We were in San Francisco to see "The Nutcracker" that our niece was dancing in and wanted to take in something else for this first trip, but hopefully not last, here. The San Francisco City Tours popped up and upon checking the reviews, decided to book it for myself, husband and son, so a couple plus an adult son. Additionally, the convenience of being picked up at our hotel on a rainy Saturday morning, was a plus! The get on the bus, get off the bus type of tour on as rainy a day as we experienced, would have been miserable!
Our tour guide Mike was very knowledgeable as we explored the various neighborhoods in San Francisco. He stopped along the way for those of us that wanted to venture outside the vehicle in spite of the dismal weather conditions.
Our last stop was to the Golden Gate Bridge and the Warming Hut. One of the things that broke my heart was the woman at the pier in the pouring rain, bowed over, being drenched! To my regret, I did not go over to her to offer a cup of coffee, at the very minimum. But I couldn't get her out of my mind or heart.
When I checked in later with a staff person at the Warming Hut, I was informed that this lady is there often, others have purchased coffee, food and other things for her which, I was told, was never accepted by her. However, I am thankful and grateful to have encountered this woman from afar and will, minimally join the Golden Gate National Park Conservancy and support their efforts. Maybe, one day this woman will come in out of the rain.
Three downsides to the trip-1- a hold was immediately placed on my card which I guess is the normal procedures, but unexpected. When I called to inquire about it, Kirill couldn't answer questions regarding it and referred me to my bank. I inquired about the hold since this card was the card I was planning to use throughout my trip and didn't want there to be an issue elsewhere regarding its use. Fortunately, it all worked out. I had no need to use the card prior to the tour and upon purchasing souvenirs at the Warming Hut, I had no issues regarding the card's use. There is a 24-hour cancellation policy regarding the tour if you change your mind or need to cancel for some reason; 2- Because we were all the way in the back of the vehicle, hearing everything that Mike said was problematic. Maybe, a microphone being available for him to speak into would correct that problem; and 3-The seating on the vehicle was tight. I think the vehicle could accommodate 12 guests but had that vehicle been full, it would have been absolutely not maneuverable, especially if some on the tour's preference was to get off.
I would still recommend this tour as the pluses outweigh the minuses.