Sunday, November 30

A Tour of Harlem and Luncheon at Sylvia’s

Enjoy this tour of Upper Manhattan followed by a sumptuous soul-food luncheon at Sylvia’s landmark restaurant in Harlem. On the Highlights Tour, see Central Park, Cathedral of St. John the Divine, Grant’s Tomb, Columbia University, the historic Harlem district, then savor Sylvia’s southern-style cooking at a bounteous 3-course luncheon served family-style.

Flora, Fauna, Trolleys and Train: New York Botanical Garden Tour

Since its inception in 1891, The New York Botanical Garden, located on 250 acres in the Bronx, has been one of the world’s most comprehensive and remarkable botanical and horticultural institutions. Begin with a docent-led tour of the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory to learn about “The World of Plants” and to see the current exhibitions on display. Next, we’ll venture upon a timed, self-guided tour of a unique delight – the holiday train show – featuring over 100 New York City landmarks from the Statue of Liberty to Yankee Stadium – made entirely from plant parts like berries, gourds, pinecones and twigs. Model railway trains and trolleys enliven this meticulously crafted scene. Trains chug across bridges, through tunnels and across the terrain amid evergreens and lights. A truly magical, miniature holiday wonderland. Guests may also enjoy a self-guided tour of the Gingerbread Adventures, a wonderful children’s hoiday exhibit on display.

Monday, December 1

Chocolate Lovers Tour

From French bon-bons in Union Square to Australian homemade in the East Village, from chocolate factories in SOHO and DUMBO to long-time favorites on the Lower East Side (where you might still find penny-candy of old like “Chocolate Babies” and “Chocolate Twists”), the city is a paradise for chocolate-lovers. Candies, cookies, cupcakes and hot drinks all taste best with chocolate at the center of the recipe. Sample chocolate in all its sweet forms on a chocolate lovers tour of the city and you’ll soon agree with one of the most famous chocolatiers in town whose working philosophy is simple and sweet: “Life is short; eat dessert first.” (Jacques Torres)

Ellis Island Tour

Board the ferry at Battery Park and cruise to Ellis Island, the entry port to America for more than 12 million immigrants. On the island, your guide leads you to some of the rooms that portray the experiences of the immigrants’ journeys to America. Then explore on your own through some of the 4,000 exhibits that convey the immigrant story.

Tuesday, December 2

Hispanic Culture Celebration: The Hispanic Society Art Museum Tour and Luncheon

Founded in 1904 by Archer Millington Huntington, the Hispanic Society first opened its doors one-hundred years ago in 1908 in the beautiful, beaux-arts mansion that still serves as its home today. On this docent-led tour of the art museum celebrating the arts and cultures of Spain, Portugal and Latin America, visitors will see artwork by classic Spanish artists and sculptors including Diego Velazquez, Juan Carreno de Mirando, Francisco de Goya, Joaquin Sorollo and Antonis Mor among other world-celebrated masters. After the tour, guests will enjoy a traditional Latin American “island cuisine” 3-course luncheon at Hispaniola Restaurant in the Washington Heights district of Upper Manhattan

Gracie Mansion Tour and Tea

A tour of the private residence of the mayors of New York City since 1942. Built in 1799 by shipping merchant Archibald Gracie (also a founding member of the New York Stock Exchange), Gracie Mansion is the last of the elegant country homes that once lined Manhattan’s East River shore. Your private tour takes you into this majestic Federal home filled with antiques and precious art from the 18th and 19th centuries. A knowledgeable docent guides you through the formal areas on the first floor and living quarters on the second floor, while providing historical and anecdotal information about this cultural, social and political institution. The tour concludes with “afternoon tea” in the ballroom at the mansion.

Wednesday, December 3

Intrepid Sea-Air Space Museum Tour

Closed for the past two years for renovation, the Intrepid Museum re-opens in November 2008 so visitors may once again experience a very unique attraction in New York City. One of the most successful ships in US history and now a national historic landmark, the USS Intrepid aircraft carrier was commissioned for service during World War II and went on to serve in Vietnam and then as a primary recovery vessel for NASA. On this docent-led tour, see the flight decks and mess halls on the Intrepid. Step inside the Growler, the only intact strategic submarine that fired nuclear missiles that is open to the public anywhere in the world today. Take a seat on the Concorde which still holds the record as the fastest and highest flying airliner in existence 32-years after its first commercial flight.

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