Day One - Monday November 30
It's Christmas time in the city, as we are welcomed to New York City! The media capital of the world and largest metropolitan area in the country, it is a place of relentless energy burning with world-class attractions and experiences. Upon arrival at the airport our tour guide and motor coach will greet us, and we will travel to our Times Square hotel for four nights to freshen up before dinner on our own.
Day Two - Tuesday December 1: Full Day City Tour & Broadway Show (D, E)
Our morning begins with a ferry ride to the Statue of Liberty, where we will view France's gift of International Friendship to the US. Located on Liberty Island in New York Harbor, the Statue of Liberty is one of the most universal symbols of political freedom and democracy. Here we will get a wonderful up close and personal view of the Lady as she stands in New York Harbor, since 1886. To better understand this monumental work of art, we will be able to view inside the Statue through a glass ceiling, guided by a park ranger with enhanced lighting and video system. From the observation deck you will see the panoramic views of the New York City skyline. A trip to Ellis Island where over 100 million can trace their immigrant roots to. Between 1892 and 1954, 12 million immigrants entered the United States through this door and began their journey in this brave new world. See & hear what coming to American meant through film, archives photos and recordings in the Great Hall. An exciting attraction in itself! After arriving back in Manhattan your guide will show you the downtown area including "Ground Zero" and a guided tour of the 9/11 memorial, the site of the former World Trade Center. At this 16-acre site, we reflect on this tragic time in our history, which has affected us all and see the magnificence of the new One World Trade Center. We will take an elevator to New York's tallest observation deck and get 360 degree vies of all of New York City from the One World Observatory atop the One World Trade Center. Then it's back to your hotel before an early dinner and a Broadway show.
Day Three - Wednesday, December 2: Neighborhoods and Radio City Rockettes (D, E)
Today we will enjoy a full day tour of New York City by motorcoach and some walking as we drive by former and current homes of New York's wealthy and well-known. See the mansions of the Upper East Side, famous penthouses and some of the former homes of the Astors and Vanderbilts. Drive by the United Nations building on the East River. We will see and neighborhoods such as Greenwich Village, SoHo, Chinatown, Little Italy, etc. This tour will provide ample time to explore do some shopping and have a nice lunch on our own before we continue in the afternoon with strolling by Carnegie Hall, Central Park, Lincoln Center, and the Time Warner Center. But the day isn't over yet. In between these forays, we will take in a matinee production at Radio City Music Hall and the Christmas Spectacular featuring the Rockettes. Dinner will be included this evening.
Day Four - Thursday, December 4: Complete Free Day (D)
Today is a free day to enjoy New York the way we always dreamed. Relax or get active whatever we choose, we may do as we please. We toured so much of the city yesterday and now have the chance to revisit any of these areas or explore new spots. Have a little lunch in a quaint spot? Want to stroll 5th Avenue and do some window shopping? Visit some of the great Christmas Markets? Want to do more than just window shopping? Want to go back and visit any of the neighborhoods we just toured? Spend time in Central Park? Visit a couple of New York's world class museums - The Metropolitan Museum, the Museum of Modern Art, The Guggenheim, the Museum of Natural History, spend more time at the 9/11 Museum and memorial? Take a walk on the High Line? How about catching another show on Broadway - no problem? Most of these things can be taken in by walking or a short cab ride. So many options and our guide will help with any special arrangements and instructions so that we are sure to enjoy our day. We will all gather together for our farewell dinner and a last salute to New York.
Day Five - Friday, December 5: Home
Depending on our flight schedule back home, we will continue our touring of New York City. We will focus on our favorite spots and perhaps even time for shopping before making our way to the airport and our trip home. We depart with the most wonderful memories of New York City (the Big Apple), which will stay with us forever.