New York City and Florida: The Big Apple to The Sunshine State

'I want to be part of it, New York, New York'... wait... 'New York, concrete jungle where dreams are made of'! Sinatra, Alicia Keys – whoever's playing in your head, all that matters is that you're totally hyped. Goodbye everyday life, hello Big Apple! As soon as you land, you can feel it: this is more than just a city. Then just a few steps on American soil later and you're bang in the middle of it. Now it's down to the subway or into a yellow cab (costs a bit, of course) – your hotel awaits, and the adventure can begin.

Early in the morning, New York has a charm all of its own: New Yorkers on their way to work, the sun slowly peeking through the skyscrapers, and a wide choice of cafés and diners for your breakfast. For a literal bird’s-eye view, ‘The Edge’ (bookable on site) is also well worth a visit, with its skyline view and a glass floor through which you can look straight down into the depths.

Afterwards, your path might take you to the place where New York never sleeps: Times Square. Neon lights, huge screens and a buzz that’s instantly infectious – right in the heart of the city.

And once you’ve checked in, you’ll have time for a quick nap so you can hit the ground running again in the evening with renewed energy.

Ready to explore the urban jungle? Start your trip through the city early in the morning at the famous Brooklyn Bridge. There's something magical about the view of Manhattan in the light of the rising sun. Want some breakfast? Try the bagel creations at Ess-a-Bagel! And when you're good and full, drift through Manhattan – literally! Hop aboard the free ferry to Staten Island, which will bring you to the city's most famous landmark, Lady Liberty. It's truly an incredible feeling to stand right in front of the iconic US symbol of freedom, inspiration and hope. From the ferry, you'll also have a fantastic view of the New York skyline – a sea of skyscrapers shimmering in the sun. And when you're back on land, you can visit another must-see: the 9/11 Memorial (optional, payable on site), which commemorates the terror attack of 11 September 2001. At Ground Zero, where the Twin Towers once stood, there are now two fountains that make the grounds of the old World Trade Center clearly visible. After your solemn visit, Greenwich Village makes perhaps the best place to end the afternoon. When you arrive, you'll find it teeming with lovely boutiques, vintage shops and cosy cafés.

A visit to a diner is an absolute must! Start the day with a hearty breakfast at Ellen's Stardust Diner. Not only do they serve pancakes here, but the waiters and waitresses bring the Broadway vibes right to your table. And speaking of Broadway: it's just around the corner! With a bit of luck, you might bump into your favourite star here – in NYC, literally anything is possible! Fancy a musical? Then be sure to check the ticket office to see if there are any tickets left. There are often last-minute deals that can get you a great bargain! But wait – a trip to NYC without visiting Central Park? No way! This green oasis in the middle of the city is the perfect spot to escape the chaos for a while. Grab a coffee to go, chill out on a park bench and watch New York life in its natural habitat. Then it's back to the hustle and bustle of Midtown Manhattan, where between iconic skyscrapers, like the Empire State Building and Flatiron Building, you'll find countless food trucks offering everything from New York hot dogs to fancy street food – perfect for topping off the day with an epic snack!

Back to the start... or at least back to the airport. Don't worry; you're not going home yet. Instead, it's time to say hello to The Sunshine State!

Then it's into the car, and off you go – Orlando's calling! If it's still early, be sure to make a stop at the Kennedy Space Centre, NASA's spaceport (optional, payable on site). Hold on tight; it's time to head to space! Take a seat in the space shuttle simulator and experience a launch firsthand. Who hasn't dreamt of becoming an astronaut as a child? The second you roll into Orlando, you'll notice that everything in this city revolves around entertainment. But enough adventure for today. The best way to round off your first evening in Florida? An open-air dinner at Wall Street Plaza.