NYC: Philadelphia, Washington DC & Amish Country 2-Day Tour

Discover the Highlights of a 2-Day US East Coast Adventure

This 2-day tour offers a detailed exploration of Philadelphia, Washington DC, and Amish Country, making it ideal for travelers seeking a rich mix of history, culture, and traditional rural life. Starting from New York City, the tour is priced to include all entry fees, one night in Washington DC, breakfast, and transportation, ensuring a hassle-free experience. The guided tours of Philadelphia and Washington DC are led by knowledgeable guides, and the Amish experience features an authentic buggy ride through Amish farmland.

While the tour covers many iconic sites, it’s worth noting that the Air and Space Museum is temporarily closed for renovations and replaced with the Natural History Museum. The overall pace is well-balanced, with most stops being brief but meaningful. This tour suits those who want a rundown of these historic and cultural landmarks in just two days, though it may feel rushed for those wanting more time at each site.

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Key Points

• Includes both Philadelphia and Washington DC with guided tours of major landmarks.
• Amish buggy ride through Lancaster County offers an authentic cultural experience.
• All entry fees, one night in Washington DC, and breakfast are included in the price.
• Tours depart early from New York City at 6:30 AM.
• The Air and Space Museum is temporarily closed, replaced by the Natural History Museum during renovations.
• Tour is suitable for travelers looking for a comprehensive, all-in-one trip with minimal planning.

The Tour Starts Early from New York City

The tour begins bright and early, departing from 330 W 42nd St, Maribeth Graham, outside the Port Authority bus terminal at 6:30 AM. This ensures you beat much of the city traffic and set out for your busy two days ahead. The round-trip transportation is included, making the logistics straightforward, with Wi-Fi available on all buses to stay connected during the journey.

Traveling through New Jersey and Pennsylvania, the first major stop is Philadelphia, where a guided tour introduces you to the city’s most famous landmarks. The early start is a practical choice for maximizing your sightseeing time across both cities.

Exploring Philadelphia’s Historic Landmarks

In Philadelphia, the guided tour takes you to several key historic sites. You visit the Liberty Bell, an enduring symbol of American independence, and Constitution Square, home to Congress Hall. A walk along Elfreth’s Alley reveals the oldest continuously inhabited street in the US, offering a glimpse into early American urban life.

The tour also includes a drive through Historic Philadelphia, with highlights like the Benjamin Franklin Parkway and the financial district. These stops provide a broad overview of Philadelphia’s role in American history and contemporary life. The Liberty Bell and Congress Hall are must-see icons, accessible during the guided visit.

Visiting the Rocky Steps and Amish Country

After Philadelphia, the tour proceeds eastward, passing the Rocky Steps at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, famous from the movie Rocky. This spot offers a great photo opportunity with views of the city skyline.

The journey continues into Lancaster County, home to the Amish. Here, travelers enjoy an authentic Amish buggy ride through the farmland, learning how Amish communities maintain their traditions without modern technology while still incorporating renewable energy. The visit to the marketplace allows for shopping for handmade arts, crafts, and food products, giving a taste of Amish self-sufficiency.

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Arriving in Washington DC for an Evening Stay

In the late afternoon, the tour departs Lancaster and heads towards Washington DC, arriving in the evening. The included one-night hotel stay in the capital city provides a comfortable base for the upcoming day’s sightseeing. This arrangement allows for a reasonably relaxed pace after a full day of touring.

Highlights of Washington DC’s Monuments and Museums

The second day begins with a visit to the Thomas Jefferson Memorial, located by the Tidal Basin amid iconic cherry blossom trees. The tour then moves to Arlington National Cemetery, where the Changing of the Guard and Kennedy family gravesite are poignant stops.

Next, the guide leads you through Capitol Hill, where you see the U.S. Capitol building and the White House, helping to understand the core of American political life. These sights are essential for grasping the scale and significance of the US government.

The visit continues at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, which replaces the Air and Space Museum during its renovation period. The final stops are the Lincoln Memorial, the Korean War Veterans Memorial, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, and the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial. These landmarks offer powerful reflections on American history and memory.

Practicalities and Tour Logistics

The meeting point is conveniently located outside the Port Authority bus terminal on 42nd Street, with a departure time of 6:30 AM. The tour includes all entry fees, breakfast, hotel taxes, and round-trip transportation. Live guides lead the sightseeing, providing insights at each stop, while Wi-Fi on buses helps keep everyone connected.

The included Amish buggy ride is a highlight that adds a cultural dimension to the trip, giving travelers a real sense of Amish rural life. The 2-day itinerary is structured to maximize sightseeing without feeling overly rushed, though some may wish for more time at certain sites.

The Experience of the Guided Tours

The guides are experienced and knowledgeable, providing clear explanations of each site. As noted in reviews, guides like Carlo are praised for being helpful and professional. The tour timing is generally well-managed, allowing visits to all scheduled attractions while keeping the pace reasonable.

Most travelers find the guided approach valuable, especially in cities like Philadelphia and Washington DC, where navigating on your own could be challenging in limited time. The tour efficiently covers major landmarks, ensuring you see the most important sites in both cities.

Accommodations and Dining

The one-night hotel in Washington DC is included in the package, and breakfast is provided, adding convenience. However, meals are not included beyond breakfast, so travelers should plan to dine independently during the trip. The tour’s value largely depends on the convenience of having a comprehensive itinerary with all logistics handled.

Final Thoughts on the 2-Day Tour

This Amadeo Travel tour offers a practical and engaging way to cover Philadelphia, Washington DC, and Amish Country in a short span. Its strengths lie in well-organized sightseeing, authentic Amish experience, and experienced guides. The price reflects the included entry fees, hotel, and transportation, making it a cost-effective option for those wanting a broad overview without the hassle of planning.

While the Air and Space Museum replacement and the quick pace may not suit those seeking in-depth exploration, most will appreciate the efficient itinerary. The tour generally receives positive reviews for its timing, organization, and quality guides.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour price?
The tour includes all entry fees, one night in Washington DC, breakfast, hotel taxes, round-trip transportation, sightseeing tours, a live guide, and the Amish buggy ride.

Are meals other than breakfast included?
No, meals apart from breakfast are not included, so travelers should plan to purchase food during free or break times.

What are the departure and arrival times?
The tour departs at 6:30 AM from outside the Port Authority bus terminal on 42nd Street and returns to the same location in the evening.

Is the Air and Space Museum visited during this tour?
No, the Air and Space Museum is temporarily closed for renovations. During this period, the tour visits the Natural History Museum instead.

How long is the Amish buggy ride?
While the exact duration isn’t specified, the buggy ride takes travelers through Amish farm country, providing an authentic cultural experience.

Is this tour suitable for families?
Yes, the tour’s mix of historic landmarks, cultural experiences, and manageable pace make it suitable for families, especially those interested in US history and traditions.

What should I bring?
Travelers should carry a passport or ID card for identification, especially for visiting memorials and government sites.

Is Wi-Fi available during the tour?
Yes, free Wi-Fi is provided on all buses, helping travelers stay connected throughout the journey.

How flexible is the schedule?
The schedule is set to cover all major highlights in two days, with guided tours and specific timing. There’s limited flexibility but enough to enjoy each stop without feeling rushed.

Can I customize this tour?
Since this is a guided group tour with a fixed itinerary, customization options are limited. However, the included activities are designed to provide a rundown of these key locations.

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