Compare Washington, D.C., Niagara Falls & N.Y.C. 2023 Classic Group by Insight Vacations vs It’s Showtime! A Broadway Adventure With Your Grandchild by Road Scholar

Day 1: A Monumental Time in Washington, D.C.

Welcome to Washington, D.C., the nation's capital and a haven for history and art buffs alike. On arrival at the airport, your transfer will take you to the luxurious Fairmont Hotel Georgetown.Join your Travel Director and meet fellow guests at a private Welcome Dinner with drinks at 18:00.

Day 2: Washington, D.C. Sightseeing Relaxed Start

In the morning, learn about the proud heritage of a nation. View the stately White House, striking Washington Monument, and sprawling National Mall. Reflect on the country's most turbulent days at the Lincoln Memorial and the somber World War II Memorial. The rest of the day is at your leisure. Ask your Travel Director for their sightseeing and dinner recommendations to help you to make the most of America’s capital.

Day 3: Gettysburg and Harrisburg

Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience in Gettysburg as you meet your Local Expert at the site of one of the Civil War's most pivotal, and fatal battles. Today the Gettysburg Foundation focuses not just on preserving artifacts from the battlefield but also on education to promote democracy.Move on to Harrisburg, the state capital of Pennsylvania situated on the Susquehanna River. This historic hub is now a beautiful and vibrant city.Enjoy Dinner with wine at a local restaurant in Harrisburg.

Day 4: On to Niagara

Make your way to the Corning Museum of Glass, where you can learn about the art, history, culture, technology, science, craft, and design that tells the riveting story of the museum's single material, glass. Sandblast your own keepsake before watching master artisans at work.Cross the Canadian border to arrive at Niagara Falls, where your hotel overlooks the majestic Horseshoe Falls – the largest of the three waterfalls in this area.

Day 5: Niagara Up-Close

View thundering Niagara Falls during a thrilling cruise to the base of the cascades.Visit Vineland Estates Winery for a tour and tasting with lunch. This stunning venue with extensive vineyards also showcases several restored historic buildings.This afternoon witness the falls in a new light from below and behind, as you descend 150 feet (46 metres) by elevator to observe the phenomenon.This evening, you'll have time to relax on your own.

Day 6: The Finger Lakes of New York

This morning you'll leave the falls behind and travel to the Finger Lakes region of New York. This beautiful natural setting features eleven glacial lakes situated among forested hills and quaint small towns. Pay a special visit to the Three Brothers Wineries and Estates near Seneca Lake, featuring wineries, a microbrewery, Slushie Hut and Cafe all focused on local sustainability. Become a student aboard the MV Teal as you engage in Floating Classroom activities run by the non-profit Discover Cayuga Lake. Experienced educators will provide narration and hands-on ecology lessons as you participate in this scenic eco-tour on the Finger Lakes' longest lake.

Day 7: A Bite of the Big Apple

Take a bite of the Big Apple on a tour of the city's highlights with a Local Expert.See the Empire State Building and the mirrored peak of the Art Deco Chrysler Building as you admire one of the world’s most iconic skylines.Afterward, ascend to the Top of the Rock – the 70th floor of the Rockefeller Center Building – for a sweeping view of the skyscrapers, parks, rivers and urban canyons that make up the teeming isle of Manhattan.

Day 8: Exploring N.Y.C. Relaxed Start

This morning, choose to enjoy a harbour cruise with impressive views of the Manhattan skyline, Ellis Island, and the towering Statue of Liberty. Glide down the Hudson River and get a glimpse of several stunning landmarks. Alternatively, if it’s tranquility you’re after, relish the calm of Central Park with a scenic bike ride. The rest of the day is yours to spend as you please.A lively Celebration Dinner this evening concludes your journey. Join your fellow travellers at Redeye Grill, a sophisticated, timeless, and comfortable dining experience in Midtown Manhattan.

Day 9: Depart New York City

It’s time to say goodbye to the Empire State. A morning transfer will take you to JFK International Airport, LaGuardia Airport or Newark Liberty International Airport for your flight home. Alternatively, choose to see more of New York by extending your stay at your own rhythm.

Day 1 Check-In, Registration, Welcome Dinner, Orientation New York

Hotel check-in from 3:00 p.m.

Program Registration: 4:00-5:00 p.m. After you have your room assignment, take your bags to your room. At 4:00 p.m., come to the designated hotel meeting room (location will be posted) to register with the program staff and get your welcome packet containing the up-to-date schedule that reflects any changes, other important information, and to confirm the time and location of the Orientation session. If you arrive late, please ask for your envelope when you check in.

6:15 p.m.: Orientation. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. This is a Road Scholar Intergenerational program. Grandparents are responsible for their grandchildren. If/when separate age group activities are conducted concurrently, program staff will supervise. Children are never to be left unsupervised. This active program involves extensive walking and use of public transportation including the New York subway system with many stairs up and down. Periods in the daily schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding. Following the Orientation session, we will walk three blocks with our Group Leader to the Empire State Building for a bird’s eye view of the city. The Group Leader will return to the hotel and you may stay as long as you like. The observation deck is open until 2:00 a.m.— but we don't advise staying that late! The next day is a busy one.

5:00 p.m.: In the Tick Tock Diner just off the hotel lobby, we’ll have our first meal together and order from a select menu. This 24-hour diner features American cooking and “comfort food.” Dinner in the diner is included even if you arrive late. You may eat later but please attend Orientation first. Or, get “take out” and bring your plate to the meeting room.

Day 2 Times Square, Visit a Broadway Theatre, Singing Waiters New York

Use of New York City subway. Walking up to 5 miles throughout the day.

We’ll take a field trip to the New Amsterdam Theatre for a Road Scholar exclusive field trip. We’ll also see props from some of the most popular Disney shows. Depending on the theatre schedule, we’ll see what’s happening that day. Next, we’ll walk through the Theatre District with a local expert to learn about and become familiar with the area. We’ll then return to the hotel.

This afternoon is the first of our Intergenerational theatre workshops for both kids and adults. We’ll be joined by a local expert, an educator in movement, who will teach us singing and dance moves and routines.

We’ll take a walk through Rockefeller Center and Grand Central Terminal.

In the hotel meeting room, we’ll have bagels, muffins, bananas, hard-boiled eggs, cold cereals, cream cheese, jelly, and butter, plus milk (regular and low-fat), orange juice, coffee/decaf, tea.

In the hotel meeting room, we’ll have deli sandwiches and a beverage.

At a retro 1950s theme diner — featuring singing waiters who aspire to be future stars of stage and screen — we’ll order from a select menu and have plated meals.

Day 3 Workshop, Meet a Performer, Performance New York

Use of New York City subway. Walking up to 5 miles throughout the day.

We’ll review what we learned in the workshop before and then we’ll meet with an expert in stage movement who will take us through our moves.

As a special highlight of the program, we’ll meet a young performer on their way up and learn how they got started. Grandkids will then rehearse their theater workshop moves and grandparents can watch if they like or take a break.

We’ll attend a theater performance. (Depending on the location, we will either walk or take the subway.) Our program was planned far in advance when performance details were not confirmed. Generally, this is a casual, off-Broadway offering. When available, the information will be posted on the Road Scholar website under this program number and will also be included in preparatory materials sent following enrollment.

In the meeting room.

This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.

At a neighborhood restaurant.

Day 4 Theatre District Discovery Adventure, Free Time New York

Use of New York City subway. Walking up to 5 miles throughout the day.

In the Theatre District around Times Square, we’ll divide into two smaller groups and set out on a field trip to explore the heart of New York show business. We’ll have maps and clues to discover some of the famous sights and take pictures to document our discoveries. We’ll then return to the hotel.

Free Time. Take this opportunity for personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. Please refer to the list of Free Time Opportunities. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. If you want to attend a specific event such as a Broadway show you may want to order tickets in advance. There are always a lot of options available at the TKTS Discount Booth for same-day tickets at 20% to 50% off regular prices. The Group Leader will give advice on how to make it go as smoothly as possible. See www.tdf.org for details.

At leisure. Experience more of what New York has to offer to see and do what interests you most.

In the meeting room.

In the meeting room.

On your own to enjoy what you like. If you have something special in mind, we recommend making reservations in advance.

Day 5 Meet an Actor, Wardrobe, Workshop, Broadway Show New York

Walking up to 5 miles throughout the day.

Another special highlight, we’ll meet a theatre professional who works behind the scenes in wardrobe. We’ll hear how those quick changes work to support the performers on stage. Next, we’ll be joined by a seasoned Broadway actor who will tell us about life of a performer and what it takes to be successful — meaning, employed!

For our third and last theatre workshop, kids and adults will join together again to learn more about movement in Broadway musicals. Our educator will take us through the moves we’re perfecting.

We will attend a Broadway Musical. Our program was planned far in advance when performance details were not confirmed. When available, the information will be posted on the Road Scholar website under this program number and will also be included in preparatory materials sent following enrollment.

In the hotel meeting room.

On your own to enjoy what you like.

At a local restaurant, we’ll order from a select menu with beverage choices of soda, coffee, tea, water. Share favorite experiences with new Road Scholar friends during our farewell dinner.

Day 6 Wrap-up Session, Program Concludes New York

Hotel check-out 12:00 Noon.

We’ll have a lively wrap-up session and discuss the performances included in the program and any you may have attended on your own. This concludes our program. If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!

In the meeting room.