Day 1: Start of tour in New York - Boston
Jump into this Eastern US & Canada holiday without wasting a second. After meeting up with the tour leader and tour group in the morning, travel from New York to Boston. Along the way, stop in Newport, Rhode Island, with some free time to explore and grab lunch. This beautiful seaside town has a rich history and today boasts a vibrant artistic atmosphere. Leaving Newport behind, travel through Connecticut to Boston. Enjoy an included welcome dinner tonight and get to know your fellow travellers and tour leader. Settle in for the evening and get some rest before another day of exploring tomorrow!
Day 2: Boston: Free Day
After breakfast, set off on a driving tour with your tour leader. See a few of Boston’s highlights, including Quincy Hall and the city’s oldest park. The rest of the day is free to explore on your own. A good way to get around the city is by taking the hop-on hop-off bus tour, which is very convenient and visits major sights including Beacon Hill, Boston’s most historic and affluent neighbourhoods and the 221 ft high Bunker Hill monument that commemorates the first major battle of the American Revolution. Alternatively, join the Boston and Harvard University optional excursion and discover one of the world’s most prestigious universities!
Day 3: Boston - Flume Gorge - Quebec City
See ya Boston! Today this US holiday crosses the border into Canada. But first, visit Flume Gorge in New Hampshire. Drive through the White Mountain National Forest and admire the majestic scenery along the way. This natural gorge extends for 800 feet at the base of Mount Liberty, and the sheer walls narrow to 12 feet apart in places. The boardwalk which takes you deep into the gorge offers a priceless photo opportunity! Afterwards, enjoy some free time for lunch in the nearby town of Littleton. Next, cross into Canada and head straight for Quebec City, the country's only walled settlement. Check into the hotel and enjoy a free evening to relax or set out and explore the nightlife.
Day 4: Quebec City: Free Day
Canadian holidays call for lots of exploration and that’s just what this full day in Quebec is for! This morning, head out on a walking tour with a local guide. Discover historical places including Old Quebec, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Not to mention Chateau Frontenac, the Place Royale and the Citadel/Musée Royal 22è Régiment! The rest of the day is free to explore as you wish. This beautiful city has plenty of cultural destinations and outdoor activities to enjoy. Head out of town to drink in the stunning landscapes. Alternatively, choose to join in on an optional day trip to Montmorency Falls, a spectacular waterfall on the Montmorency River!
Day 5: Quebec City - Montreal - Ottawa
Au revoir Quebec! The next stop on this Eastern US & Canada holiday is Ottawa, Canada's capital. On the way, stop in Old Montreal. This is a great time to try a local favourite; poutine! This is Canada’s national dish: french fries topped with cheese curd and gravy! Later, arrive in Ottawa, do a quick check-in at the hotel and then hop back on the coach for an orientation walking and driving tour, highlighting Parliament Hill and a few other top attractions. The tour concludes in ByWard Market. Snap a quick photo by the OTTAWA sign and grab something to eat, before heading back to the hotel for the evening.
Day 6: Ottawa - McDonalds Corners - Toronto
After leaving Ottawa, the Canadian holiday continues towards Toronto. On the way, stop for a quintessential Canadian experience - a visit to a maple farm! Enjoy breakfast at a maple farm complete with pancakes, French toast and, of course, authentic maple syrup before touring the farm and museum. Later, arrive in Toronto where your tour leader will lead the group on a tour of the city centre. After checking into the hotel, the rest of the evening is free to explore Toronto at your own pace. For spectacular views of the city, why not take the optional excursion up to the CN Tower?
Day 7: Toronto - Niagara-on-the-Lake - Niagara Falls
No Canadian vacation package is complete without a visit to Niagara Falls! Today, leave Toronto behind and travel away from the Great Lake Ontario to this famous natural landmark. Before reaching the falls, make a stop at Niagara-on-the-Lake, a quaint town known for its wineries. Stop at a local winery and enjoy a tasting of their wines, including Ontario's renowned ice wine. Afterwards, visit Niagara's majestic Horseshoe Falls. To see more of this spectacular region, embark on an optional boat tour or an unforgettable helicopter ride! The evening is yours to explore. Seeing the falls at night is highly recommended!
Day 8: Niagara Falls - Detroit
After breakfast, get ready to travel back to the United States. Arrive in Detroit in the afternoon. This urban and gritty American city is best known for muscle cars and Motown music. After the recession, Detroit began to reinvent itself. Head off on a guided driving tour to learn more about the rise, fall and renewal of this great city. The evening is free to explore at your own pace or to join an optional Detroit walking tour to see more of the city’s top attractions and learn more about its fascinating history.
Day 9: Detroit - Cleveland - Pittsburgh
Today, the tour makes its way to Pittsburgh via Cleveland. Stop in Cleveland’s entertainment district and enjoy free time to grab lunch or visit the famous House of Blues. While here, try a Polish Boy. This sandwich features grilled kielbasa sausage on a bun with barbecue sauce, coleslaw and chips. American roadside cuisine at its best! During this free time, there is also the fantastic option of visiting the one and only Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. This is a must for music lovers. Later, arrive in Pittsburgh and take a ride on the 100-year-old Duquesne Incline. Reach the observation deck atop Mt. Washington and admire the views of the entire city and its three beautiful rivers.
Day 10: Pittsburgh - Washington, D.C.
The next stop on this American adventure is Washington, D.C.! Home to important monuments, museums and many things to do, Washington, D.C. is a must-visit city on any America tour. Travelling east, reach the nation's capital and start exploring immediately. A visit to Arlington Cemetery, the resting place of JFK, is included in today’s itinerary. On the way to tonight’s accommodation, see some of Washington's most famous landmarks. Get a photo in front of the White House and pay your respects at the WW2 Memorial. Check into the hotel and look forward to a free evening.
Day 11: Washington, D.C.: Free Day
This morning begins with an orientation driving tour of the National Mall and Smithsonian Museums. The rest of the day is free to visit one of the museums or to further explore Washington. A visit to the National Museum of Natural History is highly recommended. The Old Town trolley takes visitors to all the major sights! Or, choose to join the optional Extended Washington D.C. Sightseeing Tour. This will uncover further highlights of the city as well as offer fascinating insight into the city’s important history. See the Korean War and Vietnam Veterans memorials as well as the Jefferson and Lincoln memorials and much more!
Day 12: Washington, D.C. - Philadelphia - New York City
Today is the last day of this Eastern USA and Canada tour but the adventure isn’t over yet! Wave goodbye to Washington and head to New York via Philadelphia. Enjoy some free time in the heart of downtown Philly. Here, grab some lunch on the go and explore on your own or join your tour leader for a walking tour. This tour will showcase top attractions including the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, Ben Franklin Grave, Betsy Ross House and more! In the afternoon, head to the Big Apple, where the tour concludes. Expat Explore wishes you a safe journey onwards!