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Best of the US Express

18 days, New York to San Francisco

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This tour has changed for 2020, to view 2020 departures and beyond click here.

This whirlwind 18-day camping trip throughout the United States covers nearly every major cultural touchstone of this massive (and hugely exciting) destination. Experience the lights of NYC's Times Square, discover the Elvis fan in you at Graceland, mosey down noisy Bourbon Street in New Orleans, peer across the majesty of the Grand Canyon, and then walk down the crookedest street in the world in San Francisco, all the while camping out beneath a night sky that has had countless songs written about it. Come along and see the best of the USA the way it was meant to be seen.

18 days

New York to San Francisco

Sold Out

There are no departure dates currently available for the rest of this season. Some tours only run during parts of the year.

Trip Code: NUNZ

Need a flight? We can help.

Call us to book your flights! We'll find you the best option!

This whirlwind 18-day camping trip throughout the United States covers nearly every major cultural touchstone of this massive (and hugely exciting) destination. Experience the lights of NYC's Times Square, discover the Elvis fan in you at Graceland, mosey down noisy Bourbon Street in New Orleans, peer across the majesty of the Grand Canyon, and then walk down the crookedest street in the world in San Francisco, all the while camping out beneath a night sky that has had countless songs written about it. Come along and see the best of the USA the way it was meant to be seen.

Is this tour for me?

Travel Style: 18-to-Thirtysomethings

Fast, fresh, and fun adventures that never slow down, made for young, budget-minded travellers.

Service Level: Camping

Camping most nights with some hotel/hostel stays to start and throughout; affordable public and private transport.

Physical Rating: 3 - Average

Some tours may include light hiking, biking, rafting, or kayaking in addition to walking.

Trip Type: Small Group

Small group experience; Max 22, avg 16.

Age requirement: 18-39

Check Your Visa Requirements

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 tool

18 days

New York to San Francisco

Sold Out

There are no departure dates currently available for the rest of this season. Some tours only run during parts of the year.

Trip Code: NUNZ

Need a flight? We can help.

Call us to book your flights! We'll find you the best option!

See how your trip uplifts communities

In a number of impactful ways, your adventure directly benefits the local people and places we visit.

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: 18

Map of the route for Best of the US Express

Places visited

  • United States

Itinerary

Day 1New York

Arrive at any time.

Towering skyscrapers, flashing lights, and a pulsing energy you can’t quite escape from. First impressions matter so get to know New York City the right way; after dark with your CEO and group. Roam through the crowds, take in the sounds, the smells, and gear up for a good time in the Big Apple. Journey through the Hamilton Heights neighbourhood in Brooklyn in search of the perfect enclave to sip a cocktail, maybe two, and have some laughs with your newest adventure pals.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Your First Night Out Moment Connect With New Friends| Your Welcome Moment Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group

Day 2New York/Finger Lakes

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.

Meals included:

Dinner

Day 3Finger Lakes/Niagara Falls

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.

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Day 4Niagara Falls/Detroit

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.

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch

Day 5Detroit/Chicago

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.

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 6Chicago

Enjoy a free day to explore Chicago.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Your Discover Moment

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 7Chicago/Louisville

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.

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch

Day 8Louisville/Nashville

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.

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch

Day 9Nashville

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".

Exclusive Inclusions:

Your Discover Moment

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 10Nashville/Memphis

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.

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch

Day 11Memphis/New Orleans

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.

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch

Day 12New Orleans/Los Angeles

Hop on a flight to LA, and get ready to explore the highlights of the West.

Day 13Los Angeles/Lake Havasu

Wake up in the “City of Angels” before heading inland to the desert. Don't forget to watch for celebrities on the way out of California's most glamorous city. Gear up for your visit to Joshua Tree National Park. It might be short and sweet but no less impactful. Trek amongst the boulders and famous Joshua trees and find the unexpected beauty and serenity of such a barren landscape. Then cool off with some of your buddies in the crystal-clear waters off Lake Havasu.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Your Big Night Out Moment Spring Break

Meals included:

Dinner

Day 14Lake Havasu/Grand Canyon

Start your day by visiting London Bridge (an exact 1800s replica shipped to Arizona from London) before heading off to Grand Canyon National Park. Grab a buddy or set off on your own into one of the deepest canyons in the world. Flip a coin to decide if you should hike along the rim or down into the canyon itself (just remember if you hike down you must hike up). All that effort will be worth it because guess what? You will get to enjoy a pizza dinner at the rim while watching sun set before you. The South Rim might end up being the best spot you have ever eaten a slice of 'za!

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Day 15Grand Canyon/Las Vegas

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. Then cruise along historic Route 66 en route to... Vegas baby! Discover ghost towns and funky roadside attractions and bask in the fading sun as you head into “Sin City”. Explore the Las Vegas strip for a truly unforgettable evening of fun with your fellow trip mates. If you decide you want to cruise Vegas in style head out on an optional VIP party limo ride.

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 16Las Vegas/Sierra Nevadas

Experience a land of extremes in Death Valley National Park. Visit the driest, the hottest, and the lowest places in the U.S. From Badwater Basin to Zabriskie Point and Dante's View to Furnace Creek – it is easy to fall in love with this desolate landscape. The adventure doesn't stop here you'll continue on to Bishop for a night of campfires, stories, and don't forget s'mores!

Meals included:

Lunch | Dinner

Day 17Sierra Nevadas/Yosemite National Park

Yosemite can best be described as out of this world. Catch a glimpse of the beauty on the drive from Bishop through the Sierra Nevadas along Tioga Pass. Once in the park itself let your mind wander as you hike past roaring waterfalls and giant sequoias. Gaze in wonder at Yosemite's magnificent peaks and granite domes before turning your attention to the tranquil nature of the valley floor. Snap photos or simply take in the splendour of one of the country's most beautiful national parks.

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Day 18Yosemite National Park/San Francisco

Catch a glimpse of the Golden Gate Bridge on the way into one of America's most popular cities. Even though the trip ends on arrival the fun doesn’t have to stop just yet. Ride a cable car, walk down winding Lombard Street, indulge in some erotic shaped treats in the Castro District, get lost at the botanical garden, chill out at Baker's Beach, and simply enjoy being in the moment.

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch
View full itinerary

What's Included

  • Your First Night Out Moment: Connect With New Friends
  • Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
  • Your Discover Moment: Chicago
  • Your Discover Moment: Nashville
  • Your Big Night Out Moment: Spring Break , Lake Havasu
  • Entrance fees to all national parks with hiking and walking excursions
  • Taughannock Falls visit
  • Maid of the Mist tour
  • Cleveland stop
  • London Bridge visit (Lake Havasu)
  • Sunset at the rim of the Grand Canyon
  • Death Valley visit
  • Free time in Detroit, Chicago, Louisville, Nashville, and Memphis
  • Self-inflating mattresses and dome tents while camping
  • Internal flight
  • All transport between destinations and to/from included activities

Accommodations

Hotels/hostels (6 nts, some multi-share), participation camping (11 nts).

Meals

13 breakfasts, 10 lunches, 6 dinners
Allow USD390-510 for meals not included.

Transportation

Air-conditioned private vehicle, plane, walking.

Staff & experts

1 or 2 CEOs (Chief Experience Officers) throughout, depending on group size.

Departures

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.

Best of the US Express

| 18 days - New York to San Francisco - Sold Out