NEW YORK CITY New York City is one of the world’s most exciting cities, buzzing with atmosphere and packed with fascinating sights. On today’s guided sightseeing tour, see the major attractions—Broadway, the Empire State Building, Rockefeller Center, and the 9/11 Memorial. This evening, choose from the city’s many fine restaurants or maybe take in a Broadway show.

NEW YORK CITY–NIAGARA FALLS Depart Manhattan, heading across New Jersey through the Poconos and into upstate New York. Late this afternoon, cross the border to the Canadian side of the Niagara River in Ontario. Spend the next two nights in beautiful Niagara Falls.

NIAGARA FALLS This morning, enjoy a sightseeing excursion to Niagara Falls that includes a sightseeing cruise past the world-famous Niagara Falls. Your afternoon is free, so consider visiting the Butterfly Conservatory, Great Gorge Adventure, Niagara Parks’ Botanical Gardens, or maybe ride the aerial cable car.

NOTE:

Operation of the Niagara Falls sightseeing cruise is subject to favorable weather and/or river conditions. When weather is unfavorable, a walking tour through the scenic tunnels will be substituted.

NIAGARA FALLS–CORNING Head southeast through the Appalachian Mountains to the town of Corning, NY, known as the “Crystal City.” Visit the Corning Museum of Glass, the world’s most comprehensive collection of glass, with over 50,000 objects representing more than 3,500 years of history. This evening is free for you to enjoy this charming town. Perhaps take a stroll to Centerway Square which was voted Best Public Square in the country

CORNING–PHILADELPHIA Travel south through the Pocono Mountains and into the Susquehanna River Valley, then on to Philadelphia, the birthplace of American independence. The “City of Brotherly Love” is steeped in history from Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence and Constitution were signed, to the Liberty Bell. Your orientation tour focuses on the historic landmarks as well as more current ones, like the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art made famous in the movie ‘Rocky’. Stop at Reading Terminal Market, one of America’s largest and oldest public markets, for lunch where you can experience local favorites like Philly Cheesesteak sandwiches or traditional Pennsylvania Dutch food.

PHILADELPHIA–WASHINGTON DC AREA Travel to Washington, DC, the U.S. capital and seat of government for a 2-night stay. Have the afternoon to enjoy the world-renowned, and free, Smithsonian museums or take a stroll around the National Mall. Later, join the optional outing, featuring dinner and an illumination tour of the city’s most famous monuments and memorials.

WASHINGTON DC AREA The nation’s capital is a sightseeing treasure trove, and your half-day tour with a Local Guide features the Lincoln and National WWII Memorials, the Washington Monument, the Ford Theatre and photo stops at Capitol Hill, the White House, and other well-known sights. The afternoon is free for exploration. Perhaps a visit to the National Museum of American History to see the Dorothy’s ruby slippers from the Wizard of Oz, the National Museum of Natural History to see dinosaur bones and the Hope Diamond or the National Gallery of Art to see the only Da Vinci in the western hemisphere. 

WASHINGTON DC AREA Your vacation ends this morning. You can extend your vacation with extra nights and explore Washington DC further. For passengers who would like to return to New York City, the motorcoach will transfer you to our New York hotel, the Fairfield Inn & Suites Manhattan/Central Park, at no additional cost.