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14 Coolest Group Tours in the U.S.

Traveling solo but looking to meet new people? Book a group tour. Just arrived in a new location but your travel companions don’t fancy the same activities? Hunt down a group tour. Got a vague idea in mind but can’t figure out all the tiny details? You know the answer already: it’s a group tour. It doesn’t matter what your interests are or what sort of day of fun you’ve got planned in your head – there’s likely a group tour out there ready to bring it to life. Arguably more fun than snorkeling in Hawaii by yourself or wandering the streets of East Village alone, these group tours are a brilliant way to get a knowledgeable insider’s look at whatever you’ve got planned. Better yet, you’ll likely also leave with new friends to book more tours with. It’s a win-win situation.

Florida Keys Afternoon Reef Snorkel & Sail Adventure - Florida Snorkeling in the crystal clear water
Credit: Snorkeling in the crystal clear water by Viator.com

Florida Keys Afternoon Reef Snorkel & Sail Adventure - Florida

This Key West, Florida tour is split into two halves: above and below the water. Spend an afternoon snorkeling to the only living coral reef in North America, with crystal clear water and tropical fish, eels, turtles, dolphins, anemones, and urchins all around you. First, you’ll sail for an hour out to one of the many snorkeling points, before spending some time splashing around on both the north and south sides of Key West. Grab a drink (including water, soda, white wine, a selection of craft beers, margaritas, and even Champagne, if you’re feeling fancy) before getting back on the boat and relaxing during the scenic journey back to shore. The sun on your face, the wind in your hair and a cool drink in your hand make this group tour an ideal fusion of holiday chill and exciting adventure.

Retired NYPD Guided Gangster, Crime and Food Walk - New York Explore different gangsters' favorite spots.
Credit: Explore different gangsters' favorite spots. by Viator.com

Retired NYPD Guided Gangster, Crime and Food Walk - New York

If you enjoy a good thriller novel or spend your days listening to true crime podcasts, you’ll almost definitely enjoy this NYC Gangster and Mob walking tour. Led by a retired New York Police Department officer, this three-and-a-half-hour tour is jam-packed with thrilling stories from NYC’s dark underbelly. You’ll visit notorious gangland locations in the East Village, see some of the most famous gangs’ hangout spots and hear first-hand accounts of the NYC Mafia and crimes in NYC. This isn’t your standard gang tour though, it also steps things up a notch with a simultaneous food section. You’ll visit Crime Family member hangouts to see where they ate, partied, and ran their elusive “family businesses” before digging into food at a famous mafia “red sauce joint”. It finishes with cannoli from one of Little Italy’s iconic local pastry spots and more knowledge than you ever possibly thought you could know about NYC’s crime history.

Scenic Horseback Adventure - Arizona A horseback adventure with new friends
Credit: A horseback adventure with new friends by Viator.com

Scenic Horseback Adventure - Arizona

Sedona Verde Valley is stunning to wander around and soak up the heat but you’ll cover more ground and feel less exhausted at the end with the help of a horseback adventure tour. This scenic one-hour ride is both relaxing and exciting, with a picturesque route through the valley and an entertaining tour guide to lead the way. As your horse explores the valley under the sunshine, take in the western facades and Mingus Mountains. On a clear day, you can even see as far as the San Francisco Peaks in Flagstaff. En route, you can also feed the Barbados sheep, give the horses treats or take a selfie with the minis.

2-Hour Glass Bottom Guided Kayak Eco Tour in Rock Springs - Florida Kayaking in the blue water surrounded by stunning views
Credit: Kayaking in the blue water surrounded by stunning views by Viator.com

2-Hour Glass Bottom Guided Kayak Eco Tour in Rock Springs - Florida

Nature lovers will adore the winding crystal blue waterways of this guided kayak eco-tour in Apopka, Florida. Taking place mostly in a unique part of Rock Springs Run known as the Emerald Cut, you’ll kayak your way upstream with fish, turtles, birds, and maybe even small alligators to keep you company. The relaxed pace of this tour is great for both experienced and inexperienced kayakers, led by an enthusiastic guide who knows the area inside out. This slice of paradise is best explored via kayak and the best way to finish it off is with a dip in the waters surrounded by gorgeous scenery and wildlife.

East Village Rock n' Punk Tour - New York Spend a few hours checking out the incredible street art
Credit: Spend a few hours checking out the incredible street art by Viator.com

East Village Rock n' Punk Tour - New York

Rock ‘n’ Rollers, unite: it’s time to throw on your oldest band t-shirt and prepare to talk for hours about all of your favorite musicians. Head to New York’s East Village for the Rock n’ Punk walking tour to embrace the district’s seriously cool rich musical past. This is a trip that often sells out fast, thanks to its guide’s almost encyclopedic knowledge of all things rock ‘n’ roll. You’ll wander over to some of the era’s best musicians’ hang-out spots, including their favorite bars and streets covered with impressive murals. You’ll see where Joey Ramone, Iggy Pop, Andy Warhol, and Madonna lived, and visit some of the iconic shops of the area. A perfect tour for all fans of Ramones, the New York Dolls, CBGB’s, Andy Warhol, or the Velvet Underground, this two-hour group tour is unmissable for music lovers.

Arctic Circle and Northern Lights Tour from Fairbanks - Alaska Beautiful green and blue northern lights over the Arctic Circle
Credit: Beautiful green and blue northern lights over the Arctic Circle by Viator.com

Arctic Circle and Northern Lights Tour from Fairbanks - Alaska

Take a trip along one of the world’s most isolated roads in the Arctic Circle to admire the northern lights in all their beauty. This small-group tour travels down the remote Dalton Highway for a whole 14 hours, with spectacular colors dancing across the sky. You won’t spend the full 14 hours traveling: there are chances to snap a few photos en route, particularly if you stumble upon Alaskan wildlife like foxes, moose, or possibly even bears, wolves, or lynx. This tour starts in the afternoon, giving you the opportunity to watch the sun go down as you drive over the EL Patton Bridge, admire Finger Mountain, and take in views of the alpine tundra. At the edge of the Arctic Circle, you’ll stop for food and drinks, before driving back, hopefully passing this natural phenomenon during the journey.

San Francisco Love Tour - California Transportation for the tour
Credit: Transportation for the tour by Viator.com

San Francisco Love Tour - California

Drive back to the 70s, San Francisco style, on this two-hour tour aboard a colorful 1970s Volkswagen bus. Welcoming you into a highlights reel of the era, you’ll check out San Francisco’s top attractions, including Fisherman’s Wharf, Chinatown, North Beach, the Castro, the Mission, downtown, and more while your guide tells you historical stories of the era and local area. One of Viator’s most popular tours in San Francisco, the Love Tour will have you pulling out your parents’ clothes from the 60s while singing along to The Grateful Dead, Janis Joplin, and Jimi Hendrix. Your tour includes photo opportunities, adventures off the beaten path, and a whole new look at the neighborhood.

Las Vegas Reality Show VIP Tour - Nevada Get up close and personal with all the filming locations on the tour
Credit: Get up close and personal with all the filming locations on the tour by Viator.com

Las Vegas Reality Show VIP Tour - Nevada

Are you a fan of reality TV? Now’s your chance to take a look behind the TV screen, at this Las Vegas Reality Show VIP tour. Your best bet for learning all of the hidden secrets from some of your favorite shows, this four-hour tour is a gold mine for spilling all behind the scenes. As well as visiting some of the filming locations for shows like Pawn Stars,’ ‘Tanked,’ ‘American Restoration,’ ‘Counting Cars,’ ‘Toy Shack’ and ‘Ultimate Sports Cards and Memorabilia’, you’ll be taken off the beaten track with lesser-visited spots and facts. Your knowledgeable tour guide can help you with skip-the-line VIP access and an insider’s narrative of what goes on between the seams of each show. It includes admission fees, a minibus to take you to and from each stop, and maybe even a meet and greet experience. Don’t forget your notebooks for autograph opportunities. 

Chicago Pizza Tour - Illinois Feast upon as much deep pan pizza as you can handle
Credit: Feast upon as much deep pan pizza as you can handle by Viator.com

Chicago Pizza Tour - Illinois

Chicago is famous for many things but, in particular, it’s known for its delicious deep pan pizzas. And what’s the best way to ensure you’re digging into the best of the best while you’re in this amazing spot? Heading out on a guided pizza tour. As well as stuffing yourself silly with some of Chicago’s best deep-pan dishes, you’ll also learn the science behind ingredient selection and baking as you sample slices from historic pizzerias. “Deep dish”, “tavern-style” and “coal-fired” are all terms you’ll be more than familiar with by the end of the three-and-a-half-hour tour. For best results, arrive with an empty stomach and maybe a doggie bag.

The Original Sedona UFO and Stargazing Night Tour - Arizona Each trip comes with unique sightings
Credit: Each trip comes with unique sightings by Viator.com

The Original Sedona UFO and Stargazing Night Tour - Arizona

There’s arguably nowhere better in the world for UFO sightings than Sedona. And this 90-minute tour – the original and first UFO tour in the area – is your best bet for getting your mind whirring. Peculiar sightings, unusual movements, and intriguing stories will keep you entertained throughout this popular tour. It’s also one that’s prepared for all kinds of occurrences: night goggles will give you unbeatable views of the night sky, Military night lasers will help you to pinpoint each new potential sighting and heaters will keep you warm on those cooler nights. This memorable tour is informative and entertaining, rounded off with some stunning stargazing.

Napa & Sonoma Wine Country Full-Day Tour From San Francisco - California Explore large and small vineyards
Credit: Explore large and small vineyards by Viator.com

Napa & Sonoma Wine Country Full-Day Tour From San Francisco - California

This Napa and Sonoma Wine Country Full-Day Tour covers a little of everything if you’re interested in wine: whether that’s producing it, admiring it, or simply drinking it. Or, all of the above. As well as being able to taste a large number of wines throughout the day trip, you’ll also learn about the history of winemaking, admire the rolling hills and vineyards and drive over the Golden Gate Bridge for views of the Bay Area. Check out the vineyards and barrel rooms of small-scale wineries and heavy-hitters alike as you sip your way through California’s wine country with a stop for lunch and a wine-induced glow to finish off the afternoon.

Turtle Canyon Catamaran Snorkel Cruise - Hawaii Get up close to the turtles
Credit: Get up close to the turtles by Viator.com

Turtle Canyon Catamaran Snorkel Cruise - Hawaii

There aren’t many tours in the world that offer guaranteed turtle sightings but take a trip to Waikiki, Honolulu, and you’ll definitely get to hang out with resident turtles throughout this Oahu snorkel trip. Spend two hours in the morning or three hours in the afternoon aboard a power catamaran and sail along the shores to reach the turtles’ favorite hangout spots. This is a tour for anyone who appreciates breathtaking nature: you’ll get to admire the beautiful Diamond Head throughout the journey and the crystal clear waters when you reach the snorkeling spot. The tour includes two alcoholic drinks (for you, not the turtles) as well as snorkeling gear and a professional guide.

Woods Course Zipline Tour in Seven Falls - Colorado Ziplining through the Seven Falls Canyon
Credit: Ziplining through the Seven Falls Canyon by Viator.com

Woods Course Zipline Tour in Seven Falls - Colorado

What’s the fastest way to check out all of the views across the stunning Seven Falls Canyon? Via zipline, of course. But not just one zipline. Spend three hours holding on tight to five different zip lines reaching up to 1,500 feet long and heights of 150 feet, with incredible views in every direction. An ideal afternoon for thrill-seekers and adventure lovers, this zipline tour is just as fun as it is professional, with guides keeping safety as the top priority over the entire circuit. It’s a great fusion of adrenaline and culture, giving you the chance to learn more about the canyon and surrounding areas while flying high across it.

Nashville to Jack Daniel's Distillery Bus Tour with Whiskey Tastings - Tennessee The distillery tour comes with whiskey samples
Credit: The distillery tour comes with whiskey samples by Viator.com

Nashville to Jack Daniel's Distillery Bus Tour with Whiskey Tastings - Tennessee

Nashville and whiskey go hand in hand, which means this Jack Daniel’s distillery tour is crammed full of everything you need to know in the world of spirits. It’s also a lot more inclusive than just buying your own ticket to the distillery, with before and after activities that bring the whole experience together. This tour lasts for seven hours and includes everything from a guided tour of the Jack Daniel’s Distillery, a 90-minute Angel’s Share Distillery Tour to whiskey tastings with samples drawn from individual barrels as well as from the historic George Green Barrel House. You’ll drive through picturesque rolling hills and farms and spend time sightseeing in nearby Lynchburg. It’s also BYOB.

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