Trees for Days
Help us spread love around the world — with trees! Together with Planeterra, we'll plant one tree in your name for every travel day.
Trees planted for this trip: 53
Sorry! There are no remaining departures for "The Great American Road Trip–LA to New York" (NUAY), but here are some similar trips.
This tour has changed for 2020, to view 2020 departures and beyond click here.
There's no better way to do the U.S. justice than a great American road trip. This 53-day tour hits all the marks, going coast-to-coast from bustling cities to incredible natural wonders, and charming small towns in between. Hike alongside sequoias, waterfalls, and wildlife in Yosemite National Park, get weird among Portland's artsy shops, indie breweries, and up-and-coming eateries, and join party revellers on New Orleans' famed Bourbon Street. Epic road trips are made of this.
Fast, fresh, and fun adventures that never slow down, made for young, budget-minded travellers.
Camping most nights with some hotel/hostel stays to start and throughout; affordable public and private transport.
Some tours may include light hiking, biking, rafting, or kayaking in addition to walking.
Small group experience; Max 22, avg 18.
Before booking, use our handy entry requirements tool so you know which documents you need to enter and travel through the countries on your trip.
View our Entry Requirements toolThere are no departure dates currently available for the rest of this season. Some tours only run during parts of the year.
In a number of impactful ways, your adventure directly benefits the local people and places we visit.
Help us spread love around the world — with trees! Together with Planeterra, we'll plant one tree in your name for every travel day.
Trees planted for this trip: 53
Arrive at any time.
Tonight head out in La La Land and party like the stars. Get to know your fellow travel tribe in a place where the buzzing nightlife is just begging to be explored. Your only goal this evening is to sit back, relax, eat some grub, down a margarita, and get to know your newest friends as the adventure begins.
Be on celebrity-watch while passing by a few popular sites on the way out of LA, California's most glamorous city. Cruise through Orange County and along the incredible Pacific coastline to the truly remarkable San Diego. Sun, sand, food, and fun await us in this beautiful beach city.
Once we have arrived you are free to adventure as you please. Soak up the sun on Mission Beach, hike along the sandstone cliffs of Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, spend the day at the city’s cultural hub – Balboa Park, or immerse yourself in the military and maritime history of one of the happiest cities in the U.S. In the evening, head to the Gaslamp Quarter District for dinner and live music. As the sun sets, watch the area come alive with numerous pubs and nightclubs and get ready for a night of fun!
Travel to the desert landscape of Joshua Tree National Park – a place that attracts everyone from stargazers to rock climbers. Stop, stare, and enjoy the scenery of the Mojave and Colorado deserts, and of course the famous Joshua trees, with their gnarled branches. The group will take a short hike amongst the boulders of this park before zooming off to cool off in the crystal-clear waters of the Colorado River at Lake Havasu.
Hit the road to get some kicks on Route 66. Dive into historic Americana and enjoy lunch at a famous joint and see if you can spot all the movie memorabilia. Afterwards, it’s off to the Grand Canyon to explore the massive gorges, ridges, and rock formations that make even the most skeptical of travellers become awestruck. Dive into a delicious pizza dinner as you sit with your newest adventures buddies and watch the sun dip below the canyon’s south rim.
Another day, another adventure! Not feeling a hike this morning? That's cool, you have the option to splurge on an unforgettable helicopter ride over the Grand Canyon. Get ready to feel incredibly small as the world opens up at your feet. For a quieter experience rent a bike to check out the south rim or go see the IMAX Grand Canyon movie. No matter what you decide, the epic views will be there.
Wave goodbye to this grand park as we take one last drive along the southern rim of the canyon. Then it’s time to eat some grub at a local Navajo food truck supported by Planeterra.
With a full stomach and a happy attitude drive through the desert to discover one of the most majestic places on earth, Monument Valley. You have the option of getting deep into the valley with a 4x4 excursion with a local Navajo guide, or simply walk around yourself and admire this vast, colourful landscape and cool rock formations.
Grab your camera and break a sweat with a quick hike to iconic Horseshoe Bend. Stand overlooking this cool natural shape of the Colorado River and snap a few zen photos. Then, discover ghost towns, funky roadside attractions, and bask in the fading sun as you head into “Sin City”. Explore the Las Vegas strip in style on an optional VIP party limo ride with some fellow trip mates.
Take in the sites, sounds, and atmosphere of Las Vegas on a free day with your travel buds. Explore the strip, try your luck at a casino, view a glitzy show, or simply people watch in one of the liveliest cities in the U.S.
Zoom past towering cliffs and massive canyon walls as you enter Zion National Park and ready yourself for loads of exploring! Looking for a challenge? Hike to Observation Point on the Angel's Landing trail and take in the panoramic views of the park stretching out beneath you. Hoping for even more adventure? Head deep into the Narrows and hike through slot canyons with water flowing through them. Searching for more of a relaxing day? Simply walk along any of the other trails you can find and immerse yourself in this beautiful place.
Head out early for Bryce Canyon, where you’ll have a chance to walk amongst the famous hoodoos. Check out the amphitheatre and Queen’s Garden trail to take some fun pictures with your adventure buddies! In the afternoon head towards Moab along Scenic Byway 12 passing Grand Escalante National Monument and Capitol Reef National Park along the way. If you enjoy slot canyons and sandstone cliffs this may be your favourite part of the trip yet!
Welcome to Utah’s adventure capital—Moab! Get ready for a morning of endless adventure; from rafting through rapids, to hitting the trails on a mountain bike there’s so many ways to enjoy yourself in this natural playground. In the afternoon head out on a hike through some pretty surreal rock formations in Arches National Park with your group. The fun doesn’t stop here, you’ll end the day watching a gorgeous sunset at Dead Horse Point State Park.
Welcome to colourful Colorado! Get ready for things to get radical as you arrive in Glenwood Springs, where you can hike at nearby Hanging Lake, rent a bike in Glenwood Canyon, or go for a swim in the world’s largest hot springs pool.
Next up...good ole’ Wyoming! Spend the day reflecting, laughing, and relaxing as you travel to Flaming Gorge Reservoir. Get out, stretch those legs and maybe hike along the canyon rim, or explore the reservoir shoreline by kayak. Then, get ready for a show as you watch the sinking sun reflect off the red canyon walls and see how this canyon earned its name—don’t forget your camera!
“Yee-haw!” It’s off to the ‘ol mountain town of Jackson Hole—gateway to Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks. Marvel and pose at the town square’s elk antler arches, explore the countryside or splash through the rapids of the Snake River while whitewater rafting during a free afternoon. Then, enjoy a night out in with a true wild western atmosphere and visit a cowboy bar. Step back in time, imagine the run-down saloons and outlaws of the Old West, and try your hand at a little Western line dancing with your travel family at the Million Dollar Bar.
It’s off to Grand Teton National Park—home to some of the youngest mountains in the world. You’ll spend the day taking it all in. Grab your camera and your friends before immersing yourself in one of the top 10 visited parks in the U.S. Take a hike among the towering peaks, a quick dip into Jackson Lake, or keep your eyes peeled for signs of wildlife before crossing the Continental Divide en route to Yellowstone National Park, where you will stop for the night.
Wow! Today you’ll visit the world’s first national park and discover the highlights of the Southern Loop. Expect things like, colourful geysers, powerful waterfalls, and scenic beauty around every corner. Snap a photo of the Grand Prismatic Spring—the largest hot spring in America, or queue in excitement as you wait for famous geyser, Old Faithful to erupt. Surround yourself with thick forests, towering mountains, lunar-like landscapes and get ready to embrace the bizarre in Yellowstone.
You guessed it! Today it’s the North Loops turn for a little love and exploration. Spend the day taking loads of photos and experiencing highlights like, Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, scenic Grand Loop Road, and the ever-evolving geometrical terraces of Mammoth Hot Springs in Fort Yellowstone. Then it’s time to hit the road again to the university town of Bozeman, Montana. Get ready for an evening of free time to make some memories.
Let's keep moving through Montana; known as Big Sky Country. Travel through stunning scenery beneath miles of open sky along the way to Glacier National Park. Smile, learn, and laugh your way through largely untouched land, with over 20 glaciers, and 200 lakes and streams. The park has 730 miles of trails for you to enjoy so it should be easy to hike until you drop.
Another day, another chance to get out there and live your best life. Grab a friend or maybe a few and in your free time continue exploring Glacier NP with its many glaciers, lakes and streams with your free time. Feel the wind in your hair as you ride along the Going-to-the-Sun road, (voted one of the most scenic drives in the world), or take a selfie once you reach the Continental Divide. Your only real job today is to have a blast!
“The Hills are alive…” okay, we know, wrong country, but you’ll be wanting to sing this loud and proud as you drive further west to beautiful Coeur D’ Alene, Idaho! Surrounded by over 50 lakes, this town is an outdoor enthusiast's dream. There’s plenty to do and time to do it; walk the floating boardwalk, go mountain biking, or take part in water-sports on Lake Coeur d’Alene as the day goes by.
It’s on to the beautiful, moody, and wild Pacific Northwest. Watch as mountains give way to lush old growth forests and a world of green as you pass into the evergreen state of Washington on the way to Seattle.
The day is yours! Enjoy Seattle with your travel tribe; visit Pike Place Market, the first Starbucks location, or ride to the top of the Space Needle. Grab a selfie with the gum wall or the Fremont Troll, and make sure you grab a coffee at one of the 2,000 shops around the city.
Drive to the city of Portland. One of the most popular cities to visit north of California on the West Coast, Portland is artsy, funky and full of great eating and drinking options. Spend the afternoon getting to know this cool city.
After enjoying the quirkiness of Portland, continue on to Bend, consistently voted one of the best places to live in the US. Arrive in time to explore a bit of the town. Opt to canoe, kayak or check out one of the region's famous breweries.
Leave early to take in the sights at gorgeous Crater Lake National Park. Stare in awe at the crystal blue waters of one of the most pristine lakes on earth before continuing on to Redwood National Park, home to the tallest trees on Earth. Spend the evening amongst the gigantic coastal redwoods, and keep a keen eye for wildlife throughout the park.
Wake with the sun for a morning hike through mystic old growth forests. Travel down the coast before driving inland through California wine country. Opt for an afternoon wine tasting or relax amongst the vineyards en route before camping for the night outside of beautiful Napa Valley.
Continue on to idyllic Lake Tahoe, a jewel of the Sierra Nevadas. Known for it's crystal clear waters and sweeping mountain views, it is truly a nature-lover's paradise. Enjoy a free afternoon for hiking, lake activities or relaxing.
Marvel at the spectacular views of Yosemite National Park's magnificent peaks and granite domes while enjoying one of most scenic drives in California: Tioga Pass!
Enjoy free time in Yosemite National Park.
Catch a glimpse of the Golden Gate Bridge on the way into one of America's most popular cities. Take an optional cable car ride over the steep hills or explore the city by bicycle.
Enjoy a free day to explore San Francisco.
Visit Santa Cruz and go for a stroll along the boardwalk. Marvel at the beautiful coastline and mountain ranges of Big Sur along the Pacific coast. Arrive in time for sunset on Morro Bay.
Journey along the stunning Pacific coast to the City of Angels. Stop in Santa Barbara for lunch in this famous coastal city as we make our way to LA (maybe sneak in a volleyball game on the beach if you have time). Your CEO will point out a few famous neighbourhoods and landmarks on the drive. And even though the trip ends upon arrival to Los Angeles you ca certainly book some post accommodation and continue enjoying one of most geographically diverse states in America.
We're not done just yet! It's time to give the East Coast some attention. Hop on a flight to the Big Apple, and get ready to see more highlights of the other side of the U.S.
Travel to the Finger Lakes region, and take in the natural beauty of the area. Opt to cool off in the lake, or sample wine from a local winery.
Visit towering Taughannock Falls, before travelling to Niagara Falls. Get wet on the Maid of the Mist boat tour and be sure to check out the falls illuminated in the evening.
Drive along Lake Erie, through the city of Cleveland before continuing on to Detroit. Detroit is having a resurgence and is quickly transforming with new markets, distilleries, art galleries, and restaurants popping up. Enjoy a free evening to explore this up-and-coming destination.
Continue west to Chicago. There's tons to do in the Windy City – walk along the river to Millennium Park, enjoy dazzling music, and stroll the boardwalk of the Navy Pier. Opt to ride to the top of the Willis Tower, or hit the town for a night out with the group.
Enjoy a free day to explore Chicago.
Follow the Kentucky Bourbon Trail to Louisville. Home of the Kentucky Derby, this city is a foodie haven filled with lively bars and farm-to-table restaurants. Enjoy a free afternoon to explore, and don't forget to indulge in some BBQ and bourbon.
Travel to the country music capital of the world. Head out for live music, line dancing, and cowboy nightlife tonight. Keep your eyes peeled for some of country music's biggest stars.
Enjoy a free day in Nashville. Opt to visit the Grand Ole Opry, Country Music Hall of Fame, Johnny Cash Museum, or take in live music along the "Honky Tonk Highway".
Explore the vibrant cultural and musical melting pot of Memphis. Take an optional tour of Graceland, opt to relive history at the National Civil Rights Museum, or tour the Rock 'n' Soul Museum. Head to Beale Street at night for great food and live music.
Crank up the jazz and drive into the home of Mardi Gras. Explore the French Quarter, and join the revellers on Bourbon Street 'til the early hours.
Enjoy a free day to explore New Orleans.
Cross the state line into Florida and travel to Panama City Beach. This coastal town is surrounded by 27 miles of white sand beaches on the Gulf of Mexico. Enjoy an afternoon on the beach and opt to hit the town this evening.
Travel to the home of 'The Most Magical Place on Earth', Orlando. With great shopping, nightlife, and famous amusement parks like Disney World and Universal Studios, let your inner kid run wild!
Enjoy a full free day in Orlando. Opt to meet Mickey Mouse at Disney World or discover the magical world of Harry Potter at Universal Studios.
Head to historic Savannah, stopping en route in the oldest city in America, St. Augustine. Opt for a walk around the historic riverfront of Savannah, stroll through town admiring the architecture and oak trees covered in Spanish moss, or head out to Bonaventure Cemetery.
Travel to the city of Charleston, known for its historic, romantic charm. Explore the cobblestone streets and pre-civil war houses, and look across the water to Fort Sumter, the location of the first shots of the Civil War. Opt to visit the Charleston City Market before heading up the coast to camp for the night.
Travel to the US capital and tour the monuments by moonlight with your CEO.
Enjoy free time to explore.
Travel to New York, stopping in Philadelphia en route. Trip ends on arrival to New York. Opt to visit Times Square, stroll Central Park, check out Greenwich Village, or experience the famous nightlife of New York.
This trip also runs in reverse from New York to Los Angeles. See The Great American Road Trip–New York to LA
Hotels/hostels (16 nts, some multi-share), participation camping (36 nts).
43 breakfasts, 31 lunches, 21 dinners
Allow USD1005-1310 for meals not included.
Air-conditioned private vehicle, plane, walking.
1 or 2 CEOs (Chief Experience Officers) throughout, depending on group size.
There are no departure dates currently available for the rest of this season. Some tours only run during parts of the year.
Please Contact Us to inquire about dates for next season, or to discuss other tour options.