A Private Passage Through Time: New York City

New York City

Your AncestryProGenealogists® research service includes 20 hours of dedicated pre-trip planning and research into your family's origins. An expert genealogist has prepared a written report and images of the records found that inform your personal journey ahead.. Meet your driver at Baggage Claim, and enjoy a private transfer to your accommodation.. New York traces its rich history to Lower Manhattan, the meeting point of the Hudson River and the East River. Discover the city’s roots alongside your private guide as you explore Lower Manhattan’s historic landmarks. Originally named Nieuw (New) Amsterdam, New York City began as a small Dutch settlement in what is now known as Lower Manhattan. Broadway, which was then called Heere Straat (Gentleman Street), was nothing but a small road. Wall Street actually had a wall back in 1653 to protect the settlers from attacks. As the city grew, so did the nation. New York was the first capital of the United States and the spot where George Washington was inaugurated is marked by his statue. Over the years, Lower Manhattan has become the financial capital of the world. Today, the streets are teeming with people and filled with stories of New York’s past, present, and future.

Accommodation: The Beekman (Double Queen Room), New York City

New York City

Numerous ethnic groups have transformed the landscape of New York City, but only two have neighborhoods named after them: Little Italy and Chinatown. Today, embark on a privately guided walking tour of both neighborhoods to see what’s below the surface that makes both so unique and intriguing. Little Italy was formed in the late 1800s as millions of Italian immigrants streamed into the United States. Stroll down Mulberry Street to discover old school establishments that still carry on Italian traditions. Chinatown is an ever-growing neighborhood that upon entrance, transports you to a whole new world. Explore Mott Street to experience full submersion into another culture as you're transport to China in this small corner of Manhattan. Marvel at the Mahayana Buddhist Temple, a majestic place of worship and home to a 16ft tall Buddha. Visit the major intersection of Chatham Square, home to the First Shearith Israel Graveyard. This tiny Jewish graveyard is one of the oldest cemeteries in the city, and serves as a final resting place for soldiers from the Revolutionary War. As you journey through these historically significant neighborhoods, enjoy plenty of time to see why they're also a foodie's paradise. Give in to the enticing aromas and indulge in the decadent treats of Little Italy and Chinatown.. Step back in time with a taste of New York City’s storied culinary past. Savor a classic steak at Delmonico’s, America’s first fine-dining restaurant, or experience the legendary dry-aged cuts at Peter Luger in Brooklyn and Keen’s, famous for its mutton chop and century-old pipe collection. For a true slice of NYC, don’t miss Katz’s Delicatessen, a Lower East Side institution since 1888. Dine where the Founding Fathers once gathered at Fraunces Tavern, a Revolutionary War-era landmark. Beneath the soaring ceilings of Grand Central Terminal, the Oyster Bar serves fresh seafood in a setting as iconic as the city itself. Speak to your Destination Expert for additional suggestions, or to arrange a dining reservation.

Accommodation: The Beekman (Double Queen Room), New York City

New York City

Known as an eclectic culinary destination, New York City boasts a strong foodie scene. Spend today exploring the streets of Brooklyn with a private guide and driver, discovering the tastes of this unique borough. Your guide will explain how trends in ethnic diversity have inspired this vibrant and diverse food scene. Satisfy your sweet tooth with a stop to see the art of chocolate making at a chocolatier in the neighborhood of DUMBO. Explore the flavors of the Middle East with a stop at a restaurant that showcases this popular cuisine. At last, no trip to Brooklyn would be complete without a stop at a classic pizzeria, one of New York’s many calls to fame.. When the sun goes down, the lights go up in New York City. From the torch of Lady Liberty shining in the harbor to the jaw-dropping lights of Times Square, your private driver and guide will show you how electrifying New York City is after dark tonight. Start downtown to see how the Financial District lights up at night and take a moment by the 9/11 Memorial and One World Trade to observe the Tribute in Light that sends twin light beams into the sky representing the fallen twin towers. From there, make your way uptown for sights like the New York Public Library and the ever-glowing Times Square where even at night, feels as though it’s midday. Your final stop will be atop the iconic Empire State Building, giving you a 360- degree view of the city that never sleeps. Conclude your tour with a transfer back to your hotel.

Accommodation: The Beekman (Double Queen Room), New York City

New York City

Take part in a truly American experience as you visit Ellis Island and witness the majesty of the Statue of Liberty with your private driver and guide. A gift of international friendship from France, the Statue of Liberty is a universal symbol of political freedom and democracy. The views of the statue from the water are reminiscent of what immigrants first saw entering New York Harbor. After a short ride on the New York Ferry, arrive to the entry point of Ellis Island. Twelve million people have passed through the halls that are now been transformed into the Ellis Island Immigration Museum. Walk through the Great Hall as new Americans once did, ancestors of more than half of the U.S. population. Search for your family surname on the American Immigrant Wall of Honor. With over 600,000 entries, the list is the longest wall of names in the world. Conclude your tour with a private transfer back to your hotel.

Accommodation: The Beekman (Double Queen Room), New York City

New York City

Discover your family's past with an on-site Ancestry Genealogist guide who knows the region's records, local historians, and communities. Guided by your Research Report, you’ll explore the places your family once called home. On this day you may walk the land they farmed, visit the church they attended, or meet distant relatives still living nearby. What you find goes deeper than any document ever could.. Join your Ancestry Genealogist and private driver for a visit to the New York City branch of the National Archives, where census records, naturalization documents, and immigration records bring your family's arrival story into focus. Your genealogist is on hand to interpret what you find and guide you through the archives' holdings. The rest of the day is yours to explore the city, with your private driver at your disposal.

Accommodation: The Beekman (Double Queen Room), New York City

New York City

Meet your private driver for an airport transfer.