All around the USA: Eastern horizons to western wonders

'I want to be part of it, New York, New York'... wait... 'New York, concrete jungle where dreams are made of'! Sinatra, Alicia Keys – whoever's playing in your head, all that matters is that you're totally hyped. Goodbye everyday life, hello Big Apple! As soon as you land, you can feel it: this is more than just a city. Then just a few steps on American soil later and you're bang in the middle of it. Now it's down to the subway or into a yellow cab (costs a bit, of course) – your hotel awaits, and the adventure can begin.

You check in but can't stay inside for long. You're just way too curious about the megacity outside your door! And what better way to get a better look at the metropolis than from above? The Edge offers you a breathtaking view of New York's unmistakable skyline (optional, payable on site), with the chance to venture out onto a sky deck and take a heart-stopping look through its glass floor at a dizzying height of 1,131 feet. Your last destination for today: Times Square, the pulsing heart of the city that's flashy, colourful, hectic and loud at any time of day or night. Neon signs and video walls vie for your attention, and you have no idea where to look first!

Ready to explore the urban jungle? Start your trip through the city early in the morning at the famous Brooklyn Bridge. There's something magical about the view of Manhattan in the light of the rising sun. Want some breakfast? Try the bagel creations at Ess-a-Bagel! And when you're good and full, drift through Manhattan – literally! Hop aboard the free ferry to Staten Island, which will bring you to the city's most famous landmark, Lady Liberty. It's truly an incredible feeling to stand right in front of the iconic US symbol of freedom, inspiration and hope. From the ferry, you'll also have a fantastic view of the New York skyline – a sea of skyscrapers shimmering in the sun. And when you're back on land, you can visit another must-see: the 9/11 Memorial (optional, payable on site), which commemorates the terror attack of 11 September 2001. At Ground Zero, where the Twin Towers once stood, there are now two fountains that make the grounds of the old World Trade Center clearly visible. After your solemn visit, Greenwich Village makes perhaps the best place to end the afternoon. When you arrive, you'll find it teeming with lovely boutiques, vintage shops and cosy cafés.

Today, you're saying goodbye to New York, but not without a walk through the famous Central Park! New York's green lung is a must on any trip and a small oasis of peace in the middle of the megalopolis. With a coffee in hand, you make yourself comfortable on a park bench and observe life away from the hustle and bustle. After enjoying the peace and quiet for a while, it's time to make your way to the station. Your Amtrak train has just come to a squeaking halt, so you climb aboard, grab a window seat and make yourself comfortable. You speed along the tracks, passing small towns and large metropolises, green landscapes and pure wilderness, 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 make your way to your accommodation on your own, but you won't be staying long. Your curiosity about the most powerful city in the world is far too great. When you finally get to exploring, D.C. comes across as unexpectedly tranquil. Commotion, skyscrapers? Not here! Your first stop? The city's most important sights of course, all of which you find on a walk through the National Mall. The White House, Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial and Capitol have all been checked off your list, and now what? 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!

Your days in Washington have flown by. And speaking of flying, now it's time to head to the airport, because your next destination is ready and waiting. Your plane's not taking you back home but rather to the legendary Sunshine State! Just a few hours in the air then it's 'Welcome to Miami'! As soon as you pick up your hire car, you crank up Will Smith's catchy tune and hit the road.

Your destination? The beautiful Florida Keys! Before you know it, there it is: the Overseas Highway. Nothing in front of you but the road ahead and nothing around but the sea glistening in the sun – absolutely mad. With more than 40 bridges spanning the sea to the nation's southernmost point, over 113 miles of pure road trip energy awaits. Hard to believe, but absolutely real. And when you finally arrive? Slip on your swimwear and head to the beach! In the Florida Keys, the sea is never far away– literally just a few steps and you're right in the heart of island paradise.