Inspiration for your own tailor-made trip

The Eastern US by Train Boston, NYC, Philadelphia and Washington

USA - East - Boston - New York - Philadelphia - Washington

EAST AMERICA BY TRAIN

Starting from between £3,940 to £5,180 per person for 11 days depending on the season of travel, advance booking time and the accommodation and activities chosen

Itinerary Highlights

  • Stroll along Boston’s history-steeped streets on a walking tour with a local
  • Sail around New York City’s harbour and bike past Washington’s magnificent monuments
  • Admire artworks in Philadelphia’s Barnes Foundation and discover DC’s Museum of African American History and Culture
Your 11-day East Coast train trip begins in Boston's South Station, kicking off your journey through American history. Boston has a tumultuous past, founded in 1630 by English Puritans fleeing religious persecution. Wander past the large red brick houses of Beacon Hill, home to the descendants of those early settlers.

Your next stop is New York, on Manhattan Island, purchased in 1626 for just a handful of dollars and glassware. There’s plenty to discover in the Big Apple, from iconic landmarks to hidden corners. It’s then on to Philadelphia, home to the country’s first university and zoo. The ‘City of Brotherly Love’ (Philadelphia is Greek for ‘brotherly love’) is also the world's mural capital, with over 4,000 murals.

Finally, Washington DC is your last stop. But there’s more to the city than just the White House and the Capitol. The FBI headquarters and iconic Smithsonian museums sit alongside bustling farmers markets and chic gourmet restaurants.
Long Wharf - Boston - United States © Taylor Keeran / Unsplash.com
Long Wharf - Boston - United States © Taylor Keeran / Unsplash.com
Art in New York - United States © Faustine Poidevin
Art in New York - United States © Faustine Poidevin
New York - United States © Faustine Poidevin-Gros
New York - United States © Faustine Poidevin-Gros
Brooklyn - New York - United States © Faustine Poidevin
Brooklyn - New York - United States © Faustine Poidevin
Whitney Museum of American Art - New York - United States © Faustine Poidevin
Whitney Museum of American Art - New York - United States © Faustine Poidevin
New York - United States © Faustine Poidevin-Gros
New York - United States © Faustine Poidevin-Gros
New York - United States © Faustine Poidevin
New York - United States © Faustine Poidevin
Train on bridge © Faustine Poidevin
Train on bridge © Faustine Poidevin
Mural in Philadelphia - United States © Parris Stancell
Mural in Philadelphia - United States © Parris Stancell
Washington DC - United States © Patrick Le Floc'h
Washington DC - United States © Patrick Le Floc'h
Jefferson Memorial - United States © Droits reservés
Jefferson Memorial - United States © Droits reservés
Boston - Massachusetts - United States © Zhifeng Wang/Getty Images/iStockphoto
Boston - Massachusetts - United States © Zhifeng Wang/Getty Images/iStockphoto

Itinerary

100% customisable for you

Your American East Coast adventure starts today. Head to the airport and whizz through security in preparation for your seven-and-a-half-hour flight to Boston.

When you land, a private driver will be waiting to transfer you to your first accommodation for the next two nights: a contemporary, centrally-located hotel in the city.

Spend the afternoon as you please. Kick back and relax in your hotel or stroll around your new surroundings. For a spot of culture, visit the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, home to major works by Botticelli, Rubens, Delacroix and Matisse. Or take a short trip to nearby Cambridge and explore the campuses of Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). If it’s relaxation you’re after? The stylish rooftop bars lining Newbury Street are calling your name.

Today is all about exploring the city’s charming streets. The capital of Massachusetts, Boston is one of the oldest cities in the US. From the Revolutionary War in the late 18th century to being a vital port and industrial hub in the late 19th century, it merges European and American charm.

Embrace your inner history buff as you trace the footsteps of revolutionaries on Boston’s Freedom Trail. Stroll along the winding red-brick pathway which connects 16 historic sites from Boston Common (America’s oldest public park) to Bunker Hill Monument. By the end of the day, you’re sure to have reached your daily step count goals.

Worked up an appetite? Enjoy a delicious dinner at a cosy local restaurant. Whether you fancy fresh seafood or hearty Italian dishes, our Concierge can recommend the best spots.

Let the train trip begin. Today, you’ll board a comfortable train at Boston’s South Station for a roughly four-hour journey to New York City.

Once you arrive, check in for three nights at a stylish hotel in the heart of Manhattan. The afternoon is yours to spend as you please. Dive into the contemporary works at MoMA (The Museum of Modern Art), browse the trendy art galleries of Tribeca or hop across the river to Williamsburg and sample treats from its hipster chocolatiers.

Rise and shine, it’s your first full day in the city that never sleeps. After tucking into a classic New York City bagel, it’s time to explore some of the most iconic neighbourhoods.

On a walking tour with an expert guide you’ll stroll through Greenwich Village and immerse yourself in its vibrant art scene before heading to trendy SoHo, where luxury shops, stylish bars and contemporary art galleries await.

Next, wander through the bustling streets of Little Italy, browse the local eateries and fill up on cannoli. This neighbourhood began to form in the mid-19th century when the first wave of Italian immigrants arrived. Finally, wrap up your walking tour in the bustling heart of Chinatown.

This morning is yours to spend as you please. After a hearty breakfast at your hotel, head out for your final full day in New York.

Soak up the last of the city’s famous sites with a stroll through Central Park before heading to Times Square. For a fresh perspective of the Statue of Liberty, Battery Park is your best bet, offering waterfront views of Ellis Island over the Hudson. And why not grab a bite to eat at a local diner for the authentic American experience?

When the evening rolls around, we recommend hopping aboard the Shearwater for a scenic sailing trip around New York’s harbour. Built in 1929 in Maine, the Shearwater provides incredible views of the Statue of Liberty and the illuminated Skyline of Manhattan, so have your camera at the ready. Accommodating up to 48 passengers, the classic schooner has been sailing visitors around the picturesque harbour since 2001.

Wave goodbye to New York City; it’s time to catch your one-and-a-half-hour train to Philadelphia. When you arrive, you’ll be met and privately transferred to your comfortable downtown hotel which is home for the next two nights.

Philadelphia, the Cradle of Independence, is more central to American history than any other city. Every neighbourhood in Philly has a distinctive character, from the brick houses of Society Hill and the Old City art galleries to the Rittenhouse Square galleries. Dance aficionados will be in their element at the Philadelphia Ballet, while art enthusiasts will find plenty to appreciate at the Rodin Museum. And don’t miss the Reading Terminal Market. Philly’s oldest public market is home to a mix of local farmers, butchers and artisanal food stalls.

Today, immerse yourself in Philadelphia’s eclectic art scene with a visit to the Barnes Foundation in downtown Philadelphia. The gallery, established in 1922 by Albert Barnes, was originally located in Merion before being moved to its current contemporary building in 2012. Discover one of the world's largest private collections of Impressionist, Post-Impressionist and Modern art, with works by the likes of Renoir, Braque, Picasso, Matisse and Van Gogh, as well as various tribal art objects.

Once you’ve had your fill of art, why not soak up Philadelphia’s sights on a bike tour? Pedal past iconic landmarks from the Liberty Bell to Independence Hall and then take the scenic route along the city’s riverfront.

After a bright and early breakfast at the hotel this morning, set off to catch a two-hour train to Washington DC. Check into your charming hotel in the Dupont Circle district, in the heart of the city, which will be your base for the next two nights.

Once you’ve unpacked and gotten settled it’s time to tick off some of the city’s must-visit spots. We’re talking: the White House, the Capitol Building (home to Congress), the National Mall and the memorial to Abraham Lincoln, whose famous statue faces the sunrise.

If you’re an art lover, don’t miss a visit to the Contemporary Art Wing of the National Gallery, before grabbing a hot dog or burger at Ben's Chili Bowl (one of Barack Obama's favourite spots). Alternatively, stroll through Little Ethiopia and treat yourself to some authentic Ethiopian cuisine.

Cycling is the preferred mode of transport for many residents in Washington DC so what better way to see the city than by bike? On a privately guided bike tour, pedal from the breezy banks of the Potomac River to the tree-lined streets of Capitol Hill.

After you’ve grabbed a bite to eat, it’s time to head to the National Museum of African American History and Culture for an insight into the nation’s past. Opened by President Barack Obama in September 2016, it’s the largest museum in the country devoted to African American history, with informative exhibits showcasing artwork, historic documents and cultural artefacts.

Sadly, your US East Coast adventure has come to an end. Take one final stroll around the city to soak up the last of DC’s grand monuments before heading to the airport. Most direct flights to the UK depart in the afternoon and last about seven-and-a-half hours, so you’ll fly overnight and arrive back in London the next day.

Suggestions

Everything in this itinerary is entirely customisable, down to the smallest details. Here are some more suggestions of what could be included

NEW YORK FROM ABOVE

The best way to experience New York is from above. Enjoy an unforgettable helicopter ride soaring over Central Park, Greenwich Village, the Hudson River, the Chrysler Building and the Empire State Building, all in just 13 to 15 minutes.


TOUR OF THE CAPITOL BUILDING

Learn about American legislative history on a tour of the Capitol Building in Washington DC. Admire the detailed ceiling in the Rotunda, weave around the Crypt’s columns and marvel at the 100 statues in the National Statuary Hall Collection.

Why visit USA with Original Travel ?

Each of our trips is entirely tailor-made with originality, quality and cultural immersion in mind. Our team of destination specialists will craft itineraries based on your tastes, using their first-hand knowledge and the help of our in-country team of Concierges and guides. All trips are accompanied by a wide range of additional services, including a 24-hour helpline, the Original Travel app, fast-track airport services and much more.

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A few of the benefits of travelling with us to USA

  • Our local Concierges
  • The Original Travel app
  • Airport lounge access
  • Wi-Fi router and e-Sim
  • Destination Dossier
  • 24-hour helpline
  • Expert guides
  • 100% carbon absorption

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Estimated Price

Dependent on the season of travel, advance booking time and the accommodation and activities chosen

The prices shown here are merely a guide, as all of our trips are entirely tailor-made. Tailor-made travel involves multiple moving parts, and prices can vary hugely depending on the season of travel, the lead time before the proposed travel date (last minute deals are pretty much a myth), availability, your choice of accommodation and any additional activities you want to include. That means the only exact price will be the one we quote you, which we can adapt to suit your budget. The estimated starting cost for this trip is between £3,940 and £5,180 per person. The average starting price for this trip is £4,730 per person.
Included in this itinerary

  • International flights with a scheduled airline
  • Airline taxes and fuel surcharge
  • Rail transport between cities
  • Private transfers on arrival in Boston and departure from Washington
  • Two-night stay in Boston in a double room (accommodation only)
  • Three-night stay in New York in a double room (accommodation only)
  • Two-night stay in Philadelphia in a double room (accommodation only
  • Two-night stay in Washington in a double room (accommodation only)
  • Boston visit in the company of an expert guide
  • New York visit in the company of an expert guide
  • Sailing in New York
  • Entry tickets for the Barnes Foundation visit in Philadelphia
  • Bike ride in Washington
  • EXPRESS PASSES for the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington
  • Our local Concierge service

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