Spirit of New Jersey

7 night hotel package from £998

Day 1: ATLANTIC CITY ARRIVAL

Welcome to the Garden State. Today your adventure starts with you departing from the state's busiest airport, Newark. It is approximately a 2 hours driving to get to the first destination Atlantic City. On the way you will see the importance of the industrial loop the state shares with their neighbors New York. From shipping and transportation to manufacturing and wholesale trade, New Jersey is a state that plays a significant role to the economy of the eastern seaboard. On the way you also realize where the nickname Garden State came from when you travel through some areas where farmland is rich and where local farmers add more than a billion dollars to the state revenue. New Jersey is a leading producer within the nursery, sod, greenhouse the fruit and vegetable production industries. Upon arrival in Atlantic City, you are surrounded by the neon lights and glitter of the hotel casino industry that supports the city. Explore the city with a walk on the Atlantic City Boardwalk.

Day 2: ATLANTIC CITY - CAPE MAY - ATLANTIC CITY

After breakfast drive down highway 9 with destination Cape May. The scenic drive will pass through some of the natural preserves and small islands before reaching the city of Cape May. Once arrived in the city center you will understand why any visitors flock to the Cape to enjoy the cool ocean breeze, walking the many trails that are available and to enjoy the natural beauty of the region. Walk along the beach or the promenade where several rows of beautiful Victorian homes stand shoulder to shoulder to be the pretties in the neighborhood. From Cape May several whale watching tours are available and if bird watching is of interest, the best location on Cape May is the Bird Observatory (not included). Return to Atlantic City to explore some of the Hotel Casino's, where the chimes of slot machines, the excitement of the Blackjack or Poker tables awaits you in this 24 hour a day community. When you stroll or drive through the city, pay close attention to some of the street names and buildings as Atlantic City is the city where the US version of Monopoly was based upon. The Absecon Lighthouse and museum is the state's tallest lighthouse standing at 171 feet and worthwhile a visit (not included).

Day 3: ATLANTIC CITY - PHILADELPHIA - TRENTON - PRINCETON

This morning's drive will take you to the birthplace of our Nation, Philadelphia. Once in the historic part of the city, step back into the colonial days of 18th century British ruling. Start your visit at the visitor center and from their walk towards the Liberty Bell Pavilion (free admission), the Independence Hall (free admission), the first continental congress meeting hall and do not forget to mail your postcards for our Nation's oldest, still operating, post office, once managed by Benjamin Franklin himself. In the afternoon return into New Jersey as you are travelling to the capitol of the state, Trenton. The region was first established by Quakers in the 17th century. Then British landowners, including William Trent started to buy and develop the area and first named it Trent-Towne which later became Trenton. The city was also the site of the Battle of Trenton during the American Revolution in 1776 and General George Washington's first victory against the British. A visit to a capitol city is not complete without a visit to its State House (not included). The New Jersey State House is the third oldest running state house in the US and constructed in 1792. May we also suggest a visit to the Old Barracks Museum (not included) to learn about the history of the military during the colonial days and how it played a vital role during the Revolution (not included).

Day 4: PRINCETON - ASHBURY PARK - LONG BRANCH

Today's destination is another coastal community where in the summer tourism flourishes and visitors will enjoy the afternoon breeze during a beach and or boardwalk stroll. Before driving east bound, make sure to visit historic downtown Princeton this morning where the university carries the city's name. Princeton University is one of the top-rated Ivy League research institutions with an average endowment of 37 billion dollars. Founded in 1746 as College of New Jersey, it is the fourth oldest university in the United States. A visit to its campus is not only historical but impressive as well. Do not forget to visit Nassau Hall at Princeton which served briefly as the United States Capitol building in 1783 for a period of 4 months. A short drive of 1 hour and 15 min will take us to the Jersey Shore and Ashbury Park. This community thrived during the 1920's all the way through the 1950's and became one of the most sought-after beach communities. Today, some of those period pieces are still found in the community. A visit to the Paramount Theater and Convention Hall takes you back to the 1920's. Continue to the next beachside community of Long Branch for the overnight stop.

Day 5: LONG BRANCH

The beach resort, named for its location along a branch of a local river was also known as the favorite place to visits among seven past US Presidents who enjoyed the entertainment from local theatrical day performers hence the reason that over time the community created the Seven Presidents Park and the Church of the Presidents, today local point of interest among visitors. The railroad had connected Long Branch with cities like New York and Philadelphia to take vacationers to this beach resort and in many cases beyond as well. The railroads were eventually replaced with the opening of the Garden State Parkway in the 1950's. As more visitors came with automobiles to Long Branch an influx of additional hotels and vacation homes were built to accommodate the need. The Pier Village is the result of this fast development within the city.

Day 6: LONG BRANCH - ELIZABETH - JERSEY CITY

Elizabeth founded in 1664 by English settlers and named after the wife of George Carteret, the proprietor of the colony of New Jersey. In 1789 George Washington left Elizabeth via boat to Manhattan to be inaugurated as United States President. He fought fiercely in the American Revolution at Elizabeth then known as Elizabeth Towne during the battle of Springfield of 1780. The American manufacturing company Singer moved into mass produce the sewing machine in 1863. A morning walk through Warinanco Park or a brief visit to The Mills at Jersey Gardens outlet mall, will complete your morning activity. Continue to Jersey City this afternoon and if time allows it to enjoy some of the local attractions which may include a visit to Manhattan.

Day 7: JERSEY CITY

Jersey City, founded by Dutch settlers in the 17th century, has grown into the center of trade and finance which developed into a world class city with a modern skyline dominated by the Goldman Sachs tower which is all visible directly from Liberty State Park which is located at 200 Morris Pesin Drive. Once in the park, make sure to visit the Empty Sky 9/11 Memorial (free admission), the State's official memorial that honors the 746 New Jersey residents that lost their lives at the World Trade Center. A visit to Jersey City is not complete without the visit to Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island (not included) and both can also be reached via ferry service through statuecruises.com. Another point of interest is the Liberty Science Center (not included), within the Park where a variety of exhibits will keep young and old within the world of amazement.

Day 8: JERSEY CITY - NEWARK DEPARTURE

Your Spirit of New Jersey fly-drive tour is ending. We hope you enjoyed your visit in the Garden State and wish you a safe homebound journey.