USA Escorted Tours & Holidays

Choose the escorted touring style that’s right for you

Although our love of travel unites us, we all have our own individual requirements when it comes to how we travel. It’s your holiday, and at Distant Journeys you can choose the style of holiday that suits you best.

Classic USA Tours

Our Classic escorted tours are a great way to travel and experience the USA’s scenery, culture and sights with a group of like-minded people, guided by a friendly and knowledgeable Tour Manager who will bring the destination to life. In the USA, we have several classic tours to choose from –  take delight in the sun-drenched coastlines of The Very Best of California, discovering world-famous landmarks, or uncover the incredible natural spectacles featured in America’s Spectacular National Parks tour, crossing five US states and visiting eight iconic national parks including Yellowstone and the Grand Canyon. Take in the history and the unique, vibrant heritage explored in the Sights & Sounds of the Deep South tour, and trace the roots of American music through iconic destinations including Nashville and Memphis.

• 16-day Sights & Sounds of the Deep South
• 16-day The Very Best of California
• 18-day America’s Spectacular National Parks

We include so much

Every Distant Journeys tour to the USA from the UK is meticulously planned and designed to offer great value by including many meals, activities and experiences in the price of the tour. As you would expect from a touring holiday, we include return international flights from the UK on an award-winning scheduled airline, with all your onboard meals and drinks included. Once you have arrived in the USA, you will enjoy transportation in modern air-conditioned coaches, hotel porterage for your luggage, all pre-payable airport and resort taxes, and all the entrance fees to the many incredible places you will visit.

Breakfast is included each day, in addition to a selection of other meals. What’s more, to help you make the most of your time, you will be accompanied by a knowledgeable Tour Manager throughout your journey; a friendly, helpful guide who will ensure you can enjoy every moment of your well-earned holiday.

Our escorted tour of the USA includes:

• Return economy class flights with British Airways from London Gatwick, or Lufthansa from London Heathrow, Manchester, Birmingham, Glasgow or Edinburgh
• Airport transfers overseas
• Superior hotels, with great locations
• Daily breakfast and seven lunches and 10 dinners
• Experienced local Tour Managers
• Incredible excursions
• All pre-payable airport taxes
• All hotel porterage
• ATOL protection for your holiday
• Our Price Promise

Freedom & Flexibility

Here at Distant Journeys, we think we’ve found the perfect balance of freedom and flexibility that your escorted tour of the USA needs.

What would you like to do?

We have built in some Freedom Days in your USA journey, giving you the flexibility to explore in your own way. Explore the dramatic landscapes of Zion national park as part of the America’s Spectacular National Parks tour, soak up the Californian sunshine on our Very Best of California tour or discover Savannah City Market, a hub of music, art and shopping on the Sights and Sounds of the Deep South. However you choose to spend your time, it’s all about making the journey yours.

Would you like to explore further?

Distant Journeys offer a series of spectacular holiday extensions to finish off your holiday adventure. Holiday extensions are dependent on your choice of destination and itinerary, and includes the opportunity to explore Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon, with legendary casinos and iconic landmarks. Or, step aboard the Canyon Spirit for a breath-taking rail journey through the heart of the American Southwest

Simply let us know, and we will be happy to make the arrangements – it’s all part of our service.

Special Offer

SAVE £150 per person on USA tours departing in 2026, when you book by 30th November 2025

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is there a time difference?

  Asheville GMT –5hrs 

  Atlanta GMT –5hrs 

  Big Sky GMT –7hrs 

  Denver GMT –7hrs 

  Grand Canyon National Park GMT –8hrs 

  Grand Teton National Park GMT –8hrs 

  Greenwood GMT –6hrs  

  Las Vegas GMT –8hrs 

  Los Angeles GMT –8hrs 

  Memphis GMT –6hrs 

  Moab GMT –7hrs 

  Monterey GMT –8hrs 

  Nashville GMT –6hrs 

  New Orleans GMT –6hrs 

  Park City GMT –7hrs 

  Salt Lake City GMT –7hrs 

  San Diego GMT –8hrs 

  San Francisco GMT –8hrs 

  Santa Barbara GMT –8hrs 

  Savannah GMT –5hrs 

  Springdale GMT –6hrs 

  Torrey GMT –7hrs 

  Yosemite National Park GMT –8hrs 

• What is the currency?

  US Dollar

• What will the weather be like?

  Generally, all our tours travel when it is considered the best time to travel, however it is important to note that climates may vary between different regions so the weather may vary throughout your tour. As weather patterns around the world are becoming less predictable the information we provide should be used as a guide only and is no guarantee of the weather at the time you travel. We also recommend checking up-to-date weather forecasts before you travel.  

  Mainland USA  

  Tours to California and the National Parks operate from late Spring to late Autumn which generally means sunny days and pleasant temperatures. Tours to the southern states operate from February to April and again from October when there are pleasantly warm days and cool evenings.

• What clothing should I take to the USA?

  Dress for our tours is generally relaxed and informal during the day, dressing to suit the weather conditions and the activity you are undertaking. Evening dinners are also informal, with smart casual dress being the norm. It’s likely there will be occasions when exploring you’ll be walking on uneven surfaces, so we recommend sturdy and comfortable walking shoes. Wearing layers of clothing means it’s much easier to deal with potentially varied weather conditions – remember it will be cooler at higher altitudes – and it’s always advisable to carry a waterproof, good insect repellent, a high factor sunscreen lotion and a hat for protection from the sun.

• How much should I tip in the USA?

  For restaurants you should look to add 15%-25% to your bill and for taxis add 15%-25% to the fare. For housekeepers, if you are happy with the service provided, a tip of around 5-10 USD should be offered. For your tour, suggested tipping amounts for your driver and guides are as follows: • Tour Manager: $8 USD per person per day • Driver: $6 USD per person per day • Local Guides: $5 USD per person per day When travelling on the Rocky Mountaineer or Canyon Spirit, gratuities have been included for the train staff . Any porters or coach drivers are not included in this.

• What are the entry requirements for the USA?

  The following information on entry requirements, passports and visas is for British Citizens only. Any visa information covers visa requirements for the duration our tour stays in any given country. If you intend to stay longer you should seek additional information before booking. Holders of a British Subject passport, non-British citizens and holders of a passport endorsed in any way should check immigration requirements with the relevant embassy or consulate of the country to be visited, as should clients with dual nationality or renounced citizenship. It is important to recognise that whilst the information below is correct at the time we go to print, all requirements may change and all clients must check the up to date position in good time before departure with the Embassy or consulate of the country(ies) you are travelling through and to. We also suggest referring to the UK government’s Foreign Travel Advice website, gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice for advice about travelling abroad, including the latest information on safety and security, entry requirements and travel warnings.

• Do I need to renew my passport?

  A valid ten-year British passport is required for all our holidays, valid for a minimum of six months after your return date to the UK. If you are not currently in possession of a valid passport please make sure you leave plenty of time before your holiday to apply for this document. A full British passport presently takes approximately up to 10 weeks to obtain. If you are 16 or over and have not yet arranged a passport, you should apply for one at least six weeks before your departure from the UK. The UK Passport Service has to confirm an applicant’s identity before issuing their first passport and will ask them to attend an interview in order to do this. Please note, if you need to apply for visas after you receive your new passport, you will need to factor in additional time for this. For more information on passport and entry requirements please visit the Government Passport Office website, or see our website for more details.

• Will I need a visa to enter the USA?

  You are required to obtain an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) visa waiver before travelling to the United States including Alaska. You can apply for your ESTA on www.esta.cbp.dhs.gov. Once approved an ESTA application is generally valid for two years.

• Do I need any vaccinations for the USA?

  Health & vaccinations Health facilities, hygiene and disease risks vary worldwide and may change at any time. You should take health advice from your GP or local travel clinic about your specific needs as early as possible and ensure that vaccinations or preventative measures are taken early enough (which may be a month or more prior to departure) to be fully effective by the date of travel. In addition to the UK government’s own travel advice website, gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice at least 8 weeks before your trip, we recommend you check the latest health advice from the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) on the TravelHealthPro website, travelhealthpro.org.uk/countries Guidance is also available from on the NHS Travel Vaccinations website, www.nhs.uk/conditions/travel-vaccinations and the NHS (Scotland) FitForTravel website, fitfortravel.nhs.uk/home