Foods, glorious
foods, of New York.
Day 1 - Lower East Side
The Lower East Side has served as the gateway to New York City
for millions of immigrants over the years. Today, this unique
neighborhood welcomes you--and invites you to sample its
diverse foods while learning about its rich history.
 Known for its Jewish population, the Lower East Side features
the foods of Eastern Europeans. Enjoy an overstuffed sandwich
at Katz’s Delicatessen, or nosh your way through the
area at Kossar’s Bialys, Gus’s Pickles, Yonah Schimmel’s
Knishery or take something home from Russ and Daughters.
Rounding out the local eateries are a Turkish kabob house,
French bistros and restaurant row on Clinton Street.
After lunch (or Alka-Seltzer), the afternoon is yours to explore
Manhattan. Since you’re Downtown, you may want to head
south to the South Street Seaport, the site of what was once
the country’s leading port. South Street offers a glimpse
into the past as 18th and 19th century buildings line its cobblestone
streets, sea breezes waft off the East River and the nation’s
largest wholesale fish market still operates. Visit the Seaport
Museum, home to the largest fleet of privately maintained historic
vessels--some of which are permanently moored for you to board.
If you’d like, we can arrange a cruise on a tugboat or
historic schooner. If you are still looking for some international
tastes, the Seaport has an international food court.
Later, return to the comfort of your hotel. This evening,
dinner is included at one of Manhattan’s fine restaurants.
Don’t expect to eat at the restaurants in your tour book--we
choose the places where New Yorkers in the know go.
Optional activities available on this day:
- Private guided program of the South Street Seaport.
- Harbor ride in a tugboat (limited to 6 guests) or schooner
(maximum of 35 guests).
- Lower Manhattan, Wall Street
and the World Trade Center Site (Ground Zero).
Click here to see additional custom options.
Day 2 - Hell’s Kitchen/Clinton
This morning, you have time to explore New York on your own.
Since your afternoon program will begin in midtown Manhattan, the Intrepid Air and Space Museum is a great starting point.
 After
the USS Intrepid aircraft carrier completed its long and distinguished
history of service, it was turned into
a museum. Unlike most museums, which are buildings filled
with
artifacts, the Intrepid is the artifact. Go aboard this massive
ship, which is docked in the Hudson River, and see 25 aircraft
(including the newest addition —the Concord), some on
the flight deck, others displayed down below. You’ll
get an inside look at life at sea on this “floating
city.” You
can also board the USS Growler, a submarine, and the USS
Edson, a destroyer as both of these vessels are docked near
the Intrepid.
In the afternoon, you head to Hell’s Kitchen on Ninth
Avenue, now known as Clinton. Once among the poorest and most
dangerous areas of Manhattan, Hell’s Kitchen was home
to the Irish Mafia in the 20th century. This area has also
seen its share of immigrants. While your guided walking tour
will only go from 54th Street to 34th Street,
 you will be amazed
by the cultural diversity packed into this one-mile stretch.
Along the way, visit a Greek Bakery, which is the only such
bakery in the U.S. that still makes its own phyllo dough by
hand (the bakers are from Mexico and Puerto Rico). You’ll
see an Italian specialty foods store that’s been here
since 1893, as well as an African grocery store, a Middle Eastern
spice market and more. Food is a great way to learn about cultures
and Ninth Avenue is the place to go.
After noshing your way through Hell’s Kitchen, you may
not want a big meal. We suggest you take in some of New York’s
famous nightlife and go for a late dinner. Whether you want
to see a Broadway or off-Broadway show, enjoy music or dance,
we can help arrange the perfect evening.
Optional activities available on this day:
Day 3 - Central Park
 Depending on the time you’re leaving the city, you can
explore neighborhood you have not yet discovered. Or simply
spend some time in New York City’s oasis: Central Park
(even New Yorkers need trees). The first major public park
built in America, Central Park spans 843 acres and is home
to more than 270 species of migratory birds. You can search
out the more than 50 sculptures in the park (watch for the
jaguar sculpture hidden among the rocks) or enjoy the tranquility
of Literary Walk--a favorite spot of ours. You can also visit
the Central Park Zoo (with everything from a rain forest to
polar bears) or take in historic sites of the revolutionary
war. For inspiration, stop by Strawberry Fields named in honor
of the late Beatle John Lennon, or visit the Shakespeare garden--a
peaceful spot filled with flowers and plants mentioned in the
author’s works.
There is so much more to do, but there’s only so much
time--so come back and visit us another day.
Optional activities available on this day:
Get more information about New York Food tour
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