The Grand Trek ex Los Angeles

Itinerary

Day 1-2, Los Angeles, Pacific Coast & Monterey

We begin our adventure in L.A with a visit to Universal Studios and a tour of Hollywood before heading northwards along the Pacific Coast via the Monterey Peninsula. Accommodation: Camping included

Day 3-4, San Francisco

Then, on to San Francisco "Everybody's Favourite City" with its endless options: walk or mountain bike across the Golden Gate Bridge, ride the cable cars up and down the fabled, steep streets, view the Bay and Alcatraz from the ferry boat ride or Fishermans Wharf, shop in Chinatown and Union Square, and experience the varied nightlife in North Beach or Haight-Ashbury! Accommodation: 2 nights San Francisco hotel approx US$45 pppn in multi-share rooms paid locally.

Day 5-7, Yosemite National Park & Lake Tahoe

We head to beautiful Yosemite National Park, a photographer's paradise. Hike to one of the magnificent waterfalls or hire a bicycle to pedal along the park roads. Float down the Merced River, or go horseback riding in the meadows. Sail on the deep blue waters of Lake Tahoe or try your luck in Caesar's Palace Casino. Accommodation: Camping included

Day 8-9, Nevada, Idaho & Jackson

We head through Nevada before a stop in Jackson, a truly western town. Experience the raging waters of the Snake, one of America's last great untamed rivers, on an optional whitewater rafting trip by day and try a shot of "redeye" in the Silver Dollar Saloon by night. Accommodation: Camping included

Day 10-11, Yellowstone National Park

Next, it is into Wyoming, the heart of cowboy country, and home to everyone's favourite, Yellowstone National Park. View explosive geysers and colourful waterfalls while exploring the world's oldest and most famous national park. Keep your eyes peeled for the abundant wildlife. Large herds of bison and elk roam the park and bears and wolves are also present. Nearby Grand Teton National Park offers more spectacular scenery and great hiking. Accommodation: Camping included

Day 12-16, Badlands National Park, South Dakota & Minnesota

In South Dakota, we visit Badlands National Park and the famous Black Hills. This land is sacred Sioux Indian Country; with Oglala, Lakota and Dakota Indians living nearby. Next, we'll traverse the great prairies that were once America's western frontier, crossing North America's two longest rivers, the mighty Mississippi and the Missouri. 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. Accommodation: Camping included

Day 17-18, Chicago

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. Accommodation: 2 nights Chicago hotel approx US$45 pppn in multi-share rooms paid locally.

Day 19-22, Ohio, Niagara Falls & New York

Then on to Niagara Falls for the dramatic Maid of the Mist boat ride at the base of the falls. We pass through the scenic Finger Lakes region to the 'Big Apple' New York for two nights in the 'city that never sleeps'. Accommodation: 2 nights camping included + 2 nights New York hotel approx US$45 pppn in multi-share rooms paid locally.

Day 23-24, Washington DC

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. Explore the world renowned museums, such as the Smithsonian and take advantage of the great nightlife in Georgetown! Accommodation: Camping included

Day 25-27, Virginia, Tennessee & Alabama

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. Accommodation: Camping included

Day 28-29, New Orleans

Then to New Orleans with all it's charm and character. Ride a steamboat on the Mississippi River, 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. New Orleans has more than just food, drink and music to offer. Join a swamp tour into the alligator habitat of southern Louisiana, to view all sorts of wildlife on the mysterious bayous of Cajun country. Accommodation: 2 nights New Orleans hotel approx US$45 pppn in multi-share rooms paid locally.

Day 30-34, Texas, San Antonio, Del Rio & Carlsbad Caverns

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. Accommodation: Camping included

Day 35-36, Arizona/New Mexico & Monument Valley

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 37-38, Grand Canyon National Park

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. Accommodation: Camping included

Day 39-40, Zion National Park

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'. Accommodation: Camping included

Day 41-42, Las Vegas

Back to the modern world with a bang - Las Vegas - the greatest show on earth! Cruise "The Strip" in a super-stretch limo, indulge in an all-you-can eat buffet, take in a show or just watch the amazing crowds, neon signs and attractions that many hotel casinos have to offer. And if that's not enough, take a helicopter flight down The Strip or just gamble the night away in one of the world class casinos. Accommodation: 2 nights Vegas hotel approx US$45 pppn in multi-share rooms paid locally.

Day 43, Los Angeles

We finish our adventure at the Pacific Ocean and a day hangin' out at the beach in Los Angeles to finish our cool road trip! Accommodation: Camping included Tour ends at 18:00 hrs in Los Angeles on day 43.

Trip Details

Localpayments	Food Kitty: US$9 per day En-route Hotels: 10 nights approx US$45 pppn in multi-share rooms
Tourleader	Services of a TrekAmerica tour leader
Transport	All transportation by private adventure vehicle
AccommodationIncluded	32 nights camping fees & equipment (except sleeping bag)
Maxgroupsize	13
Endcity	LOS ANGELES
Startcity	LOS ANGELES
Included	Niagara Falls Maid of the Mist cruise, Crazy Horse Monument, Admission to Carlsbad Caverns & Universal Studios, Illumination Tour of Washington Monuments, Admission to all National Parks and Monuments as per the "Flexible Night Stops"
Optionalactivities	Las Vegas clubs and casinos US$FREE-US$100, Grand Canyon Scenic Flights US$100-275, I-MAX Theatre US$8-$12, Cycling in Yosemite Valley US$20, Western Horseback Ride US$45-$95, Navajo Guided Jeep Tours US$40-75, Whitewater rafting US$30-$150, Lake Tahoe Sunset Sailboat Cruise US$35-95, Western Rodeo (in season) US$9-$18, San Francisco Cable Car ride US$10-$20, Sunset Sailboat Cruise US$35-$95, Smithsonian National Museums US$FREE, Blues Clubs US$10-$20, New Orleans Jazz Clubs US$10-$20, Mississippi Steamboat Ride US$20-$75, Southern Mansion Tour US$10, Wet 'n Wild Water Park US$25, Swamp Tour US$20-$40, Sears Tower US$9, Sea Aquarium US$25, Excellent National Park hikes US$FREE
Nationalparks	Monument Valley, Carlsbad, Zion, Grand Canyon, Yosemite, Grand Teton, Yellowstone, Badlands, Mount Rushmore

When can I go?

Start Date	Finish Date	Places Available
2009-05-20	2009-07-01	4+
2009-05-26	2009-07-07	4+
2009-06-30	2009-08-11	4+
2009-07-14	2009-08-25	4+
2009-07-28	2009-09-08	4+
2009-08-04	2009-09-15	4+
2009-08-18	2009-09-29	4+
2009-08-25	2009-10-06	4+
2009-09-08	2009-10-20	4+

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