Few cities in the world can compare to New York when it comes to excitement and exhilaration. A trip to NYC can add depth and interest to almost any subject.
New York City
- 6 days
- -5 hrs
- America
- Approx. 6 hrs
- Statue of Liberty
- 9/11 Memorial Museum
- Empire State Building
- United Nations
- Central Park
For the latest travel advice, including passport and visa information, visit the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office website
Sample itinerary
This sample itinerary is offered as a guideline. The trip focus, length and itinerary/activities can be tailored to meet your learning objectives.
- Day
Day 1 - Fly to New York
Arrive in New York and transfer to your hotel. The awe-inspiring skyline views as you make your way from the airport onto Manhattan Island set a dramatic scene, so have your cameras ready! After settling in to your rooms, head to Times Square for a bit of sightseeing before dinner at the Hard Rock Cafe. Feel the excitement of the city as crowds bustle by, hundreds of screens display news and adverts , street performers and vendors work for your attention. You’ll be happy to finally return to the hotel after a long day of travel.
Day 2 - Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, Lower Manhattan and 9/11 Memorial
Begin your first full day in America in the most classic of ways - by visiting Lady Liberty. Since the United States received the now famous statue in 1886 as a gift from the people of France, she has become one of the country’s most recognisable symbols. You’ll have time for photos and a ride up to the pedestal if you wish. The next stop on your harbour cruise is Ellis Island, the gateway to America. Between the years of 1882 and 1954, the immigration station located on the island registered an estimated 12 million people. It’s now a museum dedicated to the immigrants that built America. You’re in for some amazing views of Lower Manhattan on your return journey!
After lunch at your choice of food outlets, visit the 9/11 Memorial and newly opened adjacent Museum. This reverent place is home to two cascading pools and a serene garden that is perfect for reflection time. Should you choose to visit the museum, and we think you should, you’ll make your way underground for a hard-hitting but extremely worthwhile self-guided tour. Groups can easily spend 3-4 hours here.
In the evening, we could offer to arrange tickets for many Broadway shows, please enquire.
Day 3 - Museums, museums, museums!
New York is home to some of the most famous museums in the world, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the American Museum of Natural History, the New York Historical Society and the Museum of Modern Art. Many of these incredible options are located on the 5th Avenue along the Museum Mile. Spend the morning at just one museum or work fast and see them all!
After lunch, head to Central Park, one of New York’s most famous landmarks. Depending on the time of the year, this lush woodland will be a peaceful, snow covered retreat or a green oasis bathed in sunlight. You can spend a relaxing afternoon enjoying the design, architecture and history of the park, or return to the museums or other attractions in the area.
Day 4 - United Nations, New York Walking Tour and Empire State Building
The United Nations was founded in 1945 and is now headquartered on Manhattan’s Eastern bank on a huge complex overlooking the East River. A tour of the UN is perfect for groups studying politics, history, government and economics. Upon arrival, you’ll be met by your expert tour guide who will lead you through the complex and answer questions.
This afternoon there is time for a customized walking tour of your choice. One of the most popular options is Wall Street and the Financial District, where you’ll see the Brass Bull and NYSE, hear about the rich economic history of the area and finish at the newest gem of Lower Manhattan, One World Trade Center. We can arrange tours covering a varied array of subjects, from a literature outing in Greenwich Village to a food and culture tour in Chinatown.
Your last night in "the city that never sleeps" is the perfect time for a trip up to the Empire State Building Observatory. This 381-meter tall building is known as a symbol for the city and hosts four million visitors each year. It is an architectural landmark with a storied history. There are no words to describe the views you’ll have from the observation deck on the 86th-floor - you’ll just have to wait and see for yourself!
Day 5 - Free Time, Flight Home
Depending on your flight time, you may have a full day to continue to explore the city or just a free morning for last minute shopping. The Fifth Avenue is among the most popular shopping destinations, or if you’re looking for souvenirs, Times Square is the place to go.
Before long, it’s time for your transfer to the airport for the overnight fight home.
Day 6 - Arrive Back Home
Arrive home with some unforgettable memories of a fantastic school trip to New York!
What’s included
Full TCBC support from the moment you book until you return home
Full itinerary flexibility to ensure the perfect tour for your students
We'll source the best available flights based on your school's location
You'll have all our necessary contact details to hand should the need arise
Knowledgeable TCBC guide ready to bring your walking tours to life
Detailed itinerary, with all entrance fees included, no hidden costs
Return flights, 1 piece of hold luggage per person, airport taxes and security charges and ATOL Protection Contribution
Airport transfers upon arrival and departure. We can also arrange your UK airport transfers if you wish
Experienced local TCBC guide in New York for your included walking tours
4 nights' hotel or hostel accommodation, with multi rooms for students and single rooms for teachers
Breakfasts daily and dinner on arrival day at accommodation
Museums and tours as per your itinerary
Advance bookings made for any additional pre arranged museum entries, meals at local restaurants or sporting events
There will be no hidden costs on tour, everything will be clearly explained before departure
24 hour emergency contact details of TCBC's office and your local guide's mobile number
The normal free staff place ratio is 1:10 but this is flexible and we'll work to whichever ratio you require
Please check at school to ensure you are covered by an adequate travel insurance policy which we will need to see a copy of. We can help you source cover if you need
We generally don't include lunches unless requested. We prefer to let the students explore the local options and choose for themselves
If you feel you have received excellent service, then our local guides and drivers will appreciate being tipped. Guidelines will be outlined in your quote
Event availability isn't usually known at the time of booking. We will inform you of options and ticket prices closer to departure
Local public transportation
Help with your visa application
We'll help you with the ESTA application process to make things as simple as possible
More tours like this
Reasons to travel with us
We honestly believe we are the best in what we do. We'd love the opportunity to show you.
Safety & reliability
The safety of all our travellers is our number 1 priority. We have a robust Safety Management System in place to ensure that our tours are run to the high levels you expect.
Experience & expertise
We have years of experience in planning school tours. Our expertise lies in our organisational skills, attention to detail and an understanding of what you need to make your trip a success.
TCBC local guides
Our guides are our greatest assets and consistently lauded. Highly experienced, knowledgeable and trustworthy, most are hand-picked and have worked with us for years.
Complete peace of mind
Our accreditations (ATOL, ABTA, STF, LOtC) provide you with the reliability, assurance and financial security expected from a specialist tour operator.
Customer
service
Our dedicated team is on hand to offer help and advice at every stage. We are positive you will be impressed with the high level of service you receive from us.
Flexibility & customisation
We customise every trip to suit your needs and offer maximum flexibility in planning your itinerary. We won’t rest until we get it right!
The personal touch
Getting to know our clients is very important to us. It’s very likely therefore that you’ll meet one or several of us at some point, either at school before departure or on the tour itself.
Total transparency
We include as much as possible in our quotes and are very transparent about what is and what is not included. There will be no hidden or surprise costs.
Pre-departure support
We understand how much work goes into planning a school trip. You will be dealing with the same people throughout the pre-departure process allowing us to respond quickly and accurately.
Repeat business
99.9% of teachers are so happy with our tours and our service that there is no need to travel with anyone else. We are confident you will feel the same way.
The trip was a success from start to finish! Thanks to the careful planning from TCBC, my students enjoyed a fantastic, informative trip to New York City.