North End Market Tour

We spent a delightful three hours wandering the North End with Jim, a hugely knowledgeable and entertaining guide. The visits to local shops gave an excellent insight into the culinary history and eating habits of the area as well as providing tasty treats along the way! We gladly retraced our steps afterwards in order to purchase some of the items we had been introduced to and are looking forward to eating them back at home. So pleased we found this tour.

My husband and I enjoyed the informative fast paced tour of the North End. The history, culinary tips, and sample tastings were fabulous. This tour is highly recommended for anyone who loves food and enjoys learning about foreign cuisine.

As educators, the North End Market Tour was exactly the kind of learning experience we were looking for - a mixture of cultural experiences and history, well paced, not too large, and guided by an experienced and knowledgeable person. We would not have spent as much time in the shops nor had the opportunity to learn in as much detail had we walked through the area on our own. The tidbits enjoyed along the way added depth to the experience and will serve as guideposts for future shopping trips. I took one of the popular vehicular tours of Boston the next day, which - although fun for parents & kids - paled in comparison to the richness of this experience. Do not hesitate - you won't be disappointed!

Nice tour and knowledgable leader. Would recommend to others but probably will not do again myself.

My husband really, really did not want to go on this tour. Three-quarters of the way through, he didn't even want to walk across the street to make dinner reservations ~ he didn't want to miss anything! By the end of the tour, he didn't want for it to end. I thought it had the perfect balance of North End history combined with the market portion of the program. More information regarding food, cooking, and customs was shared than I ever expected. The guide was extremely knowledgeable and friendly. I'd definitely take the tour again and recommend it to anyone going to Boston!

My husband and I are long time residents of Boston and were turned on to Michele Topor's culinary tour of the North End by friends of ours who'd highly recommended it. We recently went on the tour and really enjoyed it and learned a lot. Our guide Beth was extremely knowledgeable about the history of the North End, and in addition had spent some time living in Italy plus is an avid cook and baker of Italian dishes - making her even more insightful. I've been going to the North End for many years, but discovered some hidden gems I'd never known existed and am looking forward to revisiting them in the near future. Being able to taste items as you go really adds to the experience. I'd definitely recommend this tour to anyone who loves Italian food and culture, and wants to get a unique perspective on the history of one of Boston's most quaint and historic areas.

What a great way to see and experience the North End. We would recommend the tour to anyone who loves food, cooking and history. On our next trip to Boston we hope to take the Chinatown tour. Jim was an excellent host.

The time we spent touring the North End Italian area of Boston was truly the best part of our week in Boston. Wish we had had the time to experience China Town with you.

Many years ago Yankee magazine advertised this tour (days before websites). I called and spoke to Michelle and booked for 6 or 7 friends. We learned so much and felt so much more comfortable when visiting the North End in the following years. We all live on the North Shore, only 22 or so miles north of Boston so we used the information we gained again and again. My husband's national convention happened to be in Boston this year and I booked for some out of towners - and me. I was a bit reluctant when I heard Michelle wasn't doing tours anymore. "Jim" was outstanding! I learned so much about ingredients that authentic Italian cooks and restaurants use. I will be very careful about my EVOO and balsamic vinegar. I must admit that I have always said "I don't care for figs (Fig Newtons being my reference)." But since tasting fresh figs on the tour, I have purchased and enjoyed them at home. I always turned my nose up at fennel, but really enjoyed sampling raw fennel at the greengrocers. This tour opens your eyes and your imagination. I will probably do it again. Thanks so much Michelle and Jim. GD Gail

I would highly recommend this tour. It is not limited to just the markets on the North End, it gives you a great overview on this history and culture of this neighborhood. You don't have to be an avid cook to benefit from and enjoy this tour. I would definitely recommend this tour to anyone considering it.