HIGHLIGHTS

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May 18: Arrive in New York City (NYC)

Once all participants arrive at our hotel, we will have a short meeting and then go out for a group dinner near our hotel. (D)

May 19: Exploring Manhattan’s Chinatown

Home to the largest Chinese community in the Western Hemisphere, Chinatown is a vibrant neighborhood rich in history, culture, and incredible food. Begin at Columbus Park, once part of the notorious Five Points district, now a lively gathering place for locals playing chess and cards.  Locals play mahjong and practice tai chi, offering dynamic candid photo opportunities.

Photograph the bustling markets and historic tenements along Mott Street, have your lunch at Shanghai Asian Manor for top-tier soup dumplings, and explore Doyers Street, once known as "the Bloody Angle" for its gang history.  
Photograph the Chinatown Ice Cream Factory for unique street photography featuring vibrant neon signs and crowds enjoying dessert.

Stroll through Elizabeth Street Garden, visit St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral,and check out the International Center for Photography for a creative finale. To wrap up the day, we’ll stop by a hidden speakeasy for a well-earned cocktail.

After dinner we can walk to Times Square for night photography. Experiment with long exposures to capture light trails of the taxis and neon signs.

May 20- Oculus-9/11 memorial-Brooklyn Bridge, DUMBO & Skyline Views

Spend the afternoon capturing the powerful and historic landmarks of Lower Manhattan.

• 9/11 Memorial & Museum: Photograph the reflective memorial pools, using wide shots to convey their expanse and emotional depth.

• Wall Street & Charging Bull: Capture candid street photography of the bustling financial district, along with architectural shots of Trinity Church and the iconic Charging Bull statue.

• Photograph the Oculus, Santiago Calatrava’s striking architectural masterpiece at the World Trade Center PATH station.

• Capture expansive views of the Lower Manhattan skyline and harbor from Brooklyn Bridge Park.

• Photograph the famous view of the Manhattan Bridge framed between two buildings on Washington Street. A prime spot for urban and street photography.

Today, we’ll embark on a stunning visual adventure and photograph the Oculus, Santiago Calatrava’s striking architectural masterpiece. This futuristic transportation hub and shopping center stands as a testament to the city’s unwavering spirit.
Pay homage to the brave souls at the FDNY Memorial at Engine 10/Ladder 10, the closest fire station to Ground Zero followed by capturing the World Trade Center site, where you’ll photograph the 9/11 Memorial. The Reflecting Absence twin pools, set within the footprints of the original towers, offer a solemn tribute to the lives lost. Explore the enduring legacy of resilience with a visit to the Survivor Tree, a living testament to hope that withstood the devastation.

After lunch, we will walk across the iconic Brooklyn Bridge, where you'll capture breathtaking skyline views, intricate architectural details, and the energy of the city from above.

On the Brooklyn side, we’ll explore DUMBO (Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass)—a paradise for photographers with its cobblestone streets, striking bridge compositions, and urban textures. As golden hour approaches, we'll head to Brooklyn Bridge Park, where the waterfront transforms into a dreamlike scene, perfect for long exposures and cityscapes. We’ll frame the historic Jane’s Carousel, the reflections of the skyline from Fulton Ferry Landing, and the mesmerizing play of light on the East River.

To top off the evening, we’ll head to a rooftop bar with panoramic views of the Manhattan skyline, where we’ll capture the city lights shimmering against the night sky
Dinner will be at the most famous pizza spot in Brooklyn, where we’ll indulge in classic, coal-fired pizza before taking the East River Ferry back to Manhattan, offering one last chance to photograph the city's magical skyline  from the water. (B, D)

May 21: Grand Central - The Summit sunset

Today, we will have a break in the morning and we will do some post-processing lessons with the photos we already captured on this trip. After lunch, photograph Sniffen Court with its 10 carriage houses, all built by John Sniffen between 1863 and 1864, later converted into apartments.
Walk and photograph Grand Central followed by a visit to the most beautiful building in NYC.  It is estimated that roughly 750,000 people pass through Grand Central Terminal every day. A good portion of this number includes tourists and shoppers, but many are commuting locals, who—despite passing through the beloved landmark on a daily basis may be unfamiliar with the many secrets it holds.

As the sun sets, One Vanderbilt offers photographers unparalleled views of the NYC skyline from its sleek glass observation deck. Positioned higher than most observation points, you can capture sweeping cityscape shots, including iconic landmarks like the Empire State Building and Chrysler Building. Arriving at sunset allows for rich, golden hues casting long shadows across the cityscape, transitioning to deep purples and blues as twilight settles in.

- Focus on the contrast between old and new architecture, with landmarks like the Chrysler Building framed against the modern glass buildings of Hudson Yards.

- Capture the changing light as the city lights begin to glow, adding a dynamic layer of depth and color to your compositions.

May 22: New Jersey-Newport-Jersey City-Weehawken-Hoboken-Manhattan Skyline by Van

We will awake early to go  to New Jersey to photograph the Empty Sky Memorial. After photographing the sunrise, we will have a well-deserved breakfast. Afterwards Photograph the World Trade Center and lower Manhattan from Exchange Place, Jersey City.  Take a ride to Liberty State Park at the southern end of Jersey City. This will give you great images of the skyline plus you’ll be right behind the Statue of Liberty to get great images of her.  After lunch, photograph The Weehawken Dueling Grounds, made famous by the Aaron Burr - Alexander Hamilton duel, is located on Hamilton Avenue on a cliff overlooking the whole NYC skyline.

The photos from this park are unique because the location is elevated on a cliff so you are looking straight across from the skyscrapers. While you are directly across from midtown Manhattan you can see all the way down to the World Trade Center.  Dinner at a great restaurant that offers beautiful views of the Skyline. Tripods can be used here. 

May 23: Coney Island/Brighton Beach or NYC
After breakfast Leave for Coney Island/Brighton Beach by subway

Evening: Rooftop Night Photography

Continue your rooftop adventure with a visit to a gorgeous location known for its floor-to-ceiling windows and  great angles for both twilight and night photography of Manhattan.  Located near us, this rooftop bar offers panoramic views of the Hudson River, the Empire State Building, and Times Square. Perfect for night shots of the illuminated city.

May 24: Depart back 

Today is the end of our nyc photo tour. We will help you with the transfer to your airport of departure. We are sure after this photography workshop you will come home with the best photographs of New York City!

Itinerary Subject to Change*

Please note that the itinerary is flexible and subject to change based on weather conditions and other unforeseen circumstances. Each day's schedule may be adjusted to ensure the best possible experience and photographic opportunities. Flexibility is key on this tour, as shifting conditions may require us to rearrange activities or locations to make the most of our time. Rest assured, any changes will be made with the goal of enhancing your experience and capturing the most stunning images possible.

Cluj Napoc:

2 nights - Hotel Beyfin

Viscri:

2 nights - Viscri 125, rural guesthouse

Desesti Village, Maramures region:

4 nights - Roca Guesthouse, 3*

Sighisoara:

1 night - Central Park Hotel

LANGUAGE

Romanian (limba romana) is the official language of Romania. The name Romania, and its derivatives, come from the Latin word 'Romanus,' a legacy of Roman rulers who took control of ancient Dacia in 106 A.D. Romanian retains a number of features of old Latin, such as noun cases, which other Romance languages dispensed with a long time ago.

CLOTHING

Bring light and lightweight comfortable clothes for the days and something medium weight to layer with in the cooler evenings. As always, bring a thin, waterproof shell - chances are you will not need it, but you never know. Wear good walking shoes.

ELECTRICITY

The voltage is generally 220 V, and outlets will fit the two-pin plug known as the Europlug.

RELIGION

87% Romanian Orthodox, with Greek and Roman Catholic, Reformed/Lutheran, Unitarian, Muslim and Jewish minorities.

FOOD

Romanian cuisine is an eclectic mix of different cultural influences with elements from Turkey, Germany, Hungary all easily discernible.

Traditionally, Romanian food tends to be stodgy and meat-based, revolving around dishes such as ciolan afumat (smoked pork knuckle with beans), mamaliga (cornmeal polenta) and carnaţi de pleşcoi (mutton sausages).

Breakfasts almost always include eggs, either soft-boiled, hard-boiled, fried or scrambled, and omelettes filled with either cheese, ham or mushrooms are also frequently served.

PASSPORT AND VISA REQUIREMENTS

US citizens do not need a visa to enter Romania and may stay up to 90 days. A passport valid for a minimum of 6 months beyond intended stay is is required.

CLIMATE

The best times to visit in terms of climate are the end of April to the beginning of July as temperatures are mild and pleasant. Summers can be hot especially in Southern Romania, including Bucharest, but along the Black Sea Coast, sea breezes offer moderate temperatures.

MONEY

Romania uses the Romanian Leu. Major credit cards are widely accepted in the main tourist centers with a surcharge.

COUNTRY DIALING CODE

Telephone Country code is +40

Included

• Accommodations: 4* Hotel in Manhattan (double occupancy)

• Meals:

  • Daily breakfast

  • Welcome dinner (May 18) & farewell dinner (May 23)

  • Two lunches with water or sodas

  • Bottled water and snacks provided daily

  • Happy Hour: beer and wine at a rooftop bar one night

• Transportation: Subway, ferry and walking and van 

• One Vanderbilt-The Summit- tickets. Photograph sunset from the top floor.

• 9/11 MemorialSunset Boat Tour Permit for Grand Central to use tripods

• Local Guide Chinatown

• Subway tickets

• Ferry tickets

• Day to New Jersey by van with driver to photograph the Liberty State Park and skyline views of Manhattan

We highly recommend that you purchase travel insurance.

Not included

• International airfare

• Visa fees (if applicable)

• Uber/taxi to and from the airport

• Alcoholic beverages

• Personal expenses

• Fee for Mirjam Evers 

PhotoQuest Adventures has partnered with Exito Travel to offer our clients comprehensive air services. No more hassle of booking your own flights—use our form to connect with a personal agent and secure the best rates.  Once a request has been submitted, Exito will send detailed flight options to you.