7-Day East Coast USA Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 7-day East Coast USA tour itineraries

Compiled by

MelissaEast Coast USA travel expert at TourRadar

• 7 Days in Coastal Maine, incl. Portland and Bar Harbor

  Maine's coastal charm unfolds over 7 days through Portland's historic waterfront, Bar Harbor's working harbor, Acadia's wilderness, Camden's Victorian district, and Freeport's coastal charm. Includes stays at Hyatt Place Portland Old Port and Bar Harbor Grand Hotel, plus authentic Maine cuisine.

  

  View itinerary Compare 7 days itineraries
  • Day 1

    Portland

    Start your trip in Portland, Maine's biggest city. Plan to have dinner in the Old Port district but get there by 6:30 PM to avoid waiting at popular spots like Eventide Oyster Co. Book your hotel in the West End for good access to both downtown and the arts district.

    
  • Day 2

    Portland Exploration

    Take an early trolley tour through Portland's historic areas. Visit Portland Head Light around 9 AM before the crowds show up but bring a windbreaker since the shore gets cold even in summer. You can spend your afternoon walking the Old Port's cobblestone streets or touring Victoria Mansion. A recent visitor noted: "The mix of planned activities and free time to explore was perfect."

    
  • Day 3

    Portland to Bar Harbor

    Start with a morning oyster farm visit but wear shoes that can get wet since the shore gets muddy. The drive to Bar Harbor takes about 3.5 hours. Stop for lunch in Camden on your way. Try to reach Bar Harbor by late afternoon so you can get dinner reservations most restaurants are full by 5 PM during busy season.

    
  • Day 4

    Acadia National Park

    Give yourself a full day in Acadia. Watch sunrise at Cadillac Mountain but remember to book your vehicle pass 2 months ahead. Drive the Park Loop Road and stop at Sand Beach and Thunder Hole. Take a lobster boat trip in the afternoon just pack layers and motion sickness pills if you need them. One visitor shared: "The lobster boat ride was fascinating, but the water can get choppy."

    
  • Day 5

    Bar Harbor to Freeport

    Drive to Camden in the morning (2 hours). Look around the harbor and shops then grab lunch at a local lobster shack. Visit the Maine Tasting Center on your way to Freeport. If you want to shop at L.L.Bean's main store go after 7 PM when it's less crowded.

    
  • Day 6

    Boothbay Area

    Start at Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens when they open at 9 AM. You'll want 2-3 hours to see everything. Spend your afternoon in Boothbay Harbor taking classic Maine photos. Book ahead for dinner at Harraseeket Inn travelers always praise their Maine lobster.

    
  • Day 7

    Departure from Freeport

    If you're flying from Portland International Jetport the drive takes about 30 minutes. Try to leave in the morning to avoid traffic on I-295.

    

  View itinerary

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

  NYC's districts, Philadelphia's historic sites, DC's monuments, and Lancaster's Amish country come alive in this 6-day tour. Highlights include evening activities in Times Square and Georgetown.

  

  View itinerary Compare 6 days itineraries
  • Days 1-2

    New York City

    Your East Coast journey begins in Manhattan. Take day one easy after arrival to get your bearings and rest up. If you're staying near Times Square, eat dinner before 6 PM to avoid the biggest tourist crowds. Day two needs an early start. Head to Wall Street around 8 AM before the crowds build up. Visit Battery Park before 11 AM to see the Statue of Liberty before tour buses arrive. Leave Times Square for nighttime when the bright billboards create an unforgettable display. Buy a MetroCard if you plan to use the subway often - single rides cost $2.90 and add up fast.

    
  • Day 3

    Philadelphia to Washington DC

    Leave NYC early. The drive to Philadelphia normally takes 2 hours but morning traffic can make it longer. Set aside 2 hours for Independence National Park and the Liberty Bell. Get there before 10 AM to avoid long lines. The drive to DC takes about 2.5 hours. In DC, spend your evening in Georgetown. Walk M Street and Wisconsin Avenue where you'll find plenty of dining options. "Georgetown at night has such a different vibe than daytime DC - more relaxed and local. Try to get dinner reservations though - the wait times can be crazy after 7 PM."

    
  • Day 4

    Washington DC Exploration

    Start your DC day at the Lincoln Memorial right at 6 AM opening. You'll get great reflection pool photos without crowds. Take the Potomac River cruise in the afternoon for better lighting conditions. The cruise runs March through October.

    
  • Day 5

    Lancaster and Return to NYC

    Drive about 2 hours from DC to Lancaster County to see Amish country. Visit between 10 AM and 2 PM when most Amish shops are open. The final drive to NYC takes about 3 hours. Try to arrive after 7 PM when traffic lightens up.

    
  • Day 6

    Departure from NYC

    Give yourself at least an hour to reach JFK or Newark airports. Rush hour needs even more time. For late flights, you can store bags near Penn Station for about $10 each.

    

  View itinerary

• 6 Days East Coast USA, incl. Washington DC and New York City

  Four iconic cities showcase their best in this 6-day tour: Washington DC's monuments, Lancaster's Amish culture, Manhattan's urban highlights, and Boston's historic sites. The journey features evening entertainment, river cruises, and comprehensive city tours.

  

  View itinerary Compare 6 days itineraries
  • Days 1-2

    Washington DC

    Start your East Coast adventure in the capital. Head to Georgetown for dinner on your first night. Plan to eat before 7 PM since popular spots like Martin's Tavern fill up quickly. Get an early 8 AM start the next morning to see the major monuments before crowds arrive. One traveler shares: "The morning light at the Lincoln Memorial makes for incredible photos, and you'll avoid the midday heat on those marble steps." Visit the Pentagon before 10 AM to beat the tour buses. If the South Lawn is closed at the White House, skip the photo stop and spend more time at the Smithsonian. The Potomac River cruise is best in late afternoon when it's cooler and the lighting is perfect for photos.

    
  • Day 3

    Lancaster & Drive to NYC

    The drive to Lancaster takes about 2.5 hours. Leave DC early to spend more time in Amish Country. Route 340 offers more authentic Amish experiences than the tourist areas on Route 30. Plan for a 4-hour drive to NYC and try to arrive after 7 PM when Manhattan traffic calms down.

    
  • Day 4

    New York City

    Start early in Lower Manhattan when the Wall Street area is quiet. Take the free Staten Island Ferry for great Statue of Liberty views. A recent visitor notes: "Walking across Brooklyn Bridge at sunset then taking the subway back gave us amazing skyline photos without the tourist crowds." Times Square is less crowded after 9 PM than during the day. Keep in mind that walking between Manhattan attractions takes longer than you might expect about 30 minutes between major sites.

    
  • Days 5-6

    Boston

    Drive from NYC to Boston takes 4.5 hours. Leave New York before 8 AM to make the most of your Boston time. The Boston Common garage provides easy access to main attractions. Walk the Freedom Trail south to north to reach Bunker Hill by sunset. Visit Quincy Market in late afternoon to avoid the lunch crowds.

    

  View itinerary