America's Historic Trail with New York add-on

Day 2 Washington DC

Today we'll discover the highlights of Washington DC on a guided tour. Iconic sights lining the National Mall to the Capitol Building include the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument, and of course, we'll make a stop at the White House. There is so much to see and do in Washington DC, so we've left this afternoon free for you to explore independently or in the company of your travelling companions. The Smithsonian is a collection of 19 world-class museums - all are free to enter, and most are located around the mall.

This evening join your travelling companions on a sightseeing drive of the National monuments spectacularly lit up at night. We’ll end with a welcome dinner together at a local restaurant.

Meals included: B,D

Day 3 Washington DC - Charlottesville

This morning we’ll cross the Potomac River from Washington DC to Arlington National Cemetery. Join a trolley tour to see this exceptional site, making a stop at the Kennedy grave site. Next, we'll travel to Old Town Alexandria, beautifully preserved with 18th and 19th century architecture, brick sidewalks and a thriving food scene and arts culture. There are many cafes and restaurants on King Street that leads directly to the Old Towns attractive harbour.

Later we’ll head south to the state of Virginia and the city of Charlottesville, making some of the journey on the Skyline Drive that runs along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virgina in Shenandoah National Park. There are many scenic overlooks to stop at that, on a clear day, offer amazing views over the landscape.

Meals included: B

Day 4 Monticello

Your highlight today is a visit to Monticello, the magnificent home of Thomas Jefferson, third President of the United States and author of the Declaration of Independence. Tour the house, find out more about Jefferson’s legacy, explore the magnificent gardens, and learn about Monticello’s enslaved community at this historical treasure. We’ll stop for lunch of typical southern fare at a local tavern dating back to 1784. Later we’ll head to the city of Richmond, capital of the Confederacy during the American Civil War. Today, Richmond is a buzzing city, located on the banks of the James River. Here, you will find the Virginia State Capitol, a building designed by Thomas Jefferson and if it's fashionable shops and restaurants you crave, be sure to make a beeline for the historic district of Shockoe Slip.

Meals included: B,L

Day 5 Colonial Williamsburg and Jamestown

Today you're going to experience the beginnings of modern America, visiting Colonial Williamsburg, a living history museum that faithfully recreates what life was like in one of the first thriving colonies. We’ll continue to Jamestown Settlement, where the first British settlement was established in 1607. There exhibits that demonstrate what daily life was like for the early colonists, the Virginia Indians who lived on the land for centuries, and the first documented arrival of West Central Africans in 1619.

Meals included: B

Day 6 Richmond - Philadelphia

This morning we’ll travel to Lancaster County. Less than three hours' drive from the heart of the American government, sits America's oldest Amish settlement. We'll discover a little of the way of life during our journey.

Meals included: B

Day 7 Philadelphia

Today we’ll explore the USA's original capital, Philadelphia, a liberal melting pot of people and cultures. It's here that the Declaration of Independence was written, signed and introduced in 1776. Our morning walking tour will show you the highlights of the 'most historic square mile in the United States' including the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, Congress Hall and Christ Church, where George Washington and Benjamin Franklin once worshipped. We’ll end with a short visit to the Museum of the American Revolution before some time for lunch at the historic Reading Terminal Market where you will find plenty of local produce to sample from Amish pretzels to a Philly cheese steak. Ther will be free time this afternoon if you wish to visit one of the many museums and galleries along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, including the Philadelphia Museum of Art and it’s famous “Rocky steps”.

Meals included: B,D

Day 8 Philadelphia – New York

This morning we will travel to New York for a three night stay. The heart of this exciting city is Times Square, where neon lights illuminate every structure, flashing newsreels encircle tower blocks and the latest advertising campaigns and movie scores beam from interactive billboards. You can soak up the atmosphere of this famous destination as soon as you arrive in the city on an orientation walk with your Holiday Director. We'll enjoy dinner together this evening to welcome travelling companions joining us today.

Meals included: B,D

Day 9 New York

Exciting sights, iconic structures, fascinating museums and famous districts are exactly what New York is all about, and our half-day tour is a great way to get to grips with what's on offer. A Local Guide will ensure you see all the hotspots, including the Empire State Building, Wall Street, Broadway, One World Trade Center, the Chrysler Building and Chinatown.
A great way to appreciate the Manhattan skyline is from the water, and a lunch cruise with live piano music provides the ideal opportunity. We'll pass under the famous bridges of Brooklyn and Williamsburg and circle the Statue of Liberty - this symbol of freedom and democracy is one of the most recognisable landmarks in the world. Meals included: B,L

Day 10 New York

Central Park is a six-mile emerald-green haven known as New York's 'backyard'. To reach it today we'll hop on the Subway, which is something you must experience when in this thrilling city!
On arrival, we'll meet our knowledgeable Local Guide who will tell us all about the history, planning and development of this vast expanse of greenery. Depending on the route we take, highlights may include the statues of Alice in Wonderland and Hans Christian Andersen, and Strawberry Fields. This section of the park is dedicated to the memory of John Lennon, and here you can sit and enjoy the Imagine mosaic beneath the shade of American elms.
We'll stop for a break at the park's Boathouse Restaurant, where you can take in lovely views over the lake as you enjoy something to eat or drink. Next we'll pass through the entrance to Central Park Zoo, where if we time it just right we'll see the sea lions at feeding time and the Delacorte Musical Clock in action at noon!
We then leave the park and head out on to Fifth Avenue, the world's most expensive shopping street. Why not step inside the famous jewellery store Tiffany & Co, or explore the renowned department store Saks Fifth Avenue. A whole host of other attractions are within reach, such as MOMA - the Museum of Modern Art - and the Rockefeller Center, just ask your Holiday Director to point you in the right direction.
Broadway is second to none when it comes to top-class shows and musicals and there are always great deals on late tickets. Maybe join with your group to see a show tonight and create a great finalé to your day. Meals included: B

Day 11 New York - UK

We will transfer you to the airport for your flight back to the UK. Meals included: B

Day 12 UK

You'll arrive back in the UK today.