New York: Friends & the City

I first discovered New York in the late 1980s, and it was a revelation. From the very first moments, I fell in love with the city: its energy, its contrasts, its architecture, that feeling that anything is possible… Since then, I have returned regularly, sometimes several times a year, with the same excitement and curiosity.

Over the years, I have come to know its neighbourhoods, returned to favourite places and discovered new ones. But New York never stops reinventing itself. Even after so many visits, it still finds ways to surprise me.

Today, I have decided to add this destination to the Once Upon a Time collection. I want to share the places that have captivated me, my personal favourites and the pleasure of experiencing this city together.

Seven days and six nights to discover the city with me

This trip is designed mainly for those who dream of discovering New York, as well as travellers who have visited before but have not yet had the chance to explore its many different sides. We will discover the city in a small group, with a carefully planned itinerary, shared experiences and free time to enjoy New York in your own way.

The must-sees, and the pleasure of being surprised

During these seven days and six nights, we will experience the iconic sights that make people dream of New York: the Statue of Liberty, the view from the Empire State Building, the lights of Times Square, the world of Broadway and walks through Central Park.

Art will also be part of the journey, with two exceptional museums: the Metropolitan Museum of Art, better known as the Met, and the Museum of Modern Art, or MoMA. We will explore a selection of their works and collections, taking time to appreciate them.

New York also reveals itself on foot and from unexpected perspectives. On the High Line, a former elevated railway transformed into a planted walkway, we will see Manhattan from a different angle. At Mercer Labs, art and technology come together in an immersive experience of light, sound and surprising installations.

From Greenwich Village to SoHo, and from Chinatown to Koreatown, we will explore neighbourhoods with very different personalities. A visit to Brooklyn will also offer wonderful views of Manhattan and the pleasure of walking across its famous bridge.

Those who enjoy shopping will have time to browse major brands, designer boutiques and shops we discover along the way.

Together, with time for yourself too

The itinerary will combine group activities with free time. You will be able to spend longer at a particular attraction, browse a shop, settle into a café or simply wander at your own pace.

I will be there to offer suggestions and help you plan these moments around your interests. Those who would like to spend their free time with fellow travellers can naturally get together: travelling solo does not mean having to discover the city alone.

A taste of New York

Over the years, I have discovered places that have become firm favourites, including several outstanding vegan restaurants. I would love to introduce you to this creative, generous and sometimes surprising plant-based cuisine.

Food stops and shared meals will be an integral part of the trip. From New York specialities to international flavours and plant-based discoveries, these will also be opportunities to chat, get to know one another and savour the city.

Itinerary

This itinerary provides an initial outline of the trip. It may be refined according to flight times, bookings and the weather.

Day 1 — First steps in New York

Arrival in New York and check-in at the hotel.

Depending on our arrival time, we will head out for a first walk through Midtown, perhaps taking us towards Grand Central Terminal and Bryant Park. A chance to find our bearings and feel the energy of Manhattan.

In the evening, we will discover the lights of Times Square and enjoy our first dinner together.

Day 2 — The Statue of Liberty and historic Manhattan

We will head to Battery Park early in the morning to board one of the first ferries to Liberty Island. We will go ashore to discover the Statue of Liberty and enjoy the views of Manhattan and New York Harbor.

After returning and taking a lunch break, we will explore the Financial District around Wall Street, followed by the Oculus and the outdoor 9/11 Memorial.

Day 3 — The Empire State Building, MoMA and Broadway

We will begin with the Empire State Building, at the earliest morning admission time available for our dates. From its observation deck, we will appreciate the scale of this fascinating city.

We will continue with a walk around Herald Square and Koreatown before a lunch break.

The afternoon will be devoted to MoMA, exploring a selection of its major works. While we are in the neighbourhood, we will also discover the area around Rockefeller Center and St. Patrick’s Cathedral.

A break or a return to the hotel will give us time to rest before the evening. For those who wish, there will be the option of attending a Broadway show, at an additional cost and subject to advance booking.

Day 4 — Central Park, the Met and an afternoon at your own pace

A morning walk through Central Park, with its tree-lined paths, lakes and views of the buildings that surround it. We will then head to the Metropolitan Museum of Art for a visit of around two and a half hours, focusing on a selection of its major collections.

After lunch, the afternoon will be free: shopping around Fifth Avenue, a café break, more time at the museum or a walk of your own.

Day 5 — The High Line, Greenwich Village and neighbourhoods with character

We will begin with a walk along the High Line, viewing Manhattan from this elevated garden between the buildings, before heading to Chelsea Market for lunch.

We will continue through Greenwich Village, exploring its characterful streets and Washington Square Park, before discovering SoHo, its distinctive façades and its shops.

There will be time for shopping or a personal break before we continue towards Little Italy and Chinatown.

A day spent mainly on foot, discovering several different sides of New York.

Day 6 — A visit to Brooklyn and the Mercer Labs experience

In the morning, we will head to Brooklyn Heights and its promenade overlooking Manhattan. We will then make our way to DUMBO and the waterfront at Brooklyn Bridge Park, with stops to enjoy the neighbourhood and its views.

After lunch, we will walk back to Manhattan across the Brooklyn Bridge.

In the afternoon, we will enter a different world at Mercer Labs, where art installations, sound and light create a surprising immersive experience.

The late afternoon will be free to revisit a favourite place, do some last-minute shopping or rest. In the evening, we will share a farewell dinner at one of my favourite restaurants.

Day 7 — Final moments and departure

Depending on our flight time, there will be some final free time near the hotel: a coffee, a little shopping or one last walk before leaving for the airport.

Arrival in Belgium is expected the following day, subject to the confirmed flight schedule.

The pace and organisation of the trip

Much of New York is best explored on foot. This trip is therefore suited to people who enjoy walking, with subway journeys between some neighbourhoods, regular breaks and periods of free time.

The day-by-day itinerary may be rearranged according to the opening hours of attractions and museums, as well as the weather forecast. For example, we may choose to visit a museum on a rainy day and move a walk to a day with better weather.

The content of the trip will remain the same; only the order of visits may change, so that we can make the most of each experience.

A beautiful hotel in the heart of New York

We will stay in a hotel rated four stars or above, chosen according to the size of the group, the travel dates and availability. To give you an idea of the style and comfort we are looking for, take a look at the following hotels:

Walker Hotel Tribeca, Romer Hell’s Kitchen, Civilian, Kixby and Arlo NoMad. These are examples only; the selected hotel will be specified when the trip is confirmed.

If you are travelling solo and would like to share a room, we will do our best to put you in touch with another participant, although we cannot guarantee that a suitable room-sharing arrangement will be possible.

Price and practical information

Price: from €1,795 per person, based on two people sharing a room.

The price includes:
• Return flights between Brussels and New York with United Airlines or a comparable airline.
Checked baggage.
• 6 nights’ accommodation in a four-star hotel, based on two people sharing a room.
• Hotel occupancy taxes.
• Airport transfers on arrival and departure.
• A trip host throughout your stay.

The price does not include:
• ESTA travel authorisation or visa fees, depending on your circumstances.
• Meals, drinks, refreshments, tips and personal expenses.
• Admission fees for attractions and monuments.
• Insurance and any rescue or emergency assistance costs.
• Any expenses not listed under “The price includes”.

Single room supplement: from €695.