
Battery Park was first on the itinerary for day two, where the group boarded the ferry to take them to Liberty Island and Ellis Island. Cameras were at the ready as they passed by the famous Statue of Liberty, and countless ‘selfies’ were taken with Lady Liberty also. The group ate lunch in Battery Park, where they sat in the glorious sunshine and had some ‘down-time’ before they embarked upon the rest of the day’s activities.
The 9/11 Memorial and Tribute Center was the next stop of the day. The pupils and staff were captivated by the stunning memorial, and paid quiet tribute to those who were and continue to be affected by the attacks on the city, in 2001.
From there, the group walked to the Financial District of Manhattan, where they saw the famous Wall Street, Federal Hall, National Memorial and the Trinity Church and Courthouse. Some “essential” retail therapy was enjoyed in the city’s ‘Century 21’ Store, before dinner.
The day’s activities were not quite finished, and the group ended their jam-packed day with a trip to the world famous, Empire State Building. The iconic skyscraper, sits majestically in the centre of Midtown Manhattan, and the group were mesmerized by its size and beauty. From the top of the lit-up tower, the group gazed in wonder at the amazing city below.
The last day in New York, was once again packed with activities for the group. Their day started with a trip to the famous National History Museum, where they embarked upon a ‘Night at the Museum’ tour of the building. From there, they headed to Central Park where they picnicked before visiting Strawberry Fields, a memorial in the park, designed to celebrate the life of John Lennon. The group then passed the Dakota Building on their way to Bethesda Terrace, where they took in the beauty of the remarkable Bethesda Fountain, one of the biggest in the city.
As the staff enjoyed a coffee stop, the pupils enjoyed some more retail therapy on the famous, Fifth Avenue. They shopped ‘til they dropped in stores such as Abercrombie & Fitch, Bloomingdale’s and Nike Town. Mrs Clark and Mrs McEwan, were more than happy to supervise small groups, who wanted to experience the many wonders that Tiffany’s had to offer.
The group had their final evening meal in the city’s Hard Rock Café, before heading back to the hotel, exhausted yet elated.
Not wanting to miss anything out, the group managed to squeeze in a final activity on their day of departure. The High Line Park, is a park built in Manhattan, on a section of disused railroad. The popular park attracts nearly 5 million visitors annually, and once again offers spectacular views of the city. The group enjoyed their walk along the High Line Park, where they said goodbye to the city, before having lunch in Chelsea Market, and finally, from there, they made their way to JFK Airport, to make their return home.
On their return, pupils remarked that the experience had been unforgettable and they were grateful to have been given the opportunity to visit one of the world’s most beautiful and breathtaking cities.