Cosmos New York City, Niagara Falls & Washington DC 2026

Experience vibrant cities, historic sites, and awe-inspiring natural wonder on this affordable East Coast vacation. You’ll spend two nights each in New York City, Niagara Falls, and the Washington DC area, and an overnight in the Corning, NY area (Elmira) and Philadelphia. Enjoy touring New York City with a Local Guide and see major attractions including Broadway, Times Square, the Empire State Building, Rockefeller Center, and more and then have time to explore the “Big Apple” on your own. Travel into Canada to experience breathtaking Niagara Falls! Be sure to have your camera ready as you enjoy an exhilarating sightseeing cruise that gets you up close to the thundering 600,000 gallons of water that comes crashing down every second! Have time on your own to visit the Botanical Gardens, ride the aerial cable car, or go on an unforgettable optional helicopter tour over the falls with a view like no other! Head to Corning, NY and visit the world’s most comprehensive collection of glass at the Corning Museum of Glass. Continue on through the picturesque Poconos and beautiful Appalachian Mountains en route to Philadelphia, where you’ll see landmarks like the Liberty Bell at Independence National Historical Park, known at the birthplace of American democracy. In Washington DC, take a tour with a Local Guide and visit the Lincoln Memorial, see the Washington Monument, and Ford’s Theatre where President Abraham Lincoln was assassinated, and enjoy photo stops at Capitol Hill and the White House. Enjoy free time to visit the amazing museums of the Smithsonian, take a walk along the Mall, or see the Kennedy graves and Changing of the Guard at Arlington National Cemetery. From exciting cities to historic landmarks to the amazing natural wonder of Niagara Falls, this East Coast tour will have you returning home with stories to tell, photos to share, and memories to last a lifetime!

INCLUSIONS: 

• Guided city sightseeing in New York City and Washington, DC
• Niagara Falls sightseeing cruise
• Admission to Corning Museum of Glass
• Orientation tour of Philadelphia

ITINERARY: 

DAY 1:   NEW YORK CITY

Welcome to the “Big Apple!” Your Tour Director is on hand from 3-6:00 p.m. this afternoon to answer any questions. Once you get settled, perhaps head out and start exploring the ‘city that never sleeps’ with its world-famous shopping and restaurants that represent nearly 100 different national cuisines.

DAY 2:   NEW YORK CITY

New York City is one of the world’s most exciting cities, buzzing with atmosphere and packed with fascinating sights. On today’s guided sightseeing tour, see the major attractions—Broadway, the Empire State Building, Rockefeller Center, and the 9/11 Memorial. Enjoy the afternoon and evening to explore on your own. Perhaps visit a museum, shop, walk in Central Park, or take in a Broadway show. With so many options, it’s hard to choose!

DAY 3:   NEW YORK CITY–NIAGARA FALLS

Depart Manhattan, heading across New Jersey through the Pocono Mountains and into upstate New York. Late this afternoon, cross the border to the Canadian side of the Niagara River in Ontario. Spend the next two nights in beautiful Niagara Falls.

DAY 4:   NIAGARA FALLS

This morning, enjoy a sightseeing cruise where you’ll get up close views of the thundering world-famous Niagara Falls. Fall in love with the Falls even more on an optional flightseeing excursion by helicopter or on an optional excursion to the soaring Skylon Tower where you can dine while enjoying the magnificent view. Your afternoon is at leisure. Consider visiting the Butterfly Conservatory, Niagara Parks’ Botanical Gardens, or maybe take a ride on the Whirlpool Aero Car over the Niagara Gorge.

DAY 5:   NIAGARA FALLS–CORNING, NY-ELMIRA, NY

Head southeast through the Appalachian Mountains to the town of Corning, NY, known as the “Crystal City.” Visit the Corning Museum of Glass, the world’s most comprehensive collection of glass, with over 50,000 objects representing more than 3,500 years of history. Pay a visit to Centerway Square in downtown Corning, which was once voted Best Public Square in the country, then overnight in nearby Elmira.

DAY 6:   CORNING-PHILADELPHIA

Travel south through the Pocono Mountains and into the Susquehanna River Valley, then on to Philadelphia, the birthplace of American independence. The “City of Brotherly Love” is steeped in history from Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence and Constitution were signed, to the Liberty Bell. Your orientation tour focuses on the historic landmarks as well as more current ones, like the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art made famous in the movie ‘Rocky.’ Stop at Reading Terminal Market, one of America’s largest and oldest public markets, for lunch where you can experience local favorites like Philly Cheesesteak sandwiches or traditional Pennsylvania Dutch food.

DAY 7:   PHILADELPHIA–WASHINGTON DC AREA

Travel to Washington, DC, the U.S. capital and seat of government, for a 2-night stay. Enjoy free time this afternoon to enjoy the world-renowned (and free!) Smithsonian museums or take a stroll around the National Mall. Later, an optional evening out features dinner and an illumination tour shining a light on the city’s most famous monuments and memorials. (B)

DAY 8:   WASHINGTON DC AREA

The nation’s capital is a sightseeing treasure trove, and your half-day tour with a Local Guide features a visit to the Lincoln Memorial, seeing the Washington Monument and Ford Theatre where President Lincoln was assassinated, and photo stops at Capitol Hill and the White House. The afternoon is free for exploration. Perhaps visit the National Museum of American History to see Dorothy’s ruby slippers from the Wizard of Oz, the National Museum of Natural History to see dinosaur bones and the Hope Diamond, or the National Gallery of Art to see the only original Da Vinci oil painting in the western hemisphere. (B)

DAY 9:   WASHINGTON DC AREA

Your vacation ends this morning. Consider extending your stay with extra nights to further explore Washington DC. For passengers who would like to return to New York City, a complimentary motorcoach transfer to our New York hotel, the Cambria Hotel New York - Chelsea, is included. (B)