City Tour - Boston, Massachusetts

Learn about Boston’s importance in the birth of the United States by walking the Freedom Trail, a 2.5-mile (4 km) red-brick path that passes by 16 major historic sites. Begin at the Boston Commons, the oldest park in America, and be sure to stop at the Old State House, where the fiery spirit of the American Revolution is featured through dramatic programs, tours and exhibits displayed in restored 18th century rooms. The Freedom Trail also takes visitors to the Boston Massacre site, Paul Revere's Old North Church and the Bunker Hill Monument.

The Bunker Hill Monument stands 221 feet (67 m) tall and commemorates the first major battle of the American Revolution, which took place on June 17, 1775. The ragtag colonial forces repelled two major assaults by the British Army before retreating, and their bravery stood as a rallying cry for future battles. If you’re feeling hearty, climb the 294 steps to the top of the monument and enjoy an amazing view.

For another beautiful, panoramic view of the city, ride up to The Skywalk observatory, located on the 50th floor of the Prudential Center. Complementing the view is an audio tour, the on-site Dreams of Freedom Museum, and a multimedia theater.

The New England Aquarium gives guests plenty to smile about with its featured Penguinology: Explore the Secret World of Penguins exhibit. After investigating tanks filled with sharks, eels and stingrays, be sure to wave at Myrtle, the aquarium’s 550-pound (250 kg) green sea turtle.

Boston also is known for its immensely popular museums, including the Museum of Science, whose 700 exhibits include an indoor lightning storm and the Charles Hayden Planetarium. Additionally, the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. In 2013, the Fine Arts Museum opened its Art of the Americas wing — doubling the number of objects the museum can display. One of the wing’s most famous artifacts is the Liberty Bowl, crafted by silversmith and patriot Paul Revere.

Another favorite is the Harvard Museum of Natural History, located on the campus of the oldest university in America. Its collection includes dinosaurs (a 42-foot-long Kronosaurus and one of the first Triceratops ever discovered), meteorites and gemstones. The main feature of the museum is its impressive Glass Flowers collection. Dazzling, intricate and botanically precise, more than 3,000 glass flowers comprise this signature exhibit.

Boston is one of 11 American destinations that offer the CityPASS program. Each Boston CityPASS ticket booklet saves travelers 45 percent or more off combined admission to five attractions: New England Aquarium, Museum of Science, Skywalk Observatory at the Prudential Center, Boston Harbor Cruises or Harvard Museum of Natural History.