A-1 Tours

08/21/2024

Take a look at these popular Washington D.C. schools and what they are best known for...

American University:
Known for its strong programs in international relations and political science, American University is a hub for students interested in global affairs, diplomacy, and public policy.

George Washington University:
The George Washington University Law School is highly regarded and has a strong reputation for producing influential legal professionals and public servants.

George Mason University:
Known for its diverse and inclusive student community, George Mason offers a range of programs and initiatives to support students from various backgrounds.

Join us as we visit these highly recognized Universities this November on our Washington D.C. College bus tour!

08/21/2024

Enjoy the parade from the best seats in the house with breathtaking views, gourmet steaks, and an elegant atmosphere. 🍂🦃

🍂🦃 Prime Location: Located right along the parade route, Mastro's provides spectacular views of all the floats and performances without the hassle of crowds.

🍂🦃 Luxurious Atmosphere: Enjoy the parade in a sophisticated, comfortable setting with top-notch service, making it an elegant way to celebrate the holiday.

🍂🦃 Delicious Dining: Feast on their renowned steaks and gourmet dishes while you watch the parade, ensuring a delectable experience from start to finish.

🍂🦃 Exclusive Experience: With reserved seating and dedicated staff, Mastro’s ensures you have a memorable, stress-free parade experience.

🍂🦃 Perfect for Groups: Whether it’s a family gathering or a festive celebration with friends, Mastro’s offers the perfect ambiance for enjoying the parade together.

Reserve your spot now for a memorable Thanksgiving celebration!

08/19/2024

Looking for a personalized travel experience? Private tours offer a range of benefits that make your trip truly unforgettable.

Private tours allow you to customize your itinerary to focus on what interests you most—whether it’s historical sites, local cuisine, or hidden gems.

You can enjoy special access to attractions and experiences that may not be available on standard group tours.

With a dedicated guide, you get personalized insights and can ask all the questions you want.

You can change plans on the fly and adjust your schedule to fit your preferences and pace.

Travel in a private vehicle with more space and comfort compared to larger group tours.

Experience travel like never before with a private tour designed just for you!

The private tours page on our website offers a variety of private tour ideas, but the possibilities are endless!

08/16/2024

Why Guides Are Essential for Bus Tours:

Don't underestimate the power of a great guide! Here's why:

1️⃣ Local Expertise: Guides bring the destination to life with insider knowledge and fascinating stories you won’t find in any guidebook.

2️⃣ Enhanced Experience: They ensure the tour is engaging, interactive, and tailored to your group's interests, making the journey as exciting as the destination.

3️⃣ Smooth Sailing: From answering questions to managing the itinerary, guides take care of the details so you can sit back and enjoy the ride.

Many of our tours offer professional guides to elevate your experience and make sure you get the best tour possible!

08/14/2024

The American Dream Mall in East Rutherford, New Jersey, is one of the largest and most unique shopping and entertainment complexes in the United States. Here are some fun facts about it:

🏢 The American Dream Mall spans over 3 million square feet, making it one of the largest malls in North America.

🏢 The project was initially conceived in 1996 and underwent several name changes and ownership transitions before finally opening in 2019.

🏢 The mall is home to Nickelodeon Universe, the largest indoor theme park in the Western Hemisphere, with rides and attractions themed around popular Nickelodeon characters.

🏢 The DreamWorks Water Park is the largest indoor water park in North America, featuring slides and attractions themed around DreamWorks films like "Shrek" and "Madagascar."

🏢 The mall incorporates sustainable design elements, including energy-efficient lighting, water-saving fixtures, and a green roof to help reduce its environmental impact.

08/13/2024

Attending the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in NYC is a fun and festive experience, but being well-prepared can make all the difference. Here's what to pack to ensure a good time:

🍂 Warm Layers: NYC can be quite cold in late November, so wear thermal undergarments, a warm coat, scarf, gloves, and a hat.

🦃 Comfortable Footwear: You'll likely be standing for several hours, so wear warm, comfortable shoes or boots.

🍂 Rain Gear: Pack a small umbrella or a rain poncho in case of rain or snow.

🦃 Backup Battery: Ensure your phone stays charged throughout the event by bringing a portable charger.

🍂 Capture the Moment: Don’t forget to bring a camera or make sure your phone has enough storage for pictures and videos.

🦃 Extra Warmth: These are great for keeping your hands and feet warm.

08/12/2024

The guests on our New York Botanical Garden bus tour had a wonderful time this weekend exploring the new and unique Alice in Wonderland Themed Exhibition!

07/22/2024

To provide us with the proper length to visit as many schools as possible, many of our college tours are overnight trips.

Because of this, we'd love to share the ultimate guide for packing for an overnight trip:

✔️Essentials First
Don't forget your ID, wallet, phone, and chargers!

✔️ Clothing
Pack comfortable clothing for travel and another for the next day. Include sleepwear and underwear!

✔️Personal Items
A good book, snacks, and a reusable water bottle can make your trip more enjoyable.

✔️Weather Check
Look at the forecast and pack accordingly, whether it's a light jacket or an umbrella

Pack smart and enjoy your travels to our array of college tour trips

https://tours.a1tours.com/Tours/College-Tours/Overview

07/19/2024

This stunning lunch cruise takes you sailing down the scenic Toms River, and beautiful Barnegat Bay.

You will pass beautiful waterfront homes, magnificent properties, docks, yacht clubs, historic areas, and maybe even some sailboat races!

To learn more about this wonderful Summer day trip:
https://tours.a1tours.com/Tour/River-Lady-Outing-with-Lunch

07/18/2024

With increasing interest in our trip to New York City for the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, here is some more information about the day:

Are you looking for a unique and memorable way to kick off the holiday season? Look no further! Join us for a fantastic Thanksgiving Day Parade Viewing Party at Mastro’s Steakhouse in New York City. This isn’t just about catching a glimpse of the parade; it’s an all-inclusive event filled with...

07/18/2024

Ever wonder what it takes to plan the perfect bus tour?

From scouting the most scenic routes to curating unique destinations and activities, every detail counts.

By organizing transportation, accommodations, tickets, and any special activities, our team meticulously plans each tour to ensure a seamless blend of adventure.

All our tours are planned with YOU in mind!

07/17/2024

Book NOW before rates increase! This is your last chance to pay our lowest price until Friday, July 19th when rates increase for our New York Botanical Garden: Wonderland Curious Nature Tour!

View & Book Tour Here:
https://tours.a1tours.com/Tour/Wonderland-Curious-Nature-at-NY-Botanical-Garden

07/16/2024

This summer, join us on a series of breathtaking tours that celebrate the beauty of nature:

7/24: Longwood Gardens & Winterthur Garden:
https://tours.a1tours.com/Tour/Longwood-Winterthur-Garden-A-Beautiful-Summer

8/1: River Lady Outing with Lunch:
https://tours.a1tours.com/Tour/River-Lady-Outing-with-Lunch

8/10: Wonderland: Curious Nature at NY Botanical Garden
https://tours.a1tours.com/Tour/Wonderland-Curious-Nature-at-NY-Botanical-Garden

07/12/2024

Looking for the perfect spot to watch this year's Thanksgiving Day Parade in NYC? Look no further...

Imagine enjoying the iconic parade with stunning views, delicious food, and festive cocktails at one of NYC's finest spots.

Experience the magic of the Thanksgiving Day Parade at Mastro's on 6th Ave! Watch the spectacular balloons and performers on the big screen from the comfort of indoors, or step outside for an up-close view of the parade's excitement.

Make this Thanksgiving unforgettable with a celebration that combines all the best elements of the holiday. We'll see you there!

https://tours.a1tours.com/Tour/VIP-Thanksgiving-Parade-Viewing-Party-at-Mastros

07/10/2024

New York City is overflowing with endless opportunities for fun and adventure! This Summer and Fall, join us as we explore these exciting destinations:

7/6: (SOLD OUT) New York Yankees vs. Boston Red Sox

8/10: New York Botanical Garden, Wonderland: Curious Nature
https://tours.a1tours.com/Tour/Wonderland-Curious-Nature-at-NY-Botanical-Garden

7/20: (SOLD OUT) Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club on Broadway

9/8: Brooklyn Blitz: NY Liberty, Tour & Pizza
https://tours.a1tours.com/Tour/Brooklyn-Blitz-NY-Liberty-Tour-Pizza

9/18: Hell's Kitchen on Broadway with Museum
https://tours.a1tours.com/Tour/Hells-Kitchen-on-Broadway-with-Visit-to-Museum

9/25: New York Yankees vs. Baltimore Orioles
https://tours.a1tours.com/Tour/New-York-Yankees-vs-Baltimore-Orioles

10/26: The Great Gatsby on Broadway
https://tours.a1tours.com/Tour/The-Great-Gatsby-on-Broadway-with-Visit-to-Museum

11/28: Thanksgiving Day VIP Viewing Party
https://tours.a1tours.com/Tour/VIP-Thanksgiving-Parade-Viewing-Party-at-Mastros

07/08/2024

A-1 Tours was fortunate to join Anthony Uva on his YouTube series, "Secrets of College Planning," where he discusses tips and advice for students and parents starting their college search process.

Our Marketing Specialist, Nicole Ocampo, and Tour Manager, Josefin Lagnelius, spoke with Anthony about the variety of college tours we offer and addressed some common questions that you may be curious about.

We hope you enjoy the video and gain some insight about who we are and what we offer!

Interview with Josefin Lagnelius- Tour Mgr./ Nicole Ocampo- Marketing Specialist - A1 Tours. Show is about college tours.

07/08/2024

When visiting schools, it's important to follow these steps to ensure that you make the most of your college visit:

1. Research the School
Familiarize yourself with the college's programs, campus culture, and extracurricular activities. Be prepared to ask questions about academics, campus life, housing, and financial aid.

2. Engage with Students & Faculty
Engage with current students and faculty to get their perspectives on academics and campus life.

3. Explore Dorms
When visiting the dorms you may live in, ask about housing policies, roommate matching, and off-campus living options.

4. Take Notes & Photos
Take photos, and jot down any key information. Compare your notes from different visits to help you make your final decision.

5. Trust Your Instincts
Pay attention to how you feel on campus and whether you can see yourself thriving there. Consider both the academic fit and the overall campus atmosphere.

https://tours.a1tours.com/Tours/College-Tours

07/05/2024

As we gear up for our September trip to the Barclays Center to watch the NY Liberty take on the Las Vegas Aces, here's what you need to know before you go:

🏀 The New York Liberty is one of the original eight teams of the WNBA, established in 1997.

🏀 Tina Charles, a standout player for the Liberty, is the all-time leading scorer and rebounder for the franchise.

🏀 The team’s mascot, Ellie the Elephant, is a beloved figure at games, representing the Liberty’s spirit and energy.

🏀 The Liberty selected Breanna Stewart as the first overall pick in the 2023 WNBA Draft, adding a superstar to their roster.

Join us to catch an exhilarating game in Brooklyn this September with A-1 Tours. Link in bio!

07/04/2024

Wishing everyone a happy and safe July 4th! 🇺🇸

07/02/2024

Dive into a world of excitement with heart-pounding roller coasters and kid-friendly rides, there's something for everyone!

✨ Experience the adrenaline rush on the Shellraiser, with its record-breaking drop!

✨ Spin around with the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles on the Shredder!

✨ Enjoy a nostalgic ride on the charming Merry-Go-Round

Bring the whole family and make unforgettable memories with your favorite Nickelodeon characters.

https://tours.a1tours.com/Tour/American-Dream-Mall-DreamWorks-or-Nickelodeon

06/27/2024

Here's what you'll find in bloom at Longwood Gardens this summer:

🌸 Sweet-bay Magnolias
Magnolia virginiana, commonly known as sweet-bay or swamp-bay magnolia, is an evergreen to partly evergreen tree native to the eastern United States.

🌸 Virginia Sweetspire
This native, deciduous shrub is tough and adaptable. It grows 4 feet tall and will create thickets through root suckering if left untouched.

🌸 Chinese Wax-shrub
Calycanthus chinensis is a deciduous shrub reaching about nine feet tall and wide.

🌸 Thermopsis
Thermopsis, from the Greek, meaning “like a lupine” is commonly known as false lupine.

View these beautiful plants by joining us on our upcoming trip to Longwood Gardens:
https://tours.a1tours.com/Tour/Longwood-Winterthur-Garden-A-Beautiful-Summer

06/24/2024

Before you watch this well-known musical, learn more about the cast of The Great Gatsby on Broadway!

Daisy Buchanan:
Eva Noblezada is an American actress and singer, she has starred in musicals in the West End and on Broadway. She has received a Grammy Award and two Tony Award nominations!

Jay Gatsby:
Jeremy Michael Jordan is an American actor and singer and has performed on Broadway, in television and film, in concert, as well as in other theatrical productions. He made his Broadway debut in the iconic musical, Rock of Ages, in 2009!

Nick Carraway:
Noah J. Ricketts is an American actor and singer who has appeared on Broadway in the original cast of Frozen. He has starred in Golden Globe-awarded and Critics Choice-nominated shows as well as many musicals on the big stage.

Watch these talented actors on the Broadway stage with A-1 Tours:
https://tours.a1tours.com/Tour/The-Great-Gatsby-on-Broadway-with-Visit-to-Museum

06/20/2024

The college process can be stressful, but going to a school with students of similar beliefs can make meeting friends easier, assist in finding organizations with aligned interests, and overall help with the scary process of attending a new school.

According to "Great Value Colleges", "Catholic colleges help students properly prepare for their careers in a world of secularism by teaching them spiritual tools, values, and knowledge. Scholarly statistics and scientific facts prove that the college experience has a profound effect on students, so the school choice of attendance shouldn’t be lightly made."

Visit a variety of Catholic Universities on our Catholic College tour:
https://tours.a1tours.com/Tour/Catholic-Universities-of-the-Mid-Atlantic

06/18/2024

Did you know about these different rides at Legoland in New York:

🔴 Anchors Away:
A Pirate's life is a merry one, but it's not always smooth sailing! Climb aboard this gear-spun Galleon and see if you can stand the motion of the waves!

🔵 Coast Guard Academy:
Your help is needed, Skippers! Take the wheel of a battery-powered boat and steer a careful course around waterways avoiding various obstacles.

🔴 Driving School:
Lego City is a big place, and every hero needs to get around it quickly and safely! Learn the rules of the road at Driving School & earn your Legoland Driving License!

🔴 Lego Factory Adventure Ride:
Find out what it's like to be a Lego Minifigure on Legoland New York's exclusive ride. Magically shrink to a miniature size and be right in the action of Lego bricks being created!

Hop on one of these fun rides by visiting Legoland this summer with A-1 Tours!:
https://tours.a1tours.com/Tour/A-Day-at-Legoland-Resort-New-York

06/17/2024

Read all about the Alice in Wonderland-inspired "Wonderland: Curious Nature" coming soon at the New York Botanical Garden!

We will be visiting this upcoming August and we don't want you to miss it!

Read about this event:
https://a1tours.com/the-magic-of-wonderland-curious-nature-at-the-new-york-botanical-garden-with-a-1-tours

06/14/2024

Be prepared this holiday season by booking a holiday tour with A-1 Tours:

Thanksgiving Parade Viewing Party (NO transportation): https://tours.a1tours.com/Tour/Exclusive-VIP-Thanksgiving-Parade-Viewing-Party-at

Thanksgiving Parade Viewing Party (WITH transportation):
https://tours.a1tours.com/Tour/VIP-Thanksgiving-Parade-Viewing-Party-at-Mastros

The Rat Pack Holiday Show:
https://tours.a1tours.com/Tour/The-Rat-Pack-Holiday-Show

Holiday Train Show at New York Botanical Garden:
https://tours.a1tours.com/Tour/Holiday-Train-Show-at-New-York-Botanical-Garden

Holiday Spirits NYC:
https://tours.a1tours.com/Tour/Holiday-Sprits-NYC-with-Christmas-Spectacular

And even more tours to come! Stay tuned!

06/10/2024

Here's what you'll see at the New York Botanical Garden's Alice in Wonderland-themed exhibition:

🌸 Flowers in the Conservatory:
Delight in thousands of vibrant flowers that fill the Haupt Conservatory with Victorian garden displays, transporting you to the era of Alice in 19th-century England.

🌸 Conservatory Lawn:
A prim topiary garden—a Victorian favorite—meets fantastically shaped kinetic mushroom sculptures by FoldHaus just outside the Conservatory, where after dark you’ll find these breathing, pulsing fungi lighting up the night with a rainbow of color!

🌸 Mertz Library Building:
Inside the Mertz Library, a world of stories invites you to dig deeper into the long history of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, with explorations of the era of discovery that inspired Lewis Carroll’s imaginative tale, a look into its lasting popularity around the world, scientific dives into some of the plants and fungi in the book—and contemporary art that draws from Alice’s journey.

🌸 Reflecting Pool:
A nearly 12-foot-tall White Rabbit fashioned entirely out of plants welcomes visitors into the Garden. The rabbit appears at the beginning of the visitor's garden-wide adventure, as he does to Alice in the story.

See these beautiful Alice in Wonderland-themed displays on our trip to the New York Botanical Garden:
https://tours.a1tours.com/Tour/Wonderland-Curious-Nature-at-NY-Botanical-Garden

06/06/2024

The New York Liberty stands out as one of the league's original teams, here are some key facts about this iconic team:

🏀 Founding Members:
Established in 1997, the NY Liberty is one of the WNBA's original eight teams, playing a pivotal role in the league's growth and success

🏀 Barclay Center:
Since 2020, the Liberty has called the Barclay Center in Brooklyn their home.

🏀 Leadership:
The team is currently owned by Joe Tsai, who also owns the Brooklyn Nets, bringing a unified vision for basketball excellence to New York.

Join us on a trip to the Barclay Center to catch the NY Liberty play the Las Vegas Aces on September 8th, 2024:
https://tours.a1tours.com/Tour/Brooklyn-Blitz-NY-Liberty-Tour-Pizza

06/04/2024

Did you know this unique and memorable summer-must is located in Toms River, New Jersey?

Nestled in the heart of Toms River, the River Lady offers an enchanting journey along the scenic Toms River & Barnegat Bay.

Why you shouldn't miss this cruise:
🛥️ Stunning Views
Enjoy breathtaking panoramas of the river and bay, with opportunities to see local wildlife and lush landscapes

🛥️ Historic Charm
Step back in time aboard the River Lady, designed to replicate the charming paddleboats of the 19th century

🛥️ Delicious Dining
Savor a delicious meal with options for lunch, dinner, and themed cruises all while floating on the calming waters

🛥️ Perfect for All Occasions
Whether it's. romantic date, a family outing, or a special event, the River Lady provides an unforgettable setting

Join us on a trip aboard the River Lady for a delicious Lunch Cruise by visiting the link below:
https://tours.a1tours.com/Tour/River-Lady-Outing-with-Lunch

06/03/2024

Meet the Team: Basil Giletto

Meet Basil Giletto! Basil is our head of sales at A-1 Tours and works hard in the selling and promotion of our unique bus tours!

Basil Giletto is an administrative and marketing executive with years of progressively responsible positions in prominent organizations. At one point, he was in charge of Best Practices for over 600 retail chain stores with a combined volume of $ 900,000,000. Basil is currently employed by A-1 Tours based in Princeton.

He is active in transportation issues concerning the State of N.J. with positions that include Board Member of the MidJersey Chamber of Commerce, Chairman of the Chamber Transportation Committee, Executive Board Member of the
Greater Mercer County Transportation Mgt Assoc., Steering Committee Member for the Princeton Convention and Visitors Bureau, and as a member of the Central Jersey Transportation Forum.