Central USA Tours & Trips
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The best Central USA tour packages
Compiled by
MelissaCentral USA travel expert at TourRadar
- The Big Texan Adventure
- National Parks and Native Trails of the Dakotas
- Spotlight on South Dakota featuring Mount Rushmore & The Badlands (2025)
- The Lone Star State to the French Quarter
- USA: Nashville to Dallas Road Trip
- Mount Rushmore & South Dakota's Black Hills - 6 days
- Simply Texas and The Big Easy!
- Classic Cajun Country & New Orleans
- Snapshot: A San Antonio Holiday
- USA – New Orleans Mardi Gras Carnival
The Big Texan Adventure
5 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“You won't go wrong with this tour or this company! Next year California with Travelling Tme to join others from our group...friends for life!”
SheenaMunro, traveled in May
Texas's diverse cities reveal their stories. The route includes Dallas's Southfork Ranch, Fort Worth's Stockyards, Austin's 250 music venues, San Antonio's historic Alamo, and Houston's NASA Center, with 3-star accommodations and daily breakfast.
Duration 8 days Destinations Dallas, Fort Worth, Austin, San Antonio, Houston Age Range 21 to 90 year olds Operator Travelling Time From
- NZ$4,221
Explore Dakota's heartland from Rapid City to Bismarck, visiting Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse Memorial, and four tribal reservations. Experience Lakota ceremonies with Stephen Yellowhawk, traditional archery at Earth Lodge Village, and stays at historic Rough Riders Hotel.
Duration 9 days Destinations Rapid City, Badlands National Park, Mount Rushmore National Memorial, Chamberlain, Pierre, Bismarck, New Town, Medora Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator Trafalgar From
- NZ$6,495
Mount Rushmore's presidential sculptures and Badlands National Park's striking formations anchor this adventure. The trip features Buffalo Safaris in Custer State Park, Devils Tower National Monument, and Wild West history in Deadwood, with accommodations at Hyatt Place.
Duration 7 days Destinations Rapid City, Oglala, Badlands National Park, Wall, Deadwood, Custer State Park, Devils Tower Age Range 5 to 99 year olds Operator Collette From $4,526
6% Off- NZ$4,275You save $251
The Lone Star State to the French Quarter
58 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The guide and the coach driver were both lovely.”
Fiona, traveled in September
Texas culture comes alive through Dallas's Pioneer Plaza, Fort Worth's Stockyards, San Antonio's Alamo, and Houston's Johnson Space Center. Visitors witness cattle drives, delve into space exploration, and tour historic sites.
Duration 12 days Destinations Dallas, Fort Worth, Waco, Austin, Fredericksburg, San Antonio, Houston, Lafayette, New Orleans Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator Cosmos From $4,539
2% Off- NZ$4,439You save $100
The heart of America unfolds from Nashville's Country Music Hall of Fame through Memphis' Graceland. The journey includes the Civil Rights Museum, New Orleans' French Quarter, and Houston's NASA Space Center, concluding at Fort Worth's historic stockyards.
Duration 9 days Destinations Nashville, Memphis, New Orleans, Houston, Dallas, Fort Worth Age Range up to 30 year olds Operator Contiki From $3,475
25% Off- NZ$2,606You save $869
Mount Rushmore, Devils Tower, and Badlands National Park showcase Central USA's natural glory. A historic train winds through South Dakota's Black Hills, while Wind Cave's unique formations amaze visitors. Wildlife encounters in Custer State Park complement 5 nights in Keystone.
Duration 6 days Destinations Rapid City, Keystone, Badlands National Park, Wall, Mount Rushmore National Memorial, Devils Tower, Deadwood, Custer State Park Age Range 6 to 75 year olds Operator On The Go Tours From
25% Off- NZ$5,655
An 11-day route leads from Dallas's Dealey Plaza to Fort Worth's historic Stockyards. The itinerary includes Austin's renowned music scene with 250 venues, San Antonio's River Walk, and Houston's NASA Space Center.
Duration 11 days Destinations Dallas, Austin, San Antonio, Houston, New Orleans Age Range 21 to 90 year olds Operator Travelling Time From
25% Off- NZ$5,088
Baton Rouge's 450-foot Art Deco State Capitol and USS Kidd destroyer museum showcase Central USA's charm. The route features historic mansions at Longue Vue Gardens, Jean Lafitte National Park's wetlands, and the iconic Tabasco factory on Avery Island.
Duration 7 days Destinations New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Natchez, Lafayette, Avery Island Age Range up to 100 year olds Operator Tours of Distinction From
25% Off- NZ$4,023
San Antonio's UNESCO missions and Fredericksburg's National Museum of the Pacific War showcase cultural heritage. The journey features guided River Walk tours, America's largest Mexican Market, and evenings at the historic Pearl Brewery Complex.
Duration 5 days Destinations San Antonio, Fredericksburg Age Range 12 to 99 year olds Operator Tours of Distinction From
25% Off- NZ$3,772
Premium views of Endymion's 15-million throw extravaganza highlight this carnival tour. Visitors tour New Orleans' Garden District mansions, watch Bacchus parade's 'Bacchagator' float, and enjoy a Mississippi River jazz dinner cruise.
Duration 5 days Destinations New Orleans Age Range 8 to 90 year olds Operator Bucket List Group Travel LLC From
25% Off- NZ$4,343
What people love about Central USA Tours
Had a blast...great group, great company! We visited everywhere we wanted, had loads of time to explore and never felt rushed like otber tours we have been on. Travelling Time are really flexible and a friendly company...will be back next year on Cal-Neva Calling - can"t wait!
The Big Texan Adventure
What our customers ask about Central USA Tours & Trips
What are the must-see highlights of a general tour in Central USA?
The Central USA combines signature American landmarks with dynamic urban experiences. Visitors often start at Mount Rushmore in South Dakota before traveling down to the Gateway Arch along historic Route 66 in St. Louis. The Grand Canyon draws travelers west while Chicago serves as a common starting point with landmarks like the historic Palmer House Hilton. In Texas the NASA Space Center in Houston and Fort Worth Stockyards provide distinct cultural touchpoints. As one TourRadar traveler noted: "The variety of landscapes and historic sites along the route was incredible from the Mississippi River to the Painted Desert."
When is the best time for a general tour through Central USA?
The prime touring season runs April through October. Spring brings comfortable temperatures and wildflower displays while fall offers crisp weather and colorful foliage. Summer is the busiest season though temperatures climb particularly in Texas and Oklahoma. Different regions shine in different seasons - Badlands National Park peaks in early summer while the San Antonio River Walk sparkles during winter events. According to a TourRadar traveler: "We took our Route 66 tour in September and the weather was perfect for exploring outdoor attractions and enjoying evening entertainment."
What type of accommodation can I expect on a general Central USA tour?
Lodging ranges from well-appointed 3-4 star hotels to properties that reflect local character. Notable stays include Chicago's Palmer House Hilton and various Hilton Garden Inn locations throughout the region. Texas accommodations feature ranch properties in Fredericksburg and riverside hotels along San Antonio's River Walk. City-center options like the Holiday Inn Express in New Orleans' French Quarter are common. A TourRadar traveler reported: "The hotels were well-located and comfortable especially the historic hotel in San Antonio overlooking the River Walk."
How many days should I plan for a comprehensive Central USA tour?
Most thorough Central USA itineraries run 8-15 days. Popular routes include the 13-day Midwest & More tour covering five states from Memphis to Dallas and the 18-day Legendary Route 66 journey from Chicago to Los Angeles. This timing allows visitors to explore cities national parks and cultural sites at a reasonable pace. One TourRadar traveler noted: "Our 12-day Texas tour gave us enough time to really experience each city's unique character and culture from Houston's space center to Fort Worth's cowboy heritage."
What kind of cultural experiences can I expect on a Central USA tour?
The region presents a mix of Native American heritage cowboy culture music history and local traditions. Key experiences include visits to the Oglala Lakota Living History Village in South Dakota live music at Billy Bob's Texas traditional French Quarter exploration in New Orleans and tours of NASA's Johnson Space Center. Visitors can also attend rodeos watch cattle drives and try authentic regional barbecue. A TourRadar traveler shared: "The cultural diversity was amazing - from Native American storytelling in Oklahoma to jazz music in New Orleans each stop offered unique insights into American heritage."
What types of food experiences are included in Central USA tours?
Regional cuisine stands as a central feature of Central USA tours. Typical itineraries include Texas BBQ at establishments like Cattlemen's Steakhouse New Orleans Creole dishes and classic Midwest fare. Most tours provide daily breakfast plus welcome and farewell dinners. Special dining events often take place at historic venues and local favorites particularly on themed tours like the San Antonio Holiday experience. According to a TourRadar traveler: "The food was a highlight - from Kansas City BBQ to authentic Tex-Mex in San Antonio every meal was an adventure in regional flavors."