Days 1 & 2

Arrive in Philadelphia, the birthplace of our Nation! Guests who have booked their air through YMT will be met at the airport and transferred to their hotel (Guests who have booked their individual air arrangements must make their own way to the hotel). On Day 2 enjoy a comprehensive colonial city sightseeing tour in historic Philadelphia — the cradle of American liberty. You will see Independence National Historic Park, the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, Franklin Court and more. Hotel: Doubletree Philadelphia Downtown (or similar accommodations)

Day 3

Start your touring experience through the colorful fall scenery of Pennsylvania Dutch Country. You will stop at an Amish outpost to learn more about this old way of living and have opportunity for lunch on your own. Upon arrival in Gettysburg you’ll see the most important battlefield of the Civil War, brought to life by the stories you’ll hear from your local tour guide during a guided battlefield tour. We will overnight in the center of Gettysburg with ample opportunity for leisurely sightseeing in walking distance. Hotel: Courtyard by Marriott (or similar accommodations)

Days 4 & 5

We will travel straight up north through the color changing landscapes of Pennsylvania and New York state for a lunchtime stop and time to visit the Corning Museum of Glass, which shows beautiful pieces of glass art and demonstrates the art of glass blowing. Founded and based on the tradition of the local glass manufacturer Corning Glass, the museum is today the largest of its kind in the world and colorful exhibits will surely amaze you. Later, you will cross the border to our neighbors to the north for a two night stay at the awe-inspiring Niagara Falls, one of the world’s wonders. Millions of gallons of water fall over the horseshoe-shaped falls every second, creating a powerful sight and sound! On Day 5 join your fellow travelers on an optional close up look at the Falls on the famous “Maid of the Mist” followed by lunch atop the revolving Skylon Tower giving you the best views. Hotel: Radisson Niagara Falls (or similar accommodations)

Day 6

As you cross back into the United States, you will head northeast to upstate New York, where you will board a 3 hour, 22 mile cruise through the 1000 Islands. Professional tour guides will provide a lively narrative as you cruise through the narrow channels, over historic sunken wrecks, by magnificent summer homes of the rich and famous. Stop at Boldt Castle in the heart of the 1000 Islands and shuttle back by boat after a self guided tour. You will have the opportunity for a leisurely dinner in quaint Alexandria Bay NY by the waterfront before turning in at your hotel in Watertown NY for the night. Hotel: Ramada Plaza Watertown (or similar accommodations)

Day 7

Cross the beautiful Adirondack region, a six-million-acre civilized wilderness, dotted with quaint towns and charming lakeside villages. It is the largest protected area in the contiguous United States, larger than the parks of Yellowstone, Yosemite, Glacier, Grand Canyon and the Great Smokies combined. Here you are sure to see the changing colors of the leaves (nature permitting) and you will be enchanted by the scenery. En route we will stop in Lake Placid, home to the 1980 Winter Olympics. Today the village of Lake Placid has preserved its charm and offers plenty of dining, sightseeing and shopping opportunities. Perhaps you will be able to admire an original Adirondack chair here in its birthplace! Your day will end at the southern tip of the Green Mountains in Rutland, VT. Hotel: Holiday Inn Rutland (or similar accommodations)

Day 8

As you leave the Green Mountains enter the next spectacular forest area of New England: The White Mountains! Your tour will take you to Franconia Notch State Park and New Hampshire. You will stop at Flume Gorge and will get an opportunity to walk through this beautiful scenery. The Flume is a natural gorge extending 800 feet at the base of Mount Liberty with impressive waterfalls and beautiful fauna. The walls of Conway granite rise to a height of 70 to 90 feet and are 12 to 20 feet apart. You will have time to walk up the Flume Gorge on the boardwalk and enjoy this impressive scenery. The Flume was discovered in 1808 by 93-year-old “Aunt” Jess Guernsey when she accidently came upon it while fishing. She had trouble convincing her family of the marvelous discovery, but eventually persuaded others to come and see for themselves. 

Next enjoy a trip on the Cannon Aerial Tramway (subject to seasonal closures), the first tramway in the US. It began operation on its site within Franconia Notch in 1938. Almost seven million passengers were carried to the top by the first tram car until it was replaced. Take a scenic eight minute ride in one of two enclosed cable cars to the 4,200 foot summit of Cannon Mountain and enjoy panoramic views of the distant valleys and mountains. Each tram car has a capacity of 80 persons and ascends 2,022 feet vertically. Once on top take some time to enjoy the views. On a clear day, visitors will enjoy views of the mountains of New Hampshire, Maine, Vermont, Canada, and New York. After taking in the mountains of New England a plenty it is time to turn to the equally beautiful yet different Atlantic coast scenery. We will proceed to Maine and will overnight in beautiful Portland. Hotel: Best Western Merry Manor Inn (or similar accommodations)

*For 10/12 Cannon Aerial Tram will be closed

*For 10/19 Cannon Aerial Tram and Flume Gorge will be closed

Day 9

Today we travel south along the New England coast to visit beautiful and historic Boston. Enjoy a comprehensive city tour of the major sites, follow the freedom trail, see the Boston Common, the Paul Revere House and many more. Take some time at Quincy market and picture the lives of our founding fathers in the heart of the independence movement here. Hotel: Fairfield Inn Revere (or similar accommodations)

Days 10 & 11

On day 10 follow the New England coastline further until you reach the peninsula of Cape Cod. Enjoy local sightseeing as you explore the history and art scene of this famous summer playground. You will see Chatham, located at the “elbow” of Cape Cod and known for its beautiful beaches, harbors, coastal scenes and its interesting village shops. Then, right next to Chatham, Provincetown is one of the oldest artist colonies in America. It has produced a large number of excellent galleries, cutting edge theatre and many unique shops. “P-town”, as it is sometimes called, has an intriguing history as the first landing site of the Pilgrims and the place where the Mayflower Contract was signed. On day 11 the day is yours at leisure to enjoy. Why not join your fellow travelers on an optional excursion to Martha’s Vineyard with a ferry taking you to this famous island (subject to availability)? Hotel: Holiday Inn Hyannis (or similar accommodations)

Day 12

En route to Connecticut, stop in the smallest state, Rhode Island. In Newport, you will visit two of the famous mansions, once home to the likes of the Vanderbilt’s. Today these impressive villas are all beautifully restored and preserved by the Newport Preservation Society and are accessible to the public. Marvel at the intricate often Italian inspired architecture, built in the late 1800’s as “summer cottages” with plenty of means, an eye for luxurious detail and in prime locations with astonishing views. Continue south and drive along the Atlantic coast through Mystic (famous for the movie “Mystic Pizza”) and New Haven. We will overnight in Bridgeport, CT. Hotel: Holiday Inn Bridgeport (or similar accommodations)

Day 13

Today, a short drive from Bridgeport, you will arrive in New York City. You will have ample time to see all the sights of the Big Apple in a panoramic city tour with a local guide. See the Empire State Building, Rockefeller Center, The Chrysler Building, Central Park and many more sights. Perhaps join your fellow travelers on an optional Circle Line Cruise around the island of Manhattan, affording you stunning views of the city from the water. In the late afternoon, continue to Philadelphia for the last night of your tour. Hotel: Ramada Hotel Philadelphia Airport (or similar accommodations)

Day 14

Depart today with lots of photos, stories, memories and new friends!

Please note that this is a proposed itinerary; the actual itinerary may vary due to season, special events, or weather. Because our tour arrangements are often made a year or more in advance, YMT Vacations reserves the right to alter the itinerary. Itinerary changes are made to improve your vacation experience, as well as respond to any unforeseen circumstances that mandate alterations.

Note: By their nature, all tours vacations involve a certain level of physical activity. While YMT tours have been designed with our guests in mind and are not physically demanding, this tour does include walking and periods of standing during the sightseeing visits. You will also encounter steps and some uneven ground along the way, particularly at older, historical sights.

The Motor Coach Experience