Our favourite escorted tours through America

Here’s our pick of the best escorted tours through America, all of which showcase the highlights and contrasts of this wildly diverse country. From the very moment you touchdown, all the details are taken care of by your dedicated and knowledgeable Travel Director and Local Experts, so you can just enjoy your holiday. With unique experiences and local connections, you will gain a deeper understanding of the destinations you visit. After a day of exploring and sampling delicious local cuisine, giving a true taste of the destination, you can relax in hand-picked accommodation chosen for their location, service and style.
 

#10

New England's Fall Foliage

How long: 7 nights

What: For a chance to get into the soul of the North Eastern states that transform into a kaleidoscope of colour in autumn, this gently-paced tour captures all that is great and good about New England. You’ll be treated to the sensational views of Vermont, the White Mountains and the Maine coast, as well as some amazing experiences such as fascinating museum visits, sampling regional culinary favourites and aerial views of the picturesque White Mountains. Staying in stylish accommodation and dining on delicious meals, this is a superb glimpse at the beauty of New England.

The best bits: Stay at the Von Trapp Family Lodge, the place the real-life Von Trapp family of the Sound of Music called home after they fled Austria, and here you will enjoy a three course dinner paired with tastings of their very own Trapp Lager.

More information and to book: New England's Fall Foliage

#9

East Coast USA and Canada

How long: 13 nights

What: We love this tour partly because the itinerary takes in so many fantastic sights but also the great number of meals and excursions led by an expert Travel Director allowing you to experience the very best of Eastern America and Canada with no stress and at great value. You won’t just visit Niagara Falls you’ll also visit a winery in Niagara-on-the-Lake, not only do you have all breakfasts included you’ll also enjoy two lovely lunches & five delicious dinners PLUS tours of New York, Toronto, Washington DC, Ottawa, Montreal, Quebec City and Boston.

The best bits: Take a step back in time with a Local Specialist as you explore the rural roads of Pennsylvania’s Lancaster County where you’ll learn about the traditional agricultural lifestyle of the Amish and the Mennonites. You’ll arrive at your hotel which is a historic preservation in the heart of Amish Country where you’ll dine on a hearty dinner before practicing making whoopie pies for your dessert.

More information and to book: East Coast USA and Canada

#8

Best of Hawaii

How long: 9 nights.

What: From the dramatic scenery to the world-famous beaches, friendly locals and delicious cuisine, Hawaii features on many a bucket-list. This tour takes you on a ten-day adventure to some of this region’s best loved locations on the three beautiful islands of Oahu, Maui and Hawaii Island. You’ll visit national parks, towering volcanoes, stunning golden coastlines and vast plantations accompanied by an expert guide.

The best bits: Sip cocktails on explore Waikiki Beach whilst you watch the surfers, enjoy lunch whilst over-looking the live crater of Kilauea in the Volcanoes National Park, explore the fascinating yet moving museum and memorials of Pearl Harbour, visit the Manta Ray Learning Centre in beautiful Kona on Hawaii Island, explore the island of Maui with a visit to a local farm, the Lao Valley State Park and the Haleakala volcano.
More information and to book: Best of Hawaii

More information and to book: Best of Hawaii

#7

California's Great National Parks

How long: 7 nights.

What: Marvel at the majestic Sequoia trees, explore the giant redwood forest and see the largest living thing on earth – The General Sherman Tree. Discover Yosemite, the crown jewel of America’s National Parks. Explore Mammoth Lakes with a Park Ranger in an open-air vehicle. Visit North America’s lowest, hottest and driest point – Death Valley.

The best bits: Stay in authentic accommodation, enjoy historic elegance at the Millennium Biltmore in Los Angeles, and rustic lodges in the national parks of Sequoia and Yosemite. Enjoy great dining experiences included on this tour, such as taking a scenic Gondola ride to the peak of Mammoth Mountain and enjoying the stunning views while you eat a tasty breakfast.

More information and to book: California's Great National Parks

#6

Southern Grace

How long: 8 nights

What: Immerse yourself in Southern charm with this tour through some of the most popular destinations of America's Deep South, from Nashville to New Orleans. Journey back in time at the Frogmore Plantation where costumed hosts recreate a 19th century plantation. In Nashville take a tour of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Studio B, enjoy dinner at BB Kings Blues Club on Beale Street Memphis and visit Graceland.

The best bits: Enjoy a Creole Highlight Dinner at the New Orleans School of Cooking and tour New Orleans and learn about its fascinating history, exploring the French Quarter, Jackson Square and 'Cities of the Dead', ending in The Sazerac Bar where you will learn how to make their signature cocktail.

More information and to book: Southern Grace

#5

The Magnificent Southwest

How long: 12 nights.

What: A wonderful combination of epic landscapes and fascinating culture, this tour takes you through the heart of the real America. You will encounter the iconic sights of the Grand Canyon and Monument Valley, as well as the national parks of Arches and Canyonlands. You will explore old American towns such as Durango and Silverton marvelling at the history and culture of the Ancestral Puebloan people in the UNESCO-listed Mesa Verde National Park, the location of the largest cliff-dwelling in North America.

The best bits: Discover Santa Fe’s history with its roots as a Spanish colony from 1600, now an artistic hotbed, you can explore the winding historic streets and visit the Palace of the Governors now home to the New Mexico History Museum.

More information and to book: The Magnificent Southwest

#4

Historic Highlights

How long: 9 nights.

What: Delve into America’s captivating past with this eight-day escorted tour through some of the USAs most significant and famous locations from history. Beginning in Washington, D.C., you’ll journey to Mount Vernon, Williamsburg, Jamestown, Charlottesville, Gettysburg and Philadelphia, witnessing incredible scenery, impressive landmarks and notable points of interest along the way. You’ll learn about the importance sites of the Civil War, visit the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall and take a step back in time to the lives of early colonists.

The best bits: On Day 3 visit the home of the nation’s first president, George Washington, on the banks of the Potomac River in Mount Vernon then visit the Yorktown Victory Centre and watch Revolutionary War history come to life. Learn more about America’s past upon arrival into Williamsburg then in the evening, head to a local tavern for a tasty meal with your group.

More information and to book: Historic Highlights

#3

Tastes and Sounds of the South

How long: 9 nights

What: Immerse yourself in classic Southern hospitality, beginning in Nashville and visiting Memphis and Natchez before ending in New Orleans. An exciting glimpse into the heritage of this beautiful region, this tour showcases the sights, sounds and delicious tastes of the south with some unique and unforgettable activities along the way. From visits to the Country Music Hall of Fame to captivating dining experiences and fantastic city tours, you’ll treasure the charm and warm welcome of the south.

The best bits: On Day 6 you’ll visit historic Natchez, founded in 1716 and home to a rich antebellum culture. In the evening, enjoy some classic Southern hospitality at two special residences in one evening. Firstly, head to the private home of Joe Stone whose property was built in the 1850s and contains a gallery collection of rare maps, a charming billiards hall and beautiful glasswork. You’ll sip on cocktails as Joe performs on the piano and explains the meaning behind the songs. Afterwards, head over to the residence of Esther Carpenter, built in 1804, to hear stories about the past and present of this historic estate. Esther, an esteemed chef, will host a delicious four-course dinner with wine for a true taste of the Deep South.

More information and to book this tour by Trafalgar: Tastes and Sounds of the South

#2

Autumn Colours

How long: 8 nights

What: There’s little lovelier than leaf-peeping amid vibrant fall foliage in the most storied parts of New England. So it’s easy to see why this season-specific tour holds such appeal, mostly for the blazing blooms and changing palette of trees. Beginning and ending in Boston, there’s everything from glassblowing in Quechee to hitting Maine’s Highway 1 to drive past lighthouses and quaint fishing towns. You’ll also learn about lobster fishing at Bar Harbour, ascend the Cadillac Mountain in Acadia National Park, and visit the Ben and Jerry’s Ice Cream Factory in Vermont.

The best bits: The top of the 466-metre-high Cadillac Mountain in Acadia National Park is the very highest point along the North Atlantic seaboard - and famously the first place to view the sunrise in the US between March and October. The views are spellbinding, especially in the autumn months when the land below dazzles with a blazing mix of pinks, oranges, reds, yellows and purples.

More information and to book this tour by Trafalgar: Autumn Colours

#1

Western Discovery

What: Our most popular tour of the American West, you’ll have the chance to explore beautiful national parks, including the Grand Canyon, Monument Valley and Yosemite National Park. Starting and ending in Los Angeles, you’ll also been travelling through vibrant cities such as San Francisco and Las Vegas, stunning desert landscapes, and awe-inspiring coastline.

The best bits: Embark on this tour in spring or summer, and you can have the wonderful experience of taking a scenic gondola ride to the summit of Mammoth for a delicious breakfast with epic views.

More information and to book this tour by ATI: Western Discovery