Travelmood Adventures
View my favourites
/Grand Southern

Grand Southern (LA to NY)

Grand Southern (LA to NY) (COTLALB03)

Duration: 24 days (may vary)
Areas: USA
Tour types: Under 35's

Description

Featuring: California, Arizona, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, Texas, Arkansas, Tennessee, Lousiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, District of Columbia, Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York

Tour itinerary

Day 1 Los Angeles (Anaheim) to Las Vegas

On to Sin City! Get ready, set, and GO! You are in for the ride of your life on this Grand Southern tour. Prepare for a sensory experience like no other as we drive the famous Vegas "Strip." You won't believe your eyes at this electric wonderland! After the light show at Fremont Street, party on at an optional Las Vegas cabaret show.

Day 2 Las Vegas

Vegas, Baby! Only in Las Vegas can you visit most of the world's largest hotels and casinos in one day, gamble while you swim, catapult 327 meters (1,081 feet) up in the air from the top of the Stratosphere Hotel, feel like you are in Venice, Egypt, New York, Ancient Rome, and Paris all at the same time, and party like a rock star 24 hours a day! Get out there and do it all - or just lie by the pool and relax. Tonight, party on at one of Las Vegas's premier hot spots!

Day 3 Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon

A World Wonder. You can check one of the World's Seven Natural Wonders off your list today as we enter Arizona and head to Grand Canyon - a natural treasure. Our modern cabins are located inside the National Park, just a short walk to the canyon's rim.

Day 4 Grand Canyon National Park

A World Wonder. At over 1.6km (1 mile) deep and averaging 16km (10 miles) wide, it is easy to understand why the Grand Canyon is considered one of the world's seven natural wonders. We have the entire day to hike and explore the national park. Maybe take a sensational helicopter flight over the canyon (optional). Don't miss the spectacular sunset at the Grand Canyon.

Day 5 Grand Canyon to Cortez via Monument Valley

The Wild West. You'll swear you walked onto the set of a Western movie today as we go for an off road trip of Monument Valley on Navajo Indian Reservation land. Magnificent mesas, buttes, and plateaus are carved out of the landscape of America's spectacular Southwest. Our hotel tonight is in Cortez, located in the beautiful state of Colorado.

Day 6 Cortez to Albuquerque

Rocky Mountain High. Passing through the spectacular Rocky Mountain Range, you'll feel like exploring the great outdoors in Durango by rafting down the Animas River (seasonal) or bouncing through the backcountry by jeep (optionals). Get your kicks in Albuquerque, New Mexico along the old Route 66, our home for tonight.

Day 7 Albuquerque to Amarillo

Everything's Bigger in Texas! Rub the sleep from your eyes as you float over Albuquerque in a hot air balloon (optional). Santa Fe is our next stop where Native American culture abounds in this historic art town. After crossing over into the friendly state of Texas, we'll stop at a most unusual outdoor sculpture garden and a tribute to the great American automobile - the Cadillac Ranch. Tonight's accommodation and dinner in Amarillo are both true examples of real Texan culture!

Day 8 Amarillo to Dallas

You'll be pleasantly surprised by what your road crew has to show you in Dallas - cutting edge architecture, sophisticated shopping, cool nightlife, and marvelous museums. For a taste of another side of Dallas, dust off your cowboy boots and whoop it up tonight at the popular Mesquite Rodeo (seasonal/optional).

Day 9 Dallas at leisure

Visit the home of the Dallas Cowboys, Texas Stadium, "where God watches His favorite team play football" (when available). Afterwards, you'll have the chance to understand the life, death, and times of John F. Kennedy, America's 35th President, at the Sixth Floor Museum.

Day 10 Dallas to Memphis

Home of the Blues, a President, and a King. Heading into the Deep South, we stop in Little Rock, the city Bill Clinton called home while Governor of the state of Arkansas. Cruising over the meandering Mississippi River, we enter Tennessee and the soulful city of Memphis. Let's check out the action on Beale Street tonight.

Day 11 Memphis at leisure

"We're going to Graceland, Graceland..." Throw on your blue suede shoes as we head to the private home of "The King" - Elvis Presley. Check out the wild "Jungle Room", Elvis' gold records and stage costumes, and the grounds including Elvis' grave. This afternoon there is free time to visit the Civil Rights Museum, as well as Sun Studios where musicians like U2, Elvis, and Johnny Cash have performed.

Day 12 Memphis to New Orleans

Let the Good Times Roll! Upon arriving in New Orleans, one of America's wildest cities, we'll dance to the Jazzy beat of Dixieland while eating Southern Cajun delights on a riverboat cruise on the Mighty Mississippi tonight (optional). Afterwards look out Bourbon Street here we come!

Day 13 New Orleans at leisure

"Joie de vivre" oozes out of every pore of this tantalizing city. Your senses will be on overload as you sip café au lait and try beignets at Café du Monde, meander along the sexy streets of the French Quarter, and awe at the immense mansions in the Garden District.Tonight, we'll dance to the jazzy beat of Dixieland while eating Cajun delights on a riverboat cruise on the mighty Mississippi this evening. (optional)

Day 14 New Orleans to Pensacola

Life's a Beach. After a day of fun in New Orleans, you'll need a day to rest on the beautiful, white, sandy beaches of Florida's Panhandle on the Gulf of Mexico. Rent a jet ski, try the locally famous "Bushwacker", or get into a game of volleyball on the beach.

Day 15 Pensacola to Orlando

Mickey and friends, here we come! As we drive across the state of Florida, you'll have time to plan your two full days in Orlando - the mecca of theme parks and entertainment.

Day 16 Orlando at leisure

There are plenty of parks to choose from - Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure, Sea World, and the Walt Disney World complex including Magic Kingdom, EPCOT Centre, Animal Kingdom, and the Disney - MGM Studios. For nightlife, why not try Disney's Pleasure Island or Universal's City Walk.

Day 18 Orlando to St. Augustine incl. Kennedy Space Centre

Blast Off! You will have most of the day to explore Kennedy Space Center. Your tour includes the Saturn V rocket, the history of the Apollo moon landing flights and views of the Space Shuttle Launch pads. Once thought to house "The Fountain of Youth", we'll make our way to St. Augustine for the night.

Day 19 St. Augustine to Savannah

Hi Y'all. These two towns are hidden Southern gems. You'll have time to wander the inviting streets of America's oldest city, St. Augustine, Florida before heading onto Savannah, Georgia. Your road crew will introduce you to this charming town and show you the historic city squares where the movie "Forrest Gump" was filmed. The nightlife along the riverfront is way too tempting!

Day 20 Savannah to Raleigh

Southern Hospitality at its best. Practice your best Southern drawl as you cross the Carolinas today. The people are just so friendly in Raleigh, North Carolina, your home tonight.

Day 21 Raleigh to Washington D.C.

We leave Raleigh today and continue our journey north. We'll stop in historic Richmond but arriving in Washington D.C. where it all happens! We start off on a thoughtful note as we visit the Kennedy gravesites and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery. Your jaw will drop at how beautiful this city is lit up at night during this evening's orientation tour that includes views of the White House and visits to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the Capitol Building, and the Lincoln, Jefferson and FDR Memorials.

Day 22 Washington DC at Leisure

Phew, so much to do in two days - you can see the White House, Capital Building, Washington Monument, and Library of Congress. There is also plenty of time to visit the Smithsonian museums - the Museum of Natural History, the National Air and Space Museum and the Museum of American History.

Day 24 Washington D.C. to New York

Take a Bite of the Big Apple. What an incredible ending! Four fabulous East Coast states, two tantalizing cities, one U.S. military academy, and a coach load of new friends all add up to a lifetime of fantastic memories. Before arriving at one of most electrifying cities in the world, New York, we'll pop in on Annapolis, Maryland and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, both lovely and historic. Your epic journey across America will end late this afternoon.
*Please Note:* Do not book flights before 9:00pm.

Add to my favourites
Call us now

Accommodation & Meals:

  • 23 nights in twin-share hotel accommodation
  • Breakfasts (B) and Dinners (D) - as per itinerary

Contiki Difference

  • Experienced, professional Tour Manager & Driver
  • Modern air-conditioned coach
  • Visit 22 States: California ; Nevada ; Arizona ; Utah ; Colorado ; New Mexico ; Texas ; Arkansas ; Tennessee ; Mississippi ; Louisiana ; Alabama ; Florida ; Georgia ; South Carolina ; North Carolina ; Virginia ; Maryland ; Delaware ; Pennsylvania ; New Jersey ; New York

Included Highlights:

  • Mojave Desert: See the famous Joshua Trees.
  • Las Vegas: Evening Illumination tour including the famous Las Vegas 'Strip'. Visit the Fremont Street Experience Light Show. Visit some of the world's largest hotels & casinos and enjoy the nightlife.
  • Route 66: Stop for photos & souvenirs.
  • Grand Canyon: Stay in the National Park. Visit the panoramic lookout. Hike along the rim of the canyon. Watch a spectacular sunset.
  • Monument Valley: Tour Monument Valley's Navajo Tribal Park. See the Painted Desert.
  • Cortez: Enjoy an evening in Colorado. Drive through the Rocky Mountains.
  • Albuquerque: Visit Old Town Albuqurque.
  • Santa Fe: Visit the historic art town. Experience Native American culture.
  • Amarillo: Visit the pop art tribute to the American automobile Cadillac Ranch.. Experience Big Texan culture & food..
  • Chicago: City sightseeing tour.
  • Dallas: Tour Texas Stadium, home of the Dallas Cowboys (subject to availability). Visit the John F. Kennedy Sixth Floor Museum. Enjoy the nightlife.
  • Little Rock: See the Capital Building, Bill Clinton's home whilst Governor of Arkansas. Cross the Mississippi River.
  • Memphis: Tour Graceland Mansion, home of Elvis Presley. Visit Beale Street, home of Blues music. Visit the Civil Rights Museum & Sun Studios.
  • Chicago: City sightseeing tour.
  • New Orleans: See the French Quarter, Jackson Square & the French Market. See the Garden District Mansions. Enjoy the nightlife of Bourbon Street.
© 2008 Travelmood Ltd. All rights reserved. Trademark Reg. 2353265