Journey Through 250 Years: Guided Vacations Celebrating America’s Semiquincentennial
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In 2026, the United States marks a historic milestone: 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence. To honor the journey of this diverse and dynamic nation, Explorations by AAA invites you to take part in specially curated guided vacations that offer more than just sightseeing. Each is designed to celebrate the past, enjoy the present, and look to the future of America through its most iconic places, enduring stories, and evolving culture.
From coastal cities and canyons to historic railways and history-altering battlefields, these 2026 departures span the nation, so you’re never far from starting an adventure. Whether you’re tracing the footsteps of the Founding Fathers, riding vintage trains through the Rockies, or witnessing Alaska’s glaciers by land and sea, every itinerary promises authentic experiences, unique access, and the steady support of a dedicated AAA Trip Leader.
Retrace the footsteps of a young nation
In Celebrate America’s 250th: Featuring Philadelphia, DC, and the Boston Tall Ships, history unfolds in three foundational cities. Explore Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell, reflect on courage at Valley Forge, and stand in awe before DC’s Capitol, White House, and Lincoln Memorial. Then, travel to Boston, where Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market round out a patriotic tribute and a harbor dinner cruise is timed with the Tall Ships docked in port.
Meanwhile, Capital Chronicles: Presidential Homes & Civil War Battlefields brings presidential estates and pivotal battlefields to center stage on this journey through Virginia, Pennsylvania, DC, and Ohio. Explore the homes of Jefferson, Madison, Monroe, and Washington, each revealing personal stories behind the founding ideals. Then, turn to the Civil War’s defining moments at Gettysburg, Antietam, and Fredericksburg. Stops at war memorials and the Marine Corps Museum deepen the reflection on leadership and legacy.
Discover natural wonders and national pride
Celebrate America’s 250th – National Parks Adventure explores storied landscapes across the American West, including Grand Canyon, Zion, Bryce Canyon, Grand Tetons, and Yellowstone. Hike the Rim Trail, stand before Old Faithful, and pass through cowboy country, Indigenous landmarks, and cinematic backdrops, culminating with visits to the Crazy Horse Memorial and Mount Rushmore in South Dakota.
Or let the country’s railroading heritage carry you past cliff dwellings at Mesa Verde, alpine passes near Silverton, and sandstone formations in the Garden of the Gods with Trains and Parks of Colorado. Vintage steam locomotives deliver old-world charm with rugged scenery and cultural depth on a sweeping ride through the Centennial State’s heritage.
For a different rhythm, Rockies to the Red Rocks lets nature unfold through panoramic railcars on a daytime luxury train journey from Denver to Moab with hotel overnights. Glide past canyons, hoodoos, and dramatic rock faces on one of the West’s most scenic routes, and explore Arches National Park at your own pace.
Celebrate from sea
On the No Fly – Canada & New England Cruise, travel roundtrip from New York on the Majestic Princess, exploring the rocky coastlines, colonial harbors, and maritime legends of the Northeast and Canada. Trace Gilded Age opulence in Newport, roam the Freedom Trail in Boston, admire Portland Head Lighthouse, and witness Saint John’s reversing rapids.
On the other coast, Alaskan Glaciers, Denali & the Yukon by Land & Sea captures the vastness of the North through calving glaciers, towering peaks, and gold rush history. Sail past tidewater ice in Glacier Bay, ride deep into Denali National Park, and follow the route of prospectors into the Yukon, where frontier spirit still lingers in towns like Dawson City and Whitehorse.
Slow down in the South and Midwest
Travel back in time on Southern Splendor: Charleston & Savannah, where a coastal journey blends harbor cruises, historic tours, and landmark restaurants. Visit the USS Yorktown in Charleston, explore St. Simons Island, meet sea turtles on Jekyll Island, and stroll Savannah’s moss-draped streets, with each stop steeped in Southern elegance and heritage.
On Michigan’s Magnificent Mackinac Island, trade traffic for horse-drawn carriages and sweeping lake views. Discover Victorian-era charm on a guided island tour, dine under chandeliers at the Grand Hotel, and explore the preserved history of Fort Mackinac, all capped by a sunset cruise along the Straits of Mackinac.
Ride through Americana
Few symbols feel more distinctly American than the open road. Route 66 Centennial Celebration lets you experience it in full, rolling from Chicago to Santa Monica on the 100th anniversary of the Mother Road. With curated museum visits, neon-lit motels, and stops at Meramec Caverns and the AAA Route 66 Road Fest, this journey celebrates how a single highway stitched together a sprawling nation.
Experience America in celebration
Not every tribute to the nation’s 250th needs to dwell in the past. Christmas in New York City invites you to experience the country’s most iconic metropolis during its most dazzling season. From a stay in Times Square to witnessing the Rockettes in the Radio City Christmas Spectacular and taking in a Broadway show, this itinerary showcases the cultural energy, culinary richness, and festive spirit that make modern America shine.
Travel with purpose, guided by AAA
These 2026 Explorations journeys invite you to not just see America, but engage with it. From world-changing cities to windswept parks, these itineraries celebrate the past, embrace the present, and inspire a hopeful future. You’ll travel with a dedicated AAA Trip Leader and a group of like-minded travelers on each, enjoying curated experiences, seamless logistics, and the peace of mind that comes from more than a century of travel expertise.
To connect with a new American story of your own in this year of celebration, visit AAA.com/explorations or contact your AAA Travel Advisor to book now.