The history of england

S uggested holidays: Self-Drive America & Canada Historic Highways is a wonderful itinerary encompassing all those “must-sees” of eastern USA and Canada from Quebec City to Niagara Falls, including the beautiful coastline of New England and a two night stay in DC. We can book you a simple city break to enjoy all the sights or you could twin it with another city such as New York. Or you can enjoy the benefits of a Tour Director who’ll ensure you get the most out of your holiday on an escorted tour such as Great Eastern Cities.

Boston, Massachusetts

Boston is a treasure trove of American history, and there is quite simply no better place to learn about the fascinating stories surrounding the founding of the nation and its fight for independence. Emblems harking back to the city’s illustrious past are evident all around. When touring the city, be sure to keep an eye out for the nation’s first college (Harvard University), its first public school, oldest public library, earliest subway system, and first public park.
F irst time visitors will want to head straight for the Freedom Trail, a sightseeing route which guides you seamlessly between sixteen of the city’s standout historical sites, ranging from The Old State House, Faneuil Hall and Paul Revere House, to Copp’s Hill Burial ground, Bunker Hill Monument and USS Constitution. Wind your way through the city’s atmospheric cobblestone streets, pay homage to one dramatic landmark after another, and marvel at the striking blend of old and new architecture in the downtown area. Along the way, you’ll pass through the North End district, a little slice of Italy, whose authentic cafes provide the perfect excuse to refuel with coffee and pastries.
Suggested holidays: There are plenty of direct flights to enjoy a few days in this charming city where we have a lovely choice of hotels. Alternatively combine a stay in Boston with New York or hire a car and get out into the beautiful New England countryside on one of our self-drive itineraries. Or you’ll find Boston featured on several of our escorted tours including this gorgeous one Boston, Cape Cod & the Islands.

St Augustine, Florida

Established by the Spanish in 1565 and commonly referred to as the “Old City”, St. Augustine is the oldest permanently occupied European settlement in the US, predating the landing of the pilgrims on Plymouth Rock and the founding of Jamestown, Virginia by several decades. Unsurprisingly, then, this city is steeped in history, and visitors are spoilt for choice with the array of top-notch museums, inspiring monuments and authentic colonial architecture on offer.
Signs of its long history and varied cultural influences are evident at every turn, and there’s no better place to soak it all in than the 144-block National Historical Landmark District. The city’s original settlement at the Mission de Nombre de Dios, as well as the seventeenth century fort of Castillo de San Marcos, serve as striking reminders of the Spanish colonial era. Many historical landmarks also date back to the 1800s, when the city underwent a renaissance under the guidance of Henry Flagler, giving rise to the impressive Flager College and the beautifully restored Casa Monica hotel.
Once you’ve toured the historic streets, there are several informative museums where you can deepen your knowledge of St. Augustine’s storied past. The Lightner Museum, Ripley’s Believe it or Not! Museum and Lincolnville centre all host evocative collections helping to bring the past to life, whilst themselves being housed in attractive historical buildings.