Arrive into your chosen New York airport, collect your bags, and make your way to your Manhattan hotel.

New York City is renowned for its iconic skyline dominated by skyscrapers like the Empire State Building and One World Trade Centre. It is also famous for its cultural landmarks such as Broadway theatres, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the bustling Times Square.

After settling into your hotel, head out for your first taste of the energy of NYC!

The New Yorker Hotel or similar

You may like to start your day in ‘The Big Apple’ with a visit to Central Park, where you can stroll through the picturesque pathways, admire the Bethesda Terrace, and enjoy a boat ride on the lake.

From Central Park you can head to Times Square to experience the vibrant energy of this bustling crossroads, with its bright billboards, theatres, and street performers.

Afterward, follow Fifth Avenue to see landmarks like the Rockefeller Centre and St. Patrick’s Cathedral. For lunch you could grab a bite at one of the city’s famous delis or even a hot dog at one of the many food trucks.

In the afternoon, you can visit the Empire State Building for panoramic views of the city skyline from the observation deck. Before ending your day with a visit to Ellis Island, where you can learn about the city’s immigrant heritage and enjoy stunning views of the harbour.

Optional Experience – Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour
With stops at 30 key landmarks all around New York City, this sightseeing bus route will enable you to view all the sights and sounds of Manhattan and beyond.

The New Yorker Hotel or similar

This morning wander into Greenwich Village, for a wander around the tree-lined streets. Perhaps grab a coffee and a bun in one of the artisan coffee shops, or join in a game of chess in Washington Square Park. You can also try and spot the apartment from Friends and lots of other movie locations in the area.

Heading south you can stop by the poignant 9/11 memorial before reaching Battery Park on the southern tip of Manhattan.

From the port adjacent to Battery Park you can catch the Staten Island Ferry across the harbour. Not only is the ferry free of charge, but it will give you some of the best views of the Statue of Liberty and Governors Island as you pass by.

Just off the ferry on Staten Island you can get some retail therapy at Empire Outlets, or visit the National Lighthouse Museum which is only metres away. Alternatively you can jump on the bus to Snug Harbor, to explore the historic buildings, museums and botanic gardens. When you are ready, the ferry runs every 25 minutes, to take you back to Manhattan.

The New Yorker Hotel or similar

Make your way to Penn Station to board your Amtrak train to Albany-Rensselaer, around a 2.5 hour journey. Sit back and enjoy the scenery as you leave Manhattan and roll through the beautiful Hudson Valley.

Drop your bags at your central Albany hotel, then head out to explore the New York state capital on foot. The most obvious place to start is the grand 19th Century Capitol Building, where you can join a guided tour to discover more about its history and architecture, and its ‘Million Dollar Staircase’.

Next to the Capitol Building is the Empire State Plaza, where you can pop into the New York State Museum, before taking a stroll through Washington Park in the middle of the city. US history enthusiasts may also want to follow the self guided ‘Alexander Hamilton-in-Albany’ walking tour.

In the evening, you could catch a show at the historic Palace Theatre, or head to Lark Street, where you’ll find a great choice of bars and restaurants.

Hilton Albany or similar

This morning, collect your hire car to begin exploring the Hudson River Valley. Kingston is only 60 miles away, so you have plenty of time to stop in the scenic lay-bys to take in the views of the Hudson River.

We suggest visiting downtown Hudson, for its historic architecture and mix of art galleries, antique shops and artisan cafés. Just outside the town, you can visit the Olana State Historic Site, the former home of landscape artist Frederic Church. The building displays various architectural influences and has great views across the river to the Catskill Mountains.

The town of Catskill is another lovely stop or you can choose to stop in the picturesque town of Saugerties, with its river lighthouse, built in 1869. A short hike through tidal wetlands brings you to the historic lighthouse, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the river.

Your destination is the town of Kingston, New York State’s first capital, known today for its well-preserved 18th and 19th Century architecture. Explore the Stockade District, filled with colonial-era buildings, or visit the Hudson River Maritime Museum in the Rondout District. The waterfront is particularly scenic, with shops, restaurants, and boat tours available.

Albany > Kingston | 56 miles

Best Western Plus, Kingston or similar

Today’s circular drive takes you up into the Catskill Mountains, with plenty of opportunities to get out the car to explore, so bring your walking boots with you.

From Kingston, head to the town of the Woodstock, a creative hub, with art galleries and craft shops to peruse. (Whilst named after the town, the famous 1969 music festival was actually held near the village of Bethel, a 90 minute drive to the south west).

From Woodstock, it’s a short drive to Phoenicia in the heart of the Catskill Mountains. From here, you can hike up to Mount Temper or descend to Esopus Creek. Your next stop, Hunter Mountain, is a popular ski resort in winter, but also a great place to explore at other times of the year. Take the scenic Skyride chairlift to the top of the mountain for sweeping views of the Catskill peaks.

Best Western Plus, Kingston or similar

Although you will be flying home this evening, you still have plenty of time to continue exploring the Hudson Valley on your way back to the airport.

At Hyde Park it is possible to explore the Gilded Age estates of Vanderbilt Mansion and Mills Mansion, with their extensive gardens. Hyde Park is also the former home of Franklin D. Roosevelt, the 32nd President of the United States. You can visit the Presidential Library and Museum as well as his lifelong residence, Springwood Estate.

At Poughkeepsie, you can stop to traverse the pedestrian walkway over the Hudson River, or continue south to explore the trails of Bear Mountain State Park.

Before returning to the airport you may have time for one last stop at Tarrytown, home to the Gothic Lyndhurst Mansion, or nearby village of Sleepy Hollow, forever immortalised in folklore following Washington Irving’s spooky novel.

Continue to the airport, return your rental car and check in for your evening flight home from New York.

Kingston > Airport | 120 miles