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Buckle up for an in-depth adventure along the USA’s East Coast

With cosmopolitan cities and charming villages, golden beaches and historical monuments and a melting pot of communities and cultures, the USA’s East Coast is as diverse as it is delightful. Spend 13 days with a local leader travelling from the history-filled streets of Washington DC to one of Pennsylvania’s Amish communities before discovering the untold stories of Philadelphia’s Black history. Take a bite out of the Big Apple as you explore the city with local New Yorkers, cruise the scenic waterways of Rhode Island’s Providence, let the charm of Cape Cod’s beaches and quaint towns wash over you, and uncover the old and new sides of Boston.

Start
Washington DC, United States
Finish
Boston, United States
Destination
United States
Style
Comfort
Theme
Explorer
Code
STKBE
Physical rating
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1, Max 13

Why you'll love this trip

  • Experience Washington DC after dark on a night tour of the capital’s most important monuments, museums and memorials.

  • Take a step back in time at the Gettysburg National Military Park and find out what made the battle here a turning point in the American Civil War.

  • See another side of life when you visit an Amish farm in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Learn about their customs and traditions while enjoying a sunset picnic.

  • New York City is calling – see it through the eyes of a local as you join a New Yorker for a walking tour of Brooklyn, checking out local family-run businesses and eateries.

  • Get on the road to Rhode Island and explore the charming city of Providence by cruising its waterways while your leader shares local stories and history.

  • Visit a local family-run vineyard in Truro, sip five different fabulous wines and learn about wine production in Cape Cod.

Is this trip right for you?

  • Please ensure you consult your local government’s advice regarding domestic travel prior to booking this trip.

  • This trip is new to our range this year. And while we have thoroughly researched every detail of the logistics, new destinations and working with new partners can sometimes throw us some unexpected surprises. More often than not, it’ll be a great surprise. But every now and again there might be a hiccup. We like to think that’s what puts the ‘adventure’ in ‘adventure travel’

First Presbyterian Church, Downtown Lancaster, Pennsylvania, USA
Arlington National Cemetery near to Washington DC, in Autumn
Marconi Beach Cape Cod MA, Scenic Cape Cod Style
Washington Capitol Building at sunset
Providence, Rhode Island, river view - one of the first cities established in the United States.
Philadelphia skyline, Pennsylvania, USA
Nauset Light House, Cape Cod National Shoreline, MA, USA
Gettysburg National Military Park
Little Italy in New York on out Tenements, Tales and Tastes day tour
Traditional Clambake Dinner, MA, USA

Itinerary
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Welcome to Washington DC! Inspirational, aspirational, artistic and cultured, the USA’s capital city offers up plenty to entice a curious traveller. Your adventure begins with a 5pm welcome meeting, where you’ll be joined by your local leader and new travel companions. Our starting point hotel is only a 15 minute walk to the White House and 20 minute walk to the Smithsonian National Museum of American History so you will be well located to go exploring. If you arrive with time to spare, why not pop into one of the fantastic museums lining the National Mall, covering everything from natural history to American art. After your meeting, gather in a local restaurant and get to know each other over dinner. Once you’ve enjoyed a meal and swapped some stories, head out to explore DC by night on a tour of the city’s most iconic sights. Hop aboard an electric roadster, first discovering the Smithsonian complex and learning the stories behind these world-class museums. Continue past the Washington Monument and the Jefferson Memorial, then take some time to admire the FDR and MLK memorials before taking a sunset walk along the Tidal Basin. Drive past the World War I and World War II Memorials to the Lincoln Memorial, then continue to what may be the country’s most famous building – the White House. Continue to Capitol Hill and marvel at the Capitol Building, then conclude your tour with a whole bunch of national knowledge under your belt.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Washington - Monuments by Night tour
Meals Included
  • Dinner
Special Information
It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance and emergency contact details at this time. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.

There’s so much to see and do in Washington DC, it can be tricky to know where to start. But worry not! Today is yours to discover all this remarkable city has to offer. Your leader will have loads of tips on how to get the most out of your day here. You may like to take a stroll or bike ride along the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal, or perhaps wander through the beautifully manicured United States Botanic Garden. If you’d like to take a deep dive into Capitol Hill you can book a tour that further explores the Capitol Building, Supreme Court and Library of Congress. For those looking to tour the White House, this must be booked in advance – you can reserve tickets between three month and three weeks before your visit, which need to be requested through your member of congress. The Georgetown neighbourhood really comes alive in the evening, with no shortage of animated bars and restaurants overlooking to Potomac River.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Washington DC - National Air & Space Museum - Free
  • Washington DC - National Gallery of Art - Free
  • Washington DC – Private Capitol Hill and Supreme Court tour - USD75
  • Washington DC - U.S Botanic Gardens - Free
  • Washington DC - Bike the C&O canal - USD8
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Today begins with a visit to Arlington Cemetery where you’ll watch the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the final resting place of an unidentified service member from World War I. Hear sobering stories of the wars that lead to 400,000 veterans being buried here, then continue to Gettysburg in Pennsylvania. Head to the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum and enjoy a picnic lunch, then join an expert guide for a tour of the park. The site of the Civil War’s most brutal battle and the inspiration for President Abraham Lincoln's famous Gettysburg Address, the events that played out on this battlefield marked a major turning point in the war. Let your guide talk you through what unfolded here as you discover various monuments and trails, then head to the town of Gettysburg where you’ll spend the night.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Arlington - National Cemetery DC
  • Gettysburg - National Military Park Museum and Visitor Center
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Depart Gettysburg this morning and drive to the city of Lancaster in Pennsylvania. On arrival, take some time out to explore the city – ask your leader for recommendations on the best things to check out here. Regroup in the afternoon to experience another way of living during a visit to an Amish farm and house. The state of Pennsylvania is home to the greatest number of Amish in the USA, with a community of around 30,000 in the Lancaster area. Known for their resistance to modern technology and traditional values, visiting an Amish community can feel like taking a step back in time. Meet a local guide to tour the farm and learn about life here, then settle in for a sunset picnic while you get to know some members of the community and hear more about Amish customs and culture.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Lancaster - Amish Farm visit and dinner
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

After breakfast, say goodbye to Lancaster and make the drive to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania’s biggest city. On arrival, meet up with a Philly local who will guide you on a walking tour to discover the city’s rich African-American history. Learn about the important role Black Americans played in the foundation of the nation, visit important monuments and hear untold stories – this tour is sure to leave you with a deeper understanding of Philadelphia and Black history. The rest of the afternoon is yours for your own discoveries of this fun and fascinating city. You may like to pay a visit to the Reading Terminal Market, one of the oldest and largest public markets in the country. Take a stroll along the waterfront if you fancy hopping between different restaurants and bars, or pop into McGillins to grab a drink in the oldest pub in the city. If you’re feeling active, speak to your leader about booking a kayak tour along the Schuylkill River.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Philadelphia - American History Walking Tour
Optional Activities
  • Philadelphia – City Hall tour - USD18
  • Philadelphia – Kayak the Schuylkill River - USD40
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Rise bright and early this morning – the Big Apple is waiting! It’s called the City of Dreams for a reason – whether you’re looking for adventure, excitement, culture history, art, music or food, New York City is sure to deliver. The city is a melting pot of cultures, and nowhere is this more evident than its food. On arrival, meet with a local guide who knows NYC like the back of their hand and set off on a walking tour, taking in sights and bites along the way. Wander the streets of Little Italy, stroll past synagogues and Jewish clothing stores, visit the Lower East Side Tenement Museum and the African Burial Ground, and get swept up in the frenetic energy of Chinatown. Pop into local eateries to sample knishes, prosciutto, dumplings, and more as your guide explains the history of these foods and the people who brought them to New York. The rest of the day is free for your own explorations of the city – your leader will be on hand with tips and recommendations.

Our Midtown Manhattan hotel is located right in the heart of it, a 15 minute walk to Times Square and a 20 minute walk to the Empire State Building.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • New York-Tenements Tales and Tastes tour
Optional Activities
  • New York - Museum of Modern Art - USD25
  • New York - Empire State Building - USD75
  • New York - American Museum of Natural History - USD23
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch

You will have a free day in New York to further explore this fascinating city. Consider taking the subway downtown to wander around the waterfront and check out the 9/11 memorial. Or catch the ferry over to Staten Island. Discover New York’s many squares and parks – Bryant Park is a favourite. Head up the Empire State building or catch a show on Broadway. There will be plenty to do to fill in your day.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

After breakfast meet in the lobby for a 9.30am meeting before joining a local New Yorker to get to know Brooklyn, a borough known for its trendy residents, multicultural eateries and tight-knit community. What really sets Brooklyn apart from the rest of New York is the prevalence of family-run ‘mom and pop’ businesses, many of which have been open for generations. Support these local establishments by popping in to sample the delicious treats they have on offer, and visit some creative new eateries serving up daring dishes. Once you’ve seen Brooklyn through the eyes of a local, the rest of the afternoon is free for your own explorations. Regroup in the evening for another dip into New York’s fantastic culinary scene as you head out for an optional dinner and drinks.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • New York-Neighbourhood Eats, Brownstone Brooklyn
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch

Get on the road to Rhode Island, stopping in the state’s capital and most populous city, Providence. The best way to get to know this inviting city is by cruising its waterways, so hop aboard a riverboat and navigate the channels as your leader points out points of interest, like Waterplace Park and the Providence River, while sharing stories of the city. Enjoy a picnic lunch on the boat while soaking in views of the downtown skyline. Once you disembark the rest of the day is yours to uncover more of the city’s charms – the downtown area is perfect for strolling and brimming with trendy bars and creative restaurants.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Providence–River Boat cruise
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch

Cross from Rhode Island to Massachusetts, first stopping off in the quaint little town of Chatham where you’ll have the chance to wander around its pleasant streets. Continue to the Cape Cod National Seashore, a stunning stretch of coastline made up of sandy beaches, marshes and uplands. Visit the Nauset Lighthouse, one of the most photographed landmarks in Cape Cod, and learn about the efforts to preserve this important piece of maritime history. Then it’s time to head towards the northern tip of Cape Cod where you’ll find the town of Truro and a fantastic family-run vineyard. Taste five of the wonderful wines produced at the vineyards, and you may have the chance to chat to one of the owners about the work they do here. Continue to nearby Provincetown, a flourishing and creative town in the northernmost tip of Cape Cod, where you’ll spend the night.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Cape Cod-Wine Tasting
  • Cape Cod-Cape Cod National Seashore
  • Cape Cod-Nauset Lighthouse
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

The day is yours to get better acquainted with Cape Cod. A popular holiday destination for visitors from all over the USA, there’s no shortage of good times to be had here. You may like to take a tour with Anne Hutchison, a spiritual advisor who was banished from her Puritan community. While the real Anne died 400 years ago, her drag queen reincarnation lives on, and she puts on quite the tour! Perhaps take a stroll or cycle down the Cape Cod Rail Trail, head out on a whale watching tour, or get active with some kayaking. The Racepoint Lighthouse, Pilgrim Monument and JFK Museum are all well worth a visit. Whatever your interests, your leader will be on hand to help plan out a perfect day here.

Regroup late in the afternoon for a sunset dune and dinner experience. You will enjoy a 1 hour dune tour finishing at the beach where you’ll view one of the most magnificent sunsets on the East Coast. Watch the sunset as you enjoy a clam bake dinner.
Included Activities
  • Cape Cod-Sunset clam bake dinner
Optional Activities
  • Provincetown - Art Association and Museum - USD12
  • Provincetown - Pilgrim Monument & Museum - USD25
  • Provincetown - Racepoint Lighthouse - Free
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

Say goodbye to Cape Cod and travel to Boston, the capital of Massachusetts and most populous city in the whole of New England. This thriving city is famed for its food scene, passionate sports fans (and excellent teams, of course) and hundreds of years of history. Dive straight into the city with a walking tour lead by a Boston local, covering some of the city’s most significant historical sites and local hotspots. Take a walk along Boston’s famous Freedom Trail, a 3.7-mile stretch of road dotted with 16 significant historical locations. Your guide will then take you off the well-trodden track to check out some of Boston’s more modern sights, plus some favourite local hangouts. The balance of the day is free to enjoy Boston – ask your leader for tips on the best places to grab a bite to eat tonight.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Boston-History & Highlights tour
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Your adventure comes to an end this morning. Not ready to go home? Get in touch ahead of time and we’d be happy to arrange additional accommodation at your hotel in Boston (subject to availability).
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Want to tailor this itinerary?

Meals

12 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners

Transport

Private vehicle

Accommodation

Hotel (12 nights)

Included activities

  • Washington - Monuments by Night tour
  • Arlington - National Cemetery DC
  • Gettysburg - National Military Park Museum and Visitor Center
  • Lancaster - Amish Farm visit and dinner
  • Philadelphia - American History Walking Tour
  • New York-Tenements Tales and Tastes tour
  • New York-Neighbourhood Eats, Brownstone Brooklyn
  • Providence–River Boat cruise
  • Cape Cod-Wine Tasting
  • Cape Cod-Cape Cod National Seashore
  • Cape Cod-Nauset Lighthouse
  • Cape Cod-Sunset clam bake dinner
  • Boston-History & Highlights tour

Dates & availability

Trip departures are unavailable.

There are currently no scheduled departures on our Best of the East Coast USA trip. If you are interested in other trips in the region visit one of the links below.

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Important notes

Travellers on Intrepid trips are required to produce proof of full vaccination against COVID-19. Read details here.

1. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 5pm. Please make your own way to the Joining Point Hotel listed in the Essential Trip Information for this itinerary.
2. Check out of the hotel is 10am. If you would like to book additional nights in Boston please contact your booking agent.
3. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights on your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
4. Please ensure you have checked local state information regarding COVID-19 restrictions and regulations before you travel.

Essential trip information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

View Essential Trip Information

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