Private tour in New York City Ronald P
5.0
(139) reviews
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Ronald P.
5.0
Guide rating
365
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Tours delivered
6 hrs
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CLICK MY PHOTO TO THE LEFT TO: LEARN MORE ABOUT ME -- REVIEW ALL OF MY TOURS -- SEE MY AVAILABILTY A resident of the Bronx and Manhattan for more decades than I care to admit. I never fled the city for the suburbs. I stuck it out through the violence and drug epidemic of the last century. I watched the 9/11 terrorist attack on the World Trade Center from my office window. I experienced the aftermath of the Global Financial Crisis on New York City, and most recently, lived through COVID-19 in what was the epicenter of the epidemic in the Western world. I spent most of my professional life working in the field of human services in three boroughs of the city. I have also driven limousine, taxi and worked security (I am a state licensed security officer - you'll feel safe in New York with me). All of these experiences have contributed greatly to my experience- and knowledge-base of the city, certainly much more than simply studying for the 150 multiple-choice question test required for a Sightseeing Guide License. I have lived, gone to university and traveled extensively throughout Europe. My wife Valerie and I have just returned from our 29th trip abroad. Valerie is a career-long teacher, education administrator and university professor. She taught in the New York public school system, in Harlem, Brooklyn and the Lower East Side of Manhattan. We have two children and four grandchildren. I love this city my family immigrated to from Italy, settling on 7th Street on the Lower East Side and I am a lover of all things New York. I love its history, architecture, institutions, as well as the same sights tourists come from around the world to see and experience. Equally, I love New York's great diversity of people, cultures, neighborhoods, food and the arts! I love our world famous special events, like the New York Marathon; US Open; New Year's Eve Celebration in Times Square; Thanksgiving Day Parade, etc. I also love the little details, particulars and peculiarities our everyday lives in New York. Consequently, I am more than excited to share with you all the things there are to see, hear, taste and love about this city. Please review my tour offerings. If you do not see what you are looking for, let me know. I am happy to customize any existing tour or create a completely new custom tour "from the bottom up" just for you. Also, let me know if I can answer any questions, and/or if I can provide you with more information. I am more than happy to respond. I look forward to seeing you in New York and sharing the city with you! Ronald *NYC Dept of Consumer Affairs Licensed Sightseeing Guide *Washington, DC Sightseeing Guide License *NYC Taxi & Limousine Commission (TLC) licensed driver *NYC Taxi & Limousine Commission (TLC) licensed vehicle *American Transit For-Hire Passenger Vehicle Insurance *M.A., Binghamton University *B.A., Roberts Wesley University *American Red Cross AED, CPR and First Aid Certified *American College of Surgeons STOP THE BLEED (First Aid for Severe Trauma) Certified
Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Ronald P.
The first thing we will do with our time together is create a custom itinerary, based on your likes and interests. A tour with a 6-, 9- and 11-year old is very different than a tour for two senior citizens. Some guests want to focus on New York's iconic tourist sights, others prefer off-the-beaten-path places. Most guests prefer a blend of both worlds, which I am happy to accommodate. Regardless of your selections, as we move from location to location throughout the city, I will connect the dots with accounts from history, news, movies, popular culture and, of course, my own experiences! I am also well experienced with lunch and well qualified to make recommendations, again, based on your preferences. I will also, throughout our tour as I get to know you better, make recommendations for the remainder of your stay, including places to visit, eat, shop, experience, etc. This is why it may be best to take this "overview" tour, as early in your visit as possible.
Below are commonly visited sights on this tour, where NO ADMISSION FEE is charged. An average of 8 to 10 sights can be experienced, depending on sights and experience selected. -Central Park (stroll) -5th Avenue (drive down) -St. Patrick's Cathedral (go inside) -Rockefeller Center (walk around) -Grand Central Terminal (go inside) -Hudson Yards (drive through / photo stop) -Madison Square Park (photo stop: Flat Iron Building / view of the Empire State Building) -Lower East Side (drive through) -Chinatown (drive through / good souvenir stop) -Little Italy (drive through) -World Trade Center and 9/11 Memorial (walk around) -Wall Street (stroll) -Brooklyn Bridge (hop out / photo stop) -Statue of Liberty from Shore (hop out / photo stop) -Greenwich Village (drive through) -Times Square (drive through? / walk through?) -Meat Packing District (walk through: Highline Park & Chelsea Market) -SOHO (drive through) -South Street Seaport / Pier 17 (go inside) -Harlem (drive through)
Tell your guide which places matter to you, skip what doesn't, and tailor the experience for your group's needs. Not finding what you want? Message your guide to build something unique.
2025 Toyota Sienna Premium - the most expensive and luxurious mini-van on the market, fully inspected, licensed and insured in accordance with the NYC Taxi and Limousine Commission. This is not the family car! New York State Vehicle & Traffic Law § 121-E requires "Every motor vehicle, other than a taxicab or a bus, used in the business of transporting passengers for compensation" be specially licensed by the local authority. My vehicle and I are both licensed by the New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission. TLC requires higher levels of insurance; initial and ongoing driver safety trainings; acceptable driving history; more frequent than usual vehicle safety inspections; wellness exams; periodic drug testings; etc - all for your protection! All of my licenses are posted on and in my vehicle for your inspection and confidence. Don't find yourself riding through New York City in an inappropriately licensed and consequently uninsured motor vehicle!
New York, New York, United States
On the street / at the curb, in front of any location within 20 miles of Times Square. We are not able to leave our vehicles unattended in front of New York City hotels and come into the lobby to retrieve guests, in order to allow unencumbered access by emergency vehicles and crews. I drive a black Toyota Sienna mini-van that will have a sign with your name in the window. I can always be reached on my mobile / cellphone number that will be included with your reservation.
139 reviews
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If your tour is valued over $200 USD and booked at least 45 days before the tour date, you can book with a deposit!
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