Compare Cities of the East by Audley Travel vs Hawaii: Ocean and Islands Adventure by Discover Corps
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 13 days | 7 days |
| Price From | $ 3,927 | $ 4,595 |
| Price Per Day | $ 302 | $ 656 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Private guided tour | Group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Standard |
| Physical Level |
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| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Ground transport included |
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| Meals Included | N/A |
6 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches and 3 Dinners |
| Description |
Oversized objects and other Americana along Route 66, the beaches and glitzy cities of California’s coast, steaming geysers in Yellowstone National Park… on a tailor-made holiday to the USA with Audley, you’ll see the highlights — and much more — your way. We’ll design your ideal trip with you, paying close attention to your interests, your travel style and your budget. Our USA specialists know the country inside out and can lead you to experiences you won’t find in a guidebook. |
From towering volcanoes to some of the world’s best beaches, Hawaii is defined by its stunning natural beauty. On these islands, everything is more extreme - the ocean is bluer, the rainforests are greener and the warmth of the locals is exemplified by the Aloha state of mind. But if you dig deeper below the surface, you’ll quickly see that the ancient Hawaiian people have left a legacy of indigenous wisdom and sustainability that can serve as a model for many of today’s pressing issues. From tackling climate change to protecting biodiversity, innovative practices are being pioneered on these remote Pacific Islands. |
Day 1 : Boston
Today you begin your journey by boarding your international outbound flight to Boston. On arrival in the USA, make your own way to your hotel in the heart of the city, where the remainder of the afternoon is free to relax. You could visit the New England Aquarium or take a tour of the Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum, where costumed guides will tell you about the lead up to the American Revolution in 18th-century Boston, when merchants famously dumped tonnes of English tea into Boston Harbor.
Day 2 : Boston
Begin your first full day in Boston with a guided tour of the city on board the city's old fashioned Trolley Tour network. This is a hop-on hop-off tour around key attractions in Boston and is a great way to learn more about Boston's history. The afternoon is free for you to enjoy time at leisure in the city, perhaps paying a visit to one of the country's most famous breweries, Samuel Adams.
Day 3 : Boston
Boston is a large city with many enticing attractions awaiting your discovery today and you have the full day at leisure to continue your exploration. Walk the Freedom Trail, shop at Quincy Market, take a whale watching cruise from the harbour, or take a student-led tour of Harvard University, located just over the Charles River in Cambridge. Sports fans may be able to catch a Red Sox baseball game at Fenway Park - your specialist can provide details of fixtures and book tickets for you.
Day 4 : New York
It's time to head out of Boston to your next iconic destination - New York City. Make your own way to the station this morning in time to board your train - your tickets will be included in your final travel documents pack. The journey will take around four hours and it's particularly picturesque as the train winds its way along the Atlantic coast and quaint New England towns and villages. As you approach the Big Apple you'll enjoy a fantastic view of the Manhattan skyline before pulling into Penn Station. Having disembarked, make your own way to your Manhattan hotel. Spend this afternoon exploring the city - you could take in views of the skyline while walking along the Highline; an unusual pedestrian pathway along a disused railway line that winds its way through Manhattan's skyscrapers.
Day 5 : New York
You have a full day to explore New York City under your own steam. You may wish to take a horse and carriage ride through Central Park, sample some tasty cuisine in Chinatown, or take a tour of the world-famous Radio City Music Hall. This evening we recommend heading to the top of the Empire State Building - try to be there for sunset for some spectacular views over the city. It's best to reserve tickets in advance - please speak to your specialist for more details.
Day 6 : New York
Enjoy another full day in New York City. Start the day by joining a sightseeing cruise around Manhattan, which takes in views of the Yankee Stadium, the United Nations HQ, the Brooklyn Bridge, the glorious skyline of the city, and of course, magnificent close-up views of the Statue of Liberty. You'll have the rest of the afternoon free to continue exploring at leisure; sample some delicious food in bustling Chelsea Market, wander down Wall Street, or enjoy spectacular views from the top of the One World Observatory.
Day 7 : Philadelphia
Make your way back to Penn Station this morning to board your onward train. Your journey today is relatively short, arriving around an hour and a half later into Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Upon arrival into 'Philly' take a taxi to your hotel in the downtown area of the city. You're then free to spend the afternoon relaxing in your hotel or exploring the city - you could stroll through the Museum District and learn about the city's past, or visit a food market such as Reading Terminal Market for your first taste of an authentic Philly steak sandwich.
Day 8 : Philadelphia
Spend a day exploring Philadelphia. You can walk through the memorial parks, visit the famous Liberty Bell in the informative Liberty Bell Centre or take a cruise on the river past Schuylkill River Park. Rocky film fans might like to strike a pose on the famous steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art before taking a look inside at its Renaissance and Modern artwork.
Day 9 : Washington DC
This morning make your way to 30th Street Station in time to board your two hour train ride to Washington D.C. Upon arrival into Washington D.C., take a short taxi ride to your hotel before spending the rest of the afternoon at leisure in the country's capital. The city is full of historic buildings and monuments to see and photograph, including the US Capitol Building. Old Alexandria Town is home to a number of well-preserved 18th and 19th-century buildings as well as the Alexandria Archaeological Museum, where you can learn about the area's past.
Day 10 : Washington DC
Enjoy your first full day in the nation's capital. One of the best ways to take in D.C.'s highlights is on two wheels, so this morning you'll join a small group bike tour, which will guide you around the many monuments and memorials that are dotted throughout the city. After your tour, the afternoon is free for you to explore on your own. You could browse the boutique shops in Georgetown, see the Declaration of Independence at the National Archives or visit the pandas at the National Zoological Park.
Day 11 : Washington DC
Continue to enjoy your time in Washington D.C. at your leisure. The Smithsonian Institution is made up of 17 separate buildings, housing some of the finest museum exhibitions in the world - entry to all museums is free. Alternatively, you might like to visit the iconic United States Congress Building - we can arrange for you to join a guided tour for further insight into the building. This evening, we recommend watching the sunset from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial - a perfect place to round off your journey through the USA.
Day 12 : International return flight
Finish off any last-minute sightseeing before you make your own way to the airport in time to board your onward flight.
Day 13 : International return flight
Arrive home today to complete your journey.
Day 1: Arrive in Honolulu and Meet the Group
Meals: Dinner
Upon arrival in Hawaii’s capital, Honolulu, you’ll be be met at the airport and taken to your hotel just steps from the world famous Waikiki beaches. After a relaxing welcome dinner together, we’ll get to know one another and discuss the schedule for the week ahead.
Day 2: Journey to Oahu’s North Shore & Experience the Aloha Spirit
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
After breakfast, we’ll set out for Hawaii’s iconic North Shore, famous for its big waves and stunning landscapes. Spend the morning in the historic Waimea Valley with a local organization helping to preserve the valley’s cultural heritage and rainforests. Assist with a reforestation initiative, swim in waterfalls, and see why the ancient Hawaiians deemed the valley sacred centuries ago. In the afternoon, we’ll continue to Na Mea Kupono, an eco-farm that is home to Hawaii’s staple crop, taro. We’ll be hosted by this local family for a Hawaiin-style paina, or gathering, for our dinner as we learn more about their role in farming on the island.
Day 3: Climb Diamond Head & Sail out to Sea on a Catamaran
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Hawaii’s South Shore is crowned by the now extinct Diamond Head volcano. We’ll take a hike this morning to the top of the rim to get a panoramic view of Waikiki from above. For those who opt not to hike, we’ll have the option to visit the Bishop Museum, home of the royal Kamehameha family and now housing an array of artifacts covering Hawaii’s vast Polynesian heritage. After lunch in Waikiki, we’ll hit the sea on a catamaran ride over the turquoise Pacific waters.
Day 4: Fly to Maui & Explore the Tropical‘Iao Valley State Park
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Enjoy a free morning to explore Waikiki. Head to the beach for a surf lesson with the Waikiki beach boys, check out the area’s cafes and shops or simply relax on white sand beaches only steps from your hotel. We’ll take a short mid-day flight across the Hawaiian archipelago to the Valley Isle of Maui. After landing, we’ll head over to the towering emerald peaks of the ‘Iao Valley on Central Maui for a guided hike of the state park. A location revered by the ancient Hawaiians, the valley also served as the site of one of Hawaii’s most important battles as King Kamehameha I tried to unite the islands in the 1700’s. Later in the evening, unwind at our Kaanapali beachfront hotel.
Day 5: Snorkel off Lana’i & Lend a Hand Protecting Sea Turtles
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
We’ll have an early breakfast before cruising to the scenic coastline of Lana'i island with the Pacific Whale Foundation. Spend the morning with breakfast on the boat (expect large boat with other travelers) and then 1.5 hours of snorkeling. Scout for wild dolphins, including acrobatic spinner dolphins, friendly bottlenose dolphins, and curious spotted dolphins. Conservationists from the Foundation will narrate your journey and take about everything from whale migration to plastics in the ocean to reef health.
We’ll return to Maui and, after lunch, spend our first afternoon volunteering alongside the Maui Ocean Center Marine Institute. Home to one of Hawaii’s largest sea turtle rescues and land based coral nurseries, we’ll join their staff on beach and marine debris cleanu , specifically collecting coral fragments. Take these pieces of coral back to the research center and aid in cutting them into smaller pieces to be grown at the center for a period of 8 months - something that would take the reef 20 years to regenerate! This coral is eventually placed back into the reef to bring back areas that are dead or dying.
Day 6: Maui Ocean Center Volunteering & Farewell Luau
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
After breakfast, we’ll spend another morning helping the conservation team at the Maui Ocean Center Marine Institute. On Maui and other Hawaiian islands, sea turtles are being threatened as their habitat is increasingly depleted. Green turtle populations are being impacted by events such as the 2018 hurricane that washed out the most important nesting beach for this species in the entire archipelago. We’ll continue to lend a hand on our projects while learning about some of the initiatives in place to preserve the fragile ecosystem both on land and underwater, including going out with the team to find turtles and tag them for research purposes.
Later in the afternoon, we’ll head back to the hotel where you’ll have some free time to enjoy the beach, swim in the ocean or venture into the coastal town of Lahaina. Tonight, we’ll enjoy a special farewell dinner together along with a traditional island luau.
Day 7: Depart Maui or Continue on for the Post-Trip Extension
Meals: Breakfast
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and check-out of your rooms. The rest of the day is free to relax at the beach or explore nearby Lahaina until your flight home, or continue on to our optional post-trip extension along the gorgeous road to Hana.
