Overview
From the tumbling cascades at Niagara Falls to the buzz of Toronto, the northeastern United States and southeastern Canada are home to natural wonders, historic monuments, and great cities. See the best the region has to offer on this 5-day tour from New York City, including New York State, Niagara Falls, 1000 Lakes, Amish Country, Philadelphia, Washington DC, and Toronto.
Highlights
- Embark on an epic 5-day adventure across the US Northeast and Canada, visiting major cities and natural wonders.
- Tour the American side of the Falls, get up close to the massive Horseshoe Falls, and enjoy the spectacular night-time lighting.
- Cruise the scenic 1000 Islands along the St. Lawrence River and take a sightseeing tour of Toronto, the financial capital of Canada.
- Visit the historic center of Philadelphia to see the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, and ride an authentic Amish buggy in Lancaster County.
- See the core of the US government in Washington DC, including the White House, U.S. Capitol, and explore a world-class Smithsonian Museum.
Itinerary
Day 1: New York - Finger Lakes - Niagara Falls
This morning 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.
Tour the US side of Niagara including the American Falls, Goat Island and Luna Island. Experience the power of Niagara aboard the Maid of the Mist. At night, we can appreciate the colorful lighting of the waters.
Overnight: Ramada by Wyndham
Day 2: Niagara Falls - Toronto - 1000 Islands
Our day starts with the magnificent Horseshoe Falls' view followed by the visit of the picturesque village of Niagara on The Lake. We continue to Toronto, the financial capital of Canada, where we visit the HTO Park, Brookfield Place - home of the Hockey Hall of Fame - City Hall and The Distillery Historic District. Towards evening depart Toronto east along the world-famous Lake Ontario for an evening arrival to the 1000 Islands area (in April, based on weather conditions we may return to Niagara Falls for overnight).
Overnight: Gananoque - Comfort Inn (April: Niagara Falls - Ramada by Wyndham)
Day 3: 1000 Islands - New York
We Start the day with a cruise through the amazing 1000 Islands along the St. Lawrence River that was navigated about 500 years ago by the French explorer Jacques Cartier. See the houses of the rich and famous built atop private islands such as the Boldt Castle and Heart Island. 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 return to New York. Evening arrival at our hotel in New Jersey.
Overnight: La Quinta Inn & Suites, Clifton, NJ
Day 4: 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 5: 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
- 4-nights hotel including tax and continental breakfast
- Air-conditioned bus or Sprinter & professional tour guide
- Sightseeing in Niagara Falls, Toronto, and 1000 Islands
- Admission to the Maid of the Mist
- 1000 Islands cruise (May to October)
- Sightseeing in Philadelphia & Washington DC
- Amish buggy ride
- Entrance to Arlington National cemetery (U.S. ID or passport required) & Smithsonian Air and Space Museum