14 DAYS: (7 nights Budget Hotel, 6 nights camping): NYC - Washington D.C. - Appalachian Mountains - Nashville - Memphis - New Orleans - Destin - Orlando - Miami

Starting point: New York City Ending Point: Miami
Price: £2195 per person
Departure Date:

• Tuesday, 15 August 2023
• Sunday, 20 August 2023

Meals Included: Breakfast at select locations. Mandatory Food Kitty at $10 per person, per day.

Why you'll love this trip:

• Discover the museums, memorials and monuments along the American History trail – from the significant sites of Philadelphia to the capital-city icons of Washington DC.
• Pump up your camping experience in the jaw-dropping Appalachian Mountains. Share stories around the campfire in a truly spectacular spot.
• Choose to cruise the murky marshlands of Honey Island and spot resident alligators in what’s considered to be one of the most natural and unspoiled river swamps in the country.
• Get into the groove of Nashville, Memphis and New Orleans, lively cities notorious for their rich music and nightlife scenes.
• Round off your adventure in Miami – bursting with beautiful beaches, great food and Cuban culture, there’s heaps of fun to be had.

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 – New York to Washington D.C.

Your adventure begins near New York (Jersey City), where you’ll meet up with your local leader and the travel buddies joining you on your journey. After a welcome meeting to find out what lies ahead, leave the Big Apple behind and begin your journey south. Your first stop is Philadelphia, Pennsylvania’s largest city. Here your leader will introduce you to Philly’s history and highlights, including the Old City, Liberty Bell, Independence Hall and the Philadelphia Museum of Art Steps, made famous by the film ‘Rocky’. Enjoy some downtime to explore the city yourself, then hit the road and continue to the country’s capital, Washington, D.C.

Accommodation: Camping (with facilities) (1 night)
Meals included: None
Included Activities

• Philadelphia - City highlights stop

Day 2 – Washington, D.C.

Bursting with brilliant museums, monuments and historical sites, there’s so much to uncover inWashington D.C. To familiarise yourself with this storied city, your day begins with an bicycle orientation tour with your leader. Once you’ve got your bearings, the rest of the day is free for your own discoveries. Your leader is on hand to help plan out a fantastic day here. Take your pick of the city’s almost hundred museums – spanning a huge range of subjects, there really is something for everyone here. Of course the White House, Capitol Building, Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, MLK Monument, FDR and Jefferson Memorials are all well worth a visit too. This evening, perhaps head down to the Georgetown neighbourhood along the Potomac River and grab a drink or bite to eat.

Accommodation: Camping (with facilities) (1 night)
Meals Included: None
Included Activities

• Included Washington DC Bike & Roll Tour

Optional Activities

• Washington DC - National Museum of Crime and Punishment - Free
• Washington DC - National Museum of American History - Free
• Washington DC - Newseum - USD22
• Washington DC - National Museum of Natural History - Free
• Washington DC - National Air & Space Museum - Free
• Washington DC - International Spy Museum - USD21
• Washington DC - National Gallery of Art - Free
• Washington DC - National Archives - Free
• Arlington - National Cemetery DC - Free

Day 3 – Appalachian Mountains

Say goodbye to the capital and venture onwards, heading into the Blue Ridge Mountains, part of the Appalachians. Stop and stretch your legs with a guided walk at Shenandoah National Park – this is one of the highest points of the Appalachians and the views are seriously impressive. Back on the road, make sure you’ve got your camera ready as you continue your journey along Skyline Drive, a mountain highway that weaves through deep woods and serves up some super scenic views. Tonight will be spent camping in the Appalachian Mountains, so settle in for a memorable night in a spectacular spot beneath the stars.

Accommodation: Camping (with facilities) (1 night)
Meals Included: None
Included Activities

• Shenandoah Nat'l Park ‐ guided hike

Day 4 – Nashville

Head south this morning to the USA's Country Music Capital ‐ Nashville, Tennessee. Once settled, join your leader on a short orientation tour of Nashville's Downtown area, focusing on the bustling entertainment hub of Broadway, a famed strip renowned for the honky tonk bars which offer live music every day of the week. The rest of the day is at your leisure, so perhaps check out some iconic music venues like Grand Ole Opry House and the Ryman Auditorium. The Wildhorse Saloon is a great spot in the evening to experience authentic southern food and live music.

Accommodation: Hotel (1 night)
Meals included: None
Included Activities:

• Nashville - Downtown and Country Music Orientation

Optional Activities:

• Nashville - Tennessee State Museum - Free
• Nashville - Country Music Hall of Fame - USD26
• Nashville - Ryman Auditorium Tour - USD14
• Nashville - Wildhorse Saloon & line dancing - USD10

Day 5 – Nashville

The day is all yours to really get to know Nashville. You may like to pay a visit to the city’s colourful murals, featuring emblems of the Nashville and positive messages – perfect backdrops for some pictures to remember your trip. Perhaps check out the Country Music Hall of Fame, home to the golden Cadillac that once belonged to Elvis. The beloved Goo Goo candy store is a must-visit for anyone with a sweet tooth. Nashville is known for its creative and innovative food scene, so be sure to ask your leader for tips on the best places to get a taste of the city.

Accommodation: Hotel (1 night)
Meals included: Breakfast

Day 6 – 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. Join your leader on a short walking tour to familiarise yourself with the city. You'll head down bustling Beale Street, where traditional blues clubs and ritzier tourist traps rub shoulders – but don't worry, your leader will give you the lowdown on which bars are worth a look. The rest of the day is free to explore. If you have time, a must‐see in Memphis is Sun Studio, the 'Birthplace of Rock', which boasts the first recordings of legendary performers like Elvis, Johnny Cash and Jerry Lee Lewis. For those with an interest in history, there's the National Civil Rights Museum (at the former Lorraine Motel) where Martin Luther King Jr was assassinated. This evening, why not head out for a famous Memphis‐style barbecue.

Accommodation: Hotel (1 night)
Meals included: Breakfast
Included Activities:

• Memphis Downtown Orientation

Day 7 – Memphis

With no activities planned today, consider heading out of the city to visit Graceland, Elvis Presley’s former home and the site of his tomb. Exploding with kitschy glamour and over-the-top Southern charm, here you can see the famous jungle room, as well as Elvis’s cars, private planes and much more. For an unusual and local experience, check out the popular Duck Parade at the famous Peabody Hotel – where ducks that live in the hotel perform waddle from their rooftop palace to splash in the lobby fountain (and then back again) at 11 am and 5 pm daily. In the evening, get into the groove of Memphis and consider heading back down to Beale Street's traditional blues clubs, made famous by legends such as WC Handy, Howlin' Wolf and BB King.

Accommodation: Hotel (1 night)
Meals included: Breakfast
Optional Activities:

• Memphis - Rock 'n' Soul Museum - USD11
• Memphis - Peabody Hotel Duck March - Free

Day 8 – New Orleans

It’s a long drive today as you head across the state of Mississippi and prepare to get down in New Orleans AKA the ‘Big Easy’ (approximately 8 hours). Get back to nature with a stop at Honey Island and perhaps opt for a tour down one of the least-altered river swamps in the country. It's pretty much in its original condition, almost a pristine wilderness and home to a variety of critters. Residents include nutrias (river rats), snakes and wild boars – spot alligators sunbathing on the banks and absorb the incredible scenery as you cruise through the eerie marshland. Continue your drive into New Orleans – with a mix of Creole, Cajun and European culture reflected in the city’s architecture, cuisine and music there’s plenty to explore and do. On arrival, your leader will point you in the direction of all the major attractions on a short walk of the eclectic French Quarter, the historic heart of the city, famous for its cast-iron balconies and vivacious nightlife. The rest of the time is yours! Perhaps take a walk down rowdy Bourbon Street or through the former plantation area of the Garden District, or head out for a typical Cajun-style dinner.

Accommodation: Hostel (1 night)
Meals included: Breakfast
Included Activities:

• Honey Island Swamp Tour
• French Quarter Orientation

Day 9 – New Orleans

With no activities planned today and so much to explore in New Orleans, why not dig further into the rich and varied flavours that make New Orleans a food-lover’s haven on a French Quarter Food Tour. Or, (if you’re over the ripe old age of 21) get to grips with the city’s outstanding cocktail culture and sip away on your favourite concoctions on the New Orleans Cocktail Tour.

Accommodation: Hostel (1 night)
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 10 – Destin, FL

The adventure continues as you leave New Orleans and drive on to Destin, Florida. This coastal city, located in Florida’s panhandle, is known for its powdery white sand beaches and inviting turquoise waters. Spend the afternoon chilling out at Henderson Beach State Park – unroll your beach towel and get horizontal, cool off with dips in the sea or explore the sugar-like sand dunes.

Accommodation: Camping (with facilities) (1 night)
Meals included: None
Included Activities

• Henderson Beach State Park Entrance

Day 11 – Orlando

Leave Destin behind today and head into the heart of Florida to Orlando! Most known for its world-class amusement parks, the city is worth visiting in its own right. There are loads of lovely parks and museums, plus plenty of fun places to eat or pick up a cocktail. If there's time on arrival, you may like to go out and explore the town.

Accommodation: Camping (with facilities) (1 night)
Meals Included: None

Day 12 – Orlando

Today is a free day to explore Orlando's famous amusement parks and attractions. (at own expense) Most people opt for Walt Disney World or Universal Studios, but there are a host of other parks that might take your fancy. Islands of Adventure is one of the world's best theme parks and if the weather is nice, Orlando has a handful of water parks such as Wet'n Wild, Disney's Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach. Each park is a full day's worth of action, so choose wisely. If theme parks aren’t your thing, your leader will have tips on the best way to spend a day here.

Accommodation: Camping (with facilities) (1 night)
Meals Included: None

Day 13 – Miami

Continue your journey south to Miami – this animated city has so much to offer, from its charming Art Deco architecture to gorgeous beaches and rich Cuban culture. On arrival, get a taste of Miami’s Cuban side as you join your leader on a walk through the Little Havana neighbourhood. Stroll its colourful streets as the residents sip coffee, smoke cigars and play dominos. Later on, you may like to make the most of your final evening and dive into Miami’s nightlife scene. With salsa halls, rooftop bars and late-night food trucks, there’s a great time to be had here.

Accommodation: Hostel (1 night)
Meals included: Breakfast
Included Activities:

• Miami Beach and Little Havana introduction

Day 14 – Miami

There are no more activities planned today. If you're planning to stay in Miami for a little while longer, we'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability).

Accommodation: No accommodation provided tonight.
Meals Included: None