Boston

Begin your stay in this delightful and friendly city by putting on your walking shoes and exploring at your own pace, either by walking along The Freedom Trail, a three mile historic walk through Old Boston or taking 'The Old TownTrolley Tour'. This allows you to hop on or off at any of the scheduled stops, covering over 100 points of interest including Boston Common, Copley Square and the cobbled streets of the pretty neighbourhood of Beacon Hill.

The city is also home to the famous Boston Duck Tour which takes you on an entertaining trip by land and water in a real WWII amphibious landing vehicle! This trip is a must for any family so make sure you book early and be prepared to quack like a real duck when you pass another Duck tour on the river!

Be amazed by the magnificent Harvard Museum of National History where kids and parents alike can enjoy engaging and thought provoking activities that make natural history really come alive. Then enjoy the 'Covent Garden style' atmosphere of Quincy Market with all it's great shops and irresistible food stalls and restaurants - a perfect place to pick up some delicious muffins and cookies for hungry kids after another fun filled day in this great city.

Falmouth

"76 miles"

A short drive onwards to Cape Cod will take you Via Plymouth, about 1 hour south of Boston where you can break your journey for a few hours, and have some fun. Explore Mayflower II, a recreation of the ship in which the Pilgrim Fathers landed back in 1620, and talk to the 'Pilgrims' about their journey. Nearby Plimoth Plantation offers a fascinating glimpse of what life was like for Native Americans and settlers alike. Finally pay a visit to Cranberry World where you can learn all about the area's number one product in a fascinating museum environment, complete with real Cranberry Bogs. After lunch, continue your leisurely journey a little further south onto the Cape along the slightly quieter and more scenic route 6A. This will take you through various pretty seaside villages and winding lanes until you reach Falmouth, a delightful town on the western tip of Cape Cod.

You'll have plenty of time to explore Cape Cod's hundreds of miles of unspoilt ocean beaches, various bike trails and wildlife refuges as well as experiencing the thrill of a Whale watching trip from famous Provincetown between June and October. Discover it's numerous colourful fishing ports where you may even see the day's catch being unloaded, such as the one in the beautiful seaside village of Chatham. Here you will find many great ocean beaches and a lovely old lighthouse. Also visit Sandwich, the Cape's oldest town and a small community with a town green and a village centre. It is home to the Hoxie House, built circa 1637 and therefore the oldest house on the Cape. Don't forget to take a ferry over to nearby Martha's Vineyard or Nantucket.

Providence

"69 miles"

Depart on another short scenic drive today and you will quickly find yourself arriving at your next stop in Rhode Island At only 37 miles wide and 48 miles deep, 'Little Rhody' as it's otherwise known is the USA's smallest state. However, with 400 miles of coastline, and a wealth of interesting things to do, a stay in Providence, one of New England's most historic and lively cities is a must for any family holiday in the area.

This state capital is rich in heritage, and boasts beautiful buildings, great shopping, a scenic riverwalk and an outdoor skating arena. It's also home to the world class Roger Williams Park Zoo - voted one of the top 10 in the country. With over 957 animals representing 156 spieces , it boasts a Tropical Rainforest Building where "spunky monkeys" roam free in a constructed jungle-like environment. The zoo remains one of the city's top attractions and offers hours of entertainment for children and adults alike.

Mystic Seaport

"49 miles"

Leaving Providence you can either drive straight to Mystic in Connecticut or take a slightly longer and more leisurely route, exploring the beautiful Rhode Island coastline along the way. Why not stop en route and take the 30 minute catamaran across from Point Judith/Galilee to Block Island, a tiny resort lying twelve miles off shore where the clocks seem to have stopped in 1955! At just 10 square miles in size it's the perfect place for a long leisurely beach picnic and a home made ice cream, before you make your way back to the mainland and continue on to Mystic.

As well as being steeped in history and home to Yale University, Connecticut is also famous for having had The Frisbee, hamburgers and lollipops all invented there. Today the area offers a wealth of attractions that make this southernmost state an essential stop on any New England itinerary. Discover the Mystic Seaport, America's premier maritime museum with an amazing village area of historic buildings and tall ships. Mystic is also known for its exciting Aquarium, home to over 3500 sea creatures including Beluga Whales, harbour seals, Penguins and most notably Kodiak, the 9 year old male Steller Sea Lion that already weighs over 1700 pounds! Mystic Aquarium is one of only five aquariums in the world where you can actually view the largest known breed of Sea Lion. Here you can also enter the mysterious world of the Rainforest in the 'Hidden Amazon' where you can discover the creatures that live under the canopy of this strange and colourful world. It's filled with creepy tarantulas, poisonous frogs, slithering snakes, fascinating piranha and soaring bats. You will all have fun learning about the animals that live in the Amazon by day and the mysterious creatures that emerge at night. Also spend time exploring Mashantucket Pequot, the worlds largest Native American Indian Museum, where you can stroll through an authentically recreated 16th century Indian village complete with wigwams and lifelike figures. Meantime, Olde Mistick Village offers more than 60 shops and restaurants in a unique shopping environment, with something to appeal to everybody's taste.

Sturbridge

Leaving Mystic, a leisurely journey today will take you north through the Connecticut countryside and back into Massachusetts, where you will stay in the town of Sturbridge.

Spend a whole day at one of the most visited tourist attractions in the US, Old Sturbridge Village, a recreation of a 19th century New England farming village and surrounding countryside, with more than 40 buildings and working homes from a water powered sawmill to a general store filled with goods. As soon as children step in the Visitors Centre and meet the Costumed greeters dressed in 1830's clothing they will feel like they've actually stepped back in time. They are directed straight to 'KidStory', an interactive touch and feel experience of what they are about to see and do, before they actually set foot in the Village including clothes to try on and a pretend farm complete with animals. There is usually also some kind of craft to try our before entering the 19th century. As soon as families set foot on the other side of the Visitor Centre they are transported to another era. They first see the Village green with where Villagers are plying their daily tasks. Children are encouraged to ask questions and at least one house has children's games and things to play with. On the green in the summer families can participate in 19th century outdoor games and play baseball of the period. The second area of the Village is the farm and mill area where parents and children alike can find out what life was really like in rural New England.

Boston

 "60 miles"

Plan to get the most from your day before heading back to Boston's Logan Airport for your Flight home. Head to the north east shore of Massachusetts to Salem - best known for one of the most notorious periods in American history when, in 1692 hundreds of men, women and children had their neighbours put on trial as practising witches and wizards. Whatever the true cause of the accusations the one certain thing is that the phenomenon has become a cottage industry here and is now a home for many psychics. Salem also has its own Heritage Trail that takes you to museums and the Witch House where pre-trial investigations took place.

This is also your last chance to buy souvenirs as you now have to head back to Boston on Route 95 to Logan Airport to drop your car off and catch your flight home.

San Francisco

Fly Direct from London Heathrow to San Francisco with Virgin or the airline of your choice.
Arrive San Francisco early afternoon and take a taxi from the airport to your hotel (approx. 40 mins) where you will be spending the next three nights.

The 'City by the Bay' as it's known is arguably the most friendly and beautiful in America, with so much to see and do for the whole family - and you have two whole days to do it all! Start by taking a tour of the city, or hire bikes and cycle over the famous Golden Gate Bridge. Take one of the city’s iconic cable cars down to Fisherman's Wharf, a buzzing coastal area packed with markets, shops and restaurants and home to the city's playful resident sealions at Pier 39! You won’t want to miss visiting Alcatraz - the infamous island prison once home to the notorious Al Capone, a short boat ride across the bay.

Yosemite National Park

"188 miles"

After breakfast, collect your hire car and head east to Yosemite National Park. As you drive through the stunning Yosemite Valley, you will marvel at one of the world's most amazing geological spectacles complete with 3000ft cliffs, incredible waterfalls, and tree lined grassy meadows. There's plenty to keep the younger members of the family mesmerised along the way, with a game of eye spy deer, coyotes and even black bears!  

With three nights and two full days to explore the jewel of the Californian wilderness take a leisurely drive, shuttle bus or hike through the park to view the seemingly endless awe inspiring scenery, including the famous El Capitan - an impressive vertical rock formation, Bridalveil Falls and Half Dome. Take the family off of the beaten track on a ranger led hike, or hire bikes to take you around one of the bicycle paths on the valley floor. For the more adventurous you could join a horseback trip through the park, or learn to scale the cliffs on one of the supervised rock climbing experiences.

Sequoia National Park

"186 miles"

Leaving Yosemite, you will today be heading further south to Sequoia National Park and Kings Canyon National Park. Your journey down the San Joaquin Valley will take you through several towns, home to many an ice cream parlour, and a perfect place to break your journey en route.

Sequoia and kings Canyon National Parks are home to the largest groves of giant sequoias in the Sierra Nevada. The gargantuan size of these trees is truly mind blowing, and an experience that even the youngest of travellers will never forget. Keep your eyed peeled for bears and deer who reside in parks' miles of wild habitat. 

Along the way, The Giant Forest Museum offers visitors the opportunity to learn about the lifecycle of the Sequoias. Leave plenty of time to see Kings Canyon, with its maze-like canyons and lakes. Keep the whole family entertained with many ‘outdoorsy’ activities, including fishing, canoeing and kayaking.

Los Angeles

"218 miles"

You’ll need to make an early start today as you have a longer journey towards the bright lights and excitement of Los Angeles. Take the opportunity to break your journey in the town of Bakersfield, the unlikely home to one of the liveliest country music scenes in the USA! Arrive Los Angeles late afternoon, in time to check into your hotel which will be the base for your action packed 4 night stay in this amazing city.

Otherwise known as the 'City of Angels', Los Angeles is the undisputed entertainment capital of the world and is home to countless exciting attractions including: Hollywood's Walk of Fame, Universal Studios Hollywood – now home to the unmissable Wizarding World of Harry Potter, City Walk, Dodger Stadium, Disneyland, Disney California Adventure, Disney Studios, Knotts Berry Farm, Warner Brothers Studios, and of course the home to the stars - Beverly Hills (to name a few!). It truly is a playground for both the kids, and the kids at heart!

San Diego

 "121 miles"

Depart Los Angeles this morning after breakfast, and get ready for sun, sand and SeaWorld! As you arrive in the beautiful city of San Diego, just 30 minutes north of the Mexican border, you’ll be immersed in a hub of Mexican-American culture. The Old Town preserves the areas rich Spanish-American heritage, while downtown supports theatres, great shopping and exciting nightlife.

Don’t miss the world famous San Diego Zoo situated in the true oasis of Balboa Park, which along with Mission Park’s SeaWorld, and Legoland, and not to mention the endless white sandy beaches, make San Diego the perfect paradise for the whole family.

Santa Barbara

 "215 miles"

After two action packed weeks, it’s time to relax on the stunning Californian coastline. Enjoy some good food, drink some popular Santa Ynez Valley wine, and unwind on the palm tree lined beaches of Santa Barbara.

Monterey

 "237 miles"

Think Monterey, think family picnics on gorgeous, uncrowded beaches and jaw-dropping views of beautiful coastline. The town is full of seafood restaurants; make sure to try the famous clam chowder at Fisherman’s Wharf! Nature buffs can explore the bay by kayak for a close-up look at sea lions, seals and otters. Monterey is an ideal destination to go whale-watching and the Monterey Bay Aquarium is a must for children of all ages.

San Francisco/Home

"119 miles"

After breakfast and time for some last minute souvenir shopping in Monterey, you will head a little further north to San Francisco airport to drop off your car and board your overnight flight home.

Washington DC

Depart from London on your direct flight to Washington's Dulles Airport and transfer to your hotel by taxi or airport shuttle.

Funky, fun and family-friendly, a stay in the Capital of the USA, Washington, DC, will tick all your family's holiday boxes. Explore the city by bike, trolley tour or on foot. Kayak along the Potomac River or enjoy the view of the iconic monuments from a quirky Duck Tour.

Go on a spy mission at the International Spy Museum or visit the pandas at the Smithsonian National Zoo. Have hands-on fun in the National Children's Museum or view the world's largest collection of spacecraft at the National Air and Space Museum.

Want to cool off in the summer heat? Just 15 minutes from Washington, DC in Woodmore, Maryland, is the thrilling Six Flags Theme Park and Hurricane Harbor, an exciting waterpark, which will have all the family screaming for more!

Baltimore

"40 miles"

After collecting your hire car head to Baltimore - DC's friendly neighbour to the north, and home to the fabulous National Aquarium, offering aquatic fun for all the family with its daily dolphin presentations.

Make sure you check out Port Discovery - an interactive children's museum designed by Walt Disney imagineers and take in the incredible views from the Top of the World Observation Deck. Enjoy a day at the ballpark by taking in a baseball game at Camden Yards, home to the Baltimore Orioles Major League Baseball Team.

Annapolis

"31 miles"

Discover the "Yachting Capital of the USA" today - lovely Annapolis. The vibe is laid-back, the scenery is awe-inspiring and the local fare is seasoned with the flavours of the Chesapeake Bay. The narrow streets feature historic homes and restored buildings and the waterfront harbour in Annapolis is great for ship watching, harbour cruises and lively cafes and shops. After all the excitement of the city the kids will enjoy the sights of Annapolis with it's walking tour that includes the impressive US Naval Academy and for younger children 'Pirate Adventures' a 75 minute adventure filled cruise. Other sailing cruises & kayak rentals are available too.

Chesapeake Bay

"51 miles"

Take two days to explore Maryland's Eastern Shore. Visit the beautiful Chesapeake harbor town of St. Michaels's. Here, you can feast on the local specialty, crab - whilst overlooking the small picturesque harbour. Browse through the town with its antique shops, ice cream parlours and cafes and enjoy the delightful ambiance of this quaint town. Visit Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum , hire bikes and explore on 2 wheels or alternatively go on a Crabbin' cruise.

Virginia Beach

 "196 miles"

Time to head for the sea and the world's longest pleasure beach. Try your hand at surfing or kayak Virginia's coastal waters on a search for dolphins. At the Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center, a stingray touch tank is one of 300 hands-on exhibits and there’s splashing harbour seals, sharks and other large creatures to see too.

Hire a bike and pedal the miles of boardwalk that line the beach and be sure to leave time to visit the Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge where pristine areas offer a very special nature experience. And if you still have the energy there’s an Adventure Park, mini golf courses and Virginia’s most visited state park, the 2,888-acre First Landing State Park, featuring sandy Chesapeake Bay beaches and 20 miles of trails ready to be explored.

Williamsburg

 "60 miles"

Don't miss Colonial Williamsburg, the most extensively restored 18th century town in the US. This 173-acre historic area will allow the whole family to experience what life was like there in the 18th century. Walk the same streets as Thomas Jefferson, George Washington and Patrick Henry. Here you can stroll round more than 500 restored and reconstructed buildings and this unparalleled view of 18th century life is brought alive by costumed townspeople interacting with visitors and going about their daily lives as they would have done at the time. Nearby, the fast-paced rides and attractions of Busch Gardens Williamsburg creates an ultimate family experience and probably one of many highlights of the holiday for the younger members of the family! You can cool off at Water Country USA which offers slippery slides galore (both are seasonal).

Charlottesville

 "120 miles"

Travel through an area which Thomas Jefferson called the "Eden of the United States" You can visit his home, Monticello, atop a mountain in Albemarle County. It is described as one of the country's foremost architectural masterpieces. Today, Charlottesville is a charming college town with many shops, restaurants and tea rooms. If the kids have had enough of The amazing scenery there's the Virginia Discovery Museum - plenty of hands-on experience for children up to 13 years and Chris Green Lake Park Which offers swimming from a sandy beach area as well as canoeing.

Shenandoah Valley

 "61 miles"

Today, your route takes you through lush rolling countryside, past gracious horse farms to the splendour of the Skyline Drive. Travel this National Scenic Byway, stopping at overlooks for views of the valley below. With more than 500 miles of hiking trails, you can relax and explore the lush forests, streams, waterfalls and wildflowers. Amble along a beautiful bridle path on a guided horseback ride. Visit Luray Caverns, the largest caverns on the east coast. Visit the Shenandoah Valley Discovery Museum in Winchester with its interactive exhibits. This area also gives the more adventurous families to try some white water rafting, go on a Shenandoah National Park Ranger tour or try some hiking along the Appalachian Trail.

Washington DC

 "99 miles"

After a leisurely start you will need to make you way back to Washington to drop off your car before you catch your flight home. However, the good news is there's still plenty of time to pay a visit to The National Air and Space Museum located near Dulles Airport. This is a must-see for every visitor to Washington and a great way to end a memorable holiday to this lovely part of America.