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 East Coast USA, incl. New York City and Boston

  Comprehensive 6-day Northeast exploration featuring Harvard University, Quincy Market's lobster feasts, and Niagara Falls' Maid of the Mist adventure. Visit Corning Glass Museum and enjoy NYC's optional night tour seeing Rockefeller Center. Perfect for ages 2-90, with English/Chinese-speaking guides and comfortable transport between destinations.

  

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  • Day 1

    New York City Arrival & Orientation

    Arrive at JFK or LaGuardia. Book afternoon flights to avoid morning traffic. If you arrive early, explore Lower Manhattan including City Hall and Brooklyn Bridge. Walking across the bridge at sunset gives you amazing skyline photos. Late arrivals can take an optional night tour of Times Square and Rockefeller Center. Stay in Midtown Manhattan for convenient access to everything.

    
  • Day 2

    Manhattan Deep Dive

    Start at Wall Street before 9am when it's less crowded. Visit the Stock Exchange, Charging Bull statue and Federal Hall. Then head up to Times Square and Fifth Avenue. Want great city views? Try One World Observatory but book online to avoid long waits. Take the afternoon Liberty Cruise to see the Statue of Liberty. Sit on the right side of the boat for the best photos.

    
  • Day 3

    Philadelphia & Washington DC

    Get to Philadelphia's Independence Hall by 10am before school groups arrive. Then drive 2.5 hours to DC. The Capitol Building has shorter security lines after 2pm. Visit the Lincoln Memorial at dusk when it's lit up and less crowded. Take time to see the Vietnam Veterans Memorial at night when it's especially moving.

    
  • Day 4

    Corning & Niagara Falls

    A full day of travel but worth it. Visit Corning Glass Museum when it opens at 9am to watch glassblowing before tour groups arrive. Continue to Niagara Falls to see the night illumination show. If you're visiting Watkins Glen State Park (April-October), bring good shoes since the gorge paths can get slippery.

    
  • Day 5

    Niagara Falls & Boston Transfer

    Take the first Maid of the Mist boat ride at 9am for shorter lines and clearer views. Winter visitors will see Old Fort Niagara instead. The 7-hour drive to Boston goes faster with a stop in the Berkshires. End your day with dinner in Boston's Back Bay area.

    
  • Day 6

    Boston Exploration & Departure

    Start at Harvard University before 10am when it's quiet. Have lunch at Quincy Market. One visitor shared: "Skip the fancy restaurants - the best lobster rolls are at the market stalls where locals eat." Try James Hook & Co. for their famous lobster rolls. The tour ends with transfers to Boston airport or back to NYC.

    

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• 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.

  

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  • 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.

    

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• 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.

  

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  • 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.

    

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