7-Day Northeast USA Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 7-day Northeast USA tour itineraries

Compiled by

MelissaNortheast USA travel expert at TourRadar

• 6 Days in Washington DC, incl. Capitol Hill and Mount Vernon

  Make yourself at home at Royal Sonesta Dupont Circle for 6 days. Tour U.S. Capitol Building, Washington National Cathedral, and Mount Vernon estate. Choose between Lincoln assassination walk or International Spy Museum experience.

  

  View itinerary Compare 6 days itineraries
  • Day 1

    Arrival in Washington DC

    Make Dupont Circle your home base. It's well-connected by metro and has plenty of restaurants nearby. Skip the traffic and take the Red Line from Reagan National Airport into the city. Once you're settled, take a relaxing evening walk along Connecticut Avenue to see the impressive embassy buildings.

    
  • Day 2

    Capitol Hill & National Mall

    Get to the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center before 9 AM to avoid long security lines. Book your Capitol tour through your congressional representative at least 3 months in advance. In the afternoon, explore the National Mall's memorials. Start at the WWII Memorial and walk toward the Lincoln Memorial. Visit the Vietnam Veterans Memorial near sunset to see the names illuminated.

    
  • Day 3

    Cathedral & Museum Choice

    Visit Washington National Cathedral by 10 AM for the daily guided tour. Take a quiet break in the Bishop's Garden afterward. For the afternoon, pick between the International Spy Museum (reserve tickets early) or explore Lincoln's final days on foot. The monuments are less busy after 8 PM, with beautiful lighting at the Jefferson and Lincoln Memorials.

    
  • Day 4

    Arlington & Mount Vernon

    Start at Arlington National Cemetery to see the Changing of the Guard, which happens hourly. Have lunch in Old Town Alexandria along King Street, where you'll find local restaurants away from tourist spots. Plan at least 3 hours for Mount Vernon. Take time to explore the gardens behind the mansion for excellent Potomac River views.

    
  • Day 5

    Smithsonian Day

    Begin at the White House Visitor Center at 7:30 AM. Next, visit the Smithsonian Museums. While the Air & Space and American History Museums attract crowds, try the Portrait Gallery in Chinatown for shorter lines. Use the 7th Street entrance to avoid the National Mall crowds.

    
  • Day 6

    Departure

    For Dulles Airport flights, schedule departure for midday to avoid morning traffic. The new Silver Line Metro to Dulles makes getting to the airport much simpler.

    

  View itinerary

• 7 Day Coastal Maine Itinerary, incl. Portland and Bar Harbor

  Portland's historic port launches this week-long Northeast adventure through Bar Harbor's waterfront, Acadia National Park, Camden's 19th-century downtown, and Freeport. Includes stays at Hyatt Place Portland Old Port and Bar Harbor Grand Hotel, with authentic regional dining experiences.

  

  View itinerary Compare 7 days itineraries
  • Day 1

    Portland Arrival

    Begin your Maine journey in Portland's Old Port district, where cobblestone streets meet working wharves. "The Old Port has great character - arrive early enough to watch the fishing boats come in with their daily catch." Plan for an early dinner around 5:30 PM to avoid long waits at popular spots like Eventide Oyster Co.

    
  • Day 2

    Portland Exploration

    Start with a morning trolley tour through Portland's historic districts. Visit Victoria Mansion at 10 AM when crowds are minimal. In the afternoon, visit Portland Head Light, Maine's oldest lighthouse, when lighting is ideal for photos. The 2-mile cliff walk can get slippery in wet conditions, so bring good shoes. Spend your evening exploring the Arts District, which comes alive during First Friday events.

    
  • Day 3

    Portland to Bar Harbor

    Visit an oyster farm on your way to Bar Harbor (3.5-hour drive). One visitor noted: "Watching the oyster shucking demonstration was fascinating - they taught us exactly how to crack them open without breaking the shell." Once in Bar Harbor, take an evening walk on the Shore Path. For the best views, stay at a hotel on the water side of Main Street.

    
  • Day 4

    Acadia National Park

    Start early at Acadia since parking at Sand Beach fills by 9 AM in summer. Take the 27-mile Park Loop Road, stopping at Thunder Hole (visit 2 hours before high tide) and Cadillac Mountain. Take a morning lobster boat tour when the water is calmer. Pack extra clothes since temperatures on the water run 10-15 degrees cooler.

    
  • Day 5

    Bar Harbor to Camden & Freeport

    Drive the scenic coast to Camden (2 hours). According to one traveler: "The lobster shack in Camden had the best rolls - ask for light mayo to really taste the meat." Visit Maine Tasting Center in the afternoon to sample local specialties. End your day in Freeport, where you can visit L.L.Bean's flagship store anytime.

    
  • Day 6

    Boothbay Region

    Start at Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens. They offer an accessibility van if you prefer not to walk the 2-mile trail system. Spend your afternoon in Boothbay Harbor taking photos. Consider booking a sunset sail to see the harbor at its most beautiful.

    
  • Day 7

    Departure from Freeport

    Browse Freeport's outlets before leaving. If you're flying from Portland, add 30 minutes to your drive time during summer months.

    

  View itinerary

• 5 Days in Northeast USA, incl. New York City and Washington DC

  The Northeast reveals its charms over 5 days at Watkins Glen State Park, Niagara's American Falls, and Philadelphia's Liberty Bell. Visit Toronto's Distillery District and DC's Jefferson Memorial. Four nights' accommodation with continental breakfast and expert guides.

  

  View itinerary Compare 5 days itineraries
  • Day 1

    Start from Port Authority, NYC to Niagara Falls

    The drive up from NYC kicks off early at 6:30 AM from Port Authority, taking you through the Delaware Water Gap toward Niagara Falls. Stop at Watkins Glen State Park in the Finger Lakes region. The canyon trails can be slippery, so wear good shoes. You'll reach Niagara Falls by late afternoon. Take a Maid of the Mist boat ride and bring a waterproof phone case. A light jacket is a good idea since you'll get wet. Stay for the falls' evening light show.

    
  • Day 2

    Cross into Canada and visit Toronto

    Day 2 starts with a morning crossing into Canada (bring your passport) to see Horseshoe Falls and Niagara-on-the-Lake village. Drive 1.5 hours to Toronto to check out HTO Park and the Distillery District. The 4-hour drive east takes you to Thousand Islands for the night. If you're traveling in April, you might stay in Niagara Falls instead, depending on weather.

    
  • Day 3

    Boat trip through Thousand Islands

    On Day 3, take a morning boat trip through Thousand Islands (May-October only) to spot millionaires' mansions and Boldt Castle. Head back toward New York with a shopping break at the outlets. "The shopping stop was a nice break from sightseeing - great deals at the outlets," one traveler shared.

    
  • Day 4

    Visit Philadelphia's historic district

    Day 4 takes you to Philadelphia's historic district. Get to the Liberty Bell before 10 AM to beat the crowds, then visit Independence Hall. Next up is Lancaster County for an Amish buggy ride and local market visit. You'll end up in Washington DC for the night.

    
  • Day 5

    Explore Washington DC

    Start Day 5 at the Thomas Jefferson Memorial. Spring visitors might catch the cherry blossoms in bloom. Head to Arlington National Cemetery for the Changing of the Guard (bring ID), then explore the National Mall, Air & Space Museum, and war memorials. The drive back to NYC usually takes 4 hours - plan to arrive around 8 PM.

    

  View itinerary