Historical cities of the USA: New York, Washington & Philadelphia

Itinerary in brief:

• 3 nights New York City
• 2 nights Philadelphia
• 3 nights Washington DC

Day 1: Arrive New York City

On arrival in New York City, make your own way into the city where you will check into your hotel for three nights.

Days 2 & 3: New York City

We’ve given you two days to enjoy the huge city of New York which is quite a challenge! We recommend soaring to the top of the Empire State Building where you can learn how this magnificent skyscraper was built. Then why not stroll through the Italian American neighbourhood of Queens or the Jewish district in Brooklyn to try the immigrant foods like bagels and ziti that are now New York City staples. To make sure you get a glimpse behind the skyscrapers and into the historic roots of the city we’ve included a cruise to Liberty Island, where you’ll visit the Statue of Liberty before heading to Ellis Island, the original entry point for immigrants from Europe as they embarked on a fresh start in the New World.

Day 4: Train to Philadelphia

Take one last stroll around your hotel’s neighbourhood before heading to Penn Station to catch the train to Philadelphia. On arrival, you’ll make your own way to the hotel where you’ll check in for two nights.

Day 5: Philadelphia

Today is yours to explore the first capitol city of the USA where some of the oldest buildings in the country are preserved.

Philadelphia is steeped in US history so to make sure you fit everything in we’ve included a Franklins Footsteps Walking Tour which will guide you through the city, including visits to the Betsy Ross House where the first American flag was made as well as Christ Church graveyard, where Franklin is buried. The afternoon is yours to do as you wish – we recommend a visit to Independence Hall where the Declaration of Independence and the US Constitution were signed, where you can also drop in to see the Liberty Bell.

With a packed day in Philadelphia you’ll still need to find time to eat so grab a cheesesteak and decide which you like better, Geno’s or Pat’s - their rival shops sit opposite each other vying for the Philly cheesesteak crown!

Day 6: Train to Washington DC

This morning you’ll be headed to Washington DC and we recommend you leave this morning to make sure you pack in everything there is to see and do here! Take the train from Philadelphia to Washington DC where you’ll make your own way to your hotel and check in for three nights.

Days 7 & 8: Washington DC    

Washington DC is a maze of museums, galleries and monuments dedicated to both turbulent and glorious times of US history. You’ll base your time on the Mall, making your way throughout the day from the United States Capitol Building, through the National Gallery of Art and towards the Smithsonian, breaking for lunch on the green lawns.

Drop into the National Museum of African American History before walking past the Washington Monument towards the Lincoln Memorial where you can stare up the imposing face of Abraham and look back over the distance you’ve walked. If you have any energy left, walk around the edge of the Tidal Basin for views to the Thomas Jefferson Memorial as well as the cherry trees that blossom in spring – a gift from Japan after WWII. Wear some comfortable trainers and bring a packed lunch – it’ll be a long but worth it day of exploring Washington DC.

On your second day, we’ve included a trip to Gettysburg in neighbouring Pennsylvania, where you will learn about the bloodiest battle in the American Civil War, gain insight into the life of a soldier and visit the sight where Lincoln gave his famous address. It’s a wonderful insight into the war that splintered America and a welcome coach journey allows you to rest your feet from yesterday. 

Day 9: Depart Washington

Today your time in the US has come to and end, you’ll make your own way to the airport today, in time to catch your onward flight.