New York City, Niagara Falls & Washington DC

Welcome to the “Big Apple!” Your Tour Director is on hand from 3-6:00 p.m. this afternoon to answer any questions.

New York City is one of the world's most exciting cities, buzzing with atmosphere and packed with fascinating sights. On today's guided sightseeing tour, see the major attractions—Broadway, the Empire State Building, Rockefeller Center, and the 9/11 Memorial. Enjoy the afternoon and evening to explore on your own. Perhaps visit a museum, shop, walk in Central Park, or take in a Broadway show. With so many options, it's hard to choose!

Depart Manhattan, heading across New Jersey through the Pocono Mountains and into upstate New York. Late this afternoon, cross the border to the Canadian side of the Niagara River in Ontario. Spend the next two nights in beautiful Niagara Falls.

This morning, enjoy a sightseeing cruise where you'll get up close views of the thundering world-famous Niagara Falls. Fall in love with the Falls even more on an optional flightseeing excursion by helicopter or on an optional excursion to the soaring Skylon Tower where you can dine while enjoying the magnificent view. Your afternoon is at leisure. Consider visiting the Butterfly Conservatory, Niagara Parks' Botanical Gardens, or maybe take a ride on the Whirlpool Aero Car over the Niagara Gorge.

Please Note: Operation of the Niagara Falls sightseeing cruise is subject to favorable weather and/or river conditions. Favorable conditions usually exist from May to October. When conditions are unfavorable, a visit to Journey Behind the Falls will be substituted.

Head southeast through the Appalachian Mountains to the town of Corning, NY, known as the “Crystal City.” Visit the Corning Museum of Glass, the world's most comprehensive collection of glass, with over 50,000 objects representing more than 3,500 years of history. Pay a visit to Centerway Square in downtown Corning, which was once voted Best Public Square in the country, then overnight in nearby Elmira.

Travel south through the Pocono Mountains and into the Susquehanna River Valley, then on to Philadelphia, the birthplace of American independence. The “City of Brotherly Love” is steeped in history from Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence and Constitution were signed, to the Liberty Bell.

Your orientation tour focuses on the historic landmarks as well as more current ones, like the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art made famous in the movie ‘Rocky.' Stop at Reading Terminal Market, one of America's largest and oldest public markets, for lunch where you can experience local favorites like Philly Cheesesteak sandwiches or traditional Pennsylvania Dutch food.

Travel to Washington, DC, the U.S. capital and seat of government, for a 2-night stay. Enjoy free time this afternoon to enjoy the world-renowned (and free!) Smithsonian museums or take a stroll around the National Mall. Later, an optional evening out features dinner and an illumination tour shining a light on the city's most famous monuments and memorials. (B)

The nation's capital is a sightseeing treasure trove, and your half-day tour with a Local Guide features a visit to the Lincoln Memorial, seeing the Washington Monument and Ford Theatre where President Lincoln was assassinated, and photo stops at Capitol Hill and the White House.

The afternoon is free for exploration. Perhaps visit the National Museum of American History to see Dorothy's ruby slippers from the Wizard of Oz, the National Museum of Natural History to see dinosaur bones and the Hope Diamond, or the National Gallery of Art to see the only original Da Vinci oil painting in the western hemisphere. (CB)

Your vacation ends this morning. Consider extending your stay with extra nights to further explore Washington DC. For passengers who would like to return to New York City, a complimentary motorcoach transfer to our New York hotel, the Cambria Hotel Hew York - Chelsea, is included. (CB)