Luxury Cunard Cruise to New York & Niagara Falls Experience

Make the most of two days in Europe’s favourite capital city, bursting with iconic landmarks such as Big Ben, Buckingham Palace and the London Eye, a dizzying Ferris wheel set beside the winding Thames. Head to the West End to see one of the long-running musicals, wander the elegant streets of Mayfair or see the most famous faces in the world carved in wax at Madame Tussauds. London is also packed with first-class galleries and museums that cater to every taste.

With another day in London, you could take a bus tour that takes you past some of the many landmarks and buildings that have been immortalised in film and literature, from London Bridge to the Houses of Parliament to Trafalgar Square. For quirky markets head to Camden and its alternative scene, or delve into the upmarket department stores of Knightsbridge, including Harrods and Harvey Nichols. At Covent Garden you’ll always find a variety of street performers, as well as an indoor market with independent stores.

Transfer to Southampton and prepare to experience a transatlantic voyage unlike any other as you embark the regal Queen Mary 2, Cunard’s regal flagship, for your cruise to New York. Indulge yourself as you sip on refined cocktails, dance in the Queens Ballroom to the elegant sounds of the orchestra and savour delectable suppers served by immaculately dressed white-gloved waiters.

Several days at sea allows you ample opportunity to experience all that your ship has to offer. There are so many activities to choose from, whether you catch-up with new-found friends on deck, savour extravagant stage shows in opulent theatre surroundings or take a dip in the whirlpools beside the pool. As dusk falls, embrace the inimitable Cunard glamour and dance the night away in the grand ballroom.

Today you’ll be welcomed by the iconic skyline of New York, which includes the Statue of Liberty standing guard over the harbour. Transfer to your hotel for a two-night stay, during which you can explore some of the city’s world-famous attractions, from bustling Times Square to the lofty views from the main tower of the Rockefeller Center. Alternatively, check out one of the superb cultural institutions, from the Museum of Modern Art to the American Museum of Natural History.

Head up to the Empire State Building and gaze out over the forest of skyscrapers that are synonymous with this thrilling city. From here you could escape to the leafy tranquillity of Central Park. This vast public space takes up a huge swathe of Manhattan and within its boundaries are baseball diamonds, many statues and sculptures, a boating lake and even a medieval-style castle. The city is also home to a number of world-famous delicatessens and restaurants where you can tuck into classic American or multi-ethnic cuisine.

On your way to the nation’s capital, Washington DC, you’ll stop off at Philadelphia, a city that played a vital role in the American Revolution. Visit Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell, an iconic symbol of American independence, while fans of the classic movie Rocky can visit the statue of the fictional boxer at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Arriving in Washington DC, named after the inaugural president of the United States, you’ll find a grand capital steeped in the nation’s history.

Your morning will consist of a fascinating guided city tour where you’ll get to visit some of the country’s most recognisable landmarks, including the outside of the White House, the domed Capitol Building, and the Lincoln Memorial, built in the style of an ancient Greek temple. You’ll then have the rest of the day at leisure. One of the city’s most popular museums is the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum while the Kennedy Centre has a great rooftop terrace with panoramic views.

On your way to Niagara Falls, where you’ll stay for two nights, you’ll visit Gettysburg National Military Park, the site of a major battle during the American Civil War. It’s also home to a vast war cemetery and the Gettysburg Museum and Visitors’ Centre, packed with over 43,000 artefacts relating to the war. Moving on to Williamsport beside the Susquehanna River, you’ll relish delving into the flourishing arts scene of this picturesque town. You’ll then head to your hotel on the Canadian side of Niagara.

Savour the power and visual splendour of one of the world’s most famous waterfalls on a full escorted Hornblower cruise. You’ll sail past the main section, the iconic Horseshoe Falls, before travelling by the Bridal Veil, so named because of its gauzy appearance. In the afternoon you’ll discover the town of Niagara-on-the-Lake on a scenic tour. Enjoy its laidback feel and friendly atmosphere and take a tour of a local winery where you’ll get to sample the local produce.

Today you’ll transfer to Toronto and fly home.