Itinerary - New York 360°: discovering Manhattan, Brooklyn and Harlem

Roundtrip flights are not included in the package, which gives you the freedom to select your preferred departure and return dates and airports. As for the start of our trip, we'll be checking into our hotel in New York. And what better way to kick off our adventure than with a scrumptious dinner? We'll be indulging in authentic American cuisine, but we won't give away all the details just yet. Get ready for a surprise treat, which may include the classic hamburger and fries!

We'll be starting our exciting day in the city that never sleeps at the bustling Times Square - the epitome of New York's vibrancy and energy. This iconic location is a must-visit, so don't forget to snap some selfies to capture the unforgettable moment. Our adventure then takes us to the awe-inspiring Grand Central Station - a true gem of New York City. More than just a railway station, this architectural marvel boasts stunning Beaux-Arts style design and has been featured in countless movies and TV shows. With its imposing structure and majestic interiors, you'll surely be awed by its grandeur and history. But that's not all! As we continue our journey through the city, we'll discover even more hidden gems and iconic landmarks that make New York such a unique and unforgettable destination. Get ready to experience the buzz and excitement of the Big Apple, and make memories that will last a lifetime!

We'll continue south to the iconic Flatiron Building before exploring the trendy East Village. If you're feeling hungry, we can stop at one of the many cafes before heading to the world-famous Brooklyn Bridge for stunning views of Manhattan's skyline. We may also discover new culinary delights along the Hudson River. Get ready for an adventure-filled day in NYC!

This afternoon, we'll delve into the iconic Brooklyn Bridge, one of the greatest symbols of New York City. When it was built in 1883, it was the longest bridge in the world and remains a spectacular vantage point to take in the stunning Manhattan skyline. Once we cross to the other side of the river, we'll arrive at Dumbo, a renowned art district that was once home to many artists in the '80s. Today, it boasts numerous art galleries and scenic bars, making it the perfect place to spend the evening. Get ready to immerse yourself in the vibrant culture and art scene of NYC!

On our second day, we'll begin in the vibrant neighborhood of Harlem. If we're lucky enough to be there on a Sunday, we'll have the incredible opportunity to attend a gospel mass at the First Corinthian Baptist Church. After singing along and soaking up the vibrant atmosphere, it will be time to indulge in a delicious breakfast. Or, considering the timing, perhaps we should call it brunch! One thing's for sure - we won't leave Harlem without trying some of their famous bagels. Get ready to experience the rich culture, music, and cuisine of Harlem, and discover what makes this neighbourhood so unique and beloved.

After having a satisfying breakfast, we'll delve into the urban oasis that is Central Park. Spanning an impressive 843 acres, the park is home to a wide variety of attractions, including tranquil lakes, scenic bike paths, charming ponds, lush baseball fields, and vibrant flower gardens. As we explore, we'll encounter plenty of New Yorkers jogging, strolling, or lounging on benches with friends and coffee in hand. Don't forget to keep an eye out for the friendly squirrels that call Central Park home - they're not afraid of humans and always on the lookout for a tasty treat!

After a quick lunch, we'll have some time to explore the vast array of museums that New York City has to offer. Whether you're interested in the American Museum of Natural History or the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), there's no shortage of options for every taste. Later on, we'll make our way to the magnificent St. Patrick's Cathedral - the largest gothic cathedral in the United States. It's a surreal experience to see this historic landmark juxtaposed against the towering modern skyscrapers that surround it. This is just one of the many reasons why NYC is such a fascinating and unique city to explore. Get ready for more breathtaking sights and experiences on our journey!

Saint Patrick's Cathedral is the largest Gothic cathedral in North America and boasts an impressive neo-Gothic style, towering 100-meter-high spires, and stunning white marble sculptures inside. Don't miss the Lady Chapel, a beautiful and tranquil space dedicated to the Virgin Mary.

Rockefeller Centre and Rockefeller Plaza are excellent places to spend your evening, especially during Christmas, which is a well-known fact. You might recall the iconic scene from "Home Alone 2" where Kevin reunites with his mother, which was filmed right here! In addition, if you're up for it, there's an ice rink to enjoy during the Christmas season.

Today, we're shifting our focus to the lower side of Manhattan after exploring the upper side yesterday. In the morning, we'll be arriving at the Ground Zero Memorial, which serves as a tribute to the Twin Towers that once stood here. It's difficult to put into words how this place can make you feel, given the weight of history it holds. There are various options for us to explore, including the 9/11 Museum or heading to the top of the Freedom Tower, currently the tallest building in NYC and the fifth tallest in the world. This area is known as One World Trade Centre and serves as a testament to the events of 9/11, a day that the entire world will never forget.

Within the One World Trade Center complex, you'll find the Freedom Tower, also known as the "Tower of Liberty." Standing at an impressive height of 541 meters and 33 centimeters, it's currently the fifth tallest skyscraper in the world. Once you reach the top, at 1,776 feet tall, the view of the city is absolutely breathtaking! The height of the tower is not a coincidence, as it represents the year of the United States declaration of independence in 1776.

A short distance away from the One World Trade Center lies the Financial District, where we can grab some lunch and take a stroll until we reach the iconic Wall Street. As we all know, the New York Stock Exchange located here is one of the most significant in the world. While exploring the area, we can search for the Charging Bull sculpture and even touch its testicles for good luck, as the locals say!

In the afternoon, we'll be exploring other renowned landmarks of NYC. We'll take a ferry ride to Ellis Island, which once served as a mandatory stop for people arriving from Europe before entering the country. Nowadays, Ellis Island is a museum, where we can browse through preserved logbooks and try to find our family names, perhaps even some of our ancestors! Our next stop will be Liberty Island, where we'll witness another iconic symbol of the USA, the Statue of Liberty. Finally, how about ending the day with a refreshing drink at a rooftop bar?

On our last day in New York, we're determined to see and experience as much as we can. We'll start off by visiting some of the popular neighborhoods, and the first stop will be SoHo, where we can grab a coffee to go and immerse ourselves in the local culture. After that, we'll take a leisurely stroll around Little Italy, where we'll be spoilt for choice with the abundance of Italian restaurants to choose from.

For lunch, we could either stay in Little Italy or head over to Chinatown for some excellent Asian cuisine. If we're feeling adventurous, we could even opt for take-out and find a nearby park to enjoy our meal.

Before lunch, we'll make a detour to the Summit, an incredible panoramic viewpoint that promises to leave us speechless. Comprising of 73 floors, the Summit stands tall at 387 meters (or 427 meters if you consider the pinnacle!). As the fourth-highest skyscraper in New York, the view from the Summit needs to be experienced firsthand to be truly appreciated.

Our next stop is the Empire State Building, another iconic skyscraper that dominates New York's famous skyline. We can spend some time souvenir shopping before heading up to the roof of Top of the Rock to witness the stunning 360° view of New York City and catch the sunset.

As our time in the city draws to a close, we'll end the day with a dinner to reminisce on the amazing experiences we've shared during our trip. Although our time here may be over, the memories we've made will last a lifetime. Here's to an unforgettable trip to the City that never sleeps!