Washington, Philadelphia, New York & Boston

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To book or for more information please call: 0330 341 1117 and quote RTA

Washington, Philadelphia, New York & Boston

Immerse yourself in the natural and man-made wonders of America’s East Coast and discover the region’s fascinating historic treasures. Delve into the rich colonial history and breath-taking modern wonders of four exciting East Coast cities with an unforgettable exploration of Virginia, Pennsylvania and vibrant New England. Watch the United States’ storied past come to life, experiencing colourful Philadelphia, revolutionary Boston, bustling New York, the ‘Gateway to America’, and the extraordinary national capital, Washington D.C. Pair your city breaks with time spent taking in some of North America’s most impressive natural landscapes, from Appalachia’s magnificent Blue Ridge Mountains to New England’s idyllic coastline, and visit a host of quintessentially American small towns. Kick off your East Coast escape with a three-night stay in charming Alexandria, a riverside hub on Washington D.C.’s border, before crossing the Potomac River for an unmissable day’s sightseeing around the glorious capital, Washington D.C. An excursion to Charlottesville, the former home of Thomas Jefferson, follows before the tour heads along Virginia’s famous Skyline Drive and the spectacular Shenandoah National Park. Move on to your next stop in Philadelphia, the birthplace of independence, with ample time to explore before taking to the ‘Big Apple’, New York City. Take in an iconic New England institution with a stop at Yale University, one of the United States’ most famous universities, ahead of an optional excursion to the picturesque Cape Cod Peninsula. Crown your trip in cosmopolitan Boston, where the American Revolution first took root.

Holiday Highlights

Take in Washington D.C.’s world-famous landmarks from the world-renowned Smithsonian Institute, to the iconic White House
Stop in Charlottesville, gateway to Virginia’s spectacular Blue Ridge Mountains, and enjoy Shenandoah National Park’s exquisite landscapes
Explore Philadelphia, the birthplace of American Independence, in your own time or join an optional guided tour
Pay homage to the bright lights and memorable landmarks of New York City with an optional sightseeing tour
Marvel at the rare book collections and historic buildings of Yale University, one of North America’s most celebrated research institutions
Venture out on an optional tour of the scenic Cape Cod Peninsula and visit Plymouth, the United States’ first pilgrim settlement
Immerse yourself in Boston’s impressive attractions, from the Freedom Trail to the historic Fanueil Hall, with an optional sightseeing tour

What's Included

Eight nights’ room-only accommodation in Alexandria (3 nights), Philadelphia (1), New Jersey (2) and Boston (2)
Visit to Washington D.C.
Visit to Charlottesville
Drive through the Blue Ridge Mountains and visit to Shenandoah National Park
Visit to New York City
Tour of Yale University
Visit to Boston
Return flights to Washington D.C. and from Boston
Air-conditioned coach travel and transfers throughout
Fully escorted by a friendly, experienced tour manager

Itinerary

Day 1

Day flight to Washington D.C. - Your time in the USA begins in the country’s capital, Washington D.C. Upon arrival at the airport this afternoon, meet your friendly tour manager and drive into neighbouring Alexandria, a quaint city on the banks of the Potomac River, for the first of three overnight stays.

Day 2

Included visit to Washington D.C. with optional guided tour - This morning, head into the heart of Washington D.C., the United States’ political epicentre, where you’ll be inundated with memorable ways to spend your time. Join an expert local guide for an optional sightseeing tour of DC’s most extraordinary landmarks. You’ll witness the world’s most powerful square mile, stopping at Capitol Hill, a hub of glorious neoclassical architecture and the home of the US Senate and the House of Representatives, the vast Library of Congress and the Supreme Court. Pass the imposing Capitol Building, the heart of the US Congress, and make your way to the distinctive Washington Monument, as D.C.’s fascinating history is brought to life by your guide. You’ll then continue to the pillared Lincoln Memorial before rounding out your tour at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, The White House. This neoclassical wonder, though wrecked by British forces during the War of 1812, has stood guard over the American capital for over 200 years. Later, reboard your coach for the journey back across the Potomac River to your Alexandria hotel for the rest of the evening and your next overnight stay. You can also venture out on your own, if you’d prefer, and take in the American capital’s historic and diverse cultural sites at your own leisure. If you’re visiting earlier in the year, make sure to spend some time along the National Mall, which is famously lined with cherry blossoms throughout the spring. While on the Mall, consider paying your respects to a handful of its poignant memorials commemorating the veterans and statesmen that safe-guarded Western interests both at home and abroad. You can also enjoy a self-guided visit to a handful of the Smithsonian Institute’s 19 centres, from the National Museum of Natural History to the National Air and Space Museum. If you book in advance, you can even explore the interiors of the domed Capitol Building, the seat of the American Congress. This evening, perhaps venture out into Alexandria’s charming tree-lined old town.

Day 3

Included visits to Charlottesville and the Blue Ridge Mountains - Today, enjoy a fascinating visit to Charlottesville, the historic home of founding fathers, Thomas Jefferson and James Monroe. Steeped in colonial history, Charlottesville’s magnolia-lined streets are amongst the oldest in the country and you’ll witness the city’s original 18th-century dwellings, which still retain the character of early American society. Spend a short time wandering the city’s streets, ahead of a spectacular excursion into the great American wilderness. You’ll then trace a scenic route through the fabled Blue Ridge Mountains, one of Virginia’s most recognisable natural landscapes. Continue along the famed Skyline Drive, one of the United States’ most panoramic roads, as it winds through the Shenandoah National Park, where you’ll be amongst the region’s thriving ecosystems and natural wonders. A haven for wild deer, songbirds and bears, Shenandoah’s evergreen stretches boast some of Appalachia’s finest vistas, promising truly unforgettable sights and photo opportunities. Watch the landscapes change colours as the sun goes down over Appalachia before returning to Alexandria.

Day 4

Day at leisure with optional afternoon tour of Philadelphia - Cross state borders through Maryland and into Pennsylvania today for your next stay in historic Philadelphia. Known affectionately as the birthplace of American Independence, it was in this riverside city that the first American Continental Congress was formed. Check into your centrally located hotel, set within walking distance of Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell, and spend the rest of the day as you see fit. If you’re peckish, make sure to try Philadelphia’s famous comfort sandwich, the ‘Philly Cheesesteak’. You can also experience this delightful city with an optional sightseeing tour, starting at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. You’ll have time to admire this historic gallery’s pillared facades and iconic 'Rocky’ steps, which featured in the 1976 Sylvester Stallone film, with a brief photo stop. Next, step aboard a sightseeing bus for a drive along Benjamin Franklin Parkway. You’ll take in the iconic JFK Plaza, nicknamed ‘Love Park’ for its iconic sculpture, Philadelphia’s ornate city hall and the imposing Macy’s superstore. A final stop at bustling Reading Terminal, a farmers’ market which has been a staple of the city for over 100 years, follows. Next, uncover America’s colonial past with visits to Independence Hall, where the groundbreaking Declaration of Independence was signed, and the Liberty Bell, which became a symbol of the American Revolution in 1776. If you have some free time, walk around the collection of original quaker houses and pay homage to the grave of Benjamin Franklin at the nearby Christ Church Burial Ground. If you’d prefer a more relaxed afternoon, you can also explore the city at leisure. Wander over to Philadelphia’s bustling Center City, with its boutiques, galleries and restaurants along the riverside. Later, return to the hotel for an evening at leisure.

Day 5

Time at leisure in Philadelphia and travel to New Jersey - Enjoy a leisurely morning today with a few free hours to make the most of your time in Philadelphia. Perhaps stroll through the expansive Fairmount Park or admire the city’s artistic wonders at the Barnes Foundation and Museum of Art. You can also walk to the Eastern State Penitentiary, once the world’s most famous prison complex which housed the likes of Al Capone and ‘Slick Willie’ Sutton. For a more relaxed morning, watch the world go by from one of the eateries lining Philadelphia’s Delaware riverfront. This afternoon, make the short journey north into New Jersey, across the Hudson River from New York, where you’ll check into your next hotel.

Day 6

Included visit to New York City with optional guided sightseeing tour - Descend on one of the world’s most exciting destinations today as you head east across the Hudson River into New York City, the ‘Gateway to America’, presided over by the iconic Statue of Liberty. Here, you’ll spend a full day in Manhattan, the heart of the ‘Big Apple’, which once welcomed over 12 million migrants to the US’ shores. This vibrant city has since become a global hub for commerce, science and the arts and you can take in its finest landmarks in the company of an expert local guide on an optional sightseeing tour. Marvel at the imposing Art Deco Empire State Building, once the world’s tallest structure, before heading to the city’s most iconic areas. With valuable insights from your guide, enjoy time in leafy Central Park and head up the Rockefeller Center, where you'll take in 360-degree views of the city below from the Top of the Rock observation deck. Make a final call at glittering Fifth Avenue, the world’s most expensive shopping area, for some shopping and downtime. Alternatively, you’ll be free to experience the city at your own pace, exploring as much or as little as you’d like. Make your way around New York’s most famous areas, from neon-lit Times Square to the lively borough of Brooklyn, or perhaps enjoy some retail therapy at Macy’s historic flagship store. From artistic Soho to the Hudson waterfront, which presides over the city’s harbour, New York’s diverse neighbourhoods promise endless attractions. Culture buffs will feel at home with the city’s Guggenheim Museum and various galleries while those in favour of an escape from the bustle of the city can wander around idyllic Central Park. With plenty of attractions on offer within, this expansive greenspace is the perfect place to lose yourself for a couple of hours. Seek out lakeside Belvedere Palace and ornate Bethesda Terrace, as well as the American Museum of Natural History and Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Day 7

Included day trip to Yale University - Rise early this morning for a picturesque journey into New England to New Haven, Connecticut. Here, you can experience a fascinating tour of Yale University, one of the United States’ most iconic institutions. You’ll explore the university with a current undergraduate offering valuable insights on the history, culture and lesser-known facts of this 300-year-old college. Wander Yale's famous grounds and learn how it came to rival Harvard’s place as one of the United States’ premier academic institutions before continuing to Hull, Massachusetts, for the first of a two-night stay.

Day 8

Day at leisure with optional Cape Cod and Plymouth excursion - Today join a full-day optional tour starting with a visit to the Plimoth Patuxet Museums, where costumed actors and fascinating reconstructions depict the ins and outs of a day’s life in 1627. Next, continue to Plymouth, the first pilgrim settlement in the New World, and pay homage to the Mayflower II, a replica of the early settlers’ ship. After time in Plymouth, continue onto Cape Cod. Stopping in the seaside town of Hyannis, you’ll have time here to find lunch and wander along the seafront before concluding your excursion at the town’s Veteran Park. Set on Hyannis’ serene coastline, this park is home to memorials dedicated to President John F. Kennedy and the servicemen who fell in the Korean War.

Day 9

Time at leisure in Boston with optional guided city tour - A captivating trip to elegant Boston, America’s most European centre, marks the final day of your holiday. Here, you’ll have the chance to uncover the city’s original terraced houses in the Back Bay and breath-taking landmarks independently or under guidance. Embark on an optional sightseeing tour, led by an expert guide, across which you’ll discover Boston’s revolutionary past. You’ll visit the city's major historic sites, from the gold-domed State House and Beacon Hill to the places that sparked the fight for independence in 1776. As the United States approaches the 250th anniversary of its independence, departures in 2026 can look forward to a number of special celebrations throughout the year across the country – particularly so in this city! This afternoon, you’ll be free to explore, perhaps taking in historic Faneuil Hall, which hosted numerous protests and demonstrations throughout the American Revolution. You can also enjoy the colours of nearby Quincy Market, with its bustling bars and speciality stalls, or witness Boston from above with a visit to Prudential Tower’s View observatory. Alternatively, stroll around the harbour where you’ll be able to visit the city’s world-class aquarium, pay a visit to the replica Tea Party ships, Eleanor and Beaver, or explore the delightful streets of Midtown. After a memorable final day, transfer to Boston airport for your overnight return flight home.

Day 10

Return to the UK - Land back in the UK bringing your East Coast escape to a close.

Washington, Philadelphia, New York & Boston Hotels

Overlooking the Potomac River, this sleek hotel is positioned in the old town within walking distance from an assortment of restaurants, museums and galleries. Polished guestrooms encompass air...

Washington, Philadelphia, New York & Boston Hotels

Overlooking the Potomac River, this sleek hotel is positioned in the old town within walking distance from an assortment of restaurants, museums and galleries. Polished guestrooms encompass air...

Hotel rooms

Standard hotel rooms in North America will contain one or two double- or queen-sized beds, and it is not possible to add extra beds to the room. Parties consisting of more than two travellers, but who have only booked one room, will be expected to make use of the two beds provided. If this is a concern, you may wish to consider booking more than one room for your group.

Departures dates and fall colours

This tour covers a large distance from Virginia to Massachusetts, and so Fall foliage will naturally vary. On early departures, leaves are more likely to have turned in the northern areas covered, whereas on later dates it is the more southern areas that will be most notable, with leaf-fall having already occurred further north. Please note that fall colors can only be experienced on our September and October tours.

Tipping

Gratuities are a way of life in North America, and it is generally accepted that they form part of a person's earnings. The customary gratuity for a coach driver is about $5 per person per day, and for a Tour Manager is about $7 per person per day.

It is normal to tip 15-20 per cent of the bill for a taxi or in a restaurant, and to leave a dollar or so per drink in a bar.

Hotel transfer times

The transfer time from the airport to your hotel is approximately one hour.

Foreign Office Travel Advice

Visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice to find out the latest Foreign And Commonwealth Office travel advice for your holiday destination, as well as information about passports and visas.

On your flight

All outbound flights depart and arrive on the same day. All return flights leave in the evening and land in the UK the next day. On-board meals will usually include lunch and a snack on outward flights, and dinner and breakfast on flight home. Soft drinks are complimentary, but some airlines will charge for alcoholic drinks.

Luggage allowance

You are permitted to take one suitcase per person on the aircraft, which should not exceed 23kg.

Special requirements

If you have notified us of any special requirements, please check that they have been noted and acknowledged. This is especially important with any dietary needs you may have.

Disabled access

The majority of our tours involve a certain amount of walking, including a short walk from the coach stop to the town, attraction or venue you're visiting. If you are bringing a wheelchair, please let us know at the time of booking so that appropriate arrangements can be made.

Itinerary changes

Occasionally, for operational reasons, we may have to change the order of the excursions on your holiday. The final day-by-day itinerary will be confirmed on your Final Travel Documents, which you will receive approximately three weeks prior to your departure.

Changes to your hotel

Should circumstances require, we reserve the right to accommodate you in alternative hotels, of a similar standard, nearby. Full details of your hotels will be sent with your Final Travel Documents.

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted on any coach forming part of your holiday; regular stops will be made though for your comfort en route. The majority of hotels in North America are non-smoking throughout including in all bedrooms. In general smoking outside is acceptable, but do look out for signs prohibiting this close to public entrances or bus stops.

Passports and Visas

When travelling to the USA, British citizens require passports with an integrated chip (shown on the front by a small rectangular symbol beneath the word PASSPORT), valid beyond the return date from the USA. Visas are not normally required for entry, but visitors must apply for an ESTA online with US Immigration at least 72 hours before departure at www.cbp.gov/esta. The current charge is $40 for British Citizens. British subjects and anyone who has a criminal record or has ever been arrested should consult the US Embassy as a visa may be required. Note too that if you have visited North Korea, Iran, Iraq, Sudan, Syria, Libya, Somalia or Yemen since March 2011, or Cuba since 12 January 2021, or have dual nationality with any of these countries, you do require a US visa and cannot travel on the Visa Waiver Program.

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Request Brochure - Washington, Philadelphia, New York & Boston

Washington, Philadelphia, New York & Boston

Washington, Philadelphia, New York & Boston

Holiday Highlights

What's Included

Itinerary

Day 1

Day 2

Washington, Philadelphia, New York & Boston Hotels

Washington, Philadelphia, New York & Boston Hotels

Holiday provided by

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