 1700, which is how this place got its name.
54.
Granite Pier is one of the Rockport’s oldest piers. As you might have guessed, this used to be where ships would be loaded with granite for transport. As we explore the pier and nearby beaches, we'll get a better understanding of the Cape Ann of days past, and that of the present. Our drive then continues along Halibut Point and Harvey Reservation.
55.
Annisquam Harbor Light Station is a historic lighthouse on Wigwam Point. As we approach, we'll learn more about shipwrecks, shipping, fishing, and maritime trade.
56.
Our scenic drive along Cape Ann has finally looped back to Stop 1! We're nearly back at the Gloucester Visitor Information Center.

ADDITIONAL INFO

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• How to access: Once you book a tour, you’ll get a confirmation email and an instructions email. Follow the instructions right away: • Download the app • Enter the password • Download the tour • MUST DO while in strong wifi/cellular
• How to start the tour: Once onsite, open the Action's Tour Guide App: • If there is just one tour, launch it. • If there are multiple tour versions, launch the one with your planned starting point and direction. • Go to the starting point. (Note: no one will meet you at the start. This tour is self-guided). • The audio will begin automatically at the starting point. If you face audio issues, visit the FAQ. • Stick to the tour route & speed limit for the best experience.
• Amazing savings: • Driving Tours: Save money by purchasing a single tour for the entire vehicle, avoiding individual fees per person like on a bus tour. Connect your phone to the car speakers to share the audio. • Walking Tours: While each person typically needs their tour, couples or small groups can share one using split headphones.
• Flexibility and Convenience: • Use the tour app anytime, on any day, and over multiple days. It's perfect for tailoring your exploration and revisiting your favorite spots on future trips. • Start and pause the tour whenever you like, taking breaks and exploring side excursions at your own pace, free from the constraints of a group.
• Comprehensive Tour Experience: •The app provides a full itinerary, travel tips, narrated audio stories, scripts, images, videos, and recommendations for additional activities. • Enjoy a private experience without the crowds, ideal for personalized stops and photo opportunities.
• Ease of Use and Accessibility: • The app is hands-free and activates stories via GPS, offering support through call, chat, or email. • There is no need for a continuous cell or Wi-Fi connection as the GPS map works offline.
• Memorable Keepsakes: • Utilize the app’s images to create a photo book or share on social media, ensuring you have high-quality, crowd-free memories from your trip.
• Preparation: • After booking, download the app and the tour using a strong Wi-Fi connection. • Review the tour at home before your trip for a better experience.
• Starting the Tour: • Open the app upon arrival at your destination. • Select the appropriate tour based on your starting point. • Head to the starting location; the audio will begin automatically. • Follow the suggested route and adhere to the speed limit for an optimal experience. • By following these instructions and taking advantage of the app's features, users can enjoy a personalized, flexible, and in-depth exploration of their destination at their own pace and convenience.

CANCELLATION POLICY

Posted By : Mary_M
Hearing the history of the area at a leisurely pace while driving. Loved the concise history narration.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2023-10-19 10:05:15

Posted By : jenniferaW4365HP
I used the audio tour in conjunction with the Hop on Hop off bus, so I got the narrative about areas around the stops. No rush, no fuss. It was a good solution and much less expensive then an escorted tour with a bunch of people.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2023-10-09 09:17:28

Posted By : stephaniehT1957QV
This was really great! The driving tour through Cape Ann was the most beautiful drive I’ve ever been on. The ocean views were gorgeous and the town of Rockport was full of shops and galleries. The Freedom Trail tour was perfect for first time visitors to Boston. Our experience of Boston would not have been as wonderful without this guided tour!
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2022-04-13 11:01:47

Posted By : RajDialani
General Hooker at the state house
Real old Burial grounds where politicians professionals and their helpers were buried.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2021-12-23 18:39:57

Posted By : sharayahb2021
This was such a good experience, I really appreciated the map to show us where to go to follow the freedom trail and the narration was perfect, not too long not too short! This is such a great, affordable alternative to a guided tour.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2021-04-29 09:08:07

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Tickets

Ultimate Boston Audio Tour Bundle

WHAT'S INCLUDED ⟱

WHAT TO EXPECT ⟱

1.

2. Freedom Trail

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7. Boston Irish Famine Memorial

8. Old South Meeting House

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19. Harvard University

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30. South Boston

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47. Niles Beach

48. Beauport, the Sleeper-McCann House

49. Eastern Point Lighthouse

50. Thacher's Island

51. Rockport

52.

53. Bearskin Neck

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55.

56.

ADDITIONAL INFO ⟱

CANCELLATION POLICY ⟱

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Adventure

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WHAT'S INCLUDED

WHAT TO EXPECT

ADDITIONAL INFO

CANCELLATION POLICY