| nt group travelers seeking the ultimate New York City | | | | travelers can enjoy a multimedia exhibition exploring |
| experience can now add Top of the Rock at the | | | | the history of Rockefeller Center. The Top of the |
| Rockefeller Center to their list. Reopened in November | | | | Rock shop features exclusive merchandise not found |
| 2005, Top of the Rock welcomes visitors to a unique | | | | anywhere else. During the ride up to the top, student |
| venue, removed from the hustle and bustle of the city. | | | | travelers enjoy the elevator's clear ceiling, exposing the |
| The renowned attraction provides lessons in history | | | | elevator shaft during ascension. Photographs and film |
| and geography that culminate with unparalleled views | | | | sequences projected onto the ceiling as well make for |
| from the newly renovated Observation Deck on the | | | | an entertaining trip. |
| 70th floor. | | | | Especially attractive and convenient for student group |
| Rockefeller Center covers 22 acres and is located | | | | travelers are the reserved time ticketing and advance |
| between Fifth and Seventh Avenues in Manhattan. It | | | | bookings to guarantee groups will not spend time |
| was built by the Rockefeller family, and named after | | | | waiting in lines. The system also ensures the deck is |
| John D. Rockefeller Jr. who began its development in | | | | never overcrowded. |
| 1930. At the time, it was the largest private building | | | | In addition to Top of the Rock, student group travelers |
| project ever undertaken in modern times. Construction | | | | can also take tours of the other interesting venues at |
| was completed in 1939 when Rockefeller drove the | | | | Rockefeller Center. The guided tour takes students |
| final silver rivet into 10 Rockefeller Plaza. In 1987, it was | | | | through the buildings, gardens, and places that make up |
| officially declared a National Historic Landmark. | | | | this "city within a city." Frequent tour stops include: |
| The observation deck itself was opened to the public | | | | - Radio City Music Hall, one of the largest and most |
| in 1933 as a gift to the people of New York - a | | | | opulent theaters in the world. It's famous for the |
| monument to Manhattan. After it was closed to the | | | | Rockette dancers and the annual Christmas |
| public in 1986, Top of the Rock underwent a $75 million | | | | Spectacular show. |
| renovation and re-opened in November 2005, with | | | | - The headquarters of the National Broadcasting |
| three lower levels and three upper levels housed in the | | | | Company (NBC) and most of their New York studios, |
| 70-story building. | | | | including the legendary Studio 8H, home of Saturday |
| Views from the observation deck are unobstructed | | | | Night Live. |
| for 360 degrees and stretch for miles in every | | | | - Adjacent to the center is the open air Ice-Skating |
| direction. Top of the Rock includes a panorama of | | | | Rink which opened on Christmas Day in 1936 and has |
| Central Park and the northern half of Manhattan that | | | | remained a popular winter venue ever since. |
| can't be found anywhere else. Famous New York | | | | Private Studio Tours of the National Broadcasting |
| landmarks are visible as well, including the Empire State | | | | Company are also available to the public. Led by an |
| Building, Chrysler Building, Times Square, the Hudson | | | | NBC page, these tours guide students through the |
| River, the East River, the Brooklyn Bridge, and the | | | | world of the famous Peacock Network. Interestingly, |
| Statue of Liberty. Fully transparent safety glass | | | | there is a history behind the NBC pages, as many |
| provides unhindered, open-air viewing. | | | | have gone on to become celebrities including Willard |
| In addition to unforgettable views, Top of the Rock | | | | Scott, Regis Philbin, Ted Koppel, Michael Eisner, and |
| engages student group travelers with interactive | | | | Dave Garroway. |
| exhibits on the mezzanine level. The iconic photograph | | | | The first stop on the NBC tour is the Sharp History |
| of building workers in 1932 lunching on a steel beam is | | | | Theatre, where visitors learn about NBC's early days in |
| part of a display which allows students to virtually feel | | | | radio. Afterward, student group travelers have the |
| what it was like to work 60 floors up. | | | | opportunity to see some of the most famous studios, |
| A stunning crystal waterfall chandelier, created by the | | | | including The Today Show, Dateline NBC, NBC Nightly |
| Swarovski Group, is the centerpiece of Top of the | | | | News, Football Night in America, and Saturday Night |
| Rock's entrance on West 50th Street. While waiting to | | | | Live. |
| board a sky shuttle elevator to the 67th floor, student | | | | |