On a recent visit to New York, I booked two tours with this operator. The first, "Tenements, Tales, and Tastes", was with David on the morning of the first day in NYC. It was a really special introduction to the city that I was about to spend four days exploring. We toured the neighbourhoods where NYC started, sampling delicious food along the way. It was fun, informative, all the things the best tours should be. Highly recommended. The second, the "Craft Cocktail" tour in the East Village was with Joshua, and on my final night in town. I was joined on the tour by two New York locals, so I guess that goes to show how valuable the knowledge of the guide can be! We visited three bars, enjoyed cocktails and delicious snacks and heard fascinating stories about prohibition and NYC bar culture. Also a great tour. Many thanks to both Dave and Josh for their friendly and professional service, and for sharing their enthusiasm for their city.
For first time travelers to the US and Canada, this tour is an amazing option to get a grasp of the culture and attractions the two countries have to offer. Larry (tour guide) was excellent! He really knows about his stuff and is always willing to accommodate any of your concerns. He's also willing to answer any questions you have regarding anything (and I mean anything, regardless of whether your question involves the tour or not). However, I would not recommend this tour to those which struggle to walk moderate distances and those who find stairs difficult as this tour heavily involves these activities. Also, it is also important to keep in mind that walking in the pouring rain is inevitable so better to come prepared and bring a waterproof jacket, a cap, an umbrella and shoes which can get wet. With regards to meals, there isn't really a lot of options for breakfast and their meals severely lack vegetables, but they do offer fruits. Food servings in America is excessive as compared to those in Asian countries so it would be best to just share food if you don't have a big appetite, so as to not be wasteful. I also recommend bringing your own refillable water bottle because most of the places have water refilling stations if you keep your eye out for them. Refilling water in hotels during breakfast is also an option.
This tour is a fabulous way to get to grips with the immigrant origins of New York and America as well as the present day sights and sounds of the lower east side!