New York, Niagara Falls & Washington DC by Cosmos

On this affordable vacation, arrive in “The Big Apple” and venture northwest through the Pocono Mountains to upstate New York. Cross the border to the Canadian side of the Niagara River and spend two nights in beautiful Niagara Falls. Enjoy a sightseeing tour of Niagara Falls, and board the Maid of the Mist for a thrilling boat ride to view the thundering waterfalls from river level. During your free time in Niagara Falls, perhaps visit the Butterfly Conservatory, Great Gorge Adventure, or Botanical Gardens, or ride the aerial cable car. Next, travel southeast through the Appalachian Mountains to the City of Brotherly Love—Philadelphia. Explore the birthplace of American independence on your Philadelphia sightseeing tour before moving on to the U.S. capital, Washington DC. Washington DC is a sightseeing treasure trove, and your tour highlights the well-known sites, such as Arlington National Cemetery and the Korean and Vietnam War Memorials. Your vacation ends with free time to explore Washington DC.

DAY 1 - ARRIVE NEW YORK

Welcome to the “Big Apple!” Enjoy time at leisure to relax or to do some independent exploring.

DAY 2 - IN NEW YORK

New York City is one of the world’s most exciting cities, buzzing with atmosphere and packed with fascinating sights. On today’s sightseeing tour, see the major attractions—Broadway, the Empire State Building, Greenwich Village, bustling Chinatown, City Hall, Wall Street, and Trinity Church. This evening, choose from the city’s many fine restaurants or maybe take in a Broadway show.

DAY 3 - TO NIAGARA FALLS

Depart Manhattan, heading northwest across New Jersey through the Pocono Mountains and into upstate New York, arriving in Corning at midday. Late this afternoon, cross the border at Rainbow Bridge and proceed to the Canadian side of the Niagara River in Ontario. Spend the next two nights in beautiful Niagara Falls.

DAY 4 - IN NIAGARA FALLS

This morning, enjoy an included sightseeing excursion to Niagara Falls that includes a SIGHTSEEING CRUISE past the world-famous falls. Your afternoon is free, so consider visiting attractions such as the Butterfly Conservatory, Great Gorge Adventure, Botanical Gardens, and Niagara Parks Greenhouse, 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.

DAY 5 - 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 once voted Best Public Square in the country.

DAY 6 - 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.

DAY 7 - 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, an optional evening out features dinner and an illumination tour shining a light on the city’s most famous monuments and memorials.

While we include select excursions on your trip, you may wish to explore other options to enhance your free time. Below is a selection of excursions that may be available for purchase on your tour.

DAY 8 - WASHINGTON DC AREA

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.

DAY 9 - WASHINGTON DC AREA

Your vacation 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.

Transportation:
Private, deluxe air-conditioned motorcoach while touring.