If you are uncomfortable getting around on your own while traveling, this tour could be helpful. The tour functioned mostly as an escort on/off the ferry and to the islands. Our tour guide, Juan, gave a few bits of information before getting on the ferry and again at the Statue of Liberty and at Ellis Island. One piece of information that he shared at Ellis Island was, "Sometimes my European tourists say that Ellis Island reminds them of Auschwitz. Not as grim, but it gave them a similar feeling." Being very surprised to hear such a thing, after the group departed I asked Juan if he could elaborate. He said, "oh, because of the architecture. Some wondered if they might have had the same architect. Sorry if I forgot to mention that part." I didn't go too much further with the conversation because I realized that he was lying. I knew that the architecture of the Ellis Island and Auschwitz were not similar. And, who would even comment on the architecture of Auschwitz?!!! (There is nothing notable about Auschwitz's architecture btw) He might have just said this to avoid having further conversation, Although, I also find it very hard to believe that multiple European tourists, enough that it becomes worth mentioning to tour groups, were reminded of Auschwitz while visiting Ellis Island. I assume his original comment was based on his political opinion relating to the current US border situation. I would have thought nothing wrong if he asked the group to contemplate today's immigration issues as we learn about immigration from the past. (Or something along those lines) However, it is offensive to me and it is incredibly offensive and disrespectful to the millions of people who suffered unbelievable horrors and were murdered at Auschwitz, to compare their experience to those who came to Ellis Island and those who come through our southern border today. On a lighter note, He also insulted European tourists by falsely crediting them with such an ignorant comment! haha