Ghosts & Gravestones Tour Boston
BackGhosts & Gravestones offers a distinctive approach to Boston tourism, positioning itself as a “frightseeing” sightseeing tour rather than a conventional historical overview. The service, which operates from its departure point at 200 Atlantic Ave, utilizes a themed vehicle, the "Trolley of the Doomed," to transport customers through streets associated with the city's darker historical narratives. This operation combines elements of a travel agency with live theater, creating an experience centered on entertainment as much as education.
The core of the product is its theatricality. Customers often book this tour expecting a performance, sometimes described as “Broadway on wheels.” The guides, referred to as 17th-century gravediggers, are costumed actors who remain in character throughout the journey. The quality of this performance is a frequent topic in customer feedback and appears to be the most variable aspect of the experience. Many participants have lauded their guides—naming specific performers like Bernard, Harlan Hayvrast, Rose, and Seamus—for being knowledgeable, funny, and engaging storytellers. These positive accounts emphasize the guides' ability to blend historical facts with spooky tales and "cheesy jokes," creating a lighthearted yet immersive atmosphere. This style appeals to those who enjoy interactive and over-the-top entertainment.
However, this theatrical focus can also be a point of contention. Some customers have reported that the performance did not meet the high expectations set by the company's marketing. One review noted their guide was knowledgeable but lacked the animated, theatrical delivery they anticipated, which diminished the overall value for them. This suggests an inconsistency in the performance level among the cast of guides. Prospective customers should be aware that the experience can heavily depend on the specific actor leading their tour, making it a bit of a gamble.
The Itinerary and On-Foot Segments
The tour's structure involves both riding the trolley and disembarking for short walking segments. The itinerary is designed to cover key locations in Boston’s haunted lore. The tour visits two of Boston's oldest burying grounds per trip, with the specific sites being Copp's Hill Burying Ground, Granary Burying Ground, or King's Chapel Burying Ground. This provides an opportunity to walk among headstones that are nearly four centuries old, including those of historical figures like Paul Revere, Samuel Adams, and John Hancock. The stories told here often relate to grave-robbing scandals, public executions, and notable figures such as Cotton Mather, known for his role in the Salem Witch Trials.
While the trolley passes other notable Boston attractions like the Omni Parker House, reportedly the city's most haunted hotel, the main interactive parts are the graveyard visits. These walking portions are a critical component, but they also present a potential drawback. The pace can be brisk to adhere to the schedule, and one report mentioned that a participant with mobility issues found it difficult to keep up. The walk to one of the sites also involves a steep hill, which could be challenging for some individuals. Therefore, this is a key consideration for those with physical limitations when planning their vacation packages.
Evaluating the Cost and Value
A recurring theme in feedback is the tour's price point and whether it offers commensurate value. Several customers have questioned the cost, particularly since the primary locations—the burying grounds—are accessible to the public for free during daytime hours. The argument against the price suggests that without a stellar theatrical performance, the fee feels high for what amounts to transportation and a history lesson. One guest who joined the tour as part of a Royal Caribbean cruise excursion explicitly stated they felt they had overpaid, though they still found the experience enjoyable.
Conversely, many defend the cost by highlighting the unique aspects of the service. The tour provides exclusive nighttime access to the cemeteries, which creates a distinctly different and spookier atmosphere than a daytime visit. Furthermore, the fee covers the transportation, the curated storytelling from a live actor, and the overall convenience of a structured guided tour. For many, especially fans of haunted tours, this combination of elements justifies the expense. The service is not merely about seeing the sites but about experiencing them within a specific, entertaining context that cannot be replicated independently.
Audience and Suitability
This tourist attraction is tailored for a specific audience. It is most suitable for those seeking entertainment and a bit of spooky fun rather than a dry, academic lecture. The tour is rated PG-13, and the company advises that it may not be appropriate for children under 13, with children under 6 not permitted at all. This is due to loud noises, some startling moments (jump scares), and mature or suggestive themes in the storytelling, including tales of the Boston Strangler and other grim historical events. It's an ideal choice for tourists who appreciate themed experiences and are looking for engaging night tours.
Based on reviews, even individuals who typically dislike scary things can enjoy the tour because its tone leans more towards historical theater and humor than genuine horror. One participant noted her sister-in-law, who was initially reluctant, ended up loving it. It successfully avoids pseudoscientific elements like EKG gadgets or orb photography, focusing instead on well-crafted, theatrical storytelling. This makes it a solid option for a night out that is different from typical historical tours, but it may not satisfy hardcore paranormal investigators or those seeking a truly terrifying experience.
