Rediscover New York
May 6-9, 2010
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Join the University of Wisconsin–Continuing Studies for a weekend of the best New York experiences that you've ever had!
For over 30 years we have coordinated unforgettable educational weekend tours of New York City, usually focusing on the performing arts. But New York City is much more than Broadway. This spring, we invite you to re-discover the rest of New York city as we show you the neighborhoods, parks, clubs and museums that make this one of the world's most vibrant cities. (And you can still take in a show if you want!)
Begin your rediscovery of New York at the famous restaurant, Pete’s Downtown, in the shadow of the iconic Brooklyn Bridge. Enjoy a delicious dinner with your traveling companions before crossing the street for an evening of jazz on the water at the landmark venue, Barge Music, while enjoying the beautiful views across the East River.
On Friday you'll explore New York culture through food as you walk along a Multi-Ethnic Eating Tour through Chinatown, Little Italy and the Jewish East Side! This is a fun and educational opportunity to see, and taste, a side of New York that is too often missed by the busy traveler. Led by expert guides, you'll visit the Jewish East Side, Chinatown, and Little Italy, sampling traditional foods from the Dominican Republic, Eastern Europe, China, Italy and more.
It's easy to forget Manhattan is an island. Join us as we view and learn about the famous skyline and beautiful bluffs that lie along the Hudson. On Friday afternoon you may choose to discover New York from the water on an optional 3-hour Circle Line Cruise around the entirety of Manhattan.
Friday night you are free to choose for yourself how you will spend your night in the city. Cultural events abound and if you dream of experiencing Broadway, the ballet, or the opera, this is the perfect time. If you need help selecting an event or acquiring tickets, just let us know and we’ll tell you how to make those wishes become a reality!
On Saturday morning enjoy the unique experience of a before-opening-hours guided educational tour in Museum of Modern Art. You won't have to fight the crowd to hear your guide provide insight into their special exhibit: Picasso: Themes and Variations.
Saturday night in New York is unlike Saturday night anywhere else. This Saturday night you’ll travel downtown for a soulful dinner and exuberant floorshow at the world renowned Brazilian club, SOB’S (Sounds of Brazil). Dancing is allowed!
Your weekend of re-discovering New York concludes on Sunday morning as you travel to the northern end of Manhattan where you'll stroll through the blooming gardens of Fort Tryon Park along the bluffs high above the Hudson River, The Cloisters Museum comes into view and you'll swear you have been transported to Europe. Inside, an educational tour of one of the finest collections of Medieval treasures assembled anywhere on earth awaits you. If you've never visited The Cloisters prepare to be amazed.
All of this plus a daily breakfast and new friends, make this trip relaxing, enriching and unforgettable.
Join us. Re-discover New York City this spring!
Itinerary
Thursday, May 6
- Morning
The group flight arrives in New York City for check-in at the Hilton Garden Inn Times Square, and you'll have the rest of the afternoon to explore on your own. - Evening
Enjoy a Group Dinner at Pete's Downtown Restaurant before a Jazz performance at the exquisite floating venue, Barge Music.
Friday, May 7
- Morning
This morning you'll set out on a fascinating walking tour of Manhattan's Lower East Side for The Original Multi-Ethnic Eating Tour. The rest of the day is yours to spend as you wish.
If you'd like to join us in the afternoon for the optional 3-Hour Circle Line Cruise around the entire island of Manhattan you are welcome to do so. - Evening
Tonight is yours. Make your plans now for a Broadway show; or the Philharmonic; or the opera; or the ballet; or a famous restaurant and a movie festival; or...
Saturday, May 8
- Morning
This morning you have the special distinction of entering the Museum of Modern Art a full hour before they open their doors to the public for an educational, quiet, and private guided tour of their very special exhibition, Picasso: Themes and Variations. - Evening
Tonight you go downtown for a delicious dinner and the incredible Latin floor show at the justifiably famous SOB's (Sounds of Brazil). This is a guaranteed good time!
Sunday, May 9
- Morning
Finally, you'll visit one of the most beautiful and special locations in all of Manhattan: the unparalleled collection of Medieval Art at The Cloisters Museum.
Fee details:
The fee for this tour is $1,299. The price will include all coach transportation, tickets, 3-nights lodging, daily breakfasts, 2 dinners, all guided tours and entry fees, pre-trip educational materials and UW-Madison staff services.
Airfare is not included in this package price. Group flights originate in Madison and Milwaukee, WI. Upon receipt of your deposit our travel agent will contact you to assist with your flight arrangements, regardless of your point of origin, if you wish.
As with all of our trips, you may choose to arrive early, or extend your stay, in New York. Please let us know if we can assist you in your plans.
Your travel director
Doug Whittle, UW-Madison Director of Educational Travel, has led programs to Amsterdam, St. Petersburg, Paris, and New York City. He's traveled independently in Asia, Africa, Europe, and throughout Central and North America. Doug also served for two years as a Peace Corps volunteer in Zaire. Before coming to UW-Madison, he spent a decade as professor of painting and printmaking at Converse College in South Carolina. His paintings and prints have appeared in museums and galleries from Richmond, Virginia to Krakow, Poland.
Location/accommodations description
You'll enjoy first-class accommodations at the Hilton Garden Inn Times Square. http://hiltongardeninn.hilton.com
Pete's Downtown Restaurant
petesdowntown.com
Barge Music:
www.bargemusic.org
Circle Line Cruise
www.circlelinedowntown.com
Museum of Modern Art
www.moma.org
SOB's (Sounds of Brazil)
www.sobs.com
Fort Tryon Park
www.nycgovparks.org/parks/forttryonpark
Cloisters Museum
www.metmuseum.org/Works_Of_Art/the_cloisters
Traveler comments
“I thought the guides were superb. Knowledgeable, gracious, friendly. They were a highlight of the trip for me…”
“Not only did we enjoy this trip, we felt changed by it–and isn’t that what education is all about?...”
“Unparalleled, unforgettable.”
General information
As with all of our trips, you may choose to arrive early or extend your stay in New York. Let us know if we can assist you in your plans. Please understand, however, that due to high ticket demand in New York theaters, we are unable to secure tickets for performances or events other than the ones we have listed here.
How to register
There is a registration form in each program brochure. Please contact Kim Seymour at (608) 262-3731 or kseymour@dcs.wisc.edu to request the brochure. You may also download a copy of the brochure (when available) or download the registration form separately.
Contact information
For information contact Doug Whittle, 608-263-7787, dwhittle@dcs.wisc.edu, or Kim Seymour, 608 262-3731.