Welcome to the "Big Apple!" Your Tour Director is on hand late this afternoon to answer any questions.
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 Centre, and the 9/11 Memorial. This evening, choose from the city's many fine restaurants or maybe take in a Broadway show. (B)
Depart Manhattan, heading across New Jersey through the Poconos Mountains 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. (B)
This morning, enjoy a sightseeing cruise where you'll get up close views of the thundering world-famous Niagara Falls. Fall in love with the falls even more with an optional flightseeing excursion by helicopter or an optional lunch at the soaring Skylon Tower. Your afternoon is at leisure. 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 favourable weather and/or river conditions. Favourable conditions usually exist from May to October. When conditions are unfavourable, a visit to Journey Behind the Falls will be substituted.
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 once voted Best Public Square in the country.
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 Favourites like Philly Cheesesteak sandwiches or traditional Pennsylvania Dutch food. This evening, join an optional excursion to dine aboard the Tall Ship Moshulu, and let your imagination sail on the world's oldest and largest square-rigged sailing vessel still afloat.
Travel to Washington, DC, the U.S. capital and seat of government, 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, an optional evening out features dinner and an illumination tour shining a light on the city's most famous monuments and memorials. (B)
The nation's capital is a sightseeing treasure trove, and your half-day tour with a Local Guide features the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument, the Ford Theatre and photo stops at Capitol Hill and the White House. The afternoon is free for exploration. Perhaps visit the National Museum of American History to see 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 oil painting in the western hemisphere. (B)
Your holiday ends this morning. Consider extending your stay with extra nights to further explore Washington DC. 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. (B)
