4-Day Eastern U.S. Highlights Tour: New York + Philadelphia + Washington, D.C. + Niagara Falls + Boston

Itinerary details

Depart early in the morning and arrive at our first stop, Philadelphia, an old city steeped in history and stories. We’ll see the exterior of Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell, reflect on the passionate spirit of America’s founding patriots, and hear the story of the Declaration of Independence. Though our visit is brief, it will leave us with lasting memories of the nation’s founding history. At noon, enjoy lunch in Delaware, America’s first state, before continuing straight to Washington, D.C., the nation’s capital. Our first stop is an exclusive visit inside the U.S. Capitol, a rare opportunity to enter the true center of American power. Take photos in the plaza where presidential inaugurations are held. After visiting the Capitol, follow Pennsylvania Avenue for just ten minutes to the White House. Its white façade and role as the president’s residence make it a must-see photo spot. We’ll then explore the rest of the capital. From the solemn steps of the Lincoln Memorial, look out over the Reflecting Pool and recall the words “I have a dream” and the ideal of equality. See one of Washington, D.C.’s landmark structures, the soaring, inscription-free Washington Monument. Walk along the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall, where the names of fallen soldiers are engraved on black granite, and reflect on the weight of war. Cross the Potomac River by coach for a close-up view of the Pentagon and the Air Force Memorial. Finally, as the sun sets over the Tidal Basin, end the day beneath the white dome of the Jefferson Memorial.

Meals

Breakfast: at your own expense Lunch: at your own expense Dinner: at your own expense

Accommodation

Four Points York / Holiday inn Greencastle / Comfort Inn or equivalent

Itinerary details

Depart in the morning for Watkins Glen State Park, open from May to October. This gorge, formed over 20,000 years, features layered rock walls 400 feet deep and 19 silvery waterfalls fed by the Finger Lakes. Stroll through and marvel at nature’s handiwork. (In winter, this visit is replaced with the Corning Museum of Glass, where you can admire a millennium of glassmaking craftsmanship. Corning Incorporated, a Fortune 500 company with a history of over 150 years, is a leader in specialty glass and ceramic materials. It is home to the world’s largest collection of glass, and Corning glass holds a place in the United States much like Jingdezhen porcelain does in China. You can also watch live glassmaking demonstrations. We will also visit the Corning Museum of Glass, the world’s largest glass-themed museum, where science, art, and history come together to explore the limitless possibilities of glass.) Next, we’ll arrive in Buffalo, New York’s second-largest city. This city, which has seen both glory and decline, is the starting point of the Erie Canal and the source of the falls’ waters. Take in the sweeping views of the Great Lakes from the observation tower and learn about the city’s rise and fall. Afterward, stroll through Buffalo’s Naval Park and revisit the glory days of America’s great shipping era. Arrive at Niagara Falls at dusk, one of the world’s three great waterfalls, known in ancient Native American legends as the waters of the Thunder God. As night falls, join us for an evening visit to Goat Island. Beneath colorful lights and swirling mist, the falls become a fairy-tale wonder found only at night. To end the day, follow the evening breeze to Luna Island and enjoy dazzling fireworks, available only in summer.

Meals

Breakfast: at your own expense Lunch: at your own expense Dinner: at your own expense

Accommodation

Buffalo airport hotel / M Hotel / Sleep Inn or similar

Attraction details

Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls

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The world-famous Niagara Falls is one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Located on the Niagara River along the border between Canada and the United States, its abundant, vast spray and magnificent grandeur leave all who come to see it in awe.

Itinerary details

Escape the bustle of the city early in the morning and take in the Whirlpool State Park overlook, where you can look down on the whirlpool and gorge and feel the awe-inspiring power of nature. Follow the Niagara Gorge downstream, and don’t miss the Niagara Hot Air Balloon Adventure at daybreak. A giant white balloon slowly rises with the morning sun, as if floating between heaven and earth. From 200 meters up, take in the thundering spectacle of Horseshoe Falls. This breathtaking visual experience reveals the earth-shaking power of the waters of Thor. Next comes an up-close waterfall experience aboard the eagerly anticipated Maid of the Mist. Put on a raincoat and venture into the mist at the heart of Horseshoe Falls, feeling your adrenaline surge in the “storm zone.” Then step inside the Niagara Power Station—the starting point of humanity’s Second Industrial Revolution and the dawn of the age of electricity. The ancient waters of the Thunder God once brought the “power of the Thunder God” that changed the destiny of the entire world. At the much-anticipated Cave of the Winds, walk along the wooden boardwalk (closed after 10/20), feel the surging spray of the American Falls, and enjoy an exhilarating natural shower. In the afternoon, drive to Boston. Relax during the long journey, and arrive at your Boston hotel in the evening.

Meals

Breakfast: at your own expense Lunch: at your own expense Dinner: at your own expense

Accommodation

Holiday Inn & Suites Boston-Peabody /Hilton garden inn tewsbury or equivalent

Attraction details

Maid of the Mist Boat Tour

Maid of the Mist Boat Tour

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Whirlpool State Park

Whirlpool State Park

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The fast-flowing Niagara River beneath your feet runs from Lake Erie to Lake Ontario. The difference in elevation creates Niagara Falls, while the terrain downstream forms a series of whirlpools before the river flows into Lake Ontario. Minerals in the Niagara River give its water a jade-green color that looks fantastic in photos.

Itinerary details

Depart early in the morning and head first to Harvard University. Explore Harvard Yard on campus, then take a “graduation photo” on the steps at the entrance to the Harvard Library. Touch the “golden” left foot of the John Harvard Statue, said to bring good luck on exams. Pass the Harvard student dormitories and the Harvard president’s office, then visit MIT. Experience the romance of science and engineering as you walk through its seemingly endless corridors. Cross the Charles River and pass Berklee College of Music, a launching pad for stars. Stroll through the Back Bay and admire the distinctive Richardsonian Romanesque style of Trinity Church. Discover the legacy of America’s first public library and the heartwarming story of how the ducks are given right of way in Boston’s Public Garden. From here, follow Boston’s Freedom Trail*. Like a red ribbon, this route links 16 historic sites, including Park Street Church, Granary Burying Ground, the golden-domed Massachusetts State House, the Old State House, Old City Hall, Faneuil Hall, and the site of the Boston Massacre. This is a path that inspired America’s journey to freedom; walking along it feels like stepping into the currents of history. Finally, we’ll pass through Quincy Market and take a Boston Harbor cruise. In the afternoon, return to New York.

Important notes

Note: All times shown on this webpage are for reference only. Actual arrival times may be delayed due to circumstances beyond our control, such as weather, traffic congestion, traffic accidents, festivals or sporting events, civil unrest, or strikes. We appreciate your understanding. If you have onward travel plans involving other transportation to another city, we strongly recommend allowing at least 3 hours of extra time to avoid inconvenience caused by delays. Our company accepts no responsibility for losses arising from travel arrangements you make yourself without allowing sufficient extra time. Thank you for your understanding.

Meals

Breakfast: at your own expense Lunch: at your own expense Dinner: at your own expense

Attraction details

Harvard University

Harvard University

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Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

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Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is a private, coeducational research university in the United States. MIT is renowned worldwide for its natural sciences and engineering, and is equally distinguished in management, economics, philosophy, political science, and linguistics. Despite not being a member of the Ivy League, MIT is often included in Ivy Plus because of its outstanding academic achievements. As of 2009, 78 Nobel laureates had studied or worked at MIT.