Location: Cambridge
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10 Historical & Heritage Tours in Cambridge That You Shouldn't Miss
Home to two of America's most prestigious universities, Cambridge exudes a certain intellectual quirkiness. A mix of historical haunts, student hang-outs, alternative art and culture venues, vintage clothing shops, bookstores and ethnic restaurants, the city is, well, really cool. Although it is located just across the Charles River from Boston, Cambridge has a distinct vibe that is noticeable immediately. Start at Harvard Square, a hub of activity and mishmash of trendy stores, outdoor cafes and colorful local characters. Pick up a walking tour map at the visitors information booth in the center of the Square. The route will take you past many important landmarks including the Mount Auburn Cemetery, Tory Row and the Longfellow National Historic Site. Harvard University offers student-led tours through the illustrious buildings and monuments of its sprawling campus. Art and architecture buffs should meander around the M.I.T campus, which includes outdoor sculptures by masters such as Picasso and 20th-century buildings designed by modern greats like Eero Saarinen and I. M. Pei. Along the way, browse through bookstores, stop to watch street performers and grab a coffee at an outdoor café to take in all this captivating city has to offer.
Restaurants in Cambridge
1. Private Group Walking Tour of Harvard University
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3 reviews
Enjoy this 90-minute, private tour of Harvard University for you and your guests! The tour is completely customizable to fit your group’s needs. Throughout this tour, your informative guide – a current university student – will offer a unique perspective of college life at the famed institution. As you tour the grounds, be entertained by your guide’s stories and Harvard lore – partly scripted and partly shared from personal experience. Learn about the most famous people that attended Harvard, hear historical anecdotes and get an insider’s view on current college life. After a stop at the Plaza, Winthrop Park and Mt Auburn Street in Harvard Square, complete your tour at the Harvard Cooperative Society (COOP), the University’s official bookstore.
Inclusions: Personal guide for your group, 90 minute private tour of Harvard University
Exclusions: Gratuities
Reviewed By CinScho
Just what we needed after being isolated for a year! The tour was one of our first forays into the world as we ease off pandemic restrictions. It was a perfect outdoor activity--combining safe interactions with other humans with an entertaining, educational experience. The pace was perfect... a leisurely walk without lingering anywhere too long. The guide told engaging stories and insights about campus life and history.
2. Tour-in-Four -- A Private four hour walking & driving city tour
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
Private tours are priced per GROUP, not per person. This amazing tour is for those who want more than a driving tour but not a ton of walking.(aprox. 90 minute walk) Stroll through the historic North End. Have a snack from a famous North End pastry shop. Go inside the Old North Church and see Paul Revere's house, Explore Copp's Hill Burial Ground and learn about the "Spite House", the "Brink's Job" robbery. and the Great Molasses Flood. Visit the USS Constitution, and go up Bunker Hill where the first organized battle of the Revolutionary war took place. Learn how the Colonists lost that battle but won at the same time. Ride through Downtown, up Beacon Hill, The Back Bay, Fenway and over to Cambridge to see Harvard & MIT. You will see the entire city in half a day. Learn all about our history as well as what makes Boston such a great 21st century city. We can confirm tour start time after booking is complete. Weekday tours during the school year tours can only start after 2:30PM
Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Private transportation, Bottled water
Exclusions:
Reviewed By L1857PAandreac
Neal, Richard and everyone at Boston Sightseeing Tours are wonderful to work with. Their knowledge of the city is unparalleled and they always keep things fun for my students.
3. Ultimate Boston Self-Guided Combo Tour
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
Explore Boston, Cambridge, Cape Ann, and more! This package covers Boston's iconic Freedom Trail (Old North Church, Faneuil Hall, & more), Harvard University, the Harborwalk, and a scenic waterfront drive around nearby Cape Ann. This is the ultimate "must-do" package for a trip to Boston and New England. 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! Within 30 mins we'll send you a unique password and an app. Download the app onto your phone, enter the password, and download tours. Head over to the first stop. Launch the app and simply follow the instructions from there! Stick to our recommended route and speed limit for the best experience. No expiration — the tour is available from the minute you book until forever! This tour does not include entrance to attractions along the route. Check pandemic rules and opening hours before your visit.
Inclusions: Freedom Trail Tour (Languages: English, Spanish, Chinese), Harborwalk and Tea Party Tour, Scenic Cape Ann Tour, Harvard Yard Tour, Cape Cod and Provincetown Tour, GPS Map, Audios and Text, Online Support
Exclusions: Admission to Paid Attractions
Reviewed By Trek697070
Loved that the tourguide started the topic before we arrived at the destination and was occasionally comical. Didnt love that the map feature didnt let us know when we detoured. Would like to see "places to park" especially if you have an oversized vehicle.
4. Harvard University Campus Guided Walking Tour
Overall Ratings
4.7 based on 369 reviews
What better way to see Harvard than through the eyes of a student! This tour is a 70-minute student-led walking tour of America's oldest university, designed to be a funny and educational journey through Harvard's campus. After meeting your tour guide, an enthusiastic Harvard student, in the heart of Harvard Square, you'll be led into historic Harvard Yard. Enjoy the sights while your guide entertains and inspires with tales of Harvard history and personal experience at the university they call home. You'll get an up-close look at major Harvard landmarks including Johnston Gate, the John Harvard Statue, Memorial Hall, and Widener Library. You'll even become privy to a few Harvard secrets along the way! Whether you're a student visiting colleges or a family on vacation, the Hahvahd Tour is undoubtedly the top way to see Harvard.
Inclusions: 70-Minute Guided Walking Tour of Harvard, Harvard Student-Led Tours for more Insightful Narrative, Free Illustrated Map of Harvard Square, Written translations in Spanish, French, German, Italian, and Mandarin, See Top Sites including Harvard Square, Harvard Yard, and Science Center & Memorial Hall, Conclude at The Harvard Shop for Souvenirs - run by Harvard students!
Exclusions: Gratuities, Souvenirs (tours conclude at The Harvard Shop)
Reviewed By nacton42
Booked this tour to entertain a guest on her first trip to Boston. Both tours were informative and just the right length. Guides were so personable that we forgot the 30-degree weather. As a local I learned a lot myself! A perfect activity for a day with visitors or just to learn more about your own town.
5. Private Historical Day Tour from Boston with Private Driver
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 18 reviews
Discover greater Boston's rich history with this private tour through nearby Cambridge, Lexington, and Concord. With a private driver and the luxury of a private vehicle, your group will absorb the area's fascinating history in style!
Inclusions: Private tour
Exclusions: Food and drinks, Gratuities
Reviewed By dmsibert08
My goodnes it was all good! Dave was amazing and knew his stuff. The views were awesome! I enjoyed it!
6. Small-Group Guided Bike Tour of Boston
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 18 reviews
The Tour de Boston Bicycle Tour is the perfect family tour for those with young children or who would prefer to enjoy a more leisurely ride, staying mostly on bike paths. On this tour you will ride along the banks of the Charles River, seeing the beautiful skylines and learning about the rich history of both Boston and Cambridge.The Tour de Boston includes an individually-fitted bike, helmet, water, and, of course, a friendly and knowledgeable guide who will lead you on your travels. From the serene bike paths on the Charles River to the historic Charlestown Navy Yard, this family friendly tour is guaranteed to be a ‘wheely’ good time! If you are 16 years or older, you may chose to tour on an E-bike. Select E-bike at checkout.
Inclusions: Local taxes, Local guide, Use of bicycle, Use of helmet
Exclusions: Gratuities
Reviewed By 259allenf
I rented a bike for the day. Great bike - helmet, bike pump, flat kit, and lights included. Had a nice conversation about places to bike, and was given a map with several bike trails and places of interest. Friendly, professional, convenient and quick, and the bike was a sweet ride.
7. Boston Freedom Trail Day Trip from New York City
Overall Ratings
3.6 based on 205 reviews
See the historical sights and famous universities of the Boston area on this full-day trip from New York City. After a scenic drive through Connecticut, arrive in Boston, Massachusetts. See top Boston attractions including Harvard University, Trinity Church and the site of the Boston Tea Party. Follow the red-brick Freedom Trail, which leads to important historical locations. You'll learn all about the rich and colorful history of Boston from your informative and engaging guide.
Inclusions: Professional tour guide, Transportation by 15-passenger van or a full-sized bus, Sightseeing in Boston, Wi-Fi on bus only
Exclusions: Gratuities, Hotel pickup and drop-off
Reviewed By lorik902
I understand that we are all dealing with Covid 19 during this stressful time. However we decided to take this tour and booked many weeks ahead. The tour was cancelled as we were boarding our flight to fly out west and left us stranded. No hotels. Just sent a little email saying I hope you get this email that the tour is cancelled. Extremely unprofessional. Didn’t offer to try to help us make other arrangements. Will definitely hesitate to book on Viator again.
8. Private Small-Group Harvard Square Sunset Walking Tour
Enjoy the hustle of Harvard Square in the evening on this Guided Private 2-hour sunset walking tour. Ride the Red Line Subway to Cambridge to visit Harvard University, including Harvard Square, Harvard Yard, the Old Burying Ground cemetery, and much more. Enjoy the historic, landmark sites accompanied by the long shadows and setting sun of another day at one of the world's most prestigious universities.
Inclusions: Private Walking Tour of Harvard Square in Cambridge for you and your group, Small group tour for a more personalized experience
Exclusions: Gratuities, Tour does not include subway fares to/from locations (approximately $2.75 per person each way)
Reviewed By mandb20182018
We had a fantastic tour guide (Alan)! He was enthusiastic, knowledgeable, and we learned some incredible facts. Highly recommend this tour!
9. Boston Back Bay Tourist Scavenger Hunt
It takes 2-3 hours to complete, do it whenever you wish - you select your own date and start time, no scheduling or reservation needed. 20+ challenges, games and enigmas to solve as you walk through this historic neighborhood.
Inclusions: 20+ challenges on this scavenger hunt, Available in English and French, Scavenger hunt on your smartphone
Exclusions: Internet access - it is required for the activity. Wifi is not available in most areas.
Reviewed By 654wpw
Overall fun, hampered by some errors in navigation, lots of questions are basic. Nice info on history
10. Boston Sightseeing Tour - a fully-narrated driving tour
This tour will begin at your home, hotel or cruise ship and take you past the most interesting places in Boston including the Paul Revere House, the USS Constitution, the Bunker Hill Battle Monument, Copley Square and Fenway Park. Along the way you’ll see the historic homes and churches of the Back Bay, the South End, and Beacon Hill. You’ll hear the stories behind Paul Revere’s ride, the Boston Massacre and the Boston Tea Party. You’ll see Boston’s most prominent buildings and neighborhoods as well as some lesser-known points of interest. This is the best way to see as much of Boston as possible in a brief time and do so at a pace you will enjoy.
Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle
Exclusions: Food. Drink, Museum Fees, Souvenirs, etc.
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