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First Class Holidays · Independent Rail Tour

New York, Philadelphia & Washington D.C. by Rail

Nine-day independent rail journey through New York, Philadelphia, and Washington DC

Illustration of New York, Philadelphia & Washington D.C. by Rail

First Class Holidays' New York, Philadelphia and Washington DC by Rail is a nine-day independent self-guided tour designed for travellers who want to explore three major American cities at their own pace. You travel standard class by train from New York to Philadelphia on Day 4, then Philadelphia to Washington DC on Day 6, with no escort or guide to direct you. Days 1 to 3 base you in New York, where First Class Holidays provides a 48-hour hop-on, hop-off sightseeing pass and harbour cruise to help you navigate Broadway theatres, museums such as MOMA, the Empire State Building, and the free ferry to Staten Island. In Philadelphia (Days 4 and 5), a 24-hour trolley tour or sightseeing pass lets you visit Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, and Reading Terminal Market. Your final three days (6 to 8) in Washington DC include a 1-day trolley tour pass covering the National Mall, the Smithsonian, and the U.S. Capitol. This tour suits independent explorers and first-time rail travellers comfortable with self-directed sightseeing.

What to know before you look closer

  • Airport transfers are not included; you must arrange transport to and from airports separately.
  • Meals are not included except where covered by the sightseeing passes (which may include brief food outlets).
  • Return flights to the United States are not included, though First Class Holidays can arrange them separately.
  • The itinerary provides suggested activities for each city, but all sightseeing and attractions are optional and booked independently.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: New York

    New York

    On arrival in New York make your way to your hotel, then start your New York adventure. Head to Broadway to take in a show, or museums like MOMA and enjoy panoramic views of midtown Manhattan from the Empire State Building. If you are looking for great pizza, take the free ferry to Staten Island and enjoy spectacular views of the Statue of Liberty on the way, or head to The Bronx for the zoo or botanical gardens.

  2. Day 2overnight: New York

    New York

    On arrival in New York make your way to your hotel, then start your New York adventure. Head to Broadway to take in a show, or museums like MOMA and enjoy panoramic views of midtown Manhattan from the Empire State Building. If you are looking for great pizza, take the free ferry to Staten Island and enjoy spectacular views of the Statue of Liberty on the way, or head to The Bronx for the zoo or botanical gardens.

  3. Day 3overnight: New York

    New York

    On arrival in New York make your way to your hotel, then start your New York adventure. Head to Broadway to take in a show, or museums like MOMA and enjoy panoramic views of midtown Manhattan from the Empire State Building. If you are looking for great pizza, take the free ferry to Staten Island and enjoy spectacular views of the Statue of Liberty on the way, or head to The Bronx for the zoo or botanical gardens. Hotel for 3 nights: The Dylan

  4. Day 4railovernight: Philadelphia

    Philadelphia

    Take the train to Philadelphia, a city of icons, such as the famous LOVE statue. Visit Independence Hall National Historical Park, home to the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, where the U.S. Constitution and Declaration of Independence were signed. The Reading Terminal Market, the USA's oldest farmers market, is worth a visit.

  5. Day 5railovernight: Philadelphia

    Philadelphia

    Take the train to Philadelphia, a city of icons, such as the famous LOVE statue. Visit Independence Hall National Historical Park, home to the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, where the U.S. Constitution and Declaration of Independence were signed. The Reading Terminal Market, the USA's oldest farmers market, is worth a visit. Hotel for 2 nights: Hampton Inn

  6. Day 6railovernight: Washington DC

    Washington DC

    Take the train to Washington, where there's a lot to see, but the National Mall is a must for any itinerary. This national park encompasses Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial and the U.S. Capitol; and nearby the Smithsonian National Museum of American History offers a fascinating history of the birth of the USA.

  7. Day 7railovernight: Washington DC

    Washington DC

    Take the train to Washington, where there's a lot to see, but the National Mall is a must for any itinerary. This national park encompasses Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial and the U.S. Capitol; and nearby the Smithsonian National Museum of American History offers a fascinating history of the birth of the USA.

  8. Day 8railovernight: Washington DC

    Washington DC

    Take the train to Washington, where there's a lot to see, but the National Mall is a must for any itinerary. This national park encompasses Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial and the U.S. Capitol; and nearby the Smithsonian National Museum of American History offers a fascinating history of the birth of the USA. Hotel for 3 nights: Hilton Washington DC

  9. Day 9

    Departure

    Your holiday ends this morning in Washington D.C.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1Day 1-3 in New York: visit Broadway theatres, MOMA, enjoy views from the Empire State Building, or take the free ferry to Staten Island with views of the Statue of Liberty.
  • Day 4Day 4-5 in Philadelphia: explore Independence Hall National Historical Park where the U.S. Constitution and Declaration of Independence were signed, and visit the Reading Terminal Market, the USA's oldest farmers market.
  • Day 6Day 6-8 in Washington DC: visit the National Mall to see the Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, and U.S. Capitol, and tour the Smithsonian National Museum of American History.

Included

  • 3 nights accommodation in New York
  • 2 nights accommodation in Philadelphia
  • 3 nights accommodation in Washington DC
  • Standard class rail travel
  • New York 48 hour hop-on, hop-off sightseeing pass and harbour cruise
  • Philadelphia trolley Tour / 24-hour sightseeing pass
  • Washington DC trolley tour 1-day pass

Not included

  • Airport transfers
  • Return flights to America (First Class Holidays can arrange these)
  • Meals and sightseeing (not shown as included)

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. Standard class rail travel from New York to Philadelphia to Washington DC is included in the package price.
Is this tour escorted or self-guided?
This is a self-guided independent tour. First Class Holidays provides accommodation and rail tickets, but there is no escort or group guide.
What hotels are included?
The Dylan in New York (3 nights), Hampton Inn in Philadelphia (2 nights), and Hilton Washington DC (3 nights).
What sightseeing is included?
A 48-hour hop-on, hop-off sightseeing pass and harbour cruise in New York; a 24-hour trolley tour or sightseeing pass in Philadelphia; and a 1-day trolley tour pass in Washington DC.
Are meals included?
No. Meals are not included, though the sightseeing passes may include access to certain attractions with food vendors.
How much walking is involved?
Expect city walking tours, museum visits, and trolley tours in each city. The itinerary assumes comfortable walking ability for urban exploration.

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