From the wide, beautiful spaces of Central Park in the north to the busy financial district and South Street Seaport at the southern tip, this New York City tour gives school groups the perfect overview of Manhattan. A ride to the top of the Empire State Building lets you see the cityscape from above, a great way to familiarize groups with the famous destination. History, culture, and the arts all make an appearance in this exciting sample itinerary for three days in New York City.
**DAY ONE**
NBC Studio Tour
Go inside the studios that bring us The Today Show, The Tonight Show, and Saturday Night Live. They are also the studios made famous by the sitcom 30 Rock, named for the address of the building, 30 Rockefeller Plaza.
Radio City Music Hall
Also part of Rockefeller Center, Radio City Music Hall is a beautiful tradition in the entertainment industry. You’ll tour the Hall itself where the world’s top artists have performed. You’ll learn the history of Radio City Music Hall and meet one of the famous Rockettes. You’ll even go inside the VIP room where celebrities and performing legends gather before and after a show. Radio City Music Hall is full of entertainment history and memorabilia.
Times Square
This most-famous Manhattan intersection is more pedestrian-friendly than ever with its pedestrian mall offering tables, chairs, and bleacher-like seating right in the midst of the giant billboards, famous shops, and museums. Students are always amazed by the crowds and the energy of this brilliant New York City attraction.
Broadway Play
Always a favorite NYC experience, choose from comedy, drama, mysteries, and the classic musical. Shows by Disney are always popular choices for school travel tours.
**DAY TWO**
CBS Morning Show
Here’s a chance for your students to shine – or at least to get on TV! It’s always fun to be in on a live television recording.
Central Park
Explore these beautiful acres with a knowledgeable guide or explore on your own armed with a map and the audio tour narrated by celebrities. You can also choose a Central Park Movie Walking Tour and explore the famous Central Park landmarks as film locations from favorite and iconic movies. Attractions include the Boathouse, Bow Bridge, Bethesda Terrace, and the Central Park Zoo.
Macy’s Herald Square
It’s an entire block with more than ten floors and hours of shopping and sights. Macy’s on 34th Street in Manhattan is a pop culture icon and an American tradition. Students will love the experience of having been there. You’ll find a variety of shopping plus several restaurants inside.
Empire State Building
The most iconic observation deck in New York City offers an amazing view from two different floors.
**DAY THREE**
Ellis Island
You’ll love the stories told at Ellis Island by the amazing artifacts, photos, and literature located in the museum. Once the gateway to America, Ellis Island is now a gateway to understanding where many of us come from, the desire for a better life and the right to pursue it.
Statue of Liberty
Lady Liberty stands tall and proud as an iconic NYC landmark and a symbol of our nation’s promise of freedom and equality for all. Seeing her above the water is always a moving experience that only grows as you tour the area and learn more.
World Trade Center Rebuilding Site and Visitors Center
Once known as Ground Zero, the World Trade Center is now a rebuilding site and the stage for breathtaking memorials and a new financial center. View it from above, tour below, and discover more in the WTC Visitors Center.
Trinity Church
This beautiful Manhattan church almost looks out of place in the financial district of Manhattan. It’s an iconic landmark with several famous names buried in its cemeteries. It’s still an active church but with a rich and detailed history.
Wall Street
Explore the rest of the financial district, including this home to the New York Stock Exchange. Nearby, the famous statue of a Charging Bull is always a favorite photo op. It’s an iconic symbol of America’s economy and a Manhattan landmark.
South Street Seaport
History and culture await at the South Street Seaport. Shopping, dining, farmers market, bike rentals, and performers are just part of the culture on this gateway to the harbor.
Chinatown
One of Manhattan’s greatest charms is in its variety of unique and diverse neighborhoods. Chinatown is one of the best-known. You’ll enjoy your tour of the famous, culture-rich neighborhood and perhaps have time to explore similarly diverse neighborhoods nearby like Little Italy and SoHo.
*Remember every tour with us is fully customized. This is only a sample NYC itinerary.
