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
- Spotlight on South Dakota featuring Mount Rushmore & The Badlands (2026)
- Mount Rushmore & South Dakota's Black Hills - 6 days
- Black Hills of South Dakota
- USA: Nashville to Dallas Road Trip
- The Big Texan (Reversed Itinerary)
- Classic Cajun Country & New Orleans
- Snapshot: A San Antonio Holiday
- Highlights of New Orleans
- Chicago - The Birthplace of Skyscrapers
The Big Texan Adventure
5 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Had a blast...great group, great company! Travelling Time are really flexible and a friendly company.”
AlanAngela, traveled in June
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 Ages 21+ Operator Travelling Time From $4,612
5% Off- NZ$4,381You save $231
Spotlight on South Dakota featuring Mount Rushmore & The Badlands (2026)
16 Reviews by TourRadar travelers
South Dakota's iconic landmarks await on this $2,700 adventure. Marvel at Mount Rushmore's grandeur, roam Badlands National Park's otherworldly landscapes, and spot buffalo in Custer State Park. The tour includes 6 nights at Hyatt Place Rapid City with Native American cultural experiences.
Duration 7 days Destinations Rapid City, Oglala, Badlands National Park, Deadwood, Custer State Park, Devils Tower Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Collette From $4,949
15% Off- NZ$4,207You save $742
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 Ages 6+ Operator On The Go Tours From
15% Off- NZ$5,615
K-Bar-S Lodge in Keystone serves as your base for Central USA's treasures. Take in Mount Rushmore's majesty, wander Badlands National Park's 243,000 acres of pinnacles, and observe Custer State Park's wildlife. A visit to Devils Tower in Wyoming and Deadwood's Wild West charm complete the journey.
Duration 6 days Destinations Rapid City, Badlands National Park, Keystone, Devils Tower, Deadwood, Custer State Park Age Range Ages 8+ Operator Southwest Adventure Tours From
15% Off- NZ$5,157
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 Ages 18-30 Operator Contiki From $3,475
25% Off- NZ$2,606You save $869
Duration 8 days Destinations Houston, San Antonio, Austin, Waco, Fort Worth, Dallas Age Range Ages 21+ Operator Travelling Time From
25% Off- NZ$4,612
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 Ages 12+ Operator Tours of Distinction From
25% Off- NZ$4,125
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 Ages 12+ Operator Tours of Distinction From
25% Off- NZ$3,867
New Orleans reveals its charm through French Quarter carriage rides and authentic Creole cooking classes. The itinerary includes Oak Alley Plantation's historic grounds and Steamboat Natchez cruises, plus visits to diverse neighborhoods from Treme to the Garden District.
Duration 5 days Destinations New Orleans Age Range Ages 8+ Operator Bucket List Group Travel LLC From
25% Off- NZ$4,454
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
- The Lone Star State to the French Quarter
Texas a Lone Star tour is excellent and great value for money. Make sure you travel in October due to cooler temperatures.
- Spotlight on South Dakota featuring Mount Rushmore & The Badlands (2025)
When we arrived in Rapid City on the 25th, we were met by Marian Roy, Collette's Tour Manager who was in charge of this particular tour. Can't say enough about Marian's way of sharing her knowledge of the area and making us want to hear and learn more. Mount Rushmore was everything I dreamed of; the Badlands were totally amazing (and again, Marian's knowledge of the area was phenomenal) And as for our driver, Sherrie .... what's to say other than she was fantastic, both in her driving skills but also in how she interacted with those of us on the tour. Deadwood City, the wonderful Museums, Minute Man visit, -- a trip back in American history that made it come alive again. Just can't say enough about this great tour; it was wonderful - as were our Tour Manager Marian and our wonderful bus driver Sherrie.
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."