New York Discovery

Day 1 — From Istanbul to New York

We meet at Istanbul Airport at 04:00. Following passport control, check-in, and customs procedures, we depart for America's most prominent city, New York, on flight TK 003 at 07:05. Following a flight of approximately 10 hours, we arrive in New York at 10:45 local time. We are met at the airport by our guide and, before transferring to our hotel by private vehicle *(rooms will not be available before 15:00)*, we embark on our New York Orientation Tour. During this tour, which will span two days, we will thoroughly explore all of New York. First day: We arrive at Manhattan Island, New York's most popular and significant district, to begin our tour. We will see Central Park, the city's most exclusive residential buildings, the Museum Mile, the Metropolitan Museum, Columbus Circle, the Trump Hotel, The Plaza Hotel, the iconic Apple Store, Trump Tower, St. Patrick's Cathedral, Rockefeller Center, the New York Public Library, the Flatiron Building, Madison Square Park, and in Greenwich Village, the famous Washington Square Park and New York University. Continuing our tour, we pass through SoHo to reach the Civic Center and the Financial District, taking in Wall Street, the hub of the financial world, and the World Trade Center area. Proceeding along the Hudson River, we return to the city centre to see Times Square, where LED billboards turn night into day. At the end of the tour, we return to our hotel; following the allocation of rooms, we take a short rest before heading to Central Park on foot or by underground. After a pleasant stroll in the park, we take a brief break at the Apple store, return to our hotel, and check in. Hotel check-in procedures in New York can take a considerable amount of time (waits of up to 1 hour); your guide will be on hand to assist with the queue. Overnight stay at our hotel. *As this is a private tour, the itinerary contents may be altered or adjusted to suit your level of fatigue.*

Day 2 — New York (New York Landmarks)

Free time for guests not participating in the tour. With participating guests, we embark on the New York Icons tour. First, we head by subway to Battery Park at the southernmost tip of Manhattan, where we complete our ticketing and admission procedures while viewing war memorials, before boarding the ferry to Liberty Island. Accompanied by spectacular Manhattan views, we photograph the Statue of Liberty, and upon reaching the island, we discover the statue and immigrant stories up close. During the free time provided by our guide, you may explore the museum or enjoy a coffee. Returning to Battery Park by ferry, we set out on an enjoyable walking route. We see the Financial District, Wall Street and its iconic Charging Bull, the Stock Exchange Building, the 9/11 Memorial built in the wake of 11 September, the Freedom Tower (One World Trade Center), and the architecturally striking Oculus. We take the subway to the Dumbo area to take photos against the backdrop of the famous Brooklyn Bridge. Finally, we head to the Empire State Building; those who wish may ascend to view Manhattan from above. This is followed by free time for shopping, dinner, and a coffee break. Overnight stay at our hotel. *Note: Your guide may modify the schedule according to weather conditions and ferry queues. Empire State tickets average between 52–65 USD; your guide may also redirect to the One Vanderbilt building subject to availability.*

Day 3 — New York (Hidden Legends of New York)

Free time in the morning. Guests who wish may join the optional Secret Legends of New York Tour organised by our guide. Our tour begins in the lively streets of Chinatown while the city is just waking up. After spending your morning in this neighbourhood where tradition meets contemporary rhythm, just a few steps away we move on to Little Italy, carrying the spirit of Italy with the aromas of espresso and fresh bread; here, you might truly feel as though you are inside "The Godfather". Next, we stroll through SoHo with its cast-iron buildings and cobblestone streets, witnessing the blend of historic character and modern luxury. The day continues at Perry Street in the West Village, home to Carrie Bradshaw as you will remember from "Sex and the City" — a perfect stop for an unforgettable photo. We have lunch sampling global cuisines at Chelsea Market, the former Oreo factory, then walk along the High Line, taking in the architecture of Manhattan's West Side and views of the Hudson. Our adventure continues with the Vessel at Hudson Yards; this extraordinary honeycomb-like structure invites you to climb its stairs for panoramic city views. In the afternoon, you can take a peaceful break in Bryant Park, admire the view of the New York Public Library, or even join in a game of chess. As the city lights begin to sparkle, we find ourselves amidst the grandeur of Grand Central Terminal; with its celestial ceiling and corridors that have set the scene for countless films, it is so much more than just a railway station. Return to our hotel after the tour. Overnight at our hotel.

Day 4 — New York (Free Time)

A free day to explore New York at your own pace. For today, we recommend discovering the Upper West Side and the surrounding Central Park area, one of the city's richest districts for arts and culture. You can begin your day with the American Museum of Natural History, one of the world's premier natural history museums. With its extensive collections ranging from dinosaur fossils to the history of space and humankind, we suggest setting aside a few hours for the museum. Following your museum visit, you can cross over to Central Park, situated just opposite, and explore on foot some of the park's most beloved spots, such as Strawberry Fields, Bethesda Terrace & Fountain, The Lake, and Bow Bridge. This time, you can experience Central Park, which you saw during the panoramic tour on the first day, at an unhurried pace, just like a New Yorker. In the afternoon, crossing to the east side of the park, guests who wish may visit The Metropolitan Museum of Art. In the evening, you can dine at the restaurants around the Upper West Side or take a stroll around Lincoln Center. This evening also offers a wonderful opportunity for guests wishing to see a Broadway show. Overnight stay at our hotel.

Day 5 — New York (Free Time)

Our suggestion for today is to step slightly beyond New York's classic tourist routes and discover the city from a different perspective. In the morning, we recommend heading to the East Side of Manhattan and taking the Roosevelt Island Tramway across to Roosevelt Island. During the aerial tramway journey gliding above the East River, you can capture photographs of views across Manhattan and Queens. Upon reaching the island, you can stroll along the riverbank and explore Franklin D. Roosevelt Four Freedoms Park and its surroundings. Afterwards, you can take the subway to Long Island City, one of Queens' closest districts to Manhattan. Here, Gantry Plaza State Park on the banks of the East River is one of the city's finest vantage points for admiring the Manhattan skyline and taking photographs. Art enthusiasts among our guests may visit MoMA PS1 during the day. Later, returning to Manhattan, you can spend your evening as you wish. You might sample New York's varied culinary offerings, enjoy the Manhattan vistas from one of its rooftop bars, or wander through the city that never sleeps. Overnight stay at our hotel.

Day 6 — New York - Istanbul

On our final day in New York, you can explore the city entirely in line with your own personal interests. Guests wishing to shop may start the day by visiting the world-famous department stores and boutiques along Fifth Avenue and the surrounding streets. Those looking to discover alternative brands and shops can head to SoHo and its environs. Guests interested in technology shopping can explore the Apple stores, electronics outlets, and major retail hubs across the city centre. Those wishing to view New York from above can visit one of the observation decks during the day—such as SUMMIT One Vanderbilt, Top of the Rock, or Edge—to marvel at the Manhattan skyline. In the evening, transfer to New York airport and depart for Istanbul on Turkish Airlines flight TK 012 at 23:55. Overnight flight on board.

Day 7 — Istanbul

Arrival in Istanbul at 17:15 local time and the end of our tour.

Included services

• Economy class flight ticket between Istanbul – New York – Istanbul with Turkish Airlines
• Accommodation in 4* hotels
• Resort fees and city visitor fees
• Turkish-speaking guiding service on tour days

Not included

• Tours indicated as optional
• Breakfasts
• Lunches and dinners
• Personal expenses
• International departure tax (Can be paid at designated banks or at the tax office desk at the airport)