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	Downtown Boston Harbor

Boston, New England's largest city, is known for its architectural beauty and diverse culture. This old English city has a mind-blowing number of sought after attractions, shopping and dining opportunities, in addition to the many historical sites and recreational possibilities. Tackling an informative and entertaining tour of Boston can prove to be quite challenging and the toughest question is where to begin. Selecting a tour guide is essential and there are dozens of tour companies to choose from that explore the city upon a hill. A good approach is to select a desired means of transportation by deciding whether to travel by air, land or sea.

Customs House at Night

AIR

Tours by air can offer views from Nantucket to Salem, and passengers on a helicopter will find that a bird's eye view will unveil some of Boston's best-kept secrets. Visitors can view the Charles River above the tips of sailboats and soar over trendy Back Bay to sneak a glimpse of the Red Sox over Fenway Park. Glide through downtown Boston in a helicopter, past the John Hancock Tower and other skyscrapers in the financial district. Observe a range of architecture that reflects contrasting modern structures again historic centuryold brick. The hustle and bustle of Quincy Market on a weekend afternoon can be enjoyed without line-ups, from above and a glance of the Zakim Bridge, the widest cable-stayed bridge in the world, is sure to inspire any critic. Upscale Beacon Hill unfolds around each corner with old and new state houses and trendy restaurants and shops.Lighthouse tours by air are also popular and enable a glimpse of all the Boston and much of Massachusetts's lighthouses in one afternoon. Because of Boston's locale, lighthouses are abundant and litter the coast, from Derby Wharf Lighthouse and Fort Pickering Lighthouse to the Hospital Point Lighthouse, name a mere few of these historic guiding lights. An aerial tour of Boston can provide a quick overview of this dynamic city from a unique perspective.

	An overview ofFaneuli Hall at Nightl

LAND

Tours by land lend to many options of exploration. Whether by foot, bike, trolley or bus, there is sure to be an approach that is suitable to fulfill the curiosity of any visitor.

Boston's Historic State House

Walking
Walking tours can range from self-guided to fully narrated, depending on the desired level of assistance. A leisurely tour with a narrative guide on foot along Historic Freedom Trail is a possible option. Some guided tours can include a cast of historic characters who paint a vivid picture of history. A tour along Boston's historic pathway to independence must include a detour to Granary Burying Ground, to pay respect to the final resting places of John Hancock, Robert Treat Paine and Samuel Adams, all of who signed of the Declaration of Independence. The Boston Common is among the oldest public parks in the United States, making it a definite must stop along the tour of the Freedom Trail.
Or for a more thrilling walk, a tour of the Salem's haunted hotspots promises to produce goose bumps, spine tingling and a racing heart. Patrons can explore the macabre and bazaar and paranormal history of Salem while learning details of the 1692 Witch Trial Hysteria at Salem Witch Village.

	John Handcock Tower

Cycling From urban districts to coastal terrain, cycling is another great way to tour around Boston and whether going solo or choosing a guided tour, cycling can prove to be an effective and efficient method of exploration. Bike trails and sidewalks pave the way for this liberal tour, which can start wherever the heart desires. Beginning in the seaport district offers a dramatic transformation in landscape, in part because of the Big Dig, a tunnel under the city of Boston, that is considered to be the largest of its kind in North American highway projects. Cycling along the South Boston waterfront opens opportunity to visit Castle Island's Fort Independence, where both Paul Revere and Edgar Allen Poe were stationed. Harbor views are abundant during a ride around Pleasant Bay and along Carson Beach and while in the neighborhood a stop at the Joh F. Knennedy Presidential Library & Museum is always informative.
For the beer connoisseurs, a brew and beach tour is always an option for a leisurely view of Boston. Peruse the Harvard University and campus and tour Boston's own Harpoon Brewery and then head to Carson Beach to enjoy the view.

Bus
During the fall season, a tour of Boston can provide a pleasant temperate afternoon passing by golden foliage and perhaps stopping at one of the several local orchards for a sample of apples and cider.
Newport's waterfront offers both ample opportunity for street shopping and a good selection of eateries for lunch or dinner. Newport's fishing fleet is also worth a look; see ships from around the world docked at the marina. The views along Beacon Hill district offer streets lined in churches and estates, which showcase over three centuries of Boston's history and tradition through monumental architecture. Most bus tours allow visitors to hop on and off the bus at any one of the 20 designated stops

Downtown Marina in the Charles River

SEA

Cruises are a great way to explore the Boston area. Visitors can choose from any variation of cruise, beginning at very basic and inexpensive short lunch and afternoon cruises, to opulent all-night luxury cruises that include dinner, dancing and concerts. Seasonal, themed and holiday cruises are also very popular.
In comparison to urban history tours, whale watching provides visitors with a more natural view of Boston's commodities. This tour will provide a unique glimpse into the marine life that exists as little as three hours off the shoreline.
Boston Harbor Islands Recreation Area presents further opportunity to explore the geographical lures and unveil the miles of sandy beaches that border the surrounding lush islands.

OTHERS

Some other more specialized options for touring Boston include historical tours such as Black Heritage Trail, which encompasses memorials and historic homes in the North Slope. The North End Secret Tour encapsulates secret passageways and gardens of Boston's North End Italian immigrant history. Another way to explore Boston is through Boston Your Way, a company that offers chauffer-driven personally customized tours.

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PHOTOS COURTESY OF:

Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau; Boston, MA, USA.