Niagara Falls & Historic East Coast Explorer

We depart New York City and travel north. Our route takes us through the Delaware Water Gap, a picturesque region where forested hills and river valleys mark the gateway to the Appalachian Mountains. Around midday we arrive in the Finger Lakes region, known for its long glacial lakes and vineyard-covered hillsides. Here we visit Watkins Glen State Park, where we walk along the canyon trail and pass a series of dramatic waterfalls carved into the rock over thousands of years. During the winter months, when the park is closed, we instead stop at Montour Falls, a striking waterfall that plunges over 150 feet through the centre of the village.

We then continue past Seneca Lake, the largest and deepest of the Finger Lakes, before travelling on to Niagara Falls. On arrival we explore the American side of the falls. We visit Goat Island and Luna Island for excellent viewpoints of the rushing water and powerful cascades. In the evening, we see Niagara Falls illuminated, when coloured lights transform the waterfalls into a striking nighttime display.

Meeting Point: Outside Port Authority side entrance (330W 42nd St, between 8th & 9th Ave)

Check-in Time: 6:30am

This morning we return to Niagara Falls for another perspective of this natural wonder. We visit Horseshoe Falls, the largest and most powerful section of Niagara Falls. From May to October, we board the famous Maid of the Mist boat for a thrilling ride to the base of the falls. From November to April, when the boat is not operating, we instead descend through the Scenic Tunnels for a close-up view from behind the cascading water.

Later we begin our journey south through New York State. Along the way we stop at a large outlet shopping centre, where you have time to browse well-known brands and pick up discounted items. We continue to Clifton, New Jersey, where we check in for our overnight stay.

After breakfast we depart New Jersey and travel to Philadelphia, one of the most historically significant cities in the United States. Here we visit the Liberty Bell, a powerful symbol of American independence, and explore Independence National Historical Park, including Congress Hall and the area where the foundations of the United States government were established. We also walk along Elfreth’s Alley, the oldest continuously inhabited street in America, lined with beautifully preserved colonial houses. A panoramic tour introduces us to more of Philadelphia, including the Benjamin Franklin Parkway and the city’s financial district. Before leaving, we stop at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, where you can climb the famous “Rocky Steps” for views over the city skyline.

We then travel to Lancaster County, home to the traditional Amish community. Here we enjoy a buggy ride through Amish farmland, learning about a culture that continues to live largely without modern technology. Afterwards we visit a local Amish marketplace, where you can browse handmade crafts and locally produced goods.

Later we continue south to Washington DC, the capital of the United States, where we spend the night.

Today we explore the landmarks and memorials of Washington DC. We begin at the Thomas Jefferson Memorial, located beside the Tidal Basin, before crossing the Potomac River to Arlington National Cemetery. Here we visit the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the Kennedy gravesite. Next we travel to Capitol Hill for views of the US Capitol and the White House, two of the most recognisable buildings in American politics. We also visit the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, which houses historic aircraft and spacecraft that tell the story of aviation and space exploration. Our tour continues with stops at several important memorials, including the Lincoln Memorial, the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, and the Korean War and Vietnam Veterans Memorials.

In the late afternoon we depart Washington DC and travel north, arriving back in New York City in the evening, marking the end of an incredible journey.