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Eastern Cities of America

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Tailormade

See the best of America's cosmopolitan east coast as you're immersed in its larger-than-life cities.

10 days From £2,395 per person
This is an independent non-escorted holiday

2023 Tour code: QEB23

About the tour

Take in the highlights of the USA's cosmopolitan East Coast by rail. Get to know Boston's unique revolutionary history, before soaking up the sights and sounds of the Big Apple in New York City. Move on to culture-rich Philadelphia, then end your visit in the capital, the political powerhouse of Washington D.C.

Highlights

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What’s included

Itinerary

Day 1 - UK to Boston

Catch your flight from the UK to Boston. On arrival, you are met by a private transfer to your hotel for the next two nights.

Day 2 - Boston

Explore the best of Boston, creating your own sightseeing itinerary with a hop-on hop-off tour of the city, from a traditional Boston trolley. Highlights you could incorporate include the USS Constitution, the Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum (discounted admission included in tour), the Charles Street Meeting House and the Boston Fish Pier.

You could also upgrade your ticket to add on a Boston Harbor Cruise. These offer unparalleled views over Boston and its famous harbour, whilst guided commentary takes you deeper into the history of the city's unique waterfront district.

If you upgrade to the Gold or Platinum Pass, you will be given your (seasonal) Harbor Cruise ticket when you check in for the Trolley Tour. These seasonal cruises depart periodically throughout the day close to Stop 1.

Day 3 - Boston to New York

From Boston South Station, board Amtrak's Northeast Regional Train to New York, alighting at Pennsylvania Station. The journey takes between three and four hours, travelling along the New England coast - sit back and enjoy the scenery.

Once you arrive, self transfer to your hotel for the next three nights, the four-star Sofitel New York. Once you've checked in and dropped your bags, you're free to explore. There's so much to see in the city - some ideas include taking in the atmosphere at Times Square, wandering in Central Park or exploring the arty boutiques of Greenwich Village.

Day 4 - New York

Spend the day exploring the city via the New York CityPASS, which offers discounts at some of the Big Apple's top attractions.

You could opt to visit the city's most iconic buildings and monuments with discounted entry to the Statue of Liberty and the Empire State Building, or take in the city's iconic skyline from the Edge or the Top of the Rock.

The CityPASS is also valid for New York's famous museums and galleries. Delve into the American Museum of Natural History, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Guggenheim Museum and many more.

Day 5 - New York

Put together your own sightseeing itinerary with the help of the Big Bus hop-on, hop-off city tour. This allows you the flexibility to see what you want to in the time that you have, rather than a more rigid group tour. The buses are open-topped, allowing you to take in the atmosphere of the city en-route.

You could choose to take in the sights, sounds and tastes of New York's famous Chinatown district, enjoy the bright lights of Broadway or learn more about Harlem's music scene with a visit to the iconic Apollo Theatre, with plenty more options besides.

Day 6 - New York to Philadelphia

At New York Pennsylvania Station, board Amtrak's Keystone Service to Philadelphia. On arrival, self transfer to the four-star Sofitel Philadelphia, your base for the next two nights, perfectly located in the city's stylish French Quarter.

As the home of US independence and the country's first World Heritage city, there's plenty to see in Philadelphia. Film buffs will be particularly interested in the famous 'Rocky' steps at the Philadelphia Museum of Art'; the LOVE sculpture and the collection of museums on Benjamin Franklin Parkway are also worth visiting. Alternatively, head out in search of well-loved local delicacy, the Philly Cheesesteak sandwich.

Day 7 - Philadelphia

Learn about the heritage of one of the USA's oldest cities with a hop-on, hop-off bus tour, complete with live onboard narration.

No visit to Philly would be complete without stopping off at the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall. Originally a well-loved symbol of US independence, which has been adopted over the years by abolitionist societies, suffragists and other groups striving for change.

You could also take some time to explore the Rodin Museum to see one of the world's largest collections of work from the famous sculptor, or take an informative tour of the United States Mint.

Day 8 - Philadelphia to Washington D.C.

Board Amtrak's Northeast Regional service from Philadelphia to Washington Union Station. Your hotel for the next two nights will be the four-star Capital Hilton Hotel, situated in the Golden Triangle, minutes away from major attractions.

The Golden Triangle is home to some of D.C's best restaurants, shops, bars and galleries. Why not spend the rest of the day exploring what this cosmopolitan district has to offer? Options include strolling along the tree-lined National Mall, exploring thought-provoking exhibitions at the National Geographic centre and taking in hotly-tipped comedy talent at the D.C Improv Comedy Club and Restaurant.

Day 9 - Washington D.C.

Take in the sights of the US capital with a hop-on, hop-off bus tour of the city. Decide where you want to explore further, and where the onboard commentary will suffice, with a flexible all-day pass.

The gleaming white facade of the Whitehouse, the official residence of the US president, needs no introduction. Take in its stately frontage from your tour bus, and stop for an internal tour or walk around Presidents Park if you'd like.

You could also spend some time at the US Capitol Building, Congress' official meeting house, the Washington Monument, or exploring the historic Georgetown neighbourhood.

Day 10 - Washington D.C to London

Transfer from your hotel to Washington D.C Airport for your flight back to the UK.

Additional information

Mobility information

Due to the nature of our tours they are generally unsuitable for those with restricted mobility. If you’d like to discuss any particular holiday with us in this respect, then please don’t hesitate to call us.

Train

Amtrak Trains

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