9DDAF80E-2A73-47FD-8A09-88855CE76F32

Maria

Gorshin

20 years of experience
New York, NY
United States of America (USA)

Contact Options

There's joy and magic in thoughtful sightseeing - it brings people together, brings on a dose of happy and can connect us to the world in meaningful way.

About

I wholeheartedly agree with Rick Steves when he says, “Travel is intensified living.” That is especially true for me in New York City and Philadelphia where seeing visitors’ eyes light up at the sight of all that is amazing about each city is a real joy to witness and a travel experience I love creating for my guests.

I’m a Licensed NYC Sightseeing Guide, licensed also in Washington, D.C. and TripSchool certified in both Boston and Philadelphia. I lead private luxury tours, multi-day student tours, host corporate events, and organize town & trail walks. My passion for leading tours and love of sharing the history, stories, quirks, beauty and larger-than-life aspects of so many destinations came to me by way of my mom who loved New York so much after fleeing Cuba that she would occasionally pull me out of school announcing, “Maria, guess what? Today we’re playing turista!” We would see so much on those jaunts that my appreciation for places and the sheer joy of exploring grew strong.

I’ve traveled all over the world as a writer for the Hospitality industry and hold a Masters of Science in Education. My true love is creating memorable, joyful experiences for travelers as a Tour Director and Tour Guide. 

Tours Offered & Destination Knowledge

Adventure/Hiking ToursBus ToursCultural/Specialty ToursDriver GuideExperience HostFood & Drink ToursGeneral Walking ToursLarge Group ToursLocal GuideMulti-Day Tour Director/LeaderPrivate ToursStudent Tour DirectorTour Business Owner/Operator

Every tour can be customized to Guests preferences and interests:

Sights, Sweets & Stories - available in NYC, Philadelphia, New Hope, PA, Atlantic City and Washington, DC.

On this tour, guests savor local foods, meet local business owners, discover local history and make an authentic connection in fascinating neighborhoods.

Fall in Love with Upper Manhattan -

The tour for  visitors who have been to NYC many times and are eager to see more, more, more! Harlem, Hamilton Heights, Washington Heights, Latin foods/coffee/sweets, Mother Cabrini, botanical gardens, murals, gorgeous woodlands and The Cloisters are all a part of this beautiful tour.

8-Hour Manhattan Orientation Tour -

This is a full day of walking and taking subways to see and experience NYC classic sights, landmarks districts and neighborhoods including Little Italy, Chinatown, the Financial District/911 Memorial, Statue of Liberty, Hudson Yards, High Line Park, Times Square, Rockefeller Center, Fifth Avenue, Central Park and the Upper West Side.

5th Avenue Luxury Highlights & Central Park Secrets - 

This tour features not only the best of 5th Avenue but the gems and stories so many miss including historic luxury hotels, St Patrick’s Cathedral, the music and stunning beauty of  St. Thomas Church; Bergdorf Goodman (where we meet with my former colleagues who are Docents at this landmark of luxury) and Central Park beyond Bethesda Fountain to include The Ramble, Belvedere Castle and The Conservatory Gardens among other highlights.

Experience Manhattan’s Upper  West Side with a Local, Like a Local -

Delight in this beautiful walk featuring architecture, stories, celebrity homes, The Dakota, classic Upper West Side snacks (at Zabar’s and Levain Bakery, a colorful antique flea market and scenic stops at Riverside Park along the Hudson River and the highlights of Central Park made famous in romantic comedies and television shows.

 

Fun Fact!
I studied taiko - the Japanese martial art of sound - for three years with the drumming group from Disney’s Epcot Japan team.
Hobbies & Interests
Singing, Hiking, Writing, Photography, Comedy, Local Travel

Virtual Tour Experience

Virtual tours are viewable at @CityGirlTours under Story Highlights, the IGTV tab and the Guides tab.

Testimonials

What guests are saying:

"I cannot recommend highly enough Maria’s Upper West Side tour. She answered all the questions my wife and I had about the Upper West side’s history and architecture. Maria’s knowldege and personal experience as a NYC native is exquisitely complemented by her warm personality and communication skills. I can’t wait for a return trip to see our son, so we can follow up on her many interesting site seeing and dining suggestions."

"Maria could not have been a better guide. She was engaging and so knowledgeable about the area we explored. I would definitely recommend her to anyone who wants an intimate understanding of the NYC area."

"Fabuloso tour , lo recomiendo a todo el que no conozca NY.Maria Es muy amable y paciente con sus anfitriones.No hay forma de conocer los lugares que nos llevo Maria sin una guía.Mi familia agradece que lo brinde en español."

"Maria was very accommodating and a pleasure to be with, best of all she shared an abundance of facts both historical and current about New York."

"Ho avuto la fortuna di partecipare all’esperienza da sola. Maria si è dedicata a me completamente, prendendo tutto il tempo per farmi conoscere i luoghi più interessanti m, spiegandomi il loro background. Ho anche ricevuto ottimo consigli su posti in cui tornare per visite più approfondite. Mi sono divertita molto, è stata un’esperienza unica!"

 

Details

Gateway Airport(s)

JFK, LGA, EWR, PHL

Licenses

Washington, D.C., New York City (NYC)

Training

Language(s)

English, Spanish

Additional Education

Masters of Science, Education

Bachelor of Arts, Journalism

TripSchool Certified Philadelphia/Boston

General Availability

Open for bookings year round and 7 days a week.

Photo Album