Overview
Itinerary
Take a bite of the Big Apple and you'll wish you'd had more, as the vision and passion of this vibrant city inspires you to believe your dreams really will come true. Check in to your New York hotel and spend the afternoon exploring its soaring skyline on your terms.
This evening, you'll meet your Travel Director and fellow travelers for a Welcome Reception at 6 p.m. (WR) Stay: New York Hilton Midtown
From the iconic to the unexpected, we embark on an orientation tour of the City that Never Sleeps. View the towering Art Deco façades of the Empire State Building, pulsating Times Square and the tranquil mid-city oasis of Central Park. We'll journey through the Land of the Free to Philadelphia and visit the Liberty Bell Center to gaze upon the famous cracked bell whose inscription has inspired so many to “proclaim liberty”. View Independence Hall, site of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, before traveling to Washington, D.C. (B/D) Stay: Capital Hilton
Celebrate the proud heritage of a nation as you view the memorials and monuments that have made Washington famous. Pass the White House, the U.S. Capitol Building, the Lincoln Memorial, and the World War II and Vietnam War memorials. Visit the National Museum of African American History and Culture on a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. This is the only national museum devoted exclusively to the documentation of African American life, history, and culture and houses over 36, 000 fascinating artifacts. (B)
Journey into the rural back roads of Pennsylvania's Lancaster County with a Local Specialist today, immersing yourself in the traditional agricultural lifestyle of the Amish and the Mennonites, who live much the same they did when they first settled here over 200 years ago.
This evening enjoy a hearty Regional Dinner, and try your hand at making your own whoopie pies for dessert. (B/D) Stay: The Inn at Leola Village
We'll travel north across Pennsylvania's rural landscapes to the New York State, stopping en route at the Corning Museum of Glass. Witness first-hand the delicate craft of glassblowing and admire the glass artistry on display in its galleries.
Later, we'll cross the Canadian border bound for Niagara Falls. (B) Stay: Hilton Niagara Falls/Fallsview Hotel & Suites
Experience the rush of cascading waters as you embark on an exhilarating boat ride to the base of Horseshoe Falls, which plunges dramatically into Lake Ontario. Enjoy some free time to explore on your own, contemplating this tremendous force of nature.
This afternoon we'll Connect With Locals at Ravine Winery and sample some of Niagara's regional cuisine paired with their delicious vintages at a Be My Guest Lunch. Upon returning to Niagara Falls enjoy the remainder of the day as you please. (B/L)
Skirt the shores of Lake Ontario and stop in Oakville where you will learn the art of playing hockey like a real Canadian hockey player. Dive Into Culture and embrace Canada's national sport, learning the secrets and superstitions of hockey players as a team staff member walks you through a day in the life of a player. Go inside the players' dressing room and put on the full hockey gear. Grab your stick and it's off onto the ice where you'll soon find out whether you are a lefty or righty, and learn how to score the big goal. Head to Toronto for an introductory tour, the rest of your day is at leisure to explore the city. (B) Stay: Chelsea Hotel
Today we stop off in Kingston where you can enjoy lunch on your own before heading to Ottawa for an orientation tour of Canada's capital city. The rest of the day is at your leisure. (B) Stay: Sheraton Ottawa Hotel
Travel to Madohoki Farm for breakfast followed by a presentation of the Algonquin People including the Friendship dance. Enjoy a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience and support the Manitobah Mukluks Storyboot School, a Treadright supported project. Our love affair with French-speaking Canada continues today as we go on our voyage to Québec City and the UNESCO-listed Old Québec. Immerse yourself in the city's joie de vivre and romantic 17th-century façades, but not before we Dive Into Culture with lunch at an authentic Cabane a Sucre (Sugar Shack), a tradition dear to Quebecois. (B/L) Stay: Delta Hotels Quebec
Explore Quebec City's winding streets and historic sites, joining your Local Specialist for an in-depth discovery of a city that exudes all the charm of old Europe. Delve into Quebec City's French and English military past at the fortified Citadel and the Plains of Abraham, the site of a major colonial battle. The afternoon and evening are yours to explore La Vieille Capitale on your terms. (B)
Visit a local farmers market outside of Montréal to Dive Into Culture and experience the flavors of the region during a lunch tasting including wine and cider. Savor the good life as you arrive in Montréal. Meet your Local Specialist and visit Notre-Dame Basilica, the Old Port of Montréal, and Place Jacques Cartier. The rest of the day is at leisure. (B/L) Stay: Le Center Sheraton Montréal Hotel
Return to the United States this morning and traverse New Hampshire bound for Franconia Notch, in the heart of the White Mountains. As you journey past sugar maple and white birch in their thousands, keep a keen eye out for the black bear, moose and deer that find sanctuary in these scenic forest landscapes. (B) Stay: Boston Park Plaza
Connect with the living history of Boston this morning, touring the city's red brick Freedom Trail with stops at the Old North Church and Boston Harbor, the site of the famous Tea Party protest. Spend the rest of the day on your terms. Consider a visit to the bar that inspired the TV show Cheers or stroll through the centuries-old Boston Common.
This evening, toast your memorable East Coast experiences at a Farewell Dinner. (B/D)
Return to New York and head to JFK International Airport, arriving at approximately 15:00, or consider extending your stay longer in New York. (B)
Trip Inclusions
- Explore Washington D.C., Quebec City, Montreal, and Boston with a Local Specialist
- Discover New York City, Toronto, Ottawa, Niagara-on-the-Lake
- Visit Liberty Bell Center, Corning Museum of Glass, Niagara Falls, Amish Country in Lancaster County
- View the Empire State Building, White House, Lincoln Memorial, Independence Hall
- Scenic cruise at Niagara Falls
Be My Guest
- Niagara-on-the-Lake: Visit Ravine Winery, a humble and inviting family farm of rustic charm that's more than just a winery. You'll learn about wine production and sustainable growing practices of their small batch wines. Sit down to a carefully crafted, rotating menu from ingredients onsite or locally sourced for a true farm-to-table dining experience.
Dive Into Culture
- Leola: Inside the Homestead at Plain & Fancy Farm, you learn of Amish traditions and practices, plain clothing and life without electricity from the grid. Homestead truly provides insights into the complex riddles of a culture so very different from your own.
- Lancaster County: Visit the Corning Museum of Glass and learn about the art, history, culture, technology, science, and craft that tells the riveting story of the museum's single material, glass. It was founded in 1951 by Corning Glass Works and currently has a collection of more than 45,000 glass objects, some over 3,500 years old.
- Niagara Falls: Dive Into Culture - and embrace Canada's national sport, learning the secrets and superstitions of hockey players as you walk through a day in the life of a player. Go inside the players' dressing room and put on the full hockey gear with the help of a coach -grab your stick and it's off onto the ice.
- Quebec City: Dive Into Culture - with lunch at an authentic Cabane a Sucre (Sugar Shack), a tradition dear to Quebecois.
- Montreal: Visit a local farmers market outside of Montreal to Dive Into Culture - and experience the flavors of the region during a lunch tasting including wine and cider.
Iconic Experience
- New York City: Join a Local Specialist on a guided journey through New York City's iconic sights including the Empire State Building, SoHo, Greenwich Village, Wall Street and Central Park.
- Philadelphia: Explore the UNESCO-listed Independence National Historic Park and see its famous cracked bell whose inscription has inspired so many to "proclaim liberty". Also see Independence Hall where The Declaration of Independence and U.S. Constitution were both debated and signed.
- Washington, D.C.: Explore the nation's proud heritage today as you view the White House, striking Washington Monument and National Mall, stretching from the Lincoln Memorial to the Capitol building. Reflect on the country's darkest days at the Lincoln Memorial and sombre memorials to World War II and the Vietnam War.
- Niagara Falls: Embark on an exhilarating boat ride to the base of Horseshoe Falls, which plunges dramatically into Lake Ontario as you contemplate this tremendous force of nature.
- Toronto: Get ready to unlock the best of Toronto. Tick off all the must-sees including Queens Park, named in 1860 after Queen Victoria, and the bustling district of Dundas Square -- the site of many public events, performances and art displays. Then venture to University Avenue and the Provincial Parliament Buildings.
- Ottawa: Delve into Canada's capital city as you enjoy views of the elegant Gothic buildings of Parliament Hill, Rideau Hall, the residence of the Governor General of Canada and the beautiful downtown galleries, museums and parks.
- Quebec City: Join a Local Specialist and explore Quebec City's winding streets and historic sites for an in-depth discovery of a city that exudes all the charm of old Europe. Walk the narrow streets of UNESCO listed Old Quebec and delve into Quebec City's French and English military past as you pass the Plains of Abraham and fortified Citadel.
- Montreal: Join a Local Specialist who will introduce you to Montreal, Canada's cultural capital where festivals, art, cuisine and a certain joie de vivre are all part of the daily make up. Admire how old European style architecture can sit so naturally beside beautiful contemporary masterpieces.
- Montreal: Discover the history of the first neo-gothic church in Canada as you visit the Notre Dame Basilica. Marvel at its breathtaking architecture and striking interior filled with exceptional stained glass windows.
- Franconia Notch State Park: Enjoy a scenic drive through Franconia Notch, in the heart of the White Mountains. Journey past sugar maple and white birch. Make sure to keep an eye out for the black bear, moose and deer that find sanctuary in this scenic forest landscape.
- Boston: Discover some of Boston's most famous sights as you delve into the city's transformative past. Follow part of the red-brick Freedom Trail that brings the story of the American Revolution to life. Sights include Beacon Hill, Newbury Street, Faneuil Hall Marketplace and the Meeting House.
Make Travel Matter®
- This striking museum has collected more than 36,000 artifacts that reflect history, politics, sports, arts and entertainment. Explore the richness and diversity of the African American experience, what it means to their lives, and how it helped shape this nation.
- Ottawa: Join your Indigenous Cultural Ambassadors at Mādahòkì Farm for a guided visit that outlines the diversity of First Nations cultures across Canada.
- An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
- Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
- All porterage and restaurant gratuities
- All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
- Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
- Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
- Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
- All transport and transfers shown
- Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
- Optional Experiences (Additional Cost) and free time
- On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilised.
- 1 Welcome Reception (WR)
- 13 Breakfast (B)
- 2 Dinner (D)
- 3 Lunch (L)
- Itinerary and inclusions are subject to change
- Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included
You’ll enjoy the icons and hidden gems with a Local Specialist by your side. Read more
With one on every itinerary, Be My Guest ensures your journey is truly one-of-a-kind, wherever it takes you. Read more
Find yourself overnighting in accommodations with stories as rich as the destinations you’re exploring. Read more
Trip Reviews (39) View All Most Recent 'East Coast USA and Canada' Reviews
For us the whole trip ...read more was a highlight and we all got on really well and enjoyed each others company. If pressed for highlights, we would include America's stately capital, Washington, the awe-inspiring Niagara Falls, the incredibly beautiful Quebec City and historical Boston. But to be fair, the highlight was the whole trip itself.
The hotels we stayed at were of a high standard and, importantly, were always centrally located. This allowed us to make the most of the free time we sometimes had to further explore each city we visited. For what we got, we believe that the whole tour was well-priced and certainly value for money.
All the destinations had something to offer though Niagara falls was amazing, particularly the optional helicopter flight. We loved the history and character of Quebec City and would have loved to spend more time there and for those who love museums and monuments you cant beat Washington, what a great place to visit.
Overall the trip went very smoothly and just flew by. We were sorry to see it end and we are already thinking about other places we can visit with Trafalgar. Thanks for a great trip and the fond memories.
Trafalgar TD (Dave S.) ...read more and our driver (Jose) worked as a well oiled team and were organised, always on time and a great source of knowledge regarding many aspects of each region visited. The addition of local guides (with audio headset walking tours) in various towns added to the experience where tips on where to eat/buy was always welcome. Seat rotation on the coach and a daily schedule “what’s coming up” sheet, kept us informed of departure, arrival and meal points not to mention the all important “bags out” time for the next morning.
Washington D.C was a highlight for me with the monuments/museums as well as the natural beauty of Niagara Falls and the contrasting quaint French influence evident in Quebec City and Montreal. The city of New York lived up to its fast and furious reputation with an orientation tour on the coach as we were heading out of town to the next hotel. Hence I would recommend perhaps getting to NY at least 3 to 5 days before the tour start date, to visit those iconic tourist spots we often only see on TV.
The hotels were well located and within walking distance of most attractions with comfortable rooms, free WiFi and all the mod-cons. I did all the optional tours which included some lovely dinners and a brilliant night tour of Washington which should not be missed. The optional helicopter ride over Niagara Falls looked a tad exorbitant at first, but the amazing flight and sensational photos taken from the air made up for an unforgettable experience.
Can’t speak highly enough of Juliet Scott from Global Journeys who organised all my pre-travel bookings, had plenty of helpful suggestions and was always accommodating towards any changes that came up on my time-line, which was much appreciated !
All in all a great travel journey with a friendly group of people sharing a common goal of soaking up the culture in a new-found part of the world. At least half the group had been on a Trafalgar Tour before (up to 8 times) being testament on how brilliantly this type of travel concept works as I have pleasantly discovered and hope to again in the not too distant future?
Brochure
Trafalgar USA (2025)
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