Landscapes of Eastern Canada & USA

Nothing beats the thrill of New York City. The towering Manhattan skyscrapers, the salt pretzels sold on every street corner, the trendy Brooklyn dive bars - you've seen it all on the silver screen, and now you're finally here. Soak it in, because there's nowhere else in the world quite like the Big Apple. After settling in to your hotel, meet up with your Travel Director this afternoon before hitting the streets to explore the city, your way. For a bird's eye view to appreciate it all from on high head to the Top of the Rock, or pay a visit to leafy Greenwich Village for boutique shopping and some Sex and the City nostalgia. Feeling hungry? From gourmet food trucks to Michelin Star restaurants, the city that never sleeps ensures you'll never go hungry. Stay: Holiday Inn New York City - Times Square

If you feel like you only scratched the surface of New York yesterday, this morning's orientation tour will get you acquainted with some of the city's best loved icons. On the coach, you'll then head south to 'Philly' as it's affectionally called by its locals. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage city in 2015 and the home of the legendary cheesesteak sandwich, Philadelphia is also the beating heart of the USA's revolutionary history. Visit the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall where both the Declaration of Independence and the US Constitution were signed. Masterclass in US history complete, you'll then finish the day rather fittingly in the country's capital and the seat of political power, Washington DC. Stay: Omni Shoreham Hotel

Today's all about unearthing the political and cultural highlights of this high-flying city. You'll kick things off with a sightseeing tour that will feel more like a walk through a real-life movie set, visiting icons including the gargantuan Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument, and the jewel in America's political crown, the White House. With the rest of the day to explore as you please, the question is really where to start? Perhaps treat your cultural side to an afternoon spent browsing the museums of the Smithsonian Institution, or choose experiences like visiting George Washington's sprawling Mount Vernon Estate, or cruising down the scenic Potomac River whilst enjoying a delicious buffet lunch. This evening we've then got another treat in store - our Optional Experience Washington Illumination Tour, where you'll see DC's most famous monuments lit up in their night time glory.

Today you'll travel back in time as we reach Pennsylvania Dutch farm country, home to America's oldest and largest settlement of Amish people. Spot farmers working the fields with their horses and manual tools and traditional horse and buggies passing you by as you take in the beautiful rural surroundings. We'll then meet up with a Local Specialist who will share all about the 'plain' lifestyle of the Amish community, who live without cars, televisions, mobile phones or modern-day appliances. You could choose to join our Optional Experience to try out the traditional buggy for yourself on a ride through the back roads, then tonight you could take it one step further by experiencing an Amish family-style dinner at Plain & Fancy, a farm-to-table restaurant operating since 1959. Stay: Lancaster Marriott at Penn Square

Travelling northwest today, you'll journey along the surging Susquehanna River as you cross the western region of New York State. Passing through the Appalachian Mountains and no doubt in utter awe of the scenery around you, bear in mind that this mountain range is one of the oldest on earth, formed around 480 million years ago and spanning the border between the USA and Canada. Speaking of which, it will be cheers all round as you venture onto Canadian soil, arriving into Niagara Falls late this afternoon. This evening, we imagine anticipation levels will be rising as you look forward to the natural spectacle that tomorrow will bring. Stay: Best Western Plus Cairn Croft

Pack your raincoats this morning as you're off to visit a natural phenomenon, Niagara Falls! The biggest falls in North America, an incredible 750,000 gallons of water thunder into the gorge below every second. We'll be getting you up close on a cruise to Horseshoe Falls, allowing you to see both the Canadian and American sides. Remember that raincoat? Now's the time to use it. This afternoon is yours to tailor your trip your way. Why not opt to visit one of Ontario's prettiest towns, Niagara-on-the-Lake. Boasting colonial architecture, cute rustic shops and local eateries, you'll be in love even before we tell you of the region's reputation as a producer of 'icewine', one of the world's finest wines that you'll also have chance to sample at a tasting.

Travelling north through the rich farmlands of the Niagara Peninsula, you'll make your way into the world's most multiculturally diverse city, Toronto. Known to locals as the 'Six', Canada's hipster enclave and largest city is all about unique neighbourhoods, fusion food, fascinating museums, and a healthy obsession with all things hockey. With the rest of the day all yours to explore, why not head to Queen West to explore the neighbourhood's impressive collection of art galleries and design studios. You will test your head for heights at the city's biggest icon, the CN Tower, its 553 metre spire dominating the landscape from every angle. If it's food you're craving, choose our Optional Experience, a Foodie Walking Tour. Stay: Bond Place Hotel

Leaving Toronto behind, enjoy the drive alongside Lake Ontario as you head to Kingston. You'll be hopping on board a cruise of the Thousand Islands region; a collection of 1,800 islands that play host to elaborate mansions, fairytale castles and a whole realm of wildlife. Back on land, finish today in Ottawa, Canada's dynamic capital city. Stay: Quality Inn & Suites Gatineau

This morning's orientation tour of Ottawa will take you past Canada' capital city's most prominent sites. Ready for some romance? We've got good news - timeless, elegant Quebec City is up next. Exuding class, grandeur and a distinctly European feel, Quebec City is almost a country within a country; 95% of the population speak French, and around 75% are native Francophiles. Arriving here, we'll be listening out for the collective sighs of appreciation as you set eyes on the narrow cobblestone streets and pretty parks for the first time. No doubt itching to explore, why not unearth the city's gastronomic side today. Upon arrival, why not continue your Quebec love affair with our Optional Experience that will get you out of town to admire the towering Montmorency Falls. Standing at 83 metres these falls are actually higher than Niagara Falls, forming the mouth of the Montmorency River. Travelling back to Quebec City, you'll then be treated to a 3-course dinner in the historic district of Vieux-Quebec, tucking in to a menu of freshly sourced, organic ingredients. Stay: Hotel Universel Quebec Sainte-Foy

After no doubt grabbing a taste of France with a croissant and coffee, you'll be heading out to join a Local Specialist this morning for a tour of the UNESCO World Heritage listed Old Town. Checking out sites including The Citadel, the historically significant Plains of Abraham, and the famous turrets of the Chateau Frontenac, the world's most photographed hotel, prepare to fall even more in love with this city.

We hope you're hungry this morning as for breakfast you'll be heading to the iconic Erabliere le Chemin du Roy, a traditional Cabane a Sucre (sugar shack) to learn how maple syrup, one of Canada's most famous exports, is made. You'll then make the short drive to Montreal, Canada's cultural capital where festivals, art, good food and a certain joie de vivre are all part of the daily make up. On arrival you'll meet up with a Local Specialist to learn the in's and out's of the UNESCO designated 'City of Design', admiring how old European style architecture can sit so naturally beside beautiful contemporary masterpieces. This evening and with free time to explore, why not head for dinner at one of the cute terraced cafes along Plateau Mont-Royal. (B) Stay: Sandman Hotel Montreal-Longueuil

It's goodbye Canada today as you cross the border back into the United States, journeying through the soaring peaks of the White Mountains into the state of Vermont, famed for its lush farmland, sprawling mountains and pretty as a postcard villages. If you're travelling in Autumn, you're in for a real treat as the landscape is transformed with shades of sunshine yellow and burnt orange as far as the eye can see. Stopping by the state's capital, Concord, you'll gain an appreciation for why New Hampshire is nicknamed 'the granite state' as soon as you spot the centre piece of the city, State House, which exemplifies the use of the material. Finally, you'll finish up in Boston, Massachusetts, America's oldest city. Stay: Doubletree Boston Bayside

This morning's sightseeing is all about uncovering the legendary Freedom Trail, that winds its way through the city connecting 16 historically significant sites including Old North Church, Paul Revere's House, Faneuil Hall, Quincy Market and Boston Harbour. With many of these landmarks playing crucial roles in events including the American battle for independence and the abolition movement, you'll quickly discover the role Boston has played in America's great history. This afternoon, why not discover a different side to the city? As the home of baseball legends the Red Sox, and the Celtics basketball team, Boston takes their sport just as seriously as they take their seafood, where local specialities include 'sacred cod', fresh lobster and creamy chowder. Find the freshest catches right at the source in the Seaport District,or take advantage of our Optional Experiences that include a Harvard University walking tour, or a Boston harbour cruise.

Bid farewell to your Travel Director and travel companions as your trip comes to an end. If you're not ready for your trip to come to an end, choose to extend your stay at the DoubleTree Boston Bayside.