Day 1: Athens – New York
We meet at the airport, go through the final instructions, and set off on our flight to the dream destination of New York with the leading airlines our agency works with.
The towering, imposing skyscrapers welcome us to the ‘Big Apple’, where the Christmas spirit is in full swing. A unique, once-in-a-lifetime journey is just beginning.
Upon arrival, we are transferred to our hotel in the heart of Manhattan. Once we have settled in, and depending on our arrival time, we set off on a walk with our tour guide to get our first taste of the city.
Day 2: New York – Guided tour of Upper Manhattan – Central Park – Columbia University – Lincoln Centre – Harlem – Rockefeller Centre
Today is the first of two guided tours of New York’s world-famous sights.
We’ll have the chance to see the statue of Christopher Columbus with his caravels, which today serves as the reference point for all distances from New York.
Next stop: Lincoln Centre, home to the Philharmonic and the Metropolitan Opera – a ‘shrine’ for lovers of classical music and beyond.
This is followed by a brief visit to Central Park, at the spot where the great John Lennon’s home once stood, and from there we enter one of the world’s most popular parks.
A park full of picturesque lakes, magnificent fountains, the famous ‘Whispering Bench’, Shakespeare Garden and the particularly popular zoo. This is where New Yorkers come to relax and where people from every corner of the globe come to unwind.
We continue to the famous Columbia University in New York, at the entrance to which there is a tribute to the ancient Greek philosophers. Next comes the renowned neighbourhood of Harlem, formerly known as the ‘Mecca’ of New York’s African-American community. Here stands the famous Apollo Theatre, on whose stage all the legends of jazz have performed, as well as Michael Jackson.
The tour concludes on the famous 5th Avenue, with its shops belonging to leading fashion houses. There, the Rockefeller Centre, named after the family of the same name, stands out as one of the world’s largest private complexes and a city landmark, home to the ‘Top of the Rock’ observation deck with its unrivalled views.
We end up in Times Square, the most photographed square in the world, where millions of visitors have the chance to admire the towering, illuminated skyscrapers with their colourful neon signs that turn night into day.
Nearby is Broadway, which needs no introduction. It is the heart of the entertainment industry, where you can enjoy the most spectacular shows in the world. There you’ll also find the public library, housed in a stunning building dominated by marble, murals and wooden carvings.
In the evening, we recommend catching one of the famous musicals at the Broadway theatres, the perfect way to round off a busy day. Don’t forget to buy your tickets from Greece so you can take advantage of our agency’s special low prices, whilst also saving time by avoiding the endless queues!
Day 3: New York – Guided tour of Lower Manhattan, the United Nations, Chelsea Market and the new, quirky Hudson Yards district, cruise to the Statue of Liberty – Grand Central Station
Meet in the hotel lobby for the second part of the city tour. We’ll head along the East River, passing the piers of East Manhattan with views of the historic Brooklyn Bridge.
Our first stop today is the United Nations Headquarters, home to the UN. Next is Grand Central Station, the gateway to and symbol of the city, through whose magnificent main hall at least 750,000 people pass every day.
We then head towards the Flatiron Building, a pioneering skyscraper of great architectural significance. We are taken to Greenwich Village, a neighbourhood beloved by great artists and writers. Key landmarks here include Washington Square and New York University (NYU).
Next come Soho, brimming with famous fashion houses, and Little Italy with Chinatown – two of the city’s liveliest neighbourhoods, synonymous with New York’s multiculturalism.
We head to Wall Street, the centre of the global economy, stopping at the iconic Charging Bull statue.
Immediately afterwards, we arrive at Ground Zero, with the memorial that reminds us all of the tragedy of 11 September, whilst right next to it stands the new One World Trade Centre.
In the same area stands the much-discussed new Oculus railway station, designed by Calatrava – a building of distinctive architecture dominated by the colour white, which is in fact considered the most expensive station in the world, having cost 4 billion dollars. We continue on to Battery Park, where we’ll admire the Statue of Liberty from a distance, before visiting the famous indoor Chelsea Market, home to some of New York’s most famous gourmet restaurants, where you’ll have free time to buy local produce and sample some exquisite delicacies. Next, we’ll take a stroll along the High Line, a wonderful park built on a disused railway line, which allows us to walk high above the city, taking in unique views of Manhattan’s neighbourhoods.
Our tour continues with a cruise, culminating in a visit to the Statue of Liberty, a global symbol of freedom, democracy and justice, which has stood in the harbour since 1886, where you’ll enjoy the magnificent sights of New York. During the cruise, you’ll have the chance to see, amongst other things, the Brooklyn Bridge from a different angle, the Verrazano Bridge, Governor’s Island, the iconic Staten Island Ferry, historic Ellis Island, and One World, which stands proudly against the city skyline.During the cruise, you’ll have the chance to see, amongst other things, the Brooklyn Bridge from a different angle, the Verrazano Bridge, Governor’s Island, the iconic Staten Island Ferry, historic Ellis Island, and One World, which stands proudly against the city skyline.
The boat trip offers the chance to take wonderful panoramic photos of New York, as well as New Jersey! These are unique views of the ‘Big Apple’ that you’re sure never to forget!
After the cruise, we’ll visit the futuristic Hudson Yards, Manhattan’s newly built neighbourhood that looks like something straight out of a science-fiction film! Spanning 14 stremmata, it features dozens of shops, gardens, parks, ultra-luxury boutiques, restaurants run by celebrity chefs and the impressive, climbable structure known as ‘The Vessel’, which resembles a giant beehive.
We’ll then head back to our hotel and have time to get ready for a night out. The options are endless in the ‘city that never sleeps’: a unique cocktail bar or restaurant in the Meatpacking District, a rooftop bar for a drink with views of the illuminated Manhattan skyline, or a stroll through the nearby neighbourhoods of Soho, Little Italy, Tribeca, and the West and East Village, all boasting a vibrant nightlife.
If, of course, there’s a basketball match on the NBA schedule, we recommend experiencing the spectacle of the world’s premier league up close, either at Madison Square Garden or the Barclays Centre, with tickets arranged by us!
Naturally, anyone looking for specific, tried-and-tested suggestions from our tour guide can consult them at any time.
Day 4: New York – Visit to the Metropolitan Museum – a stroll through the ‘Sex and the City’ neighbourhoods, ‘Friends’ – tour of the Brooklyn Bridge – the Dumbo area of Brooklyn – Time Out Market – Bryant Park Christmas Market, Public Library
We begin today’s tour at the Public Library, one of the most important research libraries in the US, housed in an imposing building – a masterpiece of architecture that stands out for its elegant façade and marble features.
We’ll follow in the footsteps of the leading ladies of the famous series *Sex and the City*, visiting the very places where Carrie, Samantha, Charlotte and Miranda used to go shopping.
Beyond the well-known – though not particularly remarkable – Fifth Avenue, we’ll visit Magnolia Bakery, where the famous gang used to enjoy their famous cupcakes, as well as Carrie’s flat, where scenes from the TV series were filmed.
Continuing our stroll through the West Village, we’ll pass the distinctive building where scenes from the much-loved series “Friends”, which enjoyed huge success in Greece and worldwide, bringing our special tour to a perfect close.
Next, we visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art, one of the richest museums in the world, housing priceless works of art from every civilisation. It is the third most-visited museum in the world, after the Louvre and the British Museum.
Its permanent collections include works from classical antiquity, ancient Egypt, Byzantine and Islamic art, paintings and sculptures by leading artists, an extensive collection of American, African, Asian and contemporary art, and much more besides.
Next, we’ll explore the Dumbo neighbourhood in Brooklyn, whose name is an acronym for ‘Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass’. It’s one of the most historic and frequently photographed areas, offering unbeatable views for some of the most Instagram-worthy shots of your trip.
Don’t miss the chance to take a photo on the corner of Washington Street. There, we’ll stroll through neighbourhoods that evoke a bygone era. The distinctive 19th-century brownstone houses are a local landmark, whilst the immaculate buildings and well-tended trees of Brooklyn Heights lend an air of elegance to the atmosphere.
In Brooklyn’s most impressive neighbourhood lies the Time Out Market, a diverse market featuring restaurants run by top chefs serving specialities from around the world. We’ll take a stroll along the river with views of Manhattan’s skyscrapers and have the chance to enjoy food and drink amongst the magnificent Brooklyn and Manhattan bridges.
From there, we’ll have the chance to walk across the Brooklyn Bridge, one of the oldest suspension bridges in the United States (1883), which connects Manhattan and Brooklyn, towering over the East River. Ever since its opening, it has become a symbol of New York, whilst it was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1964 and a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark in 1972.
We’ll then travel by coach to Bryant Park’s Christmas Village. We’ll wander amongst the little Christmas stalls, sampling delicious street food, buying souvenirs and enjoying live music performances. What better way to round off our tour of the festively decorated city!
As the ‘icing on the cake’, we recommend spending your evening at one of Manhattan’s most authentic jazz bars, with live music, food and drinks. However, as the venue is often fully booked, we offer you the option to book and purchase a ticket in advance. For lovers of burgers and chocolate, our tour guide has recommendations for the city’s best spots.
Day 5: New York – Woodbury Commons Outlets (optional)
Free day. For those of you for whom bargain shopping is one of the reasons for visiting New York, a visit to the largest and most impressive shopping centre, the famous Woodbury Commons, is a must. The shops are spread out across a vast open space reminiscent of a small village.
About an hour’s drive from Manhattan, you’ll find all the designer brands at unbelievably low prices, with over 220 fashion labels at your disposal. With brands such as Michael Kors, Gucci, Guess, Dolce & Gabbana, Ugg, Nike, Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein, Timberland, Brooks Brothers, Tommy Hilfiger and more, in an incredible variety and at prices up to four times cheaper than in Greece, make the most of this opportunity for unbeatable discounts, whilst saving valuable time you’d otherwise spend shopping in Manhattan. It’s no coincidence, after all, that so many locals choose this particular place for their shopping.
Our tour guide will give you all the information you need to make the most of your time and money, and will also provide you with a map so you can mark the local shops that interest you.
If, however, shopping isn’t really your thing, we recommend a stroll through Soho, Chelsea with its local market, and the East Village, which was home to high society until 1900 but was subsequently settled by immigrants; from the 1950s onwards, the area became a hub for the Beatles generation, the hippies and the punks.
Day 6: Excursion to Washington DC (optional) Early-booking OFFER: One-day excursion to Washington for just €59 (normally €170) on selected departures
Free day. We recommend a full-day excursion to Washington DC. Washington is more than just a capital city; it is the place where the past, present and future of the United States come together. In the city home to the White House, crucial decisions for the future of the planet are made.
Today, the American metropolis stands out for three things: its multi-ethnic coexistence, its exemplary urban planning and, above all, its wide-open horizons.
In Washington, the landscape is changing. You won’t find any skyscrapers, as no building is permitted to exceed the height of the Capitol (the only exception being the Obelisk monument).
There we shall see the monuments to the American presidents Washington, Jefferson and Lincoln, which feature a strong Greek influence as they were modelled on the Parthenon.
We will also come across the Reflecting Pool with the famous Obelisk, Lafayette Square and, of course, the White House, the most famous residence on the entire planet. Here, the heavy police presence is evident everywhere, whilst the scenes are familiar from Hollywood films and the news. At the same time, we’ll see the Capitol, the seat of the US federal government. At 88 metres high, it is the city’s tallest building and its central landmark.
Next, we’ll visit the Supreme Court, the Library of Congress (the largest and most extensive in the world, with considerable influences from Greek culture), the National Gallery of Art, the National Archives Building (where the original copies of the US Constitution and the Declaration of Independence are displayed in a special showcase) and the Smithsonian Institution, the largest museum complex in the world.
If time permits, we will also visit the National Air and Space Museum to admire modern exhibits of spacecraft that have made history. We will also take a stroll past the most important government ministries, museums, banks, headquarters of international organisations, impressive hotels and theatres, the FBI headquarters, as well as the bustling Union Station, with its stunning interior and a wide selection of shops and restaurants to choose from. Return to the hotel in the late afternoon.
Day 7: New York – Boston (optional)
Today, we recommend a full-day excursion to beautiful Boston, home to renowned universities specialising in research and technology. On our Greek-speaking guided tour, we’ll see sights such as the Old State House, the Old North Church and other sites linked to early American history. We will also visit Government Centre, Copley Square and the Prudential Tower, admiring the Victorian-style buildings, whilst passing by Symphony Hall, home to the world-famous Boston Symphony Orchestra.
We will then visit world-renowned universities, such as Harvard University and MIT. Afterwards, there will be free time for a stroll and a meal, and we will return to the hotel in the late afternoon.
If you choose to stay in Manhattan, we recommend visiting one or more of its many museums. Firstly, there is the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), which houses one of the world’s most significant collections. Here you’ll find works by the greatest modern artists, such as Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, Vincent van Gogh, Cézanne, Dalí and Jackson Pollock.
The Museum of Natural History is also ideal for our younger visitors. It is the largest museum of its kind in the world, with over 36 million exhibits and 45 permanent exhibitions. Some of the most notable include the dinosaur and fossil exhibition, the meteorite gallery, the marine life gallery and more.
Another excellent choice is the Guggenheim Museum, whose exterior is one of the greatest architectural achievements of the 20th century.
It’s also an ideal day for shopping, with a visit to the department stores Bloomingdale’s and Saks Fifth Avenue, the famous Abercrombie & Fitch clothing shop, and its outlet store, which your tour guide will point out to you. Alternatively, combine your shopping at Macy’s with a visit to the Empire State Building, one of the tallest and most historic skyscrapers in the world.
If you’d like to see New York from above, there are a total of five observation decks in Manhattan: the Empire State Building, Top of the Rock, One World Observatory, The Edge, the glass-enclosed Summit-One Vanderbilt and the brand-new One Times Square Deck.
Don’t miss out on trying the delicious hot dogs, which you’ll find on every corner of the city under the distinctive ‘NIKAS’ umbrellas, or one of the famous Halal Guys food stalls for top-quality street food.
Day 8: New York – Day trip to Philadelphia and the Amish community (optional)
Our optional excursion to Philadelphia is a first-class opportunity to experience the traditional and unique way of life of the Amish community and to be transported back in time to the Middle Ages.
In the ‘City of Brotherly Love’, we’ll visit the famous Liberty Bell (one of the symbols of freedom in America), Constitution Square, and take a stroll down Elfreth’s Alley, the oldest continuously inhabited street in the USA.
We continue with a panoramic tour of the famous ‘Rocky Steps’ and then visit the Lancaster area, home to the Amish community, which seems to have been left behind in another era.
After a break for lunch at the Amish Marketplace, we’ll enjoy an authentic horse-drawn carriage ride through the countryside and learn about the Amish way of life. Late in the afternoon, we’ll set off for New York.
If you’d like to stay in New York, we recommend a stroll through Greenwich Village or a wander through the alleyways of Little Italy, whilst enjoying an espresso or a delicious pizza made to a traditional Italian recipe at the first pizzeria to open in the USA. Our guide will show you the ropes. Alternatively, relax with a stroll through the unique neighbourhood of Chinatown.
For those with a sweet tooth, head to the most famous patisseries, such as those serving milk shots in biscuit cups or cronuts, a delicious modern American treat.
You can also visit Astoria, New York’s Greek neighbourhood, where the first Greek immigrants settled in search of a better life in the late 1950s and made their mark on the city. There are still Greek shop signs, Greek cafés and Athena Square, a reminder of the neighbourhood’s glorious past, which has been constantly evolving over the years.
Day 9: Free day and return flight
You can make the most of your final day by going for a morning bike ride in Central Park. Alternatively, we recommend taking a final panoramic view of New York by flying over Manhattan in a helicopter.
An equally wonderful experience is a visit to Madame Tussauds wax museum, whilst a final stroll along Fifth Avenue with its endless shop windows – or a visit to Macy’s for some last-minute shopping and souvenirs – is considered a must.
Finally, we recommend a visit to the famous Italian market, Eataly, where you can buy fine produce and dine at one of its delicious restaurants.
Departure for the airport. Once we’ve gone through security and provided there’s still time for a quick browse around the duty-free shops, we’ll set off on our return journey.
Day 10: Arrival in Athens
Arrival back in the city where we started our journey, with our minds full of memories from the most famous metropolis!
Notes:
Important Information – Travel Terms & Conditions
- From 3 November 2026, all travellers to the USA are required to complete a declaration form issued by the US CDC, confirming that they have not visited the Democratic Republic of the Congo or made a stopover at any of its airports within the 21 days prior to their departure for the USA. The form will be sent by our office together with your booking documents. It must be completed individually by each traveller and handed in at the airline's check-in desk.
- An ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) is required for entry into the USA. Our office will handle the entire application process on your behalf.
- If you have visited Cuba between 1 March 2011 and 11 January 2021, you must inform our office in writing before booking the tour, so that we can assess your eligibility to enter the USA.
- If you have visited Cuba on or after 12 January 2021, or any of the following countries since 1 March 2011, your ESTA application will be rejected:
- North Korea
- Syria
- Sudan
- Iraq
- Iran (Persia)
- Libya
- Yemen
- Somalia
In these cases, a different procedure must be followed to apply for a visa. Our office can assist you with the application process upon special agreement.
- The agency reserves the right to reschedule activities to a different date or time, without affecting the overall programme, in order to ensure its smooth operation.
- The 8-day programme does not include days 7 and 8 of the above programme.
- The 9-day programme does not include day 8 of the above programme.
- The 11-day programme includes one additional free day.
- The 12-day programme includes two additional free days.
- The visit to the Metropolitan Museum includes the admission ticket but does not include a guided tour inside the museum.
- PLEASE NOTE: The prices agreed upon at the time of booking will not increase in the event of a low number of participants.
- Prices have been calculated based on the USD/EUR exchange rate applicable on the date indicated in the price/departure list. In the event of a significant exchange rate fluctuation, the final price may be adjusted approximately 20 days before departure.
- Seat selection on flights is not always guaranteed and depends solely on the airline's policy regarding group bookings, which differs from its policy for individual tickets. Most airlines now charge for seat selection, even on group bookings, while often offering no possibility of changing seats automatically assigned by their systems. A change may be possible at the airline's check-in desk at the airport, subject to availability, but this cannot be guaranteed. Our office always makes every effort to ensure that passengers travelling under the same booking are seated together, free of charge, wherever possible. Please contact us for further information regarding the specific airline's seating policy.
- Optional excursions are subject to a minimum number of participants.
- Hotel rooms are standard category, located on randomly assigned floors and with randomly assigned views. Rooms on higher floors or with specific views are available upon request at an additional charge.
- The early-booking offer for the one-day excursion to Washington, D.C., at €59 applies only to selected departures and is valid exclusively for advance bookings made from Greece on the date the excursion is booked. For bookings made after the initial reservation or during the tour, the price increases to €170, subject to availability.
- The breakfast offer at the Marriott Marquis Hotel, at a cost of €29 per person per night, is available only when booked in advance from Greece on the date of registration for the tour.
- Participation in the tour implies unconditional acceptance of the General Terms and Conditions of Participation.
- Following the pandemic, certain changes have occurred in the tourism industry, particularly regarding airlines. Airlines may amend or cancel flights without prior warning or notification to our office, including in cases of work stoppages or strikes. In such circumstances, our agency is unable to intervene with the airline, which is responsible for arranging and booking an alternative ticket to the traveller's final destination. If an overnight stay becomes necessary, the hotel accommodation costs will be borne by the customer, who is entitled to claim compensation from the airline.
- Due to increased workloads at airports worldwide, delays in baggage delivery may occasionally occur. We recommend carrying essential personal items in your hand luggage in case your checked baggage is not delivered on time. The airline bears sole responsibility for the baggage and is obliged to arrange its delivery to you. The tour leader can only provide assistance and guidance; neither the tour leader nor our office is responsible for the outcome of the baggage recovery process.
Flights with Emirates (direct flight) or Turkish Airlines from Athens and Thessaloniki!
FROM – TO THESSALONIKI FLIGHT FROM – TO DEPARTURE ARRIVAL TK1882 THESSALONIKI – ISTANBUL 09:30 12:00 TK 01 ISTANBUL – NEW YORK 15:00 18:00 Flight No. 30 NEW YORK – ISTANBUL 23:59 18:10 Flight No. 1893 ISTANBUL – THESSALONIKI 20:30 20:55 (next day)
