Description
21 DAYS: NYC - Philadelphia (NO NIGHT STOP) - Washington D.C. - Appalachian Mountains - Nashville - Memphis - New Orleans - Houston - San Antonio - Carlsbad - Santa Fe - Mesa Verde National Park - Monument Valley - Grand Canyon - Las Vegas - Sierra Nevada - Yosemite National Park - San Francisco
Starting point: New York City Ending Point: San Francisco
Price: £2975 per person
Departure Date:
- Tuesday, 15 August 2023
- Sunday, 20 August 2023
Meals Included: Dinner at select locations. Mandatory Food Kitty at $10 per person, per day.
Why you'll love this trip:
- Celebrate musical history as you journey from Memphis – the home of rock and roll - to the USA’s country music capital, Nashville and on to discover jazz culture in New Orleans.
- Explore Mesa Verde National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with expansive views, vast mesas, canyons and impressive, well-preserved cliff dwellings.
- Spend two nights staying in Grand Canyon National Park. With plenty of time to explore, you’ll be left gobsmacked by its steep red-rock escarpments and gorges.
- Discover the glitz and glam of Las Vegas – let your hair down and be wowed all things over-the-top in this neon-lit desert city.
- Cover Yosemite’s many trails with a full day and two nights exploring dedicated to the park. You’ll be able to hike and explore until your heart (and camera) is content.
Is this trip right for you?
- This trip includes time spent travelling in a private vehicle with your group. Extra space can be tight, and conditions may feel a little cramped. It’s all part of the adventure and a great way to get to know your fellow travellers. Please read the itinerary carefully for travel time estimates.
- Although our private vehicles do have air conditioning, it has to work pretty hard to keep a full group cool. Expect to feel hot during summer and cold at other times of the year, especially at night. Please consider the season and research the weather conditions to determine the best time to travel for you. Remember to come prepared with adequate clothing.
- This trip involves either a partial or full camping experience, giving you access to more remote destinations at close proximity, and the joy of camping under the night skies and beside a campfire. This is a participatory trip – a fancy way of saying you’re not just along for the ride, but you are part of a team! Be prepared to roll up your sleeves and help out with camp activities like food prep and washing up. It’s all about giving your new travel mates a hand, and everyone knows there’s nothing worse than trying to put up a tent on your own!
- Ensure you bring sturdy walking shoes and comfortable clothes. To make the most of the trip, it's best if you have at least a moderate level of fitness.
DAY 1 - Philadelphia en route to Washington D.C.
Meet your leader near New York City at the Grove Street Station in Jersey City at 10am for a Welcome Meeting before hitting the road toward the nation’s capital of Washington DC. You’ll enjoy a stop in Philadelphia along today’s journey where you’ll get a chance to visit some of the highlights from the Old City including the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, and the famous ‘Rocky’ steps. Enjoy a little free time to grab some lunch in Philly before we continue our journey to our campground for the evening near Washington DC.
Accommodation: Camping (with facilities)
Meals Included: None
Included Activities:
- Philadelphia - City highlights stop
Optional Activities:
- Philadelphia - Reading Terminal Market - Free
Driving Time: Today's driving time is approximately 2.5 hours
DAY 2 - Washington, D.C.
There’s plenty to see and do in Washington DC, and it can be tricky to know where to start – so we’ve got the morning sorted for you! You’ll join your leader for a guided tour of the city. This is the perfect way to get your bearings before spending the day exploring at your leisure. If museum-hopping is your thing, Washington has you covered with almost 100 world-class museums to choose from. The National Air and Space Museum, the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum, the National Museum of Natural History and the Newseum are just a few. And, of course, you can’t visit this iconic city without checking out its famed monuments like the Lincoln Memorial, Capitol Building or Washington Monument. This evening you might choose to visit the Georgetown area which comes alive with no shortage of animated bars and restaurants overlooking the Potomac River.
Accommodation: Camping (with facilities)
Meals Included: None
Included Activities:
- Washington DC - City tour
Optional Activities:
- Washington DC - National Museum of American History - Free
- Washington DC - National Gallery of Art - Free
- Washington DC - National Museum of Crime and Punishment - Free
- Washington DC - Newseum - USD22
- Washington DC - National Museum of Natural History - Free
- Washington DC - Bike and Roll Tour - USD45
- Arlington - National Cemetery DC - Free
- Washington DC - International Spy Museum - USD21
- Washington DC - National Archives - Free
- Washington DC - National Air & Space Museum - Free
DAY 3 - Appalachian Mountains
Kiss the city goodbye today as we escape to the Blue Ridge Mountains, part of the Appalachian Mountains. Along the way, we’ll make a pit stop at Shenandoah National Park, one of the highest and most scenic portions of the Appalachians. From here, we’ll continue the journey along the winding mountain highway of Skyline Drive, with spectacular views framing the drive. Along the way, we’ll stop to stretch our legs under the impressive oak trees and admire the gorgeous views. Later in the afternoon, we’ll drive to our campsite and pitch our tents in the heart of the great outdoors. Tonight you’ll share stories with fellow travellers around the campfire and make s’mores (a traditional nighttime campfire treat).
Accommodation: Camping (with facilities)
Meals Included: None
Included Activities:
- Shenandoah National Park
Optional Activities:
- Shenandoah National Park - Hiking - Free
Driving Time: The total drive time today will be around 5 hours.
DAY 4 - Nashville
Dust off your cowboy hat, today we’re hitting the world’s country music capital – Nashville, Tennessee. Enjoy a short orientation walk with your local leader in Nashville’s Downtown area. You’ll discover the entertainment hub of Broadway with energetic honky tonk bars and live music and learn more about the musical history of the city. The afternoon is yours to explore as you wish. Perhaps, visit the Country Music Hall of Fame to check out a golden Cadillac that once belonged to the king of rock and roll, Elvis Presley. Or, discover the iconic music venues of Grand Ole Opry House and Ryman Auditorium. In the evening, you might like to round up your group and head out for some famous Nashville hot chicken.
Accommodation: Camping (with facilities)
Meals Included: None
Included Activities:
- Nashville - Leader-led orientation walk
Optional Activities:
- Nashville - Tennessee State Museum - Free
- Nashville - Wildhorse Saloon & line dancing - USD10
- Nashville - Ryman Auditorium Tour - USD14
- Nashville - Country Music Hall of Fame - USD26
DAY 5 - Memphis
Say goodbye to the glitz and glamour of ‘Nashvegas’ this morning as you continue your musical pilgrimage to the birthplace of rock and roll: Memphis, Tennessee. Your leader will introduce you to the city on a walking tour that winds through the best parts of Memphis. You’ll head down bustling Beale Street, where traditional blues clubs and ritzier bars rub shoulders – you can bet your leader will determine the tourist traps from the more authentic bars worth a look. The afternoon is at your leisure to explore the parts of the city that interest you most. Perhaps, make your way to the famous Sun Studio, the ‘Birthplace of Rock’, which boasts the first recordings of legendary performers like Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash and Jerry Lee. If history is your thing, you might visit the National Civil Rights Museum, where Martin Luther King Jr was assassinated. In the evening, be sure to tuck into a traditional Memphis-style barbecue – trust us, you won’t regret it.
Accommodation: Camping (with facilities)
Meals Included: None
Included Activities:
- Memphia - Leader-led orientation walk
Optional Activities:
- Memphis - Rock 'n' Soul Museum - USD11
- Memphis - Peabody Hotel Duck March - Free
DAY 6 - New Orleans
Get your headphones ready for a long drive across the state of Mississippi and prepare to get down in New Orleans (AKA the ‘Big Easy’). With a mixture of Creole, Cajun and European culture intertwined in the architecture, eats and beats here, there’s plenty to do and explore in this unique city. Join your leader and hit the streets for a walking tour that’ll give you a feel for the eclectic French Quarter, the historic heart of the city that’s famous for its cast-iron balconies and vivacious nightlife. Your leader will point you in the direction of all the best spots, and then the afternoon is yours to explore at your will. You might spend your time wandering down Bourbon Street or through the former plantation area of the Garden District. This evening, be sure to head out for a typical Cajun-style dinner and take in the uber-cool atmosphere that envelops the entire city.
Accommodation: Camping (with facilities)
Meals Included: None
Included Activities:
- New Orleans - Leader-led French Quarter orientation walk
Optional Activities:
- New Orleans - Preservation Hall Jazz - USD40
- New Orleans - Presbytere - USD7
- New Orleans - New Orleans School of Cooking - USD35
- New Orleans - Cemetery Tour - USD25
- New Orleans - Voodoo Museum - USD7
- New Orleans - Ursuline Convent Tours - USD8
- New Orleans - Swamp Tour - USD30
- New Orleans - Bourbon Street - Free
- New Orleans - Mississippi River Steamboat Jazz Dinner Cruise - USD85
- New Orleans - French Market - Free
- New Oleans - Cabildo - USD10
DAY 7 - New Orleans
Day two in New Orleans sees you exploring the Garden District. This quaint part of the city is sure to be a highlight. Wander the oak tree-lined streets and marvel at opulent mansions as your leader peppers the walking tour with quirky facts and history. From here, the day is all yours to explore the Big Easy as you wish. You might like to marvel at the street performers at Jackson Square, explore the countless museums, hang out in a jazz bar or eat your way around the flavoursome French Quarter.
Accommodation: Camping (with facilities)
Meals Included: None
Included Activities:
- New Orleans - Leader-led walk in the Garden District
DAY 8 - Houston
Today we hit the road for Texas. It’s a long drive, so be prepared to sit back and relax. Never fear; we’ll make a few stops along the way to stretch your legs, and the passing road trip scenery won’t disappoint.
Accommodation: Camping (with facilities)
Meals Included: None
Optional Activities:
- Houston Space Center - USD30
Driving Time: Today's drive is approximately 9 hours.
DAY 9 - San Antonio
This morning, we’ll hit highway 10 and make our way to San Antonio. Once here, you’ll have the day to explore the town at your leisure. Perhaps, visit the legendary Alamo, a reconstructed Spanish-American fort from the 18th century and a symbol of Texan independence. In the afternoon, you might like to stroll the charming River Walk or check out one of the many art museums.
Accommodation: Camping (with facilities)
Meals Included: None
Included Activities:
- San Antonio - The Alamo
Optional Activities:
- San Antonio Missions Hike & Bike Trail - Free
- San Antonio - The Alamo IMAX Theater - USD14
- San Antonio - Riverwalk - Free
- San Antonio - Bike Rental - USD15
DAY 10 - Carlsbad
Kiss Texas goodbye, we’re setting our sights on New Mexico today. We’ll drive deep into the desert to reach UNESCO-listed Carlsbad Caverns National Park. Home to, you guessed it, Carlsbad Cavern – one of the largest caverns in the world. There are over 120 limestone caves in the park, desert wildlife, flowering cactus and deep rocky canyons. We'll hike through the park and explore some of the most fascinating desert caves.
Accommodation: Camping (with facilities)
Meals Included: None
Included Activities:
- Carlsbad Caverns National Park - Entrance
DAY 11 - Santa Fe
Today we continue our journey to Santa Fe – the oldest capital city in the U.S. You might like to spend the afternoon exploring the city’s iconic Pueblo-style architecture surrounding the town plaza and abundance of art galleries – there are more than 250 for you to find! Or admire San Miguel Mission, the country’s oldest church.
Accommodation: Camping (with facilities)
Meals Included: None
Included Activities:
- Santa Fe - Leader-led orientation walk
Optional Activities:
- Santa Fe - Private Georgia O'keeffe Museum Tour - USD12
- Santa Fe - Loretto Chapel - Free
- Santa Fe - San Miguel Mission - USD1
DAY 12 - Mesa Verde National Park
Today, we’re en route to Mesa Verde National Park, home to the largest and best-preserved cliff dwellings of the Anasazi Native Americans. Offering incredible insight into the past, the UNESCO-listed park protects over 4000 archaeological sites. You’ll get the chance to explore some of the trails and get a closer look at one of the dwellings carved directly into the edge of the cliff. Plus, you’ll have the option to join a ranger-led walk to discover some of the harder-to- find ancient sites.
Accommodation: Camping (with facilities)
Meals Included: None
Included Activities:
- Mesa Verde National Park - Entrance
Optional Activities:
- Mesa Verde - Guided Tour of Ruins - USD13
Driving Time: Today's drive is approximately 5 hours.
DAY 13 - Monument Valley
Today, we’ll continue our drive through the deserts to reach Monument Valley. The iconic landscape of red-toned spires, buttes and mesas has been the set of countless films, TV shows and photographs – and the real deal is even more impressive than what’s seen on screen. Once you’ve arrived at Monument Valley, you’ll have the chance to explore the area and take in the incredible views of the giant sandstone formations scattered across the desert as far as the eye can see. Later on, perhaps check out the gift shop, brimming with native American handicrafts, before visiting the on-site restaurant to grab a bite to eat.
Accommodation: Camping (with facilities)
Meals Included: None
Included Activities:
- Monument Valley Tribal Park - Entrance
Optional Activities:
- Monument Valley - Jeep tour - USD75
DAY 14 - Grand Canyon
Today we’ll put Monument Valley in the rear-view mirror and make the drive to the Grand Canyon with a stop at a Native American trading post along the way. One of the seven wonders of the natural world, the Grand Canyon is 1.5 km deep, formed by over six million years of erosion from the Colorado River. This is a real highlight of the trip, and you'll be spending two nights here in order to take it all in.
Accommodation: Camping (with facilities)
Meals Included: None
Included Activities:
- Grand Canyon National Park - Entrance
DAY 15 - Grand Canyon
Today is as clear as an Arizona sky in summer. Explore at your own pace, but remember to always have a supply of water and high-energy snacks handy. There are myriad trails and treks to keep the active occupied. You might choose to check out the South Rim Trail or hike your way along the South Kaibab Trail to Skeleton point. Wherever the day takes you, we recommend relaxing by the canyon's edge in the early evening to witness what is sure to be one of the most spectacular sunsets.
Accommodation: Camping (with facilities)
Meals Included: None
Included Activities:
- Grand Canyon National Park - Entrance
Optional Activities:
- Grand Canyon - IMAX Movie - USD15
- Grand Canyon - Hiking - Free
Special Information: Grand Canyon hiking - for safety reasons, we recommend that you do not hike alone and that you consider hiring a professional hiking guide. Please speak with your leader if you are interested in hiring a guide.
DAY 16 - Las Vegas
Today we leave Monument Valley behind and cross the western deserts of Arizona – Vegas is calling. From a western outpost in the desert, Las Vegas is now a gambling and entertainment metropolis. It’s a city of larger-than-life characters, but beyond the glitz, Vegas is home to diverse urban neighbourhoods and a thriving arts scene. With two nights here, you’ll have plenty of time to get under the surface of this multifaceted city. You might like to catch one of the world-class stage shows, take on a wild roof-top roller coaster or stroll along Freemont Street.
Accommodation: Camping (with facilities)
Meals Included: None
Included Activities:
- Las Vegas - 7 Magic Mountains
Optional Activities:
- Las Vegas - Fremont Street Experience - Free
- Las Vegas - Bellagio Fountains - Free
- Las Vegas - Big Apple Express roller coaster - USD15
Special information: If you plan on seeing a stage show, remember popular shows can sell out, so it’s best to book before your tour begins.
DAY 17 - Las Vegas
With another day in Las Vegas, continue discovering all things over the top. Food-focused travellers may want to check out one of the celebrity chef restaurants around town (Giada De Laurentiis, Gordon Ramsay and Wolfgang Puck all have places here). See the Eiffel Tower of the USA, check out the Bellagio Fountains or visit one of the wacky museums on offer. Be sure to chat with your leader to get the lowdown on the best spots for dinner and drinks this evening. This is your last night in Vegas, after all.
Accommodation: Camping (with facilities)
Meals Included: None
Optional Activities:
- Las Vegas - Neon Museum - USD20
- Las Vegas - Limo (per group) - USD300
- Las Vegas - Helicopter Tour of The Strip - USD104
- Las Vegas - Monorail - USD5
- Las Vegas - Eiffel Tower - USD22
- Las Vegas - Mob Museum - USD27
DAY 18 - Sierra Nevada / Keough Hot Springs
Today we’ll kiss Vegas goodbye and make our way to greener pastures in the Sierra Nevada mountain range. The Sierra Nevadas are sandwiched between Central Valley and Death Valley, a scenic trip that will take you to the town of Bishop, where you’ll camp the night and visit some nearby natural hot springs. In town, perhaps go to Erick Schat’s European-style bakery for a delicious treat, or stop in tomorrow for a coffee and cake on the way to Yosemite.
Accommodation: Camping (with facilities)
Meals Included: None
Included Activities:
- Bishop - Keough Hot Springs
DAY 19 - Yosemite National Park
Today we’re driving further into the heart of the Sierra Nevada Mountains to the magnificent Yosemite National Park. Passing by the striking Mono Lake, your private vehicle will travel through the Tioga Pass (weather permitting) and past serene vistas like Tenaya Lake and the Olmstead Point viewpoint, where you’ll catch a glimpse of one of Yosemite’s most recognisable features – Half Dome. You'll spend two nights in Yosemite National Park so that there's plenty of time to explore at your own pace.
Accommodation: Camping (with facilities)
Meals Included: None
Included Activities:
- Yosemite National Park - Entrance Fee
- Visit to Mono Lake
DAY 20 - Yosemite National Park
Today is free to discover Yosemite at your leisure. With colossal granite cliffs, cascading waterfalls and redwood forests, there’s plenty for you to explore. There are countless hikes to embark on, each varying in steepness and difficulty. Hike under the cooling breezes of Nevada Falls (4-5 hours) or to the serene Mirror Lake (45 minutes). Keep an eye out for squirrels and perhaps even a bear along the way. Otherwise, you might prefer to take to two wheels and hire a bike and explore Yosemite Valley. Visit the park's museum, photo gallery, shops and restaurants along the way, and in the heat of summer, a relaxing float down the Merced River is highly recommended.
Accommodation: Camping (with facilities)
Meals Included: None
Optional Activities:
- Yosemite National Park - Hiking - Free
- Yosemite - Cycling in Yosemite Valley - USD12
- Yosemite - Raft Rental (seasonal) - USD30
DAY 21 - San Francisco
Your USA adventure comes to an end on arrival in San Francisco after a stop at the Golden Gate Bridge for a walk. No accommodation is provided for tonight. If you do wish to spend extra time in San Francisco, we'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability). You might like to consider booking an Urban Adventures sightseeing tour like Bridge and the Beach, where you’ll see a different side of the Golden Gate from Baker Beach (see urbanadventures.com/destination/san-francisco-tours).
Accommodation: Camping (with facilities)
Meals Included: None
Included Activities:
- San Francisco - Golden Gate Bridge walk
Optional Activities:
- San Francisco - Adventure Cat Bay Cruise - USD45
