Ellis Island Family History Tour Walk with Your Ancestors

New York City , United States of America

Ellis Island Family History Tour Walk with Your Ancestors

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About this experience

Take a private, personalized tour of Ellis Island, the historic gateway through which millions of immigrants entered the United States. This immersive experience focuses on tracing your family’s immigration story using original ship manifests, immigration records, and historical documents that reveal their arrival and first steps in America.

During the tour, you’ll walk the same grounds where immigrants were once processed and learn how these records connect to your family’s past. Blending history with personal discovery, the tour offers a meaningful way to explore your heritage and understand the beginnings of your family’s American journey.

Please note: Access to Ellis Island requires a mandatory round-trip ferry ticket, which is not included and must be purchased separately. This experience involves 3–4 weeks of research prior to the tour.

Available options

Ellis Island Family History Tour Walk with Your Ancestors

What's included

Personalized family history presentation

Knowledgeable private guide for two hours

Beautifully crafted book detailing family journey

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Travelers explore the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration, visiting the main exhibition halls where millions of immigrants were processed. The guide explains the immigration procedures, shares historical context, and helps guests understand how family records and ship manifests document their ancestors’ arrival in the United States.

Stop 2

Visitors walk through the historic Great Hall of the Ellis Island Immigration Station, where immigrants once waited for inspection. The guide explains medical and legal screening processes and highlights the significance of this space in the American immigration journey.

Travelers visit the American Immigrant Wall of Honor, a commemorative monument displaying engraved names of immigrants who contributed to the United States. Guests learn about the legacy of immigration and the importance of preserving family heritage.

Stop 4

Guests walk across the historic grounds of Ellis Island, learning about the original buildings, hospital complex, and daily life of immigrants during processing. The guide provides historical insight while visitors take in views of New York Harbor

What's not included

Ferry Tickets

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Specialized infant seats are available

Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

We encourage you to arrive 10 minutes prior to the tour departure time so you can get acquainted with your guide before the tour begins.

Tour meeting point:
At the front of Castle Clinton National Monument, 21 Battery Place, New York, NY 10004
Transportation options to the tour meeting point:

About New York City

New York City, often referred to as the cultural capital of the world, is a sprawling metropolis that never sleeps. With its iconic skyline, world-class museums, Broadway shows, and diverse neighborhoods, NYC offers an unparalleled urban experience that blends the historic with the modern.

Top Attractions

Statue of Liberty

A symbol of freedom and democracy, the Statue of Liberty is a must-visit. Take a ferry to Liberty Island for close-up views and a visit to the museum.

Historical 3-4 hours $18.50 (grounds access), $21.70 (pedestal access), $24.10 (crown access)

Central Park

A vast urban park offering a green escape in the heart of the city. Enjoy walking paths, boat rentals, and various attractions.

Nature 2-4 hours Free (some attractions have fees)

Times Square

The bustling heart of NYC, known for its bright lights, Broadway theaters, and vibrant atmosphere.

Entertainment 1-2 hours Free (shows and shopping have separate costs)

Empire State Building

An iconic Art Deco skyscraper offering panoramic views of the city from its observation decks.

Architecture 1-2 hours $44 (Main Deck), $74 (Top Deck)

Metropolitan Museum of Art

One of the world's largest and finest art museums, housing over 2 million works of art.

Museum 3-5 hours $25 (suggested admission)

Brooklyn Bridge

An iconic suspension bridge offering stunning views of the Manhattan skyline and East River.

Architecture 1-2 hours Free

Must-Try Local Dishes

New York-style Pizza

Thin-crust pizza with a wide, foldable slice. Toppings vary but often include pepperoni, mushrooms, and sausage.

Dinner Can be made vegetarian or vegan.

Bagel with Lox

A classic NYC breakfast consisting of a toasted bagel topped with smoked salmon, cream cheese, and often capers or red onion.

Breakfast Contains dairy and fish.

Cheesecake

Creamy, rich cheesecake, often served with fruit toppings or chocolate sauce.

Dessert Contains dairy.

Pastrami on Rye

Thinly sliced pastrami piled high on rye bread, often served with mustard.

Lunch Contains meat.

Popular Activities

Hiking in Central Park Kayaking in the Hudson River Rock climbing in the Bronx Spas and wellness centers Yoga and meditation classes Strolling through botanical gardens Museum visits Broadway shows

Best Time to Visit

May to September

This period offers warm weather, outdoor festivals, and all attractions in full swing. However, it's also the busiest and most expensive time to visit.

15°C to 30°C 59°F to 86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: Spanish, Chinese (Cantonese and Mandarin), Russian, Hindi
English: Widely spoken

Currency

US Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

EST (GMT-5) / EDT (GMT-4) (Daylight Saving Time)

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

NYC is generally safe, but like any major city, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions.

Important Precautions:

• Be aware of your surroundings, especially at night
• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Use common sense and trust your instincts

Getting there

By air

John F. Kennedy International Airport • 24 km (15 miles) from downtown
LaGuardia Airport • 13 km (8 miles) from downtown

By train

Penn Station, Grand Central Terminal

By bus

Port Authority Bus Terminal, Greyhound Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

The subway is the most efficient way to get around NYC. It operates 24/7 but can be crowded during peak hours.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Manhattan Brooklyn Queens Bronx Staten Island

Day trips

Niagara Falls

650 km (400 miles) • Overnight

A breathtaking natural wonder featuring three waterfalls: Horseshoe Falls, American Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls.

Washington D.C.

370 km (230 miles) • Full day

The capital of the United States, offering iconic landmarks, museums, and government buildings.

Philadelphia

150 km (93 miles) • Full day

A historic city known for its role in the American Revolution and its vibrant cultural scene.

Festivals

New Year's Eve in Times Square • December 31 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade • Fourth Thursday in November NYC Pride • Late June

Pro tips

Use a MetroCard for easy and discounted subway and bus rides
Walk as much as possible to explore the city and its neighborhoods
Try street food for a quick and delicious meal on the go
Visit popular attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds
Use apps like Google Maps or Citymapper for real-time navigation and transit information