While the historic significance of Boston cannot be denied, this vibrant All-American city offers a plethora of attractions for today's vacationer. The city was founded in 1630 and is the birthplace of the American Revolution.

Cruise ships dock at Black Falcon Cruise Terminal on the South Boston waterfront. Make the best use of any time spent here by making your way straight into the city. This is by and large a city best explored by foot, combined with a handy trolley, subway or bus, all making up the "T", heralded as one of the country's best transit systems. It's a pleasant half-hour walk from the dock to the city via Northern Avenue, partly along a new Harborwalk and over the Northern Avenue pedestrian bridge.

The Freedom Trail may be the city's most popular attraction and is simply explored by following the red lines down the sidewalk from Boston Common. Boston's many museums plus European influence and colorful local characters will charm most visitors.