8 Days  •  7 Nights

East Coast USA: New York, Washington & Boston

New York (3N) - Washington DC (2N) - Boston (2N)

Tour Includes

Accommodation
Meals
Sightseeing
Transfers
Local Guide
Activities
Overview

About the Trip

The East Coast is where America began and where it dazzles today, and this eight-day journey links three of its greatest cities by scenic rail. You start in New York, the electric heart of it all, with its skyline, museums and neighbourhoods, then travel south to Washington DC to walk the National Mall among the monuments and world-class Smithsonian museums that tell the American story. Finally you head north to Boston, the cradle of the American Revolution, where the Freedom Trail winds past colonial landmarks and cobbled streets lead to a lively harbour. Connected by comfortable trains and rich in history, culture and energy, it is the perfect introduction to the USA's historic Northeast.
Highlights

Trip Highlights

  • New York's skyline, museums and neighbourhoods
  • Washington DC's monuments and Smithsonian museums
  • Boston's Freedom Trail and colonial history
  • Scenic rail travel between cities
  • Broadway, harbours and world-class dining
  • The historic heart of America
Itinerary

Day by Day

A detailed day-by-day plan for this 8-day journey.

Day 1

Met at the airport and transferred to your Manhattan hotel. The evening is free to feel the buzz of Times Square before a welcome dinner.

Your Journey This Day
New York Airport
Arrival · Private
Manhattan hotel
Meals Included
Breakfast|Dinner
Day 2

A guided tour of the city's icons, the Statue of Liberty, the 9/11 Memorial, the Empire State Building, Fifth Avenue and Central Park, with free time to explore.

Meals Included
Breakfast
Day 3

A free day for a Broadway show, the museums, the High Line, Brooklyn, or the shops, making the city your own.

Meals Included
Breakfast
Day 4

A scenic rail journey south to the capital. The afternoon begins your exploration of the National Mall, its monuments glowing at dusk.

Your Journey This Day
New York
Rail · Amtrak
Washington DC
Meals Included
Breakfast
Day 5

A guided tour of the capital, the Capitol, the White House, the Lincoln Memorial and the Smithsonian museums, a rich window into American history.

Meals Included
Breakfast
Day 6

A rail journey north to Boston, the historic cradle of the American Revolution. Settle in and stroll the waterfront and Faneuil Hall marketplace.

Your Journey This Day
Washington DC
Rail · Amtrak
Boston
Meals Included
Breakfast
Day 7

A guided walk along the Freedom Trail, linking sixteen colonial and revolutionary sites, from Boston Common to the Old North Church and the USS Constitution, with time in historic Beacon Hill.

Meals Included
Breakfast
Day 8

After breakfast you are transferred to Boston airport for your onward flight, steeped in American history.

Your Journey This Day
Boston
Departure · Private
Boston Airport
Meals Included
Breakfast
Route Map

Where You Will Travel

Package

What's inside the package?

Inclusions

  • 7 nights accommodation
  • Daily breakfast, a welcome dinner and a New York city tour
  • Airport transfers
  • Touring, sightseeing and activities as per itinerary with expert guides
  • Ground transport, rail or car hire as specified
  • National park and attraction entry fees as per itinerary
  • Washington and Boston city tours and scenic rail between all three cities

Exclusions

  • International airfare
  • Visa or tourist card fees where applicable
  • Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
  • Meals not mentioned in the itinerary or inclusions
  • Drinks unless specifically stated
  • Optional excursions and experiences
  • Personal expenses and gratuities
  • Anything not specifically mentioned under Package Inclusions
Best Time to Travel

Know when to go.

Place
New York, Washington and Boston
Conditions
Cold
Daily max temperature
4°C
Monthly rainfall
90mm
Weather data is based on monthly averages. Popularity rating
Good to Know
  • Visa & ESTA: Visa Waiver Program travellers (including UK, EU, Australian and many others) need an approved ESTA authorisation before flying; other nationalities need a US B-2 visitor visa. A passport valid for the duration of your stay is required, and we advise you based on your nationality
  • Currency & cards: The currency is the US Dollar and cards are accepted virtually everywhere; carry a little cash for tips and small vendors. Prices are usually shown before sales tax, which is added at the register
  • Tipping: Tipping is an essential part of US culture and service staff rely on it; budget around 18 to 20 percent in restaurants, and tips for guides, drivers, bartenders and hotel staff, which are not included unless stated
  • Distances & getting around: The USA is vast, so itineraries combine domestic flights, rail and self-drive; if driving, remember Americans drive on the right, and we arrange car hire, transfers or flights as needed
  • Best time to visit: Timing depends on the region; summer suits the northern parks and coasts, autumn brings spectacular colour to the East, spring and autumn are ideal for the deserts and cities, and winter suits the south and skiing
  • Health & insurance: No vaccinations are required, but US healthcare is very expensive, so comprehensive travel insurance is essential. Bring any prescription medicines in their original packaging
  • Age & ID rules: The legal drinking age is 21 and photo ID is required to buy alcohol or enter bars regardless of age; some car-hire firms add fees for drivers under 25
  • Power & connectivity: Power is 120V with type A and B plugs, so bring an adapter; wifi is widespread, and a US eSIM or roaming plan keeps you connected on the road
FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the rail travel scenic and easy?

Yes — the Northeast Corridor trains are comfortable and city-centre to city-centre, avoiding airport hassle. The route runs through the historic towns and coastline of the eastern seaboard, and your rail tickets are included.

Is autumn a good time for this trip?

Autumn is wonderful, with crisp air, golden foliage and fewer crowds, and it pairs beautifully with a New England leaf-peeping extension. Spring and summer are also excellent; we advise on timing.

What meals are included?

Daily breakfast is included on most nights, along with any meals named in the itinerary such as a welcome dinner. America's dining is a highlight in itself, so most lunches and dinners are left free so you can explore, with recommendations from us.

How do we get around such a large country?

We combine the most efficient options for your route, domestic flights for long hops, scenic rail where it shines, and self-drive or private transfers for touring. Everything is arranged and built into your itinerary.

Do I need an ESTA or visa?

Visa Waiver Program travellers need an approved ESTA before flying; other nationalities need a US visitor visa. We confirm exactly what you need for your nationality when you book.

When is the best time to travel?

It depends on the regions in your itinerary, summer for the northern parks, autumn for East Coast colour, spring and autumn for the deserts and cities, and winter for the south. We will advise the best timing for your chosen route.

Is tipping really expected?

Yes — tipping is a genuine part of US culture and service staff rely on it. Budget around 18 to 20 percent in restaurants and tips for guides and drivers; we brief you fully so there are no surprises.

Can the itinerary be customised?

Absolutely. We can adjust the cities, parks and regions, change the pace, mix self-drive with flights and rail, and tailor hotels to your interests and budget. Every itinerary is a starting point.