San Francisco’s iconic Alcatraz Island and the city’s vibrant landmarks come alive in this comprehensive tour. Combining a small group van excursion and a round-trip ferry ride, the experience showcases the best of the Golden Gate City. Guests will marvel at the imposing Golden Gate Bridge, enjoy the culture of Chinatown, and embark on an award-winning audio tour of the infamous Alcatraz prison. With convenient hotel pickups, professional guides, and wheelchair accessibility, this tour offers a seamless exploration of San Francisco’s rich history and captivating sights. But what secrets await on the island that once housed some of America’s most notorious criminals?
Key Points
- This 8-hour tour combines a 4-hour small group van tour of San Francisco’s top attractions and round-trip ferry access to the Alcatraz Island.
- The tour package includes admission to Alcatraz and an award-winning audio tour of the Cellhouse, allowing guests to explore the historic federal prison.
- Pickup is available from most downtown San Francisco hotels and Fisherman’s Wharf, with air-conditioned transportation and a professional guide provided throughout the experience.
- Wheelchair accessibility is available, although there are some restrictions for mobility scooters, bikes, and intoxicated individuals.
- The tour has a non-refundable policy, so it is essential for guests to plan accordingly and consider any potential schedule changes.
Overview of the Tour
This 8-hour San Francisco tour provides a comprehensive experience, featuring a 4-hour small group van tour of the city’s major attractions and a round-trip ferry ride to the historic Alcatraz Island with an award-winning audio tour.
Guests will visit iconic landmarks like Union Square, Lombard Street, the Golden Gate Bridge, Chinatown, and North Beach.
The Alcatraz portion includes free time to explore the former federal prison and its infamous Cellhouse on the island.
Tickets for this popular tour are likely to sell out quickly, so advance booking is recommended.
Priced at $167 per person, this tour offers an efficient and enriching way to experience the highlights of San Francisco and Alcatraz.
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Tour Details
The tour spans a duration of 8 hours, with a live guide providing commentary in English.
Guests can expect pickup from most Downtown San Francisco hotels between 8:30-8:45 AM, and from Fisherman’s Wharf between 8:45-9:00 AM.
The tour includes wheelchair accessibility, though it’s not suitable for mobility scooters, non-folding wheelchairs, bikes, electric wheelchairs, or intoxicated individuals.
Additionally:
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The ferry to Alcatraz departs at 3:20 PM, so guests should plan accordingly for lunch.
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Alcatraz tickets booked last minute may be subject to availability.
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This is a non-refundable tour, so guests should plan accordingly.
Inclusions
In an article titled ‘San Francisco: Alcatraz Entry Ticket With SF City Tour’, the Inclusions are as follows:
The tour includes bottled water and an air-conditioned vehicle for guest comfort.
It also provides a professional guide to lead the 8-hour experience.
Guests receive admission to Alcatraz Island and the award-winning Cellhouse Audio Tour, as well as free time to explore the historic federal prison.
After the Alcatraz portion, the tour includes pickup from the island.
However, the tour excludes food and beverages, other than the provided water, as well as any tips.
Important Information
Guests are advised to wear comfortable shoes and clothing for the tour.
Mobility scooters, non-folding wheelchairs, bikes, electric wheelchairs, and intoxicated individuals aren’t permitted on the tour.
Visitors should note that Alcatraz tickets booked at the last minute may be subject to availability, and the ferry to the island departs at 3:20 PM, so guests should plan accordingly for lunch.
The tour’s important information includes:
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Alcatraz tickets booked last minute may be subject to availability
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The ferry to Alcatraz departs at 3:20 PM, so plan accordingly for lunch
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The tour isn’t suitable for mobility scooters, non-folding wheelchairs, bikes, or electric wheelchairs
Customer Reviews
Customers have given the tour an overall rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars based on 52 reviews.
The positive feedback highlights the informative and engaging nature of the tour guides, the timely service, and the rundown of the city. Reviewers appreciated the level of detail provided during the tour.
However, some customers mentioned a need for more photo stops and opportunities to explore the attractions more thoroughly.
The tour seems to provide a well-rounded experience, allowing visitors to see the top sights of San Francisco while also visiting the iconic Alcatraz Island.
Feedback suggests the tour is a great way to maximize one’s time in the city.
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Pickup and Dropoff Locations
Where does the tour begin and end?
The tour provides pickup from most downtown San Francisco hotels between 8:30-8:45 AM and from Fisherman’s Wharf between 8:45-9:00 AM. This convenient pickup service ensures a seamless start to the day’s adventures.
At the end of the tour, travelers are dropped off right where they were picked up, making it easy to continue exploring the city on their own.
The tour’s transportation includes:
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Air-conditioned vans for the city tour portion
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Round-trip ferry to Alcatraz Island
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Pickup after the Alcatraz tour
This comprehensive transportation package allows participants to maximize their time and fully enjoy the sights and sounds of San Francisco.
Wheelchair Accessibility
The tour offers wheelchair accessibility, making it inclusive for guests with mobility needs.
Specially-equipped vans are provided for the city tour portion, and the ferries to Alcatraz Island accommodate wheelchairs as well. This ensures that all participants can fully enjoy the comprehensive San Francisco experience.
The tour operator is committed to ensuring guests with disabilities can participate without any barriers. Those requiring assistance are encouraged to notify the company in advance so they can make appropriate arrangements.
The inclusion of wheelchair accessibility reflects the tour’s dedication to providing an enjoyable and accessible experience for all visitors to San Francisco.
Cancellation Policy
This tour has a non-refundable cancellation policy, meaning customers can’t receive a full refund if they need to cancel their booking. While the wheelchair accessibility ensures the tour is inclusive, the strict cancellation terms may deter some guests from booking, especially those concerned about potential schedule changes or emergencies.
Some important things to note about the cancellation policy:
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No refunds are offered for any reason, including illness, weather, or personal emergencies.
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Cancellations made less than 24 hours before the tour start time aren’t eligible for any refund.
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Guests who miss the tour due to unforeseen circumstances won’t be reimbursed.
The inflexible cancellation policy is something prospective travelers should carefully consider when deciding whether to book this San Francisco tour.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?
The tour has a casual dress code. Guests are advised to wear comfortable shoes and clothing, as the tour involves walking and exploring various attractions around San Francisco.
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?
According to the tour details, guests can bring their own bottled water, but food and beverages other than water are excluded during the city tour. Guests should plan accordingly for lunch during the free time on Alcatraz Island.
Is the Tour Guide Available for Questions Throughout the Day?
The tour guide is available throughout the day to answer questions and provide additional information to participants. Guests can freely ask questions during the city tour and while on Alcatraz Island.
How Long Is the Walking Portion of the Tour?
The walking portion of the tour lasts approximately 4 hours. The tour includes a small group van tour of major San Francisco attractions, providing a rundown of the city’s highlights.
Are There Any Discounts or Promotions Available?
This tour doesn’t seem to offer any discounts or promotions. Ticket prices are fixed at $167 per person. However, booking in advance is recommended as the tour is known to sell out quickly.
Recap
This comprehensive tour provides an immersive experience, allowing visitors to explore the iconic landmarks of San Francisco and the infamous Alcatraz Island.
With convenient transportation, professional guides, and wheelchair accessibility, it’s an excellent way to discover the city’s rich history and culture.
The tour’s inclusions, customer reviews, and flexibility make it a popular choice for those seeking a well-rounded San Francisco adventure.
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