A Colonial Boston Audio Tour with Context

1 h 30 min – 2 hours Free cancellation Private tour

A Colonial Boston Audio Tour with Context, photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

This unique walking tour of Boston, led by Jessica Dello Russo, a PhD in archaeology and Context Travel expert, explores the city’s crucial role in the American Revolution. Starting at Long Wharf, Boston’s oldest port, Jessica reveals how the city’s thriving trade and skilled population helped spark independence. The tour highlights acts of civil disobedience and key figures like John Hancock, Samuel Adams, Paul Revere, and Benjamin Franklin.

As you walk, you’ll encounter pre-revolutionary architecture from the 16th and 17th centuries, including the historic Chart House and the controversial Faneuil Hall, built in 1742.

On this 90-minute tour, you’ll explore key sites from Boston’s revolutionary history. Visit Granary Burying Ground, where American Revolution figures are laid to rest, and learn about the city’s role in the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade.

By the end, you’ll have a deeper understanding of the figures and events that shaped America’s fight for independence.

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At a glance

Duration: 1 h 30 min – 2 hours
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Your group only
People per booking: 1–15
Audio guide: English
Written guide: English
Operated by: VoiceMap Audio Tours

Ages: Adults (6–99 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Lifetime access to this tour in English before your booking date and after it
Included: Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
Included: App for Android and iOS
Included: Flexibility to explore at your own pace with a self-guided GPS tour
Included: Directions to the starting point so that when you’re in the right place, the tour will start

Not included

Not included: Smartphone and headphones
Not included: Food and drink
Not included: Personal expenses for attractions not included during the tour
Not included: Transportation

Itinerary

Stop 1

Passing by

Enjoy stunning views of Boston Harbor from Long Wharf, a historic waterfront area lined with ships and scenic vistas. As you stroll along the pier, you’ll take in the bustling maritime atmosphere that has been a part of Boston’s history for centuries.
Stop 2

Passing by

Chart House, Boston’s oldest waterfront building, offers a glimpse into the city’s thriving port during the 18th century. While you explore this landmark, you’ll hear about the historical significance of the site in the context of Boston’s early trade economy.
Quincy Market

Passing by

Quincy Market, a key commercial space since 1822, played a vital role in Boston's growth after it became a city. On your visit, you’ll discover how this vibrant marketplace evolved into the bustling hub it is today.
Faneuil Hall Marketplace

Passing by

Faneuil Hall, built in 1742, was once a controversial site but became a cornerstone of Boston’s revolutionary spirit. As you explore this historic landmark, you’ll learn how it played a key role in the protests and debates that led to American independence.
Statue of Samuel Adams

Passing by

The statue of Samuel Adams stands as a tribute to one of Boston’s most vocal Revolutionary figures. Learn about his radical views and his integral role in sparking resistance against British rule as you encounter this monument to his legacy.
Old State House

Passing by

The Old State House is one of Boston’s most iconic historical buildings, where key events like the Boston Massacre occurred. As you visit, you’ll uncover how this site was at the heart of the city’s colonial government and revolutionary spirit.
Boston Massacre Site

Passing by

The Boston Massacre Site is the location where British soldiers killed five colonists, fueling tensions that led to the American Revolution. Here, you’ll stand where the tragic event occurred, gaining insight into the fiery atmosphere that sparked widespread rebellion.
Old South Meeting House

Passing by

Old South Meeting House is where the plans for the Boston Tea Party were formed, marking it as a key site in the American Revolution. As you explore, you’ll learn about the passionate debates and acts of civil disobedience that unfolded within its walls.
King's Chapel

Passing by

King's Chapel is Boston’s earliest surviving granite building, once serving as the Anglican community’s spiritual home. During your visit, you’ll admire the chapel’s architecture and learn about its role in the colony’s religious and political life.
Granary Burying Ground

Passing by

Granary Burying Ground is the final resting place of several American Revolution heroes, including Paul Revere and John Hancock. As you wander through this historic cemetery, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of Boston’s revolutionary past and the key figures who helped shape America.
The Paul Revere House

Passing by

Located in Granary Burying Ground, Paul Revere’s Grave marks the resting place of the patriot famous for his midnight ride. You’ll stop here to reflect on Revere’s role in the American Revolution and the enduring legacy of his actions.
John Hancock Tower

Passing by

John Hancock, the first signer of the Declaration of Independence, rests in Granary Burying Ground. As you visit his grave, you’ll learn about his leadership and pivotal role in the early days of the American Revolution.
Stop 13

Passing by

James Otis’ Grave in Granary Burying Ground honors the patriot whose fiery speeches against British oppression fueled the revolutionary movement. At the site, you’ll reflect on his contributions to the fight for American independence.
Boston Athenaeum

Passing by

The Boston Athenaeum is home to a vast collection of rare books, art, and artifacts, including a portion of George Washington’s personal library. As you explore this distinguished institution, you’ll discover its deep connections to Boston’s intellectual and revolutionary history.
Massachusetts State House

Passing by

The Massachusetts State House, with its iconic golden dome, serves as the heart of the state’s government. On your visit, you’ll learn about the building’s significance in shaping the state’s political history and its role in post-revolutionary Massachusetts.

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

The tour begins at the end of Long Wharf in Boston. Before arrival, please install the mobile app and use the code provided on your confirmation ticket. Detailed starting point instructions are available after downloading.

End point

The tour ends outside the Massachusetts State House and Boston Common.

Using your ticket

VOICEMAP CODE

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Please check your email at the address you provided when you made this booking. You've been sent an eight character code you'll need to redeem your tour.

This code can be used by every member of your party. If you've booked for three people, for example, three people can download this tour using the same code.

DOWNLOAD INSTRUCTIONS

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Once you've received your code, please follow these steps:

Install the VoiceMap Audio Tours mobile app

Create an account

Select Tour Codes from the menu, then select Enter Codes

Enter your code then select Download Now

PLEASE NOTE

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You can download the tour at any time, before or after your booking date. It’s best to download the tour before you set off for the starting point.

This tour follows a set route and includes turn-by-turn directions. It works best if you start it in the right place and follow the directions from one location to the next.

When the download completes, you’ll see a screen with a photo of the starting point and directions to it. The red start button will become active when you are at the starting point.

Remember to bring your own headphones, unless you have booked a driving tour.

SUPPORT

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For technical support and other queries, please email [email protected]