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Battle of Lexington and Concord Self-Guided Driving Tour

Tour Details

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Welcome to the battle of lexington and concord tour.

Discover the thrilling events behind the “shot heard ‘round the world” with this self-guided driving tour through Lexington and Concord. Follow the path of the very first battle of the American Revolutionary War, from a shootout in the town square to a life-or-death struggle on a narrow bridge. Step back in time and witness the courage and ferocity of the minutemen who took on the most significant military power in the world on the Battle of Lexington and Concord tour.

About the Tour

Our journey begins at the North Bridge, where the most pivotal moment of the entire battle took place. Here, we’ll get the background on what set the stage for this conflict and why the Americans thought the British were already burning Lexington!

Then we’ll dive right into the thick of things and hear about the first significant engagement between British and American forces, including the famous “shot heard ‘round the world.” See how the tide of battle swung against the British, and watch their desperate retreat.

Next, we’ll get to know American Major John Buttrick and enter the center of Concord. As you admire the historical surroundings, listen to vivid accounts of how things went bad to worse for the redcoats.

We’ll follow the route of the action alongside Battle Road, bringing skirmish after skirmish to life as the British soldiers make their arduous, bloody trek toward the safety of Boston. Watch the American militiamen force the British into one trap after another in one of the most unlikely upsets in battlefield history.

We’ll stop by the site where Paul Revere was captured as we drive. Here, we’ll get the facts about his often misunderstood Midnight Ride and hear about who the Minute Men were and how they were able to fight off the British Empire.

Finally, we’ll end up where it all began: Lexington. Witness the final, tense sequence of the battle play out here, then hear about the earth-shaking aftermath of the dramatic encounter.

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Where To Start?

Starting Point Address: North Bridge Visitor Center, 174 Liberty St, Concord, MA 01742, USA

How Does It Work?

• Once you book a tour, you’ll get a text/email with instructions.
• Download the app (while in good wifi/signal) and use your unique password to access your tours. If there are multiple versions or entrances for your tour, be sure to download all audio guides.
• To begin touring, go to the starting point and launch the app.
• The audio starts automatically once you reach the starting point. Stick to the tour route and speed limit for the best experience.
• Please note that no one will meet you at the starting point.

What You'll See

Welcome:north bridge visitor center & buttrick mansion.

North Bridge Visitor Center (174 Liberty St. Concord MA.) is located in a brick mansion built in 1911 by descendents of the Buttrick family (Major John Buttrick was the colonial officer who first ordered his militia to fire upon British soldiers.), the North Bridge Visitor Center features a short video about the North Bridge fight, a bookstore and exhibits.

Meriam's Corner

Once you’ve parked, pick up the Battle Road Trail trail at the end of the lot farthest from the entrance. Once you walk a few hundred feet, you’ll come to Meriam’s Corner. It might not look like much, but this was the site of a disaster for the British.

Paul Revere Capture Site

This is the site where Paul Revere was captured, and a great opportunity to reflect on how the British ended up in such a predicament. Remember, their mission to confiscate weapons was supposed to be secret.

Lexington Common National Historic Site/Conclusion

The Battles of Lexington and Concord left 73 British dead and 174 wounded. 49 Americans died and 39 were wounded. But the aftershocks of the battle went far deeper than that. The American victory was all the proof the colonists needed that they could win a war against Britain.

Ralph Waldo Emerson House

Almost in the Concord Museum’s backyard, you can find the former home of Ralph Waldo Emerson.

Concord Museum

This museum’s collection explores the area’s revolutionary and literary history. If you want to learn more about the town and see some unique artifacts, be sure to stop by!

Authors Ridge

Many famous authors lived in Concord, and several found their final resting place here in Authors Ridge. Thoreau, Alcott family members, Emerson, Nathaniel, and Sophie Hawthorne, and others are buried there.

Louisa May Alcott's Orchard House

This 1650 house is where Alcott wrote Little Women in 1868. At Orchard house, you can learn about Louisa May and the rest of her family, who were known for their commitments to abolition, women’s suffrage, and social reform.

The Wayside Home of Authors

The Wayside, built-in 1700, became home to several of these famous figures. The Alcotts bought the house in 1845, naming it Hillside. The experiences of the Alcott sisters in the home were later written into her classic Little Women.

Walden Pond and Thoreau Cabin Site

Just a mile outside of town, off Walden Street, is another site of literary history -- Walden Pond. This is where Thoreau lived for two years beginning in 1845, in a cabin he built, collecting his thoughts for his 1854 classic on self-reliance, Walden, or Life in the Woods.

Samuel Hartwell House

Just ahead on the left is what remains of the home of Ephriam and Elizabeth’s son Samuel. Samuel was a sergeant in the Lincoln Minute Men on April 19 and saw action up to and down the road. His wife Mary is said to have helped bury dead British soldiers.

Josiah Nelson House Site & Battle Road Trail

At the far end of the visitor’s center parking lot is a path leading to Battle Road Trail, which runs the length of Minute Man park. It follows what remains of the original Bay Road, which is the route the British took to Concord and back. It passes many historic sites.

Preview The Tour

  is lexington ma worth visiting.

Yes, Lexington, MA, is worth visiting for its rich historical significance as the site of the first battle of the American Revolutionary War, its charming New England character, and its historic landmarks.

  What is Lexington known for?

Lexington is known for being the site of the Battle of Lexington, which marked the beginning of the American Revolutionary War on April 19, 1775. It’s also known for its historical monuments and role in American history.

  How do I spend a day in Lexington?

Spend a day in Lexington by visiting the Battle Green, where the Battle of Lexington took place, exploring historic houses and museums, enjoying local shops and eateries, and learning about the town’s role in the American Revolution.

  Is Lexington MA cheap?

Lexington, like many New England towns, can have a higher cost of living. However, the experience of visiting historic sites and museums may be worth the investment.

  Is Boston a cheap city?

Boston is known for having a higher cost of living. While there are affordable options, it’s generally not considered a cheap city to visit.

  Is Lexington a city or town in Massachusetts?

Lexington is a town located in Middlesex County, Massachusetts.

  Is it worth visiting Concord MA?

Yes, Concord, MA, is worth visiting for its historical significance, including the Battle of Concord, its literary heritage (home to authors like Louisa May Alcott), and its picturesque New England charm.

  Where is Lexington and Concord battlefields?

The Lexington and Concord battlefields are located in Massachusetts, near Boston. Lexington’s Battle Green and Concord’s North Bridge area are key sites associated with the battles.

  How to get from Boston to Lexington Concord?

You can get from Boston to Lexington and Concord by car, public transportation (such as the MBTA commuter rail), or by joining guided tours that provide transportation.

  Who shot the first shot at the Battle of Lexington?

The exact identity of the person who fired the first shot at the Battle of Lexington is not known. It’s a debated historical question, and the event marked the start of the American Revolutionary War.

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Lexington and Concord

When 8 men were shot by British soldiers on Lexington Green just three years after the Boston Massacre, the countryside of Massachusetts fired back the blast we now call “the shot heard ‘round the world.” Hear the tale of the Midnight Ride of Paul Revere while traveling on the path he rode. Be stunned to stand on the site of the morning’s first shootings in Lexington. Walk over the Old North Bridge, and imagine you were there at the exact moment that the American War for Independence began on April 19th, 1775. This incredible tour allows guests to be at same locations where the soldiers of the British Empire and the farmers of the Continental countryside squared off to start the push for a new nation that would lead to the United States of America. Many of the farmhouses and sites from the night are still standing, and the area has remained undeveloped, making this tour a journey back into time, better than any film set or book. In addition, discover the literary world of the Transcendentalists Ralph Waldo Emerson, Henry David Thoreau, and Bronson Alcott, Bronson’s daughter Louisa May Alcott (Little Women), and their neighbor Nathaniel Hawthorne. The tiny town of Concord has produced an outsized contribution to the founding of the nation and its rich literary history.

Lexington Battle Green

Hancock-Clarke House

Paul Revere Capture Site

Hartwell Tavern

Wayside (Hawthorne’s House)

Orchard House (Alcott Residence)

Sleep Hollow Cemetery (author’s ridge)

Old North Bridge

Walden Pond/Thoreau Cabin replica

This tour is minimum 3 hours, but can be extended up to 6 hours.

A vehicle is required for this tour.

One of our guides can accompany you in your vehicle for $150.00 per hour.

Unfortunately, we cannot arrange vehicles at this time.

May through October, this tour can be done by bicycle.

Please  call or email  for details.

The Orchard House , the Old Manse , and The Wayside all offer tours inside for a small additional fee. Please let us know if you’d like to build in a visit to one of these beautiful historic homes. ​

If it’s summertime, we’d love to take you swimming! Bring swim clothes, and we can usually get into Walden Pond , a wonderful place for the public to swim. Be warned! On the weekends, it can get crowded, and only 1000 people are allowed down to the pond at a time for reasons of conservation and preservation. But the water, as a result, is pristine, and super nice on a hot day.

We can walk with you to the original site of Thoreau’s Cabin . It adds roughly 15 minutes there, and 15 minutes walking back from the Walden Pond parking lot.​

We recommend having lunch in Concord, or else coming back to the Boston area, where Harvard Square is a great spot for it. Let us know if you need recommendations, or if you’d like to build lunch into the tour at an historic (or else just tasty) restaurant.

We Can't...

Please note! A vehicle IS required to make this tour path. Our guides can accompany you in your own vehicle, or we can arrange vehicles and drivers for smaller groups (1-14). If you need a mini bus or a full size motor coach, we can suggest places to book, but we cannot arrange the larger vehicles for you.

Full sized motor coaches may not enter the Sleepy Hollow Cemetery.​​

Large groups wishing to make a visit to Walden Pond must make a reservation. Small fees for parking may apply.

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Last updated: March 9, 2021

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North Bridge / Park Head Quarters 174 Liberty St. Concord, MA 01742

978 369-6993

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Virtual Field Trip

A virtual field trip of boston’s freedom trail for fifth graders.

Take a virtual field trip of Boston’s Freedom Trail with private tour guide Ben Edwards. Learn about Boston’s history through 14 historic sites as you follow in the footsteps of Ben’s ancestors and discover their connection to the Sons of Liberty and Paul Revere. Their story is told in Ben’s children’s book  One April in Boston ,   a bonus your students will receive for Free   in advance of the virtual field trip as an eBook and audiobook . Written for ages 10-13,  One April in Boston  teaches American history, the power of imagination, and the value of goal setting. It includes the events of Paul Revere’s Midnight Ride, the Battles of Lexington and Concord, the reading of the Declaration of Independence in Boston on July 18, 1776 and much more.

In this program, through photos, video, and stunning historically accurate artwork created by Cortney Skinner, your students will experience Boston’s Freedom Trail and key events leading up to the American Revolution like never before!

Fifth grade teachers:  The one-hour program consists of 40 minutes of presentation time with 20 minutes of Q&A broken up between sections.

A one-hour virtual field trip on Zoom or Google Meet for up to 50 students is $200. If you book 4 presentations you’ll receive the discounted rate of just $150 per presentation.  No budget? No problem.  Need funding for the virtual field trip? DonorsChoose is an excellent resource . 

This program is FREE during the months of January, February, and March 2024 for schools booking an in-person field trip in the spring of 2024! (Two classes recommended per program, up to 5 FREE programs per school.)

Watch a Five-Minute Preview of the Virtual Field Trip Now

Book Your Virtual Field Trip Today!

Ben Edwards has been a private tour guide in Boston since 2004 and over the past 16 years has developed one of the most popular field trips in the Northeast for fifth graders. His in-person field trips sell out each year.  To book a Virtual Field Trip, submit the form below. For more details on Ben’s in-person field trips for the spring of 2024 click here . 

Virtual Field Trip Reservation Form

Name School City State Requested Date Email Comments

All emails are returned the same day. If you do not get a response, please check your “spam folder” to ensure our email reply was not filtered.

Battle of Lexington and Concord Driving & Walking Audio Tour

• Engaging storytelling: Uncover unique tales and thrilling history for a memorable journey!
• Perfect narrator: nothing can beat listening to a great voice. Proven with tons of rave reviews!
• Comprehensive route and stops: See it all, miss nothing, leave no stone unturned!
• Offline maps: no signal, no problem! Works perfectly without cellular or wifi.
• Hands-free: audio stories play on their own based on your location. Easy to use!
• Go at your own pace: Start anytime, pause anywhere, enjoy breaks for snacks and photos freely!
• Great value: purchase per car, not per person. More affordable than bus or guided tours!
• Easy-to-use app: download Action’s Tour Guide App onto your phone
• Attraction passes, entry tickets, or reservations
• Entry/Admission - Ralph Waldo Emerson House
• Entry/Admission - Louisa May Alcott's Orchard House
• Entry/Admission - Concord Museum
• Entry/Admission - Bedford
• Entry/Admission - Concord
• North Bridge Visitor Center, 174 Liberty St, Concord, MA 01742, USA After booking the tour, search your email for the phrase "Set up your self-guided tour now." Follow these instructions NOW to finish setting up the tour while you have Wi-Fi/data. Do NOT wait until you are onsite.
• Lexington Battle Green, 1625 Massachusetts Ave, Lexington, MA 02421, USA
• Not wheelchair accessible
• Near public transportation
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Most travelers can participate
• How to access: Once you book a tour, you’ll get a confirmation email and an instructions email. Follow the instructions right away: • Download the app • Enter the password • Download the tour • MUST DO while in strong wifi/cellular
• How to start the tour: Once onsite, open the Action's Tour Guide App: • If there is just one tour, launch it. • If there are multiple tour versions, launch the one with your planned starting point and direction. • Go to the starting point. (Note: no one will meet you at the start. This tour is self-guided). • The audio will begin automatically at the starting point. If you face audio issues, visit the FAQ. • Stick to the tour route & speed limit for the best experience.
• Amazing savings: • Driving Tours: Save money by purchasing a single tour for the entire vehicle, avoiding individual fees per person like on a bus tour. Connect your phone to the car speakers to share the audio. • Walking Tours: While each person typically needs their tour, couples or small groups can share one using split headphones.
• Flexibility and Convenience: • Use the tour app anytime, on any day, and over multiple days. It's perfect for tailoring your exploration and revisiting your favorite spots on future trips. • Start and pause the tour whenever you like, taking breaks and exploring side excursions at your own pace, free from the constraints of a group.
• Comprehensive Tour Experience: •The app provides a full itinerary, travel tips, narrated audio stories, scripts, images, videos, and recommendations for additional activities. • Enjoy a private experience without the crowds, ideal for personalized stops and photo opportunities.
• Ease of Use and Accessibility: • The app is hands-free and activates stories via GPS, offering support through call, chat, or email. • There is no need for a continuous cell or Wi-Fi connection as the GPS map works offline.
• Memorable Keepsakes: • Utilize the app’s images to create a photo book or share on social media, ensuring you have high-quality, crowd-free memories from your trip.
• Preparation: • After booking, download the app and the tour using a strong Wi-Fi connection. • Review the tour at home before your trip for a better experience.
• Starting the Tour: • Open the app upon arrival at your destination. • Select the appropriate tour based on your starting point. • Head to the starting location; the audio will begin automatically. • Follow the suggested route and adhere to the speed limit for an optimal experience. • By following these instructions and taking advantage of the app's features, users can enjoy a personalized, flexible, and in-depth exploration of their destination at their own pace and convenience.
• This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
• Louisa May Alcott's Orchard House
• Concord Museum
• Ralph Waldo Emerson House

Similar experiences

• You'll start at North Bridge Visitor Center 174 Liberty St, Concord, MA 01742, USA After booking the tour, search your email for the phrase "Set up your self-guided tour now." Follow these instructions NOW to finish setting up the tour while you have Wi-Fi/data. Do NOT wait until you are onsite. See address & details
• 1 North Bridge Visitor Center Stop: 10 minutes See details
• 2 Ralph Waldo Emerson House Stop: 10 minutes - Admission excluded See details
• 3 The Wayside Home of Authors Stop: 5 minutes See details
• 4 Meriam's Corner Stop: 10 minutes See details
• 5 Paul Revere Capture Site Stop: 10 minutes See details
• 6 Lexington Battle Green Stop: 5 minutes See details
• 7 Authors Ridge Stop: 10 minutes See details
• 8 Louisa May Alcott's Orchard House Stop: 10 minutes - Admission excluded See details
• 9 Concord Museum Stop: 10 minutes - Admission excluded See details
• 10 Lexington Battle Green Stop: 10 minutes See details

More to explore in Concord

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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Battle of Lexington and Concord Driving & Walking Audio Tour provided by Stories With Action

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• Lexington & Concord
• Boston Bigly
• Plymouth & Cape Cod

THE BEST HISTORICAL AND SCENIC TOURS

OF BOSTON, LEXINGTON, CONCORD, CAPE COD, PLYMOUTH, AND MORE

LEXINGTON & CONCORD TOUR

Explore the events that sparked the American Revolution. Visit Minuteman Historical Park and learn about how our nation's founders won the war against Britain's massive army.

BOSTON BIGLY TOUR

See all of the quintessential Boston sites, from Fenway Park to the USS Constitution to the home of John Adams in Quincy. Enjoy lunch at a local beer hall or lobster shack.

PLYMOUTH & CAPE COD TOUR

Discover the charm of Cape Cod and learn about the first European settlers in America. See where the first Pilgrims landed at Plymouth Rock learn and how they developed the colonies.

EXPERT TOUR GUIDES

Great Boston Tours was established by a local history teacher with 16 years of tour experience and decades in the transportation industry. All of our tour guides can answer any questions you may have along the way.

WE’LL PICK YOU UP

If you are staying in downtown Boston, we will pick you up at your hotel and drop you off at the end of the day in our comfy bus with AC and heat. If you are staying elsewhere, we can pick you up at a few convenient locations in downtown Boston.

THE BEST STOPS

Our stops are a perfect mix of fun, adventure, and history. We want you to experience the true history of Massachusetts, whether it be the establishment of the first colonies by the Pilgrims or the start of the American Revolution.

Western Mass.

Cape Cod & The Islands

Central Mass.

North of Boston

South of Boston

Lexington, lincoln & concord:, revolutionary road tour.

This drive tour carries visitors through the overture to the American Revolutionary War, beginning with the "shot heard 'round the world" on April 19, 1775. The drive starts in Lexington with a recommendation for a local bus tour and continues through the Minute Man National Historical Park and on to Concord. Total distance is 6 miles.

One convenient way to start your tour is to enter the center of Lexington, park your car, and board the Liberty Ride , a bus ride through the high points of the story of the opening battle of the Revolutionary War. The bus tour includes Lexington Battle Green, Munroe Tavern, the National Heritage Museum, Minute Man National Historical Park as far as North Bridge, the Paul Revere capture site, Battle Road, Orchard House (the home of Louisa May Alcott), Colonial Inn, the Old Manse, Concord Museum, The Wayside, and Emerson House. Tours operate April through October. -- From Lexington, drive about 2 miles westward on Massachusetts Avenue to Route 2A to the Minute Man National Historical Park Visitor Center at 250 North Great Road (Route 2A) in Lincoln…

On April 19, 1775, British soldiers and American militia met in a series of skirmishes along a stretch of road from Boston to Concord, setting off the American Revolution. The story of Minute Man National Historical Park is more than just the events at Lexington Green, Concord's North Bridge, or Battle Road. A good place to start is the Visitor Center at 250 North Great Road in Lincoln (there is a second park visitor center, in Concord). Visitor Centers display exhibits, offer maps and information, and greet visitors for walking tours. -- Travel about 4 miles westward on Route 2A, switching to Lexington Road, into Concord (do not take the 2A bypass that circles south of Concord)

A drink or meal at Concord's Colonial Inn , 48 Monument Square in Concord, is a great way to rest and absorb the flavor of Revolutionary times. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the original structure was built in 1716. The property has been operated as a hotel since 1889. Situated on Concord's town common, known as Monument Square, the Inn is surrounded by landmarks of our nation's literary and revolutionary history.

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Lexington & Concord Private Driving Tour

Quick Details

• Hour Glass Duration: 4-8 Hours
• Ticket Tour Type: Driving
• Calendar Day Of Week: Daily
• Clock Start Time: Variable
• Lock Private Only?: Private Tour
• Car Pick up/Drop off : We offer custom pick up and drop off services
• Bookmark Note: This is group pricing up to 6. Groups of 7+ call to book

Half-Day Tour

A half-day tour allows you to enjoy the highlights of Lexington and Concord while maximizing your time. Must-see spots include significant sites of the American Revolution like the Lexington Green Battlefield, the Concord Battlefield at Old North Bridge, and both the Buckman and Hartwell taverns – important stops along the historic “Battle Road.” 

Minute Man NHP is where the very first shot of the American Revolution was fired, often referred to as “the shot heard around the world,” and you will hear all about this famous interaction between British soldiers and Massachusetts colonists from your tour guide.

Lexington Battle Green, properly known as Lexington Common, was the site where the opening shots of the Battles of Lexington and Concord were fired and is also the home of the famous Minute Man Statue. Here, you’ll discover the graves of the first Americans ever killed in a war.

We can also make time to grab a local New England snack or stop for a refreshing beverage at a local restaurant, coffee shop, or tavern. We’ll work with you to make the most of your time on tour with us

Full-Day Tour

A full-day tour will allow you to experience the must-see locations in Lexington and Concord to the fullest while also allowing additional time for other stops and activities. We will trace the footsteps of Paul Revere on his legendary midnight ride and follow the path that British soldiers took on their fateful mission. 

Depending on your interests, extra stops and activities on the full-day tour could include the Hancock-Clarke House, where Samuel Adams and John Hancock were hiding as the British approached. We can also visit the wonderful Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, where Ralph Waldo Emerson, Henry David Thoreau, Luisa May Alcott, and Nathaniel Hawthorne are buried on Author’s Ridge. We’ll also have the opportunity to visit Walden Pond, where Henry David Thoreau wrote his masterpiece. 

The incredible Concord History Museum (tickets not included), which features phenomenal battlefield recreations and actual historic relics from the night the American Revolution started – like the lantern Paul Revere used to signal that the British are coming! If you’re a fan of Louisa May Alcott, we can head to her family home, the Orchard House, where Alcott wrote and set her classic, Little Women, in 1868. This treasured historic site has a rich history stretching back to the 1600s. Tickets can be purchased to take the phenomenal hour-long guided tour. 

Between stops, we will travel through classic New England scenery: historic colonial homes, farm stands, historic churches, taverns, and graveyards that are far older than America. Beautiful all year long, this scenery is especially stunning during peak fall foliage. If you and your group wish, we can stop in at one of the local farmers markets and stock up on Lexington’s seasonal items like pumpkins and gourds or enjoy some delicious apple cider donuts – a Massachusetts original! 

On a full-day tour, we’ll also have the opportunity to grab a meal at one of the many local restaurants in the area – your tour guide will know exactly where to take you.

Our team is always looking forward to designing a tour exactly to your interests, so we welcome any suggestions or requests!

• Local English-speaking guide
• Private Transportation

Not Included

• Food and drink
• Museum/site admission
• Souvenir and guide gratuity

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Boston History and Freedom Trail Private Walking Tour

Join us for an enriching exploration of Boston’s rich history and vibrant culture with our range of tours! We offer something for everyone! From iconic landmarks like the Freedom Trail to hidden gems in charming neighborhoods, you’re in for an unforgettable journey through the heart of Boston!

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Revolutionary War: Boston to Quebec

We shall be ready to sacrifice our estates and everything dear in life, Yea & life itself, in support of the common cause.

– Reverend Jonas Clarke, Lexington, Massachusetts, December 13, 1775

Boston. The birthplace of the American Revolution. In this bustling port city, angry colonists risked their lives to protest taxation without representation and set out to mount an audacious rebellion. Dramatic events such as the Stamp Act Riots, the Boston Massacre, and the Boston Tea Party moved America relentlessly closer to Revolution.

Simmering conflict boiled over into open warfare in the spring of 1775, with skirmishes at Lexington and Concord, and ferocious fighting at Bunker Hill. Two weeks later, a 43-year-old Virginia planter named George Washington rode into Cambridge, Massachusetts, to take over the newly formed Continental Army.

For the first two and half years of war, the rugged country between Boston and Quebec witnessed a dozen battles – including some of the bloodiest engagements of the Revolution. At last, the stunning American victory at Saratoga in 1777 brought about surrender of an entire British Army corps and the entry of France into the war on America’s side.

Our Revolutionary War Tour: Boston to Quebec explores the origins of the conflict, the battles that raged across the northern theater and the key players in that drama. They involved Patriots, Loyalists, Redcoats and Native Americans. We’ll walk battlefields where ragtag rebel forces clashed with one of the most feared armies in the world. We’ll meet the famous, the infamous, and the villainous figures who played out the dramatic struggle to forge a new nation. 

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• Boston’s Freedom Trail:  Legendary historic sites offer a time machine back to 1775.   Special Access: behind the scenes glimpse of the hidden spaces of Old North Church.
• Lexington, Concord and the Battle Road:  The scene of action on April 19, 1775, Day One of the American Revolution. Stand in the tap-room where Lexington militia spent a long night awaiting the arrival of British troops.
• The Battle of Bunker Hill: In Charlestown, Massachusetts, we visit the site of the war’s first great battle. This bloody contest revealed that this war might prove more costly than the English generals first believed. Plus we’ll lunch in an historic tavern built in 1780.
• Springfield Armory  The finest collection of American arms in the world. 
• Saratoga and Bennington Battlefields:  The Saratoga Campaign of 1777 changed the course of the Revolution. Special Access: A moving living history presentation at the Marshall House: The Baroness’s Ordeal, a window into harrowing experiences of Baroness Frederika Charlotte Riedesel.
• Fort Stanwyx and the Battle of Oriskany:  Surprising revelations at rarely visited sites in New York’s Mohawk Valley where American determination (and trickery) helped seal the fate of Burgoyne at Saratoga.
• Fort Ticonderoga:  This beautifully restored fort overlooking Lake Champlain saw pivotal battles in both the French & Indian War and the American Revolution. Special Access: Presentations on Ticonderoga’s artifacts and history as well as a cocktail cruise on the lake to take in the breathtaking terrain and explore the naval aspect of Ticonderoga's famous campaigns. We’ll end with a group dinner onsite.
• Quebec City, Plains of Abraham, The Citadelle A stunningly beautiful historic walled city, Canada’s cultural capital was the site of major French & Indian War and American Revolution War battles. We’ll stay in the city’s most historic hotel as we explore the sites. 

Day-By-Day Itinerary

Day 1 boston.

Guests organize travel to Boston. Opening night reception at the historic Parker House hotel, followed by dinner in Boston’s Old City Hall.

DAY 2 Boston, Freedom Trail, Battle of Bunker Hill 

The flame of liberty burned fiercely in Boston during the run-up to rebellion. This morning we walk the Freedom Trail and learn about the first stirrings of Independence.

• The Boston Massacre in 1770 fanned the flames of Revolution
• Old South Meeting House, the starting point for the 1773 Boston Tea Party
• Faneuil Hall, dubbed the “Cradle of Liberty”
• Paul Revere’s House in the North End, preserved as the city grew and changed around it
• Old North Church, where Revere arranged for the hanging of signal lanterns, “one if by land, two if by sea” on the fateful night of April 18, 1775
• Copps Hill Burying Ground, famous both for who is buried there and for being the site of British artillery in the Battle of Bunker Hil

In the afternoon we proceed to the site of the Battle of Bunker Hill. Fought just across the water from the North End, on June 17, 1775, this was the first large-scale battle between Patriots and Redcoats. The King’s Troops responded with a coldblooded show of force, bombarding Charlestown and sending three thousand soldiers charging up the hill. British troops eventually drove the colonials away, but at a terrible cost. A visit to the battlefield and a nearby museum bring into focus this pivotal early clash.

Dinner on your own in Boston. 

DAY 3 Lexington, Concord, and the Battle Road 

We proceed to Lexington and Concord to explore the earthshaking events of April 19, 1775. In Lexington, we will visit the tavern where the militia gathered the night before the battle, the town common where the early morning battle erupted, and the cemetery where the dead were laid. Then it’s on to Concord where the Americans scored their first victory at Old North Bridge.

The Colonists pummeled the Redcoats as they retreated back to Boston, and we'll explore a restored portion of the road. 

The fighting reached a crescendo as the British column, led now by Lord Percy, passed through Menotomy (modern-day Arlington). Stopping there, we will learn the extraordinary story of the oldest man who fought that day – and why he is now the Massachusetts State Hero.

Dinner on your own in Boston.

DAY 4 Boston to Saratoga

In March 1776, Washington placed artillery atop Dorchester Heights and bluffed the British into evacuating Boston. We’ll visit a little known monument to that event on the heights overlooking Boston.

Next Stop: Springfield Armory National Historic Site. Dating back to the Revolution, it was a center for American military arms manufacturing for 200 years. Today, it houses the finest collection of American arms in the world. We will be treated to a special curator’s presentation on colonial weaponry.

After lunch we head north to visit the site of the Battle of Bennington, August 16, 1977. It is not in Bennington, Vermont at all, but in Hoosick Falls, New York! We’ll discover why this tiny precursor to the Battle of Saratoga has such outsized importance. Then it is on to Saratoga Springs.

Group dinner at the hotel.

DAY 5 Battle of Saratoga

At the Battles of Saratoga, in 1777, an American Army under Horatio “Granny” Gates won a decisive victory over “Gentleman” Johnny Burgoyne that proved to be a turning point in the American Revolution. The site is rich in gripping stories, stirring heroics and extraordinary characters. One of the most colorful is the hot-tempered general who had his finest hour here, and will be a major figure for the rest of the trip: Benedict Arnold. The monument commemorating his service at Saratoga is one of the most unusual you will ever see.

After a tour of the battlefield, we will visit the Marshall House, a British battle-day field hospital. We'll hear the fascinating tale of Baroness Von Riedesel, spirited and courageous wife of German Gen. Frederick Von Riedesel. Amidst the wounded, she and her children sheltered themselves from withering American artillery fire. It is a harrowing tale of six days of bravery and terror.

Finally, we will visit the site of Burgoyne’s surrender to General Gates. 

Dinner on Your Own 

DAY 6 Mohawk Valley 

England’s 1777 campaign was a three-pronged attack designed to splinter the colonies. As Gen. Burgoyne bore down on Saratoga, another wing of the British Army led by Gen. Barry St. Leger advanced into the Mohawk Valley. 

Here the Revolution became a civil war, pitting neighbor against neighbor. We'll meet two prominent families forever impacted by the war, the Johnsons of Johnson Hall and the Herkimers of German Flatts.

Among the places we’ll visit is the Oriskany Battlefield, one of the bloodiest conflicts of the war, where only Americans fought—Patriots and allied Oneidas vs. Loyalists and other Native tribes.

Our journey takes us to beautifully restored Fort Stanwyx, “the fort that never surrendered.” We’ll learn how Benedict Arnold used a crafty ruse to help break the British siege here. Then, back to Saratoga for a group dinner at an inn whose history predates the Revolution.

DAY 7 Battle of Hubbardton and Fort Ticonderoga

Fort Ticonderoga, the impressive citadel on Lake Champlain, was the site of battles in both the French & Indian War and the American Revolution. In 1758, the British hurled the famed “Black Watch” 42nd Regiment against the French-held fort, a legendary and bloody encounter.

During the Revolution, Ethan Allen’s Green Mountain Boys (with the help of Benedict Arnold) took Fort Ti in 1775. Gen. Henry Knox transported cannons from the fort to Boston to aid George Washington in raising the siege of Boston. The British then retook the fort in 1777 on their march to Saratoga. Fort Ti is the centerpiece of our touring today.

We begin the day at the site of the Battle of Hubbardton, the only Revolutionary War battle fought in Vermont, and one of the best-preserved battlefields of the Revolution.

At Fort Ticonderoga, we will learn about the fort’s two centuries of military history, visit the archeological remains not accessible to the general public, and see some of the most important pieces in the Fort’s massive collection of artifacts.

After exploring the completely restored Fort Ti and nearby battlefield, we cruise on Lake Champlain to view the impressive terrain from the water. Then an elegant group dinner at Fort Ticonderoga boathouse..

DAY 8 Ticonderoga to Quebec

In 1776 and 1777, the King’s Troops envisioned using Lake Champlain as a highway to push south from Quebec and drive a wedge between New England the rest of the colonies. As we move northward, we learn how Gen. Benedict Arnold built and commanded a Navy that played a crucial role in impeding that advance at the Battle of Valcour Island.

Stops include the ruins of a British fort at Crown Point, a replica of Benedict Arnold’s flagship Philadelphia at the Lake Champlain Maritime Museum, and the site of the naval battle in a narrow channel of Lake Champlain.

We drive across the border and stop at one of the oldest forts in Canada, Fort St. Jean, home of the Royal Military College of Saint-Jean. We visit the museum there, then on to Quebec City and for our stay at the historic and elegant Chateau Frontenac. Group Dinner in Quebec.

DAY 9 Quebec City 

Quebec was the site of a major British victory in the French & Indian War as well as an early American defeat in the American Revolution. In 1759, British Gen. James Wolfe triumphed over French Gen. Louis-Joseph Montcalm on the Plains of Abraham. Both generals were mortally wounded in the fighting that secured Canada for England. On New Year’s Eve, 1775, American forces under Gen. Richard Montgomery and Col. Benedict Arnold, were foiled in an attempt to storm the heavily fortified city during a snowstorm. Montgomery was killed and Arnold wounded – Quebec once again proving to be a dangerous place for generals.

At the Plains of Abraham Museum, we get the big picture on the 1759 battle. Then we walk the battlefield on the Plains of Abraham, overlooking the St. Lawrence River, to envision how that attack unfolded.

After lunch in the quaint Petit Champlain, the city’s historic quarter, we focus on the bold 1775 assault on Quebec by Arnold and Montgomery, and uncover how it might have succeeded but for bad luck and rotten weather.

We end the day with a visit to the Citadelle, the oldest military building in Canada, dating back to 1693. It is still an active military installation. During the 1943 Quebec Conference, Winston Churchill and Franklin Roosevelt were photographed on its ramparts – and you can grab a photo in the same spot!

This evening, we will enjoy farewell cocktails and dinner in the celebrated Rose Room, site of the American and British Combined Chiefs Meeting at the September 1943 Quebec Conference. It is a fitting spot to end our journey – a place that commemorates where the combatants in the American Revolution joined as Allies 150 years later. A truly Grand Finale.

DAY 10 Quebec City airport - Au Revoir!

Thank you for traveling with Stephen Ambrose Historical Tours. As we develop future chapters of our Revolutionary War tour, we will send you the information. Have a safe trip home!

• September 2025

Recommended Reading

• 1776: America and Britain at War by David McCullough
• Benedict Arnold’s Navy: The Ragtag Fleet that Lost the Battle of Lake Champlain but Won the American Revolution by James Nelson
• Turncoat: Benedict Arnold and the Crisis of American Liberty by Stephen Brumwell

Tour Includes

• Travel by private motorcoach
• Professional historian with you throughout the tour lecturing and answering questions
• 3- and 4-star accommodations
• Daily breakfasts, some lunches, some dinners
• Entrance fees to all museums, sites and parks
• Flights NOT included

Activity Level

There is a lot of walking on this tour. The Freedom Trail in Boston, for example, is 2.5 miles. Although we are going at a leisurely pace, the length can be demanding depending on your level of fitness and mobility.

Photo Gallery

Trip cost $6,290.

Price is per person based on double occupancy. For a single room add $1,675.

Our Guests’ Reviews

There are 2 reviews for ' Revolutionary War: Boston to Quebec '. Add your review

Revolutionary War Boston to Saratoga 2021

This tour of Revolutionary War Northern Theater sites was fascinating and enlightening. Rick Beyer is a very knowledgeable historian, and he and his wife Marilyn are engaging and convivial hosts. The final leg to Quebec was eliminated by COVID, but we got an extra day in Boston. There was a lot of history packed into eight days, but Rick and Marilyn were able to adjust the pace. (Since this was the initial offering of the tour, things were subject to change, anyway.) My favorite moments from the tour were the live cannon demo at the Fort at Number Four, and the portrayal of Baroness Frederik Charlotte Riedesel at The Marshall House in Schuylerville, NY. (I also enjoyed sampling the waters of the various Saratoga hot springs during our free afternoon in that city.) I signed up for this tour having gone on Rick’s Ghost Army Tour, so I knew what to expect. And I’m looking forward to the tour of the Revolutionary War Southern Theater sites.

The inaugural tour (even without time in Quebec due to Covid quarantine) was a wonderful, informative experience. It enhanced the battles studied in school & educated about the lesser known ones in the NE USA. We learned about the patriots, British and loyalists participating in the politics, life and battles. My partner who isn’t a history buff, enjoyed this trip.

Our historian and tour manager, Rick and Marilyn Beyer were very enthusiastic and knowledgeable about the region and the battles. They ensured we had comfortable accommodations,and a variety of dining experiences.

Our bus driver, Debbie was pleasant and affable.

Some of my favorite parts of the trip were: Battle of Valcour on Lake Champlain, Boston freedom trail, and The Marshall House where the wife/family of a German General hid out & helped the British wounded during Battle of Saratoga.

I can’t wait for S. Ambrose tours to add one or two other areas of the Revolutionary War experience.

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Buckman Tavern

One of the most recognizable structures on the Lexington Battle Green (or Lexington Common) is the historic Buckman Tavern . When the world changing events occurred here on April 19, 1775, the tavern was already sixty years old. A central gathering place for locals and travelers, Buckman Tavern was a social and commercial center for the town and village of Lexington.

Built in 1710, the tavern was one of the first of its kind in Lexington. Originally operated by Benjamin Muzzey, Buckman Tavern was located near the intersection of the Boston-Concord Road and the road to Bedford. Like other taverns, the building served as a local eatery, overnight space for travelers, and a gathering place for official and unofficial local meetings. Taverns of the 18th century served as social and political centers of the community. Here, residents would meet to engage in debate, share information and also hear news from those traveling through town and staying at the tavern.

In 1775, the tavern was operated by John Buckman (who married into the Muzzey family). The Buckmans were politically labeled as Whigs (favorable to colonial resistance to British policies) and like many of the men in Lexington, John was part of the Lexington Training Band (local militia unit). Many of the civic and religious leaders in Lexington were outraged by the British response to the Boston Tea Party in the passing of the Coercive Acts, which served as a motivator for men to join their local militias. John Buckman agreed and took an active role in supporting the Whig cause.

What drew the world’s attention to Lexington and Buckman Tavern? Its location on the Boston and Concord Road. Concord was considered by British leaders in Boston as the hotbed of the Whig resistance to British political and military authority. On April 18, 1775, British Regulars began an expedition out of Boston to Concord to capture or destroy military stores believed hidden in town and outlying farms. Whig leaders, John Hancock and Samuel Adams, were staying that night in Lexington, only a few feet from the Buckman Tavern at the Hancock-Clarke House. That night Paul Revere road into town to spread the alarm that British Regulars were on the move. Many believed that Hancock and Adams were British targets (though this has never been proven). The Lexington militia was soon called out and met on the Lexington Common led by Captain John Parker .

With dozens of armed militia on the Common, Parker waited the arrival of the British column. But after several hours the British failed to arrive. Parker ordered the militia to disperse but to be ready to return if called upon. Many decided the best place to wait out the evening was at Buckman Tavern. Though it was early morning, John Buckman opened up the tap room and many of the militia passed the time with drinks and conversation. At about 4:30 a.m. a rider appeared and said the British Regulars were just down the road. The men poured out of the tavern and back onto the Common. At about 5 a.m. seventy-seven Lexington militia faced off with several hundred British Regulars.

No one knows for sure who fired the first shot , some believe it was someone off the Common near Buckman Tavern. But soon after the first shot rang out, the British Regulars lowered their muskets and poured a volley into the Lexington militia . After a brief one-sided affair, eight militia were killed and ten were wounded. Only one British Regular was wounded. The American Revolution had begun.

After the war, the tavern continued to operate and went through various uses until the town of Lexington took ownership of the structure in the 1910’s. The town leased the structure to the Lexington Historical Society, and soon they opened the building as a museum. Today the furnished spaces inside reflect the building’s history in 1775, but upstairs modern rotating exhibits tell other stories of the tavern, Lexington, and American history. Tours are offered year-round on a varying schedule. 

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