Most group travel planners are already familiar with, and are sure to include visits to the many historic attractions Boston has to offer: the Freedom Trail, Massachusetts State House, Faneuil Hall, Old North Church, Bunker Hill, the U.S.S. Constitution, etc. I’m going to suggest, however, that you plan ample time for your group to experience the “Back Bay” area surrounding the Prudential Center.
You can begin your sightseeing with splendid panoramic views of the entire city from the Skywalk Observatory atop the Prudential Tower. Downstairs you’ll find an outstanding shopping mall complete with “food court” and popular stand-alone restaurants like the Cheesecake Factory.
Right outside you can board one of 27 brightly colored “Boston Ducks” (amphibious vehicles) for a great, one-hour-and-twenty-minute orientation tour combining a trip through the streets of the city’s central core, plus a refreshing cruise on the Charles River, separating Boston from Cambridge. Boston Duck Tours is also happy to customize tours for groups with such specific interests as history, architecture, or parks and gardens.
After you’ve familiarized yourself with the basic layout, you’ll discover that Boston is truly a great walking city. Also in the “Back Bay” neighborhood are the trendy upscale shops and cafés lining Newbury Street, the aforementioned Symphony Hall, plus an attractive variety of hotels.
Faith-based groups and others with an interest in religion or architecture won’t want to miss a visit to the “Mother Church” of Christian Science, as well the adjacent Mary Baker Eddy Library for the Betterment of Humanity, housing the unusual “Mapparium” three-story, walk-in globe.
Fenway Park is a short drive away, or even within walking distance for more mobile groups, as are the individual community garden plots along the “Fens.” Excellent, free concerts are presented regularly by students of the New England Conservatory (classical) and the Berklee College of Music (popular, folk and jazz). Considering that you will be visiting a city that is always ready for a celebration, you may even stumble upon a parade marching down Boylston Street, as I did last month, which recognized the area’s citizens of Greek heritage.
Greek Heritage Parade down Boylston Street, Boston
