New York, Niagara Falls and Washington

We fly from London Heathrow to Washington D.C., the capital of the United States. The centrepiece of this fascinating city is the National Mall, stretching over 1.9 miles. This national park is home to a number of different museums based on American history, as well as several iconic monuments and memorials.

Today, we begin our explorations with a city tour, taking in highlights such as Capitol Hill, the largest historical residential district in Washington and home to the distinctive Capitol Building. We also see the Pentagon, Washington Memorial and its refl ecting pool, which contains a tribute to President Abraham Lincoln with a marble statue that stands 19 feet tall. We also visit the grandiose White House, home of the President of the United States.

Day 3 is free for you to continue exploring.

This morning we embark on our first Amtrak trip of the holiday, making our way to New York. Arguably the most recognisable of American cities, New York is an eruption of sounds, sights, and smells from each of the diverse cultures that call this megalopolis home. On arrival we take a guided sightseeing tour, visiting 'Big Apple' icons such as dazzling Fifth Avenue, famous for its wealth of high-end shops and regal buildings, and Central Park, which offers a tranquil haven to recuperate from the hustle and speed of the 'city that never sleeps'.

We relax with some coffee and a bagel before returning to our hotel. Your evening is free; perhaps catch a Broadway show in the nearby Theatre District for a slice of typical New York entertainment.

Today is free in New York. Perhaps enrich your mind at one of the many museums, such as the Guggenheim, American Museum of Natural History, or the Museum of Modern Art, or simply take a break in a café. You could also see the big sights such as the Empire State Building, reaching an enormous height of 1,250 feet. There's also the Chrysler Building, an Art Decostyle skyscraper which first opened its doors in 1930.

We leave the buzz of New York behind today, boarding Amtrak's Empire service to Buffalo. From here, we transfer by coach to Niagara, crossing the border into Canada en route, where we check into our hotel. With free time here, this is the perfect opportunity to witness the spectacular Niagara Falls. They make for a magnificent sight as the waters crash into the river below and the constant rush of water produces a thundering cacophony of sound.

Today, we begin our journey to Toronto, pausing at quaint Niagara-on-the-Lake along the way. On arrival in Toronto, we take a guided tour. Thanks to its diverse history and levels of immigration over the last 2 centuries, Toronto is seen as one of the most global cities in Northern America. Our guided tour takes us to some of the city's most famous landmarks including the enormous CN Tower and the immense Rogers Centre sports arena, home to the Toronto Blue Jays baseball team (entrance not included).

On Day 8, enjoy free time to explore Toronto at your own pace. The city is a multicultural meltingpot with an inviting, laid-back atmosphere. Perhaps ascend the CN Tower to enjoy unparalleled views across the city and surrounding area. Or alternatively, you may wish to take a cruise along the harbour, allowing you to take in the shimmering Toronto skyline (payable locally).

Enjoy some free time this morning, before we transfer to Toronto airport for our flight home, landing at London Heathrow on Day 10, where our holiday concludes.