great day stated at 7am with a pick up from grand central then we headed off to Philadelphia our 1st stop was to he oldest street i then we went on to see the liberty bell and the signed deceleration then we headed to the rocky steeps then off to amish village the to reps where very informative
Communication from our guide wasn't the best, had a feeling he was new, but had an enjoyable day. Enjoyed the Amish portion, buggy ride and our free time in the unique shopping village moreseo than Philadelphia itself. Is a long day but overall happy with the tour.
This Tour was a dissaster The day before our trip we went to the loction as advised. Right we thought we know where to go. Upon arrival the next morning we were standing at the spot. A french man quite a tall large built man said " you here for Philly trip" we said yes and then with his hand motioned us to follow. I thought bit rude but hey if thats the worst that can happen no issue. Got on the us and he wanted us to sign our voucher, but he did not have a pen, he needed to bollow one from another guest. We were all on board by 7am and had to wait to 7.30am. On route he spoke to us but it was extremely difficult to understand him. He told us that "waht happens on the bus stays on the bus". I can now understand why. The ntro ws a few minutes. He told us that we could not use the toilet not even for No 1's . If we needed to sue the toilet then tell him and he would arrange the driver to stop as soon as was possible. Everybody went to sleep for around an hour or so and then we woke up on the outskirts of Philly. We went to a few spots, the Bell had a few minutes there and then onto the lady who did the first flag of US. Her cottage was not open we were early and well that was that no waiting. Whilst there we were walking across the street inbetween traffic, At no point when we crossed a road did we use the lights and walk on the walk sign. We were then taken to a cafe for breakfast told that is where we were to eat. We said no he stopped us and said this is where we eat, we asked why, its 10.30am we are to eat lunch later it is porvided for. No no its only a sandwich tis is much better. We then asked if there were other shops in this mall where we could eat and were told no no this is where we eat. We did not and found other nice food shops on the mall. He came out to us and had words and we told im what was on our mind and how 'not happy' we were thus far. We then had to wlak back to bus, thats ok no issue but we had to wait 25 minutes for the bus to come back. when the bus did arrive it was to be parked at one location but it turned and went in another direction so this tour guide out in front not part of the group had us crossing the road on red 'don't walk" inbetween traffic. On the bus on our way to the Amaish area another little sleep and then the buggy ride. Tis was ot organised. It had to be arrnaged on the spot. The buggy ride was a 15 minute trip in a huge buggy people like us down the back could not hear
stevie was terrific the buggy driver but not able to hear and we were squeezed in like sardines. We thought we were having lunch with a family but if that was correct that did not happen. We only had 90 mins at the local shops for food and to look and buy. Then it was back to NY. When nering NY we were TOLD that we neded to pay a tip, that the tip was 10.00 or more per personI did not pay anything. Sorry the concept of the tour is a great idea but from my vast travels around the world having taken a lot of tours this tour did ot even rate to the hop on hop off bus and I gave then a 20.00 dollar tip. My suggestion before doing tis tour check to make sure the tour guide is an English speaking guide and confrim details.