ELTIPS AV R T

The city of Boston has got plenty to raise a glass to, as MC History, my unusual guide for the day, would reveal.

Loaded with some serious gold bling around his neck, the musician-turned-history-geek knows everything that is worth knowing about Beantown.

Such as it was founded in 1630 – making it one of America’s oldest cities – it boasts the country’s first public park, its first subway system and the world’s oldest marathon.

Oh, and it’s also the birthplace of Dunkin’ Donuts.

“Get ready for some sightseeing, history and fun,” he boomed into his mic. “It’s Duck Tour time.”

For 80 minutes, MC History drove us around the city’s most i mpressive streets and landmarks by road and river.

We gawped in wonder at the gleaming glass Prudential Tower, all 50 floors of it, and the golden- domed Massachusetts State House. We were wowed by the historic neighbourhoods of Beacon Hill and Charlestown.

Then on we went past Faneuil Hall – known as the Cradle of “soccer”) with the New England Revolution, and basketball, courtesy of the Boston Celtics.

But the jewel in the sporting crown is undoubtedly the Boston Red Sox – the brilliant baseball team where Babe Ruth made his name.

I was lucky enough to visit the club’s iconic ground, Fenway Park, to have a nose around.

It is impossible not to be impressed by the surroundings, even if, like me, you know absolutely nothing about baseball.

I got to see the Green Monster – a giant green wall in t he ballpark, which is one of the most f amous si sights in American sport. AmJ

Just like in the city itse itself, history leaps from eve every corner of Fenway Par Park. The mix of modern hospitality an and old-fashioned charm made for a an unforgettable experience.

After exhausting yourself mugging up on all that sport, you will need some good food. And eating in Boston is better than s scoring a home run.

There are some terrific seafood re restaurants to be found in the city, inc including Legal Harborside in the sea seaport district. Lobster and crab

And after MC History had converted our amphibious landing vehicle into a boat at the touch of a button, we splashed into the Charles River, giving us spectacular views of the city’s skyline.

As well as attracting the world’s smartest to study at Harvard University, Boston has bagged the brightest sporting stars.

It has top teams in a string of sports, including football ( sorry, DRINK like a local at the famous Samuel Adams brewery, which gives free tours and tastings with a recommended $2 donation to help local charities. MAKE sure you stroll around the Boston Commons, the oldest public park in the US. THE Boston Public Library is the second largest in the US. Created in 1885 as a “palace for the people”, there are always free exhibitions and tours. cakes are the house speciality. If you’re really hungry and fancy a steak, try Smith & Wollesky, based in the former military training base of Boston Castle.

Or for a place that is a hit with Boston’s large Chinese-American community, head for Asian-fusion restaurant Fuji, which serves up some incredible sushi.

At the end of a long day exploring, don’t forget to grab a beer and relax at Boston’s most famous bar, Cheers, left, where the hit TV show was set. It is a proper Boston landmark.

You can even take the Norm Burger challenge – if you finish the epic burger you earn a place on the wall of fame.

The original Cheers bar is in Beacon Hill but you can visit a newer version back at Faneuil Hall Marketplace. It is an exact replica of the comedy show’s set. It’s only missing Woody behind the bar.

It is unlikely everybody will know your name – but I’m sure you’ll always be glad you came.

I certainly was. Cheers, Boston. FACTFILE: Norwegian has a year-round four times weekly direct service from Gatwick to Boston. Fares from £135 one way (norwegian.com/uk). Rooms at the Godfrey Hotel Boston (godfreyhotelboston.com) from £150.