Day 1: Athens - New York
Meeting at the airport, final instructions and we start with our flight to the dream New York with the top airlines selected by our office. The tall skyscrapers are the first to welcome us to the "Big Apple". The Christmas atmosphere is pervasive everywhere. A unique journey is just beginning and promises to be unforgettable. Upon arrival, we will be transferred to the hotel which is located in the heart of Manhattan. Time to settle in. Shortly afterwards, depending on the time of arrival, we will embark on a walking tour with our guide for a first introduction to the city.
Day 2: New York - Guided tour of Upper Manhattan – Central Park – Columbia University – Lincoln Center – Harlem – Rockefeller Center
Today is the first of two guided tours of the city's famous sights. We will see the statue of the most important explorer, Christopher Columbus, with his caravels, which today is the point from which all distances from New York are measured. Then we will pass by Lincoln Center, home to the Philharmonic and the Metropolitan Opera, an ideal place for lovers of classical music and more. Next, we will make a short stop at Central Park at the site of John Lennon's home, and from there we will enter the park. Central Park is one of the most popular parks in the world, where New Yorkers relax and enjoy their free time. It is a park full of picturesque lakes, magnificent fountains, the famous Whispering Bench, Shakespeare's Garden, and the small but very popular zoo. We continue with the famous Columbia University of Theoretical Sciences in New York, at the entrance of which there is a reference to ancient Greek philosophers. Next is the Harlem neighborhood, formerly known as the Mecca of African Americans in New York, home to the Apollo Theater, where all the jazz demigods and Michael Jackson have performed. The tour ends with Fifth Avenue, with its famous fashion boutiques, and Rockefeller Center, one of the largest private complexes in the world, owned by the family of the same name, a landmark of the city, which houses the "Top of the Rock" observatory. We will end up at Times Square, the busiest and most photographed square in the world, where millions of visitors are dazzled by the illuminated skyscrapers with colorful neon signs that truly turn night into day. Nearby is the amazing Broadway, the center of the entertainment industry where one can enjoy the most spectacular shows in the world, as well as the public library, a beautiful building both inside and out, dominated by marble, murals, and woodwork. It is noteworthy that the public library is one of the most important research libraries in the United States.
For the evening, we recommend watching one of the famous musicals on Broadway, thus ending your day in New York in the best possible way. Don't forget to buy your tickets in Greece to take advantage of our agency's special low prices and save time waiting in line!
Day 3: New York – Guided tour of Lower Manhattan, United Nations Headquarters, Chelsea Market, and the new eccentric Hudson Yards neighborhood, cruise to the Statue of Liberty – Grand Central Station
Meet in the hotel lobby for the second part of the city tour, which will take us along the East River, passing the piers of East Manhattan with a view of the Brooklyn Bridge. Our first stop will be at the United Nations Headquarters, the seat of the organization whose purpose is to preserve world peace, study international economic trends, issues related to human rights, natural resources, etc. Then we'll visit Grand Central Station, the gateway and symbol of the city, where at least 750,000 people pass through the grand central hall every day.
Then we head to the Flatiron Building, a pioneering skyscraper of great architectural significance. We will then travel to Greenwich Village, beloved by artists and writers, with Washington Square and New York University (NYU) as landmarks.
Next up is Soho, which is full of famous fashion houses, Little Italy, and Chinatown, two of the city's liveliest neighborhoods where New York's multicultural identity is most evident. We head to Wall Street, the center of the global economy, stopping at the bronze sculpture of a bull (Charging Bull). Immediately afterwards, we come across Ground Zero, where a memorial has been created to remind everyone of September 11, and next to it is the new Financial Center called One World Trade Center. In the same area stands the much-discussed new station, designed by Calatrava and known as the Oculus, a building of unique architecture dominated by the color white, which is impressive both inside and out and is considered the most expensive station in the world, costing $4 billion. We continue to Battery Park where we will see the Statue of Liberty from afar, enter the famous Chelsea Market, home to famous New York gourmet restaurants, where we will have free time to buy local products and taste famous dishes. Then we tour the Highline, a wonderful park on the old railway line, which allows us to walk above the city, filling our eyes with images of Manhattan's neighborhoods.
Our tour continues with our cruise, culminating in the Statue of Liberty, a global symbol of freedom, democracy, and justice, located in the harbor since 1886, where you will enjoy the wonderful sights of New York. During the cruise, you will see, among other things, the famous Brooklyn Bridge, the Verrazano Bridge, Governor's Island, the iconic Staten Island Ferry, Ellis Island, One World Tower rising proudly into the city skyline, and we will have the opportunity to take wonderful panoramic photos of New York City and New Jersey! These are just some of the unique images of the "Big Apple" that you will see and will surely never forget!
After the cruise, we will visit Hudson Yards, Manhattan's newly built neighborhood, which looks like something out of a science fiction movie! Spanning 14 acres, it includes dozens of shops, gardens, parks, luxury stores, celebrity chef restaurants, and the impressive climbable structure The Vessel, which resembles a giant beehive. We will then return to our hotel and have time to get ready for our evening out. We have almost unlimited options in the aptly named "city that never sleeps": At a unique cocktail bar or restaurant in the Meatpacking District, at a rooftop bar enjoying the illuminated Manhattan skyline, or in nearby Soho, Little Italy, Tribeca, West & East Village, all areas with a rich nightlife. Among New Yorkers relaxing with a drink or a meal after a busy day, New York is ready to show you its nighttime side. If we are lucky and there is a basketball game on, we recommend experiencing the spectacular and magical world of the NBA up close at Madison Square Garden and Barclays Center with tickets secured by us! Of course, if any of you want specific and tried-and-tested recommendations from our tour guide, don't hesitate to ask him at any time.
Day 4: New York – Visit to the Metropolitan Museum – Walk through the neighborhoods featured in "Sex & the City," Friends – tour of the Brooklyn Bridge – Dumbo neighborhood of Brooklyn – Timeout Market – Bryant Park Christmas Market, Public Library
Today, we begin our tour by passing by the Public Library, an imposing and impressive building, a masterpiece of architecture, which stands out for its elegant facade and marble elements. It is worth noting that this is one of the most important research libraries in the United States. We continue in the footsteps of the main characters of the famous series Sex and the City, Carrie, Samantha, Charlotte, and Miranda. Beyond 5th Avenue, where the four friends spent most of their time shopping, we will visit Magnolia Bakery, where the famous group used to enjoy their famous cupcakes, as well as Carrie's house, where the famous series was filmed. At the same time, we will continue our walk in the West Village, where we will pass by the building where the series, which was also hugely successful in Greece, was filmed, "Friends," thus completing our special tour. Then, we will visit one of the richest museums in the world, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where priceless works from every culture are gathered. It is the third most visited museum in the world, after the Louvre and the British Museum. Its permanent collections include works of art from classical antiquity, ancient Egypt, Byzantine and Islamic art, paintings and sculptures by leading artists, as well as an extensive collection of American, African, Asian, and contemporary art, and much more. One day is certainly not enough to explore it all. It is a museum with a rich and inexhaustible collection that art lovers will adore. Next, we will visit the Dumbo neighborhood of Brooklyn, located on its southeastern tip. This neighborhood, whose name comes from the initials Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass, is one of the most historic and photographed areas with unbeatable views for the best photos of your trip. Don't forget to take a photo at the corner of Washington Street as a souvenir. There, we will walk through neighborhoods that are reminiscent of another era. The famous 19th-century brownstone houses are a landmark, and the immaculate buildings and well-kept trees of Brooklyn Heights lend an air of elegance to the neighborhood. Although the area caters to classic tastes, you don't need to be an expert to enjoy the rustic architecture of the area. In Brooklyn's most impressive neighborhood is Timeout Market, a multi-purpose market with restaurants run by top chefs serving specialties from around the world. We will take a walk along the river with a view of the Manhattan skyscrapers and enjoy food and drinks in a unique setting between the magnificent Brooklyn and Manhattan bridges. From there, we will have the opportunity to walk across the Brooklyn Bridge. The Brooklyn Bridge is one of the oldest suspension bridges in the United States (1883) and connects the boroughs of Manhattan and Brooklyn, crossing the East River. Since its inauguration, it has become a symbol of New York City and was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1964 and a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark in 1972.
We will then travel by coach to Bryant Park's Christmas Village. We will wander around the small Christmas kiosks, sampling excellent street food, buying souvenirs, and enjoying some music. One of the most enjoyable ways to end our day in the decorated city! We suggest spending your evening at one of Manhattan's most authentic jazz bars, with live music, food, and drinks. Since the center is often full, you can reserve and purchase tickets from us. For burger and chocolate lovers, our guide will recommend the best spots in town.
Day 5: New York – Woodbury Commons Outlets (optional)
Free day. For those of you who visit New York for the bargain shopping, a visit to the largest, most luxurious, and impressive shopping center, the famous Woodbury Commons, is a must. It is worth noting that the stores are spread out in a huge open space reminiscent of a small village, which makes your shopping even safer. Just an hour or so from Manhattan, you will find all the designer brands at incredibly low prices. More than 220 fashion brands are at your disposal. It is no coincidence that the majority of Americans choose this particular place for their shopping. With stores such as Michael Kors, Gucci, Guess, Dolce & Gabbana, Ugg, Nike, Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein, Timberland, Brooks Brothers, Tommy Hilfiger, and many more, offering an incredible variety and prices up to four times cheaper than in Greece. It will also help you save time, as you won't need to spend extra time shopping in Manhattan. Our guide will give you the necessary advice so that you can see as many stores as possible, making the most of your time according to your shopping interests. With your participation, you will also receive a VIP Coupons Book worth $10 for additional privileges and discounts, as well as a map to mark the local stores that interest you. If shopping is not your forte, we recommend a stroll through Soho, Chelsea with its local market, and the East Village, where high society resided until 1900, then immigrants, and from the 1950s onwards, the area became a mecca for the Beatles, hippies, and punks. The East Village was transformed into a laboratory for experimentation and new trends.
Day 6: Excursion to Washington DC (optional)
Early booking offer: One-day trip to Washington for only €49 €170 on selected departures
Free day. We recommend a full-day excursion to Washington DC, the city chosen to be the capital of the Federation. Washington is more than just a state capital; it is where the past, present, and future of the United States come together. It is a modern imperial Rome where, behind the tightly closed doors of the American palace (the White House), critical decisions are made about the future of the planet. Three elements define the identity of the American metropolis today: its multiracial population, its exemplary urban organization, and, above all, its open horizons. Skyscrapers do not dominate Washington, as no building is allowed to exceed the height of the Capitol (the only exception being the Obelisk monument). We will see the monuments of American presidents Washington, Jefferson, and Lincoln, a monument with a strong Greek influence, as the Parthenon was used as a model. We will see the reflecting pool with the famous Obelisk, Lafayette Square, and the White House, considered the most famous residence on the entire planet. Here, the strong police presence is evident everywhere, and the images are particularly familiar from Hollywood films. We will also see the Capitol, the seat of the US federal government, which at 88 meters is the tallest building in the city and its center. Next, we will visit the Supreme Court, the Library of Congress, which is the largest and richest in the world with several influences from Greek culture, the National Gallery, the National Archives Building (with the original US Constitution and Declaration of Independence on special display), and the Smithsonian Institution, the largest museum complex in the world. If time permits, we will visit the National Air and Space Museum, where we will admire modern exhibits of spacecraft that made history. We will also pass by the most important ministries, museums, banks, headquarters of international organizations, as well as hotels, theaters, the FBI headquarters, and the bustling Union Station train station, whose interior is stunning, with many shops and restaurants to choose from. Late afternoon return to the hotel.
Day 7: New York – Boston (optional)
Today, we suggest a full-day excursion to beautiful Boston, home to renowned research and technology universities. On our Greek-language tour, we will see sights such as the Old State House, Old North Church, and others associated with early American history. We will also see the Government Center, Copley Square, and the Prudential Tower, and admire the Victorian-style buildings. We will also pass by Symphony Hall, home to the world-famous Boston Symphony Orchestra. Next, we will visit world-renowned universities such as Harvard University and MIT. Free time for a stroll, lunch, and late afternoon return to the hotel.
If you choose to stay in Manhattan, we recommend visiting one or more of its museums. First, the Museum of Modern Art (MOMA) is considered to have one of the most important collections of works in the world, by the greatest contemporary artists, including Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, Vincent van Gogh, Cézanne, Dalí, and Jackson Pollock. The Museum of Natural History is also ideal for our younger friends. It is the largest museum of its kind in the world, with more than 36 million exhibits and 45 permanent exhibitions, the most notable of which are the dinosaur and fossil exhibition, which is also the most famous, the meteorite hall, and the ocean life hall. There is also the Guggenheim Museum, whose exterior is one of the greatest architectural achievements of the 20th century. It is also an ideal day for shopping, with a visit to Bloomingdales, Saks Fifth Avenue, the famous sportswear store Abercrombie & Fitch, and its discount store, which your guide will point out to you—or combine your shopping at Macy's with a visit to the Empire State Building. If you want to see New York from above, there are a total of 5 observation decks in Manhattan: the Empire State Building, Top of the Rock, One World Observatory, The Edge, and the brand new glass Summit-One Vanderbilt. Don't forget to try at least one of the hot dogs you'll find on every corner of the city with the characteristic "NIKAS" umbrellas, or one of the famous Halal Guys food trucks with very good quality street food.
Day 8: Free day and return flight
We can make the most of our last day with walks and activities. For those who are most enthusiastic about South Manhattan, we recommend a stroll through Greenwich Village or a wander through the alleys of Little Italy, relaxing and enjoying an espresso or a delicious pizza made with a traditional Italian recipe at the first pizzeria that opened in the US – ask your guide. You can also visit the unique neighborhood of Chinatown and buy your last souvenirs. Finally, we recommend a walk across the Brooklyn Bridge for your last souvenir photos, as well as a visit to the famous Italian market Eataly, where you can buy products or even dine at one of the delicious restaurants located inside the market. For those with a sweet tooth, we will tell you about the most famous pastry shops, such as those serving milk shots in cookie glasses, or cronuts, a delicious modern pastry that Americans love.
We always feel that we must come back because the days are never enough and we are sure to have left something for next time! Departure for the airport. After passing through security and if there is still time for a quick stroll through the duty-free shops, we depart for the return journey.
Day 9: Arrival in Athens
Arrival in the city where we started, with rich experiences from the most famous metropolis!
