(no subject)

[gilana]

Anyone have any experience with any of the local (Boston) tour companies (Minuteman Tour, Old Town Trolley, etc.?) My folks are coming in next weekend to see my show and they're looking for things to do while they're here. The USS Constitution, Aquarium, and Freedom Trail are all on their list, so anything that stops at those places is a bonus, but the ideal would be something that gives some information/entertainment as well as just transportation. Thanks!

(Edit: They're already planning to do the the Duck Tour, this is in addition.)

Comments

[candle-light.livejournal.com]

A Duck Tour? (http://www.bostonducktours.com/index.html)

[heinleinfan.livejournal.com]

Everyone who has ever mentioned the Duck Tours says they are tons of fun. The group of teachers I used to work with did one as an endofyear party one year and they were all still talking the next year about "I wish we could just do the Duck Tour again this year!"
Do they run them when it's so cold, though? Although, I hear next weekend is supposed to be nice until Sunday.
That's the only one I know about. It's cool transportation though...drive around Boston then drive right into the river!! How neat is that!

[bex77]

We've done Duck Tours and the Old Town Trolley with various folks visting from out of town.

Old Town is good if you want to get to know Boston and learn stuff about the city and landmarks and history. And you can get on and off.

Duck Tours is comedy on wheels, and a novelty - ride around, sail, hear the driver's jokes.

Depends on what the visitors are interested in doing.

[gilana]

They're definitely planning on doing the duck tour -- this would be in addition, as a way to get to see the other attractions.

[plumtreeblossom.livejournal.com]

The Trolley Tour has a great deal where you can hop-on/hop-off at 16 different locations throughout the city.

[monstrousform.livejournal.com]

The Historic Tours of America are probably the ones to go with. See here:

http://www.historictours.com/boston/

They have package deals on both the tour and admission to one of the other sites (the Aquarium, etc.) on the tour.

[minkrose]

I've done the Old Town Trolley in Savannah and Key West and loved it in both places. I'd imagine it's probably pretty good in boston as well.

I've never done it here; maybe I will at some point next year.

[bismuthobsidian.livejournal.com]

I think they can also take the Commuter Rail to Plymouth Plantation and Salem if they want to see the those areas. They can go to Old Sturbridge Village if they have a car or you can take them to the Wayside Inn for dinner.

[petra-quince.livejournal.com]

I used to work for the duck tours, so I feel obliged to give my $0.50 worth: If you're planning on going on a weekend, you may want to get your tickets in advance because they sell out super quick. Weekdays are far less busy in the fall. The Science Museum departures fill up slower than the ones leaving from the Pru. Also, the ducks are heated, but if it's a cold day, it'll still be very chilly on the duck, and there's a lot of waiting-around-outside time before you get on, so bundle up!

As far as other tours go, all I can tell you is the one to avoid. I have a friend who used to work for Olde Towne, and she told me some drivers used to invent facts and anecdotes that they gave on their tours. This was several years ago, though. (and for you third-hand badmouthing, so, you know, grain of salt.)

[gilana]

I tried to convince them to go to Salem -- I think they'd enjoy it -- but they don't want to brave the commuter rail, I can't take the day off work to go with them, and they won't be driving here. And they'll only eat in kosher restaurants.

should just take the T?

[musicjill.livejournal.com]

the trolley tours are expensive($15 a person?), and in the summer (when they are probably more frequent) I saw lots of people waiting for them in kendall square; they go exactly where the T goes---> so if they just want to get around, the T is better, and probably less waiting outside in the cold. (are the trolleys heated?)