10-Day Northeast USA Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 10-day Northeast USA tour itineraries

Compiled by

MelissaNortheast USA travel expert at TourRadar

• 8 Day East Coast USA Itinerary, incl. New York City and Washington DC

  Manhattan launches this 8-day Northeast journey through Finger Lakes wine country to Niagara Falls. The tour includes Gettysburg's battlefield, Washington D.C.'s monuments, and Philadelphia's Liberty Bell with expert guides.

  

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  • Days 1-2

    New York City

    Start your trip in Manhattan. Plan to arrive early on Day 1 to make the most of your time. The subway ride from JFK to Midtown takes about an hour. A recent visitor mentioned: "Get to Times Square before sunset to see both daytime buzz and evening lights." On Day 2, explore Manhattan's highlights. Skip the Empire State Building from 11AM-2PM when it's most crowded. For great photos in Central Park, start at the entrance at 59th and 5th.

    
  • Day 3

    Finger Lakes & Niagara Falls

    The NYC to Niagara drive takes about 7 hours with stops. Break up your journey in the Finger Lakes wine region. Watkins Glen's tasting rooms open at 11AM. Plan to reach Niagara by sunset for great photos. Bring your passport since the best views are from the Canadian side.

    
  • Day 4

    Niagara Falls & Amish Country

    Take the Hornblower cruise at 8AM when it opens. You'll avoid crowds and get less wet since afternoon winds blow more mist. Drive 5 hours to Pennsylvania Dutch Country on scenic Route 15. Get to Lancaster County before 6PM when Amish businesses typically close.

    
  • Day 5

    Gettysburg & DC

    Start early at Gettysburg National Military Park, which opens at 6AM. Walk the battlefield before it gets hot. Plan your 2-hour drive to DC to avoid the heavy traffic after 3PM. Spend your first DC evening at the monuments. They're well-lit and less busy after 8PM.

    
  • Day 6

    Washington DC

    Museums on the National Mall open at 10AM. A previous visitor suggests: "Start at the Capitol Building end and work west. Security lines are shorter in the morning." Book White House tours several months ahead. Use the Metro but skip rush hours (8-9:30AM, 4:30-6:30PM).

    
  • Day 7

    Philadelphia

    Drive 2.5 hours from DC to Independence Hall. Book tickets online in advance. Visit the Liberty Bell Center during lunch hours when crowds thin out. Stop at Reading Terminal Market in the afternoon for an authentic Philly cheesesteak.

  • Day 8

    Return to NYC

    The final 2-hour drive follows I-95. Plan your airport arrival carefully: you can reach Newark by 10:30AM, JFK by noon, or Manhattan by 4PM. Rush hour can add 30-60 minutes to your trip.

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• 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.

  

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  • 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.

    

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• 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.

  

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  • 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."

    

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