Hi,

I've been reading various posts and at least one person mentioned that the double decker tours aren't very good any more, but we need a way to get an overview of the city that won't involve much walking for my elderly mum. Is Grayline still a viable option? Thanks very much!

One chronic problem with the Gray Line tours is that some guides are great, while others are terrible. At least, if it's a hop-on-hop-off tour, you can hop off if your guide is a bad one, and wait to see if the guide on the next bus is any better!

We just took a 5 1/2 hour tour of NYC on the New York Party Shuttle. Our bus was new, air conditioned, and seated about 20 folks. Our tour guide and bus driver were excellent. It would be great for an elderly person. The bus lets you off at several stops for photo opportunities. In addition, you have the option of riding the Staten Island Ferry (or you can shop at the South Seaport, if you prefer.) Lunch is at Pier 17. I believe the cost is around $60 per person. Definitely worth it. The web site is http://www.newyorkpartyshuttle.com/

I've done the Grayline Tour probably 15 times and it is always a blast!

The only thing that worries me is not being able to find a bus when we're ready to "hop on" again. Has that been a problem for anyone? This would probably be a weekday in October, so I'm not too worried about being hot or cold on the upper deck. Thanks!

You can't see from the lower deck.

It is only a problem if you want a good seat and you get off where no one else wants to get off. We had a problem in Chinatown.

Expect October to be busy.