American East Coast by Rail — From the Origins of America to the Lights of Manhattan

Fly away to Boston, a human-scale city where brick facades stand alongside skyscrapers and harbor wharves.

Transfer to your hotel.

Depending on your arrival time, enjoy a first stroll along the waterfront to get a feel for the city and breathe in the Atlantic air.

To immerse yourself in the local atmosphere, treat yourself to a gourmet break around a clam chowder, the clam soup typical of New England, or a lobster roll.

A first evening to savor peacefully before embarking on the discovery of the city.

Start with Boston Common and the Public Garden, two beautiful green spaces in the heart of the city.

Then head to Beacon Hill: brick townhouses, colorful doors and cobblestone streets make up one of Boston's most photogenic neighborhoods. Take time to discover its details, especially around Acorn Street.

Continue on to Back Bay, between the elegant facades of Newbury Street and Copley Square.

For the grand spectacle, choose a visit to View Boston, the observatory of the Prudential Tower: the city, the Charles River and the harbor unfold in a vast panorama. A beautiful way to end this day of discovery.

Follow the red thread of the Freedom Trail to step into the history of the American Revolution. Among the stops to prioritize: the Granary Burying Ground, the Old State House and Faneuil Hall.

Extend your walk into the North End to Paul Revere's house and the Old North Church, then take a break in this neighborhood with Italian flavors.

In the afternoon, cross the Charles River to reach Cambridge. Around Harvard Square, discover the atmosphere of the famous university and the surroundings of Harvard Yard, depending on access conditions. Bookstores, cafés and student life bring another color to this last day in Boston.

Optional: English-speaking small group walking city tour

Set out for a first immersion in Midtown, at the foot of the buildings that shape the city's skyline. The discovery continues around Bryant Park and the imposing New York Public Library, before heading to Times Square.

As night falls, the giant screens and theaters give full measure to this mythical intersection. For a memorable evening, let yourself be tempted by a musical comedy at Broadway (New York), to be reserved in advance

Dedicate the morning to one of the great symbols of travel: the Statue of Liberty. From The Battery, board towards Liberty Island then Ellis Island, whose museum traces the journeys of immigrants who arrived in the United States. Plan a generous morning, or even more depending on crowds, to enjoy this discovery without rushing.

Back in Manhattan, head to the Financial District and Wall Street, then to the pools of the 9/11 Memorial for a moment of reflection.

Depending on available time, continue with a crossing of the Brooklyn Bridge. On the other side of the East River, DUMBO and Brooklyn Bridge Park offer magnificent views of the Manhattan towers.

Take a break in Central Park, among the tree-lined paths, Bethesda Terrace and the views of the buildings bordering the park.

Art enthusiasts can choose a visit to the Metropolitan Museum of Art or the MoMA, adapting the rest of the day to the time spent at the museum.

Head to Fifth Avenue, St. Patrick's Cathedral and Rockefeller Center, then discover the grand hall of Grand Central Terminal.

End on a high note with an observatory: Top of the Rock to admire notably the Empire State Building, or the Empire State Building itself.

If you prefer walks to museums, replace the cultural visit with Chelsea Market and the High Line.

Optional: Walking city tour in small group (Chelsea / Brooklyn / Harlem) or Summit or Empire State Building or Statue of Liberty or Central Park bike tour

Immerse yourself in the founding places of American history. In the historic district, Independence Hall recalls the debates that led to the Declaration of Independence and then the Constitution. A few steps away, the Liberty Bell embodies the ideals of freedom associated with the birth of the nation.

Continue on foot in Old City, between old facades, small squares and cobblestone streets. Don't miss Elfreth's Alley, a historic street with preserved charm, before a stroll on the side of Penn's Landing, on the banks of the Delaware.

For dinner, taste the famous cheesesteak, an unmissable specialty of Philadelphia.

Start the day at Reading Terminal Market, where the stalls make you want to taste everything.

Then head to City Hall and LOVE Park for some iconic images of the city, then walk up the Benjamin Franklin Parkway to the famous steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Strike a Rocky pose, with the city as your backdrop!

Then choose your art experience: the collections at the Philadelphia Museum of Art or those at the Barnes Foundation.

To continue exploring differently, go meet the large murals that make Philadelphia an open-air gallery.

At the end of the day, enjoy the lively atmosphere of shops and restaurants on South Street.

Here, vast perspectives, museums and monuments create a very different setting from Manhattan. After your arrival, set out to discover the National Mall and its wide open spaces.

Take a stroll around the Washington Monument, the World War II Memorial and the Lincoln Memorial, facing the Reflecting Pool.

Also plan a stop to catch a glimpse of the White House from the accessible public spaces.

At nightfall, the illuminated monuments offer another perspective of the capital.

Cross the Potomac to discover the Arlington National Cemetery. Its rows of headstones and the tomb of John F. Kennedy give this place of remembrance its full significance. Depending on schedules and access conditions, attend the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Nearby, the Marines Memorial recreates the famous scene of the flag being raised at Iwo Jima.

Continue to Old Town Alexandria to experience a different atmosphere: historic facades, shops on King Street and a stroll along the riverfront invite you to slow down.

To delve deeper into George Washington's history, an excursion to Mount Vernon can replace a visit to Alexandria; plan appropriate transportation and allow half a day on site.

Optional: Mount Vernon bike tour on electric bikes or small group walking city tour.

Depending on your flight schedule, make the most of a final morning in the capital. Discover the surroundings of the Capitol and its famous dome, or choose a museum from the Smithsonian Institution on the National Mall.

The National Air and Space Museum will appeal to aviation and space exploration enthusiasts; the National Museum of American History will allow you to continue following the historical thread of your trip.

Plan just one main visit to keep enough time for baggage collection and your journey to the airport.