Thu, July 1: Fly into New York City. Transfer to the Bushwick neighborhood in Brooklyn, world famous for hosting the best street art in the United States. Take a guided walking tour where you’ll learn about the artists, process, and the art form itself. Discover the murals and spontaneous pieces responsible for transforming the buildings around you into a vast outdoor gallery. Next, partake in a Graffiti Workshop, where a local artist will teach you the techniques of aerosol art and immerse you in their creative culture. Then choose one of the neighborhood cafes to have lunch on your own before heading to the Marriott Marquis Times Square to check in for your four-night stay. The rest of the day is free to enjoy at your own leisure.
Fri, July 2: Your adventure continues this morning in Central Park for a relaxing summer stroll. Learn about the history of the park’s restoration and preservation and encounter important park landmarks along the way. Afterwards, head to the Bronx for a guided tour of Yankee Stadium! For 85 years, Yankee Stadium was the grandest stage in sports. With significance transcending the baseball diamond, “The House that Ruth Built” became an iconic American landmark. Enjoy lunch at the stadium’s Hard Rock Café and learn all about the exciting history of the 27-time World Champion team at the on-site museum. This evening, join the group to see PADDINGTON the Musical. Performing to sold out audiences in the West End, the Olivier Award-winning musical is headed to Broadway in 2027! Inspired by Michael Bond’s beloved characters, the show is perfect for theatergoers of all ages. The story follows the impeccably polite (and accident-prone) bear as he searches for a place to call home, from his arrival in London to his heartwarming relationship with the Browns—and lots of marmalade, of course! The dazzling performances and incredible choreography are sure to sweep you off your feet. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch)
Sat, July 3: After an included breakfast at the hotel, depart for Battery Park and board the ferry to Liberty Island and Ellis Island, where you’ll get an up-close view of the iconic Statue of Liberty. Learn about the New York immigration station where over twelve million immigrants passed through the doors at the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration. Back in Manhattan, take a walk from the ferry to Fraunces Tavern for dinner and a visit to the small museum incorporated in the restaurant. Return to the hotel following dinner and enjoy the rest of your evening free—catch an evening musical or step out into Times Square to see the iconic neon-lit spectacle. (B,D)
Optional Broadway show—DOLLY: A True Original Musical
A story only Dolly Parton could tell, in her own words and through the songs that shaped her life. From the top of the Smoky Mountains to the top of the world, DOLLY captures how she dreamed, dared, stumbled and soared. Featuring beloved hits including “I Will Always Love You,” “Jolene,” “Coat of Many Colors,” and “9 to 5,” along with new music written by Dolly for the show and directed by Tony Award® winner Bartlett Sher with a book by Dolly Parton and Maria S. Schlatter, DOLLY: A True Original Musical takes you inside her life in the spotlight and the music that carried her there.
Sun, July 4: Celebrate Independence Day in the city your way with a free morning and afternoon! An optional excursion to the 9/11 Memorial & Museum will be offered this morning. Regroup in the evening for a dinner cruise around Manhattan, with stunning views of the Manhattan skyline and the best spot in the city to see Fourth of July fireworks. (B,D)
Mon, July 5: Check out of the hotel after breakfast and head to the Empire State Building to bid a proper farewell to the Big Apple. Enjoy a Farewell Lunch before heading to the airport for an early evening flight back to Indianapolis. (B,L)