The United States is a mix of diverse cultures, unique destinations, and changing landscapes. So it’s no wonder that some of the best-regarded tour companies have guided tours of the U.S. that go deep into the country’s natural beauty and complex history. Bonus: leaving all the details in someone else’s hands on a tour of the United States ensures a relaxing trip.
While many of the best tours of the United States cover the national parks in the western part of the country, there are also tours to the East Coast, Florida, Hawaii, and Alaska. No matter where you want to go, or what type of trip you want to have, there’s a multi-day tour to fit your travel style and interests.
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These 10 standout U.S. tours take travelers to top destinations around the country in just a few days. One of the highlights of group tours like this is that most of the details and logistics like accommodations, transportation, activities, and meals are included in the overall cost of the tour, and the on-the-ground details arranged by local guides.
1. Tauck: In Freedom’s Footsteps – Philadelphia to Washington, D.C.
History buffs will enjoy Tauck’s 11-day In Freedom’s Footsteps: Philadelphia to Washington, DC tour. Along the way, travelers stop at iconic spots including the Liberty Bell, Jefferson’s Monticello, Colonial Williamsburg, Mount Vernon, and the National Archives. As part of the tour, guests can expect to get exclusive experiences like early admission and behind-the-scenes access at the National Archives, and a private tour of the Museum of the American Revolution.
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Other highlights include spending the day in Amish country and eating a traditional Amish lunch. The tour stops at five different hotels, including the adorable Williamsburg Lodge, which is in the heart of the historic district, with easy access to the main streets and restaurants.
- Length: 11 days
- Starting price: $5,490
- Group size: 35 to 44 people
2. Smithsonian Journeys: Astronomy and Natural Wonders of Hawai’i
Take in the beauty of Hawai’i with Smithsonian Journeys’ tour Astronomy and Natural Wonders of Hawai’i. This eight-day tour takes travelers to Maui and the Big Island to see everything from volcanoes to deep sea treasures. Those who love the ocean will enjoy the private tour of the Maui Ocean Center led by a marine biologist. Later that evening, the group boards a catamaran and sails to Ma’alaea Harbor for a stargazing cruise.
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The highlight for many travelers will be the time exploring Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, where you’ll see Steaming Buff and Halemaumau Crater, the latter of which is part of an active volcano. Every step of the way, an expert guides the group to new understandings, sharing fascinating facts about Hawaii’s landscape and the stars above.
- Length: 8 days
- Starting price: $8,635
- Group size: 12 to 24 people
3. Intrepid: Coastal Maine
Maine offers a mix of incredible national parks, tasty food, and whale watching. With Intrepid’s six-day Coastal Maine itinerary, you’ll get a guided tour from Portland all the way to Bangor. The trip starts in Portland, where the group takes a walking tour that includes the historic Old Port. Days two and three are spent in Boothbay, where you’ll enjoy a wildlife-watching cruise and a traditional New England clambake on Cabbage Island.
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Acadia National Park is a huge big draw for this trip. While in the park, guests are taken on a 27-mile drive through the park to savor all its natural beauty. A highlight of the day is the Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse, which is said to be one of “the most beautiful lighthouses” in the country.
Note that with this tour, many meals are not included in the overall price, since the tour includes just five days of breakfast and one lunch. Travelers will need to set aside extra money for meals and any other activities that they want to do during the ample amounts of free time.
- Length: 6 days
- Starting price: $2,926
- Group size: 1 to 12 people
4. Abercrombie & Kent: Tailor Made Wyoming – Grand Teton & Yellowstone
Abercrombie & Kent’s customizable Tailor Made Wyoming: Grand Teton & Yellowstone private tour is a good fit for families or groups that want a memorable and easy national park tour. This tour is for you and people of your choosing, and that’s it, making it a truly private vacation with expert guides. Everything about these tailor-made trips—from the dates of the trip to what’s on the itinerary—is completely customizable.
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The tour starts in Jackson, Wyoming, where you’ll spend the day and then set out on five days of adventure, starting with a guided wildlife tour of Grand Teton National Park where you can look for bears, moose, and elk. Other activities on the tour include a private float trip on a wooden dory down the Snake River, seeing the Old Faithful Geyser at Yellowstone National Park, and taking part in a morning hike with a naturalist guide.
- Length: 6 days
- Starting price: $12,995
- Group size: Just your family
5. REI Adventures: Colorado Ultimate Adventure
Take off on a fun-filled trip with REI Adventures’ tour Colorado Ultimate Adventure. On the eight-day trip, your group will see three national parks, go rafting on the Arkansas River, visit the ruins at Mesa Verde, and drive along the scenic Trail Ridge Road. The tour includes six nights of tent camping (camping equipment is included in the overall cost of the trip) and one night in a standard hotel.
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Each day, travelers can expect to hike anywhere from one to eight miles, with ample stops along the way to take in the scenery and learn about the natural wonders all around you from expert guides. One of the most memorable camping stops is Great Sand Dunes National Park, where guests enjoy a post-dinner dune field trek on day three.
- Length: 8 days
- Starting price: $4,499
- Group size: 4 to 11 people
6. Adventures in Good Company: Waterfalls, Wildflowers, and Wineries
Looking for a women-only U.S. tour? Consider Adventures in Good Company’s tour Waterfalls, Wildflowers, and Wineries. The small-group tour takes place in Dahlonega, Georgia, which is known for its wineries, hiking, and Appalachian culture. While on the tour, travelers will take part in private wine tastings, see the tallest waterfall east of the Mississippi River, and enjoy easy hikes.
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Included with the tour are transportation to and from the Atlanta airport, meals, and activities. The trip is hosted by one or two expert guides, who are there to make sure everyone gets to the destinations on the itinerary on time, prepare and arrange meals, and to encourage travelers to venture outside their normal comfort zone while on the trip.
- Length: 4 days
- Starting price: $1,595
- Group size: 12 people
7. Road Scholar: Florida’s Fragile Coastal Treasure – Snorkel the Coral Reefs
Explore the Sunshine State’s beautiful ocean ecosystems with the Road Scholar trip Florida’s Fragile Coastal Treasure: Snorkel the Coral Reefs. On the seven-day tour, guests are treated to days of snorkeling, kayaking, and free time at John Pennekamp State Park in Key Largo. Highlights of the trip include an easy hike through Everglades National Park, visiting Windley Key Fossil Reef State Park, and snorkeling the only living coral reef in the continental United States.
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After mornings and afternoons of educational tours and snorkeling, most evenings are at your leisure, and time you can explore Key Largo and enjoy the natural beauty of the area. The guides on your trip can help with suggesting nighttime activities, including where to find the best ice cream in the neighborhood.
- Length: 7 days
- Starting price: $2,749
- Group size: Up to 12 people
8. Adventures by Disney: Alaska
One destination that’s on many people’s bucket lists is Alaska. With Adventures by Disney’s eight-day Alaska tour, families can explore the beauty and wonder of the Last Frontier together. The trip starts in Anchorage, where you’ll have the chance to sip craft favorites at a local brewery plus bike and kayak at Eklutna Lake. The middle of the trip offers families the chance to spend a few days at Denali National Park, where kids are sworn in as “Junior Rangers” and everyone takes a bus ride through the park together.
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Animal lovers will enjoy being able to see the sled dogs in Girdwood, the final stop on this epic adventure. Then you can try your hand at gold panning in Crow Creek before getting to float out on rafts to see glaciers on Spender Lake. This is truly the trip of a lifetime for those looking for an Alaskan adventure.
- Length: 8 days
- Starting price: $5,649
- Group size: 35 to 44 people
9. EF Go Ahead Tours: U.S. National Parks: The Grand Canyon to Yellowstone
Head out into the wilderness of some of America’s most popular National Parks on the EF Go Ahead Tours itinerary U.S. National Parks: The Grand Canyon to Yellowstone. The 12-day tour takes travelers through five states and half a dozen national parks. Included in the cost of the tour are some meals, eight sightseeing tours, and the expertise of local guides.
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On the tour, you’ll take a guided tour of Mesa Verde National Park, see the Grand Canyon from the South Rim, take a bus tour of Bryce Canyon National Park, and enjoy a nature walk through Grand Teton National Park. The highlight of the trip for many people is being able to visit America’s first national park, Yellowstone, home to Old Faithful geyser.
- Length: 12 days
- Starting price: $3,649
- Group size: 15 to 35 people
10. Trafalgar: Autumn Colors
Leaf peepers who want to get out and see what New England has to offer will want to consider Trafalgar’s seasonal Autumn Colors group tour. Over nine days, the group will travel from Boston, Massachusetts, all the way to Portsmouth, Maine. Along the way are hundreds of miles of hillsides awash in brilliant fall colors. The tour also includes a walk along Boston’s Freedom Trail, which traces the roots of the American Revolution.
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Along the way, travelers are invited to learn about the science behind nature’s vivid autumnal displays, sample artisanal chocolates, hike to waterfalls, and visit a lighthouse. Food lovers look forward to day six, where the evening meal is a traditional lobster dinner complete with a presentation from a local specialist who explains local lobster fishing practices.
- Length: 9 days
- Starting price: $3,184
- Group size: 30 to 50 people