It was one of those events you are taught about in school history lessons – and then remember the name, rather than what it was all about.

The Boston Tea Party was, in fact, a protest in 1773 by Americans who objected to being governed and taxed by the British and it eventually led to the American War of Independence.

Boston is one of America’s oldest cities and was first settled in 1630. The capital of Massachusetts, it is a city rich in history and tradition, yet vibrant and modern with plenty to attract tourists.

Located along the north-eastern seaboard of the US, Boston is about 200 miles north-east of New York City.

It makes a particularly fine place to visit if you want to do some whale watching.

If time is of the essence, you can go on a whale-watch expedition that takes just three hours and promises you will see one of the ocean’s mighty mammals.

High-speed catamarans will get you to and from the whales quickly, which allows you more time to watch them.

You’ll visit Stellwagen Bank, the east coast’s most famous whale watching destination. Stellwagen’s heavy concentration of humpback, finback and minke whales guarantees an adventure filled with opportunities to view and learn about whales as they frolic in their natural habitat.

Each whale-watch is narrated and guided by a naturalist from the noted Whale Center of New England (WCNE). The WCNE has been studying the whales of New England for more than 20 years and its members are recognised worldwide as authorities on whales.

With the data collected on each cruise, WCNE is able to further the understanding of whales and their world. And their presence on board ensures that your whale watch will be an exciting and educational trip.

Boston Harbor Cruises guarantees whale sightings on every whale watch. If you don’t see a whale on your trip, you will receive a free ticket for a future occasion.

The catamarans feature three outside decks for optimum viewing capability. Inside you will find climate-controlled cabin space with cushioned seating, tables, state-of-the-art audio-visual, and a galley offering snacks and beverages. This tour is seasonal and only operates from April to October.

You can also travel the streets and waterways of Boston in a renovated World War II amphibious vehicle. Discover the city’s chequered history as you pass such landmarks as State House, Bunker Hill and Boston Common. Then it’s off to the Charles River for a view of a different kind. A Boston Duck Tour is a wonderful way to get a great look at the city and have fun doing it. This tour is seasonal and only operates from April through to November.

If you want to keep your feet on terra firma there is loads more to do and see in this lovely city.

The easiest way to get around Boston is on foot and by subway. Although the streets do not follow any particular pattern, you’ll find it easy to navigate. Wear comfortable walking shoes, especially for the granite paving stones you’ll find in the Market Place and the cobblestone streets of Beacon Hill. A note of caution: be careful when walking in the city and obey all traffic signals. Boston drivers are known for their aggressiveness.

Boston’s subway system, also known as the T, has four major lines that branch out from the centre of the city. The T is efficient, safe, fast, and comfortable.

A selection of walking trails is available. The most popular tour is the Freedom Trail. It takes walkers along a two-mile trail of popular sites from the American Revolution. The Freedom Trail begins at the Boston Common, the oldest public park in America, and ends at Bunker Hill in Charlestown.

By following the well-marked red line, tourists will see 16 of Boston’s most important historical sites including the Old Meeting House, Fanueil Hall and Paul Revere’s home. National Park rangers offer free-guided tours from April through November.

The Women’s Heritage Trail traces the accomplishments of 80 renowned women on four self-guided tours. Maps are available at the Old State house and the National Park Service Visitor Center.

The Black Heritage Trail takes tourists past 14 sites of historical significance from the 19th Century.

Among the other tours and experiences available is The Whites of Their Eyes, at which you can relive the Battle of Bunker Hill, the most famous battle of the American Revolution, through an extravaganza of sight and sound combining live actors and an audio-video display. This adaptation, which includes the battle and the critical events preceding it, will be of great interest to all ages.

Among the dozens of attractions in Boston is one very special one: the JFK Museum, library and shop, devoted to the life and work of the assassinated president John F Kennedy.

Unabashedly glowing, the museum’s viewpoint is wholeheartedly of the “Camelot” school of thought, where JFK depicted is an out-and-out hero, family man and idealistic leader.

A visit is recommended for out-of-towners interested in getting a feel for Massachusetts and modern American politics, since both have been strongly influenced by JFK and the Kennedy family.

Beside Boston’s Charles River is Cambridge, home of America’s oldest university, Harvard. Harvard Square, a very popular spot for people-watching, is also known for its street musicians performing on weekend nights and Sunday afternoons. Coffee shops, restaurants, and bookstores are abundant in this town that caters to 30,000 students.

The summer months of July and August can be hot and humid in Boston. The average temperature in July is about 28°C (81°F). During the winter months, from November to February, the weather can be wet and snowy. The average temperature in January is about -6°C (21°F).