The American Story From Historic Boston to the Gateway of Ellis Island

Celebrate the nation’s origins with a journey that begins in the "Cradle of the American Revolution” and continues through the historic centers of New York and Philadelphia, exploring stories of the country, old and new. Arrive in Boston, a city bursting with character and history. As arrival times will be scattered through the afternoon and evening, there are no scheduled activities today.

Experience Boston’s revolutionary history on a privately guided tour, traveling through the North End, along parts of the Freedom Trail, and visiting landmarks such as Copley Square and the Boston Public Library. Spend some free time exploring Faneuil Hall for lunch before returning to your hotel. This evening, celebrate the start of your journey with a welcome dinner in Boston’s famed North End.

You’re off to New York City today. But first, a visit to The Mark Twain House offers a window into the roots of American storytelling and the life of one of the world’s most influential authors. Get a glimpse into his personal life and stories and learn how his travels and life at home shaped the voice that would come to define a distinctly American literary tradition. Later, arrive in New York, New York! Check into your Times Square hotel and feel the bustle of the city all around you. This evening, dive into bold new flavors at a local restaurant and experience the diverse culinary traditions that have shaped New York City.

Start your morning like a New Yorker with breakfast at a local diner. Then, head to the Lower East Side, an eclectic neighborhood whose layered history and vibrant streets once welcomed waves of newcomers and helped shape the city’s cultural identity. A visit to the Tenement Museum offers an eye-opening look into the daily lives of families who arrived seeking opportunity and community. This afternoon, explore the neighborhood on a privately guided walking food tour, tasting a range of cuisines from all over the world. Along the way, hear stories and histories of the neighborhood’s residents, and learn how this famed melting pot came to be. En route to the hotel, delve into historic New York on a panoramic tour where you’ll see Central Park, Rockefeller Center, and Fifth Ave. Arriving back to the hotel by approximately 4:00 p.m., the rest of the day is yours to spend as you wish.

Enjoy breakfast at a local diner, then board a ferry for a cruise of New York Harbor. Take in the incredible views of the towering Statue of Liberty. Dock and get up close to “Lady Liberty,” a symbol of freedom that has welcomed immigrants and visitors to New York Harbor since 1886. Then, it’s on to Ellis Island. Step back in time on a self-guided tour of the museum. Come to know the personal stories of the immigration boom of 1892-1924, when twelve million people passed through this station on their journey to America. The remainder of the day is at leisure to explore the city that never sleeps. Tonight, you may choose to join an optional dinner and show, taking a seat at one of Broadway's biggest hits: Hamilton! Experience the revolutionary musical that shines a spotlight on Founding Father, Alexander Hamilton.

On to Philadelphia! Continue to the “birthplace of America.” Step inside Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence was signed and the Constitution was drafted. See an iconic symbol of freedom, the Liberty Bell. Then, after an introductory tour through Reading Terminal Market, enjoy free time for lunch at the stalls, full of delicious food options, perhaps seeking out a local favorite like the Philly cheesesteak. Later this afternoon, check into your hotel for an evening at leisure.

This morning, it’s your choice! Choose between two exclusive, before-hours experiences. Explore the Penn Museum, spending time in the Native North American Gallery and hearing insights from an expert -OR- visit the Museum of the American Revolution, where stories of the nation’s beginnings come together. Walk through the interactive exhibits imagining what it felt like to be part of the Revolution. Gather in the afternoon for a tour of Eastern State Penitentiary, an institution that shaped early American ideas about justice and reform. Tonight, dinner is on board the legendary Moshulu, the world’s oldest and largest square-rigged sailing vessel still afloat. Docked at Penn’s Landing, experience a piece of maritime history on this tall ship turned restaurant.

Your tour comes to a close today.