America’s Coastal Capitals by Luxury Train

Get the best VIP treatment on arrival into Logan Airport and be transferred to your fantastic hotel overlooking Boston Public Garden. Take a stroll down Newbury Street and enjoy a special welcome dinner of local seafood we have arranged for your first night in the USA.

Overnight at Mandarin Oriental, Boston

This morning, you will enjoy an in-depth insider tour of Harvard University that will provide access and immersion that includes a conversation with a professor, lunch at the Faculty Club and more.

Your Harvard student guide will meet you on campus to lead your group directly to the Harvard Museum of Natural History, home to the world-famous Glass Flowers exhibit. You’ll see over 4,000 models of more than 830 plant species created specifically for Harvard biology classes by Czech glass artists, Leopold and Rudolf Blaschka. These glass flowers have to be seen to be believed!

Next, you’ll head to the home of the nation’s oldest continuously published daily college newspaper, the Harvard Crimson. The 140-year-old Crimson uses it’s own printing presses, to send out the daily news to students and locals. You’ll meet dedicated editors working on the printing presses. What happens at Harvard is important to the global community and often the Crimson breaks news that is then published around the world.

After that it is a short walk over to the former suite of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt. You’ll see where this famous US President studied and lived during his upperclassman years at Adams House. Thanks to a restoration project that finished 6 years ago the suite now gives modern visitors like you one of the most illustrative collections of student life in the Gilded Age anywhere in the world. Along with period furniture and over 2,000-period objects, your group will also get the opportunity to meet and talk with a Harvard professor.

Lunch will be hosted at the Harvard Faculty Club, originally a private club only for wealthy Harvard gentlemen. The club is still exclusive to Harvard students and alumni, but we will reserve a special place for you.

Finally, before your trip is done we will venture across the Charles River to the Harvard athletic facilities, specifically the historic Harvard Stadium. Opened in 1903 it’s America’s oldest football stadium, and a literal engineering marvel – the world’s first massive reinforced concrete structure. You’ll get a view over the 30,000 seats that make it up, and can stand on the same turf that Harvard beats Yale on!

In mid-afternoon, you will follow the red brick road known as the Freedom Trail, which connects historically significant sites relating to the American Revolutionary War, during an insightful after hours walking tour. The American Revolutionary War, also known as the American War of Independence, was a global war that began as a conflict between Great Britain and thirteen of its North American colonies, which declared independence as the United States of America.

Your private tour will begins with an overview of historically significant points of interest leading up to the Old State House. At the Old State House, you will engage in a special private tour that will include behind-the-scenes access to its tower.

Your exclusive tour continues after hours to the Paul Revere House where they will open their doors and engage you in a private tour offering an inside look of the home of revolutionary patriot Paul Revere who is infamous for his Midnight Ride and participation in the Boston Tea Party.

Next your tour will conclude at the Old North Church, which was founded in 1722 and is the oldest surviving church building in Boston. During your private after hour tour, you will get an insider view of the interworking of the church from climbing to its bell ringing chamber, get hands on experience grinding chocolate, print a copy of the Declaration of Independence on a colonial printing press and descend down into its crypt.

Please note that this is a long day and more suited to adults. A child-friendly version of this day is also available.

Overnight at Mandarin Oriental, Boston

Today, board a private motorboat for a day out in the Bay. Upon meeting your captain at the harbor, you will be welcomed aboard a classic boat to embark on a journey on the Boston Harbor and to Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area. You will have your choice of one of the 8 islands to disembark and engage in a hike, relax and soak up the sun on a beach or savor a gourmet picnic lunch in a wild setting.

Enjoy the sights of Boston Harbor on your return trip where you will get a closer look at USS Constitution, Charlestown Navy Yard, Boston’s North End, the Old North Church and New England Aquarium.

After your charter you will be returned to the Seaport District dock where you can continue on to enjoy dinner.

Overnight at Mandarin Oriental, Boston

Continue by train to the Big Apple in the morning. Upon arrival at the train station a greeter will meet you and escort you to your transfer vehicle to bring you to your hotel.

After checking in, if you feel up to it, take an afternoon walking tour of New York’s original Dutch town and visit key historic sights of Lower Manhattan.

Later, meet your pilot at the Downtown Manhattan Heliport for a deluxe 30 minute helicopter tour over New York City. Fly over Manhattan’s most iconic landmarks including the Empire State Building, Rockefeller Center, the Chrysler Building, and the Freedom Tower. Soar over New York Harbor to see the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island and the iconic Brooklyn Bridge. Your flight continues up the Hudson River, traveling all the way to the northern point of Manhattan. Behold the man-made miracle of the George Washington Bridge and nature’s miraculous New Jersey Palisades. From above the Hudson, landmarks such as Yankee Stadium (on non-game days), the Cathedral of St. John the Divine, Columbia University and Central Park can be seen.

Overnight at The Mark

Today you will enjoy a best of New York City tour that will be customized to your interests while providing an overview of the city. With your driver and guide you will explore the unique neighborhoods of NYC including Downtown, Midtown and Upper Manhattan and learn what makes New York one of the most unique cities in the US. Options include:

• Chelsea – NYC’s premier contemporary-art district home to high-profile collections featured at Gagosian Gallery and Gladstone Gallery, to name a few. The advent of the High Line has also brought more lure to this district as the elevated promenade offers great views of the surrounding architecture and passes through the old loading dock of the former Nabisco factory, which now houses the eateries and shops of Chelsea Market.
• Chinatown –  With streets lined with stands selling exotic foods and some of the best jewelry stores and gift shops in the city, you’ll feel as though you’ve entered a different continent. In Chinatown, you find some of the best Asian restaurants in the city in one of the largest Asian communities in the U.S.
• Financial District – Home to the New York Stock Exchange, Federal Reserve Bank of New York and Wall Street, the Financial District has been called both the most financially powerful city and the leading financial center of the world.
• Times Square – Times Square NYC is one of the most popular commercial intersections in the world featuring Broadway, virtually endless shopping and entertainment all day, everyday. This tourist destination is chaotic, creating the heart beat of the city that never sleeps.
• Central Park – Central Park is the most visited and one of the most filmed locations in the world. This manmade wonder is the first public park built in America and features nearly 50 fountains, monuments and sculptures and 36 bridges and arches.
• Brooklyn – If Brooklyn were its own city, it would be the third largest in the US. Gain insight on the cutting edge, urban arts, sports and   entertainment that make Brooklyn unique and desired destination.
• Soho – Well known for its pricey boutiques and its charming atmosphere, Soho is a prime location for spotting celebrities and models within the crowds of people who flock to this hip area.
• Lower East Side – An eclectic neighborhood with strong immigrant roots, the Lower East Side packs ample excitement around every corner with a mix of high low, art meets relaxed beauty.
• Little Italy – The authentic Italian food in Little Italy is not the only draw as it is also home to some of the trendiest clothing stores and best bars in NYC.

Head back to your hotel to freshen up as your evening will be all about the magic of Broadway. Begin your evening attending your favorite broadway show. Then head to the concession area and meet your local Broadway professional host. From here you will be escorted past the police barricade to the stage door and brought backstage to meet your guide, one of the show’s cast members!

For the next half hour, you will learn from your guide all about the experience of nightly performances and discuss the inner workings of the show. This is your chance to ask your guide anything you would like to know about broadway! Staging, lighting, wigs, makeup, staging gear, automation, you will truly be a part of an exclusive experience. From here you will have the opportunity to go on the stage for a once in a lifetime photo-op with your guide. Don’t forget to bring flowers!

Overnight at The Mark

This morning, explore the hidden gems of Brooklyn — the hippest neighborhood in NYC — with your local guide. Ride by bike and stop off for delicious treats along the way. This leisurely adventure will take you to hidden eateries, through charming tree-lined streets and parks and perhaps to a local chocolatier or two.

The afternoon and evening are at your own leisure.

Overnight at The Mark

This morning, take the train to the city of Brotherly Love, Philadelphia. Upon arrival at the train station, a greeter will meet you and escort you to your transfer vehicle to bring you to your hotel.

In the afternoon, your expert guide and driver will meet your guide for a driving tour through the history of this amazing city. Experience first-hand how the United States was born in Philadelphia’s Independence Hall. You will also get a behind-the-scenes look at some of Philadelphia’s other important museums and historical sites.

Overnight at The Rittenhouse

Today, immerse yourself in the Amish way of life with an expert guide leading the way. Your driver will first bring you to a traditional farm, where you will learn the modern methods used by farmers that do not utilize electricity. Experience the fascinating, interesting process of milking cows first-hand! Next, head to a local Amish business to witness the life of an enterprise owner. Many locals sell home made carriages, soaps, wooden toys, and more, in order to afford an ever-increasing cost of living. Finally, travel through the scenic farmland to the home of an Amish family. See how these folks live their everyday lives without electricity, TVs, iPhones, and computers.

Sit around the kitchen table for an inspiring conversation, asking questions and getting to know the homeowners. You will soon come to find that despite these differences in lifestyle, at the core we are all the same. Then return to Philadelphia in the afternoon.

Overnight at The Rittenhouse

Depart by train for the political capital of the USA, which has recently become a vibrant hub for food and art. Upon arrival at the train station, a greeter will meet you and escort you to your transfer vehicle to bring you to your hotel. Once you have checked in, the afternoon is at your own leisure.

On your first evening, enjoy a special, private tour of Washington DC. Exploring the city by night is one of the most magical ways to see the DC National Monuments, and on this tour, your expert guide will show you everything from the National Mall to the sculptures along the Tidal Basin. Witness the glory of monuments such as FDR, Lincoln, MLK Jr., and Jefferson lit up against a starry backdrop. Hear about the development of the city from an urban planning perspective and how the various museums, memorials, and institutions reflect the national identity of the United States. If time allows, check out the Kennedy Center and the East Front of the Capitol Building to bring your visit full circle.

Overnight at The Jefferson

After breakfast, your expert guide will meet you in the lobby of your hotel to take you on a private tour of Washington, D.C. Your guide will begin by presenting you with a map of Washington, D.C. and will discuss the various touring options. There are numerous sights to see in the nation’s capitol but a few of the highlights include:

• National Mall – The National Mall is the central point of most sightseeing visits to Washington, D.C.. The tree-lined open space between Constitution and Independence Avenues extends from the Washington Monument to the U.S. Capitol Building. Many of the museums of the Smithsonian Institution are located within the heart of the nation’s capital, offering a variety of exhibits ranging from art to space exploration. West Potomac Park and the Tidal Basin are adjacent to the National Mall and home to the national monuments and memorials. Some of the most famous sights along the National Mall include the Lincoln Memorial, Jefferson Memorial, White House, World War II Memorial and many of the Smithsonian and museums of D.C.
• US Capitol – The United States Capitol, atop Capitol Hill at the eastern end of the National Mall in Washington, D.C., is the seat of the United States Congress, the legislative branch of the U.S. federal government, completed in the year 1800. Though not at the geographic center of the Federal District, the Capitol forms the basis for the District’s street-numbering system. It is the origin point at which the District’s four quadrants meet, and around which the city was laid out. Like the principal buildings of the executive and judicial branches, the Capitol is built in a distinctive neoclassical style and has a white exterior.  While more general highlights tours of the US Capitol are available with our guides,  we are also able to arrange access to the US Capitol that includes a private tour by a former member of Congress.
• White House – The White House is the official residence and principal workplace of the President of the United States, located at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW in Washington, D.C. It has been the residence of every U.S. president since John Adams in 1800. Tours of the White House require advanced approval by the Secret Service but at all times of the year we are able to take clients on an external tour of this iconic building.
• Library of Congress – The Library of Congress is the nation’s oldest federal cultural institution and serves as the research arm of Congress. It is also the largest library in the world, with millions of books, recordings, photographs, maps and manuscripts in its collections.
• Georgetown – Georgetown is a neighborhood in Washington, D.C. that is popular for its high-end shopping and dining, quaint 18th century rowhouses on cobblestone streets, collegiate nightlife, waterfront harbor, and Georgetown University.  It is one of the prettiest areas not only of D.C., but of the entire country, and it’s best explored by foot.
• Embassy Row – Embassy Row is the informal name for the section of Massachusetts Avenue, N.W. between Scott Circle and the North side of the United States Naval Observatory, in which embassies, diplomatic missions, and other diplomatic representations are concentrated. By extension, the name may be used to encompass nearby streets which also host diplomatic buildings. A driving tour of Embassy Row provides you with an amazing insight into D.C.’s role as an international city influenced by almost every country on Earth!
• Smithsonian Institution – The Smithsonian Institution—the world’s largest museum and research complex—includes 19 museums and galleries and the National Zoological Park. Most Smithsonian museums and the National Zoo are free and open every day of the year except December 25. Visits to individual museums can be customized to your specific interests.

At the end of your tour, your guide will bring you back to your hotel where you have the rest of the day free to relax.

Overnight at The Jefferson

Today your guide will take you across the river to Virginia to visit George Washington’s sprawling plantation on a private tour. The tour will begin with an introductory film, which includes a brief action adventure, “We Fight to Be Free.” This movie features an overview of pivotal Washington life events to provide a wonderful foundation for your visit to his iconic estate. From here, your guide will escort you through the gardens and grounds, through the Mansion with into behind-the-scenes areas, and offer you an opportunity to lay a wreath at the Washington Tomb.

After your two-hour tour, explore the area on your own. Much more than just a mansion, the grounds are also comprised of the many other outbuildings and dependencies (such as the blacksmith, slave quarters, stable, and smokehouse), which come together to paint a vivid picture of life at Mount Vernon in the 18th century.

The Pioneer Farm site explores Washington’s role as a visionary farmer, while the fully functioning Distillery and Gristmill lend insight into his entrepreneurial success – Mount Vernon was, in fact, America’s largest producer of whiskey at the height of its production.

In addition, the Donald W. Reynolds Education Center features engaging exhibits, galleries, and theaters where visitors learn about Washington through interactive displays, an action adventure movie, short films produced by The History Channel and immersive experiences.

When you are ready, head to picturesque old-town Alexandria, founded many years before the capital, for lunch.

For your final evening, we have arranged a private sail on a motor yacht along the beautiful Potomac river. See many of the monuments you visited by foot from the water as the sun sets on the Nation’s Capitol. Wine and champagne along with snacks are served as you see the main sites from the water lit up.  A very fitting end to your trip in the Northeast Corridor!

Overnight at The Jefferson

After checking out of your hotel, head to one of Washington, DC’s three airports in time to catch your return flight home.