The Grand Trek ex New York

Itinerary

Day Week 1, New York - 2 days Washington DC - Virginia - Tennessee - Alabama - 2 days New Orleans

Depart New York, 'the City that never sleeps' for America's Capital and an included Illumination Tour of the White House, the Capitol and the Washington Monuments. Head for the Appalachian Mountains and an exhilarating white water rafting trip (optional). Next, travel into the 'Deep South' to Alabama and Mississippi for a taste of true southern hospitality. Then to New Orleans with all it's charm and character. Sample Cajun food, relax to the sounds of a Jazz or Dixieland band in the French Quarter and join the ongoing party on Bourbon Street.Accommodation: 5 nights camping included + 2 nights New Orleans hotel approx US$45 pppn in multi-share rooms paid locally

Day Week 2, Texas - 2 days San Antonio - Del Rio, Carlsbad National Park - Arizona/New Mexico - Monument Valley

Head west into Texas for historic San Antonio and home of the Alamo, a symbol of Texan pride. The Mexican border, the Rio Grande, can be crossed for shopping or dining out in Mexico before continuing to Carlsbad Caverns National Park in New Mexico; a geological spectacle and one of the largest cave systems in the world. Venturing into the desert southwest we explore Monument Valley, home of the Navajo Indians where massive buttes, mesas and breathtaking sunrises can be viewed. Learn about their fascinating past while exploring the area on a hiking and jeep tour and mix with the Native Americans while purchasing their handcrafted goods.Accommodation: Camping included

Day Week 3, 2 days Grand Canyon - 2 days Zion National Park - 2 days Las Vegas - 1 day Los Angeles

Off to the Grand Canyon National Park, where unfortunately (or fortunately) no photograph or description can prepare you for the inconceivable expanse of space, colour and bewildering shapes you will witness. No matter if you hike, take a scenic flight or simply gaze into it's vastness at sunset, you will be amazed at one of the world's greatest natural wonders. North to the shores of Lake Powell, a desert oasis with a multitude of water sports on offer and a chance to sunbathe and refresh yourself in it's cool waters. Journey further west to Zion National Park. This spectacular gorge was carved from the sandstone cliffs and towers high into the sky and can be ascended by a moderate day-walk appropriately called 'Angel's Landing'. Onto the lost nights and loose-living of Las Vegas. Get lucky in the casinos, dance the night away in the clubs or enjoy the free entertainment on 'the Strip'. We continue our adventure to the Pacific Coast beaches of Los Angeles.Accommodation: 4 nights camping included + 3 nights hotel approx US$45 pppn in multi-share rooms paid locally

Day Week 4, Pacific Coast - Monterey - 2 days San Francisco - 2 days Yosemite National Park - Lake Tahoe

Northwards along the Pacific Coast via the Monterey Peninsula to San Francisco - everybody's favourite city. You will have free time to explore Chinatown, Fisherman's Wharf, ride a cable car or maybe catch a baseball game. View the breathtaking scenery of Yosemite National Park, a photographer's paradise, with walking and hiking options galore. As we leave California, sail on the deep blue waters of Lake Tahoe or try your luck in Caesar's Palace Casino.Accommodation: 5 nights camping included + 2 nights San Francisco hotel approx US$45 pppn in multi-share rooms paid locally.

Day Week 5, Idaho/Nevada - Jackson Hole - 2 days Yellowstone National Park - Sioux Indian Lands - Badlands National Park - South Dakota

Across Nevada - the Silver State, and into Outlaw country and the cowboy saloons of Jackson. Cool off on a Snake River rafting trip before visiting nearby Grand Teton National Park for more spectacular scenery and great hiking. Next, head to the spectacular volcanic geysers, bubbling mud pools and bountiful wildlife of everyone's favourite, Yellowstone National Park. Eastwards we head to the Black Hills, the land of the Oglala, Lakota, and Dakota Sioux Indians. See the uniquely sculptured faces of four presidents on Mount Rushmore and witness a majestic work in progress - the Crazy Horse Monument, being built to commemorate one of the greatest chiefs of the Sioux then travel the backroads through Badlands National Park.Accommodation: Camping included

Day Week 6, Minnesota - 2 days Chicago - Ohio - Niagara Falls - Finger Lakes - New York

Next, we'll traverse the great prairies that were once America's western frontier, crossing North America's two longest rivers, the mighty Missouri and the Mississippi. Our next stop is Chicago - the "Windy City", home of North America's tallest building, the Sears Tower, and some of the greatest blues music in America. On to Niagara Falls for the dramatic Maid of the Mist boat ride at the base of the falls before passing through the scenic Finger Lakes region and on to our final farewells at New York City.Accommodation: 4 nights camping included + 2 nights Chicago hotel approx US$45 pppn in multi-share rooms paid locally.Tour ends at 18:00 hrs in New York on day 42.Flexible Night StopsThe itinerary shown is intended as a guide only indicating a typical itinerary & series of activities. While our intention is to adhere to the published day by day route, the itinerary, distance travelled, type of accommodation and available activities may vary due to group input, weather, road conditions & local restrictions.