America's story has been penned over centuries, edited and reimagined by new arrivals and boundary changes. Some cities have been around for all of these changes, while others are relative newcomers to the landscape, finding their stride within the last hundred years or so. Between the cities, our stunning national parks span far and wide, providing a retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life and a chance to see just how diverse America's terrain can be. From the rocky coastlines of the East Coast to the plains of the Midwest, the towering Rocky Mountains and the terracotta-hued deserts of the West, each region has something new to bring to the table.
As the nation's 250th anniversary of independence approaches in 2026, what better way to celebrate the United States and its many offerings than getting out and exploring? Experience a great American adventure with well-planned itineraries from coast to coast, or set out on one of our newest tours for a fresh look at the many features and experiences this nation has to offer.
Travel to the East's Historic Cities
Why not celebrate the United States in the places where the nation got its formal start and changes continue to unfold today: Boston, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C. America's Historic Cities:250th Anniversary Tour provides eight days to do just that, all with seamless connections provided by Amtrak's Acela.
The journey starts in Boston, where we step back in time to 1775 while visiting Lexington and Concord before traveling to Philadelphia, whose centuries of history set an incredible stage for exploration. Here, a walking tour that reveals sites crucial to the American Revolution and an early access tour of the Museum of the American Revolution delves into this critical turning point. From here, we continue to the nation's capital, Washington, D.C. Here, monuments and memorials and visits to Arlington National Cemetery, Alexandria and Mount Vernon capture our story from every angle. This tour is a deep dive into history and an urban exploration to remember.
Experience a Melding of Cultures in the Southwest
The Southwest might not be the first place that comes to mind when thinking about American heritage, yet it certainly should be, with some of its cities dating back more than 400 years, and with deeper indigenous heritage lying beneath the surface. These elements have never been more apparent than when you explore the Soul of the Southwest in New Mexico.
With a week here, discover three distinct cities, each with its own flavor. Begin in Albuquerque, which sits at the crux of Spanish, Pueblo, Mexican, Native American and American pioneer culture. We uncover these ties during visits to the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center and Old Town Albuquerque and a Southwest cooking class. We soak in views of the region from the Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway and then venture toward Taos, stopping at El Santuario de Chimayo en route. After admiring the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Taos Pueblo and Bandelier National Monument, we head to New Mexico's ancient capital, Santa Fe, uncovering centuries of heritage on a guided walking tour and admiring the desert scenery from the Sky Railway. Three distinct regions - one remarkable tour.
Savor the Charms of the South
Let the warm embrace of Southern hospitality set the tone for a vacation to remember when you see the U.S.A. on its 250th anniversary in the South. The Charms of the South: Charleston & Savannah is a tour brimming with laid-back ambiance and punctuated by historic buildings and the delights of yesteryear.
We divide our time between two Southern belles, beginning on the South Carolina coast in Charleston, called the "Holy City" for its many chapels. Our adventures here take us into the Lowcountry to Boone Hall Plantation, where we tour the gardens and enjoy a traditional Gullah presentation, and throughout the city, touring its many sites and cruising its harbor. Driving down the coastline to Savannah, cobbled streets and Spanish moss-draped live oaks frame our explorations as we embark on a trolley tour and spend a day immersed in the beauty of Jekyll Island. These Southern cities are bound by common threads and deep history, making them a joy to uncover next year.
See Nature at its Finest in Big Sky Country
A celebration of nature and appreciation for the rugged landscapes of Big Sky Country beckon on the Lakes & Lodges of Glacier National Park tour. This vacation begins with an overnight rail journey aboard Amtrak's iconic Empire Builder, traveling the heart of the Midwest to the "Crown of the Continent," Glacier National Park.
Based in East Glacier at Glacier Park Lodge, we explore the park from multiple vantage points, enjoying the mountains, lakes and wide-open Montana skies. We set out on Going-to-the-Sun Road aboard vintage Red Jammer buses, embark on a scenic drive through the Many Glacier region and cruise Swiftcurrent Lake, with panoramic views around us and reflected in the water. We see St. Mary's Lodge, Many Glacier Lodge and Lake McDonald Lodge before leaving the park for the unique town of Whitefish. With two nights here to wrap up our expedition, you can witness the marriage of art, culture and nature at your own pace. There are few better places to celebrate our great nation than amongst its most untamed features - come and see.
The United States is filled with incredible sights and destinations to capture your heart. As you plan your 2026 vacation, consider doing so in your own backyard. After all, with a country as diverse as the U.S.A., you don't have to travel far to be surrounded by wonder. Book your 250th anniversary tour today.
