Activities

Day 1 – Welcome to New York City

Welcome to JFK to begin our journey. Our concierge will meet you at the JFK Airport, then transfer you to the Marriott hotel via hotel shuttle for a three nights stay. Your journey director will have a warm welcome reception for you with wine & snacks. After you settled in your room, we will have a delicious welcome dinner.

Meals: Welcome reception, dinner

Hotel: New York Marriott Marquis 1535 Broadway, New York, NY 10036

Day 2 – Statue of Liberty, Liberty Island, Ellis Island, Brooklyn Bridge, and Financial District

Following breakfast, we start the day from Battery Park, where we take the ferry to Ellis Island the Liberty Island. The Status of Liberty (Liberty Enlightening the World) on Liberty Island is a gift from France to the people of the United States, a Roman liberty goddess, holds a torch above her head with her right hand, and carries a tabula ansata inscribed JULY IV MDCCLXXVI (July 4th, 1776 in Roman numerals, date of the U.S. Declaration of Independence) in her left hand. The Statue of Liberty is an icon of freedom and is seen as a symbol of welcome to immigrants. We could take photos of the Statue on the ferry and the island when we get close to her. The visit today is touching and exciting. After coming back from the two islands, we stop at Brooklyn Bridge for pictures and continue to the financial district, where Wall Street is located. We take pictures of the bronze bull, a symbol of Wall Street. Then we visit the One World Memorial Center.

Meals: Breakfast, dinner

Hotel: New York Marriott Marquis 1535 Broadway, New York, NY 10036

Day 3 – Time Square, Rockefeller Center, and Top of the Rock or the Edge

Following a sumptuous breakfast, we depart this morning for New York City for an unforgettable adventure. New York City is the most famous global destination ranked 1st most visited, 1st must-see place in a person’s lifetime. There are many reasons that you will enjoy the City. Time Square is undoubtedly one of them. After check-in at our hotel, we walk through Time Square to St Patrick's Cathedral, right in front of it, the Rockefeller Center is the famous complex of a commercial building in Manhattan. This is the scene most shot in movies: the enormous Christmas tree lighting, ice skating rink, and live music band create magic moments. The very famous New York observatory, Top of the Rock, located on the 70th floor is one of the best places to enjoy a view of Manhattan. The outdoor terrace surrounded by transparent glass will allow you to have a 360-degree breathtaking view of the city. 

Meals: Breakfast, dinner

Hotel: New York Marriott Marquis 1535 Broadway, New York, NY 10036

Day 4 – Central Park, 5th Avenue, Empire State Building, and the Museum of Modern Art

Following hearty breakfast this morning, we come to the most filmed location in the world –Central Park. Central Park is a National Historic Landmark, covers over 800 acres, and is the most visited urban park. Main attractions include landscapes such as the Ramble and Lake, Hallett Nature Sanctuary, the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir, and Sheep Meadow; amusement attractions such as Wollman Rink, Central Park Carousel, and the Central Park Zoo; formal spaces such as the Central Park Mall and Bethesda Terrace; and the Delacorte Theater. By lunchtime, we eat at Shake Shack – the best burgers in New York! 5th Avenue is the most famous street in New York, you get a chance to shop at Cartier, Tiffany, Louis Vuitton, etc.

Meals: Breakfast, dinner

Hotel: New York Marriott Marquis 1535 Broadway, New York, NY 10036

Day 5 – Fort Putnam, West Point, and United States Military Academy

After breakfast, we are boarding on the way to West Point, the oldest continuously occupied military post in the United States. Located on the Hudson River in New York, West Point was identified by General George Washington as the most important strategic position in America during the American Revolution. Hear the story of The United States Military Academy, which is commonly called “West Point”, which was founded in 1778 after President Thomas Jefferson, directed the plan. Candidates for admission must apply directly to the academy and receive a nomination, usually from a member of Congress, the president, and the vice president. The Academy is the premier training facility for leaders who mold the future of our country. We enjoy the spectacular scenery of the Hudson River and the campus -- not only for its set on high ground overlooking the Hudson River, but it also has Norman-Style buildings on the central campus and the oldest museum in the United States Army. We check in Hampton Inn at Woodbury, and you may start shopping tonight!

Meals: Breakfast, lunch

Hotel: Hampton Inn Harriman Woodbury, 60 Centre Dr. Central Valley

Day 6 – Woodbury Common

After breakfast, we are going shopping! Woodbury Common Premium Outlets is New York’s luxury outlet with 250+ stores with savings up to 65% off retail and it is one of the most attractive tourist sites in the country. Nothing is better than the largest contiguous outlet center in the world with a collection of over 200 luxury brands and designer stores. We enjoy our shopping all day.

Meals: Breakfast

Hotel: Hampton Inn Harriman Woodbury, 60 Centre Dr. Central Valley

Day 7 – New Haven, Ivy League Yale University and Museums

This morning following breakfast, we are on the way to New Haven, a coastal city on Long Island Sound. It is home to the Ivy League Yale University. Yale is one of the most prestigious universities in the world along with Harvard, MIT we visited in Boston. We will tour the campus, and hear about Yale’s rich 300-year history, 7% acceptance rate, and aspects of student life at Yale’s fourteen residential schools: the original undergraduate college, the Yale Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, and twelve professional schools. We tour the Gothic Sterling Memorial Library, and the Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library, home to one of the world’s preeminent collections of rare materials, including the Gutenberg Bible. After lunch, we will tour the campus to appreciate Yale Architecture and exceptional museum collections of art. If you want to attend the information session, please let us know beforehand for registration. We will have dinner at one of Yale’s specialty restaurants. You will have a more relaxed time experiencing the campus nightlife.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Hotel: Courtyard New Haven at Yale, 30 Whalley Ave, New Haven

Day 8 – Ten Mile Ocean Drive, Cliff Walk, the Breakers, Marble House, Bay Sailing

Newport Rhode Island is America’s first resort and sailing capital of the world. This morning after breakfast, we leave early from Boston for Newport (please note the schedule and exact time and pick-up location will be communicated the day before travel). We arrive at Aquidneck Island, commonly known as Newport. Drive along the most beautiful 10-mile ocean drive and make a stop at Brenton Point State Park. The second stop is the Cliff Walk. The 3.5 miles Cliff Walk is a National Recreation Trail. It is one of the most scenic walks in the country that combines the natural beauty of the shoreline with the architectural history of Newport's gilded age. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended, and be aware minimum to moderate walking is involved to fully enjoy the architecture, geology, and wildflowers. We start our mansion tour from the Breakers, a symbol of the Vanderbilt family's social and financial power in the Gilded Age. Located in a prime location in Newport, the Breakers is the grandest, largest, and most prestigious of Newport's summer "Cottage" with 70 rooms, 138300 square feet.  After lunch on our own, we will tour the Marble House, the famous and the best of the country’s architectural, decorative arts, landscape, and social history.

We regroup early in the afternoon at Fort Adam State Park, a historic fort, naval housing, and the center of America’s Cup World Series. The yearly Newport Jazz and Folk Festivals in August are held here. We’ll enjoy the rest of the afternoon aboard one of Newport’s classic schooners for a cruise around Newport Harbor and Narragansett Bay; enjoy breathtaking views of lighthouses, mansions, and stunning natural seaside beauty. Or we may choose to participate in the International Polo Series. The events can be different based on seasonal offerings. 

Tonight, enjoy live music and dinner at Gurney's Newport Resort & Marina.

Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner

Hotel: Gurney's Newport Resort & Marina at 1 Goat Island Rd, Newport, RI 02840, Newport, RI 02840.

Day 9 – Block Island, Judith Point and Galilee Fishing Pier and Nordic Lobster Fest Buffet

After breakfast, we arrive at Judith Point; board the ferry to Block Island. Block Island is located approximately 9 miles south of the mainland. About 40% of the island is set aside for conservation, among the Nature Conservancy’s 12 “The Last Great Places” in the western hemisphere. The island is a famous and popular summer tourist destination for bicycling, hiking, sailing, fishing, and unspoiled beaches. Enjoy a guided tour with stunning views of the dazzling dunes, amazing beaches, and Victorian village. Enjoy luncheon on your own at one of the island's grand hotels.

We return to the mainland in the afternoon and take a stroll along white sand State Beach, swimming or sunbathing. Then head to The Nordic, Charleston. This is a family-run lakeside spot known for all you can enjoy a seafood buffet with lobsters, crab, scallops, prime rib & specialty dessert. This is one of the famous dining places in New England. People even fly thousands of miles to just eat at the Nordic buffet. Enjoy the fancy dinner.

Meals: breakfast, dinner

Hotel: Courtyard by Marriott Providence, 32 Exchange Terrace At, Memorial Blvd, Providence, RI 02903

Day 10 – Cape Cod & Martha’s Vineyard Island 

This morning after breakfast, we will pick you up and head to the magnificent sandy shores of Cape Cod. The first stop is Martha’s Vineyard, a Massachusetts Island and summer colony that sits in the Atlantic known for its stunning natural beauty. It is also known for its traditional New England cottages, lighthouses, and beaches and is accessible only by boat or air. It is the home to many celebrities and the Kennedy family. It is a popular resort destination, where a US President's “Summer White House” is located. We will board the ferry for a cruise to the island. Enjoy a guided tour of Oak Bluffs’ collection of small Carpenter Gothic Cottages, known for Greek revival homes built by sea captains in Edgartown and the Methodist Camp Meeting Grounds. This afternoon we cruise back to the mainland and arrive at the Courtyard Marriott resort hotel. Take some time to relax and freshen up before enjoying dinner together. 

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Hotel: Courtyard by Marriott Cape Cod Hyannis 707 Iyannough Rd, Hyannis, MA 02601

Day 11 – National Seashore, Provincetown Whale Watching  

Following breakfast, we’ll depart for a fun-filled day touring the outer and tip of the Cape! Begin touring CCNS (Cape Cod National Seashore), created by President John F. Kennedy, encompasses 43,607 acres of land, ponds, woods, beachfront, and 40 miles of seashore. We will have some picture time at the charming seaside before continuing to Provincetown – the tip of the Cape. This afternoon, choose between an exciting Whale Watch Cruise to view these magnificent mammals frolic and feed in their ocean playground or embark on a Provincetown Dune Tour through the dunes of the Cape enjoying beautiful natural scenery and coastline! Tonight, we’ll feast on a traditional Cape Cod lobster dinner at one of the Cape’s popular seafood restaurants! 

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Hotel: Courtyard by Marriott Cape Cod Hyannis 707 Iyannough Rd, Hyannis, MA 02601

Day 12 – Nantucket Island or Mayflower Beach, RISD, Brown University 

Following breakfast, we’ll board the ferry to Nantucket - a tiny isolated island off Cape Cod, MA. Nantucket is a summer destination with dune-backed beaches. It’s marked by unpainted cedar-shingled buildings, many surrounded by manicured privets. The wharves and cobblestones streets of the Town of Nantucket are lined with restaurants, high-end boutiques, and churches. The town’s Whaling Museum recounts the island’s role as a 19th-century whaling hub. We may choose to stay at mayflower beach, known for its miles of white sand stretching miles into the ocean forming a unique family playing ground. After checking in to our hotel in Providence, we go out for dinner and enjoy an evening walk around RISD and Brown University.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Hotel: Courtyard by Marriott Providence, 32 Exchange Terrace At, Memorial Blvd, Providence, RI 02903

Day 13 – Harvard and MIT, MFA

Enjoy a hearty breakfast before we leave Rhode Island and go to Boston. We spend the day visiting Harvard University and MIT, two Ivy Leagues the most prestigious higher institutions in the world. We attend the information session (upon request and prior registration) and guided tour of the campuses.

This afternoon we visit the Boston Museum of Fine Art.  For 8,161 paintings and more than 450,000 works of art, MFA is one of the most comprehensive collections in the Americas, and must visit place. This afternoon is at leisure to remain in MFA, or the sightseeing City of Boston. We are ready to start our next exciting journey in Rhode Island. We will be leaving mid-afternoon and transported to Providence, the capital of Rhode Island to check in at the hotel and have dinner at Providence's trendy restaurant. We may explore the RISD museum and Brown University nearby.

Meals: breakfast, dinner

Hotel: Courtyard by Marriott Providence, 32 Exchange Terrace At, Memorial Blvd, Providence, RI 02903

Day 14 – Boston Harbor Cruise and Boston’s Historic Landmarks, New England Aquarium and Night Sailing with Dinner Buffet

Enjoy a hearty breakfast before we spend the day exploring Boston's historic landmarks. Boston is the birthplace of American Freedom! Start the day with a tour along Boston’s Historic Freedom Trail which passes by 16 locations significant to the history of the United States. Enjoy free time for lunch on our own at “the Cradle of Liberty”. This afternoon, experience a breathtaking scenic cruise tour of Boston Harbor. With spectacular city skylines and historical landmarks on the coastline, you will hear heroic stories and local legends of Boston's past and present and enjoy refreshing sea breezes. After the cruise, you may see New England Aquarium. In the evening, we board the yacht to cruise Boston Harbor, which features an all-you-can-eat buffet meal with live entertainment and dancing. Watch the sunset, then take a stroll under the stars and enjoy the view of the illuminated Boston skyline at night, or head to the dance floor for music and fun inside the ship’s nightclub. Bring the ones you love or meet someone and bring the memories lasting a lifetime!

Meals: breakfast, dinner

Hotel: Marriott Boston Long Wharf 296 State St, Boston, MA 02109

Day 15 – Boston Logan Airport

Last day in Boston. We schedule to send you to Boston Logan Airport and say goodbye.

Meals: breakfast

Tour Inclusions: 

• Fifteen days of professional Tour Guide Service
• Fifteen days of deluxe motor coach transportation
• Fourteen night’s superior accommodations
• Wine & Cheese welcome reception
• Seven breakfasts
• Lunch snacks and drinks
• Eleven dinners including a traditional lobster dinner
• Tour of Boston’s Historic Freedom Trail
• Boston Harbor Cruise
• Guided tour of Newport’s Ten Mile Drive
• Admission to the Breakers Mansion and Marble House
• Newport Schooner Cruise
• Round trip ferry to Block Island
• Round trip ferry to Martha’s Vineyard Island
• Guided tour of Martha’s Vineyard
• Guided tour of the Cape to Provincetown
• Provincetown Whale Watch Cruise or Provincetown Dune Tour
• Round trip ferry to Nantucket Island
• Guided tour of Nantucket or Mayflower Beach
• Guided tour of Block Island
• Round trip ferry to Liberty Island and Ellis Island
• Tickets and entry fee for Museum of Modern Art, Top of the Rock, or the Edge
• Tickets and entry fee for One World Center
• Luggage handling (one piece per person)
• Room taxes, meal taxes, and gratuities
• Excludes Tour Guide and Driver gratuities