On the hunt for a spectacular USA tour to see the country’s sprawling landscapes and iconic landmarks? Dive right in with these unique adventures.
Planning a trip to the United States can feel a bit overwhelming.
The vast landscape covering nearly 3,000 miles from the Pacific to the Atlantic Ocean isn’t just big; it’s packed with things to do. Imagine epic national parks and lively cities dotting the prairies, mountains, and valleys from coast to coast – welcome to the USA.
A great way to learn more about the USA is to pick a region and dive into its history, culture, and natural landscapes. Choosing a guided tour of the United States makes it that much easier to navigate.
But where should you go and which tour should you book? No need to fret. I got you covered with an action-packed list of the 10 best USA tours you’ll want to consider for your holiday in North America.
Western USA National Parks Explorer
£££
This 2-week tour of the US sets you up with the best of both worlds – you hit some of the most famous national parks in the USA and pair that with overnights in two of the most iconic cities in the American West.
Start off in San Francisco before making your way to Yosemite and Death Valley in California. Talk about a contrast of landscapes – from the waterfalls and towering granite mountains in Yosemite to the salt flats and dark desert skies in Death Valley.
After an overnight stay in Vegas, you’ll head to two of Utah’s Mighty Five before reaching the crown jewel of one of the best guided tours the USA offers – the Grand Canyon.
Buckle up, and get ready for the most scenic sites in the West.
Best of Yellowstone & Grand Teton
££
Few places in the world feature the rugged beauty and diverse wildlife of Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons.
One of my favourite ideas for USA tours is this 7-day adventure. It truly shows you a side of wild Wyoming that will keep you reaching for your camera when you visit two of the most scenic national parks in the USA.
Start in Grand Teton National Park, where you can hike to epic waterfalls and take a boat ride on the picturesque Jenny Lake.
Next, you’ll move to Yellowstone, where you can witness the famous geysers, roaming bison, and cascading Union Falls firsthand.
Hotels and breakfasts are part of the package, but you’ll need to carry some extra cash for lunch and dinner.
Tennessee Music Trail to New Orleans
££
If you want to experience the iconic music scene of America’s south, this 6-day guided tour from Tennessee to New Orleans is a perfect choice.
Stops include the Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville, the legendary rock & roll recording studio Sun Studio in Memphis, and the birthplace of jazz, New Orleans.
You’re set up with your hotels, breakfast, and private transportation but are on your own for most lunches and dinners. But not to worry. You won’t need to look far to find the best food in the country in any of the destinations on this USA guided tour.
Best of Utah & Arizona National Parks
££
The American Southwest is one of the most incredible sections of the USA, so it’s no surprise one of my favourite tours is this 7-day adventure through Arizona and Utah.
Tick three of the bucket list parks in the USA with Zion, Bryce, and the Grand Canyon. Not bad, right?
You won’t need to worry about lodging, and you’ll also enjoy a few free breakfasts and lunches on the trip.
If you want to splurge (highly recommended), add a Grand Canyon Helicopter Tour for $350, where you’ll get a chance to photograph the iconic stretch of the Colorado River from an aerial view.
Remember that this tour offers shared accommodations, but you can reserve your room for an extra $1549.
Fall Colours from Montreal to Boston
£££
Looking for US tours in the Northeast? This 12-day tour is unique because you’re actually getting a look at some of the most scenic roadways, hiking trails, and cities in not 1 but 2 North American countries.
You start your trip in Montreal before heading down to the United States through the incredible New England state of Maine. Enjoy the most scenic views of the rocky shores and storied lighthouses along the Atlantic Ocean.
But the real highlight of a trip to the Northeastern United States in the fall are the magnificent views of the maples, oaks, and birch trees in Acadia National Park, Ogunquit, and Salem.
Cap the tour off with some time in Boston, where you take a tour of Harvard with a local student.
New England is always a treat, but it just hits different in the fall.
Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta, New Mexico and Eclipse
£££
This 10-day tour of New Mexico takes off in the gorgeous Southwest city of Albuquerque before exploring the rugged wild west landscapes of Taos, Durango, and Mesa Verde National Park.
You’ll spend time in the impossibly charming Santa Fe, where you can browse through the endless art galleries and museums before experiencing New Mexican cuisine at your own pace. Order anything and everything with green chile.
As for planned excursions, you take a train ride through the canyons and mountain landscape of Durango, watch the iconic colourful aircraft at the Balloon Fiesta in Albuquerque, and visit a UNESCO pueblo in Taos on this popular tour of New Mexico. This one’s a winner.
Washington DC to New York City Discovery
££
If you want to stick to some of the most famous cities in the USA on your guided tour, book this 7-day itinerary from Washington, DC to New York City.
Not only will you visit the top museums and attractions in DC, including the Smithsonian, National Mall, and Capital Hill, but you’ll also enjoy a guided tour that explains the history and fun facts at each stop on an electric roadster.
Your American history tour continues at the Civil War site of Gettysburg and the Amish village in Lancaster before spending overnight stays in Philadelphia and NYC.
USA Road Trip – Highway 1 and San Francisco
£
Take a drive down one of the most scenic stretches of highway anywhere in the world on California’s Highway 1.
One of my favourite guided tours in the USA is this 4-day road trip along the Pacific Coast Highway that includes stops at laid-back towns and bustling cities, including Los Angeles, San Luis Obispo, Carmel, and Santa Cruz.
But this trip is also a dream if you love the great outdoors. You’ll camp under the stars for 2 of the 3 nights and visit pristine stretches of coastal California at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park.
End your drive in San Francisco, where you’ll get a quick breakdown of the idyllic Nor Cal city from your guides before setting off on your own.
Outdoor Alaska
£££
Not content staying in the lower 48 on your USA tour? Head to Alaska on this 13-day tour. See the tallest mountain in the USA at Denali, view glaciers and fjords in Kenai Fjords National Park, and (if you’re lucky) catch a peak of the Northern Lights.
You’ll start your journey in Anchorage and set sail on ferries or drive backcountry roads to some of the most celebrated wilderness locales like Wrangell St. Elias National Park and the Tangle Lakes.
I love the flexibility of this tour, which allows you to choose your own adventures, like ice climbing, white water rafting, ocean kayaking, and a flight over Denali. Or, stick to the hiking trails and you may see epic wildlife like grizzly bears, moose, and mountain goats.
Hawaii Multi-Island Explorer
£££
This 2-week tour begins in Waikiki, where you’ll have an action-packed start with kayaking, snorkelling, and hiking.
Drive the iconic Road to Hana in Maui, hike around the gorgeous Waimea Canyon (The Grand Canyon of the Pacific) in Kauai, and finally move to the Big Island, where you’ll explore Volcanoes National Park before enjoying a day of adventure in Kona.
One of the best US guided tours, this package covers all airfare and driving between islands, 13 nights in hotels, breakfast every day but one, and guided excursions to Akaka Falls, Kailua Beach kayaking, and a canoe surfing trip.
Practical Tips for Exploring USA Tours
- When you plan your USA tour, timing matters. If you’re trying to see the autumn colours in New England, want to explore the remote beaches of Big Sur, or hike Utah’s Mighty Five, you’ll want to be sure you’re visiting during the optimal time.
- Tours of the USA generally focus on one state or region. If you plan to see more of the USA, you can book more than one tour on your holiday.
- Check the weather for your tours of America. You may need to bring your warmest clothes in the winter and lightweight, loose-fitting outfits in the blazing summer heat. Read my guides on how to pack for different trip itineraries here.
- USA tour packages are on the expensive side. Plan ahead and use resources like Skyscanner to save money on your flight.
- The best USA tours fill up fast. Plan your trip as far in advance as possible to score the most popular tours in the United States.
- Most travel tours in the USA don’t include flights. Factor this into your budget when planning your holiday.
Read all Country Guides to the USA
Tours in USA: Map
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