Cities of the east by rail

Spend a day discovering the historic Freedom Trail, which weaves around the city. Don't miss visiting Boston Common, Faneuil Hall, Quincy Market, or taking in a baseball game at Fenway Park.

Explore Boston's historic North End on an informative food walking tour. Your tour will delve into the varied history of the city's oldest residential community as you sample various classic New England dishes, including a lobster roll and clam chowder.

It's time to head out of Boston to your next destination — the bright lights of New York City. Make your way to the station this morning to board your train — your tickets will be included in your final travel documents pack. The journey will take around four hours, and it's particularly picturesque as the train winds its way along the Atlantic coast and quaint New England towns and villages. As you approach the Big Apple, you'll enjoy a fantastic view of the Manhattan skyline before entering Penn Station. Having disembarked, make your own way to your Manhattan hotel. Spend this afternoon exploring the city — you could take in skyline views while walking along the High Line; an unusual pedestrian pathway along a disused railway line that winds through Manhattan's skyscrapers.

You have a full day to explore New York City under your own steam. You may wish to take a horse and carriage ride through Central Park, sample some tasty cuisine in Chinatown, or take a tour of the world-famous Radio City Music Hall. This evening we recommend heading to the top of the Empire State Building — try to be there for sunset for some spectacular views over the city. It's best to reserve tickets in advance so please speak to your specialist for more details.

Enjoy another full day in New York City. Start the day by making your way to Chelsea, via the High Line. This public park built on disused railway tracks will lead you all the way to Chelsea Market, where you can sample some delicious food in the bustling marketplace. You may wish to visit the world-class Whitney Museum, a stone's throw from the market. This afternoon you will make your way to the new World Trade Center to enjoy spectacular views from the top of the One World Observatory.

Return to Penn Station this morning to board your onward train. Your journey today is relatively short, arriving around an hour and a half later in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Upon arrival into 'Philly' take a taxi to your hotel in the downtown area of the city. You're then free to spend the afternoon relaxing in your hotel or exploring the city — you could stroll through the Museum District and learn about the city's past, or visit a food market such as Reading Terminal Market for your first taste of an authentic Philly steak sandwich.

Spend a day exploring Philadelphia. You can walk through the memorial parks, visit the famous Liberty Bell in the informative Liberty Bell Center or take a cruise on the river past Schuylkill River Park. Rocky film fans might like to strike a pose on the famous steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art before taking a look inside at its Renaissance and Modern artwork.

This morning make your way to 30th Street Station in time to board your two-hour train ride to Washington D.C. Upon arrival into Washington D.C., take a short taxi ride to your hotel before spending the rest of the afternoon at leisure in the country's capital. The city is full of historic buildings and monuments to see and photograph, including the US Capitol Building. Old Alexandria Town is home to a number of well-preserved 18th and 19th-century buildings as well as the Alexandria Archaeological Museum, where you can learn about the area's past.

Today you will gain insight into the inner workings of the US government on an official tour of the US Capitol Building. After your tour, the afternoon is free for you to explore on your own. You could browse the boutique shops in Georgetown, see the Declaration of Independence at the National Archives or visit the pandas at the National Zoological Park.

Continue to enjoy your time in Washington D.C. at your leisure. The Smithsonian Institution is made up of 17 separate buildings, housing some of the finest museum exhibitions in the world — entry to all museums is free. Alternatively, you might like to visit the iconic United States Congress Building — we can arrange for you to join a guided tour for further insight into the building. This evening, we recommend watching the sunset from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial — a perfect place to round off your journey through the USA.

Finish off any last-minute sightseeing before you make your own way to the airport in time to board your onward flight.

Arrive home today to complete your journey.