Historical Tours & Trips in East Coast USA
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10 best historical East Coast USA tours
Compiled by
MelissaEast Coast USA travel expert at TourRadar
- America's Historic Trail with New York add-on
- Great Eastern Cities
- Colors of New England
- Spotlight on Washington, D.C. Exploring America's Capital (2025)
- Southern Charm featuring Charleston, Savannah, and Jekyll Island (Charleston, SC to Jekyll Island, GA) (2026)
- Celebrating America's 250th Anniversary (Boston, MA to Washington, D.C.)
- Spotlight on Washington, D.C. Exploring America's Capital (2024)
- Highlights of the East of the USA
- USA Culture Trip New York City with Metropolitan Art Museum
- Historic Highlights (8 Days, Washington DC Airport And Post Trip Hotel Transfer)
Visit Washington DC's Lincoln Memorial, Jefferson's Monticello estate, and America's first settlement in Jamestown. Experience Colonial Williamsburg's living history, Philadelphia's Independence Hall, and Christ Church where founding fathers worshipped.
Duration 11 days Destinations Washington DC, Charlottesville, Richmond, Philadelphia, New York City Age Range up to 100 year olds Operator Just You From $12,841
3% Off- NZ$12,507You save $335
The battlegrounds of Gettysburg National Military Park and Philadelphia's Independence Hall showcase America's East Coast history. Washington D.C.'s iconic monuments await, with comfortable stays at the Omni Shoreham Hotel while touring foundational sites.
Duration 8 days Destinations New York City, Finger Lakes, Niagara Falls, Gettysburg, Washington DC, Philadelphia Age Range 21 to 99 year olds Operator Omega Tours From
3% Off- NZ$2,780
Colonial history unfolds at Plymouth Rock and Boston's Freedom Trail sites including King's Chapel. America's first marketplace at Quincy Market (1826) and Kennebunkport's presidential estates await. Cape Neddick's iconic lighthouse and Newport's Gilded Mansions complete the tour.
Duration 10 days Destinations Boston, Kennebunkport, Portland, Acadia National Park, Bar Harbor, Bretton Woods, Newport, Cape Cod, Plymouth Age Range 21 to 75 year olds Operator Travel Talk From $7,561
45% Off- NZ$4,159You save $3,402
U.S. democracy takes center stage at the Capitol Building and presidential memorials. The route includes Washington National Cathedral, Mount Vernon estate, and Arlington Cemetery's Kennedy gravesites, with options for Lincoln assassination or spy history tours.
Duration 6 days Destinations Washington DC, Mount Vernon, Alexandria Age Range 5 to 99 year olds Operator Collette From
45% Off- NZ$4,355
Southern Charm featuring Charleston, Savannah, and Jekyll Island (Charleston, SC to Jekyll Island, GA) (2026)
82 Reviews by TourRadar travelers
Duration 7 days Destinations Charleston, Savannah, Jekyll Island Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator Collette From
45% Off- NZ$5,529
Revolutionary sites stretch from Boston's Lexington Battle Green to Philadelphia's Independence Hall. The tour includes Alexander Hamilton's grave at Trinity Church, Valley Forge National Park, and Mount Vernon estate. Colonial life comes alive at Wright Tavern.
Duration 9 days Destinations Boston, Lexington, Concord, MA, New York City, Hudson, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Alexandria, Mount Vernon, Washington DC Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator Collette From
45% Off- NZ$6,702
American history comes alive at Ford's Theatre, Arlington Cemetery's Kennedy gravesites, and Washington National Cathedral. The White House Visitor Center and Mount Vernon's 18th-century presidential estate complete this capital experience.
Duration 6 days Destinations Washington DC, Alexandria, Mount Vernon Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator Collette From
45% Off- NZ$4,355
American history unfolds from NYC's Ellis Island to Philadelphia's Independence Hall. The journey continues to DC's Lincoln Memorial, Lancaster's Amish heritage, and historic Georgetown, with stays at centrally located hotels.
Duration 9 days Destinations New York City, Corning, Niagara Falls, Lancaster, Washington DC, Philadelphia Age Range up to 90 year olds Operated in Only: German Operator Its Your Trip From
45% Off- NZ$2,348
Architectural wonders await from St. John the Divine Cathedral to Rockefeller Center. Historic Radio City Music Hall opens its doors, while artistic treasures shine at Metropolitan Museum of Art and Whitney Museum with expert guidance.
Duration 6 days Destinations New York City Age Range up to 99 year olds Operated in Only: German Operator Ruefa Studienreisen From
45% Off- NZ$5,245
Historic Highlights (8 Days, Washington DC Airport And Post Trip Hotel Transfer)
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers
American history unfolds at Richmond's St. John's Church and Philadelphia's Independence Hall. Watch skilled craftsmen at work in Colonial Williamsburg and battlefield reenactments at Gettysburg. The tour includes Mount Vernon's estate and Jefferson's Monticello mansion.
No departure dates availableDuration 8 days Destinations Washington DC, Yorktown, Williamsburg, Jamestown, Charlottesville, Shenandoah National Park, Gettysburg, Philadelphia Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator Trafalgar
What people love about Historical Tours in East Coast USA
- Niagara Falls, Washington DC, Philadelphia & Amish Country 4D/3N (from New York)
Best time to visit the USA is during the summer and we got to experienc the Maid of mist too, Niagara falls was a great sighting. Our tour guide was extremely kind and knowledgeable. The transportation was comfortable and all the places we visited on the trip were great. Great trip by Bamba ! Thanks!
- Great Eastern Cities
Very nice, well organized, good tour
What our customers ask about Historical Tours & Trips in East Coast USA
What are the must-see historical landmarks on an East Coast USA Historical tour?
The East Coast presents a rich collection of historical sites spanning several states. In Boston the Freedom Trail guides visitors through the city's revolutionary past. Philadelphia's Independence Hall stands as the birthplace of American democracy while Washington DC's National Mall features the Lincoln Memorial and Capitol Building. In Virginia Colonial Williamsburg gives visitors a glimpse into 18th-century life with costumed interpreters and period buildings. A TourRadar traveler noted "the authentic recreation of 18th-century life really brought history to life." Many tours include accommodations at conveniently located hotels like the Holiday Inn Arlington at Ballston. These locations serve as ideal starting points for exploring Revolutionary War sites and early American settlements throughout Massachusetts Pennsylvania and Virginia.
When is the best time to take a Historical tour of the East Coast USA?
The prime season runs from May through October when comfortable temperatures make outdoor exploration enjoyable. Fall months (September-October) offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds at major sites such as Independence Hall and the Freedom Trail. According to one TourRadar traveler "The fall colors in October added an extra magical element to our visits to historic sites in New England." Spring brings its own appeal especially in Washington DC where cherry blossoms frame the monuments in April and May. Hotels like the Omni Shoreham see high demand during these peak periods when the weather is most suitable for walking tours.
What historical period does an East Coast USA tour typically cover?
These tours span America's foundational years from the colonial period through the Civil War. Visitors explore the earliest English settlements like Jamestown Virginia (1600s) key Revolutionary War sites including Philadelphia's Independence Hall and significant Civil War locations such as Gettysburg. One TourRadar traveler remarked "From colonial Williamsburg to Mount Vernon to the Lincoln Memorial we really got a complete picture of American history." Many tours incorporate stays at historic properties including The Greenbrier which traces its own history from 1778 through its time as a WWII hospital.
What's typically included in a Historical East Coast USA tour?
Standard tour packages cover accommodations at hotels like the Westin Jersey City Newport transportation between destinations and expert historical guides. Most tours provide entrance fees to museums and monuments some meals (usually breakfast) and guided tours of major sites. A TourRadar traveler shared "Our guide's knowledge of Colonial history and the American Revolution made every site come alive from Independence Hall to Gettysburg." Transportation typically involves comfortable coaches between locations with guided walking tours through historic districts Revolutionary War battlefields and colonial settlements.
How physically demanding are Historical tours in East Coast USA?
These tours generally fall into the "Easy" to "Moderate" range of physical activity. Daily activities involve 2-3 hours of walking on mostly flat terrain through historic areas and museums. A TourRadar traveler observed "While we covered many historical sites in Boston and Philadelphia the pace was comfortable with plenty of breaks at historic cafes and restaurants." Most accommodations like the Dylan Hotel NYC are centrally located reducing walking distances. Some locations such as Valley Forge National Historical Park require more extensive walking on uneven ground.
How long do Historical tours of East Coast USA typically last?
Tour durations range from 5 to 11 days with various options to match different schedules and interests. The "Washington and New York" 5-day tour covers essential sites while the "Washington NY and Boston" 6-day option provides deeper historical context. A TourRadar traveler noted "Our 8-day tour gave us enough time to really appreciate the historical significance of each location from Colonial Williamsburg to Boston's Freedom Trail." Comprehensive tours covering Philadelphia Boston New York and Washington DC typically require at least seven days to fully experience each destination.