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Land of the Free, Home of the Brave, Uncle Sam... The USA has more names than there are regions within its borders.
From the splendour of Yosemite National Park to the bright lights of New York, this is a country of staggering natural beauty and a wealth of history that fascinates everyone who travels here. With so many states, cultures and landscapes to choose from, an escorted tour of the United States is a great way to experience the highlights in one well-planned trip.
Our USA escorted tours make it easy to experience more without having to plan every stop yourself. You could trace New England’s scenic coastline, take in iconic cities like San Francisco, and dive into the Deep South’s legendary music scenes, while also experiencing the jaw-dropping scenery of America’s national parks.
Whether you’re travelling for history, food, music or big-sky scenery, an escorted tour of the United States brings the highlights together at a comfortable pace, with expert support throughout.
If you’re ready for the trip of a lifetime, explore our guided holidays to the USA. We cover a multitude of states and regions, so you can choose the itinerary that suits you best, from iconic cities to wide-open landscapes.
Discover the splendours of New England, from historic Boston and charming Cape Cod to Martha’s Vineyard and beautiful Maine.
Venture through seven states and be mesmerised by the breath-taking and diverse scenery on this Royal Geographical Society tour to Americas National Parks.
Marvel at New England’s glorious fall foliage, explore iconic cities and see the spectacular Niagara Falls.
Take a toe-tapping journey through America’s music history. From Nashville to New Orleans and Elvis to BB King, this exhilarating tour has it all.
From Nashville to New Orleans, from Johnny Cash to Elvis - take a toe-tapping journey through America's Deep South, culminating in the world-famous Mardi Gras
The West Coast blends iconic cities with dramatic natural scenery. Discover San Francisco’s famous waterfront and the Golden Gate Bridge, explore Los Angeles and its film heritage, and soak up the relaxed coastal lifestyle. Inland, national parks such as Yosemite reveal towering granite cliffs and giant sequoias, while scenic drives showcase vineyards, ocean views and California’s diverse landscapes.
America’s Central States reveal the country’s heartland, where wide-open landscapes and welcoming communities define the journey. Experience the splendour of America’s national parks, including Yellowstone and Mount Rushmore, follow historic routes across sweeping plains, and enjoy regional cuisine shaped by generations of pioneers. This region offers an authentic glimpse of America’s cultural roots.
The East Coast combines historic landmarks with vibrant modern cities. Walk through the political heart of Washington DC, explore Philadelphia’s revolutionary heritage, and experience New York’s unmistakable energy. Further north, charming coastal towns and scenic byways lead to New England’s lighthouses and autumn colours, creating a journey rich in history, culture and classic American scenery.
The best holidays to the USA depend on what you want to see and how you like to travel.
For lovers of music and big flavours, our The Deep South tour is packed with atmosphere, with stops in Memphis, New Orleans, and Nashville. If you prefer history to guitars, why not opt for our America’s Historic East guided tour? You’ll pass through four states as you learn about the region’s central involvement in the Civil War.
For incredible scenery, our Epic Wonders of the National Parks tour will take you to no less than nine of the country’s greatest parks, including the iconic Yellowstone and Grand Canyon. On the East Coast, you can explore New York or see New England’s golden foliage on our Highlights of New England guided tour.
Over on the West Coast, discover San Francisco and the Pacific Coast for a completely different side of the USA.
With a country as vast as this, there’s a guided tour to match every kind of traveller.
Americans tend to dress casually, particularly in the warmer months. Pack comfortable, practical staples like slacks, t-shirts, light layers, and sturdy footwear such as trainers or boots. In cooler seasons, thick knitwear and waterproof outer layers will keep you comfortable on your adventures.
If you have evening activities or meals planned, you might consider packing a more formal outfit and footwear.
We recommend checking the weather forecast a few days before you travel to help you pack appropriately.
Read our guide to the best of the West Coast USA.
The USA is a melting pot of different global cuisines, from the Creole dishes of New Orleans to the Italian influence in New Jersey.
Every imaginable dish can be found coast-to-coast with a unique twist depending on where you are, and the wide range of options makes eating out easy. Here are a few iconic dishes to try:
Fried chicken – Found nationwide, but the South is the spiritual home. Nashville hot chicken is famous for its cayenne kick.
Clam chowder – A hearty New England classic. It’s popular in Boston, with excellent versions along San Francisco’s waterfront.
Gumbo – A true taste of Louisiana available in Creole and Cajun styles. Expect a rich roux with peppers, onions and either seafood or meat.
Barbecue – An integral part of American cuisine. Expect tender pulled pork, charred ribs with dry rubs, spicy sausages, creamy and fresh sides, and sauces ranging from tangy and tart to sweet and smoky.
Tex-Mex – Border flavours done bold, with fajitas, enchiladas and breakfast tacos served in warm, fresh flour tortillas.
Pacific Northwest seafood – Wild salmon, Dungeness crab, shrimp, and oysters are often prepared simply to showcase the coast’s natural flavours.
California farm-to-table – Think peak-season produce, including olive oil, citrus and avocados, with a distinct Mediterranean influence and a focus on freshness.
When it comes to drinks, American beer is typically light and always served chilled. The USA also has a thriving, respectable wine scene, with reds from Oregon and California Chardonnays being particularly popular.
Direct flights from London take about 8 hours to the East Coast (New York, Boston, and Washington DC), and just over 11 hours to reach the West Coast (Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego).
North America is a vast continent, and mainland USA is grouped into four main time zones: Eastern Time, Central Time, Mountain Time and Pacific Time.
Therefore, some cities are in different time zones: here’s a breakdown of some of the key ones:
Boston, New York and Atlanta (Eastern Standard Time) - 5 hours behind GMT.
Chicago, Dallas and New Orleans (Central Standard Time) - 6 hours behind GMT.
Phoenix and Rapid City (Mountain Standard Time) - 7 hours behind GMT.
Los Angeles, San Francisco and Las Vegas (Pacific Standard Time) - 8 hours behind GMT.
Travelsphere’s USA tours run on selected dates throughout the year, depending on the itinerary you choose. Many departures fall between May and October, which can suit travellers looking for comfortable sightseeing conditions.
May is well-suited to West Coast cities and also works well for national park scenery in places like the Grand Canyon and Yellowstone, when you can focus on the landscapes without the peak-summer feel. June is also appealing for America’s national parks, with long, bright days that suit a touring pace and plenty of time to take in the views.
September and October can be great for a mix of iconic cities, big natural landscapes and parks. They are also a popular time for New England, where you can experience the famous autumn colours in Vermont and New Hampshire, alongside classic stops like Boston and Cape Cod.
Read our A to Z guide to the USA.
With the USA covering vast distances, it’s helpful to have the logistics arranged for you. A Travelsphere escorted tour keeps things simple, with city transfers, national park timings and entry permits all taken care of. Our dedicated Holiday Directors are on hand, and Local Guides help to bring destinations to life. Prefer to spend an afternoon independently exploring? Travelsphere carves free time into its carefully crafted itineraries, meaning there’s plenty of time to explore at your own pace.
Tipping is customary across the USA, and amounts can vary depending on your preference and the level of service. Here’s a general guide:
Restaurants – 18–20% of the pre-tax bill (more for exceptional service).
Bars – $1–2 per drink, or 18–20% on a tab.
Taxis/ride-hails – 15–20%.
Hotel housekeeping – $2–5 per room, per night.
Porters – $1–2 per bag.
UK passport holders typically travel under the Visa Waiver Program with an approved ESTA (apply online before you fly).
You’ll need an e-passport and must meet the eligibility criteria. If you don’t, you may require a B-2 visitor visa. Your passport should be valid for the duration of your stay, and you’ll need to complete an online customs form on arrival. Always check the latest official guidance before booking.
