American East Coast: Washington, Baltimore, and Philadelphia

Arrival in Washington

Pick-up of the rental vehicle.

Head to the area near District Pier in Washington, DC, in the vibrant neighborhood of The Wharf for a refreshing stroll. Make a stop at the iconic Gordon Ramsay’s Hell’s Kitchen, visit the Titanic memorial, and enjoy fresh seafood at one of the many waterfront restaurants.

If you still have energy, end your day at the International Spy Museum, a captivating museum for fans of espionage, history, and mysteries. It explores the art, science, and fascinating stories of intelligence from around the world. (Note that the museum closes at 8 PM on Mondays – consider checking the hours before your visit.)

Check into the hotel for 2 nights.

In the morning, visit Mount Vernon, the home of George Washington. Stroll through the 18th-century gardens, explore the estate, the mill, and the whiskey distillery (open from April to October), discover the elegant mansion and the Washington family graves, and attend films and interactive exhibits at the museum.

Optional activity ($): Entry ticket to Mount Vernon

In the afternoon, take advantage of technology for a self-guided tour of the most famous monuments and museums in D.C., while discovering some hidden gems. These monuments are accessible on foot and offer magnificent views. Visit one or two museums among the famous Smithsonian Institution (a vast complex of nineteen museums). Alternatively, dive into the history of the United States with a cruise on the Potomac River, followed by a tour of the charming Georgetown neighborhood.

Optional activity ($): DC Mall: audio and GPS walking tour of the Lincoln Memorial on the Cap Hill app

Optional activity ($): Potomac River Cruise and Georgetown Walking Tour

End the day at the U Street Corridor, with a meal at the iconic Ben’s Chili Bowl and live music in its many bars, clubs, and concert halls. Jazz, soul, and hip-hop enthusiasts will find perfect venues to listen to live performances.

Return to the hotel

Baggage claim and departure for Baltimore.

Explore ancient and modern art collections at the Walters Art Museum. Head to Lexington Market to dine on local specialties like crabcakes at this historic market.

In the afternoon, visit local artisan markets (subject to availability) to see craftsmen in action, or explore the Baltimore Museum of Art, featuring modern works from Matisse to Picasso, with free admission.

Check-in at the hotel

Start with a cultural break by visiting the Sports Legends Museum, dedicated to the sports history of Baltimore. There, you will discover the memorable moments of local sports.

Then, get ready to experience an exciting moment by attending an Orioles game at Camden Yards. It’s an opportunity to immerse yourself in the passion for baseball, the city’s emblematic sport.

In the evening, end your day by heading to Power Plant Live, a vibrant district of Baltimore, known for its bars and restaurants.

In the morning, visit Fort McHenry, the site of the Battle of Baltimore during the War of 1812, which inspired the American national anthem, “The Star-Spangled Banner”. After this immersion in history, head towards the Inner Harbor for a meal in one of its many restaurants, where you can enjoy fresh seafood while taking in the views of the harbor.

In the afternoon, make your way to the National Aquarium, one of the city’s main attractions, where you can discover over 20,000 marine animals in an immersive and educational setting. After the visit, explore the Inner Harbor more thoroughly by visiting the USS Constellation, a historic ship, as well as the other harbor museums, offering various perspectives on the maritime history of the region.

In the evening, end the day with a sunset cruise. Enjoy the spectacular view of the city, with its illuminated buildings and peaceful waters. It’s the perfect opportunity to relax and discover Baltimore from a different angle.

Baggage claim and departure for Philadelphia.

Begin your exploration of the city by discovering its history: the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, as well as the homes of George Washington and Alexander Hamilton, not to mention sites of many founding fathers such as Adams, Jefferson, Franklin, Madison, Monroe, and many others.

Optional activity ($): Revolution and the Founders: a historical tour of Philadelphia.

For food lovers, a culinary tour is a must to taste the Philly Cheese Steak, soft pretzels, donuts, etc.

Optional activity ($): Gastronomic tour of downtown Philadelphia with Reading Market.

At the end of the day, take the time to stroll through Old City, where the cobblestone streets immerse you in history, surrounded by historic buildings, charming shops, and welcoming cafes.

For your last day, visit the Eastern State Penitentiary, a historic prison famous for its Gothic architecture and its role in the evolution of the penitentiary system. It housed notorious criminals like Al Capone. Today, it is a museum offering immersive tours and exhibits on the history of crime and punishment.

Spend the afternoon at Fairmount Park, one of the largest urban parks in the United States, rich in history and culture. The park is home to several important sites, such as the Philadelphia Zoo and the Please Touch Museum, as well as beautiful gardens like the Morris Arboretum. It’s an ideal place to relax while exploring the natural and cultural treasures of the city.

Return the rental car at the airport and depart for your return flight.