New York

New York City at a Slower Pace: The Best of the Big Apple

Program No. 23029RJ
Hear New Yorkers’ formidable stories and join art, architecture and history experts to explore New York at a slower pace.

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At a Glance

Discover the best of the "big apple" as you explore the city at your own pace. Walk in the footsteps of millions of migrants at Liberty and Ellis Islands, and learn their stories at the Immigration Museum. While visiting Rockefeller Center, stop at St. Patrick's Cathedral, a symbol of the successful assimilation of New York's Irish population, on fashionable Fifth Avenue. Taste the diverse flavors of this city as you dine like a New Yorker! See the city through the eyes of art, architecture and history experts as they lead you through New York's iconic sights.
Activity Level
On Your Feet
This program is specifically for those who want to avoid subways. We will have a private coach to transport us on most field trips. Walking up to a mile at time and climbing stairs.
Small Group
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.

What You'll Learn

  • Discover the Metropolitan Museum of Art, a museum that is to New York what the Louvre is to Paris.
  • Recall the heady days of the world’s largest privately owned entertainment and business complex at Rockefeller Plaza.
  • Explore the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, gateway to America for millions of immigrants.

General Notes

There are lots of different ways to explore New York City depending on your preference of pace and modes of transportation, program inclusions and time available for travel. Visit www.roadscholar.org/collections/nyc to explore them all!
Featured Expert
All trip experts
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Richard Turnbull
Richard Turnbull is an assistant professor in the History of Art Department at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York, and lectures regularly at the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Museum of Modern Art. He has published numerous articles on topics from the challenges of being an adjunct professor to the photography of Luke Smalley, and has forthcoming articles on Islamic art and 70s pop music and culture. Richard earned his Ph.D. in art history from the Institute of Fine Arts.

Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.

Profile Image of Richard Turnbull
Richard Turnbull View biography
Richard Turnbull is an assistant professor in the History of Art Department at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York, and lectures regularly at the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Museum of Modern Art. He has published numerous articles on topics from the challenges of being an adjunct professor to the photography of Luke Smalley, and has forthcoming articles on Islamic art and 70s pop music and culture. Richard earned his Ph.D. in art history from the Institute of Fine Arts.
Profile Image of Tom Bernardin
Tom Bernardin View biography
As a National Park Service Guide at Ellis Island, Tom Bernardin became an avid collector of Statue of Liberty memorabilia — and his association with Ellis Island inspired him to write "The Ellis Island Immigrant Cookbook: The Story of Our Past Told Through the Recipes and Reminiscences of our Immigrant Ancestors." He has made guest appearances on National Public Radio, the TV Food Network, Arts and Entertainment and the History Channel.
Profile Image of Angela Christensen
Angela Christensen View biography
Angela Christensen is a licensed New York City excursion leader who has extensive experience in event planning and hospitality. She worked with the Wildlife Conservation Society managing events in the Bronx Zoo, Central Park, Prospect Park, the Queens Zoo and the New York Aquarium. Now, she loves showing off her city with lifelong learners from around the world!
Profile Image of Karl Baudendistel
Karl Baudendistel View biography
A New York City resident for more than 25 years, Karl Baudendistel loves sharing his knowledge of the city with visitors from around the world. Having spent 20 years overseeing ‘the business of show business’ for numerous Broadway and touring productions, chances are he’s been to a city near you. Karl is a member of The Association of Theatrical Press Agents and Managers, is a trained sommelier and was educated at New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts.
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.





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