Best of the East Coast USA

Welcome to Washington DC! Inspirational, aspirational, artistic and cultured, the USA’s capital city offers up plenty to entice a curious traveller. Your adventure begins with a 5pm welcome meeting, where you’ll be joined by your local leader and new travel companions. Our starting point hotel is only a 15 minute walk to the White House and 20 minute walk to the Smithsonian National Museum of American History so you will be well located to go exploring. If you arrive with time to spare, why not pop into one of the fantastic museums lining the National Mall, covering everything from natural history to American art. After your meeting, gather in a local restaurant and get to know each other over dinner. Once you’ve enjoyed a meal and swapped some stories, head out to explore DC by night on a tour of the city’s most iconic sights. Hop aboard an open-air electric roadster, first discovering the Smithsonian complex and learning the stories behind these world-class museums. Continue past the Washington Monument and the Jefferson Memorial, then take some time to admire the FDR and MLK memorials before taking a sunset walk along the Tidal Basin. Drive past the World War I and World War II Memorials to the Lincoln Memorial, then continue to what may be the country’s most famous building – the White House. Continue to Capitol Hill and marvel at the Capitol Building, then conclude your tour with a whole bunch of national knowledge under your belt. (D)

There’s so much to see and do in Washington DC, it can be tricky to know where to start. But worry not! Today is yours to discover all this remarkable city has to offer. Your leader will have loads of tips on how to get the most out of your day here. You may like to take a stroll or bike ride along the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal, or perhaps wander through the beautifully manicured United States Botanic Garden. If you’d like to take a deep dive into Capitol Hill you can book a tour that further explores the Capitol Building, Supreme Court and Library of Congress. For those looking to tour the White House, this must be booked in advance – you can reserve tickets between three months and three weeks before your visit, which need to be requested through your member of congress. The Georgetown neighbourhood really comes alive in the evening, with no shortage of animated bars and restaurants overlooking to Potomac River. (B)

Today begins with a visit to Arlington Cemetery where you’ll watch the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the final resting place of an unidentified service member from World War I. Hear sobering stories of the wars that lead to 400,000 veterans being buried here, then continue to Gettysburg in Pennsylvania. Head to the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum, then join an expert guide for a tour of the park. The site of the Civil War’s most brutal battle and the inspiration for President Abraham Lincoln's famous Gettysburg Address, the events that played out on this battlefield marked a major turning point in the war. Let your guide talk you through what unfolded here as you discover various monuments and trails, then head to the town of Gettysburg where you’ll spend the night. (B)

Depart Gettysburg this morning and drive to the city of Lancaster in Pennsylvania where you'll get to experience another way of living during a visit to an Amish farm and house. The state of Pennsylvania is home to the greatest number of Amish in the USA, with a community of around 30,000 in the Lancaster area. Known for their resistance to modern technology and traditional values, visiting an Amish community can feel like taking a step back in time. Meet a local guide to tour the farm and learn about life here, then settle in for a home-made lunch while you get to know some members of the community and hear more about Amish customs and culture. This evening is free to explore the city of Lancaster on your own, or perhaps join your leader for a smorgasbord dinner (at own expense) - a true local favorite! (B/L)

After breakfast, say goodbye to Lancaster and make the drive to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania’s biggest city. On arrival, meet up with a Philly local who will guide you on a walking tour to discover the city’s rich history. Visit Independence National Historical Park, explore the cobbled streets of Old City and see some of the murals that make Philadelphia a world-class destination for public art. After your tour, head over to Reading Terminal Market, one of the oldest and largest public markets in the country, to browse the bustling halls filled with lunch counters, bakeries and shops. This is the perfect place to grab a bite to eat! The rest of the afternoon is yours for your own discoveries of this fun and fascinating city. Perhaps take a stroll along the waterfront if you fancy hopping between different restaurants and bars, or pop into McGillins to grab a drink in the oldest pub in the city. If you’re feeling active, speak to your leader about booking a kayak tour along the Schuylkill River. (B)

Rise bright and early this morning – the Big Apple is waiting! It’s called the City of Dreams for a reason – whether you’re looking for adventure, excitement, culture history, art, music or food, New York City is sure to deliver. The city is a melting pot of cultures, and nowhere is this more evident than its food. On arrival, meet with a local guide who knows NYC like the back of their hand and set off on a walking tour, taking in sights and bites along the way. Wander the streets of Little Italy, stroll past synagogues and Jewish clothing stores, visit the Lower East Side Tenement Museum and the African Burial Ground, and get swept up in the frenetic energy of Chinatown. Pop into local eateries to sample knishes, prosciutto, dumplings, and more as your guide explains the history of these foods and the people who brought them to New York. The rest of the day is free for your own explorations of the city – your leader will be on hand with tips and recommendations. (B/L)

This morning, join your leader for a meeting at 9. 30am to welcome any newcomers joining your tour. Afterwards, set off on an orientation tour that takes in some of the city’s most famous sights. Then it’s time to get your jazz hands ready for a deep dive into Broadway’s theatre scene on a behind the scenes tour with an expert guide. Get caught up in the excitement of Times Square, visit a rehearsal studio, and learn the history behind New York City’s most famous theatres. You’ll also venture off Broadway to discover how some of the biggest shows got their start. Once you’ve seen the bright lights of Broadway through the eyes of a local, the rest of the afternoon is free for your own explorations. Get back together in the evening for an optional dinner (at your own expense) with your group and leader at a local restaurant. (B)

Get on the road to Rhode Island, but first make a pit stop at a famous local pizza joint in New Haven, Connecticut for lunch. In the early afternoon arrive in Newport, one of Rhode Island's most scenic coastal towns. One of the best ways to get to know this inviting city is by cruising its waterways, but first you’ll join your leader for a stroll along the town’s famous cliff walk which has breathtaking scenery on one side and historic Gilded Age mansions on the other. Then you’ll board a boat and sail around Newport Harbor and the East Passage of Narragansett Bay that takes in the famous historic sites. Keep an eye out for seals swimming alongside the boat. Once you disembark, the rest of the day is yours to uncover more of the city’s charms, like its trendy bars, boutiques, and creative restaurants. (B/L)

Cross from Rhode Island to Massachusetts, first stopping off in the quaint little town of Chatham where you’ll have the chance to wander around its pleasant streets. Then continue all the way to the very tip of Cape Cod, arriving in Provincetown. Visit the Pilgrim Monument where you will hear about the Mayflower Pilgrims’ first landing in the New World here in 1620. The rest of the day is free for your own explorations, whether it's hitting the beach, taking in a museum, or shopping in Provincetown's many charming boutiques. The Racepoint Lighthouse and JFK Museum are all well worth a visit. Whatever your interests, your leader will be on hand to help plan out a perfect day here. (B)

This morning is yours to get better acquainted with Cape Cod. A popular holiday destination for visitors from all over the USA, there’s no shortage of good times to be had here. Regroup at noon to explore the Cape Cod National Seashore, a stunning stretch of coastline made up of sandy beaches, marshes and uplands. Visit the Nauset Lighthouse, one of the most photographed landmarks in Cape Cod, and learn about the efforts to preserve this important piece of maritime history. Cap off the day with a sand dune tour where you'll learn about Cape Cod's unique ecology. Finish at the beach and view one of the most magnificent sunsets on the East Coast. (B/D)

Say goodbye to Cape Cod and travel to Boston, the capital of Massachusetts and most populous city in the whole of New England. This thriving city is famed for its food scene, passionate sports fans (and excellent teams, of course) and hundreds of years of history. Along the way, you’ll stop in Plymouth to see the Mayflower II. Dive straight into the city with lunch at the Quincy Market (own expense) before you join a walking tour lead by a Boston local, covering some of the city’s most significant historical sites and local hotspots. Walk along Boston’s famous Freedom Trail, a 3. 7-mile stretch of road dotted with 16 significant historical locations. Your guide will then take you off the well-trodden track to check out some of Boston’s more modern sights, plus a few favourite local hangouts. The rest of the day is free for you to enjoy Boston your way – ask your leader for tips on the best places to grab a bite to eat tonight. (B)

Your adventure comes to an end this morning. Not ready to go home? Get in touch ahead of time and we’d be happy to arrange additional accommodation at your hotel in Boston (subject to availability). (B)