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Today you will walk the halls of power on an official tour of the US Capitol Building. After your tour, the afternoon is free for you to explore on your own. You could visit Dupont Circle, where you’ll discover an array of bistros, bars and museums. Browse along Connecticut Avenue, one of the bustling streets in the area, offering unique shopping and plenty of dining options to relax or people-watch.

Continue a further day of exploration, the city is full of historic buildings and monuments to see and photograph. Spend a morning at the National Mall, which houses the Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, the World War II and Vietnam Veterans memorials. All monuments and memorials pay homage to American forefathers and heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to the United States of America.

This morning make your way to Washington D.C. Union Station in time to board your one-and-a-half-hour train ride to Philadelphia. Upon arrival, take a taxi to your hotel before exploring Pennsylvania’s largest city. If you’ve built up an appetite, pay a visit to the 1893 Reading Terminal Market, which is located below a former railroad terminal. Indulge in a world of cuisines from dozens of restaurants, including Pennsylvania Dutch vendors and sandwich slingers, serving up hot roast pork sandwiches that rival the city’s much-lauded cheesesteaks.

Today is free for you to delve into Philadelphia’s rich history. Perhaps visit Independence Hall, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where the Declaration of Independence was signed in 1776, concluding the colonies’ break with England. Another must-see is the Liberty Bell Center, located across the street from Independence Hall, a great symbol of American independence.

It’s time to leave Philadelphia behind for your next destination — New York City, one of the most notable cities in the world. Make your way to the station this morning to board your train. The journey takes around one and a half hours. Arrive at your hotel and check in before heading out to explore the various attractions this city has to offer. New York City is great to see by foot — why not pick up a bite to eat at Chelsea Market or take a stroll along the High Line, an abandoned elevated railroad track which has been converted into an urban oasis?

With so much to see and do in the city, you could start the day off with a morning walk in Central Park. Map your park route to stop at classic Central Park landmarks, like the Bethesda Fountain, Bow Bridge, Belvedere Castle, and the Strawberry Fields John Lennon Memorial. If you’re in the mood for some art, stop by at the Metropolitan Museum of Art with its forward-thinking exhibits and an extensive permanent collection. For great views of the city, rise up 1,100 feet, at SUMMIT One Vanderbilt, where you can enjoy the sunset.

Enjoy your last full day in New York City, potter around the trendy streets of SoHo and Greenwich Village, filled with quirky shops, snug cafés, and vibrant street art. Perhaps hop on a ferry to visit the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, where you can delve into America’s rich history. Wander through the lively Times Square, soaking in the dazzling lights and energy that define the city. For impressive views, you could head to the Top of the Rock at the Rockefeller Center, or finish your day by catching a Broadway show.

Today you can take a final morning to delve into New York City, perhaps exploring Fifth Avenue, Chelsea Market, or Times Square, before boarding your flagship ocean liner in the afternoon. Queen Mary 2 harks back to the golden age of ocean cruising with Art Deco design, ample space, and extensive luxury facilities. You’ll discover your suite, be introduced to your personal butler, and enjoy the departure views out over Manhattan, perhaps from your private balcony.

Your first full day at sea is a chance to settle into the ship and appreciate the elegant decor of the world’s only purpose-built transatlantic ocean liner. You might want to explore the layout of the ship, spend time on some of the passenger decks, relax in the lounges, catch a film or concert at the planetarium, choose a book from the largest library at sea, or watch for oceanic wildlife such as dolphins, whales, and seabirds.

Full days at sea give you the perfect opportunity to relish the ship’s various gastronomic options. You’ll get the chance to dress up for the occasion and choose between restaurants, including fine dining in the Queens Grill, the waterside views of The Lido and Kings Court, or the grandeur of the Britannia Restaurant. Alternatively, you may choose to enjoy the extensive room service. Our specialists can also advise you on additionally priced options from The Steakhouse to alfresco dining.

You may use your oceanic days to begin, continue, or improve your fitness regime. There's a fully equipped gym on board with a weight room and state-of-the-art cardio and conditioning machines, together with personal trainers on hand to help you meet your exercise goals. You may want to try something new by taking an exercise class or going for a maritime jog, circling the boat’s continuous deck, surrounded by far-reaching ocean views and the fresh Atlantic air.

Being at sea for a few days can lull you into a wonderful sense of calm. You might want to complement this by heading to the onboard spa — the Aqua Therapy Centre. At an additional cost, you could indulge in some of the marine-themed treatments, therapeutic jet pools, saunas and steam rooms or join holistic wellness seminars. Alternatively, your idea of relaxation might simply be to curl up in a quiet corner with a book from the vast onboard library.

The indulgence of having time on your hands is a luxury for your days at sea. You can choose to fill this in whatever way suits you. It might be by browsing the boutiques with a personal shopper, enjoying a professional theatre show, sharing a traditional afternoon tea, or singing in the guest choir. Alternatively, you might want to find the perfect vantage point on one of the external decks to revel in an ocean-mirrored sunset or sunrise.

Your ocean time may enable you to follow your passions with a bespoke educational journey. Perhaps you’ll join an art class with the professional artist in residence, with your work being displayed in the onboard exhibition, learn how to dance with ballroom, Latin, or line-dance classes, attend an insightful talk by an eminent figurehead from the world of literature, science, or politics, or sign up for a behind-the-scenes tour of the ship.

Today you’ll get your first glimpses of the UK coastline and arrive in the historic city of Southampton, a vibrant port on the south coast of England. Disembarking from the boat, you’ll be free to explore the rich maritime heritage of this city. We suggest dipping into the Sea City Museum, getting a sense of Southampton’s historical importance by walking its city walls and exploring the Tudor House and Garden, or discovering the secrets of Spitfire aircraft at Solent Sky. Your return flight will arrive the same day.