The contrasts are many on this road trip along the east coast of the United States, from the world metropolis New York to Florida’s beaches on South Beach in Miami.
The contrasts are many on this road trip along the east coast of the United States, from the world metropolis New York to Florida’s beaches on South Beach in Miami. The journey goes through the capital Washington, historic Philadelphia in Pennsylvania, Colonial Williamsburg and the world’s largest naval base in Norfolk, Virginia, the beautiful beaches of Hilton Head Island and charming Charleston in South Carolina and the mecca of amusement parks Orlando in Florida. The itinerary includes a gospel experience in New York, a bike ride in Washington, horse and carriage rides through Charleston and a foodie and city tour of South Beach, Miami. See more of USA on smber.
You start with gospel-topped strolling in fascinating New York. Then pick up your rental car and drive through historic Philadelphia to the American capital Washington, where you will take a fantastic bike ride along The National Mall. The journey continues to Colonial Williamsburg with its more than 500 beautiful 19th century buildings and the US birthplace of Jamestown and Yorktown, where George Washington led the American rebels to victory over the British Army in 1781. Today, Jamestown, Williamsburg and Yorktown are the museum area The Historic Triangle. The next stop on the trip is Norfolk, which houses the world’s largest naval base. From Norfolk, continue along the coast to Kill Devil Hills, where the Wright brothers made the world’s first flight in an airplane in 1903. After a pleasant stop in Kill Devil Hills, drive to Wilmington, where you can enjoy a walk around historic streets and a picturesque seaside. In Charleston, plenty of southern charm awaits you, as well as a city ride in a horse-drawn carriage. Filled with experiences, you continue to Hilton Head Island for a bit of relaxation before continuing to the mecca of amusement parks, Orlando. The trip ends in Miami with a foodie and city tour of South Beach before you go to the airport and fly back to xxxx.
Day 1: Departure from Scandinavia and arrival in New York
Departure from Scandinavia to New York with arrival the same day. When you arrive at the airport you will find yourself at your hotel. Here you have three days on your own.
Day 2: On a journey of discovery in New York
You have the whole day on your own in New York. If you have no inspiration for your stay in The Big Apple, we recommend the following: Enjoy the view of the city skyline and Central Park from Rockefeller Center Explore Central Park Rent a bike and explore the city on your own Visit Ground Zero See a Broadway show Take in the atmosphere at a basketball game in Madison Square Garden Eat at a local diner, read more here Take The Staten Island Ferry and hop off to experience the Statue of Liberty Cheer on the two local NFL teams Jets and Giants Visit one of the city’s many museums, such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art or National September 11 Museum Go shopping at The Mills at Jersey Gardens or Woodbury Common Premium Outlets Stroll around and feel the atmosphere in the many and very individual areas, New York City neighborhoods and neighborhoods These are just a selection of the experiences and tours that Winberg Travel recommends in New York. You are always welcome to contact us for more tips and suggestions!
Day 3: Harlem and gospel
You will meet your local guide in the morning at a predetermined address. Remember proper clothing – tank top tank tops and shorts are not allowed. From here you walk around Harlem and your guide tells you about the history of the area. During the tour you will pass Columbia University, City College, Morningside Heights, Morris Jumel Mansion, Sylvan Terrace, Strivers Row & Abyssinian Baptist Church, Cotton Club, Apollo Theater, Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture and the well-known 125th Street. . You will also experience a classical Harlem service and of course gospel music. The tour takes about four hours and then you have the afternoon and evening on your own.
Day 4: New York via Philadelphia to Washington (358 km)
You pick up your rental car at Newark Airport and head for Philadelphia. Here you can experience the 1000 kilo Liberty Bell in the National Historical Park and Independence Hall where Thomas Jefferson signed the Declaration of Independence in 1776. You can also visit Betsy Ross’ house, where the first American flag is said to have been sewn. But Philadelphia, or “Philly”, is not just historic buildings and artifacts – it is also possible to run up the stairs at the Philadelphia Museum of Art as Sylvester Stallone did in 1976 in the film Rocky. For lunch, do not miss the local specialty, a Philly cheese steak from Genos Steaks or Pat’s King of Steaks on the corner of South 9th Street and Passyunk Avenue. At the end of the afternoon, your road trip continues from Philadelphia to Washington, where you will also spend the night.
Day 5: Bicycle ride in Washington
In the morning, meet your local guide at The National Mall. You get a bicycle, helmet and a bottle of water. After this, the tour goes to all the major sights and monuments on the National Mall and Capitol Hill. You will pass the Supreme Court, the Smithsonian Museums, the World War II Memorial, The Washington Monument and more. The trip takes three hours and is about twelve kilometers. You will learn all about exhibitions, museums, events and get good advice from your local guide.
Day 6: Washington via Williamsburg, Jamestown and Yorktown to Norfolk (333 km)
Farewell to the capital and then continue towards Colonial Williamsburg with its more than 500 beautiful 19th century buildings. You really feel like you’ve traveled back in time as you walk among the fine old buildings surrounded by merchants, soldiers and women dressed in clothes from the time of the American Revolution. Then you continue towards the American birthplace Jamestown and on to Yorktown, where George Washington led the US rebels to victory over the British army in 1781. Jamestown, Williamsburg and Yorktown today form The Historic Triangle. The last stop for today’s drive is Norfolk. Here is the world’s largest naval base.
Day 7: Explore Norfolk
You have the whole day on your own to explore Norfolk and the city’s major naval base, Naval Station Norfolk. The base covers an area of 1740 hectares with aircraft carriers, submarines, aircraft and much more. You can buy a tour that gives a good insight into everyday life at this large military facility.
Day 8: Norfolk via Kill Devil Hills to Wilmington (507 km)
From Norfolk you continue along the coast to Kill Devil Hills, where the brothers Orville and Wilbur Wright made the world’s first flight in an airplane in 1903. The journey was short and lasted only 12 seconds but it was all memorable to say the least. On the edge of Kill Devil Hills is Jockey Ridge State Park, which has the largest dunes on the U.S. East Coast. Enjoy a stroll along Avalon Pier and have a hearty lunch at Captain George’s Seafood Restaurant, one of the best all-you-can-eat fish restaurants in the United States. After a pleasant stop in the Kill Devil Hills, drive towards Wilmington, where you can take a nice walk around the historic streets and along the picturesque harbor line.
Day 9: Wilmington to Charleston (278 km)
The journey continues towards one of America’s most charming cities, Charleston. The city was founded in 1670 and there are still plenty of historic buildings, including Fort Sumter, from which the first shots during the American Civil War were fired in April 1861. Day 10: In horse and carriage around Charleston The day begins with a city ride in horse and carriage in Charleston, where your guide tells you about slavery and the history of the city. You can visit Boone Hall Plantation on your own with the impressive oak avenue, “The Avenue of Oaks”, which leads up to the main building. The old oaks are completely overgrown with moss and give the place even more southern atmosphere and the plantation has been used for several filming, including the TV series North and South. At Boone Hall you can also see preserved slave cottages.
Day 11: Charleston to Hilton Head Island (157 km)
Today the trip goes to one of South Carolina’s most beautiful islands, Hilton Head Island. Here you will find palm trees, beautiful sandy beaches, golf courses, cycling and hiking trails and around the island there is a relaxed atmosphere, perfect for relaxing after the many rich experiences you have had in New York and along the east coast.
Day 12: Relaxation and beach vacation on Hilton Head Island
You have the day on your own to laze on the beach or explore Hilton Head Island by bike or on foot. Take a kayak trip and paddle among the area’s wild dolphins or go fishing. The possibilities are many and there is something for everyone on this one of America’s most child – friendly beaches.
Day 13: Hilton Head Island via Savannah and Saint Augustine to Orlando (509 km)
After a few days of relaxation on Hilton Head Island, the journey now continues towards Savannah, which literally oozes southern charm and hospitality. The city was founded in 1733 by British General James Oglethorpe who planned all residential buildings, institutions, churches and other places in a careful network. Behind names like Pulaski Square, Chippewa Square and Franklin Square are stories of various presidents, governors and war heroes. As you move through the old town, you can see the many architectural styles that characterize the cityscape: Victorian, Colonial, Greek, Gothic and several other styles. Have breakfast at Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room where you can enjoy a truly traditional Southern hull meal before setting out again to explore the city’s many parks, cemeteries, churches and historic buildings. From here you can drive directly to Orlando or stay in Saint Augustine, founded by Pedro Menéndez de Avilés in 1565. The city is the oldest still actively existing European settlement in the entire United States. Enjoy a stroll along the cozy, narrow streets of the Spanish Quarter Village and enjoy views of the Spanish Fort Castillo de San Marcos.
Day 14-15: On fantastic adventures in Orlando’s theme parks
Enjoy your days in one of the many amusement parks. Until the 1960s, Orlando was a sleepy and not very interesting area, which changed radically, first through space exploration in Cape Canaveral and later the construction of Disney World. In 1971, Walt Disney World opened its doors and since then nothing has been the same. Today, Orlando is actually the third most visited city in the United States after New York and Los Angeles. Below you can read about some of the amusement parks you will find in the Orlando area. Magic Kingdom Park – Meet Mickey Mouse and his friends in Magic Kingdom Park, where Walt Disney’s fantasies come true. There are countless attractions for both children and childish souls. See Cinderella Castle on Main Street, which gives a picture of what America looked like almost a hundred years ago. Visit Adventureland, Frontierland, Liberty Square and Tomorrowland. Also visit the Haunted Mansion and experience the excitement of going up to Space Mountain. Also, remember to visit Mickey’s Toontown Fair and enjoy the spectacular fireworks with lots of light and sound effects. Universal Studios Florida – Be a part of Men in Black Alien Attack and shoot aliens as you chase them through the streets of New York. Dive into the darkness on Revenge of the Mummy, an exciting and special effects-packed tour. See Shrek in 4D with the plot moved directly to your armchair. Fly a ride with ET on his bike while helping him save his home planet. Experience the magic of “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter”. At Universal Studios, you are guaranteed to find something that appeals to children of all ages. Universal’s Islands of Adventure – Travel through five fantastic islands where cartoon heroes come to life. Enter Spider-Man ‘ s Amazing Adventures, where you fight against evil forces and get the adventure completely under your skin. Guide your couch through the pages of the famous children’s book The Cat in the Hat on Seuss Island. Explore The Lost Continent where you will find Dueling Dragons. Experience all the groundbreaking rides and see how the stories come to life here at Universal’s Islands of Adventure. Disney’s Epcot – Visit Epcot’s two entertaining worlds, Future World and World Showcase. Future World attractions include Spaceship Earth, where you can experience a journey from the beginning of time to the age of electronics. The many amazing innovations in Future World will be able to entertain you for many hours. The World Showcase represents the cultures of eleven different nations and the architecture and landscape change as you move from one country to another.
Day 16: Orlando to Miami via Kennedy Space Center (434 km)
Start the day with a short drive to the Kennedy Space Center, home to the US space program, also NASA’s headquarters. At the visitor center you can experience interactive simulators, live shows and close contact with massive rockets and space shuttles. Meet a member of NASA’s astronaut group in Astronaut Encounter and let yourself be fascinated by one of the IMAX space movies on one of the big screens. It is also possible to buy trips to NASA’s launch pads. When you have finished exploring your inner astronaut and returning to Earth, get in the car and start the final stretch of your journey, towards South Beach, Miami.
Day 17: Foodie and city tour of South Beach
Today awaits a fantastic guided walk around South Beach. The journey takes about three hours, stopping at five of the most popular restaurants in the area where you can taste many dishes while taking in the history of the area, not least the beautiful art deco architecture.
Day 18: Departure from Miami
Enjoy your last morning in Miami before heading to Miami International Airport. After an 18-day journey along the American east coast, the journey now returns home.
Day 19: Arrival in Scandinavia
Arrival in Scandinavia.
Overnight stays
Three nights at The Edison Hotel in New York
Two nights at The Beacon Hotel in Washington
Two nights at the Hampton Inn in Norfolk
One night at the Homewood Suites by Hilton in Norfolk
Two nights at the Holiday Inn Riverview in Charleston
Two nights at the Holiday Inn Express Hilton at the Hilton Head Island
Three nights at the Rosen Inn Closest to Universal in Orlando
Two nights at the Washington Park Hotel in Miami