Private Tours for Groups and Families
Boston Freedom Trail Walking Tours with a Relative of Paul Revere
Ben Edwards has given private guided walking tours in Boston for 20 years. Learn more about Ben and his family connection to Paul Revere.
Limited Time Offer – SAVE $200 on the 5.5-Hour Private Tour in December 2024!
We are currently offering a 30% discount on the 5.5-hour private tour – normally $650, now $450. The tour must be taken in the month of December 2024. This is our Annual Holiday Sale and the Biggest Savings of the 2024 calendar year. Use the Promotion Code “30 Percent” on the booking form. You can even begin your tour over breakfast at Parker’s Restaurant in the historic and haunted Omni Parker House.
Three Private Tour Options
Boston Freedom Trail with Ben Option 1 – 3.5 hours / $450
The tour covers Boston Common, Massachusetts State House, Park Street Church, Granary Burying Ground, King’s Chapel, King’s Chapel Burying Ground, Boston Latin School Site, Benjamin Franklin Statue, Old Corner Bookstore, Old South Meeting House, Old State House, Boston Massacre Site, Faneuil Hall, Paul Revere House, Old North Church, and Copp’s Hill Burying Ground. Learn more about the Freedom Trail sites in Boston.
We visit inside King’s Chapel (admission fee required), 3 historic burying grounds, and Faneuil Hall.
Boston Freedom Trail with Ben Option 2 – 4.5 hours / $550
The tour includes everything in Option 1 with the additional time to visit inside the Paul Revere House and Old North Church. Admission fees required.
Boston Freedom Trail with Ben Option 3 – 5.5 hours / $650
The tour covers everything in Option 1 with the additional time to visit inside the Paul Revere House, Old North Church, Old South Meeting House, and the Old State House. Admission fees required. You can also begin the tour with “History Over Breakfast” at the historic and haunted Omni Parker House – or just stop there for Boston Cream Pie during the tour itself. We take a lunch break at the midpoint at Union Oyster House – America’s oldest continuously operating restaurant established in 1826. Cost of food not included. For December 2024 Only, use the Promotion Code “30 Percent” on the booking form and Save $200 on this, our Most Popular Freedom Trail Tour. Offer ends December 31, 2024.
The above fees are for groups of 10 people or less. For larger group pricing contact Ben Edwards by email at ben@walkingboston.com.
Not Part of a Group or Family? Private tours are available for individuals and couples at the same fixed fees shown above.
What’s it like to work with Ben Edwards? Here are over 600 photos.
Tour Features and Benefits
At Walking Boston we focus on tour quality not tour quantity. Ben Edwards gives each tour personally and only one private tour is offered per day. We don’t sell our tours on any of the third party sites you’ll spot online. What does that mean to you? You’re guaranteed to get the lowest price right here on our website. Demand for our unique private tours is high. Compare the features and benefits (below) of a private guided walking tour of the Freedom Trail with Ben Edwards to ANY other private guided walking tour in the city and we’re confident you’ll find our tour to be the BEST VALUE in Boston.
The tour is ideal for ALL ages. Children LOVE it! Read the reviews from customers below. You won’t find a tour guide in Boston better at keeping children interested and engaged than Ben. A history trivia contest, prizes, stops for food, a haunted hotel… there’s No Other Private Tour in Boston Like It! The tour is customized to the needs of your group or family. We get to know you in advance. Whatever your specific requests, we’ve got you covered.
The headline at the top of this webpage mentions that Ben Edwards is a relative of Paul Revere… but how does that benefit YOU? The Revere family connection has intrigued Ben since childhood and led to an unequaled passion for Boston History and All Things Boston that he enthusiastically shares today with his tour groups. It’s captured in the pages of Ben’s one-of-a-kind children’s book, you’ll receive, that tells his ancestors’ story. Also, with over two decades serving as a member of the Board of Directors of the Paul Revere Memorial Association, Ben has strong expertise on Paul Revere.
Free Products
The history you’ll learn along the tour route comes alive through the following free products:
- Ben’s 256-page children’s book One April in Boston revised in 2024 in print, eBook, and MP3 audio formats
- An MP3 audio of Longfellow’s famous poem “Paul Revere’s Ride” by award-winning narrator Phil Rosenthal
Hold History in Your Hands
Picture holding rare documents and historic newspapers from Ben’s extensive collection during the tour – excluding winter tours. These include documents signed by John Hancock and Boston Tea Party participants and newspapers with ads for Paul Revere’s many businesses. Primary sources bring the past to life in tangible and meaningful ways. This added value is available ONLY from Walking Boston.
Password-Protected Smartphone Content
You’ll receive access to substantial material including exclusive audio and video that supports the tour and extends your educational experience. There is a section on the most historically accurate artwork ever produced covering the events of Paul Revere’s Midnight Ride that includes a FIRST LOOK at the art and supporting research. The paintings will appear in the book Paul Revere’s Ride: An Illustrated History by Cortney Skinner set for release in 2025.
Free Help Planning Your Boston Trip
Unlimited FREE expert assistance planning your trip to Boston as outlined in the Priceless Value—How We’re Different section. When you book a tour you’ll get instant access to Ben’s expertise via email and text. Ben has been a resident of Boston for over 20 years and he knows the city inside out.
Time for Boston Cream Pie and a Lunch Break on Tour Option 3
A Delicious Stop at the Omni Parker House Hotel
We can make a reservation for your private group at Parker’s Restaurant in the historic and haunted Omni Parker House Hotel. Here you can order Boston Cream Pie (where it was perfected) and Parker House Rolls, while Ben continues his storytelling (ghost stories included) and shares his collection of rare Parker House memorabilia.
Have lunch at historic Union Oyster House
During our lunch break at Union Oyster House, you’ll see the 1826 oyster bar, JFK’s favorite booth, and the Heritage Room which once housed the printing shop of Isaiah Thomas—patriot printer of the Massachusetts Spy. Ben will share an original issue of the Massachusetts Spy printed in that very room in 1771. Ben will also convey his passion for the restaurant, a place he believes his third-great-grandfather Joseph B. Edwards, a street paver, ate and drank at from the time it opened as Atwood’s Oyster House in 1826.
What Our Customers Are Saying
Walking Boston is a recipient of the Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Award for 2024. The award recognizes businesses that earn consistently great reviews. Travelers’ Choice award-winners are among the top 10% of listings on Tripadvisor.
“First Rate Private Tour of the Freedom Trail”
Five Stars
“We chose to take Ben Edwards’ extended walking tour of the Freedom Trail after reading all of the positive reviews, and after taking it, we couldn’t agree more with all of the glowing comments. Our family of five, including children ages 17, 14, and 12, all enjoyed the tour and learned a great deal about Boston’s role in our nation’s history. Our stop at the Parker House and lunch in JFK’s booth at the Union Oyster House were wonderful treats. Ben knows everyone at both of these establishments which results in very special service. Ben keeps the tour engaging for all ages through connections to his own family history, his backpack of maps, documents, and original newspapers, and his trivia contest. Ben helped us to commemorate the tour by taking and emailing us family photos and providing the kids with a special copy of the Declaration of Independence. He truly goes above and beyond before, during and after the tour!”
Betsy G
Tampa, Florida
Posted on Tripadvisor
“A Must in Boston!”
Five Stars
“I am a teacher, and I wanted to get a close look at Boston’s rich history. Who better to help me? Ben! I have two “Tweens” and a husband who were less than thrilled about a guided tour when I first booked it. However, ten minutes into the tour my husband and kids were saying “this is awesome!” Ben is knowledgeable, kind, works great with kids, and very patient. He has personal historical connections with the city, and knows so much about it! The only way to truly experience the city of Boston is with Ben. I have so much information to bring back to my classroom and my family has memories that will last a lifetime. This is the real deal! Thank you!!!!!!!!”
Emily S
Metairie, Louisiana
Posted on Tripadvisor
“Best Quality Professional Historic Tour in Boston!”
Five Stars
Mr. Ben Edwards delivers a top-quality professional walking tour of historic Boston. Ben enhances his tour with many original historical documents along with a well-presented discussion of each visited site. I’ve taken different groups of 10 to 17 OIF/OEF combat veterans on Ben’s tour three times this year so far and each time Ben amazes me with his fresh insights. Many group members commented to me that they were highly impressed with the quality and professionalism that Ben delivers. Comments included, “Fantastic experience! I’m so glad I participated.” Also, “What a great way to spend a day! I learned so much!” I most strongly recommend Ben’s Walking Boston Tour.
Mike B
Wounded Warrior Project
Jacksonville, Florida
Posted on Tripadvisor
“The Ultimate in Boston Tours”
Five Stars
“I cannot imagine a more wonderful tour and a more perfect guide! The walk really does take one to all the great sites. And Ben’s knowledge of people, places, events, and dates is absolutely incomparable. And he truly brings history to life with a seemingly inexhaustible archive of lively stories, some of them connected in fascinating ways to the lives of his own ancestors. He knows how to communicate on many different levels, capturing the attention and imagination of the teenager while also satisfying the curiosity and interests of the mature adult. He paces the walk beautifully, too, making every moment rich with significant historical details.
My nephew and I will never forget Ben and the tour he gave us! An experience the two of us will treasure! Don’t miss the opportunity to take one of his tours!”
David K
New York City, New York
Posted on Tripadvisor
“Best Tour in Boston!!!”
Five Stars
I met Ben Edwards while I was on a walking tour with a group of veterans. I was so impressed that I booked a private tour with him for myself and friends who were visiting from out of the area. The private tour did not disappoint. Ben was an extremely knowledgeable and experienced guide. He has in-depth knowledge of the history, stories, and significance of each site along the Freedom Trail. He brought history to life with his rare documents and original colonial newspapers making it more enjoyable and memorable. Additionally, he is a relative of Paul Revere and has unique family stories.
He was completely open to accommodating my requests of including The Embrace Memorial, The Public Garden and the Swan Boats, and the Carousel on the Rose Kennedy Greenway to the tour. If that wasn’t enough, he is the best at taking photos and getting the “right” pictures along the tour. I would HIGHLY recommend Ben without hesitation!
Andrea G
Boston, Massachusetts
Posted on Tripadvisor
“Historical Boston Tour with a Paul Revere Relative!”
Five Stars
My family and I visited Boston over the July 4th holiday. We love American history and wanted an in-depth private tour that would really give us a feel of the city and its historical past. I did a lot of research to find the perfect tour guide and did I ever hit the jack pot with Ben Edwards! He was so engaging, thorough, knowledgeable, and full of energy. He kept the attention of my 10-year-old-son with games, questions, prizes and lots of cool historical facts. We were “on the go” from 9:30 am until he dropped us off at 5 pm at our hotel, with stops for breakfast and lunch at historical restaurants. He brought to life the colorful past of the city, its role in the American revolution, how the Revere family story is woven through Boston’s history, and many other amazing facts one would never know without the guidance of someone who had spent their life studying and researching its history. He had maps, books, coins, artifacts, and a backpack full of treasures to give picture to the story he told. It is evident that Ben does this job because he loves it. He has dedicated his life to preserving his family’s past, understanding Boston’s complex history and sharing his knowledge with others. He’s particularly good with kids – my son loved meeting Ben and spending the day with him and claims our day with him was his favorite day on our trip!
Do yourself a HUGE favor and hire Ben to share his knowledge about Boston. I HIGHLY recommend him and his tours. You will not be disappointed.
Stacey Q
Hillsborough, North Carolina
Posted on Tripadvisor
“Best Tour You’ll Ever Take!”
Five Stars
Wow! If you want a true historical perspective and a fun and entertaining way to see Boston, this is by far the best tour of Boston you can take! Ben was very professional and knowledgeable. The amount of information Ben shared and the way he shared it kept us entertained and engaged the whole day. He even managed to keep our six year old son engaged and excited the entire tour as well. Ben had everything planned out from the best picture spots and reservations at restaurants along the way, sparing no detail! I HIGHLY recommend taking this tour, you won’t be disappointed. This tour was by far the best experience we had in Boston!
Heidi G
Eaton, Colorado
Posted on Tripadvisor
“Excellent from Start to Finish!”
Five Stars
I can’t say enough about our experience with Ben Edwards on our walking tour of Boston. From start to finish, Ben was attentive, communicative, professional, and kind. The whole day was excellently planned and logically organized. We have two boys (ages 14 & 11), and Ben made sure to keep them engaged through trivia questions and special prizes. One of the things I appreciated most as a mom was that he took our picture at every site and then sent them to me with a caption of where we were with each photo! When you see so many things, it can be difficult to remember everything, so this was a special gift! Ben’s customer service is top notch, but at the same time, you forget it is a service because it ends up feeling like you’re touring around town with a dear family friend. I highly recommend Ben Edwards and his Walking Boston tour. His knowledge of history, the amazing realia he pulls out of his backpack to further enrich your learning, and his pure passion for the history of Boston are exceptional. Thank you, Ben!
Molly I
Austin, Texas
Posted on Tripadvisor
Tour Information — Frequently Asked Questions
What does the tour cost?
In 2024 we are offering three private tour options—a 3.5-hour tour for $450, a 4.5-hour tour for $550, and a 5.5-hour tour is $650. In December 2024, you can Save $200 on the 5.5-hour tour! Normally $650, now $450. Offer ends December 31, 2024. The longest tour option can include time for Boston Cream Pie at Parker’s Restaurant and a lunch break at the midpoint at historic Union Oyster House.
You can have up to 10 people in your group at the fixed fees shown above. We don’t combine individuals, or smaller parties, into larger groups. A private tour is defined as yourself, your family, friends, or other group of people you’ve assembled. Please note: Some of the sites we visit have an admission fee. More on that below.
Do you offer private tours for individuals or couples?
Absolutely! We love giving private tours to individuals, couples, and business travelers. The same customized private tours shown above, with the same fixed fees apply.
Do you offer private tours for larger groups?
Yes, we do! We work with more than 1,400 students on field trips of Boston’s Freedom Trail each year as well as corporate groups, clubs, associations, and civic organizations. Tours for larger groups range in size from 20 to upwards of 60 people. For information and pricing on school field trips, visit our School Groups page. For information and pricing on homeschool field trips, visit our Homeschoolers page. For information and pricing on group tours for other organizations, please contact us.
Where does the tour begin?
Private tours begin on Boston Common at the corner of Park and Tremont streets. Usual start time is 9:30 am. If you are staying in the city (downtown, Back Bay, Fenway), and it is more convenient for you, Ben is happy to meet you in the lobby of your hotel and show you how to navigate the subway to the starting point of the tour on Boston Common.
What Freedom Trail sites do we see on the tour?
The tour covers all of the Freedom Trail sites in Boston, including those in the North End, but not the two in Charlestown.
We go inside Granary Burying Ground, King’s Chapel ($3 per person admission), King’s Chapel Burying Ground, Faneuil Hall, and Copp’s Hill Burying Ground. On Option 2 you may also elect to go inside the Paul Revere House (adult admission is $6, $5.50 for seniors and college students, and $1 for children ages 5-17), and Old North Church ($5 per person admission). On the 5.5-hour (Option 3) version you can also tour inside Old South Meeting House and the Old State House. You can purchase a joint admission ticket to both museums for $15 for adults, $14 for seniors and college students, and $8 for children ages 12 and under.
When are tours offered?
Tours run year-round. Contact us today to see if the date you are seeking is available.
Do tours run rain or shine?
Yes. We operate in the rain but do have a liberal cancellation policy. If you feel the weather on the day of the tour is too inclement for your group, you may cancel without obligation. We reserve the right to cancel any tour in the case of severe or unsafe weather conditions.
How do I book a private tour?
To book a private tour for yourself, your group, or a family of up to 10 people, you can use the Book Now form or phone Ben at 617.670.1888. Ben will reply advising if the date you are seeking is available and pass along additional details confirming your tour. To obtain pricing for a larger group contact Ben by email or phone. Schools should use the School Groups Reservation form and Homeschoolers the Homeschoolers Reservation form. Please note that as we are out giving tours daily, phone calls are returned in the evening.
What forms of payment do you take?
Preferred methods of payment are cash or check. PayPal is also an option.
How long have you been in business?
Two decades – 2024 marks our 20th year! View our BostonHistory Instagram feed to see some of the photos we’ve shared during that time.
You can read more reviews on Tripadvisor. Walking Boston is a recipient of the Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Award for 2024.
Walking Boston is proud to support Running Strong for American Indian Youth with a monthly donation in memory of Lynn Edwards.