East coast USA road trip: Washington to Boston

  • The Capitol Building, Washington DC, USA | USA Travel Guide
  • Drive along Cape Cod's beautiful coastline

    Drive along Cape Cod's beautiful coastline

  • Take 2 days to explore the Big Apple

    Take 2 days to explore the Big Apple

  • Try a traditional Philly cheesesteak | Travel Nation

    Try a traditional Philly cheesesteak

  • Explore the quiet and peaceful beaches of Cape Cod

    Explore the quiet and peaceful beaches of Cape Cod

  • Explore Boston's atmospheric Acorn Street | Travel Nation

    Explore Boston's atmospheric Acorn Street

  • See whales breaching off the coast of Boston | Travel Nation

    Spot whales off the beaches of Cape Cod

  • Spend an evening exploring Philadelphia | Travel Nation

    Spend an evening exploring Philadelphia

Tailor-made holidays

Duration(in days): 14

From: UK

To: USA

From

£3,765

Inc. International flights (Per person, based on 2 sharing)

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or Call 01273 099433

See more ideas for: USA

This 2-week self-drive holiday takes you on a tour of east coast USA’s ‘Big 4’; Washington DC, Philadelphia, New York and Boston. Hear the nation’s political heartbeat in the capital, Washington, before heading to Philly. Next, spend 2 days in New York, the city that never sleeps before heading to the quiet and scenic Cape Cod before finishing your east coast road trip in historic Boston.

After 3 nights in Washington, you’ll pick up your hire car and begin your drive to Philadelphia. Sometimes overlooked, Philadelphia is a fascinating city full of history and architecture - not to mention the renowned Philly Steak Sandwich and the iconic steps of the Museum of Art, made famous by Sylvester Stallone and the film “Rocky”.

A two-hour drive will bring you to New York, where you’ll stay for 3 nights with time to explore Central Park, Greenwich Village and the bright lights of Times Square. An east coast road trip wouldn’t be complete without a trip to Cape Cod, your next stop, popular for its quaint villages, stunning beaches and relaxed and friendly vibe.

Your final stop is historic Boston, one of the oldest cities in the US. Here you can follow the Freedom Trail through the city and learn about its history and visit to the Boston Tea Party ships.

This city and coast combination is a tried and tested favourite, but if you’d like to tweak or extend the holiday to suit your requirements, please contact one of our consultants to start planning your dream American road trip.

This holiday includes

  • International flights
  • Arrival transfer
  • All accommodation  
  • 10 days car hire

Highlights

  • See 4 classic US cities: Washington, Philadelphia, New York and Boston
  • Discover the nation’s political centre and iconic landmarks in Washington DC      
  • In Philadelphia, sample the famous Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich
  • Take 2 days to explore New York, climb the Empire State or catch a Broadway Musical
  • Discover Cape Cod’s beautiful beaches and coastline
  • Get acquainted with the historic city of Boston by following the Freedom Trail
East coast USA road trip: Washington to Boston | map
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United States
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Itinerary in brief:

  • 3 night Washington
  • 2 nights Philadelphia
  • 3 nights New York
  • 2 nights Cape Cod
  • 2 nights Boston

 

Day 1: Depart UK

Depart the UK from your chosen airport. Upon arrival, you will be met at the airport and taken to your hotel in Washington, DC, where you will check in for 3 nights.

Included: International flights, private transfer, hotel

Day 2 & 3: Washington, DC

You have 2 full days in the USA’s capital city and political centre – plenty of time to see the sights and visit the many recognisable monuments and buildings including the Lincoln Memorial.

Included:  Hotel

Day 4: Washington, DC to Philadelphia (Approx. 225kms, 2.5 hours)

Pick up your car as today’s drive will take you north east of Washington, past Baltimore and finishing in Philadelphia. Once you arrive, you can check into your hotel for your 2 night stay.

Included:  10 days car hire, hotel

 Day 5: Philadelphia

Today is a free day in Philadelphia – a city full of history and great food. Visit the Liberty Bell, Reading Terminal Farmers Market, and make sure you indulge in the local snack - a Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich!

Included: Hotel

Day 6: Philadelphia to New York (Approx. 150kms, 2 hours)

Today you depart Philly and head for the ‘Big Apple’, New York City. It’s a short 2 hour drive and today you’ll check in for your 3 night stay.

Included: Hotel

Day 7 & 8: New York

The toughest part of the trip will be working out how to squeeze in everything you could do in New York!

We can arrange a 48 hour hop on-hop off bus pass for you which allows you to see as much or as little as you would like, without being tied down to a tour group. If that isn’t up your street, hail yellow cabs and take the subway to fully experience New York at its best.

For panoramic views, head up the Empire State Building or the ‘Top of the Rock’ experience; for skyline vistas, take a Circle Line cruise and for shows – head to Broadway. See our blog post Stopping over in New York for more ideas!

Included: Hotel 

 Day 9: New York to Cape Cod (Approx. 415 kms, 4.5 hours)

Driving north east along the coast from New York you will reach Cape Cod, your next destination. You will be staying here for 2 nights.         

Included: Hotel               

Day 10: Free Day in Cape Cod

Today is the perfect day to relax and unwind away from the buzz of city life. Cape Cod is a quiet and peaceful place, perfect for exploring the small fishing villages and long sandy beaches. 

Included: Hotel     

Day 11: Cape Cod to Boston (Approx. 115 kms, 1.5 hours)

Your drive to Boston today only take an hour or two, so after a leisurely breakfast wind your way up the coast to your final destination. Once you arrive, you will check in for your 2 night stay.   

Included: Hotel  

Day 12: Free Day in Boston

A full day in Boston can be spent meandering through the city while following the Freedom Trail, which passes by significant locations including Boston Common and Old State House or you could take to the seas and head out for some whale watching.

Included: Hotel               

Day 13: Depart Boston

Head to the airport to drop off your hire car, and board your flight home.         

Included: International flight

Day 14: Arrive in the UK     

 

Summer on the east coast of the USA runs from around May to September and is the best time to visit to ensure lovely weather, this is peak time however meaning prices will be at a premium and availability limited. Spring and Autumn can be a good option due to milder weather and fewer crowds but avoid winter months if you dont like the cold, it isn't unusual for temperatures to drop below -10c in Boston at this time!

This itinerary is purely a suggestion, and can be tailor-made to your requirements, so please contact us with your dates and requests and we’ll put together a bespoke quotation for you.

What's included
  • International flights
  • Private arrival Airport transfer in Washington, DC
  • 10 days’ car hire
  • 12 nights’ accommodation
Not included
  • Meals
  • Personal expenses
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Fuel
  • Excursions (these can be included)