Landmarks of
New York City
Day 1 - Midtown and Northern Manhattan
 Your guide welcomes you to midtown Manhattan--the heart of
New York. Some of the greatest architecture in the U.S. looms
overhead, from the art deco Empire State Building, which
defines the city’s skyline, to the gleaming spire of
the Chrysler Building. See the skyscrapers that shape Rockefeller
Center--a mixture of art deco and post-modern architecture.
Right next door is the magnificent Radio City Music Hall,
home
of the world-famous Rockettes.
Enjoy a tour of Grand Central--a landmark structure built
in the Beaux Arts Classical Style. Grand Central has undergone
incredible renovations, from top to bottom, including a ceiling
filled with astrological figures (ask your guide about the
small black spot on the ceiling).
 After lunch at one of the many restaurants in Grand Central,
head north to the famous streets of Harlem--home to African-African culture. Founded by the Dutch
in 1658, Harlem was considered a suburb of New York (originally
New Amsterdam) for some time. The area has seen many changes
over the years and its history is evident. See the Apollo Theater,
which made stars out of many African-American performers, the
Abyssinian Baptist Church in which Adam Clayton Powell Jr.
was instrumental, and Strivers' Row. The stories of the people
and the neighborhood make this a remarkable experience.
After taking all this in, enjoy dinner at one of New York’s
fine restaurants.
Day 2 - Lower Manhattan/Statue of Liberty/Ellis Island
Head toward Battery Park and board the ferry to the great lady
of New York Harbor—the Statue of Liberty. Although
visitors can no longer enter the statue, a trip to New York’s
high points is incomplete without a close-up view of this
enduring and inspiring symbol of freedom.
Continue by ferry to Ellis Island, the entry point to the
U.S. for millions of immigrants (12 million between 1889 and
1924). Amazingly, 40% of U.S. citizens can trace their roots
here. The island fell to the elements after it closed in 1954,
but was restored in 1990. The main hall is now the Immigration
Museum, and you can retrace the footsteps of your ancestors
as they first arrived in America.
Have lunch on Ellis island before you return to Manhattan
Island. Then see where it began— the southern tip of
Manhattan, which was settled by the Dutch in 1624 as New Amsterdam.
History surrounds you downtown, including St. Paul’s
Chapel, where George Washington attended services and Trinity
Church. Around the corner the street is the World Trade Center
site (Ground Zero), where you can imagine what once was—and
what will rise again as a lasting tribute.
 Afterwards
you can make a visit South Street Seaport, the site of what
was once the country’s leading port with its magnificent
river views. South Street offers a glimpse into
the past as 18th and 19th century buildings line its cobblestone
streets and sea breezes waft off the East River. You can visit
the Seaport Museum, home to the largest fleet of privately
maintained historic vessels--some of which are permanently
moored for you to board.
This evening have a light meal and then attend a Broadway
show.
Optional activities available on this day:
Day 3 - Central Park
 There is one landmark you cannot forget: Central Park. Depending
on the time you’re leaving the city, you can wander
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 City Landmarks tour.
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