Your tour begins with priority boarding aboard one of the first boats to Liberty Island. Once docked, your guide will lead you on a tour of the island and to the great lady of NYC – the Statue of Liberty.
Then, it’s back on the ferry and on to Ellis Island. Here your guide will tell you about the immigration process undergone by 12 million people. With 2- 2.5 hours before the next portion of your tour, you'll have some free time to get lunch or rest.
Rather than just visiting the Memorial and Museum, you will be offered a full picture of the events of 9/11. With a local guide on hand, you’ll learn how it impacted the community and how hard NYC fought to get back on its feet. The tour will begin at St. Paul’s Chapel, where people gathered after the attack to await news of their loved ones, mourn, pray and offer support. The walls here are still covered in handmade memorials, reminding visitors that 9/11 wasn’t just a global and political event, but a personal tragedy for thousands of New Yorkers.
You'll also see the 9/11 Memorial and the two Memorial Pools, built in the footprints of the old towers and inscribed with the names of victims. You’ll visit the Fireman’s Memorial and learn of the endless courage of those who worked to save the victims – often at the cost of their own lives.
The last site on your tour, the 9/11 Memorial Museum, has artifacts salvaged from the attack and features personal stories. It’s best to visit on your own, as the displays can be quite emotional. Your tickets are pre-reserved so you don’t have to waste time waiting in lines here.
Sites Visited:
- Statue of Liberty Museum
- Ellis Island Museum
- Castle Clinton National Monument
- Pier A Harbor House (from exterior)
- American Merchant Mariner’s Memorial
- The Sphere
- New York Korean War Veterans Memorial
- St Paul's Chapel
- 9/11 Memorial Museum
- 9/11 Memorial Pools
- Freedom Tower (from exterior)
- Fireman's Memorial
- Survivor Tree
- North Cove Marina