8-Day The Big Apple, Niagara and Washington, D.C. 2026

Welcome to Washington, America’s capital city and the seat of political power. Fast paced, politically charged and culturally revered, ‘DC’ is the place you’ve seen a thousand times on screens small and large. Boasting arguably America’s finest collection of museums, a vibrant Waterfront area and memorials to many of the nation’s greats, you’ve certainly chosen an iconic spot to kick off your adventure. After settling in to your hotel you’ll meet up with your Travel Director this afternoon, then why not pay a visit to bustling Georgetown for a wander 'round the shops and restaurants.

Kick things off with a sightseeing tour that will feel more like a walk through a real-life movie set, see icons including the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument, and the jewel in America’s political crown, the White House. For lunch, join a Choice Experience at Ben’s Chili Bowl, a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience that supports a Black-owned D.C. legend and helps keep U Street’s ‘Black Broadway’ spirit thriving. Visit the National Museum of African American History and Culture, the only national museum dedicated exclusively to documenting African American life, history and culture, and housing over 40,000 fascinating artifacts. With the rest of the day to explore as you please, the question is really where to start? Perhaps take a walk around the Tidal Basin Loop Trail or choose a Choice Experience visiting George Washington’s sprawling Mount Vernon Estate. This evening you could join another Choice Experience, Washington Illumination Tour, where you’ll see DC’s most famous monuments lit up in their nighttime glory.

You’re heading into Amish Country today. Kick off with a stop at Kitchen Kettle Village (hello, homemade fudge and pickle-packed shops). Then it’s time to witness Amish life first-hand with a Farmlands tour. You’ll roll past farms and visit the Fisher Family Homestead where it’s all propane lamps and no tech in sight. Keep the country charm coming with a Choice Experience — a clip-clopping buggy ride, followed by a belly-filling, pass-the-platter dinner at Plain and Fancy.

Traveling northwest today, you’ll follow the surging Susquehanna River as you make your way through the western region of New York State. As you pass through the Appalachian Mountains, you’ll no doubt be in awe of the breathtaking scenery. Bear in mind that this ancient mountain range is one of the oldest on Earth, formed around 480 million years ago and stretching across the border between the USA and Canada. Later, you'll cross from the US into Canada.

You’re off to feel the full force of Niagara Falls today — North America’s biggest. Get up close on a cruise to Horseshoe Falls, where 75,750 gallons of water thunder over the edge every second. Raincoats at the ready! You can keep the excitement flowing with a morning Choice Experience — either soar above the falls on a helicopter ride or explore the fascinating Niagara Parks Power Station. This afternoon, enjoy time to explore at your own pace, or join another Choice Experience to visit Niagara-on-the-Lake and a local vineyard, where a senior wine expert leads a guided tasting featuring their famous Peachwine.

Bidding a fond farewell to Niagara Falls this morning, you’ll journey back across the border through leafy and picturesque upstate New York. Passing by the fun-to-pronounce Poconos Mountains, which literally mean ‘creek between two hills’, you’ll venture towards the fast and fabulous metropolis of NYC. Arriving late afternoon and no doubt itching to explore, why not spend your first night here getting acquainted with the city’s foodie scene? From gourmet food trucks to Michelin-starred restaurants, the city that never sleeps ensures you’ll never go hungry.

Wake up and get ready to dive into the heart of New York City! Start your day at an NYC institution — Junior's restaurant. Whether you’re craving eggs and bacon, fluffy pancakes, or French toast, you’ll fuel up for a day of adventure, all washed down with freshly roasted coffee. Next, you’re off with our Local Guide to explore the real New York. Discover the stories behind some of Manhattan's most iconic spots, like Broadway, Greenwich Village, and the hustle and bustle of Wall Street. You can also visit the poignant 9/11 Memorial, a moment to reflect amidst the city’s energy.  This afternoon, it's time to make New York your own. You could wander through trendy Brooklyn, catch a Broadway show, or choose from a curated list of Choice Experiences. Whether it's the dizzying heights of SUMMIT One Vanderbilt or a Hudson River cruise of the inspiring New York city skyline.

With fond memories of spectacular waterfalls and political icons still fresh in your mind, your trip will come to an end this morning. Why not head out for one final cream cheese bagel and a stroll around Central Park before heading to the airport? Or, if you’re not ready to say goodbye just yet, why not extend your stay at the Holiday Inn New York City - Times Square for a few more days? In a city as varied and wonderful as New York, you’re never short of new things to discover.