I am planning an August outing for a sophisticated group. Looking for the best tour to offer to this group of mostly San Francisco first-timers. Have read mixed reviews of Alcatraz tours and have heard there are some very interesting Chinatown tours. Undecided as to what would be most impressive. Experienced input welcome. Thank you in advance.

Melanie,

If it's truly either/or, I favor Chinatown. Alcatraz is a very interesting tour (my wife & I did the self-guided tour), but I give the nod to Chinatown because I think it is a broader experience.

You probably have other things planned, but a group could easily do both Chinatown and Alcatraz in one day.

FYI-You could do both in one pretty easy day. I like both but I would give the nod to Alcatraz. However, I've been to China Town SF & NY on a couple of occasions and found Alcatraz to be a little more compelling. I paid for the self guided tour (Alcatraz)but happened to hook up with a guided tour. Anyway, I would highly recommend the guided tour and only suggest the self guided tour as distant second option.

Buy the tour to A. and do Chinatown on your own. Welcome to Grant Avenue.

If you're looking for a good Chinatown tour, check out www.wokwiz.com. The Wok Wiz tours give an insiders' perspective, focus on food and culture, and most include lunch. They also get you off Grant (the touristy Chinatown). You could do both in one day; afternoon (before 4 PM, though) is best for Alcatraz because it's not so foggy.

Wok Wiz usually has a tour leaving about 9:30 am and ending in Chinatown for a dim sum lunch by about noon. You can then get to Alcatraz in the afternoon. Our Chinatown is one of the oldest and biggest in the country and while I've been there several times, it wasn't until I took some out of towners on the Wok Wiz tour that I felt I had really seen it. The women who do the tours are very knowledgeable and fun to talk to. They are on the internet--go to www.wokwiz.com and take a look.

Does the Wok Wiz tour require hiking up and down streets in San Francisco? I recall Chinatown is pretty hilly. Could we do this with an 8 year old? Thanks.

topping for Collette

The way the guide will take you avoids the worst of the hills in Chinatown. The 8 year old will do better than you most likely.

If you decide to do Alcatraz, be aware that you'll need to reserve in advance. They're usually booked up a few days ahead.