Best of the USA Tour–San Fran to San Fran
43 days
Duration43 days
Is it possible to capture the complex, diverse flavour of a country and its 300-million-strong people in a single trip? Short answer: Yup. This epic sojourn across America from sea to shining sea (and back again) is, quite possibly, the most ambitious road trip you’ll ever take. Wide-open spaces, iconic monuments, sprawling national parks, quirky local slang, regional delicacies and the incredible cities you’ve always wanted to visit. It’s all here. Welcome to the US of A, where the "A" stands for "Amazing."
This tour is operated by
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Duration: 43 daysService level: Camping
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Physical Grading: Average
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Ages: 18+
Tour Gallery
Itinerary
Day 1: San Francisco
There's a lot to see and do in San Francisco, and we recommend spending extra time here if you'd like to explore the city; speak to your sales agent to book extra accommodation. Haight-Ashbury, Alcatraz, the Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman's Wharf, and the city's famous cable cars await you.
Arrive at any time. We highly recommend booking pre-tour accommodation to enjoy more of the city.
Day 2: San Francisco/Yosemite National Park
Travel through California's Sierra Nevada Mountains on the way to Yosemite National Park. Set up camp for the night and get ready for a full day of exploring the next day.
Catch a glimpse of the Golden Gate Bridge on the way out of one of America's most popular cities. Drive into the Sierra Nevada Mountains and set up camp.
Meals: D
Day 3: Yosemite National Park
Admire spectacular views of Yosemite National Park's magnificent peaks and granite domes. Yosemite has many trails to offer. Be inspired by this beautiful and amazing landscape and opt to rent a bike to better explore the Yosemite Valley.
Enjoy a free day in Yosemite National Park.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 4: Yosemite National Park/Death Valley
Marvel at the spectacular views of Yosemite National Park's magnificent peaks and granite domes while enjoying one of most scenic areas in California.
Awe at the spectacular scenery along the Tioga Pass. Marvel at tufa rock towers at Mono Lake.
Note: we intend on using the Tioga Pass, a scenic route through the Sierra Nevada mountain range that connects Yosemite NP with Bishop. In the spring and autumn seasons, there's a chance that the pass will be closed due to poor weather conditions or even snow. In such a case, we use an alternate route south, and will spend the night in Lake Isabella instead of Bishop. The status of the road is monitored daily, and our travel plan for the area will be confirmed during the trip.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 5: Death Valley/Las Vegas
Visit one of the country's most rugged landscapes, legendary Death Valley, the hottest and driest spot on earth and home to the lowest point in North America.
Visit a land of extremes in Death Valley National Park. Explore Las Vegas and stroll along the famous Vegas Strip. Take an optional VIP party limo.
For the nights in Las Vegas, we stay close to the action in a hotel either at the end of or just a few blocks off the Strip.
Meals: B, L
Day 6: Las Vegas
Full day to explore Las Vegas. Walk the strip and try your luck at the tables or slot machines. Or spend the day shopping, dining or poolside. In the evening, opt to see one of the wildly entertaining shows Vegas is known for.
Free time in Las Vegas.
Day 7: Las Vegas/Grand Canyon National Park
Considered among nature's most spectacular offerings, the Grand Canyon provides spectacular opportunities for exploration. Return to the campsite and recapture the experiences from this memorable day!
Travel Route 66, then arrive at the beautiful Grand Canyon and take in the sunset from the canyon's edge.
Enjoy a sunset dinner at the canyon's rim.
Meals: D
Day 8: Grand Canyon National Park
Enjoy a free day to discover the Grand Canyon. Opt to wander throughout the park and take a hike. Hire a bike, check out a museum or see the canyon from the sky by helicopter.
Enjoy free time in Grand Canyon NP.
Note: If you have pre-booked the Grand Canyon Helicopter Ride you will enjoy your 45-50min ride over the canyon today.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 9: Grand Canyon National Park/Monument Valley
Take an optional jeep tour led by a Navajo guide through Monument Valley and be inspired by a night under the stars while camping in this magnificent atmosphere.
Drive along the southern rim of the canyon, then opt to discover one of the most majestic places on earth, Monument Valley, on an optional overnight excursion.
Meals: B, L
Day 10: Monument Valley/Mesa Verde National Park
Hike through history exploring Mesa Verde National Park, which offers a spectacular look into the lives of the Ancestral Puebloans.
Wind up the side of a mountain through Mesa Verde National Park's rocky slopes and inspiring vistas. Hike to ancient cliff dwellings in Mesa Verde.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 11: Mesa Verde National Park/Santa Fe
Continue the journey back in time and explore one of America's oldest and most beautiful cities, Santa Fe. Take a stroll downtown and visit art galleries, or enjoy some world-famous roasted green chilies.
Travel to Santa Fe and dive into the Southwest culture in this historic city.
Meals: B, L
Day 12: Santa Fe/Carlsbad
Look for aliens at infamous Roswell en route to exploring the Carlsbad Caverns, dodging the 400,000 bats heading out to hunt at sunset.
Meals: B, D
Day 13: Carlsbad/Austin
Sit back and gaze at the scenery while travelling through the southern United States. Upon arrival in the 'Lonestar' state, settle in at the campsite for a night under the stars.
Cross into the state of Texas, the birthplace of Tex-Mex food, 10-gallon hats, and Western movies.
Meals: B, L
Day 14: Austin
Spend a free day in Austin. Opt to visit the SoCo area for thrift shopping, take a dip in the Barton natural pool, or let loose at a local country bar in the evening.
Meals: B
Day 15: Austin/New Orleans
The CEO will point out a few things on the drive in, then get out and experience the city at its best.
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: B
Day 16: New Orleans
New travellers may join you today for the rest of the adventure. You are welcome to join them at a group meeting this evening, followed by an optional dinner.
Enjoy a free day to explore New Orleans.
Meals: B
Day 17: New Orleans/Memphis
Explore the birthplace of Rock 'n' Roll, the Home of Blues, and the starting point of soul. Music legends, including Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash and B.B. King, made their marks on Memphis. Optional activities include visiting the National Civil Rights Museum (located where the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr took place in 1968) or visiting the Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum.
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: B, L
Day 18: Memphis/Nashville
In the morning, opt to walk in the footsteps of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll at Elvis Presley’s home, Graceland. If Graceland is not for you, enjoy the time to explore more of Memphis on your own. Travel to Nashville in time to check out the nightlife and visit a real country cowboy bar.
Take an optional tour of Graceland. Travel to the country music capital of the world and become immersed in local music in downtown Nashville.
Meals: B, L
Day 19: Nashville/Appalachia
Experience the Appalachian Mountains on the drive. The mountains are a perfect place to relax and to enjoy the fresh, clean air and see the true beauty of North America.
Travel the beautiful winding roads through the Appalachian Mountains and absorb their undisturbed natural beauty.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 20: Appalachia/Washington DC
Continue on the Skyline Drive through Shenandoah National Park, a truly beautiful, historic national treasure. Standing on top of the peaks of Shenandoah National Park, gaze across the silent mountains. It's hard to believe Washington DC is just a short distance away.
Pass through Shenandoah National Park, and opt to take a short hike. Arrive in the US capital in time to wander the monuments by moonlight.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 21: Washington DC
There is so much to see and do in Washington DC that you can't see it all in one day. Take your time and spend a full day exploring this fascinating city.
Enjoy free time to explore.
Meals: B
Day 22: Washington DC/New York City
Dive into the hustle and bustle of the Big Apple. Opt to visit Times Square or stroll through Central Park. Check out the famous nightlife in NYC.
For our night in NYC, we stay close to the action in a hostel in Manhattan close to the subway line. Today, new travellers may join you for the rest of your adventure. You are welcome to join them at a group meeting this evening, followed by an optional dinner.
Meals: B, L
Day 23: New York City/Newburgh
Dive into the hustle and bustle of NYC on a brief orientation to the city with the CEO, then trade in the big city for a campfire.
Spend the morning exploring the Big Apple before heading to Newburgh.
This tour departs New York City mid-day on Day 2.
Meals: D
Day 24: Newburgh/Finger Lakes
Discover one of the highest waterfalls east of the Rocky Mountains, Taughannock Falls. Take a hike to explore this beautiful area on foot, rent a kayak or paddleboard, or just relax by the lake. Opt to taste wine from one of the local vineyards.
Enjoy a day out in nature taking in the natural beauty of the Finger Lakes region. Visit towering Taughannock Falls, cool off in the lake, or sample wine from a local winery.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 25: Finger Lakes/Niagara Falls
An exciting adventure awaits in Niagara Falls. Feel the rushing waters of the falls taking the famous "Maid of the Mist Boat Tour." Return after darkness settles over the Niagara region and witness the Falls illuminated in a rainbow of colour!
Get wet on the Maid of the Mist boat tour, and be sure to check out the falls illuminated in the evening.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 26: Niagara Falls/Sandusky
Travel to Sandusky and opt to catch some thrills at a local amusement park.
Meals: B
Day 27: Sandusky/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 (formerly Sears) Tower, or hit the town for a night out with the group.
Stop for lunch in the Amish community of Shipshewana before continuing on to Chicago.
Meals: B
Day 28: Chicago
Today, new travellers may join you for the rest of your adventure. You are welcome to join them at a group meeting this evening, followed by an optional dinner.
Free time to explore Chicago.
Day 29: Chicago/Frontenac
Tour the Miller Brewing Company in Milwaukee and enjoy a beer tasting, then camp on the banks of the Mississippi River.
Meals: D
Day 30: Frontenac/Sioux Falls
Enjoy a free morning at the largest shopping mall in America – the Mall of America. Afterwards, venture into South Dakota and head into the Great Plains and lands of the Sioux.
Meals: B, D
Day 31: Sioux Falls/Badlands National Park
Travel through the Badlands before reaching the Black Hills.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 32: Badlands National Park/Custer State Park
Explore the spectacular, bizarre, and moon-like landscape at Badlands National Park. Discover Wall Drug, an American roadside wonder before reaching the famous Black Hills in the heart of South Dakota. Then take the scenic route to Custer State Park.
Discover moon-like landscapes on the trails of the Badlands, then drive to Custer SP. Dodge free-roaming bison herds while exploring Custer's diverse lands.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 33: Custer State Park/Devils Tower
Check out the larger than life ex-presidents of Mount Rushmore, tour around Crazy Horse Memorial, and stop off at Deadwood en route to Devils Tower in Wyoming.
Meals: B, D
Day 34: Devils Tower/Bozeman
Check out the the Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument en route to the university town of Bozeman, Montana.
Meals: B, L
Day 35: Bozeman/Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone is beyond special. Geysers, waterfalls, wildlife, and scenic beauty are around every corner just waiting to be explored. In fact, Yellowstone National Park is a super volcano with the world’s largest active geyser field, boasting more than 10,000 geysers. The Park is also home to more wild animals than almost anywhere else in the U.S., including roaming bison, gray wolves, elk, black bears, and, of course, the famous grizzly bear.
Travel to Yellowstone, the world's first national park, and be in awe of the colourful geysers, powerful waterfalls, exciting wildlife, and contrasting scenic beauty around every corner.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 36: Yellowstone National Park
Travel through some of the most famous landmarks of Yellowstone, including Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic Spring, West Thumb, and Yellowstone Lake.
Spend the day exploring the highlights of the Southern Loop.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 37: Yellowstone National Park/Jackson
Stop at Jenny Lake in Grand Teton National Park and take in the tranquil surroundings.
In the late afternoon, reach Jackson and marvel at the town square’s elk antler arches. In the evening, enjoy a night out with a true wild western atmosphere at the One Million Dollar Bar.
In the late afternoon, reach Jackson and marvel at the town square’s elk antler arches. In the evening, enjoy a night out with a true wild western atmosphere at the One Million Dollar Bar.
Cross the Continental Divide en route to Grand Teton National Park. Enjoy the view of more than 12 peaks that make up this beautiful drive. Opt to visit a cowboy bar for Western line dancing and live music.
Meals: B, L
Day 38: Jackson/Twin Falls
Choose to go whitewater rafting or horseback riding during a free morning, then cross the border into Idaho. Stop off at Shoshone Falls en route.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 39: Twin Falls/Reno
Sit back and relax during a road trip day, crossing into Nevada. Enjoy the bright lights both in and outside the casinos in "The Biggest Little City in the World."
Meals: B, L
Day 40: Reno/Lake Tahoe
Arrive to Lake Tahoe after a short drive. Enjoy a free afternoon for hiking, lake activities or relaxing.
Meals: L, D
Day 41: Lake Tahoe/Yosemite National Park
With a keen eye and a little luck, spot black bears, deer or coyotes.
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!
Meals: B, L, D
Day 42: Yosemite National Park
Full day to explore Yosemite National Park. Hike the many trails Yosemite has to offer and be inspired by this beautiful and amazing landscape. Option to rent bikes in Yosemite Valley.
Enjoy free time in Yosemite National Park.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 43: Yosemite National Park/San Francisco
Arrive at one of the most iconic cities in the world: San Francisco. The CEO will point out some popular sites on the drive into town.
There's a lot to see and do in San Francisco. We recommend spending extra time here if you'd like to explore the city; speak to your sales agent to book extra accommodation, or pre book a sunset sail off the coast of the city.
There's a lot to see and do in San Francisco. We recommend spending extra time here if you'd like to explore the city; speak to your sales agent to book extra accommodation, or pre book a sunset sail off the coast of the city.
Catch a glimpse of the Golden Gate Bridge on the way into one of America's most popular cities. Trip ends upon arrival to San Francisco. Take an optional cable car ride over the steep hills or explore the city by bicycle.
If you are departing on arrival to San Francisco, you will not have enough time to participate in the Sunset Sailing extra. Post-tour accommodation is required to purchase this extra.
Meals: B
Inclusions
Included
- Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group Your Discover Moment: Yosemite National Park Your Discover Moment: New Orleans Your Discover Moment: Washington DC Your Discover Moment: Chicago Your Foodie Moment: Miller Brewery Tour and Tasting, Milwaukee
- Entrance fees to all national parks with hiking and walking excursions
- Death Valley visit
- Sunset at the Grand Canyon rim
- Carlsbad Caverns visit
- Maid of the Mist boat tour (Niagara Falls)
- Amish community visit
- Wall Drug visit
- Mt Rushmore visit
- Deadwood visit
- Self-inflating mattresses and dome tents during camping
- Orientation to Las Vegas and Washington DC
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
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Transport
Air-conditioned private vehicle, Boat, Walking -
Accommodation
Hotels/hostels (9 nts, some multi-share), Participation camping (33 nts)