San Francisco to New Orleans Road Trip
15 days
Duration15 days
Bridging two iconic cities, this is a road trip that features amazing national parks, quirky landmarks, and the spirit of America. Learn about Navajo culture, play the odds in Vegas, bask in genuine Southern hospitality, and get your cowboy on in Texas. Centrally located hostels in the cities and campsites in the wilderness keep you in the heart of the action no matter where you are. With so much heart and soul and tons to see and do on the road to New Orleans, don’t leave your heart in San Francisco – because you’re going to need it.
This tour is operated by
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Duration: 15 daysService level: Camping
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Physical Grading: Light
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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
Please note this trip ends on arrival to New Orleans. There's a lot to see and do in New Orleans, and we recommend spending extra time here if you'd like to explore the city; speak to your sales agent to book extra accommodation.
Crank up the jazz and drive into the home of Mardi Gras. Trip ends upon arrival to New Orleans. Opt to explore the French Quarter, and join the revellers on Bourbon Street 'til the early hours.
Meals: B
Inclusions
Included
- Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group Your Discover Moment: Yosemite National Park
- Entrance fees to all national parks with hiking and walking excursions
- Death Valley visit
- Orientation to Las Vegas
- Guided tour of the cliff dwellings in Mesa Verde
- Sunset at the rim of the Grand Canyon
- Carlsbad Caverns visit
- Self-inflating mattresses and dome tents
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
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Transport
Air-conditioned private vehicle, Walking -
Accommodation
Hotels/hostels (3 nts, some multi-share), Participation camping (11 nts)