Connections Club Journal March_April

Extended Travel

Holiday Time in New York City November 19-23, 2021

Kickoff the holiday season touring one of the most exciting cities on earth. You’ll

see the sights and experience many well-known time-honored traditions!

Day 1: This morning we fly to “The Big Apple”–New York City. Upon arrival we [will] check into the Crowne Plaza, located right in the pulsating heart of Times Square and New York’s historic Theater District, for four nights. All of the excitement of the city is right outside your door! This evening we’ll have an incredible Italian, family-style, feast at Carmine’s, a true New York City institution. After dinner, we’ll pose for a souvenir group photo taken among the scintillating lights of Times Square. We’ll be finished in time for you to see a Broadway show, wander through Times Square, or relax at the hotel after your travels. (D) Day 2: A local guide joins us for a morning tour of midtown and upper Manhattan. We’ll see some of the most iconic New York sites including Lincoln Center, Columbus Circle, Harlem, Central Park, Museum Mile, Rockefeller Center, and Fifth Avenue. You’ll have free time to enjoy lunch at one of the restaurants near our hotel before we take our seats for an exciting Broadway musical! After a delicious dinner at Bond45, the evening is free for you to see another Broadway show, or perhaps ride to the top of the Empire State Building for a birds-eye view of the city. (D) Day 3: We begin our day with a guided tour of lower Manhattan including Times Square, the Garment District, Madison Square Garden, Macy’s Flagship store, the Empire State Building, Chelsea, Greenwich Village, Soho, Tribeca, Wall Street, and Chinatown. Then we’re in for a special treat as we head to The View – a revolving restaurant at the top of the Marriott Marquis with wonderful 360° views of Manhattan from 48 floors up – for an elaborate Sunday Brunch complete with an incredible assortment of gourmet food items and mimosas. We’ll see another delightful Broadway musical this afternoon. Tonight is yours to experience the thrill of The City that Never Sleeps! Watch the talented street artists, revel in the lights and activity, or enjoy a nightcap and live music with friends. (B) Day 4: : This morning we’ll visit the poignant 9/11 Memorial and Museum. The beautiful and touching memorial is a tribute to the past and a place of hope for the future. At the museum you’ll relive the events of 9/11 through interactive technology, archives, narratives, and a collection of artifacts. This afternoon you’ll have your choice of taking an optional ferry ride to the Statue of Liberty or Ellis Island (additional fee applies), or

returning to the hotel for a free afternoon to shop, visit a museum or relax. After a won- derful dinner together near Times Square, we’ll take our seats at Radio City Music Hall for a performance of their annual Christmas Spectacular featuring the high-kicking precision of the world-famous Rockettes! Since its debut on December 21, 1933, more than 75 mil- lion people have gotten into the yuletide spirit by taking part in this wonderful New York holiday tradition. (D) Day 5: Today we’ll embark on a Pizza Tour of Brooklyn. This tour covers pizza and Brooklyn from one end to the other. You’ll experience award winning pizza from world-famous Grimaldi’s, under the Brooklyn Bridge, to the legendary pizza at L&B Spumoni Gardens in Bensonhurst. This multimedia sightseeing tour highlights Brooklyn’s famous neighborhoods, parks, landmarks and famous movie locations. You’ll see Coney Island, the million dollar homes along scenic Shore Road in Bay Ridge and everything in between! Then we’re off to the airport for our flight home. We’ll be filled with the holiday spirit from the wonderful time we spent in fabulous New York City! Per person price is $3,149, double occupancy, and $3,579, for single. A com- pleted registration form is needed to hold your reservation. Final payment is due on August 12, 2021, or when confirmation of the trip is available, whatever comes later. Travel Documents: All passengers must carry a REAL ID compliant driver’s license or a valid passport. MidWest One cannot be held responsible for travelers who are not permitted to fly due to non-compliance. For more info go to www.iowadot.gov/mvd/ realid.

18 Connections Club

Connections Club 19