USA adventure: Railway trip to Lady Liberty

The American Dream – today, it's coming true! You're at the airport of your choosing, smiling ear to ear, and just a moment later, you're taking off for the United States. As you glance out the window, you know your destination isn't far: an endless sea of buildings, huge skyscrapers – it can only be iconic NYC! And thanks to the time difference, it's still the same day when you land. Crazy, right?
Welcome to New York City! Pretty wild, huh? But New York is just a stopover, because before you plunge into Manhattan's urban canyons, first, you take the train to Philadelphia. It may not be quite as famous, but it's no less exciting. Your train whizzes south past picturesque American towns while you dream of all the adventures that await you in the land of unlimited possibilities.

Finally, some time to get out and truly explore Philly! As you step out the door, you're immediately captivated by the historic city of over a million inhabitants. Then you're off to the first highlight, the famous Liberty Bell at Independence Hall, where the US Declaration of Independence was signed in 1776. Standing in the place where history was literally written, you get goosebumps as you read the inscription on the bell. When you're done, you head across town with your camera at the ready to the iconic LOVE sculpture by pop artist Robert Indiana. One more Insta-ready snapshot and you're off in search of the city's culinary highlights. After a short time, you reach Reading Terminal Market, which you find under an old railway station and has all kinds of delicious food on offer. You enjoy an authentic Philly meal and then make your way to Schuylkill River, where you make like the world's most famous Hollywood boxer and sprint up the 72 steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. As you throw your fists in the air at the top of the stairs, you look out over this unique city's skyline and give a euphoric Rocky grin – legendary!

A new day, a new highlight! Bristling with excitement, you set off for the train station. Today, you're heading off on your next adventure: Washington, D.C. But this isn't just a train ride, it's its own unique experience! You board your train, press your nose against the window and watch as your view switches back and forth between small towns, large cities and pure wilderness while you speed down the tracks. And after a good three hours, you hear the words you've been waiting for, 'Next stop: Washington, D.C.!'
Welcome to the US capital! You put your bags away in your hotel room, but you don't stay for long. Your curiosity about the most powerful city in the world is just far too great. When you finally get to exploring, D.C. comes across as unexpectedly tranquil. Hectic, hustle and bustle, skyscrapers? Not here! Head for the cobblestone streets of Georgetown, the city's perhaps most beautiful district. And when you're done with that, have a taste of what they're serving up at Ben's Chili Bowl. It's not without reason that D.C.'s most iconic restaurant attracts all the big names from both show business and politics!

The early bird flies to D.C.'s centre of power! The list of must-sees is long, so where should you start? At the Capitol of course, which sits majestically enthroned on Capitol Hill. Standing in front of the imposing, snow-white building, which you've only seen on TV, is a bit overwhelming. After all, history was and is made here every day. What does it look like inside? Take free guided tour and find out! When you're done, continue through the National Mall to the Lincoln Memorial. The 204-foot-long park in the centre of the capital stretches between the city's important monuments like a grand promenade. And that's not all there is to see. All around the National Mall are numerous museums and other sights, such as the National Museum of Natural History, the National Museum of American History and the impressive Washington Monument, which towers an impressive 555 feet into the air. From here, you can also catch a glimpse of the famous residence of the US president, the White House. And a visit to it is a must. It's certainly impressive from afar, but up close, it's almost intimidating! Hardly any other building has as much charisma, character, power and history as the White House.