Itinerary
- Day 1
Boston
You'll arrive in Boston and collect your luggage at the airport. From there, catch a cab or take the subway to your accommodation (the subway is available if you want to pay locally). Keep things low-key tonight and find a good bar where you can have a drink and settle in. It's a nice way to start before diving into everything the city has to offer tomorrow.
Optional Activities
- Take public subway from airport to accommodation
Landmarks/POIs Boston Logan International Airport - Day 2
Boston
This morning you'll walk the Freedom Trail, the historic route that connects 17 key sites from the American Revolution through Boston. You'll check out the Old South Meeting House first, then head over to the Massachusetts State House and see its famous golden dome up close. Stop at Quincy Market to grab lunch and feel the city's energy around you. In the afternoon, take the short trip to Cambridge to walk around Harvard University's campus, which has been there since 1636.
Included Activities
- Walk the Freedom Trail and visit historic sites
- Visit Old South Meeting House
- Visit Massachusetts State House
- Explore Quincy Market
- Visit Harvard University campus in Cambridge
Optional Activities
- Purchase food or drink at Quincy Market
Landmarks/POIs Freedom Trail Old South Meeting House Massachusetts State House Quincy Market Harvard University - Day 3
Boston to New York City
Board a train heading to New York City and watch the landscape change as you get closer. When you arrive, drop your bags at your accommodation and head right back out. Head up to The Edge observation deck to see the skyline from high up and try the glass floor if you're interested (it costs extra). Later, make your way to Times Square where you'll get the full effect of the neon, screens, and energy the city's known for.
Included Activities
- Train journey from Boston to New York City
Optional Activities
- Visit The Edge observation deck
Landmarks/POIs The Edge Times Square - Day 4
New York City
Get up early to catch the Brooklyn Bridge as the sun comes up and the light hits Manhattan just right. After that, stop at Ess-a-Bagel for bagels and cream cheese to fuel up. Then hop on the free Staten Island Ferry and sail past the Statue of Liberty with views of the skyline all around you. Visit the 9/11 Memorial to spend some quiet time reflecting, then walk around Greenwich Village checking out the shops, vintage stores, and cafes.
Included Activities
- Visit Brooklyn Bridge at sunrise
- Take Staten Island Ferry to view Statue of Liberty and skyline
Optional Activities
- Breakfast at Ess-a-Bagel
- Visit 9/11 Memorial
- Explore Greenwich Village
Landmarks/POIs Brooklyn Bridge Statue of Liberty 9/11 Memorial Greenwich Village - Day 5
New York City
Start your day with pancakes at Ellen's Stardust Diner where the waiters sing during service for entertainment. Broadway is right there if you spot last-minute ticket deals and want to catch a show. Take a break from the noise and head to Central Park with a coffee to sit and watch people for a while. Before evening, walk through Midtown between the Empire State Building and Flatiron Building, trying food from different street vendors along the way.
Optional Activities
- Breakfast at Ellen's Stardust Diner
- Broadway musical performance and tickets
- Visit Central Park
- Street food in Midtown Manhattan between Empire State Building and Flatiron Building
Landmarks/POIs Ellen's Stardust Diner Broadway Central Park Empire State Building Flatiron Building - Day 6
New York City to Washington, D.C.
You'll take one final walk on the High Line, the elevated park that runs above street level and has street art and skyline views. After that, head to the train station and travel to Washington, D.C. Once you arrive, get settled at your hotel and then explore the surprisingly calm, green neighborhoods around you. Spend time in Georgetown walking past the old row houses, stopping at cafes, and soaking in the neighborhood vibe. Ben's Chili Bowl is there if you want to eat where locals and famous people go.
Included Activities
- Walk the High Line
- Train journey from New York City to Washington, D.C.
Optional Activities
- Explore Georgetown neighborhood
- Dine at Ben's Chili Bowl
Landmarks/POIs High Line Georgetown Ben's Chili Bowl - Day 7
Washington, D.C.
Start early and tackle D.C.'s major landmarks. You'll visit the Capitol building (free tours happen regularly) and walk down the National Mall, a long open space with all the iconic sites like the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument (169 meters tall), Natural History Museum, and Museum of American History (all free to enter). Sit on the lawn between places to rest. The White House is worth seeing even if you're viewing it from outside.
Included Activities
- Free tour of the Capitol
- Visit Lincoln Memorial
- Visit Washington Monument
- Visit Natural History Museum
- Visit Museum of American History
- View the White House
Optional Activities
- Walk National Mall at leisure
Landmarks/POIs United States Capitol National Mall Lincoln Memorial Washington Monument National Museum of Natural History National Museum of American History White House - Day 8
Washington, D.C. Departure
Use your last few hours to hit anything you didn't get to or want to see one more time before heading to the airport. As the plane takes off and the country shrinks below you, you'll have time to think back on all the places you've been and things you've done over this trip.
Optional Activities
- Visit any remaining attractions in Washington, D.C.
- Day 9
Arrival Home
The plane lands and you'll collect your luggage from baggage claim. It's time to head back to everyday life, though you'll have plenty of stories and memories to share with people back home about your time on the East Coast.
