Private tour in New York City Isabelle G

Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Picnic

5.0

(19) reviews

-
Hours icon 4 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-8 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
Hours icon 4 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-8 people
Your party size

1

View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later

Isabelle G.

5.0

Guide rating

52

Reviews

Tours delivered

17 hrs

Avg. response time

I am originally from France, having immigrated to the US in 1984 when I was 17. I moved to New York City in 2002 to go to graduate school to study sculpture at the New York Academy of Art. I fell in love with the city, and have been living here ever since. I am currently a Brooklyn-based artist whose work uses non-traditional materials such as recycled plastic shopping bags with traditional feminine crafts such as knitting, crochet and lace. I make large-scale installations using plastic and detritus as the main materials, and drawing on community-engagement and performance as a major component of the work. I taught as an adjunct professor at Wagner College on Staten Island, (drawing, sculpture, and public art) until 2020. My passion is art, and I want to share my love of New York City through all the wonderful public art that you can see around the city. I will show you iconic New York, and some hidden treasures for a memorable experience. New York City Sight Seeing License Master of Fine Arts - Sculpture. New York Academy of Art, New York, NY

Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Isabelle G.

Overview of your New York City tour

The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island are the two most iconic symbols of New York City's diversity. As an immigrant, and a New Yorker, I want to share my love of New York with you, with a tour of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, with a picnic break inspired by food brought to America by immigrants. The Statue of Liberty greeted millions of new comers to America, and has always been a symbol of freedom and democracy. I will explain where the statue originated, how it was built, some of the issues she faced before she was finally inaugurated on October 28, 1886. We will then travel to Ellis Island, where 12 million immigrants were processed and welcomed to America, looking for opportunities and a better life. We will celebrate America's diversity with a melting pot picnic: a picnic with foods brought to America by immigrants that have made our lives richer and more interesting. *Please let me know if there are any dietary restrictions or allergies before booking this tour.

Recent Reviews

Michael L.United States
2 days ago

Isabelle was the greatest! She was a fountain of knowledge. We learned so much about the Statue of Liberty. Her insight helped us understand what our ancestors experienced while passing through Ellis Island. Do yourself a favor and book this tour.

Steven W.United States
July 2026

Here’s a warm, genuine review that stays well under 3,000 characters: We had an absolutely wonderful experience on this guided tour! Visiting the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island was incredible, but what truly made the day special was our guide. She was so knowledgeable and shared fascinating stories and historical details that brought everything to life. We learned so much throughout the tour. One of our favorite parts was the relaxing picnic, which was a perfect break and made the day feel even more enjoyable and personal. What impressed us the most was how attentive and accommodating she was to everyone in our group. She went above and beyond to make sure my mother-in-law, who uses a wheelchair, was comfortable and able to fully enjoy the experience. She was also incredibly patient and thoughtful with our five-month-old baby. Traveling with a group of five that included both a wheelchair and an infant could have been challenging, but she handled everything flawlessly. Her kindness, professionalism, and genuine care for our family made this an unforgettable experience. If you’re looking for a guided tour that is informative, well-organized, and welcoming to guests of all ages and abilities, I cannot recommend this tour highly enough.

Amy B.United States
May 2026

Great tour! She knew the area and made logistics a breeze.

Tom M.United States
September 2025

Isabelle is a fantastic guide. Tremendous knowledge and a great “people person”. I highly recommend her to everyone.

Patrick H.United States
August 2025

Isabelle was a wonderful tour guide. Pleasant, knowledgeable and organized. She was a wealth of information. I highly recommend this tour for anyone hoping to learn more about the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.

Joe W.United States
June 2025

Isabelle is a fantastic guide-very knowledgeable, congenial and all-around star! The picnic Isabelle provided was quite a treat and not what one usually expects from a tour guide. We're looking forward to engaging her again when in NYC.

Your New York City tour itinerary

I will meet you in Battery Park where we will take the ferry to Liberty Island. The boat ride is about 15 minutes. When we land, I will explain how Laboulaye conceived of the statue as we walk around the island. I will show you some hidden treasures, such as Philip Ratner's sculptures of the people who were instrumental in the realization of the project: Laboulaye, Bartholdi, Eiffel, Pulitzer, and Lazarus. I will take you to the museum, where you can go through the exhibit on your own, and see some of the original plaster casts of the statue, and get a sense of her size (she wears an 879 shoe!). I will set up a picnic for you with food brought to America by immigrants, before we travel to Ellis Island, and learn about the immigration process in the 19th c. and how laws have changed, and continue to evolve for immigrants. Once you are on Ellis Island, you can keep exploring the museum on your own, or we can return to New York City together.

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Transport details
Type: Walking

This is a walking tour. Travel to Liberty Island and Ellis Island is by ferry.

What's included
Other: picnic lunch
Private Guide
Tickets: tickets to the statue and Ellis Island
What's not included
Other: Personal expenses. Drinks are not included.
Meeting location

New York, New York, 10004, United States

We will meet at Castle Clinton in Battery Park.

  • You can request a specific meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout.
Other details
Tour categories
Off The Beaten Path
History
Museums
Tour reference number
844392
Languages
French
English
Activity level
Minimal
Accessibility
Kid Friendly
Wheelchair Accessible

Traveller reviews

5.0

FAQs

Who is this private tour in New York City best suited for?

This private tour is perfect for travellers who are interested in exploring iconic symbols of New York City's diversity, such as the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. It's also ideal for those who enjoy learning about history and culture, as well as those who appreciate a unique picnic experience inspired by immigrant contributions to American cuisine. The tour is suitable for families, including kids and seniors, and is wheelchair accessible.

Where does the tour start and end?

Is transportation included?

How much walking is involved, and is it suitable for kids, seniors, or travellers with mobility concerns?

What languages is this tour offered in?

What's included in this private tour, and what should I budget for separately?

Is this a private tour? What is the maximum group size and the starting price?

AI-generated. Please confirm details with your guide

-
Hours icon 4 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-8 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
Hours icon 4 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-8 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
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