10-Day Northeast USA Tour Packages
Ten days allows you to cover a big chunk of northeast USA. Head to New England, Lexington, the birthplace of America, Salem witch trials, Freeport Maine treats, Montpelier maple syrup making, and West Point Military Academy. Alternatively, try the Great Eastern Cities route. Ten days shows colonial history, fall foliage if timing right, and coastal towns. The Northeast packs history into small area.
Insider tips: Recommended 10-day Northeast USA tour itineraries
Compiled by
MelissaNortheast USA travel expert at TourRadar
9 Days East Coast USA History, incl. Boston and Washington DC
A 9-day Northeast route showcases Boston's historic sites, Lexington Battle Green, and Wright Tavern in Concord. The tour continues through West Point Military Academy and New York City landmarks before reaching Philadelphia and Washington DC.
- Days 1-2
Boston Area
Land in Boston early to get over jet lag while starting your historical exploration. Take the Freedom Trail on your first day. Visit Lexington and Concord the next morning, getting to Lexington Battle Green before 9 AM to beat the tour buses. You'll need good walking shoes since you'll walk 2-3 miles between sites. Spend your second evening in Boston's North End, where the old streets still feel like colonial times.
- Day 3
Boston to NYC via West Point
It takes about 3.5 hours to drive to West Point. Get there 30 minutes early since you'll need photo ID and security clearance. After your tour, it's 1.5 hours more to Manhattan. Plan to reach NYC before 3 PM to avoid the worst traffic.
- Day 4
New York City
Start with a classic Manhattan breakfast before seeing the historical sites. Visit the 9/11 Memorial when it opens at 9 AM for a peaceful experience. You'll walk 1-2 miles through busy streets to see Trinity Church and St. Paul's Chapel.
- Day 5
Philadelphia
Drive to Philadelphia between rush hours (after 10 AM is good). Book your Independence Hall tickets ahead since they're required and sell quickly. "The Liberty Bell area gets extremely crowded by midday. Go right when it opens at 9 AM and you'll have much better photos and viewing access."
- Day 6
Valley Forge to DC
Visit Valley Forge, an hour from Philadelphia. You'll want 2-3 hours to see Washington's Headquarters and the grounds. Then drive 3 hours to DC. Getting in after 7 PM helps avoid traffic.
- Days 7-8
Washington DC Area
Take early Capitol tours starting at 8:30 AM before lines get long. Watch the guard change at Arlington Cemetery on the hour. Plan 3 hours for Mount Vernon and wear good shoes for the large grounds. One visitor noted: "The mansion tour moves quickly. Read up on Washington beforehand to better appreciate the details."
- Day 9
Departure
You can fly from Reagan National (DCA) or Dulles (IAD). DCA is closer to the city but parking is limited. Book afternoon flights to skip morning traffic.
9 Day New England Itinerary, incl. Boston and Bar Harbor
Vermont's Green Mountains open this 9-day Northeast adventure extending to Maine's coastline. Boston's Freedom Trail, White Mountain National Forest via Kancamagus Highway, and Portsmouth's historic waterfront feature prominently, alongside traditional lobster dinners and Wabanaki cultural experiences.
- Days 1-2
Boston & Freedom Trail
Start exploring Boston's historic center. "The hotel's location in Back Bay was perfect - we could walk everywhere and really soak in the city's history." Begin your Freedom Trail walk by 8:30 AM before the crowds arrive. Visit highlights like Boston Common and Faneuil Hall. Need parking? The Boston Common Garage offers convenient all-day rates around $30.
- Days 3-4
Vermont's Fall Colors
Drive to Burlington Vermont through Lexington and Concord. The 3.5-hour trip offers plenty of leaf-viewing opportunities. Once in Burlington you can explore the local shops and breweries on Church Street. Make time for the sustainable farm experience in Northfield where you can learn about regenerative farming practices. The next day take the scenic Route 100 to Stowe. Plan extra time to stop for photos along the beautiful Kancamagus Highway.
- Day 5
White Mountains & North Conway
Stay in North Conway for hiking access. Try the Diana's Baths waterfall trail, a moderate 1.3-mile round trip. Bring sturdy shoes since the rocks can be slippery. One visitor noted: "The morning wildlife program was fascinating - bring binoculars and dress in layers as mountain mornings can be chilly."
- Days 6-7
Bar Harbor & Acadia National Park
The coastal Maine drive takes about 4 hours. Check out the local lobster presentation in Bar Harbor to learn why Maine produces over 100 million pounds each year. Spend a full day exploring Acadia. Start at Cadillac Mountain for sunrise but arrive 45 minutes early for parking. A recent visitor shared: "Watching the sun rise from Cadillac Mountain was magical, but bring warm layers - it's windy up there!"
- Days 8-9
Maine Coast to Boston
Take the scenic route back through Kennebunkport and past Nubble Lighthouse. Stop in Rockport to see its picturesque harbor. Allow 4-5 hours for the drive with coastal stops. A traveler tip: "Make time for Walker's Point overlook - you might catch glimpses of the Bush family compound."
Celebrating America: 250 Years Strong 10 Days
Walk Boston's Freedom Trail to the Old State House, then tour Mystic Seaport Museum's working shipyard on this 10-day trip through 9 cities across 7 states. You'll see Independence Hall in Philadelphia, Chelsea Market and Central Park in NYC, plus DC's National Archives and Lincoln Memorial, with 9 nights accommodation and 23 meals included.
Northeast USA 10 Day Tour Packages You'll Love
Celebrating America's 250th Anniversary (Boston, MA to Washington, D.C.)
Autumn Colours
Celebrating America: 250 Years Strong 10 Days
Chicago, Niagara and New York end Washington
New York Crosswise
Classic Fall Foliage
Toronto, Niagara with East Coast
Winter New York & Niagara Falls
New York City, Niagara Falls & Washington DC 9 Days
New York City, Washington DC & Niagara Falls 8 Days
What people love about 10-day Northeast USA tours
- Autumn Colours
It was well planned. we enjoy it.
- Classic Fall Foliage
I was on a fall foliage tour with Globus. The guide was great, the itinerary was also very nice and I enjoyed it very much. I was however disappointed that despite Globus claiming on their website that they have "small group" tours that average 24 people there were 42 on our tour. I guess I should look for advertisement of the total group size instead of thinking that an "average" of 24 would be closer to 24 than to 42! Proof of vaccination was required, which was necessary for me to sign up in the first place but I truly felt deceived that my "small group" was almost double the average.
- New England's Fall Foliage (Classic)
Tour director was fabulous. On top of everything and very flexible for needed adjustments.