Top USA Literary Tours

On this 2.5-hour walking tour, we’ll explore how author Willa Cather was inspired to write her "best book" (her words), "Death Comes for the Archbishop" by retracing her steps through Santa Fe in 1925 and 1926. Our walking route covers about 1.5 miles, mostly on sidewalks, but also climbs a hill to the Cross of the Martyrs with its outstanding view of the city below. During our time together, we'll explore aspects of the novel, such as Kit Carson, Padre Antonio José Martínez, and of course Archbishop Jean-Baptiste Lamy, New Mexico's first Catholic archbishop and the real-life inspiration for the fictional Bishop Latour in Cather's book. We will learn about Sister Blandina Segale who helped set up a hospital in Lamy's house, and visit the last remnant of Lamy's six-acre garden behind the St. Francis Cathedral in the peaceful Stations of the Cross Prayer Garden.

Join a veteran producer of Project Runway and discover the fascinating journey of New York’s fashion history on this guided walking tour through Manhattan’s East 60s and 70s - where Gilded Age mansions share sidewalks with Tom Ford, The Row, and Ralph Lauren boutiques. Explore the blend of cultures, artistry, and innovation that shaped the world of fashion. Find out how and why New York became the birthplace of Vogue, Fashion Week, the Met Gala, Bergdorf Goodman, Studio 54, hip-hop street style and Project Runway — and that's barely scratching the surface. We'll talk about designers like Halston, Betsey Johnson, Christian Siriano, Ralph Lauren, and more. Within these two miles, the fashions created and worn here have reflected every cultural, political, and economic shift — and quietly served as a "Cerulean Blue" inspiration for a whole world of people, whether they love fashion or couldn't care less.

Learn all about the life of F. Scott Fitzgerald on this private, historic walking tour in St. Paul. Your guide will be a wealth of knowledge regarding the popular author, and will share stories about life in the Roaring ‘20s, learn about the Victorian lifestyle, and much more. Walk at your own pace on this tour that will last approximately two hours.

Sample local brews and learn about local literary icons during this half-day combo walking tour of Greenwich Village in New York City. Follow your local guide through city streets and learn where writers, poets, and playwrights lived, wrote, drank, and partied. Enjoy time to relax at each stop—purchase a drink if you'd like—while your guide shares details about some of the city's most influential minds.

Step into the boots of a battleship sailor in this exclusive behind-the-scenes journey aboard Battleship IOWA. Start with the IOWA Experience, a self-guided tour across five decks that showcases the ship’s presidential legacy, interactive exhibits, sailor stories, and a fun scavenger hunt led by Vicky the Dog. NOTE: Please arrive earlier in the day to complete the self-guided IOWA Experience before your crew-led “Big Guns” Tour at 1:30 PM. Then, go deeper with a 2.5-hour crew-led tour into rarely seen spaces—areas of the ship that powered her dominance during World War II, the Korean War, and the Cold War. Descend through hatches and climb through passageways as you explore. Due to the physically demanding nature of this tour and access to confined spaces, it is limited to guests aged 10+ and not recommended for those with mobility limitations. Closed-toe shoes required.

Uncover Charleston’s darkest secrets on an evening ghost tour. Stroll through the atmospheric heart of the old city while a guide regales you with tales of the dark deeds, restless spirits, and supernatural phenomena that make Charleston one of the most haunted cities in America. Get exclusive after-hour access to the famous Unitarian Church Graveyard, where an overgrown southern garden surrounds historic plots. If you choose, you can book a shorter tour with just access to the Unitarian Church Graveyard.

Walk in the footsteps of Margaret Mitchell, the Pulitzer-Prize winning author of Gone with the Wind on this private tour. Visit the Atlanta apartment where she lived and wrote her famous novel, and see the Georgian Terrace Hotel where the film’s premiere was celebrated. Learn little known facts and insights with your personal guide as you stop at noteworthy landmarks and locations from the book and from the author’s life.

A history-saturated neighborhood and a literary landmark, Monterey’s Cannery Row is a must-see for fans of John Steinbeck and American literature—and this self-led walking tour offers a seamless, flexible way to discover. Upon purchasing, download the audio tour and use when and as often as you’d like. You’ll learn about the rise and fall of the local fishing industry, Steinbeck’s work, the neighborhood’s revival, and more.

Skip the generic audio guides and discover Charleston's layered history through the eyes of someone who grew up in it. This small-group walking tour is led by a local author with a talent for storytelling and intimate knowledge of the area. Wander cobblestone streets and take in the city’s iconic architecture in an intimate group of no more than 12 travelers.

Explore the vibrant world of Andy Warhol and Truman Capote on this captivating 2.5-hour walking tour through Manhattan's Upper East Side. Discover the roots of their iconic friendship as you visit significant locations, including Warhol's first studio in an old firehouse and the exterior of the famed Breakfast at Tiffany's townhouse. Engage with their lasting influence on culture and the Swans and Superstars who inspired their work, all while strolling through the elegant streets that shaped their lives. This tour offers a unique blend of art, literature, and history, perfect for fans of both figures. - 2.5-hour walking tour focusing on the friendship of Warhol and Capote - Visit key sites including Warhol's townhouses and Tiffany’s exterior - Learn about their muses and ongoing cultural impact - Tour starts at 86th and Park Avenue, ending at the Plaza Hotel at 59th Street and 5th Avenue

Discover literary treasures by walking through Capitol Hill. The tour will also include passing by sites like the U.S Capitol and Library of Congress. The tour begins on H St, a vibrant neighborhood for restaurants and entertainment. We will begin with a visit to Solid State, a black-owned independent bookstore featuring a diverse selection of fiction and non-fiction titles. Grab a coffee or tea (included), and we will take a 25 minute walk (or Uber based on weather conditions, which will be included in the price). Next, East City -Is an independent women bookstore founded by local bibliophile Laurie Gillman, followed by Capitol Hill Books, a quaint bookstore with many rooms, including rooms like the Mystery Room, the Cultural Closet and the Weird Section Lastly, you can continue to enjoy vendors and food at DC’s landmark, Eastern Market. The tour will end here, and you will have time to enjoy the market on your own.

Explore the literary side of Brooklyn on a 3 hour walking tour with an informative guide. Visit Brooklyn Heights, Cobble Hill and Boerum Hill, stopping at bars that were favorite watering holes for renowned writers. Purchase a drink to sip while hearing passages of the writers' work read aloud and learning about the history of the the bars, the neighborhoods and New York City as a whole. You'll gain insight into the urban planning of Robert Moses, and check out architectural and historical points of interest on this fun and fascinating tour.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City is known for its artwork, many of which are inspired by literature and oral traditions. Deepen your understanding of the relationship between art and storytelling and see some fantastic pieces on this tour while exploring parts of the museum’s vast collection. Recommended for ages 12 and up.

Discover the stories and slang of New York’s historic Lower East Side, from classic NYC accents to the languages—such as Chinese and Yiddish—that call the city home. While some tours highlight sightseeing alone, this guided walking tour takes you through the streets for a true cultural immersion, whether you’re practicing your pronunciation or checking out hip hop landmarks.

Add depth to your French Quarter experience with a private, customizable tour led by a long-time local resident. Your guide will tailor the tour to your interests, with options to explore LGBTQ history, literary landmarks, or even the intriguing world of Voodoo in the neighborhood.

New York City has been the filming location for some of the most popular superhero movies and television shows. Skip the hassle of research and navigation and let a guide show you more than 40 sites. From Spider-Man to The Avengers, and Batman and Superman, visit some of the spots where superheroes save the world during this guided group tour around Manhattan.

Discover the real-life drama behind the international bestselling book Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil and see spots you might not find on your own with this walking tour of Savannah. Walk through Savannah's iconic squares and under trees dripping with Spanish moss as your guide regales you with tales of the city's historic scandals while en route to sights made famous by the novel.

Hidden corridors. Overlooked spaces. Unexpected flavors. Starting in North Alley, this story-forward route explores the lesser-seen paths that helped shape downtown Noblesville. Guests will wind through side streets and historic corridors while hearing stories of early commerce, civic life, and the evolution of downtown neighborhoods. You’ll visit a mix of off-main-path retailers and heritage shops, paired with a relaxed bite stop at a local eatery along the way. Depending on the day’s route, the experience may conclude with a final retail visit or a casual beverage stop at a partner wine bar, taproom, or café. What to Expect on Every Tour • Comfortable pacing with built-in rest opportunities • One seated stop per tour • Less than one mile of total walking distance • Small group size capped at 15 guests Each experience is designed to highlight downtown walkability and support local merchants, especially during the Embrace Downtown construction season.

Experience the magical side of The Metropolitan Museum of Art on a tour inspired by a famous book series about witches and wizards. From parts of a real castle to mythical creatures not unlike those in the books, you’ll see artifacts from around the world and learn the stories behind them. Take part in a fun activity and feel very free to dress up in your robes for the occasion. Recommended for ages 8 and up.

Monticello’s homes and historic streets tell the story of a small Southern town’s journey from an optimistic frontier settlement to the Civil War. On this self-guided walking tour, you’ll follow the true story of Mary Adeline Walker and her husband William (central characters in the Palmetto Pioneers book series) through Monticello’s remarkably preserved historic district. The tour begins at the Jefferson County Courthouse Circle, the political and social heart of 1840s Monticello, where citizens first learned Florida had achieved statehood in 1845. As you walk, you’ll discover how Jefferson County became one of Florida’s political centers and how its position as one of the state’s largest slave-holding counties influenced its swift support for secession. Throughout the journey, you’ll learn how Monticello’s early settlers, nicknamed “Palmetto Pioneers“ for their South Carolina origins, transformed a Florida frontier outpost into a thriving cotton-shipping town.

Joan Didion had a huge impact on Manhattan’s Upper East Side, and this self-guided audio tour helps you delve deeper into her life and work at a pace that suits you and your party. Offline access to maps and GPS means you won’t have to use your data, while exploring independently means you can stop for photos whenever you like.