Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Harry Potter - A Forbidden Forest Experience

    3.2 (28 reviews)

    Harry Potter - A Forbidden Forest Experience Photos

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - Harry Potter - A Forbidden Forest Experience

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Butter beer
    Cassy B.

    A wonderful adventure, I definitely recommend it!! My boyfriend and I were gifted two tickets to the forbidden forest adventure and I could not have been more excited! We had about an hour drive which was super easy and we didn't have any issues with finding the entrance like others seemed to have mentioned. Everyone was really nice and helpful, guided us right to the parking lot. From there, we took a shuttle to the forbidden forest! I will say it was more like taking the night bus - we didn't have seats and just stood holding on for dear life hahaha. Still efficient! Once we got there we were directing in the village - tons of options for everything. Butterbeer, food, sweets and treats, roasted marshmallows. We took a picture right by the entrance and then decided to head on into the forest. Pro tip - be friendly with the people behind you - you'll be asking them to take pictures of you and vice versa! Everyone was super sweet. The whole tour is about an hour and a mile long. The FDR park is really a beautiful place to have this held. It's probably a gorgeous park during the day as well. The lighting all around the forest was amazing, the speakers and music made you feel like you were right at hogwarts. Absolutely a great experience. We got to see a little of everything - hedwig, hagrid, hypogrifs, the car, spiders, and so much more! We also got two cocktails and they were pricey at 20 dollars each but very tasty. Opt for something warm if it's a cold night! I got an iced drink and ended up having my boyfriend warm apple cider instead just cause it was so cold out! The food looked good but we stuck with butterbeer and some marshmallows! We roasted them ourselves and they give you the option to go back and put chocolate and tons of toppings on them. I left mine plain cause I prefer it that way and it was a perfect ending to the night. Getting to be by the fire warming up and then sitting in the big tent they have was a perfect little treat! They have a gift shop also. I would definitely look at the weather, we went on a very chilly night so bundle up! It was definitely a fun experience, I loved it and would do it again!

    Thought this was pretty cool!
    Brittany M.

    We traveled about an hour and a half, as other reviewers have stated, the address given when you purchase the tickets leads you to a closed off entrance, when we rerouted I typed in "Harry Potter forbidden forest" and that seemed to get us where we needed to go, so I suggest trying that. The exhibits were cute, a lot of great photo opportunities which I know is most people's priorities now- it's all about getting a good picture for social media. For me, I was looking for the true experience and that's where this lacked a bit. When you first enter, you are greeted by someone who gives you a brief overview of what to expect and at the very end there is another person although I have no clue what he said because the crowd that accumulated was so large and we were toward the back. These and maybe a few other people working there are the only friendly interactions you will have. Everyone else I came across was not excited to be there and honestly killed the magic a bit. For example, there is an opportunity to conjure a patronus. As a big potter fan of course I took the dramatic approach and gave my best, most robust "expecto patronum!!" And the guy who was working this part of the exhibit held on to his ear and was like "really nice" and I said thanks! And he started rubbing his ear with an annoyed look on his face and said "yea. Really nice." He couldn't have made me feel more like a stupid adult. I didn't pay almost $80 to walk through and not actually have fun with it and enjoy myself, and I certainly didn't pay that much to be judged by some miserable person who is tired of his job. In another area, there were two lines and my friend politely asked the person who was working that section if there were two lines and genuinely wanted to understand if we were on the correct line. His reply, when he finally replied, was really clipped. I get it, they see hundreds maybe thousands of people a day and probably get asked the same thing over and over.... but that's your job and I'm assuming you know what you signed up for. The gift shop was meh and overpriced, the snacks didn't seem worth it. The butter beer was just the bottled kind, not the special one you get at the Harry Potter store in NY or at the theme park in universal with the delicious cream foam. Overall, I don't regret paying the expensive price, but they either need to hire more people or more engaging people, because many of the people I came across seemed disgruntled and it definitely dimmed the magic. Pros: Plenty of bathrooms available in the beginning and half way through. Porta potties but the nice kind with stalls. Really cool effects and lighting in a real forest that make for nice pictures Interactive and fun photo opportunities Cons: Large crowds, lines for all photo ops (but the lines do go fairly quickly) Many people working there have attitudes, make you feel stupid Steep price to get in, steep prices on all merch and food items

    Jason P.

    Overall a good experience for what we paid...$27 per person...though I think the peak pricing of $75 per person is a bit ridiculous for you get. We have been looking at this attraction for a while now but was always hesitant to invest the $75 per person for a walkthrough experience which had mediocre reviews. I saw that they extended some dates into January and the mid-week, after 7pm prices were at the lowest offered: $27.50 per person for the family bundles. We paid $105 fo the three of us, and our toddler who was under 5 and free. The $105 included the $8 prepaid parking ticket and the booking website's $5 booking fee. We arrived 15 mins early for our 7pm reservation. We followed signs for FDR Park from the Taconic Parkway (Exit 16) and then followed the signs to get the attraction. It was very easy to navigate to. You first stop to have your parking ticket validated and then proceed to park. You then take a short walk to the entrance where your tickets are validated. Before heading into the experience, there is a large open area with lots of food, snacks and drinks for purchase. Expect venue price ($12 butterbeers, $12 french fries, $12 beers...). You then proceed to the attraction. You are given a little intro before proceeding which was fun and nice. The paths were beautifully decorated...with lots of lights and sounds. The lights against the leaf-less trees of the park made for some amazing views. Every once in a while, they would have an exhibit to see...Hagrid, Buckbeak. One of the best attraction areas is the Aragog area, which has some cool effects. There are some interactive areas: wand battle and spirit summons, which I suggest to you to justify the admission price. Halfway through, there is another food/snack/bathroom area. The finale is pretty cool to see...you will be told to go into that area by small group to see. You then exit through the gift shop which has tons of the little trinket you'd expect: mugs, cups, candy, patches, clothes...again...expect typical venue prices. Overall we had a good time for what we paid...but to ask a family to pay $75 per person for what was included is a bit ridiculous. There are lights and sounds, but only a few "attractions" or "interactive" attractions. If you plan on buying food and souvineers...you should easily expect to spend $100 per person total. That may be worth it to some die hard Harry Potter fans...but may be too expensive for others. I mean...you could be the Harry Potter and the Cursed Child on Broadway for less...

    Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience
    Caroline N.

    Note: cashless only For my 600th review, I decided to write about an experience. If you are a Harry Potter fan, then you would want to go to this experience. This experience is located in the FDR State Park in Yorktown Heights (Westchester) and only available November 2022 until Jan 2023. Admission ticket is a little pricey though there is a family bundle or group bundle. Recommend purchasing the parking pass in advance which saves you $2 ($8 vs $10). Make sure you are wearing comfortable shoes, the trail is walkable, and bundle up as you will be outdoors since it can get cold. Highly recommend you arrive early to the event ahead of your scheduled time. As there is only 1 entrance to the parking lot, there is a wait while 3-4 people will check your parking pass and direct you to the parking lot. After you park, you take a bus to the main entrance. Once you check-in, there are the mobile port-a-pottie trailers which has individual stalls, soap, hand washing and towels. There are food, drinks, and snack stands which are cashless before you begin your adventure. There is restrooms and food stands 1/4 way in. The stand sells gloves if you need to purchase it. If you want to try the butterbeer, get the non-carbonated one, it taste like butterscotch where as the carbonated one taste like creme soda to me. Hot chocolate had a flavor for each house and regular hogwarts hot chocolate, which was pretty good. Food-wise you can get hot food such as meat and stole ale pie which was pretty good. The pathways are paved or mulched. With so much to see keep your eyes only for things you might not expect to see. There are large sections which are colored lighted more for the effect than something there. There are interactive activities such as: wand duels, encounter buckbeak, and discover your patronus. I don't want to give too much away so you can experience it for yourself. Enjoy!

    Nancy W.

    We loved Harry Potter's A Forbidden Forest Experience. If you are a Harry Potter fan and always wanted to see where likely a Forbidden Forest can be- it was a great idea to bring it here in New York. The setting was just right, there's a good, fun, lighting mixed with nostalgic scenes from the films. You can laugh and relate to knowing what's going on. We went at the 8pm walking tour. Just have your ticket ready on your phone. If you purchased tickets, parking was added in and there was plenty of room to park once you're navigated to the nearest lot. The gift shop was small, however we got what we wanted and managed to do a short browse. We saw a lot of visitors waiting in line for food, drinks, Butter beer, and more. It was so cold at night- definitely bundle up! We enjoyed this experience and it was well worth it. The tour itself you can go on your own once you enter. Great areas to take pictures, stay mindful of people around you to keep the walking going or step aside. All ages were a hit gathered together for the Forbidden Forest experience.

    Hunter S.

    I struggled between three and four stars. Some of the effects and scenes were pretty cool. Because I was in a northeastern crowd who didn't care to linger or enjoy each scene, I had some time to myself to appreciate them and take some photos. But ultimately this was a 70-ish dollar money grab (60 for ticket, 8 for parking). I mention the eight bucks for parking. For me, that got me to a remote lot that required me to then load a busted charter bus that took me to the actual site. I will say, the staff tried their best to be enthusiastic, though the crowd itself was lackluster. There were a couple spots to grab butterbeer, candy, terrible snacks, etc. Intermittently felt like herded cattle, but I got some neat instagram shots. Would recommend warm cold weather gear and boots. The trail can be muddy. Watch out for the Westchester crowd with their giant strollers. Not unhappy I went, but temper your magical expectations.

    Tyler A.

    We attended this experience last night, and each member of our group of eight friends are big Potter fans. We are all adults and had a great time. When we heard about this event, we knew it was a must-see. We traveled quite a distance for this from out-of-state. First piece of advice: get there early. The initial entrance on GPS was closed, so we had to re-route onto the highway to get to the right place. Also, we had to wait for a charter bus at this lot to get to the grounds. Bundle up, as it was FREEZING up there! When you enter, there are clean bathrooms and a village to purchase food and drink. I opted for the fish and chips, which was quite good considering where we were. Hot chocolate with bourbon helped warm us up a little. Make sure to note that it is ALL cashless. Prices are steep. The actual experience was great. I felt immersed in the Wizarding World and we were all amazed at the amount of work that clearly went into this. I don't want to give much away, but the interactive parts were great fun and the scenes were equally-great. The trail is relatively flat and easy to walk. Now, the end scene was SO COOL! I'll leave it at that. The gift shop was overpriced and lackluster. Not much Potter stuff, rather merch from the experience. Recommended for fans!

    James B.

    Went to the forbidden forest with my girlfriend and our friend on a Sunday night. It was through fever app so the tickets can be different prices depending on the time and demand of when you want to go. We paid aren't $40 per person after fees which was on the lower end of the pricing I saw. They did a great job with the lights and wooded exhibits. We did walk through it relatively quickly because we didn't wait in line for any of the experience things that they had where you could use a wand for stuff. The second half of the walk definitely had more going on than the first. We each got a drink at the halfway point. I got a hot chocolate with vodka and it was delicious! My gf also thought her hot chocolate was great. In addition to the hot chocolate, I also got a chocolate frog brownie. It was really really good and I was happy that I had gotten it. Be prepared to spend some money though if you do want some refreshments there. For the 3 drinks and brownie it was around $60. The gift shop was at the end and was pretty standard for a gift shop.

    I could see the Thestral, sadly.
    Jeannine M.

    Traveled here from Massachusetts to experience the magic. Website had a physical, hyperlinked address however once there the entrance was closed so we had a tricky time figuring out how to access from open entrance off the freeway. Recommend adding directions from that entrance to the one that's open to expedite the process of getting there. Agree with the first review...get there early. Need time to park and take the bus as well as wait in a line to scan your QR code. Once you start to walk down the path though be prepared to be stupefied! It was magical in every sense...from the exquisite tree lighting to the interactive experiences like conjuring a Patronis charm. Note there are typically two areas to enter these so walk a bit further to get to the second one. Loved the 'duel' and also the Aragog lair was pretty cool. I'd somehow darken the scaffolding and illuminate just the spiders but it was otherwise really well done. The highlight for me was the music and the use of the actual soundtrack in places. There is something especially resonant about the Harry Potter score that gets me every time. We spent as long as we could on the trail...the groups are spaced far enough apart you can go at your own pace. Dress warmly. And look everywhere! Grawp's breath is particularly foul so be sure to experience that!! Don't miss bowing to the hippogriff! We had our wands at the ready and were really immersed in the surroundings. If you're an HP fan you'll seek out the best aspects of this experience and overlook the ones that don't really matter. I didn't care what they sold in the gift shop although roasting your own marshmallows?!? That's AWESOME!! I wish there was more soundtrack along more of the trail but overall the Harry Potter Forbidden Forest Experience here was really quite brilliant!!

    Gen C.

    If you are a Harry Potter enthusiast then this is a must visit! Really loved this experience. Has all the characters from the forbidden forest and more. Very interactive as well, so bring your wand if you have one. Although they do have wands to borrow. The lights, the music is just magical. It is an outdoor event so come prepared because it gets cold and comfortable shoes for the walking. They also have food and drinks for all ages and a gift store. There is plenty of parking and if the main parking area gets full, you get redirected to go into the additional parking and a shuttle bus brings you to the enchanted forest.

    House-themed hot chocolate
    Shan C.

    As a huge Harry Potter fan, I'm sad to say this experience was a bit of a let-down. Sure, it was really striking when you first walk into the forest and for a fleeting moment, it felt MAGICAL. The lights, the sounds, the atmosphere was sort of electrifying and left you excited for what was to come. However, the further along the walk we went, the more the feeling of "oh that's it?" sunk in because it felt a bit repetitive and not all that interactive. Without spoiling too much, let's just say that their website pretty much shows all of what you'll be seeing. No, really. It clearly showcases the "surprise encounter" and "big finale" so ultimately it felt like we were just taking a stroll through the woods with pretty lights for a steep entry price, not to mention the traffic jam of groups of people creating lines at any and all of the noteworthy points. The walk ended at a surprisingly lackluster gift shop with a selection of goods you could easily purchase elsewhere. One item littered all around the tent was a LED lanyard tag that all the staff wore, which felt like it should've come with admission rather than being pushed as 'merchandise'. Refreshments were sold at "The Village" with prices on par with what you'd expect at typical event venues (alcoholic options available) and there was a fire pit to roast marshmallows which was cute. Overall, this experience is definitely more suitable for family groups with younger kids and could be worth the trip for Potterheads if you catch a discounted weekday price. If you do go, make sure to take Exit 16 to get to the right entrance! GPS directions for FDR park will lead you to the wrong entrance, but there was a lovely lady who redirected people as needed.

    This is the extra $121 after the voucher is applied.

    Definitely would NOT recommend this place. Horrible experience. If I could give 0 stars I would. Got there 20 to 30 mins before the time on our ticket but our ticket was not scanning for whatever reason. The guy sent us to the ticket booth. So we're try to park the workers would not direct us where to go and we didn't see any signs pointing the direction. We stopped and asked someone. Mind you we drive 2 hours for this. Anyways, we finally parked and walked to the ticket booth. The girl there was like you're 5 mins late we can't let you in. We pleaded with her. But her answer remained NO and she gave us a card to call customer service. Ofc the next day I jumped on it and had multiple live chats explaining my situation. The agents told me that I can get a voucher at the value of the tickets I paid so I explained I don't want the voucher if I can't get to just reschedule. Cause I do not want to pay more money as I noticed that the ticket prices on the website increased. It's currently $84 and up with an additional $9 processing feee. I would rather a refund. I understand that they don't give refunds or reschedule under certain circumstances but as I said it's not like we didn't show up or that it's our fault that we got to the ticket booth late. It's because the tickets couldn't be scanned and that took a while. They kept telling me there is nothing more they can do. How about you refund me since I can't get a new date. We preplanned and booked early to avoid the high prices. The experience is not worth us to pay an additional $121.

    it was awesome, kids really enjoyed it and so did the adults. All around a great experience and Im not a Harry Potter fan. Go if you get the chance

    See all

    6 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1
    Photo of Amanda G.
    1466
    1606
    15439

    3 years ago

    Helpful 10
    Thanks 0
    Love this 10
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 6
    Thanks 0
    Love this 4
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 6
    Thanks 1
    Love this 5
    Oh no 1

    3 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 6
    Thanks 0
    Love this 6
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 4
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0
    Photo of R N.
    0
    119
    8

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 5
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 1

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Ryan S.
    72
    257
    79

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Amy S.
    0
    19
    1

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Cancelled experience with no notification and just put a voucher to choose another day. Horrible customer service but we got our refund.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Lily C.
    0
    93
    17

    4 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Ask the Community - Harry Potter - A Forbidden Forest Experience

    Review Highlights - Harry Potter - A Forbidden Forest Experience

    You then exit through the gift shop which has tons of the little trinket you'd expect: mugs, cups, candy, patches, clothes...

    Mentioned in 11 reviews

    Read more highlights

    You might also consider

    Verify this business for free

    Get access to customer & competitor insights.

    Verify this business

    The Street Teacher - Experience the drama of DUMBO's architecture as it frames the Manhattan Bridge!!

    The Street Teacher

    4.7(3 reviews)
    36.7 miUpper East Side, Yorkville

    Bill was our guide for our first visit to NYC. He could not have been more knowledgeable &…read moreprofessional. Our time was well spent with Bill. He knows the city & its history & its back stories ... Bill showed us the city in ways we would never have been able to manage on our own. Six stars if possible....... Highly Recommend!!

    I hosted an afternoon Greenwich Village walking tour for client financial advisors prior to an…read moreevening event in lower Manhattan. The Street Teacher, Bill Goodhart, was exceptionally well-prepared for presenting current and historical facts about The Village, including significant events, unique architecture, famous residents and side bar items of interest. Bill's love of New York City and his unique "feel for place" made this tour a memorable experience for all of us. I highly recommend The Street Teacher for corporate functions and family outings alike. Bill's articulate, very well-educated style and wry sense of humor really humanized the tour and made everyone comfortable. He was very accessible to our questions and stimulated conversation among us. He ensured that he knew the "audience" in advance by prepping with me and even followed-up post-tour to ensure that we were satisfied, which we were. It actually exceeded our expectations. This is was a five-star experience which I plan on doing again with Bill in another area of NYC!

    Photos
    The Street Teacher - Eating and drinking on Stone Street in lower Manhattan

    Eating and drinking on Stone Street in lower Manhattan

    The Street Teacher - I'm with a family near City Hall Park and the Brooklyn Bridge

    I'm with a family near City Hall Park and the Brooklyn Bridge

    The Street Teacher - Yes, and I mean a real cup of coffee!

    See all

    Yes, and I mean a real cup of coffee!

    Eco Central Park Tours

    Eco Central Park Tours

    4.6(13 reviews)
    37.5 miMidtown West

    We seriously didn't plan on taking a tour on bikes. We were approached by a nice gentleman with a…read morehorse on his bike. After he proposed to us about what the tour is about and prices, we agreed to do it. Mainly cause I underestimated how huge Central Park is. We both never been to Central Park and wanted to see the most we could. My friend is a huge Sex and the City fan and got a guided tour of where the filming was. Our tour guide is so knowledgeable and outgoing. I loved learning from him. Once we were done, he was going to take us back to where he found us - in front of the restaurant. We talked to him in dropping us off at Fifth Avenue. He agreed only if we paid him a little extra. We didn't mind since that was our next destination. Overall, great experience. Didn't expect to do it and spend the $$ but loved it. 178/2019

    Last minute decision to see Central Park in a quick hour. Well worth it! There was a 2 hr option to…read moredo the entire park, but it's February, it's cold, and figured most notable landmarks are on south end of the park. Kader was our driver/ rider, they have these hybrid bikes so your driver isn't gasping for air while giving you the tour. Blanket for the cold weather and the meeting stop was at Starbucks on 55th and 7th, Wife was happy. The Park was beautiful everything and more you'd imagine it would be from seeing the park on TV Shows, Movies, and pictures. Kader made the ride comfortable with his knowledge and personality, and being from Chicago, if I cane back I would request Kader again.

    Photos
    Eco Central Park Tours
    Eco Central Park Tours
    Eco Central Park Tours - She said YES

    See all

    She said YES

    The Explorer's Passage - The Machu Picchu Citadel, Peru

    The Explorer's Passage

    4.9(8 reviews)
    42.0 miFinancial District

    TEP deserves more than 5 stars for the amazing start to finish service we experienced on our 7 day…read moreadventure to Peru to hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. From the time we signed up, to the time we boarded the plane to return home, TEP took care of every detail. We commented amongst ourselves that we felt like kids on vacation with our parents, as we didn't have to worry about any of the details - just show up and follow Neptali (our guide). From airport pickup in Cusco in luxury Mercedes vans where we were promptly served Coca tea to help with the altitude acclimation, to group dinners at amazing Peruvian restaurants, to historical tours and education on the history of the Inca - everything was covered and taken care of for us. And that was all before the amazing trek along the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu! Of course the trek itself was the highlight of the trip, and although it was extremely challenging for us, TEP's unbelievable attention to detail did not fail us on the trail. With nearly a 2:1 porter to trekker ration, our every need was met on the trail. We dined like kings every meal, and were consistently amazed with the quality (and nutritional appropriateness) of the food our chef and sous chef were able to put out with minimal kitchen conveniences. The thing I felt was most special about TEP's approach to this trip was the focus on gaining a cultural and historical appreciation for what we were experiencing. Every step along the way, we learned about the native people of Peru, the Inca civilization, the many ruins we came across, the vegetation we saw and how it was and is used, and the history of modern Peru. It was the trip of a lifetime, and have the help of The Explorer's Passage made it so much more enjoyable, and so much more memorable. The value of what they provide is amazing for the cost....rather, for the investment. I highly recommend them!

    What a fabulous tour! I did the "Washington in NYC" tour in June 2017 and it was such a wonderful…read moreexperience! So much fascinating historical information that I can't wait to share with all my friends now; such a great group of fellow explorers; and all so perfectly run - well planned, perfectly on time, with a great variety of sights and insights for all types of travelers. I recommend this tour highly - and will be on the lookout for future adventures from The Explorer's Passage! :)

    Photos
    The Explorer's Passage - Crossing the Andes in Chile

    Crossing the Andes in Chile

    The Explorer's Passage - Resting during our Chilean Andes Adventure

    Resting during our Chilean Andes Adventure

    The Explorer's Passage - Crater Lake on the Chilkoot Trail, British Columbia

    See all

    Crater Lake on the Chilkoot Trail, British Columbia

    Russ and Elke's European Travel - Happy travelers= Happy Russ:)

    Russ and Elke's European Travel

    5.0(4 reviews)
    17.3 mi

    Let us just start by saying ... we didn't want to come home! We are not sure we would even call it…read morea "tour", but rather a TRULY AMAZING AND WONDERFUL VISIT to Tuscany Italy. As we both have Italian grandparents, Italy was a place we have longed to visit. Our grandparents traveled to America by different ships, entering through Ellis Island. Both families ended up changing their names, dropping the final consonant or changing the last name completely to hide their Italian heritage because they thought it would be easier to establish themselves and find jobs. Our families left Italy, their homes, and it's hard for us to comprehend this concept after seeing this beautiful country. But yes, we know ... to pursue a better life in the late 1800s ... to go to America, the land of opportunity. We wanted to return to their homeland and see what they left behind. Get a sense of our heritage. Learn more about our family's country and culture. Although we didn't visit the exact towns and villages where our grandparents once lived, we definitely got a feeling of their country. There were six of us who traveled under the guiding eyes of Russ and Elke. We were long-time good friends and some were family. But by the end of the week, we all became a new family. Every time we opened my eyes, we SAW more and more beauty -- the landscapes, the flowers, the grapevines, the olive trees, the castles, the wineries, the churches and their unbelievable stained glass windows, paintings, frescos, statues and tombs, the small roadside religious shrines, the piazzas and the many statues, the poppies, the sunflowers, the shopping in small boutiques, the cobblestone streets, the doors, the windows, the flower boxes, nonnos and nonnas carrying their groceries, the animals, and so much more of the grandeur of Tuscany, Italy. We TASTED and SAVORED every bite of the many, many delicious meals that were prepared and served to us ... the many varieties of white and red wines that were presented, the espresso and cappuccino, gelato and other desserts, meats and cheese, salads, vegetables, bread, and more. We can close our eyes and SMELL the lavender, the mustiness of the old parts of some of the wineries and wine cellars, the cheeses, meats, the wine, breads, salads, fresh vegetables and fruits, the wood burning at the villa that was used to heat the water, homemade cakes and desserts, gelato, leather, and the aroma of each meal ... and more! We TOUCHED the earth, the vines, the trees, ancient walls, flowers, pottery, the farm animals, alabaster and leather, and felt the coolness of the water in the pool at the villa. We HEARD the voices of the Italian people speak their romantic and beautiful language, the hustle and bustle of the crowds, the church bells, the laughter of children, the cars, the wonderful tour guides we had, trucks and busses zipping by, the birds chirping each morning, the barking of dog (Donna) at the villa, and more! One night at the villa, we were treated to a cooking class led by chefs Kalinka and Simonetta, at which each of us took part in making a four-course dinner for us and the other villa guests--crustina, homemade pasta with bolognaise sauce, ravioli stuffed with spinach and cheese, and strawberry tiramisu, served with several bottles of Chianti! Russ and Elke planned and prepared EVERY step of the way and shared their many years of experience with us. We didn't have to worry about ANYTHING ... flight tickets, car rental, road maps, travel, accommodations, meals, and reservations ... EVERYTHING was taken care of in advance. The villa, Le Cetinelle in Greve Chianti and owned Simonetta and Lucca, was more than charming and very accommodating - and it had a spectacular view! If necessary, they adjusted the schedule and added a couple of places (Florence being one) that were not on the original itinerary. They brought us only to places they had experienced before and it wasn't boring for them because they witnessed our enjoyment, which made it fun for them and in turn, fun for us. Although we traveled together, we also had free time to explore and shop on our own, relax by the pool, take a nap, or sit outside and read, write, sketch. And morning start time was somewhat flexible as well. We kept a journal of our trip - SO much to write about. We took over 2200 pictures, each one capturing a new moment. We could go on and on and on talking about our week in Tuscany. It is truly a vacation we will never, ever, ever forget. GRAZIE, GRAZIE, GRAZIE to Russ and Elke for providing us with such an unforgettable experience. They are two amazing people, who shared their love of Italy with us, who took great care and concern to make it extra special and unforgettable in every way, all so expertly planned and executed! This trip was FANTASTIC, filled with so many sites, sounds, smells, and tastes, which will stay with us for as long as we live!

    Elke and Russ escorted us on a marvelous tour of Tuscany last May. I like to tell people I had 4 or…read more5 of the best meals in my life and the wines were awesome too. The villa we stayed in was first class. We hated to leave. Our intimate group of seven people made travelling easy. They were extremely professional and organized.... as well as upbeat and spirited, making it fun for everybody! I can't imagine a more perfect combination of things to make our trip unforgettable for years to come. Thanks guys, we look forward to a reunion some day!

    Photos
    Russ and Elke's European Travel - What's holding you back?

    What's holding you back?

    Russ and Elke's European Travel - Bella Firenze

    Bella Firenze

    Russ and Elke's European Travel - Bottling at oldest working winery in the center of Montepulciano

    See all

    Bottling at oldest working winery in the center of Montepulciano

    The Little Wine Bus - Cheers to the QUEEN!

    The Little Wine Bus

    3.7(191 reviews)
    47.7 miDyker Heights

    I've known Tania for over 15 years. I own Airbnb's, a restaurant, and a wine tour company for…read moreItaly and Mexico. Locally, I like to refer my guests and clients to Tania for Hudson Valley tours. Each time I have recommended her, the guests give me rave reviews and thank me for a great time. Tania knows all the Hudson Valley hot spots. Her "Take Me to the Vino" tour is great. It's much more than wine. It's food, entertainment, games, raffles etc... Don't hesitate to call The Little Wine Bus for a wine tour in the Hudson Valley.

    Was insanely disappointed. Our driver was great, but it…read moreseemed like there were multiple groups with very little staff. For the amount we paid, could have rented our own bus and taken ourselves and made our own reservations at each place. There's a reason you can't leave google reviews. Also there is a "host" that was supposed to be at each winery. This one person was with multiple groups, very nice but we had to keep asking what the plan was. We had no one go over the wines, maybe briefly at the second winery. At the cider place had the guy that worked there go over it in under 60 seconds. Its not the people working, its the organizer. This was a family trip celebrating and it was just embaressing. Poor execution, DO NOT RECOMMEND. The pictures of happy groups/people are absolutely cherry picked to make the experience seem more than it actually is.

    Photos
    The Little Wine Bus - Cheers girls!!!!! CONGRATS HAPPY COUPLES!!!

    Cheers girls!!!!! CONGRATS HAPPY COUPLES!!!

    The Little Wine Bus - These boys! were so fun!

    These boys! were so fun!

    The Little Wine Bus - Brides just wanna have fun!

    See all

    Brides just wanna have fun!

    Off Season Adventures - Off exploring!

    Off Season Adventures

    5.0(8 reviews)
    40.1 mi

    We could not have been happier with Off season Adventures…read more We're pretty seasoned travelers, having planned our own trips to Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, southern Mexico, and other remote places, but I was pretty overwhelmed on where to begin with Tanzania. In stepped Off season Adventures, who worked with us on a custom itinerary that included exactly what we wanted to do, plus activities we had hadn't considered or even knew were possible. On top of that, they matched us up with a great driver who was with us the entire way. What was supposed to be trip to the Serengeti turned into so much more. We went to elephant and giraffe sanctuaries, stayed in a Masai lodge/hut, went on a morning hunt, and saw 4 different national parks. Our driver was very experienced and managed to get us up close to leopards, cheetahs, and the big 5, while also knowing the names of every plant, tree, and bird we saw. We were happy with every lodge we stayed in (impressive, as we stayed in 7 different ones!). We had a few unusual activity requests and Off season went above and beyond to incorporate all of them. Off season worked through every detail with us, responded to every question we had (usually within minutes), compiled every bit of information we needed, and were with us every step of the way. They did all of this all within a pretty aggressive budget and schedule. On top of all of that, Off season prioritizes responsible tourism, with important social projects, carbon offsets, and an emphasis on not just visiting Tanzania but learning about and understanding the people who make it such an amazing place. Thank you for the amazing trip, Off season Adventures!

    A safari was on our bucket list -- some day. In January we attended the Boston Globe travel show…read morefor the first time and our name was randomly picked out of a jar for $500 towards a safari from a company exhibiting at the show: Off Season Adventures. I turned to my partner and said "I guess this is the year for that safari." We met Tanner and his Tanzanian partner Hosea. We talked and expressed one concern: we're gay and would that be a problem. We were assured it would not be. Over the next several months we worked with Tanner to develop a trip that met our interests. We wanted to add a couple of extra days, to get to know the people not just go on game drives, to have a private tour, and to end the trip with one week on the beach. Tanner listened. The trip Tanner and Hosea put together was perfect and it resulted in one of our best ever vacations. The trip started with three days of game drives through Tarangire and Lake Manyara parks, followed by two days of meeting with local tribes and residents in their environments. The last three days were wonderful game drives through Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti. We then flew from the Serengeti to Zanzibar and the beach. Each game drive was filled with watching animals roam and live in their environment and each held surprises and rare sightings of cheetahs, lions, leopards and even a rare rhino. Over the course of the game drives we saw more that 40 different animals and numerous bird species. Hosea had an amazing ability to spot animals hundreds of yards away when we needed our binoculars to discover what he had seen without them. We learned much about how animals live, interact, and use their environment for their benefit, how giraffe's tongues were designed to avoid the sharp spines of the acacia tree, how elephant dung was a vital component of the ecosystem, watched as ostriches enacted their mating ritual, learned why zebras migrate together with wildebeest, and watched the antics of blue monkeys and baboon families. Lions, elephants, zebras, and giraffes wandered within feet of our safari vehicle. We visited with three tribes - the nomadic bush-living Hadzabis, who led us on a two-hour bush hunt, including eating a bird that they had killed with their bow and arrow and cooked in the bush. Back at their camp we watched as they joyously sang and danced. The Datoga Tribe is noted for their metalwork, using rudimentary tools we watched as they turned a 4-in. nail into an intricate barbed arrow. Finally, we went on a walk with a leader of the Iraqw tribe, herders and farmers. He invited us into this home where we watched as his wife cooked a meal. We also visited a water well partially funded by Off Season Adventures and Dry to Green, which supplies several villages. A visit to a school, including a math class with complicated equations on the blackboard, opened our eyes to how education was a serious endeavor despite rudimentary facilities. Thirst for learning was palatable. All this was organized because of our interest in learning more about the people and the country. All the camps and hotels that we stayed at were top notch. Every person we met throughout the tour was unreservedly happy, I can't point to another country where the people were as friendly as here. Off Season Travel also organized our final week on Zanzibar, including finding a local architect to give a half-day tour of historic Stonetown -- because of our stated interest in architecture. The hotel they found for us was on the best part of the beach in Kendwa, with great facilities and a wonderful, friendly staff. A great sunny ending to our Tanzanian visit. We would recommend to any of our friends and family or anyone else who is curious about going on a safari to work with Tanner at Off Season Adventures. They will get an experience that will not only live in photos but also in their memories.

    Photos
    Off Season Adventures - I was so incredibly close to these guys.

    I was so incredibly close to these guys.

    Off Season Adventures - One of the many unique birds of Tanzania.

    One of the many unique birds of Tanzania.

    Off Season Adventures - Can you keep up? Join the dance and song.

    See all

    Can you keep up? Join the dance and song.

    Gossip Girl Tour

    Gossip Girl Tour

    4.7(6 reviews)
    37.5 miMidtown West

    This tour is great because it covers so many spots in a quick amount of time and on a fun ride.read more

    Compared to these other Yelp posts, the Gossip Girl tour has since changed quite a bit! Let me…read morestart by saying that our tour guide Shea was amazing! She was extremely friendly, personable, enthusiastic and knowledgable throughout the entire bus ride and tour! However the tour left much to be desired and a few things disappointed me. The tour begins at the Palace Hotel where Serena from the show lived. This is where you meet with your group and director and board the bus. I went on a cold winter day so the heated coach bus was such a blessing! The tour was fun, while on the bus they show you clips of the famous locations where the show is shot and also ones you got to get off at during the tour stops. However, compared to previous reviews the tour no longer stops at Henri Bendel and Laduree which was very disappointing! We ended up getting off at a few locations and one included the MET but I wasn't that excited by some locations because I'm from NY and have been there already. But I understand to someone who isn't from NY some stops are exciting. My favorite stops were the museum that served as the school on the show and the empire hotel where Chuck lived which was gorgeous! And side note we stopped at Dylan's Candy Bar which is such a rip off. They give you a coupon on the bus and my friend tried to use it on macarons and couldn't because they said it's for store merchandise only. I despise this place it's a tourist trap and workers are rude!

    Photos
    Gossip Girl Tour
    Gossip Girl Tour
    Gossip Girl Tour

    See all

    Harry Potter - A Forbidden Forest Experience - walkingtours - Updated July 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...