Private Tour: The Hub of Literary America
Walk in the footsteps of literary greats! • 1.5 Hours
Overview
Activity details
Journey to Victorian Boston and see where writers and poets including Ralph Waldo Emerson, Louisa May Alcott and Henry David Thoreau gathered to share new ideas and influence society!
Learn how local publishers lured Charles Dickens and other famous writers to Boston. Discover why Edgar Allan Poe rejected Boston as his home.
On this fascinating guided tour, walk in the footsteps of literary greats as you stop outside the Old Corner Bookstore, Louisa May Alcott’s home, the famous Athenaeum private library, and more.
From April to mid-November, Private tours are bookable online for groups of up to 20 people with at least 2 weeks notice. To request a private tour for groups of more than 20 people, or in the fall/winter, use the Private Tour Request form. Please provide at least 2 weeks notice in advance of your preferred tour date for larger groups. Private tour request form link
What's included
- Guided 90 minute outdoor tour exploring Boston's literary history
- 1 mile tour at a moderate pace, stoping at various sites along the tour
Additional information
Check-in details
- Please arrive 10 minutes before the tour start time to find your guide. Tours are held rain or shine.
- Finding Your Guide: All guides carry an 8×11 sign that says “Boston By Foot Walking Tours.”
- Nearest MBTA Station: State (Blue & Orange Lines)
What to bring
- Comfortable shoes
- Dress for the weather (tours are held rain or shine)
- Water bottle
Special requirements
- Tours are held rain or shine
- Children must be accompanied by a ticketed adult
Cancellations
- Please arrive at least 10 minutes early to meet your guide. Late admittance is not guaranteed.
- Public tours can be rebooked on another available tour, or canceled for full credit as a gift card, with at least 24hrs notice. Cancellations less than 24hrs prior to the tour start or no shows cannot be credited. Customers can conveniently cancel or rebook public tour registrations up to 24hrs before the start of the tour using the "change booking" and "cancel booking" links in the confirmation and reminder emails.
- Private tours can be canceled up to 4 days before the start for a full refund. Private tour cancellations made within 4 days of the tour date incur a small cancellation fee, though they can be rebooked for no additional fees. Contact us to cancel or rebook a private tour.
- All tours are held in all weather - rain or shine. Please be prepared for the weather and to walk and stand outdoors on your tour. In case of tour cancellation by Boston By Foot due to extreme weather or unforeseen circumstances, you will be offered a refund or exchange. If groups choose to cancel a tour due to weather, the above policy stands.