Full-day Boston tours pack the most sightseeing value into your visit. The standout options connect key historic spots while avoiding tourist traps. Our favorite combines Lexington and Concord battlefields – you’ll walk where the Revolutionary War began while getting the real story behind Paul Revere’s ride. For active travelers, guided bike tours efficiently cover Boston’s diverse neighborhoods, from Beacon Hill to the Back Bay. The Salem and coastal tour is worthwhile for its unique combination of witch trial history and New England maritime character. Skip the heavily commercialized Plymouth tours – the historic sites are better experienced on your own. Expert guides and small groups make these tours especially worthwhile. Check out our tested recommendations for the best full-day Boston experiences.
Key Points
- The Boston Lexington and Concord Revolutionary War Tour provides a comprehensive full-day experience focusing on key historical sites and landmarks.
- The Full Day Bike Rental option allows visitors to explore Boston’s neighborhoods on a personal mode of transportation.
- The Salem and North Shore Private Tour offers a personalized itinerary and includes a visit to the Salem Witch Museum.
- The Plymouth & South Shore Private Tour combines history, transportation, and lunch for a well-rounded full-day experience.
- The Full Day Boston City Tour provides a broader overview of the city with optional add-on activities, though the reviews suggest room for improvement in organization and commentary.
Boston Lexington and Concord Revolutionary War Full Day Tour
The Boston Lexington and Concord Revolutionary War Full Day Tour whisks visitors back in time to the pivotal events that ignited the American Revolution. Rated 5.0 out of 6 reviews, this full-day excursion offers an immersive experience, with a knowledgeable and engaging guide providing rich historical context.
Priced at $950 for up to 6 people, the tour includes private transportation, lunch, admission to Orchard House, and all fees and taxes.
Guests can choose to be picked up from their downtown Boston hotel or meet at the designated starting point, the Flour Bakery. While the tour is stroller-accessible, it’s not wheelchair-friendly, and infants must sit on laps. Most travelers can participate, and service animals are allowed.
With a focus on Revolutionary War sites and literary landmarks in Concord, the tour is tailored to the group’s preferences, ensuring a personalized experience.
Positive reviews highlight the guides’ exceptional storytelling and the tour’s suitability for both children and adults interested in American history and heritage.
Read our full review: Boston Lexington and Concord Revolutionary War Full Day Tour Review
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Full Day Bike Rental
Exploring Boston by bike offers a thrilling and eco-friendly way to discover the city’s landmarks. With the Full Day Bike Rental, visitors can enjoy a day of cycling around the historic streets and neighborhoods.
The rental package includes high-quality Kona Dew Boston city bikes, which are lightweight, comfortable, and equipped with multiple gears for all-day riding.
Along with the bikes, the rental provides essential accessories like helmets, handlebar bags, locks, maps, and lights. Customers can also take advantage of the Personal Bike Concierge service, which offers guidance to hidden gems and recommended routes in Boston and the surrounding areas.
The rental is priced at Kč 1,136 per person for a full day, with the option to reserve a spot without any upfront payment. Plus, travelers can cancel their booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Suitable for all ages, the rental offers baby seats, trailer carriages, and trailer tandems for children, though it isn’t recommended for infants under 1 year old.
Read our full review: Full Day Bike Rental Review
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Salem and North Shore Full Day Private Tour
For those seeking a comprehensive exploration of Salem and the picturesque North Shore region, the Salem and North Shore Full Day Private Tour provides an immersive experience.
This highly-rated 5-star tour, based in Boston, offers a full-day adventure with private transportation and a knowledgeable guide. Guests can enjoy the convenience of hotel pickup in downtown Boston or meet at the designated location, before embarking on a journey to discover the area’s rich history and stunning landscapes.
The tour includes a visit to the renowned Salem Witch Museum, where travelers can explore the town’s infamous past. Afterward, participants can explore local shops and indulge in a recommended seafood lunch at a local eatery.
Throughout the day, the private guide will share insightful historical narratives, enhancing the overall experience. With a maximum group size of 6, the tour ensures a personalized and flexible itinerary tailored to the interests of the participants.
Read our full review: Salem and North Shore Full Day Private Tour Review
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Plymouth & South Shore Full Day Private Tour From Boston
Venturing beyond the North Shore, the Plymouth & South Shore Full Day Private Tour from Boston takes visitors on an immersive exploration of the region’s rich history and captivating landscapes.
Priced at $950 for up to 6 people, this private tour offers a personalized experience, with a 5-star rating based on 2 reviews. The tour includes private transportation and lunch, though admission to the Mayflower II is an additional $15 per adult.
Pickup is available from any downtown Boston hotel or the Flour Bakery, with a 10:00 am start time. The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible but is stroller-friendly, and service animals are allowed. Infants must sit on laps, and most travelers can participate.
Guests can enjoy engaging historical insights from the guide, Christian, as they visit the John Adams family home, the nearby crypt of John and Abigail Adams, Plymouth Rock, and partake in a local seafood lunch.
With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, this tour provides a flexible and enjoyable family experience.
Read our full review: Plymouth & South Shore Full Day Private Tour From Boston Review
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Full Day Boston City Tour With Pick up and Drop off Service
This full-day Boston city tour provides a rundown of the city’s iconic landmarks and attractions. Priced at $114.50 per person, the tour includes pick-up and drop-off service. Guests can also opt for additional activities like the Harvard University In-Depth Tour, Boston Harbor Cruise, and Prudential Center at an extra cost.
The tour includes a professional driver and guide, with transportation based on the group size. However, food, beverages, personal expenses, and gratuities are excluded. Mandatory and optional fees for attractions must be purchased from the tour guide.
The tour starts and ends at a meeting point, with a maximum of 55 travelers. Infants must sit on laps, and the tour is stroller-accessible but not wheelchair-accessible. Guests under 18 must be accompanied by an adult, and pregnant women are limited to 24 weeks.
Reviews of the tour are mixed, with some praising the organized itinerary and knowledgeable guide, while others criticize the additional mandatory costs and lack of historical commentary, describing it as a “glorified Uber ride”.
Read our full review: Full Day Boston City Tour With Pick up and Drop off Service Review
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are Food and Drinks Included in the Tour Packages?
Food and drinks are typically not included in the price of full-day tour packages. Travelers should expect to pay for their own meals and refreshments during the tour. However, some packages may include a meal or snack as part of the tour experience.
What Is the Maximum Group Size for These Tours?
The maximum group size for these tours varies, but is typically capped at around 15-25 participants. This allows for a more intimate and personalized experience during the tour.
Are There Any Age Restrictions or Requirements for the Tours?
The tours typically don’t have age restrictions, but some activities may have minimum age requirements. Families with young children should check the tour details to ensure the activities are suitable. Most tours welcome all ages with proper supervision.
Can I Bring My Own Bike for the Full-Day Bike Rental?
Yes, you can typically bring your own bike for full-day bike rentals. However, it’s best to check with the tour operator first, as some may have specific policies or requirements regarding personal bikes.
How Much Luggage Can I Bring on the Tours?
Most tour operators allow small bags or backpacks, but they’ll likely request you leave larger luggage behind. It’s best to pack light and bring only the essentials to ensure a comfortable, hassle-free experience during the tour.
Recap
Boston offers a variety of full-day tours that cater to different interests. Visitors can explore the city’s revolutionary history, embark on scenic bike rides, or discover the charming North Shore and Plymouth areas. These tours provide a convenient and comprehensive way to experience the best of what Boston has to offer in a single day.