Epic Eats: An American Food Adventure

Experience the United States one bite at a time on this epic coast-to-coast culinary journey. From the bustling streets of New York City to the soulful kitchens of the South, and from smoky Texas barbecue pits to California’s world-class vineyards, this trip blends America’s most iconic flavours with its vibrant culture and history.

You’ll savour New York pizza and cheesecake, dig into Nashville hot chicken, sample Memphis barbecue, and feast on Creole and Cajun classics in New Orleans. Further west, explore the Tex-Mex and taco culture of Houston and Austin before finishing with sourdough, seafood, and wine-tasting in San Francisco and Napa Valley.

Along the way, there’s plenty of time to enjoy live music, explore historic neighbourhoods, and soak up the atmosphere of some of America’s most exciting cities. Get ready to taste your way across America, discovering iconic dishes, hidden gems, and culinary traditions that will stay with you long after your journey ends.

Everything can be adjusted to suit your needs and create your perfect food focused holiday.

What is special about the food in the USA?

The USA offers an incredibly diverse food scene influenced by cultures from around the world. From regional specialties like San Francisco seafood, New York pizza, Cajun cuisine, Southern BBQ, and Tex-Mex to gourmet dishes and innovative fusion meals, there’s something to suit every taste. The country is also known for its vibrant street food, food festivals, and farm-to-table experiences. Whether you’re a foodie seeking fine dining or casual eats, American cuisine offers unique flavours and experiences that reflect its rich cultural diversity.

Is this a Private Tour or a Group Tour?

All of our USA tours are private, tailor-made itineraries, designed around your preferences. We can adjust every element to suit your interests, pace, and travel style. This particular USA trip includes flights, accommodation, and car rental (where applicable).

What are the Departure Dates?

Since this is a private trip, there are no set departure dates. Let us know your preferred dates of travel, and we will find the best flights to fit your itinerary. We can advise on the best times to visit each region of the USA, as well as periods to avoid due to peak tourist seasons, inclement weather, or when travel would simply be better timed for your itinerary.

Which Airlines do you use?

We work with all major airlines flying to the USA. Depending on your departure city, we typically suggest carriers such as Virgin Atlantic, British Airways, and Delta. If you have a preferred airline or route, just let us know. We can also organise flights from any regional UK airport. There are direct flights from the UK to many US hubs including New York, Los Angeles, Miami, and San Francisco.

Which Hotels do you use?

We carefully select hotels based on location, style, and quality, but we are guided by your preferences. We specialise in boutique hotels, charming historic properties, and smaller luxury hotels where available. In major cities like New York, Chicago, or San Francisco, hotel rooms can sometimes be smaller and more expensive, and many properties lean towards a more business-style design. If room size or character is important to you, please let us know and we can suggest alternatives.

We also consider proximity to attractions and transport links, as driving or using public transport in large cities can add travel time.

Please note that many US hotels charge resort or facility fees (covering amenities such as Wi-Fi, fitness centres, or pools). We try to include these in our pricing wherever possible, but as policies vary by hotel, we recommend checking with us for details at the time of booking.

Car Rental & Driving in the USA

Many of our itineraries include car rental to explore regions at your own pace. Rental cars give you freedom, but there are a few practical points to note:

• One-way fees: Some itineraries involve picking up a car in one city and dropping it off in another. One-way fees can apply, depending on the rental company and locations. We will try to include these where possible.

• Parking: City hotels may charge for parking, and rates can vary. We will guide you on likely costs.

• Insurance & Navigation: We can advise on the best insurance coverage and suggest GPS or app-based navigation for ease of travel.

• Driver Requirements: A valid driver’s licence is required. For most rentals, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended, particularly if you plan to drive across multiple states.

Ask us for more details so you can plan your trip with confidence.

Isn’t the USA expensive now?

Well, it depends on where you go! The USA offers incredible variety, from budget-friendly options to luxury experiences. We plan your trip to balance value and comfort, helping you get the most out of your accommodation, transport, and excursions. Many of our itineraries include car rental, which gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace and discover hidden gems off the beaten path.

There’s plenty to see and do without spending much, from scenic drives and hiking trails to charming small towns and local markets. Entrance fees to national parks, museums, or attractions are generally reasonable but vary by location. Private guided trips can be more expensive, but there are also plenty of small-group options available, which allow you to enjoy expert guidance while keeping costs manageable.

We can mix and match this to suit your itinerary. Dining in the USA can suit every budget — from food trucks and diners to world-class fine dining.

New York

From Wall Street's skyscrapers to the neon of Times Square and Central Park's leafy paths, New York City is widely regarded as the heart of the US.

It pulses with an irrepressible energy during the day and positively heaves at night. From incredible art galleries and museums to some of the best restaurants and most iconic buildings in the world, the Big Apple’s vibrant cultural scene makes for an unparalleled experience for visitors.

There is so much to see and do that it is impossible to cover every cultural highlight in a single trip.

Visitors with limited time should head for the main attractions: the Statue of Liberty, MoMa and the Empire State Building, while those with more time can begin to explore the city’s lesser known neighbourhoods and outlying green spaces.

No matter how you choose to spend your time and no matter how high your hopes, New York is guaranteed to exceed even the highest of expectations.

Philadelphia

Philadelphia is a historic and vibrant city that played a central role in the founding of the United States. From the iconic Liberty Bell and Independence Hall to the cobblestone streets of Old City, history is woven into the very fabric of the city.

But Philadelphia is far more than just its past. The city boasts a thriving arts scene, from world-class museums like the Philadelphia Museum of Art to street art and performance spaces scattered across its eclectic neighbourhoods. Food lovers will delight in the city’s culinary offerings, from its famous cheesesteaks and soft pretzels to innovative farm-to-table restaurants and bustling markets like Reading Terminal.

Visitors can also explore the city’s leafy parks, scenic riverfronts, and historic districts by foot or bike, discovering hidden gems and charming local shops along the way. Whether strolling along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, catching a show, or immersing yourself in the city’s rich cultural heritage, Philadelphia promises a blend of history, creativity, and modern energy that leaves a lasting impression.

Nashville

Commonly known as ‘Music City’ and ‘The Country Music Capital of the World’, Nashville is the ultimate pilgrimage site for music fans from around the globe.

Despite its association with a rather honky-tonk, cowboy boot-clad crowd, Nashville has a lesser-known culturally rich and sophisticated side bolstered by a steady influx of young people who ensure that there is constantly something new and innovative going on.

Beyond the tourist-focused downtown area, designer stores, hip art galleries, trendy breweries and quirky coffee shops seem to be popping up around the city’s lively neighbourhoods and occupying its gorgeous old Classical and Neoclassical buildings.

With its fabulous food scene, rich musical heritage, and wonderful historical sights, Nashville always makes for some captivating and inspiring travel experiences.

Memphis

Legendary music, hearty Southern-style soul food and incredible vistas overlooking the mighty Mississippi - you will find all this and more in the wild-spirited river-town of Memphis, Tennessee.

The city offers a beguiling blend of Southern tradition and modern efficiency. It is a place where aging cotton warehouses stand alongside state-of-the-art new office buildings, and where old-fashioned paddle wheelers steam upriver past the city's most striking landmark, the gleaming, stainless-steel Pyramid Arena.

As the birthplace of blues and the site of much activity in the historical development of rock ‘n roll, Memphis’s musical heritage is just as diverse as its architectural delights.

Highlights include the famed jazz, blues and rock ‘n’ roll joints lined up on Beale Street, the heavily storied Sun Studio and of course Elvis Presley’s impressive Graceland mansion.

Natchez

Located in southwest Mississippi, Natchez is a graceful and refined place that exudes Southern charm and offers some interesting cultural sights and exciting outdoor activities.

Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the town’s collection of elegant historic homes: Linden, Longwood, Melrose, Mammoth and Stanton are the finest, with tours departing from the Natchez Visitor and Welcome Centre.

Meanwhile, fans of American literature can view Richard Wright’s childhood home, and active travellers can rent canoes and paddle on the mighty Mississippi, admiring the area’s rich birdlife as they go, or join the popular Natchez Trace Parkway cycling route.

Finally, the town is home to a number of trendy shops, bars and restaurants, and the Natchez Brewing Company offers excellent tours and tastings.

View Itinerary in Detail

To view a sample holiday, click on one of the links below. This will open the itinerary up in a new window.

All of our USA Holidays are completely tailor made and we can put together any kind of itinerary to suit your interests and budget.

We have many other options so if you have a particular hotel in mind just let us know and we'll put together a price and itinerary for you.