3-Day Perfect Taste of NYC | Educational Tours & Graduation Trips

Day 1 You'll See:

Day 2 You’ll See:

Day 3 You’ll See:

You’ve probably heard a lot about the sights and sounds of New York City, but what about the flavors? This 3-day trek through the Big Apple will give your group the perfect taste of NYC, a tour filled with essential New York City stops mingled in with excellent new, classic, and popular eateries that excellently encompass all the intricate flavors of the city that never sleeps!

Day
1

Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island - No visit to New York City would be complete without a trip to our nation's most famous National Monument and World Heritage Site, the Statue of Liberty. Located on Liberty Island, this colossal neoclassical sculpture was brought to America in 1886 as a symbol of friendship between France and the United States following the American Revolution. Designer Bartholdi created this 225-ton structure, with the help of the designer of the Eiffel Tower, as a physical representation of freedom and democracy in America. Ellis Island is famous today for being the portal to the American dream and opportunities immigrants did not have in their homeland, having admitted over 25 million people in its time. It was a symbol of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, just like the Statue of Liberty. Visit Ellis Island and learn not only about the history of America but the history of your own family.

9/11 Memorial Museum - The 9/11 Memorial Museum is located at the World Trade Center’s foundation and serves as the country’s principal institution for examining the implications of 9/11 events. Here your group will find 110,000 square feet of exhibition space within the archaeological heart of the Trade Center that documents events, explores the continuing significance of, and tells personal stories from 9/11. See multimedia displays, archives, narratives, and a collection of monuments and authentic artifacts that not only cover the 9/11 attacks but the 1993 bombings as well. Hear the life stories of over 3,000 men and women that tell of loss, compassion, and recovery, as you pay tribute to those fallen in one of the biggest tragedies to ever hit the United States. Your group may choose to take a self-guided audio tour, a 60-minute guided museum tour, or a 45-minute guided memorial tour while here, and be sure you see the sobering "Survivor’s Stairs" before leaving.

Wall Street - Did you know that Wall Street used to actually hold a wall, at first a basic plank fence and then later a much taller and stronger wall to defend against British and Native American attacks? This 0.7-mile long street, eight blocks from Broadway to South Street, used to be the official northern boundary of New Amsterdam, now one of the world’s most famous streets of all time! This is the heart of New York’s Financial District in Lower Manhattan, a patriotic symbol of wealth and ambition. Years of traders, merchants, and spectators gathering along this street have made this a prime financial haven for local and traveling businessmen and women, and tourists love to get a glimpse as well! Student groups exploring Wall Street will see the ornate 19th century Trinity Church, the New York Stock Exchange, the Federal Hall National Memorial, the Financial District, the 70-story Trump Building and the famous Charging Bull – an ever-popular photo op!

Jack’s Wife Freda - Opened in 2012, Jack’s Wife Freda is an all-day lively bistro with American-Mediterranean cooking, classic cocktails, and understated digs. While this eatery is very highly known for it’s innovative, authentic, and absolutely delicious dishes, it is also known for its immigrant love story, a story of two souls from very different areas (Johannesburg and Israel) coming together with a passion for food, family, and friends. In this eatery, you will find a whole new flavor brought to the urban archetype, as well as a hospitable hangout with understated style and savvy all-day service. The couples’ love for the city is reflected in the menu as well as the service, the first of the two including such popular items as green shakshuka, rosewater waffles, and duck bacon. Find out why New York Mag calls this food the perfect "South African Israeli Jewish Grandmother Cuisine" and be sure to take your own Instagram food photo to add to their collection while there.

SoHo- Welcome to the neighborhood in Lower Manhattan known as SoHo, or "South of Houston Street." This region has been known over the years for being an excellent historic cast-iron district, grandiose urban shopping mall, and even a famous artists’ haven. Here your group will find a variety of shops ranging from trendy upscale to national and international chain store outlets. Explore the 26 blocks of over 500 buildings and admire the architecture, Belgian Blocked streets, impeccably preserved cast-iron fire escapes, and industrial facades showcasing the wares of Chanel and Prada. See what made this a '70s and '80s contemporary art hot spot as you discover various galleries and artists lofts, as well as why this area was called "Hell’s Hundred Acres" as an old manufacturing zone. This whole district is an archetypal example of inner-city regeneration and gentrification, and you are going to love seeing it up close and personal!

Joe’s Pizza - Joe’s Pizza is a New York City classic, a Greenwich Village institution that has been serving up classic New York slices for over 37 years. This establishment was started in 1975 by Joe Pozzuoli, a highly regarded pizza maker who started his life and love for pizza making in Naples, Italy, the birthplace of pizza. This eatery is a classic NY slice joint, the real deal, run by real deal owner Pozzuoli who still operates the restaurant daily himself at 75 years of age. Joe’s Pizza has been a perennial top 10 listings for a decade and has been called the Best of New York and a Quintessential NY Slice by New York Mag. GQ Magazine named this one of the Best 25 Pizza’s on Earth in 2009, giving you all the more reason to stop by and see what it’s all about. The menu is simple and straightforward, order a Cheese, Fresh Mozzarella, or Sicilian Square pie or slice and pair it with classic drinks and salads available daily!

Day
2

Sarabeth’s - Start your day off with a delicious breakfast or brunch from the famous Sarabeth’s! Sarabeth is the namesake and owner, a true American success story who started as an award-winning jam maker, acclaimed pastry chef, and then later successful restaurateur. Sarabeth is the driving force behind the success and popular reputation of the brand and has been praised by the New York Mag, New York Times, Timeout New York, and the Zagat Guide. Sarabeth started with her 200-year-old family recipe for Apricot Marmalade in 1987, and today she and her business partner/husband own a jam factory, wholesale-retail bakery cafe, and a total of nine restaurants! You can see her recipes online and in magazines and her products on grocery store shelves, or you can just come in and see the contemporary American food, warm atmosphere, and friendly service for yourself! Try the lemon and ricotta pancakes, short rib hash, or Maine lobster roll before you go!

Central Park - Get ready for a pleasant stroll through one of America’s greatest works of art, the nation’s first public park, and the most visited and beloved urban park in the United States, Central Park. Take in the peaceful yet sprawling 843-acre backyard of New York City, one of the most filmed locations in the world for a very good reason. Among its many highlights are two ice skating rinks, a 90-acre area of natural woods, dozens of intricate bridges and arches, twenty-one playgrounds, one of the largest merry-go-rounds in the U.S., a small zoo, a 106-acre reservoir encircled by a running track and a delightful heirloom rose garden. Central Park is wound about with scenic footpaths; birding and wildlife watching opportunities abound, and boat/kayak rentals can be secured at Loeb Boathouse. The recreation options here are practically endless, the photo ops are everywhere, and even the squirrels seem to be having a good time!

Shake Shack - The Shake Shack is a beloved restaurant brand across the United States, especially here in NYC. There are several convenient New York locations, such as the popular Battery Park City location. Inside the Shake Shack, your group can catch a game on the TV screens, people watch from the patio, or just sit and take in the gorgeous city views. At Battery Park, you can sit outside and enjoy unbeatable Hudson River views, and also take delight in the fact that 5% of their overall sales go to the Battery Park Conservancy. The menu consists of all-natural, no hormone and no antibiotic-treated meats and ingredients, making it fresh and delicious 100% of the time. Try the 100% Angus beef burgers, flat-top dogs, frozen custard, shakes, or concretes. They even sell doggy treats, from bones to biscuits here, as well as beer and wines! If you’re just here for a sweet treat, head over to the quick and convenient C-line and try their Wall-Nut Street Concrete before you go!

Guggenheim - The Guggenheim, or officially the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, is located on the Upper East Side and was founded in 1939 by the Guggenheim couple as well as Frank Lloyd Wright. This institution is an internationally renowned art museum and one of the most significant architectural icons of the 20th century. It serves as a vital cultural center, education institution, and as the heart of an international network of museums. Here your group can see special exhibits of modern and contemporary art, lectures by artists and critics, performances and film screenings, daily classes for all ages, and daily gallery tours. This ever-growing institution devoted to 20th-century art was founded on a collection of early modern masterpieces you will have to see before you go, as well as the Guggenheim store. This unique gift store is full of art and architecture books, posters, jewelry, decor, and even wine, making it the perfect NY souvenir stop while here!

Top of the Rock - For a bird’s eye view of the iconic NYC skyline head over to the Rockefeller Center, one of NYC’s most famous landmarks, home to so many businesses it has its own zip code! Take an elevator up to the popular LED-lit “Top of the Rock,” where you’ll enjoy exhilarating 360-degree views of Central Park and the awe-inspiring panorama of the dazzling city skyline from three observation decks. There will also be an option to stroll over to a comfortable 86th floor stop featuring indoor and outdoor viewing options or climb 200 feet higher to the climate-controlled 102nd-floor observation deck – the highest public point in New York City. Both vantage points will offer incredible panoramic views from 1,250 feet above the heart of Manhattan; on a clear day, you can see all the way into Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New Jersey! Enjoy this once in a lifetime sightseeing opportunity and don’t forget your camera for this stop, you’ll definitely want to capture the moment!

Broadway Show - Tonight you’ll see the stars, literally, as you head to the theatre and choose between several popular NYC Broadway Shows currently playing. Choose between such titles as Phantom of the Opera, Les Mis, Jersey Boys, Chicago, Matilda, Fiddler on the Roof, and so much more. Be sure to get there early and have time to see the theater and find your seat before settling in for one heck of a show. No visit to NYC would be complete without seeing a show on Broadway, and with 40+ theatres to choose from, we assure you there will be something for everyone in your group. Stay after the show to see more of the theater, head to a cafe or gift shop, or just wait by the stage door for autographs from your favorite Broadway star!

Day
3

Brooklyn Bridge - The Brooklyn Bridge is a very beloved landmark connecting Manhattan and Brooklyn via a unique stone and steel design that was built in 1883. The bridge was built to replace the crowded and dangerous ferry that previously existed, and was completed, after a few complications, by the Roebling family. This is a fun and scenic walk or bike ride that is considered to be one of the country’s most famous bridges of all time. Though it can be a bit crowded, it can also be a peaceful stroll, depending on the time, weather, and season of venturing. There are drink and souvenir vendors along this 25-40 minute walk, and you may even choose to take any of several audio tours along the way. You will see the Statue of Liberty to the right and the Manhattan Bridge to the left, and once to the other side, you can visit the Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory, Brooklyn Bridge Park, or Henry Street Ale House!

Grimaldi’s - While on this side of the bridge your group must stop for lunch at Grimaldi’s unique and highly popular pizzeria that still uses coal brick ovens to create some of the best pizza in New York. Grimaldi’s Pizzeria was established in 1991 and quickly became highly sought out for its unique smoky flavor and crisp cut crust not possible with gas, convection, or wood ovens. The company strives to ensure that future generations can experience this distinctive and truly authentic pizza even though coal-brick oven cooking is a dying art. The lines can be a bit longer outside this eatery, sometimes lasting up to an hour, but the wait is worth it once you get inside and smell, and then taste, that delicious NY pizza pie! Try the Insalata Caprese, White Pizza, Calzone, or Amaretto Nut Truffle while here and see why Grimaldi’s is ranked New York City’s #1 Pizza!

Brooklyn Flea Market - The Brooklyn Flea Market, or sometimes just called the Flea, was founded in 2008 and has quickly gained a strong reputation as one of the biggest and best flea markets in the United States, and the entire world for that matter. The Flea is a top New York attraction, a weekend market featuring hundreds of top furniture, vintage clothing, collectibles, and antique vendors. Your group can find jewelry, arts, and crafts by local artisans and designers, and fresh, local food here at the Brooklyn Flea Market as well. This event has been named one of the great urban experiences in New York by the New York Times and has been ranked as one of the best in the world by many other travel magazines. In the summer months, this is an open-air, outdoor market, and in the colder winter months, it is located indoors at its permanent Brooklyn location.