Explore Manhattan's History Through Its Food and Architecture in New York, New York for Four Days & Three Nights at Either The Westin New York Grand Central, Sofitel New York Hotel, Element Times Square New York West or New York Marriott Marquis for Two, Including an Architecture Yacht Cruise and Your Choice of One of Three New York City Food Tours (Land Only)

The Big Apple will leave a lasting impression on you because New York City dishes out historic landmarks, restaurants and shops on every corner, fascinating museums, art exhibits and architecture like no other U.S. city can! Step onto a 1920s yacht to enhance your knowledge about the various styles of architecture around the city, and cruise under the many famous bridges. Then savor the flavors of New York on one of three guided tours, which will take you to the historic East Village, the Lower East side, Greenwich Village, SoHo, the Flatiron District or NoLita– the choice is yours!

Come along with expert guides to explore the delicious foods and beverages in Manhattan's most interesting neighborhoods, all while learning about the city's past - you may even be able to skip the line! The historic East Village neighborhood is known for its rich culture, from art and fashion to music and politics, and very importantly, for its food! You won't be able to get enough of the authentic NY pizza and hot dogs, homemade Ukrainian pierogies and soup, deli sandwiches, egg creams, Chinese dumplings and ice cream. The Lower East Side, one of the oldest, yet trendiest, neighborhoods in Manhattan boasts a rich immigrant history, and a menu to complement it with authentic Neapolitan pizza, bialys, pickles, knishes, Greek spinach pie and souvlaki, gourmet chocolates and donuts. The eclectic neighborhood of NoLita, adjacent to Little Italy, is home to the Italian immigrants who came to America at the end of the 19th century. These streets house the oldest pizzeria in the U.S., the old police headquarters and DiPalo Fine Foods. Savor Italian cheeses and meats, Vietnamese Banh Mi sandwiches, delicious French quiche, Mexican yucca fries, Spanish tapas, handmade candy and NY style cheesecake while you learn about mafia history! The West Village, Greenwich Village and SoHo invite you to discover the best in delicatessens, coffees, bagels and falafel; from bohemian history to modern hotspots, see the places where famous writers and musicians, including Jack Kerouac, Allen Ginsberg, Bob Dylan and Lou Reed, hung out, and where Monica on the hit show 'Friends' lived. Over 100 years ago, the Flatiron District was a very important commercial and residential district in New York City; today this incredibly beautiful and charming neighborhood is full of the city's best restaurants and shops. It's the perfect place to taste homemade cheese, award-winning baked goods and a classic New York sandwich at Eisenberg's Sandwich Shop (a celebrity favorite!).

Avoid the mobs of people sightseeing on land, and opt for this Manhattan architecture yacht cruise instead. From the teak deck of the 1920s-style yacht, sip a glass of beer or wine as you learn about New York City's architectural landmarks as you circumnavigate the island and listen to the 'Around Manhattan' narration provided by members of the American Institute of Architects (AIA). Along the way, pass by One World Observatory and learn about the buildings that make up Manhattan's Financial District, the Statue of Liberty, the Lower East Side, the Chrysler Building, Roosevelt Island and more! You'll also cruise under all 18 bridges that connect Manhattan to the outer boroughs, New York and New Jersey on this nearly three-hour cruise.

Relax in modern comfort at one of four excellent hotels in the heart of Midtown Manhattan. The Westin New York Grand Central boasts contemporary features and unmatched service for an unparalleled experience. Situated on 42nd Street at 3rd Avenue, The Westin puts you just a few short blocks from renowned landmarks, including the United Nations Headquarters, the Empire State Building, Bryant Park and The New York Public Library. For French luxury in the world's most exciting city, a stay at the four-diamond Sofitel New York Hotel offers the ultimate in comfort and convenience. This brilliant, 30-story hotel evokes a contemporary statement in limestone and glass, just a stone's throw from Fifth Avenue. Eco-friendly Element New York Times Square West will inspire and rejuvenate you with sustainable services and practices that make it easy to play a role in being environmentally sound. Located just steps from Times Square, Madison Square Garden, and Port Authority Bus Terminal, Element gives you space to live your life, with fully-stocked kitchenettes, rooftop patio, and bikes to borrow. A vibrant fixture of Manhattan, the New York Marriott Marquis brilliantly captures the Big Apple's spirit in modern style with an ideal location on West 46th Street and Broadway. After an eventful day of sightseeing, retreat to thoughtfully appointed, spacious accommodations, and dine in an array of restaurants, including New York's only revolving dining destination, where views of Times Square are spectacularly on display.

Your trip for two includes:
4 days/3 nights accommodations at Either The Westin New York Grand Central, Sofitel New York Hotel, Element Times Square New York West or New York Marriott Marquis
Room-related taxes
Your choice of one of three New York City Food Tours
Manhattan Architecture Yacht Cruise
Free concierge reservation service

Terms and Conditions
 Travel package is non-refundable and subject to availability. Certificates/gift cards cannot be replaced. Blackout dates: Jan 1, Sep 20-22, Dec 1-15, 31. Accommodations at The Westin New York Grand Central are in a single king-bedded room. Accommodations at Sofitel New York are in a single queen-bedded room. Tour runs on specific days of the week and at specific times. If tour is not available, it may be substituted with equal or similar experience. A minimum 45 day advance reservation is required. Please email us at auction@stmaryhs.org to find out deadline to travel.