About Boston Private Tours
our Story & Philosophy
Boston Private Tours was founded in 2005 by Bill McDonough, whose passion for Boston, storytelling, and genuine hospitality helped shape the company’s enduring character. A proud Bostonian with a deep love for the city’s history and neighborhoods, Bill believed that the best experiences were personal, thoughtful, and rooted in authentic local knowledge.
Today, under the leadership of his daughter Michelle Hocking, Boston Private Tours continues that legacy—creating bespoke private experiences for discerning travelers, families, academic visitors, and executive clients seeking a more meaningful way to experience Boston and New England.
We believe exceptional travel should feel effortless, personal, and entirely your own.
Whether exploring Boston’s iconic landmarks, uncovering hidden corners of Beacon Hill, tracing revolutionary history, visiting Harvard and Cambridge, or venturing farther into New England, every experience is thoughtfully curated around your interests, pace, and priorities.
Our guests choose us for more than transportation or sightseeing. They choose Boston Private Tours for expert local guides, concierge-level planning, flexibility, and the confidence that every detail has been considered.
From intimate walking experiences to private chauffeured journeys, academic explorations, executive hosting, and fully customized itineraries, we create experiences designed to be seamless, enriching, and memorable.
Boston is our home. Sharing it well is our privilege.
our Team
Michelle Hocking -is the President of Boston Private Tours and has been creating personalized travel experiences throughout Boston and New England since 2005. With a deep understanding of luxury hospitality, client service, and regional travel, she works closely with guests to design seamless, memorable itineraries tailored to their interests. Michelle’s attention to detail, local knowledge, and commitment to exceptional service have helped establish Boston Private Tours as a trusted choice for private travelers, families, corporate groups, and international visitors.
David Gonzales - Director of Client Services at Boston Private Tours. With a doctorate in education and more than 25 years of leadership experience in Human Development, operations, and business Leadership, he is dedicated to delivering exceptional guest experiences. His passion for Boston and New England's history helps create engaging, personalized Experiences for Domestic And International Travelers.
Jorge Alvarez - Guide. An accomplished author, historian, and art specialist, Jorge combines scholarly expertise with engaging storytelling to provide insightful, personalized tours. His passion for history, art, and culture offers guests a deeper understanding of New England's rich heritage.
Declan Kelly - one of Boston Private Tours' most knowledgeable guides. Originally from Ireland, he brings an engineer's analytical perspective together with a lifelong passion for history, culture, and storytelling. His engaging style and exceptional knowledge of Boston and New England create memorable experiences for guests from around the world.
Lance Dickinson - Guide. Lance brings a strong business background, a warm and engaging personality, and extensive knowledge of Boston's South Shore. His passion for exceptional service and local expertise ensures every guest enjoys a welcoming, informative, and memorable touring experience.
