Arrival & Check-in, Registration & Orientation, Opening Presentation, Empire State Building Excursion

Afternoon: HOTEL CHECK-IN: 4:00pm. PROGRAM REGISTRATION: After checking in at the hotel front desk, come to our private meeting room (it will be posted in the lobby) to register with the program staff and get your arrival packet with the up-to-date schedule that we'll review during orientation. In this CITY HIGHLIGHTS WEEKEND, you will have the kind of expert-led learning opportunities you expect from Road Scholar, designed to showcase some of New York City's most notable attractions. There is also a significant amount of free time for personal independent exploration. The program includes two meals per day so that you can enjoy local dining options on your own for lunch or dinner (depending on the day). Your arrival packet will include recommendations for free time activities and dining options. During free time, the Group Leader will be available to lead optional informal activities and dining out that you may join at your own cost if you wish. Please don't hesitate to ask if you have any questions.

Dinner: 5:00pm: Enjoy your first included meal at the colorful Tick Tock Diner, located just off the hotel lobby. This 24-hour diner features classic American cooking with classic diner decor to enhance the all-American ambiance. Our meal is scheduled for 5:00pm so that we can get through orientation and set off for the Empire State Building afterwards. If your arrival is delayed, please attend orientation and then eat. (Dinner is available and included even if you arrive late.)

Evening: ORIENTATION: 6:15pm in our private meeting room. You'll have an informative overview of the program to come plus an opportunity to meet the program staff and your fellow participants during an introductory get-acquainted session. We'll review the up-to-date schedule and any changes, responsibilities, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, have Q&A, and talk about what's going on in New York City this weekend. PRESENTATION & WALKING EXCURSION: After orientation, enjoy a lively presentation on the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, which we visit tomorrow, by a retired National Park Service Ranger, followed by a walk of three blocks to the Empire State Building. As part of the more than $550 million capital improvement project, the world's most famous office building is undergoing substantial renovations to restore and retrofit the landmark. This extraordinary refurbishment brings together world-class architects, historians, artists, and craftsmen to recreate the building's original Art Deco style while adding state-of-the-art enhancements. At the center of the renovation is the restoration of ESB's historic lobby, with its iconic celestial ceiling mural made of aluminum leaf and 23-karat gold. Please note: All visitors to the Empire State Building must pass through primary security screening (similar to airport security procedures) before going to the Observatory. Visitors and their belongings are subject to inspection.

Lodging: New Yorker Hotel

Meals Included: Dinner

FIELD TRIP: The Statue Of Liberty And Ellis Island, Free Afternoon And Evening To Explore On Your Own

Breakfast: We'll have a catered breakfast in our private meeting room with bagels, muffins, cereal, hard boiled eggs, bananas, and beverages. During breakfast, we'll also have registration for the Metro Card included in your program fee. This card provides 10 trips on the New York subway system. We'll use several of them for our scheduled program activities and you may use the remainder at your discretion. You can add value and trips to your Metro Card at any station.

Morning: FIELD TRIPS: We'll explore two of America's most iconic national monuments, Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty. "Liberty Enlightening the World" was a gift from the people of France to the people of the United States in recognition of an enduring friendship established during the American Revolution. Dedicated on October 28, 1886, the significance of Lady Liberty has grown until she has become an international symbol of freedom and liberty, the most recognizable symbol of democracy in the world. President Benjamin Harrison designated Ellis Island as one of the first Federal immigration stations in 1890. From 1892 to 1954, more than 12 million immigrants entered the country through Ellis Island, seeking freedom, opportunity, and new lives. These immigrants and their descendants have woven their way into the fabric of our national life, helping to create the America we know today.

Lunch: ON YOUR OWN: The Ellis Island Café provides a varied menu of high quality food, with an emphasis on organic ingredients and many heart-healthy options.

Afternoon: FREE AFTERNOON: You may continue to explore Ellis Island or set off for other adventures on your own. Perhaps you'll want to attend a Broadway show (and we'll tell you how to get to the TKTS Half Price Ticket Stands). OR, follow the Group Leader on a walk through Lower Manhattan including the Financial District and Wall Street to the World Trade Center site and 9/11 Memorial.

Dinner: ON YOUR OWN: Take this opportunity to savor the cuisine(s) of your choice from the city's more than 2,000 restaurants. Those who wish may join the Group Leader and any other like-minded participants for dinner at your own cost.

Evening: FREE EVENING to explore all New York has to offer on your own. Check out the official city guide at www.nycgo.com/

Lodging: New Yorker Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Morning: Explore Historic Harlem. Our expert guide will take you on a walk through this legendary neighborhood

Brunch: Rock to the soaring sounds of gospel as you enjoy a soul-food brunch

Afternoon: Free afternoon to continue to explore Harlem or take in a matinee performance.

Dinner: After your huge brunch, you might just want to grab a "slice" during your evening stroll.

Evening: WALKING FIELD TRIP: Greenwich Village. Learn while you explore. As the New York Times put it, "...the Village remains one of New York's most appealing neighborhoods, and an especially lovely place to stroll. Leafy streets, lined with Federal-style town houses and ivy-covered brownstones... Neighborhood residents remain loyal to the local organic bakery and the corner produce market. Funky craft stores, artsy boutiques and sidewalk cafes refuse to give way to Pottery Barns and Starbucks. It's a neighborhood on a very human scale, with small delights around every corner."

Lodging: New Yorker Hotel

Meals Included: Brunch

Breakfast: Full American breakfast in the Tick Tock Diner.

Morning: PRESENTATION: The program concludes with discussion of life in this vibrant city until 10:30. Hotel check-out is at 12:00 Noon. We hope you have enjoyed this new CITY HIGHLIGHTS WEEKEND program and will join us for other rewarding Road Scholar learning adventures in the future. Best wishes for all your journeys!

Meals Included: Breakfast