Fly to New York, meet your tour manager and board our coach for the transfer to New Jersey and your hotel for the next two nights. Then simply rest and relax after your journey.

Board our coach and head into the heart of New York, downtown Manhattan. Explore on your own, or more likely join our optional tour of the "city that never sleeps" in the company of our guide. Marvel at the famous sights – the Empire State and Chrysler Buildings, bustling Times Square, the green acres of Central Park and of course the southern tip of Wall Street and the waterfront district, looking out towards the Statue of Liberty. The tour also includes a visit to the breathtaking Top of the Rock at the towering Rockefeller Center, the 70th Floor viewing platform from which the whole of Manhattan (and beyond) can be seen. However you spend your day in the mesmerising Big Apple, it promises to be exciting and unforgettable.

Today you’ll head north to spend two nights by Niagara Falls, boarding the coach for the scenic journey through beautiful, rural Upstate New York, its forested landscape dotted with pretty towns and villages.

Later, enjoy your first evening in the colourful, bustling resort that has grown up around the cascades, and which draws visitors from across the globe.

Enjoy a full day in Niagara, perhaps board the Hornblower Niagara Cruise (bookable locally) for a spray-soaked passage close to the foot of the torrent. For a bird’s eye view of the magnificent Falls, why not take an optional helicopter ride above the tumult or enjoy lunch from the viewpoint of an overlooking restaurant?

This morning you’ll make the short journey to the delightful town of Niagara-on-the-Lake, with its pretty houses and world-famous Shaw Theatre, one of America’s most celebrated playhouses. After the chance to explore, continue to the sparkling city of Toronto and discover its lively, trendy waterfront, sky-piercing CN Tower and colourful historic neighbourhoods - including Chinatown, Greektown and Little Italy - on an optional guided city tour. Indulge in some shopping in the city’s ultramodern malls.

This evening, why not make the most of the city’s cosmopolitan dining options or take in a show? Toronto is Canada’s capital of live entertainment and performance art, and many world-class productions grace the city’s stages.

Today you’ll board the coach to head along the colourful Maple Leaf Trail, travelling east to romantic Ottawa, Canada’s delightful, walkabout capital. Take in the Victorian houses and grand Parliament Buildings, and perhaps enjoy a stroll beside the famous Rideau Canal, which is set against the leafy background of the Gatineau Hills.

Later, continue into the great French Canadian province of Québec and on to Montréal, the world’s second-largest French speaking metropolis, where you'll spend the next two nights. Soak up the atmosphere of one of Canada’s epicentres of style and sophistication, perhaps dining in the trendy Vieux Port District.

Today’s included excursion takes you to charming, historic Québec City, Canada's only walled settlement. Begin your visit with an optional, fascinating city tour, in the company of a local guide, and explore the narrow, cobbled alleyways of the lower Basse Ville and its upper Haute counterpart. Together these two districts form the endlessly enthralling Vieux-Québec, dominated by the monumental Citadelle and the Château Frontenac hotel. Radiating charm from every brick, with countless monuments, churches and 16th- and 17th-century buildings, and with a host of places to grab a bite or a drink and rest awhile, Québec City is sure to prove one of the highlights of your entire holiday.

Later, return to Montréal to spend a second evening, perhaps in lively Plateau Mont Royal.

After a relaxing morning, perhaps spent exploring Montréal’s old town and the port area, board our coach once more and travel south towards the US border. Spend the night just short of the border in Sherbrooke in the Eastern Townships.

A memorable day awaits today as you cross the border back into the US and travel through some stunning scenery. Make a stop in the quintessential New England village of Littleton with its covered bridge and then continue via Franconia Notch and the spectacular fall foliage of the Kancamagus Highway. Continue through the White Mountains and on to Sunday River Resort, close to the mountain village of Bethel in Maine.

Today offers the opportunity to enjoy the delights of Bethel, although many will wish to join our optional excursion to Mount Washington. Travel along the leafy lanes of northern Maine, then climb aboard the historic Cog Railway – the only one east of the Rockies – for the ride to the summit of the highest peak in New England.

Return to Bethel and, this evening, join a guided drive in search of moose.

Journey further into the great state of Maine, calling at the prosperous coastal city of Portland, with its waterfront wharves and fine seafood restaurants. Visit the delightful beach resort of Ogunquit, and the exclusive Bush Family retreat of Kennebunkport, before crossing into Massachusetts to spend three nights in Burlington, close to elegant Boston.

Enjoy a full day in America’s most European city, joining our fascinating optional guided tour to explore the famous Freedom Trail through its compact heart, taking in the gold-domed State House, the green acres of Boston Common and the cobbled streets of historic Beacon Hill. Browse the mouthwatering offerings available from the stalls in Quincy Market. Why not stop to try a bowl of clam chowder or a delicious New England lobster before strolling around the harbour? You can also cross the Charles River to famous Cambridge, home to Harvard University, before you return to Hull for your second night.

Journey towards the South Shore for the chance to follow in the footsteps of the Pilgrim Fathers at Plymouth. Stroll around the historic streets of "America’s Hometown", and visit fascinating Plimoth Plantation, where the early days of the European settlers are re-enacted. You’ll then continue to Cape Cod and visit Hyannis, hometown of the Kennedys.

Later, spend a final night in Hull, perhaps dining on local seafood.

Return to New York, via the elegant sophistication of Newport, Rhode Island. The East Coast’s premier resort town is famously home to the opulent weekend "cottages" of some of America’s wealthiest families. You'll then transfer to the airport for your overnight return flight to the UK.

Arrive back in the UK at the end of a wonderful holiday.