Since 1967 we've been creating expertly planned school tours - helping groups get more from their time away...
History school trips to New York: Political History & Civil Rights
Bring Civil Rights visits to life for students with NST’s unique tour. Travel to the East Coast of America and explore the origins of the movement and its effects throughout American History. Tour the areas where key events of the time occurred and experience living history by meeting with a veteran of the movement and listening to their account. This exclusive opportunity will create memories for your group that will last forever.

- Itinerary
- Visits
- Accommodation
- Eating Out
- Support
- Resources

Below, you’ll find an example of one of our most popular itinerary choices, but we can tailor-make yours from scratch to meet your exact requirements...
New York Political History & Civil Rights - 5 days from £699pp*
Travelling in selected dates in February 2013. Price includes return flights & airport transfers (all taxes and charges included), 3 nights' room only accommodation, extensive group travel insurance and a generous 1 in 10 free place ratio.
And then add our most popular itinerary package below for £54pp*
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| *Prices shown based on 25 paying passengers from a London airport & are subject to availability. Flight supplements may apply. Entrance fees for some of the visits featured may be payable locally, but are included in the price shown. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Our most popular visits in New York for History school trips
Here are some of our most popular visits in New York for History groups. We can tailor-make an itinerary to your exact needs. Call 0845 688 8988 to create your itinerary from scratch today.
Essential Civil Rights Experiences
Living History - Meet a veteran of the Civil Rights Movement
NST has developed links with key figures within the Civil Rights Movement who would like to share their unique experiences with our groups. Spend an hour in the presence of men and women who worked and campaigned alongside Martin Luther King and gain an electrifying experience that few, whether students or staff, will ever forget.
Harlem Civil Rights Tour
Consisting of a multimedia bus/walking tour or a guided walking tour, this experience takes you to the heart of the Civil Rights movement in Harlem and to the very sites where history happened.
September 11 Visits
'My September 11 Experience' at the Tribute WTC Visitor Center
NST groups have a unique opportunity to meet someone personally involved in the tragic events of September 11 2001. Students will have chance to ask questions and hear their own account of the day and the persons views today. This 30 minute question and answer session follows a self-guided visit through exhibits, film, artifacts and the voices of those who experienced the events first hand with additional information about the affects of 9/11 and future plans for ground zero.
Ground Zero Museum
Book a private tour of this collection as featured in worldwide media. The museum is an ideal way to educate students about 9/11 and the 'Recovery'. Your tour includes a video presentation, an interactive walk-through of World Trade Center artifacts, followed by a self-guided audio experience of 80 thought-provoking images.
September 11 Memorial Visit
The 9/11 Memorial was dedicated on September 11, 2011 in a ceremony for victims' families. The Memorial honours the 2983 who perished in the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 and February 26, 1993 and allows visitors to come together again in the spirit of unity and courage that emerged in the wake of 9/11. The Memorial consists of two pools set in the footprints of the Twin Towers, surrounded by a plaza of more than 400 trees. The names of the victims are inscribed in bronze around the pools.
The National September 11 Memorial Museum
Due to open in 2013, the museum will explore the implications of the events of 9/11, documenting the impact of those events and exploring 9/11's continuing significance. It will demonstrate the consequences of terrorism on indivdual lives and its impact on communities at local, national and international level. The museum is growing a permanent collection of artifacts, stories, photos, video and other materials.
Other Visits
Walking tour of midtown Manhattan
Experienced in taking school groups, our local guides will bring the history and culture of New York to life. Students will be amazed as they walk down world-famous streets such as Fifth Avenue, 42nd Street and Broadway and through Central Park and Times Square.
Walking tour of downtown Manhattan
Our expert guides can lead students through the neighbourhoods of Chinatown, Little Italy, SoHo and along Wall Street and Battery Park to give your group an insight into Manhattan life and the history of the city.
Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Museum
Alongside the ultimate landmark of New York and one of the most universal symbols of political freedom and democracy, the Ellis Island museum is dedicated to the history of immigration and the important role this island claimed during the mass migration of humanity in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
UN Building
On the guided tour around the building, students will learn about the organisation, its history and view the General Assembly Hall where the 192 members of the Organisation convene to discuss global issues.
Tenement Museum
Highlighting the experiences of poor 19th century and early 20th century immigrants from many different cultures, the museum tells the stories of one tenement apartment building that was home to nearly 7000 working class immigrants.
Ground Zero
Visit the site of the 9/11 attacks and witness the reconstruction of the area.
Radio City
During the years of the depression this prime spot in Midtown was turned into Radio City Music Hall. The largest indoor theatre in the world – learn about its history, listen to the ‘mighty Wurlitzer’ and enjoy ‘a masterpiece of American Modernist design’.
Top of the Rock ™
Experience the best and most complete day-time view of New York City! With its relatively short waiting times, the Rockefeller Building offers an informative guide and a unique view of the Empire State Building, Chrysler Building, Times Square, the Statue of Liberty, and Central Park.
Empire State Building
Venture over a quarter of a mile skyward and take in the scale of the immense urban landscape which opens up before you. This is a great way for your students to appreciate the city away from the hustle and bustle of the streets below. A particularly popular first evening visit. We recommend that groups venture to the Top of the Rock™ in the daytime, and complement this with an evening visit to the top of the Empire State Building.
Circle Line Cruise
Take in a spectacular view of Manhattan, the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island from the water, and pick out the many famous landmarks which dominate its skyline.
Broadway Show
See a spectacular Broadway performance – entertainment at its greatest! Choose from shows such as Billy Elliot, Chicago and Wicked.
Below, you'll find some of our most popular accommodation options for school groups.
This is just a sample of our full range, so for full details of all properties available, please call 0845 688 8988 to speak to one of our Educational Travel Advisors today.
Courtyard Midtown EastOne of eight New York City Marriott hotels, this hotel was built in 1998 and is of a modern style. This hotel was originally built as an office block and later converted to a hotel. Floors 2-11 are occupied by a private hospital.

Courtyard Midtown East
An excellent hotel with a good range of facilities, located in the heart of mid town Manhattan. Groups are assured a comfortable stay.

Address866 Third Avenue | Local Rating |
Capacity312 rooms spread over floors 12 – 31 |

Location Information
Centrally located on Eastside of Midtown Manhattan within walking distance of the Rockefeller Center, 5th Avenue shopping and Radio City Music Hall. There are a number of subway stations located within 1-2 blocks from the hotel.


Accommodation Facilities
- 24-hour Reception
- Lifts
- Air conditioning
- 3 conference rooms
- Restaurant / breakfast room
- Exercise room
- Disabled facilities: There are 18 specially adapted disabled rooms, most have inter-connecting rooms
Student Rooms
- Triple rooms – two beds & a sofa / roll away
- 2 king size beds, option to:
- Bed share – 4 students per room
- Individual beds – 2 students per room
- En-suite facilities
- Cable TV
- Direct dial telephone
- Internet access (free)
- Safety deposit box
- Hairdryer
- Tea & coffee making facilities
- Pay-per-view movies and phones are blocked with a deposit needed to make outgoing calls, room to room calls are not blocked
Staff Rooms
- Twins/Singles
- En-suite facilities
- Cable TV
- Direct dial telephone
- Internet access (free)
- Safety deposit box
- Hairdryer
- Tea & coffee making facilities
- Pay-per-view movies and phones are blocked with a deposit needed to make outgoing calls, room to room calls are not blocked

Days Hotel BroadwayA traditional, comfortable hotel well located and with good access to Mid Town Manhattan, Times Square and many popular attractions.

Days Hotel Broadway
Traditional cosy hotel located in a popular upper West Side location with good access to all parts of Manhattan.

Address215 West 94th Street & Broadway | Local Rating |
Capacity250 rooms. |

Location Information
Upper West Side on Broadway Av and conveniently located for subway lines 1,2,3,9.


Accommodation Facilities
- 24-hour Reception
- Excursion desk
- Payphones
- Internet access
- Vending machines
- Gift shop
- Fitness room
- Disabled facilities: This property has no specific facilities or adapted rooms for disabled clients.
Student Rooms
- 2 king size beds, option to:
- Bed share – 4 students per room
- Individual beds – 2 students per room
- En-suite facilities
- Air-conditioning
- TV
- Telephone
- Hairdryer
- Iron
Staff Rooms
- Twins/Singles
- En-suite facilities
- Air-conditioning
- TV
- Telephone
- Hairdryer
- Iron

Eastgate Tower HotelThe property was originally built as an apartment block in the early 1970s and has a modern décor throughout. The hotel offers a variety of room types including: 74 Junior suites, 36 one bedrooms suites, 18 two bedroom suites and 9 studio apartments. All rooms and suites are very spacious. N.B. Due to room configuration groups will be accommodated over a number of floors.

Eastgate Tower Hotel
A comfortable hotel offering generous, spacious accommodation in a good central location. Groups are assured a comfortable stay.

Address222 East 39th Street | Local Rating |
Capacity187 suites spread over 25 floors, 2 guest lifts. |

Location Information
Peaceful residential Murray Hill location, within short walking distance to Grand Central Station, United Nations, Times Square, and many other well known sights and attractions.


Accommodation Facilities
- 24-hour Reception
- Lobby / lounge
- Breakfast Meeting room
- Luggage storage available
- Disabled facilities: The property has a number of specially adapted rooms suitable for disabled guests
Student Rooms
- 2/4 king size beds, option to:
- Bed share – 4/8 students per room
- Individual beds – 2/4 students per room
- En-suite facilities
- Fitted kitchen with free standing gas cooker, fridge freezer and microwave (N.B. all gas cookers will be disconnected)
- Central heating / air-conditioning
- TV
- Telephone
- Radio alarm clock
- Hairdryer
- Iron & ironing board
- Internet access (fee payable)
- Safety deposit boxes
- Tea & coffee making facilities
Staff Rooms
- Twins/Singles
- En-suite facilities
- Fitted kitchen with free standing gas cooker, fridge freezer and microwave (N.B. all gas cookers will be disconnected)
- Central heating / air-conditioning
- TV
- Telephone
- Radio alarm clock
- Hairdryer
- Iron & ironing board
- Internet access (fee payable)
- Safety deposit boxes
- Tea & coffee making facilities

Manhattan at Times SquarePreviously part of Sheraton hotel chain, and still managed by Starwood Hotels & Resorts, the hotel is tastefully decorated and has a warm and welcoming atompshere. There is a 100% smoke free policy at the hotel.

Manhattan at Times Square
The Manhattan at Times Square is a comfortable hotel offering a good standard of accommodation in an excellent central location. The staff and management team are on hand to ensure that all guests enjoy a warm welcome and a pleasant stay.

Address790 Seventh Ave 51 Street | Local Rating |
Capacity665 guest rooms spread over 22 floors, 4 lifts |

Location Information
Between Central Park and Times Square, in the centre of Manhattan’s Midtown business and entertainment district.


Accommodation Facilities
- 24-hour Reception
- Lobby
- Restaurant (Russo’s) open for breakfast only
- Meeting/conference rooms
- Gift shop
- Fitness centre
- Heated indoor swimming pool
- Luggage storage
- Disabled facilities: This property has a number of specially adapted rooms for disabled guests.
Student Rooms
- Triple Rooms
- 2 king size beds, option to:
- Bed share – 4 students per room
- Individual beds – 2 students per room
- En-suite facilities
- Central heating
- Air-conditioning
- TV
- Telephone
- Radio alarm clock
- Hairdryer
- Iron & ironing board
- Electronic safe
- Internet access (fee payable)
- Tea & coffee making facilities
Staff Rooms
- Twins/Singles
- En-suite facilities
- Central heating
- Air-conditioning
- TV
- Telephone
- Radio alarm clock
- Hairdryer
- Iron & ironing board
- Electronic safe
- Internet access (fee payable)
- Tea & coffee making facilities

Vanderbilt YMCAThis youth hostel offers basic accommodation, which has been purpose built for young people. The hostel is open 24 hours a day with front door security personnel.

Vanderbilt YMCA
Youth hostel offering simple standard of accommodation but excellent value with the benefit of a central location single beds and recreational facilities on site.

Address224 East 47th Street | Local Rating |
Capacity364 rooms,10 floors, 2 lifts. Approximately 30-40 rooms per floor. |

Location Information
Conveniently located on the east side of the Midtown area, close to the United Nations Building, near to 2nd Avenue and Grand Central Station.


Accommodation Facilities
- Reception
- Telephones on each floor and at Reception
- Gift Shop
- Laundry room
- Water fountains on each floor
- Sports facilities including two swimming pools, large fitness room, weights, gymnasium, games hall, sauna & steam room.
- Disabled facilities: There is 1 specially adapted room for disabled guest. Public areas are accessible for wheelchair users.
Student Rooms
- Twin bedded rooms (Bunk beds)
- Shared facilities
- TV
- Air conditioning
- Towels
Staff Rooms
- Twins/Singles
- Shared facilities
- TV
- Air conditioning
- Towels
Safety Guidance
The hotel conforms to all local standards, which does not require windows to have restricted opening. Group leaders are advised to consider this in their risk assessments/group management plan and ensure appropriate control measures are put in place. NB It can be common in US hostels for bunk beds not to have ladders or safety bars on the top bunk.







