Some of the East Coast’s most vibrant and exciting cities come alive on this tour visiting Washington DC, Philadelphia, Boston, and New York City. Of course, you’ll see the must-see sights, including Arlington National Cemetery and the famous memorials in Washington DC; the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall in Philadelphia; Boston Common, the Freedom Trail, and Faneuil Hall in Boston; and Times Square, Greenwich Village, and the Financial District in New York. You’ll also visit the vibrant Reading Terminal Market in Philadelphia, where you’ll learn the story behind cheesesteaks, hoagies, pretzels, and more. In Boston, learn more about John F. Kennedy and his family at the John F. Kennedy Library and Museum. On your New York pizza tour, visit some of Brooklyn’s landmarks and sample New York pizza along the way.Free time in Washington DC, Boston, and New York gives you an opportunity to explore more of the historical sights, experience the fabulous shopping, see a Broadway show, discover the many museums, grab a drink in a pub or café, and much more. An extended stay in New York also gives you access to a sightseeing cruise, the Empire State Building, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Itinerary:
Day #1 Arrive in Washington DC. Welcome to the nation’s capital! At 6 pm, meet your fellow traveling companions for a welcome drink. Your Tour Director will prepare you for your upcoming journey.
Day #2 Washington DC. This morning’s sightseeing features many of Washington DC’s famous landmarks, including the LINCOLN, VIETNAM, KOREAN, and WORLD WAR II Memorials. Take a guided tram tour of ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY, where you’ll see the KENNEDY GRAVESITES, the TOMB OF THE UNKNOWNS, and ARLINGTON HOUSE, the Robert E. Lee Memorial. Later, visit NEWSEUM, the world’s most interactive museum. The Newseum’s galleries and theaters will immerse you in the world’s greatest news stories—the people, the places, and the time. Dinner tonight is at one of Washington’s favorite restaurants, followed by an illumination tour of beautiful monuments. (B,D)
Day #3 Washington DC. A full free day to pursue your favorite interests. Maybe visit the Smithsonian Institute, Georgetown, the National Cathedral, Ford’s Theatre, or other prominent monuments and museums. You may also want to journey to historic Old Town Alexandria, a quaint historic town just over the Potomac River. Your Tour Director will be available to offer suggestions on additional sightseeing, shopping, and dining. (B)
Day #4 Washington DC–Philadelphia. Depart Washington DC this morning and travel to the “City of Brotherly Love.” Upon arrival, we’ll visit the unique [LF] READING TERMINAL MARKET. Enjoy a tour of this vibrant market and learn the story behind cheesesteaks, hoagies, pretzels, and other Philly food favorites. Afternoon sightseeing focuses on the important buildings of this historic city, the birthplace of the nation. Visit the LIBERTY BELL and INDEPENDENCE HALL. This evening’s dinner will be at the [LF] historic City Tavern, once host to George Washington, William Penn, and the First Continental Congress. (B,D)
Day #5 Philadelphia–Boston. This morning we travel north to Boston, one of the oldest cities in the United States, where you’ll find cobblestone streets and historic sites nestled among world-class restaurants, shops, and cafés. (B)
Day #6 Boston. Your morning tour of Boston highlights the historic sites near Boston Common, the Old State House, Faneuil Hall, Old North Church, and the Freedom Trail. Next, visit the JOHN F. KENNEDY PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY & MUSEUM. Here you’ll experience John F. Kennedy’s life, legacy, and leadership. Learn more about the Kennedy family and their importance in the Boston community and the world. See personal artifacts from Kennedy’s Oval Office, and discover Kennedy’s influence on the U.S. Space Program, the American Civil Rights Movement, and more. Then, time to explore more of Boston on your own. Perhaps shop for souvenirs at Faneuil Hall, catch a game at the oldest baseball park in the major league—home of the Red Sox—Fenway Park, or enjoy a cool drink at the original Cheers pub, where everybody knows your name! (B)
Day #7 Boston–New York City. Depart Boston and head south to the “Big Apple.” New York has so much to offer, from the glittering lights of Broadway to the serenity of the Cloisters. Arrive late afternoon, with the remainder of the day at your leisure. Perhaps take in a Broadway show this evening. (B)
Day #8 New York City. Today, enjoy a tour of the city’s most famous sights: Times Square, Greenwich Village, the Financial District, and Chinatown. Then, cross over to Brooklyn and enjoy a [LF] PIZZA TOUR. This fun and unique tour will show you some of Brooklyn’s landmarks, including Coney Island and Brighton Beach, movie locations from Saturday Night Fever, Goodfellas, and Moonstruck, and you’ll also get to sample some of New York’s finest pizza along the way. This evening is at leisure. Why not catch a Broadway show? (B,L)
Day #9 New York City. A free day to explore more of New York as you like. Visit historic Ellis Island, enjoy a dazzling tour around the city by helicopter, walk the streets of Chinatown and Little Italy, or shop on Fifth Avenue. Your Tour Director will be available to help you with additional sightseeing plans as well as give shopping and dining suggestions. This evening, join us for a festive farewell dinner, the perfect ending to your East Coast holiday! (B,D)
Day #10 New York City. Two full days to explore more of the “City that Never Sleeps.” Visit some of Soho’s many art galleries and trendy boutiques, do some celebrity spotting, have a bite to eat at the famous Carnegie Deli, or take a leisurely stroll in unique High Line Park. The possibilities are endless! You extension package includes a BIG THREE COMBO PASS, giving you access to the Empire State Building, Metropolitan Museum of Art, and a 2-hour sightseeing cruise. (B daily)
Day #11 New York City. Two full days to explore more of the “City that Never Sleeps.” Visit some of Soho’s many art galleries and trendy boutiques, do some celebrity spotting, have a bite to eat at the famous Carnegie Deli, or take a leisurely stroll in unique High Line Park. The possibilities are endless! You extension package includes a BIG THREE COMBO PASS, giving you access to the Empire State Building, Metropolitan Museum of Art, and a 2-hour sightseeing cruise. (B daily)
Day #12 New York City. The tour ends today with guests departing on individual schedules. Transfers are provided to Kennedy, LaGuardia, or Newark International Airports. (B)
Hotels:
WASHINGTON DC The Madison Hotel (MD)
PHILADELPHIA Sheraton Society Hill (SF)
BOSTON Sheraton Boston Hotel (F)
NEW YORK Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel (SF)