Overview
Travel to magnificent Niagara Falls and enjoy an exhilarating cruise that brings you read more up close to one of the world’s most spectacular natural wonders. Cruise through the scenic Thousand Islands, where wooded islands and grand Gilded Age summer homes dot the St. Lawrence River and discover the traditions and lifestyle of the Amish community with a visit to the Amish Farm & House in Lancaster.
End your vacation with two additional nights in New York City, giving you extra time to explore the city’s world-famous sights, neighborhoods, shopping, and dining. Vibrant cities, iconic landmarks, and stunning scenery—this Eastern U.S. & Canada vacation has it all!
Itinerary
Welcome to the “Big Apple!” Your Tour Director is on hand from 3:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. this afternoon to answer any questions.
Once settled, perhaps head out and start exploring the ‘city that never sleeps,' known for its world-famous shopping, iconic landmarks, and diverse dining scene featuring cuisines from around the globe.
This morning, enjoy an included sightseeing tour with a Local Guide. See iconic sites including Broadway, Times Square, the Empire State Building, Rockefeller Center, Wall Street, and the 9/11 Memorial. This afternoon, depart for Boston—the “Cradle of American Liberty.”
On your morning tour of Boston with a Local Guide, visit the historic landmarks that played an important role in the founding of the United States. See Faneuil Hall, the Freedom Trail, Boston Common, and Old North Church, where signal lanterns alerted colonists that British troops were approaching by sea—a pivotal event leading to the American Revolutionary War.
The afternoon is free to explore on your own. Perhaps take an optional tour of iconic Fenway Park, home of the Boston Red Sox, or enjoy unforgettable 360-degree views of the city from the observation deck on the optional View Boston excursion.
Journey through New Hampshire's scenic White Mountains, cross into Vermont, and continue north to the Canadian border. As you enter the French-speaking province of Québec, you'll notice a distinct blend of language, culture, and tradition. Continue to historic Québec City, beautifully situated along the banks of the St. Lawrence River.
This morning, join your fellow travelers on an optional excursion to the Érablière le Chemin du Roy Sugar Shack to enjoy a traditional Québec breakfast and learn about the maple syrup-making process during a guided visit and presentation.
Return to Québec City for sightseeing with a Local Guide of Canada's only walled city, crowned by the turrets of Château Frontenac. Until the British victory of 1759, Québec City served as the capital of New France; today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Within the walls reside the Place d'Armes, Laval Seminary, the Citadelle – a star-shaped fortress with sweeping views from its ramparts – and historic Place Royale. Discover the narrow cobblestone streets and Old-World charm of Lower Town, and visit the Plains of Abraham, site of the pivotal battle that placed Québec City under British control.
The afternoon is free to explore this charming city on your own.
Today, travel to cosmopolitan Montréal, Canada's second-largest city, known for its unique blend of European charm and North American energy. Sightseeing with a Local Guide includes St. Joseph's Oratory, panoramic views from Mount Royal, historic Old Montréal, Notre Dame Basilica, the Seminary of Saint-Sulpice – built by the city's early missionary settlers – and modern Montréal.
This evening, enjoy free time to explore the city's vibrant neighborhoods and renowned culinary scene.
Travel west to Ottawa, Canada's beautiful capital city. Guided sightseeing includes the Gothic Revival buildings of Parliament Hill, the Royal Canadian Mint, the Rideau Canal, the National Gallery of Canada, and the city's stately residences and embassies.
This afternoon is free to explore. Perhaps browse the artisan shops and local specialties at ByWard Market or join an optional excursion to the Canadian Museum of History, Canada's most-visited museum, known for its exceptional exhibitions and the views of Parliament Hill across the Ottawa River.
Follow the Rideau Canal south to scenic Thousand Islands National Park, a collection of 1,864 islands scattered along the St. Lawrence River. Rich in history, recreation, and natural beauty, the region is also said to be the birthplace of Thousand Island salad dressing!
Enjoy a scenic cruise among the many wooded islands, where grand summer homes built during the Gilded Age line the shoreline. Continue to Toronto, Canada's largest city.
Discover Toronto's impressive skyline on your morning sightseeing tour. Highlights include City Hall, the downtown financial district, Rogers Centre, and the iconic CN Tower.
The remainder of the day is yours to explore. Perhaps visit popular attractions such as Harbourfront Centre, Ontario Place, and Chinatown, or enjoy an optional Harbour Cruise on Lake Ontario for a different perspective of the city skyline.
This evening, consider an optional dinner atop the CN Tower, where sweeping views stretch for miles on a clear day.
Travel south along the shores of Lake Ontario through the fertile farmlands and vineyards of Ontario to Niagara Falls. Stop at Table Rock for incredible views and the chance to hear the thunderous roar of the Falls.
Then board your Niagara Falls sightseeing cruise for an unforgettable up-close experience. Feel the mist and witness the immense power of one of the world's most famous natural wonders as you approach the base of the Falls, where more than 600,000 gallons of water come crashing down every second!
For an added thrill, consider an optional helicopter flightseeing excursion offering breathtaking views from high above the Falls.
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 weather is unfavorable, a visit to Journey Behind the Falls will be substituted.
Leave Canada and travel southeast through the Appalachian Mountains and along the Susquehanna River into Pennsylvania Dutch Country. This evening, consider an optional excursion to an Amish homestead, where you'll enjoy a traditional Amish meal.
This morning, visit the Amish Farm & House, where a Local Guide explains the faith, culture, and way of life of the Amish for whom tradition forbids the use of electricity or telephones in the home.
Continue to Washington, DC, arriving this afternoon. This evening, consider an optional dinner and illumination tour that showcases the city's most famous monuments and memorials at night.
The nation's capital is filled with iconic landmarks and historic treasures. Your half-day sightseeing tour with a Local Guide includes the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, and has photo stops at Capitol Hill, the White House, and other well-known sights.
The remainder of the day is free to explore. Perhaps visit the National Museum of American History to see Dorothy's ruby slippers from The Wizard of Oz or the National Museum of Natural History to see dinosaur fossils and the Hope Diamond!
Your Tour Director will also have suggestions for discovering more of this historic and culturally rich city.
Travel north to Philadelphia, the birthplace of American democracy. Upon arrival, enjoy a city tour featuring a stop at Reading Terminal Market, one of America's oldest public markets. Browse the many vendors and perhaps sample a Philly cheesesteak or other local specialties.
Continue to Independence National Historical Park, home of the Liberty Bell, one of the nation's most enduring symbols of freedom. Enjoy time to explore the park and other sites within what is known as “America's Most Historic Square Mile” before checking into your hotel.
This morning, continue to New York City. Say goodbye to your Tour Director and check into the New Yorker Hotel for a two-night stay. Your Local Host will be available to answer questions and offer suggestions for sightseeing, shopping, dining, and exploring the city.
The “Big Apple” beckons. Enjoy all that New York has to offer, from Broadway shows to museums, shopping, and great restaurants!
Your vacation ends this morning.
Trip Inclusions
- Guided city sightseeing in New York City, Boston, Québec City, Montreal, Ottawa, and Washington, DC, featuring iconic landmarks and historic sites
- Scenic cruise through the Thousand Islands, passing forested islands, cottages, and grand estates
- Orientation tours of Toronto and Philadelphia
- Sightseeing cruise with spectacular views of Niagara Falls
- Admission to the Lancaster Amish Farm & House for a glimpse into Amish heritage, traditions, and way of life
- The world is within reach with everything you need for perfectly affordable touring. Cosmos includes hand-selected accommodations, guided sightseeing, and seamless transportation between destinations—with value-minded travel lovers in mind. Explore with expert Cosmos Tour Directors and Local Guides, and private, first-class, air-conditioned motorcoach with free Wi-Fi (where available).
- 4 Breakfasts
- New York City: New Yorker by Lotte Hotels (First-Class)
- Boston: Holiday Inn Boston-Cambridge Area (Moderate First-Class)
- Quebec City Area: Hotel Lindbergh (First-Class)
- Montreal: Best Western Ville-Marie (First-Class)
- Ottawa: Courtyard by Marriott Ottawa Downtown (First-Class)
- Toronto: Chelsea Hotel, Toronto (Superior First-Class)
- Niagara Falls: Best Western Plus Cairn Croft Hotel (First-Class)
- Lancaster: Heritage Hotel Lancaster (Superior Tourist-Class)
- Washington DC: AC Hotel Washington DC Capitol Hill Navy Yard (First-Class)
- Philadelphia: Wyndham Philadelphia Historical District (First-Class)
- Airport transfers at your arrival and departure destination are not included in the price of the tour.
- Itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
- Price is for land, cruise and specified internal flights. International flights not included.
- Operation of the Niagara Falls sightseeing cruise is subject to favorable weather and/or river conditions (typically favorable May to October). Cruise sightseeing may be substituted by a Journey Behind the Falls excursion when necessary.
- Enjoy the fall colors of New York, New England, Ontario, and Québec on our special Fall Foliage departures from mid-September to mid-October (if Mother Nature permits).
Enjoy inside visits to Canada's the must-see sites with a great mix of included excursions, free time and affordable value. Read more
Cosmos build free time into every one of their holidays, so you can eat, shop, and explore the way you want. Read more
Cosmos' easy going, fun-filled and multilingual Tour Directors and Local Guides love exploring as much as you do. Read more
Trip Reviews (11)
Brian, our tour director, was friendly and helpful, though somewhat unorganised and later found out he had only just returned to touring after a few years. Most of those on tour were Australians and NZ'ers, and one US couple - therefore much of the baseball stats and players mentioned by Brian were out of our comprehension! Tour was quite hectic, but although we are not big fans of city touring, each city we visited was unique and we had some excellent local guides who were very passionate about their city, so it wasn't hard to see it through their eyes and warm to the places.
Highlights were seeing Niagara Falls at night lit up with laser coloured lighting; the Amish were very interesting to visit; dinner up the CN tower in Toronto; loved Quebec city (you really thought you were in France) and we did get to see some Fall colours beginning. Weather was 100 degrees above the average and we had quite a few really hot and humid days, but also some beautiful warm balmy evenings. We enjoyed our optional excursions and really appreciated the extra two nights in New York before heading the long trek home to Perth, WA. Highly recommended and we met some really lovely fellow travellers!
Dates & Pricing
Welcome Back Credit
GJ Loyalty Discount
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. For all itineraries that include a cruise, Cosmos may apply a surcharge depending on the cabin categories available on your selected departure. Your Travel Advisor will provide this information in your quote if applicable. Your Travel Advisor will also apply any appropriate discounts automatically and detail any currently applicable 'Exclusive Specials'.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Cosmos. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
