New York
The Annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show
Program No. 22408RJ
Come, sit and stay in the heart of Manhattan for the 149th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. Meet trainers, groomers, handlers — and the show’s real stars, the dogs!
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800-454-5768
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DATES
& starting prices
PRICES
Feb 7 - Feb 12, 2025
Starting at
2,199DATES
& starting prices
PRICES
Feb 7 - Feb 12, 2025
Starting at
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This date is available to book as a private experience for your group!
6 days
5 nights
10 meals
5B 1L 4D
2
WKC Masters Agility Championship
New York
3
Meet Dog Show Professionals
New York
6
Wrap-up Session, Program Concludes
New York
At a Glance
Dachshunds, Pointers and Spaniels all agree — there’s nothing quite like the Westminster Kennel Club Annual Dog Show! Now in its 149th year, the Westminster Dog Show brings the best of the breeds each season to Madison Square Garden. During the day, see who takes the ribbon for your favorite breed, and enjoy opportunities to meet people behind the scenes who train the champions. Then in the evenings, witness group judging events and the “Best in Show” competition. You’ll also enjoy free time and access to all of the associated show events.
Activity Level
On Your Feet
Extensive use of public transportation.
Best of all, you’ll…
- Attend the group judging and “Best in Show” at Madison Square Garden, with preferred seating.
- Watch some of your favorite dogs as they compete in the Masters Agility Championship.
- Enjoy an insider’s look into the dog show world as you meet trainers and handlers who work with these champions each day.
General Notes
On this unique dog themed program, a maximum of 50 participants may enroll. Program includes independent time to explore the show on your own and several meals on your own. Group Leaders will provide directions for self-directed excursions. Suggestions for free-time activities provided in preparatory materials.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Angela Christensen
Angela Christensen is a licensed New York City excursion leader who has extensive experience in event planning and hospitality. She worked with the Wildlife Conservation Society managing events in the Bronx Zoo, Central Park, Prospect Park, the Queens Zoo and the New York Aquarium. Now, she loves showing off her city with lifelong learners from around the world!
Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.
Angela Christensen
View biography
Angela Christensen is a licensed New York City excursion leader who has extensive experience in event planning and hospitality. She worked with the Wildlife Conservation Society managing events in the Bronx Zoo, Central Park, Prospect Park, the Queens Zoo and the New York Aquarium. Now, she loves showing off her city with lifelong learners from around the world!
Karl Baudendistel
View biography
A New York City resident for more than 25 years, Karl Baudendistel loves sharing his knowledge of the city with visitors from around the world. Having spent 20 years overseeing ‘the business of show business’ for numerous Broadway and touring productions, chances are he’s been to a city near you. Karl is a member of The Association of Theatrical Press Agents and Managers, is a trained sommelier and was educated at New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts.
Program
At a Glance
Duration
6 days
Program Begins
New York
Program Concludes
New York
Meals
10
| 5B |
1L |
4D |
Activity Level
Dachshunds, Pointers and Spaniels all agree — there’s nothing quite like the Westminster Kennel Club Annual Dog Show! Now in its 149th year, the Westminster Dog Show brings the best of the breeds each season to Madison Square Garden. During the day, see who takes the ribbon for your favorite breed, and enjoy opportunities to meet people behind the scenes who train the champions. Then in the evenings, witness group judging events and the “Best in Show” competition. You’ll also enjoy free time and access to all of the associated show events.)
Best of all, you'll...
- Attend the group judging and “Best in Show” at Madison Square Garden, with preferred seating.
- Watch some of your favorite dogs as they compete in the Masters Agility Championship.
- Enjoy an insider’s look into the dog show world as you meet trainers and handlers who work with these champions each day.
General Notes
On this unique dog themed program, a maximum of 50 participants may enroll. Program includes independent time to explore the show on your own and several meals on your own. Group Leaders will provide directions for self-directed excursions. Suggestions for free-time activities provided in preparatory materials.
Featured Expert
Angela Christensen
Angela Christensen is a licensed New York City excursion leader who has extensive experience in event planning and hospitality. She worked with the Wildlife Conservation Society managing events in the Bronx Zoo, Central Park, Prospect Park, the Queens Zoo and the New York Aquarium. Now, she loves showing off her city with lifelong learners from around the world!
Please Note:
This expert may not be available for every date of the program
Karl Baudendistel
A New York City resident for more than 25 years, Karl Baudendistel loves sharing his knowledge of the city with visitors from around the world. Having spent 20 years overseeing ‘the business of show business’ for numerous Broadway and touring productions, chances are he’s been to a city near you. Karl is a member of The Association of Theatrical Press Agents and Managers, is a trained sommelier and was educated at New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts.
Activity Level
On Your Feet
Extensive use of public transportation.
HAVE QUESTIONS?
Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?
We can help. Give us a call, and we can answer all of your questions!
Call
800-454-5768
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Duration
6 days
5 nights
What's Included
10 meals | 5B | 1L | 4D |
3 expert-led lectures
4 expert-led field trips
3 performances
An experienced Group Leader
5 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
Day
1
Registration, Welcome Dinner, Orientation, “Best in Show”
Location:
New York
Meals:
D
Stay:
New Yorker Hotel
Activity Note
Hotel check-in available from 3:00 p.m.
Afternoon:
Program Registration: 4:00 p.m. Join us in the meeting room to register with the program staff and receive a final itinerary and any updated information. The location of our Road Scholar meeting room will be sent to you the week before in a welcome email from the program provider. Hotel security will also be able to direct you. If you arrive after this evening's scheduled events, the Group Leader will leave an envelope with the Front Desk; please ask for it when you arrive. Orientation: 4:30 p.m. In the same space, the Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. Group Leaders on our programs are highly trained and knowledgeable about many aspects of the city. We will also have the benefit of local experts who will provide information and commentary on areas of particular interest. Bring a photo of your canine friend with you! We'll create a photo board of those furry members of our families who are waiting for us at home. Periods in the schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/current conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.
Dinner:
5:30 p.m. At a restaurant in the hotel. Dinner is included even if you arrive late.
Evening:
We’ll close the evening watching “Best In Show.” This comedic mock-documentary, written and directed by Christopher Guest, follows the owners of five dogs as they prepare for and participate in a fictional national kennel club dog show. Nominated for a Golden Globe, “Best In Show” won the American Film Institute Award as 2000 Movie of the Year.
Day
2
WKC Masters Agility Championship
Location:
New York
Meals:
B,D
Stay:
New Yorker Hotel
Activity Note
Walking two to three miles with the group on city streets in winter weather; extended standing possible at the Agility event; walking at personal discretion on free time.
Breakfast:
In the hotel's diner.
Morning:
Today is devoted to Masters Agility Championship preliminaries at The Jacob K. Javits Center, a short walk from the hotel. This fun event features the dogs and their handlers navigating an obstacle course. Elements are standard but the sequence changes with each run requiring a close communication bond between handler and dog.
Lunch:
On your own
Afternoon:
Continue enjoying the Agility Preliminaries at your leisure until 3:000pm. = Alternatively, you may choose to explore the city on your own: visit a museum, see some of the iconic sights or take in a matinee on Broadway.
Dinner:
In a nearby restaurant.
Evening:
We’ll return to The Javits Center for the Masters Agility Championship Finals, open to dogs competing at Excellent or Masters level. The American Kennel Club calls this “the most exciting canine sport for spectators” as dogs and their handlers traverse the obstacle course of jumps, tunnels, weave poles, and more in a timed competition. The Championship course will be a hybrid of the qualifying rounds and will be televised. This event often runs late. Those who wish to return before or after the group departure are welcome to do so independently.
Day
3
Meet Dog Show Professionals
Location:
New York
Meals:
B,L
Stay:
New Yorker Hotel
Activity Note
Walking according to personal interest during free time.
Breakfast:
In the Tick Tock Diner located within the hotel.
Morning:
The WKC has no scheduled events today. In hour hotel meeting room, we will meet and talk with professionals from the dog show world. Our past speakers have included breeders, handlers, judges. Speakers are subject to change and the CV of those included on the program will be included with your welcome packet upon arrival.
Lunch:
Included at a nearby restaurant.
Afternoon:
Free time. Take this opportunity for personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. Please refer to the list of Free Time Opportunities. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Dinner:
On your own to enjoy what you like. Now is the time for that special New York restaurant or cuisine you've always wanted to try.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
4
Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show Continues
Location:
New York
Meals:
B,D
Stay:
New Yorker Hotel
Activity Note
The WKC’s free hotel shuttle to The Javits Center makes the rounds of several hotels in a continuous loop throughout the day. Walking at The Center according to personal interest.
Breakfast:
In the Tick Tock Diner.
Morning:
The WKC’s free hotel shuttle to The Jacob K. Javits Center makes the rounds of several hotels in a continuous loop throughout the day. Early morning priority boarding is reserved for dogs and their trainers. Take the WKC shuttle of your choice to The Javits for a morning of self-directed exploration and discovery. The WKC features events today from 8am - 4:30pm including individual breed judging of the following: Hound, Toy, Non-Sporting and Herding. Also, Junior Showmanship Preliminaries. For those looking for a primer on what exactly a dog show is, the WKC offers "Dog Show 101." The Group Leader will be on hand at The Javits to help navigate.
Lunch:
On your own to enjoy what you like.
Afternoon:
Dog Show events will continue into the afternoon. Or, take advantage of the flexibility to pursue your other favorite interests in the one and only New York City. We will regroup at the hotel before dinner.
Dinner:
At a restaurant near Madison Square Garden.
Evening:
We’ll walk to Madison Square Garden and attend the judging of Hound, Toy, Non-Sporting, and Herding groups.
Day
5
Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show Continues
Location:
New York
Meals:
B,D
Stay:
New Yorker Hotel
Activity Note
The WKC’s free hotel shuttle to The Javits Center makes the rounds of several hotels in a continuous loop throughout the day. Walking at The Center according to personal interest.
Breakfast:
In the Tick Tock Diner.
Morning:
Take the WKC shuttle of your choice to The Javits for a morning of self-directed exploration and discovery. The WKC featured events today include the continuation of the Junior Showmanship preliminaries and individual judging of the Terrier, Sporting and Working breeds. The Group Leader will be on hand to help navigate.
Lunch:
On your own.
Afternoon:
Dog Show events will continue into the afternoon. Or, take advantage of the flexibility to set out independently on your own adventures. We’ll regroup at the hotel before dinner.
Dinner:
At a restaurant near Madison Square Garden.
Evening:
We’ll walk to Madison Square Garden and take our reserved seats for the WKC Dog Show closing events and the exciting grand finale. There is always an air of excitement and anticipation about what the judges are going to decide. The evening begins with the Junior Showmanship Finals, continues with the Group Judging across Sporting, Working and Terrier groups, and concludes with Best in Show!
Day
6
Wrap-up Session, Program Concludes
Location:
New York
Meals:
B
Activity Note
Hotel check-out 12:00 Noon.
Breakfast:
In the hotel diner.
Morning:
Our Group Leader will lead us in a spirited wrap-up discussion. We expect to end by approximately 10:00 a.m. This concludes our program. If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!
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MEALS
10 Meals
5 Breakfasts
1 Lunch
4 Dinners
LODGING
Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.
Showing Lodging For:
- Feb 07, 2025 - Feb 12, 2025
- Feb 07, 2025 - Feb 12, 2025
Participant Reviews
Based on 12 Reviews
Sort By:
This program is a really wonderful way to experience the national treasure of the Westminster Dog Show!
— Review left March 5, 2020
This program is an excellent way to attend the Westminster KC show for a first time, regardless of whether you are involved in the dog fancy or not. Angela did a fantastic job leading the program.
— Review left February 23, 2020
Good
— Review left February 20, 2020
We had a great time on this trip. It was well organized and the Program Leader was there to help us figure things out and answer our questions. Our highlight was being able to watch the best in breed judging and visiting the benching area.
— Review left February 18, 2020
If you love dogs and want to know more about training and competition and judging this is the trip for you. We had so much fun. Can't recommend it highly enough.
— Review left February 16, 2020
This program provides full access to the Westminster Dog Show with a half day presentation from a breeder, judge and show participant that gave a good basis for the rest of the program. There is significant time available for watching the show from the agility competition to the obedience competition to the preliminary show rings with benching to finally the finals at Madison Square Garden. We had great seats for the shows, and you could watch as much or as little of the show as you wanted while also allowing time for as much or as little exploration you want to do in New York City. The location of the hotel could not have been better with Time's Square less than a mile away and a block from Madison Square Garden. Transportation to part of the show is by private coach or hotel shuttle providing door to door service otherwise restaurants and the finals are just a few blocks away. You are very close to Broadway also so I saw 2 matinee plays while I was there and walked to MOMA.
— Review left February 13, 2020
If you are hesitant about going to see the Westminster Kennel Club dog show - stop hesitating, and go! The leader has been an outstanding resource, and she has created a program that is not only interesting to people who have never been to a dog show, but also to my husband and me, who are very experienced show participants. Everything is well thought out and we did not have to give a second thought about any part of our trip. The value given is very satisfactory. The hotel venue is directly across the street from Madison Square Gardens. The food was varied, interesting, but not scary for conservative appetites. There is plenty of free time built in and the guide helps you find alternative experiences. Outstanding!
— Review left February 12, 2020
If you watch this dog show with interest on TV, this trip adds depth to your understanding and enjoyment. We stayed in the hotel with the dogs and their owners & got to talk with them and play with the dogs. We had a talk by a breeder, owner who taught us about the criteria the judges are judging on and of course brought lots of her "babies" with her. I learned a lot and plan to return next year.
— Review left February 24, 2019
The Westminster Dog Show was my first Road Scholar experience. Loved every minute. Our guides were so helpful and pleasant. Would definitely recommend it and hope to attend other RS events.
— Review left February 18, 2019
You don't need to own a dog to enjoy the Road Scholar trip to the Westminster Dog Show in New York. I don't have a dog and I thoroughly enjoyed it! Also, there is free time to enjoy other New York sights.
— Review left February 16, 2019
This tour is probably the best way to experience the Westminster Dog Show. The hotel is in the midst of all the dog activity plus walking distance to most shows and many restaurants. The shuttles to the piers are frequent and well organized. There is time in the schedule to enjoy NYC plus see as much dog show as possible!
— Review left February 14, 2019
This was my first Road Scholar program and I am a fan! Combining learning, laughing and making new friends was great. I can't wait for my next one.
— Review left February 13, 2019