Arrive into your chosen New York airport, and once you have collected your bags, transfer independently 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.

Once you have settled into your hotel you may like to explore the local neighbourhood, and try some classic American food.

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

This morning we escape the city to explore a bit more of New York State. Make your way to Penn Station to board your AmTrak train to Albany-Rensselaer station. You can sit back and relax by the window over the next two and a half hours as the train leaves Manhattan and rolls up along the Hudson Valley to Albany.

Once you have dropped your bags at your downtown Albany hotel, you will have a chance to explore the New York Capital on foot. The most obvious place to start is the grand 19th century Capitol Building. You can join a guided tour to discover more about the history and architecture of the building, including 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, Albany’s equivalent of Central Park in the middle of the city.

In the evening head to Lark Street, Albany’s lively arts and dining district for some refreshments. Here you can find plenty of bars and restaurants. You may like to try the Albany Pump Station for a craft beer and a meal.

Hilton Albany or similar

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

We suggest visiting downtown Hudson, to view the town’s historic architecture and mix of art galleries, antique shops and artisan cafés. Just outside of Hudson you can also visit the Olana State Historic Site, to view 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, where one of the highlights is the river lighthouse. 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. Kingston was New York’s first capital, and today it’s known 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 area 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. Famous for the music festivals, the town is now well-known for its art galleries and craft shops. You can stop for coffee and browse the shops, before continuing to the town of Phoenicia in the heart of the Catskill Mountains. Here you can hike up to Mount Temper or descend to Esopus Creek for some water activities.

The next stop is Hunter Mountain, 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.

Just beyond Tannersville, you can stop for the short hike to Kaaterskill Falls, one of the highest waterfalls in New York State. there is a viewing platform to view the two-tiers of the falls. Once back in your car you can return to Kingston for a well-earned dinner in the evening.

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 and Sleepy Hollow. Tarrytown played a significant role in the American Revolution and is home to the Gothic Lyndhurst Mansion. Sleepy Hollow gained fame from Washington Irving’s novel, that immortalised the village’s spooky folklore.

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

Kingston > Airport | 120 miles