Search

No longer offered

Vacations By Rail has withdrawn this trip from sale. We keep the page for reference and comparison. Live alternatives are under Similar journeys below.

Vacations By Rail · Escorted tour

America's Historic Cities: 250th Anniversary Tour

Eight-day escorted tour of Boston, Philadelphia, and Washington on Amtrak Acela

Illustration of America's Historic Cities: 250th Anniversary Tour

Vacations By Rail's eight-day America's Historic Cities tour immerses you in the nation's Revolutionary past across Boston, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C. A Tour Manager accompanies the group throughout, ensuring seamless transitions between three four-star hotels and guiding you through after-hours museum tours, Lexington and Concord battlefields, Independence Hall, the Museum of the American Revolution, Arlington National Cemetery, and George Washington's Mount Vernon estate. Travel between cities via Amtrak's Acela in Business Class, a swift and comfortable rail experience on the Northeast Corridor. Daily breakfasts, three group dinners, and all guided excursions are included in the itinerary, allowing you to absorb the stories of colonial rebellion and the founding of the United States without logistical distractions. The pace is relaxed, with two-night stays in Boston and Philadelphia and three nights in the capital, giving you time to settle into each city. Free time on certain days lets you explore Smithsonian museums or local neighborhoods at your own speed. This tour suits history enthusiasts and couples seeking a structured, guided experience rich in American heritage.

What to know before you look closer

  • The itinerary varies for June 28th departures, which substitute Mount Vernon and Independence Day fireworks viewing in place of some standard day activities.
  • Day 8 offers no guided activities; you explore Washington independently or depart for home after breakfast.
  • Smithsonian Museums and the National Gallery of Art visits are listed as optional extras and require pre-booking, especially during 250th anniversary crowds.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Boston

    A historic beginning in Boston

    Check into the four-star hotel in Back Bay, meet the Tour Manager and travel group, then an after-hours tour of the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum, followed by a first dinner together.

    Meals: Dinner

  2. Day 2overnight: Boston

    Visiting 1775 in Lexington and Concord

    A period-dressed guide leads a tour of Lexington Battle Green, Battle Road through Minute Man National Historical Park, and Concord's Old North Bridge. Free time in Lexington for lunch; evening at leisure in Boston.

    Meals: Breakfast

  3. Day 3overnight: Philadelphia

    From one Cradle of Liberty to the next, Philadelphia

    Board Amtrak's Acela in Business Class for the six-hour journey to Philadelphia, checking into a four-star hotel in the historic downtown district, with dinner together in the evening.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  4. Day 4overnight: Philadelphia

    Getting to know Philadelphia

    A morning at leisure, then a guided walking tour of Philadelphia's American Revolution sites, including Christ Church, the Constitution Center and Independence Hall.

    Meals: Breakfast

  5. Day 5overnight: Washington, D.C.

    The Museum of the American Revolution and Washington, D.C.

    An early-access guided tour of the Museum of the American Revolution, then board Amtrak's Acela in Business Class for the roughly two-hour journey to Washington, D.C., checking in for the first of three nights.

    Meals: Breakfast

  6. Day 6overnight: Washington, D.C.

    The capital's monuments and memorials

    A tram tour of Arlington National Cemetery, including the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the changing of the guard, followed by views of the National Mall's monuments and memorials. June 28th departures instead take an afternoon tour of Mount Vernon.

    Meals: Breakfast

  7. Day 7overnight: Washington, D.C.

    Exploring Alexandria and Mount Vernon

    A water taxi crosses the Potomac to historic Alexandria, followed by a guided tour of George Washington's Mount Vernon estate and mansion, then a final group dinner in Washington, D.C. June 28th departures instead have a free day ahead of an Independence Day fireworks viewing.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  8. Day 8rail

    Tour conclusion

    After breakfast, check out of the hotel to continue exploring the capital independently or head to the railway station for your journey home.

    Meals: Breakfast

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1After-hours tour of the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum, followed by a first group dinner.
  • Day 2A period-dressed guide leads a tour of Lexington Battle Green and the Old North Bridge in Concord.
  • Day 3Board Amtrak's Acela in Business Class for the six-hour journey to Philadelphia.
  • Day 5Early-access guided tour of the Museum of the American Revolution, then Amtrak's Acela to Washington, D.C.
  • Day 7Water taxi to Alexandria, followed by a guided tour of George Washington's Mount Vernon estate.

Included

  • Expertise of a Tour Manager from start to finish
  • 7 nights' 3 & 4-Star hotel accommodation
  • Business Class rail travel
  • All rail, coach and cruise travel throughout your tour
  • Breakfast each day, 3 dinners
  • All guided tours and excursions

Questions travellers ask

Is Amtrak rail travel included?
Yes. Vacations By Rail includes Business Class rail travel on Amtrak's Acela from Boston to Philadelphia and Philadelphia to Washington, D.C., as well as all coach and cruise transportation throughout the tour.
Is this tour escorted?
Yes. Vacations By Rail provides a Tour Manager from start to finish and leads the group through all guided tours and excursions.
What meals are included?
Breakfast is included every day. Three dinners are provided, with free time for lunch on some days.
Which hotels are used?
The Hilton Boston Park Plaza (two nights), Kimpton Hotel Monaco in Philadelphia (two nights), and Phoenix Park Hotel in Washington, D.C. (three nights) are four-star properties in downtown or Back Bay locations.
How much walking is involved?
The tour carries a Mobility Rating 2, indicating city walking tours, Arlington tram exploration, and walking at historical sites; it is not a high-activity itinerary.
When does the tour run?
The pack does not specify regular departure dates beyond noting June 28th departures with modified activities; contact Vacations By Rail to confirm available dates.

Similar journeys