Illustrious Schools:
Group Tour of MIT & Harvard
Experience a Boston Hidden Gems exclusive, touring two of America’s most famous schools: Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Harvard University! Stroll through MIT while one of our star guides tells you about the history, architecture, and legends surrounding the famous school. Ride on America’s oldest subway system, now known as the “T”, while you transfer to Harvard. Walk through famous Harvard Yard and the surrounding campus while you learn about America’s oldest college. Hear stories about how a disaster led to a world record, how an unexpected building became the most expensive on campus, George Washington’s time in residence, and many more fascinating tales.
| person | Group Size |
| 1 to 30 |
| paid | Price |
| From $25 |
| timer | Duration |
| 3h 30m |
| groups | Tour Privacy |
| Shared |
| language | Languages |
| English |
| free_cancellation | Cancellation |
| Free |
| event_repeat | Rescheduling |
| Free |
| pin_drop | Meeting Point |
| Ripple Cafe |
| footprint | Transportation |
| Walking, Subway |
Overview
This tour starts on the MIT campus, where you will follow your guide to learn about the school's history, famous pranks, inventions, and much more! Your tour guide will show you buildings designed by world-famous architects (both good and bad), locations of some hilarious MIT pranks (or "hacks"), and stunning views of Boston from across the river! Learn the history of how MIT was founded, and hear about famous alumni to grace the school, astronomical phenomenon which occur in its halls, and quirky student hangout locations!
After MIT, your tour guide will take you to Harvard using the subway system, a total of two stops. Learn about the history of America's oldest subway while waiting for the train. Your subway fare is included in the cost of the tour.
Once reaching Harvard, explore Harvard Yard and the surrounding campus area during the second part of the tour. Learn the history of the oldest college in the United States, founded in 1636. See the "Statue of the Three Lies", standing proudly in the center of Harvard Yard, deceiving visitors for almost 150 years. Learn about Harvard's academic legacy, as well as some rather whimsical traditions practiced by the students! See the house where George Washington stayed during his visit to Boston during the American Revolution and Harvard's part in the war.
Note that this is not a tour designed for prospective students to learn about the schools, and we do not go into any of the buildings on either campus. This tour covers the history, architecture, and legends about the schools.
Itinerary
MIT Media Lab
See the MIT Media Lab, home to some of the most innovative cross-discipline creations stemming from MIT.
MIT Green Building
See the Green Building, designed by the famous architect I.M.Pei. Learn about the infamous "Tetris" student prank.
MIT Dome
See the iconic MIT Dome and learn about some of the most famous MIT “hacks,” including the police car placed on top of the dome to protest parking tickets.
Harvard/Mass Ave Bridge
See the Smoot markers on the Harvard Bridge, connecting Cambridge and Boston. Make sure to snap a photo of the Boston skyline!
MIT Banana Lounge
Learn about the story behind the Banana Lounge - a story as unexpected as the lounge name!
Stata Center
See the quirky State Center, simultaneously an architectural marvel and a design nightmare.
MBTA Ride
Take the Red Line subway two stops to the Harvard University Area. Cost of the subway ride is included in the tour. Your tour guide will direct you on using the subway.
Johnston Gate
Enter Harvard Yard through the main entrance - Johnson Gate.
John Harvard Statue
Learn why the famous Harvard Yard statue is called the "Statue of the Three Lies".
Harvard Yard
Learn about the various dormitories located around the historical Harvard Yard and who lived there while at Harvard.
Harvard Memorial Hall
See Memorial Hall, a multifunctional building inside an old church.
Widener Memorial Library
See the main library of Harvard University and hear the tragic story behind its founding.
Wadsworth House
See one of the oldest buildings in Harvard Yard, where George Washington stayed during the American Revolution.
Lowell House
See a few of the Upper Classmen housing of Harvard University and learn about the tradition of "Housing Day".
Harvard Square
End the tour at the bustling Harvard Square. Your tour guide can suggest places for souvenir shopping and/or lunch!
Details
Exceptions to availability, group size, or start times may be available. Contact us!
Duration
3h 30m
Group Size
Up to 30
Start Times
12:00 on Weekends &
10:30 on Tuesdays
Start Location
Ripple Cafe - 314 Main St., Cambridge
Want to skip the online booking service fee? Call us!
Low Season
$35 adult (18+)
$30 youth (13-17)
$25 child (3-12)
High Season
$40 adult (18+)
$35 youth (13-17)
$30 child (3-12)