Cities of the Great East

Welcome to Boston, a treasure trove of American history. Your Tour Director is on hand late this afternoon to answer any questions.

Your morning guided tour of Boston highlights the historic sites of the Freedom Trail: Boston Common, the Old State House, Faneuil Hall, and the Old North Church. The rest of the day is free to explore on your own.

Depart Boston and head south to the "Big Apple." New York City began its extraordinary history as the Dutch settlement of New Amsterdam. Upon arrival, take an optional cruise of New York Harbor past the magnificent skyscrapers and historical landmarks that make this the most recognisable skyline in the world. The remainder of your day and evening are at leisure. Perhaps take in a Broadway show this evening.

Today begins with a guided tour of the city's most famous sights: Times Square, Rockefeller centre, the Financial District, and Chinatown. Afterward, you are free to explore more of New York at your leisure. Perhaps visit the Tenement Museum, and hear the stories of some of the 12 million immigrants who entered the United States between 1892 and 1954. Enjoy a walk along the unique Highline, a park created on a historic elevated New York Central Railroad spur; or go window shopping on fashionable Fifth Avenue. Your Tour Director will be available to help you with additional sightseeing plans as well as give shopping and dining suggestions.

This morning, travel to the "City of Brotherly Love," once the largest English-speaking colonial city in the world after London. Afternoon sightseeing focuses on sites important to the birth of the United States. Visit the Liberty Bell and learn how this State House bell was transformed into an extraordinary symbol. Also visit Independence Hall where the Declaration of Independence was signed on July 4, 1776.

Depart the "handsome city" of Philadelphia for the U.S. capital founded on July 16, 1790, and the seat of government, Washington DC. Located along the Potomac River on the East Coast, this cosmopolitan city holds an unmatched cache of the country's history, sites, and artifacts. "DC" (the District of Columbia) was created to establish a central location for the running of the government. Your afternoon is free for independent exploration. The nation's capital has an endless list of things to do, from museums packed with history to a thriving restaurant scene.

Begin this morning's sightseeing with a Local Guide and visit the National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial. Afterwards, continue on to experience the solemn majesty of the Lincoln and National WWII Memorials, and conclude with photo stops at Capitol Hill and the White House. The remainder of your day is free for independent sightseeing. Perhaps visit Arlington National Cemetery, the African American History Museum, or the Washington Monument. This evening, join an optional dinner at one of Washington's favourite restaurants, followed by an illumination tour of the monuments.

Your holiday ends this morning. You can also extend your holiday with extra nights and explore Washington DC further.