Do I have to purchase tickets in advance? Can I pay cash?
Tickets must be purchased in advance, and tours often sell out quickly. To maximize your chances of getting the day and time you prefer, please book well in advance. Tickets can only be purchased with a Visa or MasterCard. Cash is not accepted. To purchase tickets by phone, please call Zerve at 212-209-3370.
If a tour is sold out can I get on a waiting list?
We do not provide a waiting list. If a date is sold out, it is likely that we will add an additional tour. Please contact us via e-mail at info@micheletopor.com or call us at 617-523-6032 to let us know what date you are interested in.
Do you offer custom private group tours?
We welcome custom group tours from 10-60 people on Monday, Tuesday or Thursday. Please look at our Group Tour information page and let us know how we can best accommodate your group. Please e-mail us at info@micheletopor.com or call us at 617-523-6032 and let us know the details of your request. A North End Market Tour representative will contact you shortly.
Does the tour include lunch?
The tour does not include lunch, but small tastes have been arranged for in about six stores as we tour the neighborhood -- think of it as an antipasto to whet your appetite.
What if I have dietary restrictions?
We will be tasting specific Italian food ingredients so that you have benchmark flavors. If you have dietary restrictions (vegetarian, diabetic, kosher), you could just simply refrain from those particular tastings.
Can I shop on the tour?
We ask that you wait to shop until after the tour so that we can spend more time learning about the fabulous Italian food ingredients and enjoying the tastes we have arranged. Hopefully, you will allow yourselves some extra time at the end of the tour to return to your favorite stores.
What is the maximum number of people on a tour?
Since the shops are very small, we limit the regular tour to 13-14 depending on the day. Saturday tours before Christmas and Easter may be limited to 10 people.
Do you require a minimum number of tickets for the tour to take place?
Yes, we only run our tours with at least 6 people. Since this is a very popular tour, this is not usually an issue. In the rare situation where we cancel a tour, we will contact you ahead of time to reschedule your tickets or issue a full refund, whichever you prefer.
What if it rains or the weather is inclement?
The tour is held rain or sine. If the weather is very inclement, e.g. heavy snow or hurricane, the tour may be cancelled. Refunds will be offered in the extremely rare event that the company cancels the tour, but in all other situations, no refunds will be provided.
Who will be leading the tour? Can I register for a tour that Michele will be conducting?
Most tours are led by Michele’s personally trained assistants (guides). Depending on availability, Michele might be leading a tour but there is no way of knowing beforehand. Rest assured that Michele's standards are very high -- her assistants are terrific and each one brings their own special style.
Where do the tours start?
Upon registration you will receive a confirmation indicating where you are to meet the tour group.
I’m Italian American and have shopped in the North End for years – will the tour offer me anything new?
We have had many local North Enders on tour and they have been amazed at their new food finds. And most important, they are able to relive memories of their childhood and learn how their food culture evolved.
What if I don’t live in Boston, why would I want to take the tour?
To learn about one of the most vibrant ethnic neighborhoods in this country. Since the tour is like a walking cooking class, you will learn about how Italians eat, the best ingredients and how to buy them, special cooking tips, and what a feast for the senses! Since most of the stores also sell online, you will learn about great sources for ingredients. Your world and dinner will never be the same.
Is the morning tour different from the afternoon tour?
Both tours offer the very same information and food tastings. If you plan on staying in the neighborhood to revisit many of the stores after the tour, you might want to do the morning tour, keeping mind that most of the stores generally close at 6pm. Otherwise, many tour participants just want to stay on after the tour to enjoy dinner at one of our many fabulous restaurants.
Will there be any place to sit during the tour? Is it a fast paced tour?
Only one store has limited seating. The tour involves standing and walking as we wind our way through the neighborhood, visiting about 8 stores. You should plan to be on your feet for the length of the tour, so wear your comfortable walking shoes. We do walk at a relatively quick pace.
Can you accommodate people with disabilities? What about strollers?
Some of the stores have a step up to enter and are not wheelchair accessible. Most of the stores are also very tiny. If you are able to leave the wheelchair outside of the store and enter with a cane, the tour can accommodate you. Strollers will also have to remain outside the store. There is no problem with their safety outside the door of the store.
What about taking children on the tour?
Since the tour is three hours long and some children have a limited attention span, the tour may not be appropriate for them. Parents, who know their children best, should assess the situation individually. Since there is a lot of standing and walking, please consider this when deciding whether the tour is appropriate for your child.
Do you visit restaurants on the tour?
We don’t actually walk into restaurants but we point out our favorites as we pass by. Remember, this is a very subjective commentary.
Are the tours offered only in English?
Yes, we only offer tours in English. If you would like to make arrangements for your own interpreter to join the tour, please contact us at 617-523-6032 or e-mail us at info@micheletopor.com.
Are gift certificates available?
Yes, what better gift than the gift of food (except for maybe a few shiny baubles). A North End Market Tour is a unique way to say Happy Birthday, Happy Anniversary, Happy Holidays or just Thank You. To purchase a Gift Certificate please call us at 617-523-6032 or print out a copy of our gift certificate form, complete it fully, and mail it to us with your check. Gift Certificates may be redeemed by calling the office at 617-523-6032; they cannot be used when booking a tour online.
Can we take photos during the tour?
Still camera shots are welcomed and with the characters in the neighborhood, you could find yourself with some memorable photos. Video cameras are not allowed.
Are bathrooms available during the tour?
Except for emergencies, bathroom stops are not available during the tour. Prior to the tour, all coffee shops have bathrooms for customers.
What is your cancellation policy?
All tickets sold are non-refundable and may not be exchanged or rescheduled. In the rare situation where we cancel a tour that fails to attract minimum enrollment, we will contact you ahead of time to reschedule your tickets or issue a full refund, whichever you prefer. We reserve the right to limit the number of participants and to cancel a tour that fails to attract minimum enrollment. The tour is held rain or shine.
