Today kicks off with a tour of Washington’s iconic National Mall, where you’ll see the impressive domed Capitol Building surrounded by landscaped lawns and gardens. Stroll next to the Lincoln Memorial and reflect on this great leader’s significance in American history. Lastly, arrive at the White House, the official residence of American Presidents since the country was founded. It’s a must-see symbol of American democracy and power.
The afternoon is yours to explore at leisure. Hit up the Smithsonian museums for a deep dive into American culture, science and history, admire work by masters from Da Vinci to Pollock at the National Gallery of Art or take a breather by the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. In the evening, return to your hotel in Georgetown to cap off your day among the neighbourhood’s classy homes and lively atmosphere.
This morning, head to Baltimore, birthplace of the national anthem and a place that somehow has both the energy of a big city and the charm of a small town within its perimeter. Enjoy a chance to stretch your legs at the waterfront promenade, where you’ll find restaurants serving up fresh seafood like Maryland blue crab, rockfish and oysters for a taste of local flavour, and can take in sights of the historic ships docked in the Inner Harbour.
After exploring Baltimore, you’ll head north through Pennsylvania’s countryside, resting for the night in Williamsport. Surrounded by rolling hills and farmland, it’s a great spot to unwind after the buzz of the big city. Consider a stroll through Millionaires’ Row to marvel at the impressive Victorian mansions, or head downtown and visit one of the local breweries, making sure to try their New England IPAs if you do – the regional style is notorious for refreshing fruit and cream notes.
Travel time: Driving – approx. four hours
Fuel up with breakfast at the hotel before heading north for the border. Cross into Canada, where you’ll witness the thundering waters of Niagara Falls, one of Mother Nature’s most powerful spectacles. Known for their unusually powerful waterflow, Niagara is composed of three separate waterfall sections: the Horseshoe Falls (also known as the Canadian Falls), American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls.
Feel free to get up close and personal using the underground tunnels behind Horseshoe and American Falls, or catch the views from lofty Skylon Tower. You could also hop aboard one of the thrilling boat rides that ventures to the base of the Falls (surcharges apply). Feel the mist on your face and hear the thunderous roar as you experience Niagara’s power along with undoubtedly the best views of its breathtaking cascades.
Travel time: Driving – approx. 3.5 hours
Soak in the magnificence of Niagara Falls and the surrounds at your own pace all day. A leisurely visit to the Botanical Gardens and Butterfly Conservatory might be in order, or for a quirky twist, you could check out Louis Tussaud’s Waxworks.
Get ready for an easy day, peppered with art and creativity. East of Niagara, stop by the George Eastman Museum in Rochester, former home to photography pioneer George Eastman, the founder of Kodak. Explore the Colonial Revival mansion and gardens to discover the photography and film collections held within what’s now the world’s oldest museum dedicated to these art forms, originally founded in 1947.
Next, travel to Corning, where you’ll be resting for the night. The town’s primary feature is its Museum of Glass, the world’s largest display of glass artistry in its many forms, both ornamental and functional. Experience 3,500 years of glassmaking history through fascinating live glassblowing demonstrations, in-depth looks at how glass is used in science and technology and interactive exhibits where you can create your own glass art.
Travel time: Driving – approx. three hours
Start your day with breakfast before heading for the hustle and bustle of the Big Apple, where iconic sights wait around every corner. Arrive to your historic, Midtown Manhattan hotel and gaze upon the seemingly endless city skyline, catching notable sights like the Empire State Building, the One World Trade Center and the Statue of Liberty.
After check-in, the late afternoon and evening are yours to do as you please. Catch a world-class Broadway performance in the Theatre District, or enjoy evening cocktails in swanky TriBeCa or Chelsea. Explore famous shopping districts like Fifth Avenue’s Magnificent Mile and SoHo for a mix of luxury brands, flagship stores and unique boutiques. Or head to Times Square, with its electrifying atmosphere, or peaceful Central Park, the ultimate urban oasis for leisure and relaxation.
Travel time: Driving – approx. 4.5 hours
Today, you’re free to roam in the Big Apple. A must-do is seeing Lady Liberty herself – perhaps hop on a ferry from Battery Park and sail to Liberty Island (surcharges apply). Otherwise take her in at a distance view from Lower Manhattan at Battery Park. You can also explore the artsy and bohemian neighbourhoods of Greenwich Village, the East Village and the Lower East Side, or witness the upscale residences on Park Avenue and the Upper East Side.
Step into Grand Central Station and feel the city’s pulse within this Beaux-Arts masterpiece, or take in some art – the Metropolitan Museum of Art and Museum of Modern Art in Manhattan have some of the best collections in the world. You could also visit the iconic Rockefeller Centre for a generous dose of NYC glamour, the New York Library, with its famous twin stone lions, or authentic cultural neighbourhoods like Chinatown and Little Italy.
In the morning, bid farewell to your tour group and prepare for your onward journey as you depart the city that never sleeps.
Departure & Transfers:
Checkout on your final day is at 11am. Please book your flights to depart from LaGuardia Airport (LGA) or John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) at any time. Airport transfers are not included for your tour. The hotel is located approximately a 30-minute drive from both airports.