1624
8.399 Million
Highlights and Inclusions:
Day 1: New York Icons: Top of the Rock, MOMA, Macy’s Herald Square, Fifth Avenue, Rockefeller Christmas Tree
Morning:
Arrive in NYC and meet A-Z Travels Tour Director at Macy’s Herald Square. Start your journey at Macy’s Herald Square, known for its iconic holiday window displays and historic architecture. Enjoy free time shopping in this renowned landmark.
Visit the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) for an educational guided tour. Students will view famous artworks by artists like Van Gogh, Picasso, and Warhol, gaining insights into modern and contemporary art movements.
Afternoon:
Eat at a nearby authentic NYC Pizzeria.
Explore Fifth Avenue’s iconic windows, including a visit to the Apple Store to see the latest technology and holiday-themed displays. Students can admire the creativity and innovation behind these world-renowned storefronts. While taking in the famous window displays, feel free to explore the LEGO Store or FAO Schwartz
Visit the world-famous NYC Christmas Tree in Rockefeller Center for a photo opportunity. Watch the skaters on the rink in front of the tree.
Evening:
Enjoy dinner before you visit Top of the Rock Observation Deck at Rockefeller Center for stunning 360-degree views of NYC. Students will learn about the city’s layout, landmarks, and architectural history.
Make your way to your hotel to check in. Enjoy a much-deserved rest.
Day 2: NYC’s Heritage Trail: Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, 911 Memorial and Museum, Chinatown, Little Italy
Morning:
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before you board a ferry to visit the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. Learn about the Statue of Liberty’s history and significance as a symbol of freedom and democracy. Explore the Ellis Island Immigration Museum, where students can discover the stories of immigrants who passed through Ellis Island on their journey to America – even some of their own ancestors!
Lunch at the cafe on Ellis Island, offering a variety of options to accommodate dietary preferences and needs. Enjoy views of the NYC skyline and the Statue of Liberty from the dining area.
Afternoon:
Visit the 9/11 Memorial and Museum, honoring the lives lost during the September 11, 2001 attacks. Engage in a guided tour of the memorial pools and the museum exhibits, which include artifacts, personal stories, and multimedia displays that convey the impact of 9/11 on NYC and the world.
Evening:
Chinatown and Little Italy are vibrant neighborhoods in Lower Manhattan, each offering distinct cultural experiences. Chinatown, known for its bustling markets and colorful signage, showcases a rich tapestry of Chinese culture through its authentic eateries, herbal shops, and cultural festivals, providing a glimpse into the community’s heritage and traditions. In Little Italy, narrow streets are lined with Italian restaurants, cafes, and shops, where visitors can indulge in traditional Italian cuisine and desserts like cannoli where you will enjoy your group dinner. Additional free time to explore Little Italy after dinner.
Day 3: NYC Magic: Bryant Park Winter Village, Bumper Cars, Wollman Rink Ice Skating, and Herald Square
Morning:
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before you explore Bryant Park Winter Village and Christmas Market, featuring holiday shops, artisanal crafts, and festive decorations. Students can browse unique gifts and enjoy the seasonal atmosphere. Stop for a cup of hot cocoa to help keep the chill off.
Enjoy a thrilling ride on the Bryant Park Bumper Cars, adding excitement and fun to the holiday experience.
Afternoon:
Ice skate at Wollman Rink in Central Park, surrounded by the city skyline and winter scenery. Warm up with hot cocoa and snacks available at the rink side café.
Evening:
Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant near Herald Square. After dinner, take in the charm of this shopping and cultural district at night and immerse yourself in the dazzling and festive scene that captures the holiday spirit in New York City. The sidewalks are lined with lights and decorations, and you might find street performers adding to the lively ambiance. The energy of the crowds and the glow of the lights create a magical atmosphere that’s both exciting and comforting.
Day 4: NYC Highlights: Rockettes Christmas Spectacular, Chelsea Market, The High Line Times Square, and a Stroll Through Midtown and More!
Morning:
After breakfast, venture to the Chelsea neighborhood to walk the High Line, an elevated park built on a historic freight rail line. Students will enjoy scenic views of Manhattan’s West Side, surrounded by gardens, public art installations, and urban landscapes. Visit Chelsea Market, a historic food hall and shopping destination in the Meatpacking District. Students will explore the market’s diverse vendors, offering gourmet treats, unique gifts, and artisanal goods.
Afternoon:
Lunch at Chelsea Market. After, go on a walking tour of iconic Manhattan. Your guide will lead you first to the Empire State Building with its art deco exterior as it is one of the defining symbols of NYC. Continue to Grand Central Terminal, a bustling transportation hub with stunning architecture. The terminal’s opulent Main Concourse, with its celestial dome and historic charm, is a highlight. Check out the whispering gallery for a unique acoustic experience. Continue on to the NY Public Library known for its impressive Beaux-Arts architecture and lion statues, the library offers beautiful interiors and interesting exhibits. Stroll down 5th Avenue while admiring the window displays and arrive at St. Patrick’s Cathedral with stunning architecture, beautiful stained-glass windows, and tranquil atmosphere that offer a peaceful contrast to the city’s hustle. Move past Rockefeller Center and Broadway until you reach Times Square, the epicenter of Broadway and a must-see for its vibrant atmosphere and entertainment options.
Evening:
Farewell dinner at a restaurant in Times Square. After dinner, get ready to get fully into the holiday spirit while experiencing the Rockettes at Radio City! The show is a dazzling and festive performance that captivates audiences with its blend of precision dance, elaborate staging, and holiday cheer. Free time taking in the magic of the city.
Day 5: Botanical Gardens Train Show, Arthur Avenue, and a Fond Farewell
Morning:
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and check out. Then visit the New York Botanical Garden in the Bronx, where you’ll experience the Train Show, a beloved annual event that combines the charm of model trains with the beauty of horticulture. The show features intricately designed model trains that chug along elaborate tracks through a landscape of miniature New York landmarks and botanical displays. One of the highlights of the show is the collection of buildings and landmarks crafted from natural materials like twigs, bark, and leaves, which are often modeled after iconic NYC structures such as the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, and Brooklyn Bridge.
Afternoon:
Lunch at a nearby café or restaurant on the famous Arthur Avenue in the Bronx, offering a variety of options to suit all tastes.
Departure preparations, ensuring a smooth transition for your safe journey home.
