CLASSIC MID-ATLANTIC TOUR

Welcome to Washington, D.C., the nation’s capital and a haven for history and art buffs alike. On arrival at the airport, your transfer will take you to your luxurious hotel, proclaimed by President Truman to be Washington, D.C.’s ‘Second Best Address’, after the White House. At 18:00 join your Travel Director and meet fellow guests at a private Welcome Dinner with drinks, based at your hotel.

Hotel: The Mayflower Hotel, Autograph Collection, Washington, D.C.

Meals: Dinner with Wine

In the morning, learn about the proud heritage of a nation. View the White House, striking Washington Monument, and sprawling National Mall. Reflect on the country’s most turbulent days at the Lincoln Memorial and the somber World War II Memorial. The rest of the day is at your leisure. Ask your Travel Director for their sightseeing and dinner recommendations to help you to make the most of America’s capital.

Meals: Breakfast

Depart for the now peaceful town of Gettysburg. Your Local Expert will reveal it all at the site of one of the Civil War’s most pivotal battles. Move on to Pittsburgh, otherwise known as the ‘City of Bridges’, and a creative hub well-known for its museums, parks, and delectable food.  You will enjoy a Highlight Dinner with your fellow travellers at the award-winning and atmospheric Grand Concourse, situated in the beautifully preserved Pittsburgh & Lake Erie Railroad Station.

Hotel: Omni William Penn, Pittsburgh.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine

Cross the Canadian border to arrive at Niagara Falls, where your hotel overlooks the majestic Horseshoe Falls – the largest of the three waterfalls in this area. In the afternoon choose between two Insight Choice  experiential options. Either soak up some sightseeing and witness the falls in a new light from below and behind, as you descend 150ft (46 meters) by elevator to observe the phenomenon. Alternatively, head to local winery, Monastery Cellars that is attached to a Carmelite Monastery where you’ll learn about the local grapes, how wine is made in this region before indulging in a tasting of the local specialty - Icewine.

Hotel: Niagara Falls Marriott Fallsview Hotel and Spa.

Meals: Breakfast

View thundering Niagara Falls during a thrilling cruise to the base of the cascades. Later, you’ll have time to relax. In the evening dine at a local steakhouse for a Highlight Dinner, where you’ll relax and feast on delectable, seasonal treats as you overlook the falls, accompanied by your new friends.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine

Make your way to the Corning Museum of Glass, where you can learn about the art, history, culture, technology, science, craft, and design that tells the riveting story of the museum’s single material, glass. Sandblast your own keepsake before watching master artisans at work. Head to Pennsylvania’s creative centre, Lancaster, and end your day at the Cork Factory Hotel.

Hotel: Cork Factory Hotel, Lancaster

Meals: Breakfast

Roll back in time and explore the rural back roads of Pennsylvania’s Lancaster County with a Local Expert. Learn about the fascinating, traditional agricultural lifestyle of the Amish and the Mennonites, who live much the same as they did when they first settled here over 200 years ago and have long fascinated curious travellers. Then it’s on to Pennsylvania’s largest city, Philadelphia, the country’s only UNESCO World Heritage City.

Hotel: Philadelphia Marriott Downtown.

Meals: Breakfast

Walk in the footsteps of Benjamin Franklin in the City of Brotherly Love, Philadelphia. Amid ‘America’s most historic square mile’, view Independence Hall, visit the Liberty Bell, and spend some time on your own exploring Independence National Historic Park. Follow the bright lights to New York City. Here you’ll enjoy a harbour cruise for glittering views of Manhattan’s skyline, Ellis Island, and the towering Statue of Liberty. This evening, experience a home-cooked meal and immerse yourself in local flavours with your EatWith host who you will tell you all about life in New York, the city that never sleeps.

Hotel: New York Marriott Marquis.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine

Take a bite of the Big Apple on a tour of the city’s highlights with a Local Expert. See the Empire State Building and the mirrored peak of the Art Deco Chrysler Building as you admire one of the world’s most iconic skylines. For a full view of this monumental city, ascend to the Top of the Rock – the 70th floor of the Rockefeller Building – for a sweeping view of the skyscrapers, parks, rivers and urban canyons that make up the teeming isle of Manhattan. If it’s tranquillity you’re after, relish the calm of Central Park, an expansive space designed by renowned landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted. At night, join your Travel Director for a lively Celebration Dinner at Bond 45.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine

It’s time to say goodbye to the Empire State. A morning transfer will take you to JFK International, LaGuardia Airport or Newark Liberty International Airport for your flight home. Alternatively, if you would like to see more of New York, extend your stay at your own pleasure.