Tour Details

Small-Group Boston Brahmin Walking Tour in Beacon Hill

From: £41.45

Duration: 3 hours

Take a guided walking tour through Beacon Hill and Boston Common, learning about the elite group of upper-crust residents known as the Boston Brahmin, whose famous faces like Franklin Delano Roosevelt and John Forbes shaped not only Boston, but the entire United States. On this three-hour small-group tour with no more than six people, follow your docent (local historian) around key historic places in the city, from the State House to Shaw Memorial, and learn about rich history of Boston.

John Adams, FDR and Calvin Coolidge had more in common than being President of the United States – they were also part of the Boston Brahmin, a group of wealthy and influential families that have lived in Boston from the 18th century. Learn about this inconspicuous yet important group on a guided walking tour with no more than six people.

Begin your step back in time at the Old South Meeting House, one of the oldest churches in Boston and the place where the Boston Tea Party was planned. Meet your local docent (a knowledgeable historian and guide) and walk into the heart of Beacon Hill, one of the most historic and expensive neighborhoods in Boston. You’ll pass major historic landmarks such as the State House, the African Meeting House and Vilna Shul.

Enjoy this pleasant walk, admiring the beautiful historic homes, and make your way to Boston Common, Boston’s central public park and the oldest city park in the US.

Throughout your walk, learn from your docent the architectural and urban planning of stately Beacon Hill, its Brahmin inhabitants and their crucial role in American history. The Boston Brahmin families ranged in their local importance and career paths; some were poets and authors while others were US presidents, senators, revolutionaries and businessmen. These elite families were at the root of some of the most important periods in the history of the United States.

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Culture Shock Rating

We have a wide range of tours designed to give you an insight into the destination you're travelling in and there is something for everybody. The culture shock ratings considers the destination visited, transport used, activities undertaken and that "Wow, I'm really not at home now!" factor. While generalisations are always tricky, a summary of our gradings is as follows…

20%

This is the least confronting of our tour range. Transport used on the trip is either private or a very comfortable public option, the activities included are usually iconic sites and locations that are not all too confronting.

40%

The tour can include a mix of private and public transport providing a level of comfort that is slightly below what you would experience at home. Sites visited are usually iconic sites, tours can also include market visits, visits to communities etc that provide the traveller with a fantastic insight into destination.

60%

Expect to rough it for parts of this tour, whether it's a packed public bus where you are forced to stand, a visit to a local market, a local community, you are sure to have an experience that is very different from what you're used to at home.

80%

The comforts of your home town and the environment you are used to are more of a rarity. Expect some challenging transport options, visits to local sites and areas that don't resemble anything at home.

100%

You're out there in the global community! You are likely to be exposed to the elements, travel in whatever means of transport is available and basically take it as it comes, whatever comes! It can be tough.

Physical Rating

Our physical rating gives you an idea of how much huffing and puffing you can expect on the tour. While generalisations are always tricky, a summary of our gradings is as follows…

20%

These tours have very limited physical activity. Usually climbing in and out of the transport provided, walking through sites, markets etc included in the itinerary.

40%

These tours have a bit of physical activity but nothing that should challenge you too much. This could be climbing on and off public transport through to a walk through the destination you're travelling in, they can include walking only tours or a combination of walking and transport.

60%

These tours involve a bit of physical activity from walking up and down hills in the destination you're travelling in or the surrounding areas. Climbing on and off local transport or riding a bike up to 30 kms along predominantly flat terrain or jumping in a kayak for a gentle paddle on flat water.

80%

These Tours will provide you with some solid physical activity. Whether its bike riding, walking, trekking, kayaking or riding on public transport you will need to have a good level of fitness to enjoy this tour.

100%

Be prepared for some serious physical activity. These tours are our most challenging and involve some serious walking, hiking or bike riding. Can involve step climbs by foot or pedal and some challenging public transport options in the destination you are travelling.

Luxury Rating

Some trips are like a stroll on the beach, while others have you trekking alpine passes. Some of you thrive on camping out on the savannah, while others may prefer a hot shower and a comfortable bed in a lodge. Follow the grading systems below to find the right trip for you.

To help you choose the trip that's right for you, we've broken all of our trips down into four service levels. Measuring the comfort level of the accommodation and transport. So whether you're travelling on a budget and want to save money by using public transport, or prefer upgraded accommodation and are happy to pay a little more, then we have a level for you.

25%

This is grassroots travel at its most interesting

50%

Authentic experiences with some of the comforts of home

75%

For those who like to travel in comfort

100%

All the unique experiences wrapped up with a gold ribbon