North End Market Tour

The guide was amazing, taught us a lot about Italy, Italian food, Italian-American cuisine, and the history of the North End. The best part was going to the different local shops and learning about their history and what makes them so unique. Learning about different cheeses, olive oils, wines, pastries - all of it was extremely entertaining and informative. I live locally in Boston now, but went on the tour with my mom who lives in Oregon. Both of us found it to be fulfilling and worth the time/money/energy. I can't say enough great things about this tour!

Jim did a great job. He's full of info on the North End history, shops and food. We enjoyed tasty tidbits along the way. We did this tour about 6 years ago and enjoyed it then too. It just got even better. We want to take the Chinatown tour next.

We have been going to the North End for the last decade, but always hit the places we THOUGHT were the best because we were the typical tourists who 'heard' that this restaurant or this bakery was the best. We learned that we knew nothing about authentic places and now know what to look for in olive oil, balsamic vinegar, pasta, etc. We also learned that there are better bakeries other than "Mikes" , which is such a tourist trap. Our greatest learning was to take the 'unbeaten path' and we now know where to go where the main stream will not go. We're going to keep these places a secret ! Beth was fantastic.

I was disappointed. The tour was about 3.5 hours and we walked maybe 30 min total. The guide had some interesting information but if you are a foodie not much new and a couple of real errors. My big concern was the standing time. That is very different than walking and many who can walk can not stand for long periods.

Our tour leader, Beth, provided us with information, insight, and food samplings in this historic area of Boston. The entire tour was well-planned with thoughtful provision for occasional seating and shade. We dined at two of the recommended restaurants and were well pleased. This tour is a must to get the most out the North End.

Beth was a wonderful guide with a rich background in food, cooking, and local and Italian culture and history!

This tour is a must if you don't know much about the North End....Our guide Al provided some history of the various ethnic changes over the centuries....while sharing details of each shop we visited.

I definitely feel a lot more comfortable about shopping in the North End. We will definitely come back.

This was a wonderful tour of the North End. Our guide was pleasant and extremely well informed. We learned a lot about the history of the North End, as well as the cooking techniques in northern, central, and southern Italy. Our tastings were delicious! Well worth going to. Polly Shumaker

I thought I knew the North End. Little did I know. There was so much more to discover and learn. I fell in love with the North End all over again. thank you! thank you! thank you!