Fall tour offers local experience of Boston

With the global pandemic continuing to delay international and even national travel plans, having fun on your doorstep, or at least an uncomplicated drive away, is a doable, stress-free option.

G Adventures new "One Day in Boston: Sunrise to Sunset" local experience tour is a carefully curated day through night adventure spanning several Boston neighborhoods and spilling over the Charles River into Cambridge, too.

It’s not too dissimilar to what G Adventures, which was founded in 1990 in Toronto, Canada, offers in 100 countries around the world. Tours are usually considerably longer than a day, though, with most itineraries spreading activities over 10 or more days.

But all G Adventures itineraries immerse travelers in local culture and landscapes, and aim to support local economies.

“At G, we are so focused on the communities we operate in around the world,” says Steve Lima, director of marketing, US. “Many of the businesses involved on this Boston tour will have suffered as a result of this pandemic.”

This tour is unusual in that it isn’t designed for travelers visiting the city from far away.

“We wanted to give locals a way to escape and explore this incredible and beautiful city,” says Lima, speaking from his home in Coventry, Rhode Island. “We could have woven together something with Fenway and Faneuil Hall, but we wanted to include the underrepresented attractions and have a more unscripted tour.”

This day adventure starts bright and early with an hour-long outdoor yoga session on the Boston Common. After a picnic breakfast of pastries and tea and coffee from Tatte Bakery and Cafe, the group walks the Black Heritage Trail, tracing Black history in Boston, something that is all the more pertinent with recent Black Lives Matter marches.

“Everyone knows the Freedom Tour, but we want to elevate this with something that educates and brings awareness,” says Lima. “It’s another opportunity to learn and gain perspective and understanding."

After tracing the Black Heritage Trail, the group visits Faneuil Hall to experience the haunting Holocaust Memorial. Then, a bike ride into Cambridge includes a stop at the Charles River farmers market in Cambridgeport by the historic Magazine Beach. Nothing beats going local than a bike ride to a farmers market.

“This is another way of experiencing the city,” Lima says. “We wanted to add different aspects. So you focus on yourself during the yoga. Then the walk gives you the city vibe and then the bike adds a bit of speed and pace.”

After crossing back over the river and dropping off the bikes, the group walks up the Rose Kennedy Greenway into Chinatown for stops at six restaurants for food samplings, three savory and three sweet.

Finally, it’s time to kick back on a sunset harbor sail on a vintage schooner from Long Wharf.

“The last aspect is from the water, looking back at the city,” says Lima. “It will be twilight, and people can sit back and sip some wine.”

Note, the tour price includes only the picnic breakfast on the Common and the sampling lunch in Chinatown. Items like yoga mats, etc., are provided. Comfy shoes and a light jacket are recommended.

Though Lima will be on hand for the tour, Jill Faller is the tour’s local chief experience officer (CEO), leading the group.

“Jill will be giving a helping hand to make sure people are having fun,” says Lima.

She also has the more serous task of making sure people adhere to COVID-19 restrictions, such as mask wearing when necessary. Due to social distancing, the tour capacity maxes out at 16 people.

“There is separation during the activities and the restaurant stops will be outside at high-top tables rather than sitting down together,” adds Lima.

Right now, there are two tour dates, but more might be added, depending on how the weather holds up. Unlike much else this year, set dates won’t be canceled.

“We may go into mid-October,” says Lima. “But people should rest assured, we do not cancel a tour no matter how few people have booked.”

G Adventures One Day in Boston: Sunrise to Sunset tour costs $259 per person. Dates are Sept. 26 and Oct. 3, starting at 7:30 a.m. and ending around 8 p.m. For more, call (888) 800-4100 or visit  gadventures.com.