The Great American Road Trip–LA to New York
53 days
From $ 8149
Duration53 days
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  • Etepia
  • The Great American Road Trip–LA to New York

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.

This tour is operated by

  • Duration: 53 days
    Service level: Camping
  • Physical Grading: Average
  • Ages: 18+
The Great American Road Trip–LA to New York - Tour Map

Itinerary

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Day 1: Los Angeles
There's a lot to see and do in LA, and we recommend spending extra time here if you'd like to explore Hollywood, Rodeo Drive, Santa Monica, Venice Beach and other hot spots around the city; speak to your sales agent to book extra accommodation.

Enjoy free time today in Santa Monica, where the hostel is located, and check out the famous pier or hit the beach.
Arrive at any time.
Day 2: Los Angeles/San Diego
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 city San Diego. Sun, sand, food and fun awaits us in this beautiful beach city. In San Diego, soak up the sun on Mission Beach or try one of the many water sports California is known for.

In the evening, head to the Gaslamp Quarter District for dinner and live music. When the sun sets, watch the area come alive with numerous pubs and nightclubs.
Meals: D
Day 3: San Diego/Lake Havasu City
Travel to Joshua Tree National Park, taking in the scenery of the Mojave and the Colorado deserts, massive rock formations, and thousands of Joshua trees. Take a short hike amongst the boulders and the regions distinctly unique flora. Later, cool off in the crystal-clear waters of the Colorado River at Lake Havasu.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 4: Lake Havasu City/Grand Canyon
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. Continue to the Grand Canyon and explore this natural wonder. Enjoy sunset at the canyon rim for a breathtaking experience at the Grand Canyon.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 5: Grand Canyon
Enjoy a free day to discover the Grand Canyon. Opt to hike throughout the park, rent a bike, or check out a museum. Opt to pre-book a bird's eye view of the canyon by helicopter on the checkout page ahead of time to include this optional on your tour.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 6: Grand Canyon/Monument Valley
Drive along the southern rim of the canyon taking in final sights of this grand park. Just outside the park, stop for breakfast at a local Navajo food truck supported by Planeterra. Then drive through the desert to discover one of the most majestic places on earth, Monument Valley. Opt to pre-book a jeep tour led by a Navajo guide through Monument Valley on the checkout page of this tour.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 7: Monument Valley/Las Vegas
Break a sweat with a quick hike to majestic Horseshoe Bend. Continue the journey through Arizona, Utah and Nevada en route to Las Vegas. Opt to take a VIP party limo experience and explore the Las Vegas Strip in the evening.
Meals: B
Day 8: 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. Explore the strip, try your luck at a casino, or take in a glitzy show.
Day 9: Las Vegas/Zion National Park
Boasting endless hiking possibilities, the region that the Virgin River has sculpted into a profound landscape masterpiece is a great setting to spend the afternoon. High plateaus, striking towers, temples, mesas, and the earth's tallest-known sheer sandstone walls surround visitors with their awe-inspiring beauty.
Travel past towering cliffs and massive canyon walls in Zion National Park. Hike diverse and exciting trails.
Meals: L, D
Day 10: Bryce Canyon NP/Moab
Rise early to explore Bryce Canyon and see its famous hoodoos. Drive along isolated Scenic Byway 12 thru Grand Escalante National Monument and Capitol Reef National Park en route to Moab.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 11: Moab
Explore Arches National Park, carved and shaped by eons of weathering and erosion. It contains the world's largest concentration of natural stone arches. Explore the park's viewpoints and hike to sandstone fins, massive balanced rocks, and soaring pinnacles.
Enjoy a free morning in Moab to take full advantage of this adventure capital. Opt to go rafting, mountain biking, or on a Hummer tour through the surrounding natural playground. Regroup in the afternoon to hike through the surreal rock formations of Arches National Park. To cap off this packed day, catch a gorgeous sunset at Dead Horse Point State Park.
Meals: B, D
Day 12: Moab/Glenwood Springs
Travel to Glenwood Springs, Colorado, and opt to go for a hike at nearby Hanging Lake, rent a bike in Glenwood Canyon, or go for a swim in the world's largest hot springs pool.
Meals: B, L
Day 13: Glenwood Springs/Flaming Gorge Reservoir
Travel to Wyoming and take in a spectacular sunset at Flaming Gorge Reservoir. Opt to hike along the canyon rim, or explore the reservoir shoreline by kayak. See how this canyon got its name while watching the sun reflect off the red canyon walls at sunset – don't forget your camera! Get your views while hiking along the rim for multiple lookouts of the gorge.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 14: Flaming Gorge Reservoir/Jackson
Travel to Jackson Hole and marvel at the town square’s elk antler arches. Explore the countryside or take a horseback ride during a free afternoon. Tonight, enjoy a night out with a true wild western atmosphere and visit a cowboy bar to see and partake in a little Western line dancing at the Million Dollar Bar. Opt to pre-book the "Whitewater Rafting on Snake River" activity on the checkout page ahead of time to include this optional on your tour.
Meals: B, L
Day 15: Jackson/Yellowstone National Park
Stop at Jenny Lake or Jackson Lake in Grand Teton National Park to take in the tranquil surroundings.
Spend the day visiting Grand Teton National Park. Take a hike or a swim and enjoy the view of more than 12 peaks that make up this park. On the beautiful drive, keep your eyes peeled for moose, bears, and more. Cross the Continental Divide en route to Yellowstone National Park, where we stop for the night.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 16: 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 through some of the most famous landmarks of Yellowstone, including Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic Spring, West Thumb, and Yellowstone Lake.
Spend the day exploring 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. Discover the highlights of the Southern Loop.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 17: Yellowstone National Park/Bozeman
Spend the day exploring the highlights of the Northern Loop. Continue on to the university town of Bozeman, Montana. Enjoy free time to explore this evening.
Meals: B, L
Day 18: Bozeman/Glacier National Park
Travel through the stunning Montana scenery to Glacier National Park. With over 20 glaciers and 200 lakes and streams, Glacier National Park is a must see. Choose from 730 miles of hiking trails to really enjoy this majestic park.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 19: Glacier National Park
Explore Glacier NP with its many glaciers, lakes and streams. Opt to drive Going-to-the-Sun Road and reach the Continental Divide.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 20: Glacier National Park/Coeur d'Alene
Continue west to beautiful Coeur D'Alene. Surrounded by over 50 lakes, this town is an outdoor haven. Opt to walk the floating boardwalk, go mountain biking, or take part in watersports on Lake Coeur d'Alene.
Meals: B, L
Day 21: Coeur d'Alene/Seattle
Travel through the state of Washington to Seattle. The evergreen state makes for great scenery as you sit back and relax.
Meals: B
Day 22: Seattle
Enjoy a free day in Seattle. Opt to visit Pike Place Market, the first Starbucks location, or ride to the top of the Space Needle.
Day 23: Seattle/Portland
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.
Meals: B
Day 24: Portland/Bend
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.
Meals: B, L
Day 25: Bend/Redwood National Park
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.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 26: Redwood National Park/Sonoma County
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.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 27: Sonoma County/Lake Tahoe
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.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 28: 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 29: 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 30: 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.
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. Opt to pre-book the "Sunset Sailing – San Francisco" activity on the checkout page ahead of time to include this optional on your tour.
Meals: B, L
Day 31: San Francisco
Enjoy a free day to explore San Francisco.
Day 32: San Francisco/Morro Bay
Crashing waves, rolling fog, and sheer rocky cliffs will make this journey down California's coast Highway 1 an unforgettable experience.
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.
Meals: D
Day 33: Morro Bay/Los Angeles
Travel along the stunning Pacific coast to the City of Angels. Be on the lookout for celebrities while passing a few popular sites on the way into California's most glamorous city.
Meals: B
Day 34: Los Angeles/New York City
Hop on a flight to the Big Apple, and get ready to explore the highlights of the East Coast. Please note that there may be additional baggage fees for the internal flight if you are checking your bag.
Day 35: New York City/Finger Lakes
Take a hike to explore this beautiful Finger Lakes region on foot, rent a kayak or paddleboard, or just relax by the lake. Opt to taste wine from one of the local vineyards.
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: D
Day 36: 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!
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. Opening day for Maid of the Mist is usually the end of April or beginning of May, but is dependent on ice conditions and varies year by year.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 37: Niagara 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: B, L
Day 38: Detroit/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: B
Day 39: Chicago
Enjoy a free day to explore Chicago.
Meals: B
Day 40: Chicago/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: B, L, D
Day 41: Louisville/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: B, L
Day 42: Nashville
Nashville has so much unique culture to experience while visiting. No stay would be complete without trying some of the cities famous hot fried chicken, or visiting one of its many country bars or music museums.
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".
Meals: B
Day 43: Nashville/Memphis
In the afternoon, opt to walk in the footsteps of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll at Elvis Presley’s home, Graceland. See how the legend lived and discover videos, pictures, stage costumes, and much more. Then hear the music in Memphis, Tennessee! Explore the birthplace of Rock 'n' Roll, 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.

Opt to check out the National Civil Rights Museum, located where Martin Luther King Jr was assassinated.
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 44: Memphis/New Orleans
The CEO will point out a few things on the drive in, then get out and experience the city at its best. Enjoy a night out with the group.
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, L
Day 45: 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 46: New Orleans/Panama City Beach
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.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 47: Panama City Beach/Orlando
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!
Meals: B, L
Day 48: Orlando
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.
Meals: B
Day 49: St. Augustine/Savannah
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.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 50: Charleston/Myrtle Beach
Travel to the city of Charleston, known for its historic, romantic charm. Enjoy a few hours to explore the city before heading to Wilmington for the night. Located on the water and known for its long boardwalk and historic downtown Riverwalk, opt to spend the night at camp or on the town.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 51: Wilmington/Washington DC
Travel to the US capital and tour the monuments by moonlight with your CEO.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 52: 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 53: Washington DC/New York City
From the Statue of Liberty to Ground Zero to Chinatown, New York City is full of things to do and see. We recommend spending extra time here; please speak to your sales agent to book extra accommodation.
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. Please note this trip ends on arrival to New York. If you wish to spend the night in the city, speak to your sales agent about booking post-accommodation.
Meals: B, L
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Inclusions

Included

  • Your G for Good Moment: Native Grill Food Truck Breakfast Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group Your Discover Moment: Las Vegas Your Discover Moment: Seattle Your Discover Moment: Yosemite National Park Your Discover Moment: San Francisco Your Discover Moment: Chicago Your Discover Moment: Nashville Your Discover Moment: New Orleans Your Discover Moment: Washington DC
  • Entrance fees to all national and state parks with hiking and walking excursions
  • Sunset at the rim of the Grand Canyon
  • Zion National Park visit
  • Bryce Canyon National Park visit
  • Arches National Park visit
  • Joshua Tree National Park
  • Death Valley National Park
  • Grand Teton National Park visit
  • Yellowstone National Park visit
  • Glacier National Park visit
  • Crater Lake National Park visit
  • Redwood National Park visit
  • Tioga Pass (seasonal)
  • Yosemite National Park visit
  • Elephant seal rookery stop
  • Pacific Coast Highway drive
  • Taughannock Falls visit
  • Maid of the Mist tour
  • Cleveland stop
  • St Augustine visit
  • Charleston visit
  • Monuments by Moonlight (Washington DC)
  • Philadelphia stop
  • Free time in Las Vegas, Seattle, Portland, San Francisco, Chicago, Nashville, Memphis, New Orleans, Orlando, and Washington DC
  • Self-inflating mattresses and dome tents while camping
  • Internal flight
  • All transport between destinations and to/from included activities

  • Transport

    Air-conditioned private vehicle, Plane, Walking

  • Accommodation

    Hotels/hostels (16 nts, some multi-share), Participation camping (36 nts)

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