First Responders trip to NYC

For  many, visiting New York City is a pinnacle of urban tourism. You can't help but be awed by the soaring skyscrapers, the amazing food and the art and culture visible on every street corner. The streets teem with tourist attractions and promises of access to the world's elite tastes, flavors and social circles. There are top notch museums,  great nightlife, parks and streets that invite you to get out, enjoy life and take a bite of the big apple.

For others, NYC is spot of pilgrimage, to pay tribute to the fallen Emergency Responders who answered the call after the 9-11 attacks. The memorial site (opened in 2011) and  the Museum (opened in 2014) are a must see for any tourist who wants a real idea of what happened on that fateful day.

This trip uniquely combines both appetites and it is exclusively provided for Ontario-based Emergency Responders, their families and friends: 

We will visit the 9/11 Memorial and Museum to pay our full respects and remember how vital these men and women were on that day and continue to be every single day.

There will be lots of free time to explore NYC's most famous neighborhoods and touristic attractions. You can do it on your own or by joining our Orientation Group Walks. 

Book your Trip

Day by Day

Day 1

We depart Ottawa early in the morning and head south.  After a couple of hours we will be crossing the border to the USA. Enjoy the scenery of New York State as roll down the american highways. We will do a couple of stops along the way to eat some food and stretch our legs. Arrive in NYC in the afternoon and start by exploring Times Square, one of the most famous squares in the world. After a couple of hours we will meet at the same spot where we were dropped off to head to the hotel.

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Day 2

This morning we will head to Manhattan's Lower Town, destination:  "9/11 Memorial and Museum" where we will learn about the crucial role of First Responders in the largest mobilization of emergency personnel in American history. The Museum tells the story of 9/11 through interactive technology, archives, narratives and a collection of artifacts. 

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After we will explore Manhattan's lower town. Round Tours will provide you with an Orientation Group Walk of the neighborhood. You can join us or do your own thing. During our walk you will be able to see: Wall Street, NY Exchange Centre, the Charging Bull, Trinity Church, Pier 17, Battery Park. We will take you as well to the famed Brooklyn Bridge from which beautiful views of the city await.  

You will also have free time to explore this historic part of the city on your own. Late in the afternoon we recommend meeting at Battery Park and taking a FREE Ferry Cruise to Staten island for wonderful sunset views and photos of NYC. This boat cruise will pass by the Statue of Liberty allowing you to snap that great selfie!

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Day 3

After breakfast board the bus and let's explore Manhattan's Middle town. Once again Round Tours will be offering the Orientation Group Walk of this part of Manhattan.There is lots to see: Times square, Central Station, Empire State building, flat iron building, iconic Chrysler building, Madam Tussauds museum, Rockefeller centre, 5th avenue, Grenwich Village and so much more.

We will leave you lots of free time to discover on your own. In the evening we will meet at Times Square again and board the bus, which will take us back to our hotel for a well deserved rest.

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Day 4

Check out of our hotel in the morning, put your bags in the bus and hop in once again; our destination: Central Park and its surroundings. Visit famed Central Park Zoo, Strawberry Fields and the memorial to John Lennon, The Pond, The MET, The Museum of Natural History, The Metropolitan Opera,Columbus Circle and much more.

We will leave NYC at 1 PM and arrive to Ottawa around 10 PM

What's Included

Accommodation Options

You can choose between single, double or quadruple accommodation.

Single: Your own room

Double: Two (2) people per room

Quadruple: Four (4) people per room. Each room has 2 beds so you will be sharing a bed with a family member, friend or colleague. 

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Trip Rules.

This trip involves a border crossing into the USA. Please make sure you comply with the following rules:

What our customers say:

"Round Tours is an amazing company. I have taken their trips skiing, to Montreal, and soon to Toronto. Every time I travel with Round Tours I feel valued and cared for. Carlos and Charlotte seem passionate about what they do, and they truly care that you are having a good time. When visiting Montreal my friend and I were thinking of visiting a museum, but we did not have wifi to check the museums in the area. Charlotte was very kind by personally searching for the best museums and directing us how to get there.This is just one of many examples of how Carlos and Charlotte demonstrate how much they care for you.
The sizing of the tours with Round Tours is absolutely perfect. For the most part all of our groups have been around 50 people, but many times it was less than 50 people. This means that you are able to get a personalized tour of each city. The structure of the tours are good for people who like to do their own thing and for people who want to stay in a group. By providing a loose itinerary with local tour guides, you can truly make the experience unique to your liking. I highly recommend Round Tours to anyone thinking of traveling outside of Ottawa. It is especially good for international students, because the quality of the trips are amazing and the trips are priced nicely. Round Tours is an amazing company with a truly nice and caring staff. "  Natalie (from USA) - January 2017

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