About Us
About Our Company
Marvelous Manhattan Tours is unlike any company you know, and our tours are unlike any you have ever experienced. Our mission is not just to show you the city, but to have you live, breathe, understand and fully experience it. Unlike other tour companies, we don’t cram you in a large bus. We don’t force you to listen to an impersonal tour guide who tells you to “look to the left, look to the right.”
We are human and real. Our tours are small and personal. We combine minibus touring with many stops and strolls. Our walks are not long, but they give you the chance to see tall buildings, stretch your legs, snap photos, and learn about the city.
The driving force behind Marvelous Manhattan’s philosophy is our founder Stephen Duer. Stephen is passionate about New York City, and for the past fifteen years has dedicated himself to unveiling New York City’s most amazing sights and attractions. From the moment you meet Stephen, you will see, hear and feel a man who loves his work and who is dedicated to showing you the best time.
Of course, we can tell you that Stephen and Marvelous Manhattan are the best, but we think it’s better for you to see what our satisfied customers have said. Take a look at our customer testimonials or photo gallery and let us know what you think.
We have also been fortunate to have in our service some of the best NYC has to offer in terms of guides. They are all highly qualified and have met the high standards that Stephen has worked so hard to establish in the industry. You will not be disappointed – our guides are hand-selected and have proven to be true assets to our organization.
The History of Marvelous Manhattan Tours
Stephen Duer and his wife Anna Christina started Marvelous Manhattan Tours so that they could share their love of New York City with visitors and residents alike. Stephen’s interest in New York City goes all the way to childhood. His parents were born and lived in the Bronx, and although Stephen grew up in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, he made frequent trips to the city to see New York City relatives. He fell in love with what the city represented. He was awed by the tall buildings, honking horns, blowing sirens, thousands of people walking the noisy street, oblivious to the chaos around them. The intensive energy of the city made Stephen feel alive. When in high school, and addressing him in his yearbook, they were penning the name “Mr. NY” – how amazing that his future with this amazing city was shining through even back then. All through high school and college, Stephen knew that he would move and live in New York City. And he did.
One day it came to him that he should share his love of the city with others. He learned about New York’s history and development, voraciously reading and learning whatever he could, and then he started Marvelous Manhattan Tours. Stephen began his small, personalized, high-quality tour service with his girlfriend Anna Christina, who helped him research, plan, write brochures, contact hotels, and get the business up and running. “Without her, it would never have worked, so of course I had to marry her,” laughs Stephen. Though the first years were rough, the quality never changed.
Fifteen years later, Marvelous Manhattan continues to be successful and provides both Stephen and Anna Christina much joy. After a customer recently told him that he was the “King” of tours guides, Stephen decided to change his marketing angle. He issued a proclamation, we crowned him, and the King of NYC was born. In addition to leading tours, Stephen is presently writing a book based on his personal view of New York. The book is a unique window into a city that is often seen, but not so quickly understood. Stephen and Anna Christina live in Queens and have three adorable children - Emily Rose, Stephen II, and Andrew Michael.