Private Historic Yale Smart Phone Self Guided Walking Tour

About this activity

Founded in 1701 Yale is the 3rd oldest institution of education in the USA, and some would say the most secretive.

On our adventure I’ll guide you to New Haven’s historic spots including Yale’s old campus, the New Haven green, The inventors of the Hamburger - Louis Lunch, Grove Street Cemetery and many more.

Go at your own pace. Stop anytime by pausing the tour, and continue anytime. This is on our Walking Tour app, and the tour never expires. Our tours are professionally produced for the best immersive experiences.

Feel free to pause the tour and enter the Yale Art Gallery and see an original Van Gogh, or the Beinecke rare book Library and see the original Gutenberg bible, if they are open during normal visitors’ hours, entrance is free.

You’ll also see the Tombs of the secret societies of Yale, including Skull and Bones, Book and Snake and Scroll and Keys, and learn about their members.

Itinerary

1. Stop 1 · 5 min

   The tour starts outside the chapel and you'll learn about its history and about Elihu Yale, the man who Yale is named after. From there you'll walk to the Old Campus and be guided step by step through New Haven.

2. Stop 2 · 10 min

   The tour then goes to Old Campus, the oldest part of Yale. You'll hear how it was founded, it's motto and about Nathan Hale, a hero of the revolution who attended Yale and see his statue.

3. Owl Shop Cigar Lounge · 5 min

   The Owl is a historic spot in New Haven where many legendary actors have hung, you'll hear about those people and it's history.

4. Stop 4 · 5 min

   It's said that Louis Lunch invented the Hamburger back in the 1800's, and today it's tradition and stories run deep in New Haven. You'll hear it's history, stories, and their motto for Yale students.

5. Yale University Art Gallery · 10 min

   The tour tells the story of the art gallery and it's free to enter. Here you can see many famous artworks including Van Gogh’s Night Cafe and Edward Hopper’s Rooms by the Sea - two of the most recognizable paintings in the world.

6. Stop 6 · pass by

   Secret Societies? Yale has plenty! The most famous being that of the Skill and Bones, the secret societies of the powerful including the Bush family. Hear the stories of their founding, past and the tale the Geronimo's skull is inside.

7. Stop 7 · pass by

   The tour stops outside the historic building and you'll hear about the powerful that came from Yale, and how they grew wealthy beyond imagination. Some giving back.

8. Toad's Place · 5 min

   Rock and Roll history! Hear the story of the spot the rockers played including U2, David Bowie, The Rolling Stones, Radiohead and Bob Dylan. it's historic.

9. Beinecke Rare Book & Manuscript Library · 10 min

   This place is epic. See the oldest books in the world at one of the most advanced libraries, and it's free! We are talking Guttenberg press books. You'll hear the story of the books and the building.

10. Stop 10 · 5 min

    The tour stops outside the Cemetery where you'll see the sign “The dead shall be raised” and hear about the history making people that are buried here.

Meeting point

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

End point: The tour ends a few blocks from the start at the Scroll and Key tomb, where you'll hear the story of the secret society, their traditions and their tomb.

Good to know

• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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