The first full week of May is National Travel and Tourism Week, with May 7 officially serving as National Tourism Day. With warmer weather and spring now in full swing, it’s the perfect time to get out and explore the greater surrounding region and beyond.
We residents of the Mid-Atlantic live in a premium tourist hotspot. From our proximity to our Nation’s Capital to world-renowned residential beaches, we are also home to some of the country’s most significant historical sites and versatile, natural wonders. It’s no wonder that our ideal location and plentiful attractions draw in countless visitors from far and wide, year-round.
As is the case with any destination-dense area, multiple touring options are available for seeing the surrounding sights and specific callout featured attractions in general. You have everything from bike tours to on-water kayaking/canoeing eco outings, horseback riding to general walking tours in the company of a knowledgeable guide. Tracks and Yaks sightseeing excursions through Berlin and Frostburg (Maryland) present hidden gem novelty experiences like no others! All options vary depending on your unique and specific interests, but one of the most universally appealing suggestions, catering to all ages, interests, and activity levels, is to embark on a seated sightseeing tour by way of a notable chauffeuring service. These include coach buses and those provided via other vehicle conveyances, as well as boat/water taxi outings.
The options are multiple, but to help you out, I’m sharing some of the most notable tours to consider, catering to various venues and locales throughout the region.
Big Bus Washington, DC
As the largest operator of open-top sightseeing bus tours worldwide, the Big Bus Tours Company boasts an ongoing mission to make hop-on, hop-off sightseeing stops readily accessible to folks visiting cities known as major tourist destinations. Their operations throughout the Mid-Atlantic region are largely based in Washington, DC., with two main routes and varying tour ticketing package deals. Learn more about their services, prices, and what each package covers on their website.
Bob Neff Tours
Based in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, Bob Neff Tours has been the trusted name in wholesome, family-friendly God-centered touring since 1972. From one-day outings via motorcoach to all-inclusive, longer, multiple-day excursions, they offer a wide range of touring services. Their dedicated, professional team is committed to accommodating guests with the utmost care and comfort. Click the link to discover more about all their specific offerings.
Diamond Tours
Since its establishment in 1987, Diamond Tours has emerged to become the largest bus tour company in North America. Dealing exclusively in motorcoach group travel, Diamond Tours services many major cities. At least two touring packages include a stop in Philadelphia, and there’s also an itinerary that presents tours of Virginia Beach, Williamsburg, and Historic Norfolk. But their most popular pick is their famed Washington, DC, Bus Tour. Visit the site link to learn more.
Discover Annapolis Tours
Offered via Towne Transport, known for their dedication and loyalty as an area staple for over 60 years, Discover Annapolis Tours are among the best ways to soak in the sights throughout Maryland’s Capital City. They offer a wide range of itineraries and weekly schedules, and cover all the essential city highlights and bucket list-must-see attractions. Click here to learn more.
EF Explore America
Catering primarily to students, educational facilities, and organizations, the collection of tours by EF Explore America provides many diverse packages and itineraries. Destinations throughout the Mid-Atlantic region include Gettysburg, Philadelphia, Arlington National Cemetery, Mount Vernon, Williamsburg, Manassas, Antietam, and Washington, DC, among others. These are provided via specific tour offerings with customizable options available. Go to the website for additional details.
Gettysburg Battlefield Bus Tours
There are numerous Ranger-led walking tours as well as notorious ghost strolls to sign up for throughout Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. But one of the best all-around tours to take is an all-inclusive Battlefield Bus Tour, complete with audio headphones and in the company of a knowledgeable guide. Tours vary by duration, scheduled stops, and even bus/vehicle type. They even offer open-air double-decker options! Explore all packages and rates here.
Gunther Tours
Based in Anne Arundel County, Maryland, Gunther has been providing coach bus tours and private charter services since 1991. They offer myriad scheduled outings to destinations throughout the continental United States and Canada. Some range in single-day trips spanning just a few hours. Others are multi-day excursions that include whole package stays and accommodations. Learn more by viewing their website.
OC Bay Hopper
Ocean City, Maryland, offers an abundance of different on-the-water boat outings to consider. These range from fishing excursions to dolphin watching, combined dining and snacking on the water, to those that present various themed focuses. One of the most versatile suggestions covering such a broad range of services, though, has to be OC Bay Hopper. Not only do they offer specific itineraries and scheduled tours, but they also provide commuting services via water taxi with a handful of stopping and starting points throughout the town (Bayside). Go to the website for schedules, pricing, and all other details.
Old Town Trolley Tours
Another awesome suggestion for navigating through and acquainting yourself with the greater Washington, DC region is going on one of several offered Old Town Trolley Tours. Various packages are available, catering to specific interests, durations, and inclusive rates. From the Lincoln Memorial to the Smithsonian Museums, and even visits to nearby Arlington National Cemetery, Old Town Trolley Tours provides you with many considerations. Click here to read more about what each specific package entails.
Rent-A-Tour
If you’re looking for an affordable, customizable service, Rent-A-Tour should be your optimal go-to choice. With over 30 years they’ve been at the game, providing touring services throughout Annapolis, Baltimore, and Washington, DC. Discover all they have to offer, including personalized services and even their new virtual tours on the website.
Spirit Cruises
With international locations as well as those based regionally, Spirit Cruises is perhaps best known for dinner, brunch, and lunch cruise offerings. But they also offer several sightseeing tour excursions. Ports of call that are locally based include those in Alexandria (VA), Norfolk (VA), Baltimore (MD), National Harbor (MD), Washington (DC), and Philadelphia (PA). Click the link to learn more.
Watermark Journey
Other optimal on-water cruising can be had with Watermark Journey. Based in Maryland (most offerings focus on Annapolis and Baltimore), they offer an abundance of available dinner and tour packages, from sightseeing multi-hour excursions to special holiday and event celebrations. And of course, there are charter options and those for booking a private outing or party presentation. You can learn more on their website.
Wolf’s Bus Line
Operating out of York, Pennsylvania, the Wolf’s Bus Line provides a host of different charters to groups of all shapes, sizes, and interests. They have fixed trips and planned outings via pre-planned itineraries, as well as fully customizable options for guests looking to book their services privately. Read more by clicking on the link.
These are just some of the countless contested tours offered throughout the Mid-Atlantic region. In addition to these, there are so many others you may want to look into, catering to uniquely themed motifs and specific interests. So get out and start exploring!