Overview
Visit four of the most popular destinations in the Northeast on this epic 4-day adventure from New York City. Marvel at Niagara Falls on a boat cruise beneath the falls, discover local life in New Jersey and Philadelphia, ride an Amish Buggy through Amish country, and visit the historic monuments of Washington DC.
Highlights
- Ride the Maid of the Mist and see the night-lit falls
- Visit the White House, U.S. Capitol, and DC monuments
- See the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall in Philadelphia
- Enjoy an Amish buggy ride and visit Arlington Cemetery
- Visit Watkins Glen Canyon and shop at outlet malls
Itinerary
Note: this tour is also available with reverse itinerary on Saturdays
Day 1: New York - Finger Lakes - Niagara Falls
We depart from the Big Apple heading north where we will pass the beautiful Delaware Water Gap to Watkins Glen State Park in the heart of the Finger Lakes region. Walk through Watkins Glen Canyon to visit the beautiful waterfalls and then continue to Niagara Falls passing Seneca Lake, arriving in the late afternoon (winter itinerary goes to Montour Falls instead of Watkins Glen State Park). Tour the US side of Niagara including the American Falls, Goat Island and Luna Island. At night enjoy Niagara Falls where we can appreciate the colorful lighting of the waters.
Overnight: US Wyndham Garden at Niagara Falls. Canada: Ramada by Wyndham
Day 2: Niagara Falls - New York
Leave the hotel and hear the thundering water of Niagara Falls. See the magnificent Horseshoe Falls up close and experience the power aboard the Maid of the Mist (May-October). During winter until April when the Maid of the Mist is closed we tour the Power Vista Hydroelectric station, along with a visit to the Cave of the Winds.
At noon we depart south to New York State. On the way to New York, enjoy a shopping excursion at one of the large outlet malls along the way, find your own bargain with brand name stores for less. Evening arrival at our hotel in New Jersey.
Overnight: La Quinta Inn & Suites, Clifton, NJ
Day 3: New York - Philadelphia - Washington DC
Depart New York through New Jersey and Pennsylvania and to the city of brotherly love Philadelphia. Arriving in the historic area of Philadelphia we visit the famous Liberty Bell, one of the symbols of freedom in America, Constitution square and Congress Hall. Stroll Elfreth's alley, the oldest continuously inhabited street in America.
Continue on a panoramic tour of Philadelphia that includes the financial district, Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Historic Philadelphia and more. Departing Philadelphia we see the famous "Rocky Steps" and then continue east to Lancaster county, home of the Amish people. Authentic Amish Buggy ride through the Amish farm country.
Learn how Amish culture survived centuries without the benefits of technology; to this day their towns survive without the central power and sewage systems that modern civilization takes for granted. We learn how the Amish adapted, incorporating technology to create farms that are self-sufficient and make use of renewable sources of energy. After the ride we visit the marketplace where we can shop for handmade arts crafts and products. In the late afternoon we depart east for an evening arrival in Washington DC.
Overnight: Fairfield Inn and Suites Alexandria
Day 4: Washington DC - New York
Start the day with a visit to the Thomas Jefferson Memorial, by the Tidal Basin, surrounded with famous Japanese cherry blossom trees. Visit the Arlington National Cemetery, the Changing of the Guard and the Kennedy family gravesite.
Next stop is Capitol Hill. See the US Capitol and the White House to understand the core of the US government. Continue to the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum, before visiting the Lincoln, Martin Luther King, Korea and Vietnam Memorials.
In the late afternoon we depart north for an evening arrival in New York.
Includes
- 3-nights hotel including tax and continental breakfast
- Air-conditioned bus or Sprinter & professional tour guide
- Sightseeing in Niagara Falls
- Admission to the Maid of the Mist (summer) or Power Vista and Cave of the Winds (winter)
- Sightseeing in Philadelphia & Washington DC
- Amish buggy ride
- Entrance to Arlington National cemetery (U.S. ID or passport required) & Smithsonian Air and Space Museum