Experience the best of Liberty and Ellis Island in half a day. Start at Battery Park, taking in stunning views of New York Harbor and the Statue of Liberty while your expert guide shares the significance of these iconic landmarks. Board the ferry to Liberty Island and enjoy breathtaking sights as your guide explains the history and symbolism of the Statue of Liberty. Explore the statue up close, capture memorable photos, and soak in the atmosphere.
Then, sail to Ellis Island, where your guide will bring the immigrant experience to life at the Ellis Island Immigration Museum. Discover the powerful stories of those who shaped America.
Conclude with a scenic ferry ride back to Battery Park, leaving with a deep appreciation for these historic sites—all in just half a day.
Your tour starts in Battery Park, located at the southern tip of Manhattan in New York City. It is a historic 25-acre public park with stunning views of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. Established in the 17th century, it was originally a defensive artillery battery. Today, it's a vibrant space with gardens, monuments, and ferry terminals where your ferry will depart for your tour. Popular landmarks include Castle Clinton, an old fort turned museum, and the Seaglass Carousel. It's a gateway to the harbor and a serene escape in the bustling city.
Your first stop of the day after your ferry ride is on Liberty Island, a small island in New York Harbor, home to the iconic Statue of Liberty. It covers about 14 acres and is part of the National Park Service. Originally called Bedloe's Island, it was renamed in 1956 to honor the statue. The island offers close-up views of the statue, symbolizing freedom and democracy. The island also features a museum detailing the statue's history and significance.
The Statue of Liberty, a symbol of freedom and democracy, was designed by French sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi and gifted by France in 1886. It commemorates the Franco-American alliance and celebrates liberty. The 305-foot statue depicts Libertas, the Roman goddess of freedom, holding a torch and a tablet inscribed with the date of the U.S. Declaration of Independence. A UNESCO World Heritage site, it remains a powerful emblem of hope and freedom. You can access the Statue of Liberty Museum, which opened in 2019. The museum explores the statue's creation, history, and symbolism through interactive exhibits and artifacts, including the original torch. You can learn about the engineering challenges faced during its construction and the statue's cultural impact worldwide.
You will make your own way to the meeting points
• It is the responsibility of all visitors to be at the meeting point 15 minutes before departure. Guests arriving after departure cannot be accommodated. Missed tours or tickets cannot be refunded. • Your guide will be carrying a City Wonders flag at the meeting point for easy recognition. • Gratuities for your guides/driver that provided excellent service are appreciated. • This tour involves a fair amount of walking; comfortable shoes are recommended. • New York city tourist sites are among the most popular in the world, but please be aware that some locations may be unavoidably busy during standard hours. • City Wonders reserves the right to refuse participation on its tours to any guest under the influence of drugs or alcohol or to any guest whose behavior is disorderly, or poses a threat to other guests or City Wonders staff. • Most venues/attractions in NYC have airport-like security and item restrictions apply. We do not recommend bringing bags bigger than a bag pack. City Wonders is not responsible for dismissal of items or refused entry due to illicit items. • Please be aware Statue of Liberty has enhanced security mesuarements. For more information visit Statue of Liberty Secutiry - https://www.cityexperiences.com/new-york/city-cruises/statue/plan-your-trip/security-process/