The American Story Holday: From Historic Boston to the Gateway of Ellis Island

Celebrate the nation's origins with a journey that begins in the "Cradle of the American Revolution” and continues through the historic centers of New York and Philadelphia, exploring stories of the country, old and new. Arrive in Boston, a city bursting with character and history. As arrival times will be scattered through the afternoon and evening, there are no scheduled activities today. Perhaps you will spend your evening shopping for unique goods at Snowport, a European-style outdoor Christmas market in Boston's Seaport District.

Experience Boston's revolutionary history on a privately guided tour, traveling through the North End, along parts of the Freedom Trail, and visiting landmarks such as Copley Square and the Boston Public Library. Spend some free time exploring Faneuil Hall for lunch, and admiring its towering Christmas tree, before returning to your hotel.

Early this evening, celebrate the start of your journey with a welcome dinner in Boston's famed North End. Then, take your seat at the Boston Symphony Orchestra and enjoy a special performance by the Grammy-nominated Boston Pops, featuring holiday classics, singalongs, and even an appearance by the big man in red.

You're off to New York City today. But first, a visit to The Mark Twain House offers a window into the roots of American storytelling and the life of one of the world's most influential authors. Get a glimpse into his personal life and stories and learn how his travels and life at home shaped the voice that would come to define a distinctly American literary tradition.

Later, arrive in New York, New York! America's most exciting metropolis shines during the holiday season. Check into your Times Square hotel and feel the bustle of the city all around you.

This evening, dive into bold new flavors at a local restaurant and experience the diverse culinary traditions that have shaped New York City.

Start your morning like a New Yorker with breakfast at a local diner. Then, head to the Lower East Side, an eclectic neighborhood whose layered history and vibrant streets once welcomed waves of newcomers and helped shape the city's cultural identity. A visit to the Tenement Museum offers an eye-opening look into the daily lives of families who arrived seeking opportunity and community.

This afternoon, explore the neighborhood on a privately guided walking food tour, tasting a range of cuisines from all over the world. Along the way, hear the stories and histories of the neighborhood's residents and discover how this famed melting pot came to be, along with some of the holiday traditions each community celebrates. En route to the hotel, delve into historic New York on a panoramic tour where you'll see Central Park, Rockefeller Center, and Fifth Ave.

Arriving back at the hotel by approximately 4:00 p.m., the rest of the day is yours to spend as you wish. You may spend some time enjoying the city's legendary holiday shopping at world-famous department stores like Macy's, Bloomingdale's, and Saks Fifth Avenue, all dressed for the holiday season, or take in the glow of the sparkling Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree and iconic ice rink.

Enjoy breakfast at a local diner, then board a ferry for a cruise of New York Harbor. Take in the incredible views of the towering Statue of Liberty. Dock and get up close to “Lady Liberty,” a symbol of freedom that has welcomed immigrants and visitors to New York Harbor since 1886. Then, it's on to Ellis Island. Step back in time on a self-guided tour of the museum. Come to know the personal stories of the immigration boom of 1892-1924, when 12 million people passed through this station on their journey to America.

Tonight, you're in for the sweetest holiday treat: Radio City Music Hall and the incredible Christmas Spectacular featuring the high-kicking Rockettes — just a short walk from your hotel!

Leave New York this morning and travel toward Philadelphia, stopping in the historic Brandywine Valley, site of the largest land battle of the Revolutionary War. Spend the afternoon at the Brandywine Museum of Art, known for its Wyeth collections and festive holiday exhibits, before continuing to Longwood Gardens to explore its 1100 acres of indoor conservatories, outdoor landscapes, and dazzling holiday lights at dusk. Afterward, drive an hour to Philadelphia and check into your hotel.

Start your day in the “birthplace of America.” Step inside Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence was signed and the Constitution was drafted. See an iconic symbol of freedom, the Liberty Bell. Then, enjoy free time for lunch at the iconic Reading Terminal Market, full of delicious food options, perhaps seeking out a local favorite like the Philly cheesesteak.

This afternoon, gather for a tour of Eastern State Penitentiary, an institution that shaped early American ideas about justice and reform, also taking the opportunity to learn about how the residents spent the holidays here. During some brief free time before dinner, you may choose to stroll through the open-air Christmas Village at LOVE Park.

Tonight, dinner is on board the legendary Moshulu, the world's oldest and largest square-rigged sailing vessel still afloat. Docked at Penn's Landing, experience a piece of maritime history on this tall ship turned restaurant.

Your tour comes to a close today.