North American Cities & Nature in Autumn

Day 1 — Istanbul – New York

Meeting at Istanbul Airport at 04:00. Following passport control, check-in, and customs clearance, departure at 06:45 for New York, America's pre-eminent city, on flight TK003. Arrival in New York at 10:45 after a flight of approximately 10 hours. You will be met by our guide awaiting you at the airport, and before transferring to our hotel by private vehicle, we will embark on our New York City Tour. Arriving on Manhattan Island, the city's most iconic and prominent district, we begin our tour. We will see Central Park, New York City's most prestigious apartment residences, Museum Mile, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Columbus Circle, Trump International Hotel, The Plaza Hotel, the iconic Apple Store, Trump Tower, St Patrick's Cathedral, Rockefeller Center, the New York Public Library, the Flatiron Building, Madison Square Park, and Washington Square Park alongside New York University in Greenwich Village. Later in our tour, passing through SoHo, we will reach the Civic Center and the Financial District. We will drive through Wall Street, the centre of global finance, and the World Trade Center area. Continuing along the Hudson River, we will return to Midtown. Here we will see Times Square, where the dazzle of LED billboards turns night into day. At the end of the tour, we head to our hotel; after room allocation and a short rest, we proceed to Central Park on foot or by subway. Following an enjoyable stroll through the park and a brief stop at the Apple Store, we return to our hotel. Overnight stay at our hotel.

Day 2 — New York

Breakfast included

Following breakfast, we begin a jam-packed itinerary in which we will explore New York City inside out all day long. First, we take the subway to Battery Park, located at the southernmost tip of Manhattan. While taking in the war memorials in the park, we complete our ticketing and entry formalities and cross over by ferry to Liberty Island, home to the Statue of Liberty. Cruising alongside magnificent Manhattan views, we take photographs of the Statue of Liberty from our boat, and upon arrival, begin touring the island. On the island, where we can walk right up to the base of the Statue of Liberty, after listening to the stories of the statue and the immigrants, you can tour the museum or enjoy a coffee during the free time granted by your guide. (Your guide may alter the schedule depending on weather conditions and ferry queues.) We return to Battery Park from the island by ferry. After seeing the monument where New York’s founding story begins, a delightful walking route awaits us. Seeing sites such as the Financial District, Wall Street and its iconic Charging Bull statue, and the Stock Exchange Building, we view the 9/11 Memorial built in the wake of the 11 September attacks, the One World Trade Center tower, and the architecturally striking Oculus structure, and then take the subway to the Dumbo neighbourhood. After taking photographs against the backdrop of America's famous Brooklyn Bridge and hearing its story, we ascend the Empire State Building to look down over Manhattan from above. (Subject to availability, your guide may also redirect to One Vanderbilt.) Following our visit, where we will take in bird's-eye views of New York from the 86th floor of what was once the world's tallest building, free time is provided around the famous 5th Avenue and Times Square for shopping, dinner, and coffee. Overnight at our hotel.

Day 3 — New York – Newport – Rhode Island

Breakfast included

After breakfast, we depart the hotel and set off for Massachusetts, the most tongue-twisting state in the region known as New England. On this tour, which takes us along the Atlantic coast, our first stop will be New Haven, the second-largest city in the US state of Connecticut. A large part of downtown New Haven comprises the campus of Yale University, located here. Following our tour here, we travel through magnificent scenery to Newport, Rhode Island. Here, our first stop is a visit to the summer cottage built between 1893-95 by Cornelius Vanderbilt, one of America's wealthiest individuals during the era known as the Gilded Age. After a meal break in Newport's charming town centre, we will view the houses and stunning scenery in the town of Falmouth, located in Cape Cod—one of the Atlantic coast's most famous holiday resorts—before concluding our day at our hotel. Overnight at our hotel.

Day 4 — Rhode Island – Boston – Manchester – Vermont – Burlington

Breakfast included

After breakfast, we depart from the hotel and travel to Boston, known as the 'University Capital' as it is home to world-renowned Harvard, MIT, and Boston University. First, we will take a morning walk through the Harvard University campus. We will then pass through the streets of the MIT campus and enter downtown Boston. Highlights include the Charles River, Harvard Bridge, Commonwealth Avenue Mall, Boston Common, Boston City Hall, Faneuil Hall, and Boston Harbor. Following our Boston city tour, we take a break for lunch and to purchase certain items with the advantage of tax-free shopping in the state of New Hampshire. Following our break, a magnificent drive awaits us. We set off towards the national parks home to America's northern forests. The most scenic parts of our tour begin today. Lakes and mountains surrounded by shades of red, green, yellow, and orange await us along a stunning nature and forest route. Our first stop is Manchester, New Hampshire; after a driving tour here, we continue on our way. Passing Mt Kearsarge Forest Park, Lake Sunapee, and Groton State Forest, we stop for dinner in Montpelier. This is the capital of the state of Vermont. Its population as of 2020 is 7.855, making it the least populous state capital. After touring here, we proceed to our hotel near Burlington, the region's largest city, situated on the shores of Lake Champlain. Following our tour here as well, transfer to our hotel. Overnight stay at our hotel.

Day 5 — Burlington – Albany

Breakfast included

Following breakfast, we check out of the hotel and begin with a panoramic tour of Burlington city centre. After taking in this charming settlement on the shores of Lake Champlain, we head southwards. Our first stop will be Crown Point. After seeing the fort dating from the Civil War era, we travel via Ticonderoga along another of the region's lakes, Lake George, down to Albany. Today, our route takes us along scenic country roads, showcasing numerous natural wonders and quaint towns. Upon arrival in Albany, our city tour begins with the Capitol Building and its park. After seeing The Egg theatre building, Washington Park, and the New York State Museum, we will ascend the Corning Tower. Following our tour, we transfer to our hotel. Overnight stay at our hotel.

Day 6 — Albany – Philadelphia – Atlantic City

Breakfast included

Following breakfast in the morning, we depart from the hotel to tour Philadelphia, the birthplace of the United States of America where the Declaration of Independence was signed. Many surprises await us in this historic city, which served as the capital of America after New York and before Washington, D.C. Taking full advantage of its compact layout, we will have the opportunity to see numerous sights in a short amount of time. Our first stop will be Philadelphia City Hall, followed by a visit to Love Park, giving us the chance to capture this beautiful view from two distinct angles. Next, we visit Independence Hall (Independence Square), the Independence Building, and right across from it, the Liberty Bell—one of the most significant historic treasures for the country's heritage, which every American visits. We will have the opportunity to hear from our guide about what purpose it served, why it is cracked today, and anecdotes from the founding of the nation. Our next stop is the Philadelphia Museum of Art, one of America's largest and finest art museums. This massive museum houses many important historical artefacts within it. Completed in 1928, this museum possesses 240,000 works of art from various parts of the world, primarily Asia, Europe, and America. Furthermore, in the film Rocky Balboa, which nearly all of us have seen, the boxer portrayed by Sylvester Stallone carried out his training on the steps of this museum. Right here at this entrance, known as the Rocky Steps, you too can climb the steps accompanied by that famous music. At the same time, a statue of Rocky Balboa has been erected at the eastern entrance of the museum, which we will also have the chance to see. We conclude our Philadelphia city tour by crossing the Benjamin Franklin Bridge and proceed to Atlantic City. Here, we allow free time along the streets of the famous Tanger Outlets, where you can enjoy tax-free shopping on selected items. Afterwards, transfer to the hotel and check-in. In the evening, those who wish may try their luck at the city's countless casinos. Overnight at our hotel.

Day 7 — Atlantic City – Washington DC

Breakfast included

After breakfast in the morning, we will set off for Washington, which serves as the capital of the federal government, welcoming us with its architecture, history, and culture. Upon our arrival, we begin exploring this magnificent city. Established with a special status along the Potomac River across the states of Virginia and Maryland, this city is home to numerous government institutions. Among the sights we will see is the US Capitol, which houses the Senate and the House of Representatives comprising the American Congress. Next, located in close proximity to the Capitol Building, is the Library of Congress, which holds the distinction of being the world's largest library, Union Station, and the national promenade known as the National Mall. Among the iconic symbols of Washington DC and the United States: the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument. Perfectly aligned to face each other, this splendid expanse offers you the opportunity to view three great monuments at the same time. During our walk along the National Mall, we will also see the memorial erected in honour of America's fallen and veteran service personnel from wartime. Our next stop is the Washington Monument, commemorating George Washington, the first president of the United States and one of its most legendary leaders, after whom the capital is named. Having earned the title of the world's tallest structure when constructed, this monument stands right in the centre of this beautiful city. Our next stop is the World War II Memorial. Here, two of the theatres of the Second World War, the Atlantic Ocean and the Pacific Ocean, are meticulously depicted. Symbolised by the motto of victory in the air, on land, and at sea, this memorial was inaugurated in 2004. Following the Thomas Jefferson Memorial, we reach perhaps the most eagerly anticipated highlight of our visit: The White House. We will proceed right in front of this official residence of the American president. In the area open to visitors, we will have the chance to see the crowds gathered to protest against the president around the clock (7/24) and the snipers stationed on the rooftops. Burned by the British in 1814 during the Anglo-American war, yet rebuilt after the war with its original character largely preserved and deliberately designed to remain understated, this landmark awaits you in all its grandeur. Afterwards, we will first view the Georgetown University Campus by vehicle and have the opportunity to mingle with the locals of Washington D.C. on M Street, the most renowned thoroughfare in the Georgetown district. Along this central street, we can find a wide array of shops, restaurants, and cafes. After spending time at leisure for dinner and shopping, we will check into our hotel. Overnight at our hotel.

Day 8 — Washington D.C. - Istanbul

Breakfast included

Following breakfast in the morning, after vacating the rooms and completing check-out procedures, we depart from the hotel and head to a magnificent museum. We visit the National Air and Space Museum in Washington. In this museum, which will captivate even those without an interest in aviation, you will have the chance to discover the history of flight and advances in space exploration. After the tour, we proceed to Leesburg Premium Outlets to spend time until our flight departure. Following the visit, transfer to the airport and departure for Istanbul at 23:00 on Turkish Airlines flight TK 08. Overnight on board the flight.

Day 9 — Istanbul

Arrival at Istanbul Airport at 15:45 local time, marking the end of our tour.

Included services

• Economy class flight ticket between Istanbul – New York / Washington – Istanbul with Turkish Airlines
• 2 nights' accommodation at the 4* Sheraton Times Square or similar hotel in New York
• Accommodation at a 3* hotel in the Rhode Island area
• Accommodation at a 3* hotel in the Burlington area
• Accommodation at a 3* hotel in the Albany area
• 1 night's accommodation at the 4* Caesars Atlantic City or similar hotel in Atlantic City
• 1 night's room-only accommodation at the 4* Hyatt Regency Bethesda or similar hotel in Washington
• Breakfasts to be taken at the hotel or out.
• New York city tour
• New York Landmarks tour
• Vanderbilt Summer Palace tour (subject to the tour itinerary)
• Boston City tour
• National Park admission fees
• Ascent to the Corning Tower in Albany
• Washington city tour
• All transfers
• Highly experienced guiding service.

Not included

• Lunches and dinners
• Personal expenses
• International departure tax (Can be paid at designated banks or at the tax office desk at the airport)