Arrive into the bustling city of New York for an unforgettable start to your road trip. After making your way to your hotel, head out into the vibrant streets of the city that never sleeps.

You have the rest of the day and tomorrow to explore. You could take a New York River Cruise past the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, check out the latest exhibitions at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, or catch a show on Broadway. From the bright lights of Times Square to the tree-lined paths of Central Park, there are so many famous sights to see!

Included in your holiday is admission to SUMMIT One Vanderbilt, the observation deck of New York’s forth tallest skyscraper. As well as some of the best views of Manhattan, enjoy an immersive art experience comprising mirrored rooms and glass boxes that reflect and augment the vistas all around

Optional experiences:

• New York Helicopter Tour – soar above the city skyline for spectacular views of the famous Hudson River and the Statue of Liberty
• 9/11 Memorial Walking Tour – Visit the 9/11 Memorial pools and surrounding sites, learning about the attack and rebuilding of Lower Manhattan.
• Central Park Walking Tour – escape the busy Manhattan streets with a journey through Central Park home to lakes, woodland paths, landscaped gardens, and well-known sights including Bow Bridge, Bethesda Terrace and Fountain, and Strawberry Fields.

If you would like to add extra experiences or nights in New York City please ask your travel expert.

Doubletree by Hilton New York or similar

Collect your hire car today and head north to Kingston, a charming town set along the Hudson River.

A stop at Minnewaska State Park Preserve comes recommended. Located on the dramatic Shawangunk Mountain ridge, there are over 50 miles of hiking trails to chose from, leading to waterfalls, sky lakes, hardwood forests and rocky clifftops offering beautiful views.

If you are a fan of historic railways, check what time the Catskill Flyer departs Hudson. During the summer you can enjoy a 90 minute scenic ride through picturesque farmland and across Esopus creek en route to Hurley Mountain.

New York City > Kingston | 100 miles

Hampton Inn Kingston or similar

Continue north today to Saratoga Springs. Albany, the capital of New York State, makes a great stop for a late lunch. Here you’ll find an impressively eclectic collection of public buildings including the majestic State Capitol, brutalist New York State Museum, and aptly named Egg, a performing arts centre.

Saratoga Springs is known for its naturally carbonated mineral waters, which you can taste from the fountains in Congress Park or fully immerse yourself in at Roosevelt Baths & Spa, named after the former president. Between July and early September, horse racing is held most days a week at the historic Saratoga Race Course, which opened in 1863.

Kingston > Albany > Saratoga Springs | 95 miles

Hilton Saratoga Springs or similar

From Saratoga Springs you can either follow Interstate 90 west towards Syracuse, or take a more scenic route through the southern Adirondacks. Follow Route 29 before joining the more winding Route 29A, which passes through forested landscapes and small communities such as Caroga Lake and Stratford.

Rejoin Route 29 near Salisbury Center, where you can stop to see the historic Salisbury Center Covered Bridge, built across Spruce Creek in 1875, before continuing towards Syracuse.

After checking into your hotel in Syracuse, you could visit the intriguing Everson Museum of Art in downtown, known for its collection of American art and ceramics, or explore nearby Armory Square with its historic buildings, shops and restaurants. Enjoy a shoreline stroll at Onondaga Lake Park in nearby Liverpool, or catch an off-Broadway show at the beautifully restored Landmark Theatre.

Saratoga Springs > Syracuse | 139 miles

Best Western Syracuse Downtown

Syracuse to Niagara Falls is around a 2.5 hour drive, though you may wish to detour through the Finger Lakes, perhaps stopping in Geneva on the shores of Seneca Lake, or continue via Rochester, where you can visit High Falls or head north to Ontario Beach Park on Lake Ontario.

The mighty Niagara Falls straddles the border between the USA and Canada. Included in your holiday is a Maid of the Mist Boat Tour from the American side aboard the all-electric catamaran to the foot of the falls. Enjoy incredible views of the Niagara Gorge, American, and Bridal Veil Falls, and come face-to-face with the power of the Canadian Horseshoe Falls.

If you would like to cross the Rainbow Bridge to the Canadian side, you will need your passport and pre-authorisation to enter Canada. The views from the bridge are worth it alone however! In the evening, don’t miss the colourful Niagara Falls illuminations.

Please ask your Travel Consultant if your would like to reserve a hotel room with a falls view.

Syracuse > Niagara Falls | 162 miles

Sheraton on the Falls or similar

Admire the tumbling waters of Niagara Falls once more before crossing the New York-Pennsylvania state line and heading south to Pittsburgh. The quickest route takes you along the shores of Lake Eire, before joining Interstate 79. However, for quiet roads and rolling forested hills, you could instead travel through the beautiful Allegheny National Forest.

You have two nights in Pittsburgh, with plenty to see and do! You could visit the Andy Warhol Museum, wonder amongst exotic flora at the Phipps Conservatory or ride the Duquesne Incline to the top of Mount Washington for a wonderful view of the city and its iconic yellow bridges over the Ohio, Allegheny and Monongahela Rivers. In the evening, there are plenty of trendy bars serving craft beers to choose from.

Niagara Falls > Pittsburgh | 240 miles

Hilton Garden Inn Downtown or similar

On your journey from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to Cumberland, Maryland, consider a scenic detour to either Ohiopyle State Park or Coopers Rock State Forest.

Stay in Pennsylvania to explore Ohiopyle and nearby Fallingwater, Frank Lloyd Wright’s UNESCO-listed architectural masterpiece built above a woodland waterfall. Alternatively, travel south across the state line into West Virginia to Coopers Rock State Forest, where the Coopers Rock Overlook offers far-reaching views across the Cheat River Gorge and surrounding Allegheny Mountains. From here, continue east through West Virginia before crossing into Maryland and arriving in Cumberland.

Cumberland, in Maryland, is a small and welcoming town with a pedestrianised high street complete with boutique shops and independent eateries. It is also the starting point of the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad, which operates 4.5 hour round train rides to Frostburg between May and October.

Pittsburgh > Cumberland | 190 miles

Ramada by Wyndham Cumberland Downtown or similar

Enjoy a scenic drive this morning through Green Ridge State Forest to Gettysburg, a small town with a big history. It was here, in July 1863, that around 165,000 soldiers converged to wage the bloodiest battle in the American Civil War.

At the Gettysburg National Military Park, just south of the town, you can learn about these pivotal three days in which Union forces put a halt to the march of Robert E. Lee’s Confederate troops. A guided tour is highly recommended, be it on foot, bicycle, or even Segway.

Cumberland > Gettysburg | 100 miles

Gettysburg Hotel or similar

Travel to Philadelphia this morning, where after returning your hire car and checking into your hotel, it will be time for a Philly cheesesteak for lunch!

With two nights in Philadelphia, you have time to explore this fascinating city, where old meets new. Visit the Liberty Bell at Independence Hall, run up the ‘Rocky Steps’ to the Philadelphia Museum of Art, wander down Elfreth’s Alley, one of the oldest streets in America, and marvel at the quirky mosaics at Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens.

An eclectic collection of bars and restaurants can be found along South Street, where it’s all too easy to stay out past bedtime!

Gettysburg > Philadelphia | 140 miles

Holiday Inn Express Midtown or similar

Philadelphia’s rich past and vibrant present provide a perfect end to your journey. Make your way to the airport today, for your flight home, or on to your next destination.

Please ask your Travel Consultant if you would like to fly home from New York. They can pre-book train travel from Philadelphia or two additional days car hire for you.