New York

Begin your sightseeing drive of Manhattan and view the Rockefeller Center, Times Square, the Theatre District, the Empire State Building and St Patrick’s Cathedral from the comfort of your air-conditioned coach. You’ll travel through quintessential New York neighbourhoods such as trendy Greenwich Village, Little Italy, the Financial District and Fifth Avenue with its designer stores and boutiques. You’ll also see glimpses of Central Park, which covers some 843 acres at the core of this bustling metropolis, and provides the people of the city with a green oasis.

The highlight of your New York exploration will be a visit to the Winter Garden at the World Financial Center. You’ll have a chance to leave the coach and view the 9/11 Memorial & One World Trade from a glassed-in observation deck.

Following your stop at the Winter Garden, you’ll resume your travels on the pulsing streets of the city. With your hunger to discover the ‘Big Apple’ satisfied, you’ll return to your ship.

Travelling the dynamic streets of Manhattan by coach, your informative guide offers historic and factual commentary as you pass the celebrated sights of the city.

You’ll briefly pause at the Winter Garden, situated at the World Financial Center, and view the 9/11 Memorial & One World Trade from the glassed-in atrium observation deck to pay your respects to those who lost their lives here.

Absorb the sights as you sweep along Broadway, and visit the historical St Paul’s Chapel, where President George Washington paused to pray after his inauguration. Take in the financial district and the famous Wall Street and New York Stock Exchange. A brief stop will also be made at Battery Park to snap a photo of the Statue of Liberty in the distance.

Take a break from the main city sightseeing to enjoy the atmosphere at South Street Seaport. Photograph the nearby Brooklyn Bridge which, when it opened, had the longest span between its 2 supporting towers in history at 1,595 feet. Today it remains an impressive icon of New York. Inspired by this great city’s energy, beauty and resolve, resume your sightseeing drive and make your way through New York’s uniquely fascinating avenues.

On land, you’ll make your way to Lower Manhattan by coach, stopping at the historic 18th century South Street Seaport, complete with historic tall ships, museums, exhibits, shops and restaurants.

Board the Zephyr, a custom-built, luxury catamaran for a 60-minute tour of New York’s waterways. You’ll experience unparalleled views of the skyline and the port as your tour guide provides an informative narration whilst you cruise by the amazing spectacle of New York.

Sail by Brooklyn Bridge, see the Empire State Building, Chrysler Building, World Financial Centre and the famous boroughs of Brooklyn, Staten Island and Ellis Island, the immigrant gateway to America. Have your camera ready for the highlight of the trip as your captain briefly lingers directly in front of the Statue of Liberty for a fantastic photo opportunity.

After your harbour cruise, you’ll re-board your coach and take a scenic drive back to the ship which will include passing the 9/11 Memorial & One World Trade.

John D Rockefeller first opened the open-air observation deck in 1933 to the amazement of New Yorkers. Designed in homage to ocean liners of the day, it quickly became ‘the’ place to view the city. After renovation caused the observation deck to close in 1986, ‘Top of the Rock’ re-opened in 2005 to a huge fanfare and has reclaimed its status as one of the best places to see some fantastic views of the city.

Seaport, New York’s original working seaport, now features a museum, a collection of antique sailing ships and inspiring views of Brooklyn Bridge. Here, you will have time to sightsee and purchase some lunch.

The tour then takes in such highlights as Harlem, Central Park, Greenwich Village and Soho. A wonderful opportunity to see what this amazing city has to offer.

An experience not to be missed as you head to Brooklyn and take in the dazzling illuminated lights of Broadway.

You will see the spectacular art deco building of the steel-capped Chrysler building, and take in sites such as the Rockefeller Center, the Woolworth Building and in the distance the magnificent site of the Statue of Liberty.

You will travel from the East River to Brooklyn from where you’ll be able to take in the famous New York City skyline from beneath the Brooklyn Bridge.

A stop at Times Square gives you the chance to stroll and shop or just relax and sip a coffee and watch the world go by.

A relaxing, enjoyable and interesting tour starting with a brief stop at Central Park and a visit to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, one of the world’s largest and most prestigious museums.

You will head off to the ‘Upper West Side’, where you will see many homes of celebrities as well as the Lincoln Center featuring the Metropolitan Opera House. A brief stop will be made at the famous Dakota building, where John Lennon lived, followed by a short walk to Strawberry Fields, the area of Central Park devoted to him. Central Park is over 150 years old, has over 25 million visitors each year and more than 200 movies have been filmed within the Park. Continue by coach along the world famous Fifth Avenue, famous for all its designer shops and department stores.

Founded in 1870, the Metropolitan Museum of Art is one of the most visited museums in the world featuring over 2 million works of art. The institution’s permanent collection spans history, from a transported Egyptian temple to a large collection of 19th and 20th century European paintings. There is also the chance to see many special and temporary exhibits while visiting the Museum. Enjoy 2½ hour’s free time with an audio guide to explore the exhibits. There are several cafés in the museum where you can purchase a coffee or snack.

On this tour you will stand at the base of ‘Lady Liberty’, delve into the history of this iconic statue and visit Ellis Island Museum to catch the spirit of the important role this island played in American history.

After a brief drive to Battery Park, at the southern tip of Manhattan, you will board the ferry and take in the sites of New York Harbour including beautiful views of the city including Brooklyn and its famous bridge, Staten Island, New Jersey and the Manhattan skyline in the distance.

Upon reaching Liberty Island, you will have time to walk around the base of this magnificent statue. There will also be a short time to visit the gift shop and enjoy some of the exterior exhibits. Your guide will provide detailed information about ‘Lady Liberty’, its completion in 1886 and her unique history.

Re-boarding the ferry, you will continue on to Ellis Island, another National Historic Landmark. Ellis Island was the main immigration centre for the United States from 1892 until World War II. More than 12 million immigrants were processed at the island, and today over 40% of Americans can trace some part of their ancestry back to Ellis Island. You will have approximately 1½ hour to explore the museum on your own.

Travel across the East River to Brooklyn to view the illuminated New York City Skyline from beneath the Brooklyn Bridge, at the historical Fulton Landing. The dazzling lights of Broadway, the illuminated icons of the City, the string of pearls that suspend the humming road of the Brooklyn Bridge and the spectacular Art Deco capped Chrysler Building will all be sparkling as you pass by.

Retuning to midtown, ascend the iconic Empire State Building for the breathtaking panoramic views of the city at night from the observation deck, on the 86th floor of the tallest building in the city.

Enjoy the hustle and bustle of Times Square with some free time to stroll, shop or enjoy a drink in a bar.

DAY 1
Embark on a 2 hour scenic drive through the beautiful Garden State to Philadelphia - the birthplace of the United States of America. From the first penny to the First Amendment, Philadelphia led the nation. Your guide will host you on a walking tour to the newly overhauled Independence National Historical Park. From the outside, admire Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell, which illustrate the early history of the country. The 2,000 pound bell, cast in England to proclaim ‘liberty throughout the land’, as the Declaration of Independence was read aloud to the citizens. The Liberty Bell is housed in a new 13,000-square-foot glass pavilion angled so you can see it against the backdrop of Independence Hall. You’ll also visit (external views only) Betsy Ross house where 3 members of a secret committee from the Continental Congress, George Washington, Robert Morris, and George Ross came in May 1776 to ask her to sew the 1st flag. Following lunch in a restaurant in Old Town Philadelphia, you’ll continue your journey to Washington DC.

Upon arrival you’ll check-in to a hotel, located in the Washington DC area, before relaxing over an early 3 course dinner in Georgetown DC at the famous Sequoia Restaurant (or similar).

DAY 2
After a continental breakfast, you’ll check out and embark on a city tour to see the sights of the nation's capital. Washington DC captures the true spirit of America. Symbols of the patriotism, the fight for freedom and the diverse history that spans centuries are present on every corner.

With your knowledgeable local guide you’ll take a stroll through Arlington National Cemetery to the ‘eternal flame’ which marks the grave of John Fitzgerald Kennedy. Back onboard your coach sit back, relax and have your camera to hand as you continue on your panoramic drive. A brief photo stop will be made at The White House before you continue on passing some of the city’s most celebrated landmarks, including US Capitol, the World War II Memorial, Jefferson Memorial, Washington Monument, Holocaust Memorial and the Building of Engraving and Printing.

Before heading back on your road journey to New York, enjoy a 3 course lunch.

DAY 1
Embark on a 2 hour scenic drive through the beautiful Garden State to Philadelphia - the birthplace of the United States of America. From the first penny to the First Amendment, Philadelphia led the nation. Your guide will host you on a walking tour to the newly overhauled Independence National Historical Park. From the outside, admire Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell, which illustrate the early history of the country. The 2,000 pound bell, cast in England to proclaim ‘liberty throughout the land’, as the Declaration of Independence was read aloud to the citizens. The Liberty Bell is housed in a new 13,000-square-foot glass pavilion angled so you can see it against the backdrop of Independence Hall. You’ll also visit (external views only) Betsy Ross house where 3 members of a secret committee from the Continental Congress, George Washington, Robert Morris, and George Ross came in May 1776 to ask her to sew the 1st flag. Following lunch in a restaurant in Old Town Philadelphia, you’ll continue your journey to Washington DC.

Upon arrival you’ll check-in to a hotel, located in the Washington DC area, before relaxing over an early 3 course dinner in Georgetown DC at the famous Sequoia Restaurant (or similar).

DAY 2
After a continental breakfast, you’ll check out and embark on a city tour to see the sights of the nation's capital. Washington DC captures the true spirit of America. Symbols of the patriotism, the fight for freedom and the diverse history that spans centuries are present on every corner.

With your knowledgeable local guide you’ll take a stroll through Arlington National Cemetery to the ‘eternal flame’ which marks the grave of John Fitzgerald Kennedy. Back onboard your coach sit back, relax and have your camera to hand as you continue on your panoramic drive. A brief photo stop will be made at The White House before you continue on passing some of the city’s most celebrated landmarks, including US Capitol, the World War II Memorial, Jefferson Memorial, Washington Monument, Holocaust Memorial and the Building of Engraving and Printing.

Before heading back on your road journey to New York, enjoy a 3 course lunch.