After meeting your Guide at the designated meet-up/departure point in Battery Park, Lower Manhattan, your Guide will lead the group through Battery Park. It is in this area that the story of America unfolds. You'll learn about Manhattan's original occupation by indigenous Lenape tribes and the island's evolution into becoming the birthplace of America and as well as our nation’s most populous and financially important city!

In-depth commentary will be provided in a fun and engaging way as the group makes their way into the heart of the park and towards the historic structure called Castle Clinton. En route, you’ll also enjoy a lovely view of 1 WTC (aka Freedom Tower) from across lawn of Battery Park.

round Castle Clinton structure en route to the Statue of Liberty security screening tent before approved passage to the ferry to the Statue of Liberty.

As the tour progresses into the heart of Battery Park, we come upon a round, historic structure, called Castle Clinton. The day’s tour includes a visit to the famous Ellis Island immigrant-processing depot, and likewise, Castle Clinton has also played a role in our immigrant story. In fact, Castle Clinton has served many purposes since its being built in the early 19th century and you’ll learn about them on this tour.

After sharing the history of Castle Clinton, the Guide will lead the group through airport-style security. This security check-point for ferry-access to Liberty Island and the Statue of Liberty, is mandatory for all Guests. It is important to note that carrying weaponry of any kind is strictly prohibited. Prohibited items will be confiscated, cannot be retrieved and may result in legal jeopardy even if you’re licensed to carry them in your own state or country!

Once all Guests have passed the security inspection, the group will then board the first of two 10-minute ferry rides that we will use during the tour. Our first ferry brings us to Liberty Island. Here, you'll have an opportunity to view the Statue of Liberty up-close, from Liberty Island's grounds. Through in-depth commentary, you’ll learn all about how this important icon of freedom came to be. You'll also see the Statue of Liberty's original torch, on display at the Statue of Liberty Museum.

From 1892-1954, Ellis Island was the largest, busiest and most famous immigrant-processing depot, in the USA! During the tour, your Guide will share insightful information about the varied history of this island and will share in-depth information on the immigrant inspection process. The Guide's commentary is done upon the grounds of the island, outside of the Ellis Island National Immigration Museum.

The tour concludes on Ellis Island after the guided portion of the tour has ended. Afterwards, you are free to further explore Ellis Island, on your own. Access to the many fine self-guided exhibits found inside the fascinating Ellis Island National Immigration Museum, is included in the price of your tour. A book store, souvenir shop, cafe and computerized immigrant research facilities can also be found on the island. At your leisure, when you are ready to leave the Ellis Island, simply board a NYC-bound ferry that will return you to Battery Park, in Lower Manhattan (included).