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 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!

If you would like to add extra nights in New York City please ask your Travel Consultant.

Doubletree by Hilton New York or similar

Collect you hire car today and head north to Kingston, a charming town on 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 mid-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 Highway 90 to Syracuse, or take the more scenic but slightly more winding Route 29A, which passes through the forested Adirondack Park and the small town of Salisbury Centre where there is an original covered bridge.

After checking into your hotel in Syracuse, you could visit the intriguing Everson Museum of Art, enjoy a shoreline stroll in Onondaga Lake Park or catch an off-Broadway show at the delightful 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 take a detour to the picturesque Finger Lakes or the city of Rochester and southern shores of Lake Ontario.

The mighty Niagara Falls straddles the border between the USA and Canada. Included in your holiday is a cruise from the American side aboard the all-electric Maid of the Mist to the foot of 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 heading south to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. 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

Between Pittsburgh and Cumberland a visit to either Coopers Rock State Forest or Ohiopyle State Park comes recommended. At the former, you can enjoy a panoramic view over the hills of northern West Virginia from the easily accessible Coopers Rock Overlook. In Ohiopyle State Park you can visit the UNESCO-listed Fallingwater, Frank Lincoln Wright’s architectural masterpiece that appears to float above a forest waterfall.

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 over 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 holt 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.