Day 1: New York, Finger Lakes & Niagara Falls

This morning we depart from the Big Apple heading north where we will pass the beautiful Delaware Gap to Watkins Glen State Park in the heart of the Finger Lakes region. Walk through Watkins Glen Canyon to visit the beautiful waterfalls and then continue to Niagara Falls passing Seneca Lake, arriving in the late afternoon. Tour the American Side of the Falls including the American Falls, Goat Island and sister Island At night tour Niagara Falls where we can appreciate the colorful lighting of the waters.

Overnight:  Wyndham Super 8 or similar.

Day 2: Niagara Falls, Toronto & 1000 Islands

Leaving the hotel, hear the thundering water of Niagara Falls. See the falls up close from the Horse shoe falls and, experience the power aboard the Maid of the Mist (May-October). During winter until April when the Maid of the Mist is closed we tour the Scenic Tunnels. Around noon depart to the picturesque village of Niagara on the lake, (May to October only) before we continue to Toronto, the largest city in the biggest country in the world! See City Hall, Parliament, and Eaton Center.

Towards evening depart Toronto east along the world famous Lake Ontario for an evening arrival to the 1000 Islands area. In April we return to Niagara Falls for overnight.

Overnight: Comfort Inn or similar (April: Wyndham Super 8 or similar).

Day 3: 1000 Islands & New York

We start the day with a cruise through the amazing 1000 Islands along the St. Laurence River that was navigated about 500 years ago by the French explorer Jacques Cartier. See the houses of the rich and famous built atop private islands – such as Boldt Castle and Heart Island. On the way to New York, enjoy a shopping excursion at one of the large outlet malls along the way, find your own bargain with brand name stores for less. Evening arrival to our hotel in New Jersey.

Overnight: La Quinta Inn and Suites, Clifton or similar.

Day 4: New Jersey, Philadelphia & Amish Country

Depart New Jersey into Pennsylvania, the city of brotherly love. Arriving in the historic area of Philadelphia we visit the famous Liberty Bell, one of the symbols of freedom in America, Constitution square and Congress Hall. Stroll Elfreth’s alley the oldest continuously inhabited street in America.

We will continue on a panoramic tour of Philadelphia that includes the Financial district, Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Historic Philadelphia and more. When we depart from Philadelphia, we will get to see the famous “Rocky Steps” and then continue to Lancaster county home of the Amish people. After a break for lunch at the Amish marketplace we embark on an authentic Amish Buggy ride through the Amish farm country and learn how they live without the benefit of modern technology, no electricity, running water, telephone service, or appliances. After the ride we visit the Amish marketplace where we can shop for handmade arts crafts and products. Then we depart then for Washington DC.

Overnight: Wyndham Garden or similar.

Day 5: Washington DC & New York

Start the day with a visit of Thomas Jefferson Memorial, by the Tidal Basin, surrounded with famous Japanese cherry blossom trees. Visit the Arlington National Cemetery, the changing of the guard and the Kennedy family gravesite. Next stop is Capitol Hill. See the US Capitol and the White House to understand the core of the US government. Continue to the Air and Space Museum before visiting the Lincoln, Martin Luther King, Korea and Vietnam Memorials.

In the late afternoon, we depart north for an evening arrival in New York.