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New York – Black Cultural Enlightenment: Featuring Harlem Renaissance and African American History

Price Starting at $4,695.00

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Harlem is internationally recognized as a capital of African American culture. Originally a village began by the Dutch in 1658, then an affluent suburb, Harlem has been predominantly an African American community since 1911. Mixing the unique history and cultural traditions of the African diaspora with broader trends in American thought and culture, the residents of Harlem have had a disproportionately large impact on all aspects of American culture leaving their mark on literature, art, comedy, dance, theater, music, sports, religion, and politics. This tour will examine African American history, from the underground railroad, to the Harlem Renaissance, the Civil Rights movement, and the present; you will enjoy a performance at the landmark Apollo Theater as well as feast on soul food in long-established famed eateries. You will depart having gained a much greater understanding of Harlem and the role the black diaspora played in the development of this American treasure.

Degree of Difficulty –    

Arrive New York and proceed to Harlem. This afternoon, begin your immersion into Harlem’s historically rich and profound past with a guided Renaissance Walking Tour. Embark on a journey through present-day Harlem – learn about the people, places, and historical events of the Harlem Renaissance, and discover why this time in American history was so magical and vital for African American culture. Points of interest include the original location of the Cotton Club, the Savoy Ballroom, and the home of novelist Wallace Thurman.

Visit Marcus Garvey Park and the Schomberg Center for Research in Black Culture; from its founding in 1925 during the Harlem Renaissance, the Center has amassed vast collections of over 10 million items. Established with the collections of Arturo Alfonso Schomburg 95 years ago, the Schomburg has collected, preserved, and provided access to materials documenting black life in America and worldwide. Explore the Exhibits: “Traveling While Black: A Century of Pleasure & Pain & Pilgrimage”; since the start of their experience in the Americas, Black people have been defined by travel, displacement, and resistance. “Subversion & The Art of Slavery Abolition”; this exhibition highlights several of the ways that abolitionists engaged with the arts to agitate for enslaved people’s liberty in the 18th and 19th centuries.

Get your first taste of soul food at Melba’s Restaurant this evening. Since Melba’s Restaurant opened its doors in 2005, it has become one of the premier destinations for comfort food in the NYC area. Melba Wilson founded the restaurant in the neighborhood that she was born and raised in. After dinner you may want to visit Minton’s Playhouse which touts itself as the place where bebop was born. Minton’s traces its roots back to 1938 and—with some interruptions—has served as a gathering place to enjoy music and drinks ever since. ALOFT HARLEM.

(Dinner)

Prices vary by season and package. Please inquire by phone at (800) 627-1244 or email info@classicescapes.com for more information and a pricing estimate.

Maximum group size: No restrictions, although we recommend a maximum of 30 travelers.

YOUR JOURNEY INCLUDES:
  • Accommodations as indicated or similar.
  • American breakfast daily, as well as welcome and farewell dinners. All other meals as specified (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner).
  • Local guide on all tours.
  • All tours and admission fees as indicated.
  • All applicable hotel taxes.
  • Complimentary luggage tags and water bottle.
New York City has a temperate climate with warm, humid summers and cold winters, but generally above freezing temperatures. Precipitation is fairly even throughout the year, with thunderstorms quite common in the summer months. The ‘Big Apple’ is a destination that can be visited year-round. Many festivals take place in the city, Thanksgiving and Christmas are some of the most festive holidays, July 4th offers some spectacular fireworks, and the theater is welcoming no matter when you visit. This applies to our NYC based programs. The Finger Lakes are best visited between May and September when outdoor pursuits can be accommodated, and the Summits program can only be offered during May and September because of the snows that can close down the various mountains.