Ground Zero Honor Tour with 9/11 Hero's Brother

New York, US
100% of travellers recommend this
Excellent (3 reviews)
Self-guided

Included

  • inclusion
    Other
    A personal and authoritative connection to the loss and heroism and resilience of 9/11

Excluded

  • exclusion
    Other
    Museum visit not included

Meeting Point

I will meet customers, 15 minute prior to tour start time, at the east steps to Liberty Park, at Greenwich Ave and Liberty Street, across from the firehouse, Ladder 10, Engine 10. I will carry a small American flag and wear 9/11-FDNY apparel; i.e. baseball cap/jacket/shirt.

Meeting point

165 Liberty St, New York, NY 10281 , United States

End point

End Point

The tour ends at my brother's name, "Engine 21 WIlliam F. Burke, Jr.," on the memorial.

Meeting point

180 Greenwich St, New York, NY 10007 , United States

End point

What to expect

1
The Sphere

Visit the iconic Koenig Sphere, which stood in the WTC plaza for 30 years as a symbol of world peace and cooperation, and on 9/11 survived the attacks bashed and torn, but intact.

Duration 15 minutes
2
FDNY Memorial Wall

A gift of Knight and Holland, LLC, in honor of partner Gary Winuk, a volunteer firefighter from Jericho, NY. On 9/11 Winuk rushed to the site and was killed in the collapse of the towers. The wall commemorates the heroism and sacrifice of the FDNY, 9/11, listing the 343 who gave all by name, rank and company.

Duration 10 minutes
3
The National 9/11 Memorial & Museum

We visit the memorial, "Reflecting Absence," selected from over 5,000 entries, with its vast, every emptying voids.

Duration 30 minutes

The experience can be subject to change due to bad weather or unforseen circumstances. We always endeavour to give you the best possible experience.

Additional Information

  • Additional information
    All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
  • Additional information
    Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Additional information
    Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Additional information
    Service animals allowed
  • Additional information
    Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Additional information
    Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • Additional information
    Wheelchair accessible
Provided by The Sphere Guy

What our experts say

  • icon
    Visit the nearby 9/11 Museum
  • icon
    Grab a coffee at St. Paul's Chapel
  • icon
    Check out the Oculus for shopping
  • icon
    Explore Liberty Park after the tour
  • icon
    Wear comfortable shoes for walking

More About this Experience

Introduction

Discover a powerful and moving experience with the Ground Zero Honor Tour, led by none other than Michael Burke, brother of FDNY Captain Billy Burke, Jr. This tour is not just another sightseeing trip; it’s a heartfelt journey into the history of September 11, 2001, where you will walk the grounds that transformed a nation. Over the span of 1 hour and 30 minutes, participants will visit iconic sites such as the Koenig Sphere and the FDNY Memorial Wall. Each stop tells a story of resilience, courage, and the deep impact of the tragic events that unfolded that day. Designed to honor the lives lost and the heroes who emerged, this tour is an invitation to reflect, remember, and find understanding amidst the shadows of history. With Michael’s personal insights and stories, guests will feel connected to the events in a way that goes beyond the headlines, making this experience truly unique.

What to expect?

On this deeply moving tour, guests can expect an intimate and insightful exploration of the September 11 attacks through the eyes of those who lived it. Led by Michael Burke, participants will not only see the remarkable Koenig Sphere, a symbol of resilience that survived the attacks, but also learn about its emotional journey back to Ground Zero. As you stroll through the sacred sites, including the FDNY Memorial Wall and the St. Nicholas National Shrine, you will hear inspiring tales of heroism, sacrifice, and love. Michael shares his brother’s unforgettable story of bravery while honoring the countless lives affected by the tragedy. This tour isn’t just informative; it’s an emotional experience that encourages reflection and connection, allowing participants to gain a deeper appreciation for the human spirit in times of adversity.

Who is this for?

The Ground Zero Honor Tour is designed for anyone who seeks a deeper understanding of the September 11 tragedy, whether you’re a local New Yorker looking to reconnect with your city’s history or a visitor wanting to pay tribute to the lives lost and the heroes made. It caters to history buffs, students, families, and those who simply wish to honor the memories of that fateful day. The tour is accessible to all, including individuals with mobility challenges, making it a perfect choice for diverse groups. Whether you’re visiting with friends, loved ones, or even solo, this experience offers a community of remembrance and shared understanding, inviting all who participate to find meaning in the stories told.

Why book this?

Choosing to embark on the Ground Zero Honor Tour means stepping into a narrative that goes beyond facts and figures. It presents an opportunity to connect with history on a personal level, guided by someone who intimately understands the losses and sacrifices made on September 11. Michael Burke’s storytelling brings the past to life, allowing participants to engage with the emotional weight of the events and the resilience that followed. The exclusivity of this private tour ensures a more personal experience, fostering an environment where guests can reflect, ask questions, and share in the collective memory of that day. By booking this tour, you are not just a spectator; you become part of a meaningful tribute, a chance to honor those who have gone and to celebrate the enduring spirit of hope and unity that emerged from the ashes.

Good to know

Before embarking on the Ground Zero Honor Tour, it’s essential to prepare for an emotionally charged experience. The tour is designed to accommodate guests of all ages and fitness levels, so don’t worry if you have mobility challenges; all areas are wheelchair accessible, and strollers are welcome. Meeting at Liberty Park, easy access to public transport means getting to the starting point is a breeze. The tour is conducted in English, ensuring clear communication throughout. The personal nature of the tour allows for intimate storytelling, making it a chance to ask questions and engage with Michael on a level that few experiences offer. It’s recommended to wear comfortable shoes, as there will be walking involved, and to approach the experience with an open heart, ready to embrace the stories of resilience that will be shared.

Reviews

Feedback from participants of the Ground Zero Honor Tour is overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing deep appreciation for the personal touch Michael brings to the experience. Guests have described the tour as not only informative but also profoundly moving, often leaving them with a renewed sense of understanding and connection to the events of September 11. Many highlight Michael’s storytelling ability, noting how his personal anecdotes and insights transformed their perception of the memorial sites into something deeply personal. The emotional impact of the tour resonates with visitors long after it concludes, prompting reflection and discussion about the significance of resilience in the face of tragedy. Overall, the Ground Zero Honor Tour is celebrated not just as a tour, but as a vital experience that honors the past while fostering hope for the future.

Mobile App

Your all‑in‑one travel companion app

Explore expert travel guides, compare and book tours, experiences, hotels, and more—all from the palm of your hand. Download now for seamless trip planning wherever your wanderlust takes you.



Select Currency

Choose the currency you want prices to display in.