New York City: Guided Highlights Bus Tour and Ferry Ride

New York City’s iconic landmarks and vibrant culture come alive on the Guided Highlights Bus Tour and Ferry Ride. This 6-hour adventure whisks travelers through the heart of the Big Apple, showcasing must-see attractions like Rockefeller Center, Central Park, and Times Square. More than just a sightseeing excursion, the tour invites guests to enjoy the city’s rich history and architecture, led by expert guides. But the experience doesn’t end there, as a scenic ferry ride to Staten Island provides stunning views of the Manhattan skyline and the Statue of Liberty. With a complimentary lunch included, this comprehensive tour promises an engaging and memorable exploration of New York City.

Key Points

• A 6-hour guided bus tour that covers major New York City landmarks, including Rockefeller Center, Empire State Building, Wall Street, Central Park, and Times Square.
• Includes a scenic Staten Island Ferry ride with breathtaking views of the NYC skyline, Statue of Liberty, and Ellis Island.
• Features air-conditioned transportation, a complimentary lunch, and expert guide commentary throughout the tour.
• Offers a comprehensive exploration of diverse neighborhoods like Greenwich Village, SoHo, Chinatown, and Little Italy.
• Provides a hassle-free experience with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and gratuities covered.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Details

The Guided Highlights Bus Tour in New York City typically provides participants with a rundown of the city’s iconic landmarks and neighborhoods.

Priced from $280 per person, the 6-hour tour includes a guided bus ride and a ferry ride on the Staten Island Ferry. Travelers can expect a live English-speaking guide, air-conditioned transportation, and complimentary lunch.

The tour highlights major attractions like Rockefeller Center, the Empire State Building, Wall Street, Central Park, and Times Square.

With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, this tour offers a convenient and flexible way to explore the Big Apple’s top sights.

Itinerary Highlights

The itinerary highlights an engaging journey through New York City’s most iconic landmarks and neighborhoods. Guests start at Rockefeller Center, admiring the Rink, Prometheus statue, and Radio Music Hall. The tour continues along 5th Avenue to Madison Square Park, offering views of the Empire State and Flatiron Buildings. Next, they explore charming neighborhoods like Greenwich Village, SoHo, Chinatown, and Little Italy, before visiting Wall Street. The tour culminates with a ferry ride to the Staten Island Ferry Terminal, providing panoramic views of the NYC skyline, Ellis Island, and the Statue of Liberty. Finally, guests walk through Central Park, visiting Strawberry Fields and the Dakota apartments, before ending at the energetic Times Square.

Itinerary	Highlights
Start	Rockefeller Center, The Rink, Prometheus statue, Radio Music Hall
Travel	5th Avenue, Madison Square Park, Empire State Building, Flatiron Building
Explore	Greenwich Village, SoHo, Chinatown, Little Italy, Wall Street
Ferry Ride	Staten Island Ferry, NYC skyline, Ellis Island, Statue of Liberty
End	Central Park, Strawberry Fields, Dakota apartments, Times Square

Inclusions

This tour offers a range of inclusions to provide a comprehensive and seamless experience for guests.

The tour includes transportation by air-conditioned vehicle, a guided tour, a ride on the Staten Island Ferry, and a lunch. Gratuities are also covered, ensuring a worry-free experience.

The guided tour allows guests to explore the city’s iconic landmarks and neighborhoods, while the ferry ride offers stunning views of the New York City skyline, Ellis Island, and the Statue of Liberty.

With these inclusions, travelers can enjoy the city’s rich history and culture without the hassle of planning individual activities.

Meeting Point

Guests meet at the FAO Schwarz toy store on W 49th Street and Rockefeller Plaza to begin the guided highlights bus tour of New York City.

This convenient and central meeting point allows the tour to depart promptly at the scheduled time.

Once gathered, the group will board the climate-controlled bus and embark on their six-hour journey to explore the city’s iconic landmarks and neighborhoods.

The meeting location is easy to find, ensuring a smooth and efficient start to the tour experience.

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Customer Reviews

Customers have overwhelmingly praised the guided highlights bus tour, with an overall rating of 4.6 out of 5 based on 195 reviews.

Reviewers consistently applauded the tour’s knowledgeable and humorous guides, who provided personalized experiences and insider tips on dining and attractions.

The transportation was also commended, with a 4.7/5 rating.

Customers were particularly impressed by the tour’s organization, which earned a 4.8/5 score.

Key highlights include:

• Guides’ extensive knowledge and engaging commentary
• Seamless coordination of the tour itinerary
• Personalized attention to each guest’s needs and interests

Rockefeller Center Exploration

The tour begins at the iconic Rockefeller Center, where guests marvel at the impressive Prometheus statue and the bustling Radio City Music Hall.

The group then boards a climate-controlled bus and travels along 5th Avenue, taking in the sights and sounds of the city.

The first stop is Madison Square Park, offering stunning views of the Empire State Building and the Flatiron Building.

From there, the tour explores the diverse neighborhoods of Greenwich Village, SoHo, Chinatown, and Little Italy, giving participants a taste of the city’s vibrant culture and architecture.

Staten Island Ferry Ride

From the Whitehall Ferry Terminal, the group boards the Staten Island Ferry for a scenic journey across the harbor.

The ferry offers unparalleled views of the city skyline, including the iconic Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. During the 25-minute ride, passengers can:

• Gaze up at the towering skyscrapers that dot the Manhattan landscape.
• Spot notable landmarks like the Brooklyn Bridge and the One World Trade Center.
• Feel the salty breeze on their face as they take in the panoramic vistas of the New York Harbor.

The ferry ride provides a unique perspective and allows travelers to experience the city from the water, offering a peaceful respite from the bustling streets of Manhattan.

Central Park and Times Square

After witnessing the city skyline from the Staten Island Ferry, the tour then takes guests into the heart of Manhattan – Central Park.

Visitors stroll through the iconic greenspace, admiring Strawberry Fields and the Dakota apartments. The tour pauses to provide insight into the park’s history and famous landmarks.

Finally, the excursion culminates at the vibrant Times Square, where bright lights, billboards, and the energy of the city captivate the senses.

Here, the guide shares background on the area’s transformation from a red-light district to the "Crossroads of the World."

With the tour complete, guests are left with a rundown of New York City’s most famous sights and neighborhoods.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Early Should I Arrive at the Meeting Point?

The meeting point’s instructions recommend arriving at the FAO Schwarz toy store at least 15 minutes before the scheduled tour departure time. This ensures participants are present and ready to begin the guided tour on time.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

Participants can bring their own food and drinks on the tour. The tour operator allows outside food and beverages, but they don’t provide any during the tour. Lunch is included, so bringing additional snacks is optional.

Do We Make Any Stops for Restroom Breaks?

The tour provides restroom breaks at several stops along the itinerary, allowing guests to use the facilities. The schedule is designed to accommodate comfort and convenience throughout the 6-hour experience.

Is There Wifi Available on the Bus?

The tour bus doesn’t provide onboard Wi-Fi. However, passengers can access free public Wi-Fi at many of the tour stops, such as Rockefeller Center and Times Square, to stay connected during the excursion.

Can I Extend the Tour or Add Additional Stops?

Participants can extend the tour or add additional stops, though this may incur extra fees. It’s best to check with the tour operator in advance to discuss any customization options and associated costs.

Recap

The Guided Highlights Bus Tour and Ferry Ride offers an engaging exploration of New York City’s iconic landmarks. From the Rockefeller Center to the Staten Island Ferry, this 6-hour adventure showcases the city’s vibrant culture, history, and architecture. With expert guides leading the way and a complimentary lunch, this tour provides an unforgettable experience for those seeking to discover the best of New York City.

You can check if your dates are available here: