North End Market Tour

Ten of us went on this tour. We had lots of laughs with our guide, We visited grocery stores, a wine store, and a bakery. At each stop we learned more about the history of the North End, its people and buildings. We sampled at every stop and learned many tips about products. We went back and made purchases at some of the establishments we had visited before heading out to dinner at Al Dente and then dessert and coffee at Mikes. A wonderful afternoon and evening.

We had a small group of 7 people in the tour. The tour was great but I wouldn't have wanted to be in a larger group. The places that we went to were very small and had other shoppers in them too.

I've spent a lot of time in the North End, but never like this. Highly recommended for Boston locals who want to have a true Italian culinary experience!

We learned a lot about the North End, what is available there, Italian cooking and ingredients - how to use them and when. Out guide was very knowledgeable and personable. I liked the fact that we were NOT encouraged to shop at the shops we visited until later. Along with what we learned, we had a chance to chat with people in our group and it was a congenial experience. I would recommend this tour highly.

This tour was recommended to us by friends. We highly recommend it to anyone else. It's not just about food. You learn the history of the North End, how it was settled. Not just Italians settled there! Learned a lot on actual baking of some food items, which we found very interesting. Nice food samples to be had too! We will definitely do this tour again, and then plan to stay on for dinner somewhere in the North End!

It was a chilly day to be outside and we had our reservation on attending the tour because of the weather. Regardless we headed into the city and did not have one regret . The tour was extremely informative, interesting and thought provoking of my italian heritage. I have been telling everyone about all of the things I learned. My Mom and I loved it! It was a wonderful birthday present to her. Thank you!

It was beyond my expectations. My friend and I learned so much, more than we anticipated. I am already telling everyone I know to do this tour. Our guide, Jim, was so cordial, informative and just an overall excellent guide. I have lived in the Back Bay for 11 years and I can't believe it has taken me this long to discover this wonderful tour. I can't wait to invite friends to join me for the Chinatown tour. Thanks again. KB

The tour, in every aspect was just perfect. From the amount of new information I obtained, to the delicious samples we were given, and to the expertise and warm personality of Jim the tour guide, it was just fantastic. I took my Mother, as a birthday present, who is a chef herself, an Italian-American who grew up in MA, and some one who loves cuisine and the North End. She is still talking about the tour, and how perfect it was. She was so pleasantly surprised and impessed with it, as was I. She couldnt believe how much she learned about Italy, her italian-american history and customs, local history, and about gastronomy in general. It gave her, and I, I greater appreciation for our family, the history of the area, and enriched our eating experiences! I would recommend this to anyone that has a true passion for cuisine or history, regardless if you are Italian or not! I cant say enough..!

I thouroughly enjoyed this tour. The tour guide was very knowledgeable about the north end, italian culture, cuisine and food.

The tour presenter (Dick?) was excellent but some of the establishments were too small so we had to remain outside in bad weather. It was a great way to get comfortable with exploring side streets instead of just staying on Hanover Street, which most of us tend to do