Private tour in Boston Joshua L

Harvard & Historic Cambridge

5.0

(9) reviews

-
Hours icon 2 hours 30 minutes
Walking
Private tour for 1-8 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
Hours icon 2 hours 30 minutes
Walking
Private tour for 1-8 people
Your party size

1

View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later

Joshua L.

4.9

Guide rating

137

Reviews

Tours delivered

3 hrs

Avg. response time

It would be my pleasure to welcome you to Boston, the perfect walking city! I grew up here, and I love my hometown for its fascinating history and incredible beauty. I'm passionate about introducing visitors to everything from our classic spots to the hidden gems of Boston, Cambridge, Salem, Lexington, Concord, Plymouth, and beyond! Professionally, I am a designer of extraordinary educational experiences — in addition to tour guiding in the Boston area, I have worked as a teacher and facilitator, actor and theatre director, historical interpreter, international trip leader, and am currently an instructional designer at a local university. I have a master's degree in theatre and education, and my storytelling savvy makes Boston's history and culture come alive! I am also a fluent Spanish speaker, having been a Fulbright Fellow in Colombia, and led travel and exchange programs across Latin America and Asia for high school and college students. I am happy to deliver any of my tours in Spanish or English. I'm immersed in Boston's vibrant arts and culture scene. I perform improv comedy and sing in a choir. I enjoy introducing visitors to the abundant cultural offerings here, from theatre and music to visual arts and dance. I also love the Red Sox, but I won't hold it against any of you Yankees fans out there…my dad is from New York, after all! I love meeting people from all over the world customizing my tours to fit my clients' interests. Here are a few examples of bespoke tours that I've recently given: •A tour focusing on Jewish Boston from colonial times through the present day •A ghost tour focusing on haunted local spots, alluringly bizarre legends, and true crime •A tour for a celebrated podcast focused on abolitionists and poets along the Black Heritage Trail in Beacon Hill •A tour in Spanish for Argentine physicians focused on scientific and medical innovations •A recorded tour series around Harvard and Cambridge for the iFit's Immersive Global Workouts As a tour guide, I love revealing the rich layers of history and illuminating architectural masterpieces that exist along the Freedom Trail and beyond. -From Native Americans to Puritans and witches in the 1600s -Revolutionaries and Sons of Liberty in the colonial 1700s -Civil War heroes, literary superstars, and globetrotting sailors in the 1800s -Mobsters, Kennedys, and Boston Brahmins in the 1900s -Boston's sports successes and futuristic advances in science and technology coming out of Harvard and MIT in the 2000s Literally anyplace that you stand in this dynamic city has fascinating stories to tell. The foodie scene is also tremendous! I relish (my jokes are usually better than that, I swear!:) introducing visitors to the deliciousness that abounds here, from classics like waterfront lobster rolls and heirloom apple cider at farmers markets, to unique tastes like shakshuka at innovative boutique cafes and pastries at the best Italian bakeries hidden down back alleys in the North End. Another of my favorite things to do as a tour guide is create customized adventures around the region, from Boston and Cambridge walking tours to excursions out to fascinating historic and scenic spots like coastal Salem and the North Shore; Plymouth; Lexington and Concord; architectural gems like the Boston Public Library; universities like Harvard and MIT; and places where nature's beauty shines, like gorgeous Mt. Auburn Cemetery or Arnold Arboretum. I also enjoy curating guided visits to our extraordinary museums, featuring one-of-a-kind treasures of art, history, archaeology, and science. Popular ones include the Isabella Stewart Gardner, the MFA, and the Harvard Museum of Natural History. I connect really well with everyone from seniors to families with kids, and clients tell me that my passion and excitement is contagious! If you're also curious about the world around you, love a good story and a good laugh, and get excited about delicious food, we'll definitely enjoy each other's company. I look forward to helping you craft your dream Boston area experience! • MA, Emerson College- Education and Theatre • BA, Vassar College • Fulbright Fellow, Colombia • Certificate in Spanish, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Argentina • While Boston doesn't offer tour guide licensure, I have given hundreds of private concierge tours throughout the Greater Boston area for a local boutique tour guiding company specializing in customized experiences for a diverse range of clients I am not a commercially licensed driver. If you wish to take a driving tour, I can either accompany you as a passenger in your personal or rented vehicle, or we can hire an insured car and driver from a local chauffeur service.

Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Joshua L.

Overview of your Boston tour

Harvard is one of the world's most celebrated universities, and for good reason! Marvel at the beauty and history of this classic college town on a scenic tour which brings Cambridge's remarkable role in world affairs to life. Its leaders have shaped history, from Puritans and Presidents to poets and pioneering scientists. See monumental architecture, explore incredible museum collections, and meet larger than life characters from Cambridge's 400 year-old past as the birthplace of the American Revolution. Explore Harvard Square's vibrant riverfront neighborhood with a lively foodie scene. If you'd like to extend the tour, we can also head down the river to beautiful MIT and dynamic Kendall Square, the "most innovative square mile on the planet. " Immerse yourself in the rich past and present of Harvard Square, where ideas that shape our world are born.

Recent Reviews

Caitlin G.United States
April 2024

We loved our tours with Josh- one was Cambridge/Harvard area and the next day we followed the Freedom Trail and additional sites. Both tours were informative, fun with inside information that only a local would know, and customized to our interests. Josh was knowledgeable and adapted each tour to fit our preferences (sometimes in the moment as we talked) and also to work with the rainy weather we had. Would highly recommend.

Zila B.Israel
July 2022

My grandsons and I had a wonderful time with Josh. He showed us Boston in a way that we understood the history of the city and the country. We were in the library and we're very impressed by the beautiful vitrashes the lions, the reading hall etc. Since we are Jews he showed us nice synagogues, we couldn't go in but never the less we saw and we're happy. We were in Harvard and were very impressed by the place and it's buildings. And with the bookstore has. We really had a great time.

Catherine B.United States
October 2021

Josh was a great guide and such a likable guy. He's very knowledgable about the Cambridge area and Harvard in particular. He was also able to steer us to a great little bakery where we had some amazing pastry when we needed a short break. Knowing the facts and the stories about the area certainly made it more meaningful and enjoyable than stumbling about on our own would have been. It was like touring with a good friend. I would highly recommend Josh.

Patricia V.United States
August 2021

Josh was charming and extremely smart. He worked to give us a multi-faceted experience at Harvard and did an outstanding job. Forever grateful that we chose him to provide our tour. Thanks to Josh!

Ricardo B.Mexico
September 2019

Joshua es una persona muy accesible y conocedor de Boston. Se adapto muy bien a nuestro ritmo e intereses. El tour es muy recomendable. Habla un excelente español.

Milana Y.United States
June 2019

While preparing for our trip to Boston we booked a 3-hours University tour with Josh. I contacted Josh in advance and he was extremely helpful by giving us very descriptive answers and suggestions. I felt confident that his tour will be as thorough and didn't get disappointed. Josh is very knowledgeable about city of Boston and Cambridge's history and has ton of fun facts and stories to share. We learned a lot and fell in love with the city thanks to our wonderful tour guide whom we highly recommend!

Your Boston tour itinerary

There are days worth of stories and sights in history, architecture, and culture-rich Cambridge, so we'll customize the tour to focus on what you're most interested in! Classic stops include: Harvard Square Cambridge Common Harvard Yard Old Cambridge Burying Ground John Harvard Statue Johnston Gate Holden Chapel Harvard Lampoon Castle Lowell House Bells Widener Memorial Library Memorial Church Science Center Memorial Hall/Sanders Theater Harvard Divinity School Harvard Law School Harvard Business School Harvard Art Museums Museum of Natural History Historical Scientific Instrument Collection Longfellow-Washington House Central Square MIT Quad Kendall Square The Alchemist Statue Broad Institute Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research Stata Center and Robotics Lab MIT Media Lab Doc Edgerton's Photographs Engineering Library inside Dome Great Dome and Killian Court Infinite Corridor MIT boathouse "Smoot" Footbridge Charles River Postcard view of Boston's Back Bay

Want to customize this tour?

Tell your guide which places matter to you, skip what doesn't, and tailor the experience for your group's needs. Not finding what you want? Message your guide to build something unique.

Transport details
Type: Walking

This is most often done as purely a walking tour. However, many people choose to take a quick Uber or the subway between Harvard and MIT to save time. It's totally up to you, and you can decide what to do based on how you're feeling in the moment.

What's included
Other: -Fantastic stories and laughs -Beautiful photos -Answers to all of your questions about where to eat, drink, see theatre, hear music, catch sports games, be wowed at museums and by nature in the Greater Boston Area and New England
Private Guide
What's not included
Other: Personal expenses. -Many people find that Harvard and MIT are not quite within walking distance from one another given time constraints. The short distance can be quickly and easily covered by either 2 stops on the subway, a short bus ride, or a quick hop in an Uber or Lyft. The cost of the transportation method of your choice is not covered in the tour fee. -I'm also happy to go longer than 2.5 hours for a more complete Cambridge experience. If you'd like that, please contact me beforehand as we will want to plan for that in advance. -Entrance fees to any paid museums along the route that you should desire to visit aren't included. There are a couple of free ones which we can visit through! I can also tell you what you'll see inside all the museums, or even take you on a separate museum tour! (i.e. Harvard Art Museums, Harvard Museum of Natural History, MIT Museum) -Local snacks aren't included in the price of the walking tour...but are definitely worth trying!
Food Drinks Snacks
Meeting location

Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States

Harvard Square, or wherever is most convenient for you!

  • You can request a specific meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout.
Other details
Tour categories
History
City Highlights
Tour reference number
543459
Languages
English
Spanish
Activity level
Light
Accessibility
Kid Friendly
Wheelchair Accessible

Traveller reviews

5.0

FAQs

Who is this private tour in Boston best suited for?

This private tour is perfect for anyone interested in exploring the rich history and vibrant culture of Harvard University and Cambridge. It's ideal for travellers who want to delve into the stories of Puritans, Presidents, poets, and pioneering scientists. Whether you're a history buff, architecture enthusiast, or simply curious about the birthplace of the American Revolution, this tour offers a unique behind-the-scenes look at one of the world's most celebrated universities. It's also suitable for families, as it's kid-friendly and wheelchair accessible.

Can this private tour in Boston be customized to focus on what I want to see and skip places I've already visited?

How long is the tour, and can the start time or duration be adjusted?

Where does the tour start and end?

Is transportation included?

How much walking is involved, and is it suitable for kids, seniors, or travellers with mobility concerns?

What languages is this tour offered in?

What's included in this private tour, and what should I budget for separately?

Is this a private tour? What is the maximum group size and the starting price?

AI-generated. Please confirm details with your guide

-
Hours icon 2 hours 30 minutes
Walking
Private tour for 1-8 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
Hours icon 2 hours 30 minutes
Walking
Private tour for 1-8 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
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