| HIGHLIGHTS: New York Area - Finger Lakes - Niagara Falls - Cleveland - Louisville - Nashville - Memphis - Oklahoma - Amarillo - Carlsbad Caverns National Park - Roswell - Santa Fe - Durango - Mesa Verde National Park - Monument Valley - Lake Powell - Grand Canyon National Park - Las Vegas - Nevada Desert - Lake Tahoe - Yosemite National Park - San Francisco
The freedom to follow the open road, the freedom of America. Travel from coast-to-coast in search of the wonderfully wild and wacky America. It´s not just about seeing America, it´s about experiencing some of 'the biggest', 'the best', 'the oldest,' and 'oddest' sites, sounds and attractions in the world - This is Americana in all her glory
Day 1-2: New York Area, Finger Lakes and Niagara Falls Time to leave the sidewalks behind and loosen your legs on some upstate lakeside trails in the Finger Lakes region. Then from the edge of Lake Ontario, the sensation of crashing water is stupendous, the noise immense, at one of America's greatest national attractions, Niagara Falls. Wait 'til you're down on the water aboard 'Maid of the Mist', where the cascades pound, churn and foam right before your eyes. That's what you call a front row seat!
Day 3-5: Cleveland, Louisville and Nashville Within a giant pyramid, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame boasts hand-scribbled lyrics by Lennon, Hendrix, and Jim Morrison's cub scout outfit Brush up on your bourbon with a Kentucky distillery tour, then soak up the friendly Southern charm of Nashville where country and western fills foot-tapping live venues - then satisfy your urge for thumping bass, rock anthems or whatever gets you on the dance floor.
Day 6-7: Memphis Memphis, where "Blues sets the mood, Rock 'n' Roll adds rhythm, and the good times never end". Don't forget to call on Elvis, it would be rude to come this far and not stop by Graceland, home of 'The King'.
Day 8-11: Hot Springs, Oklahoma and Amarillo No prizes for guessing how 'Spa City' earned its nickname. Take a dip in Hot Springs in Arkansas, before hitting Oklahoma and setting up camp where east meets west on the legendary Route 66. At Cadillac Ranch, ten vintage cars are stuck front fender first into the Texan dust. Adding graffiti is part of the art. Get creative!
Day 12: Carlsbad Caverns National Park Do you know your stalactite from your stalagmite? Carlsbad Caverns boasts over 100 limestone caves sporting glinting minerals and telling names like the Hall of the White Giant and Green Lake Room. Then check out the best darned drive-in movie theatre in America. Now that's Americana!
Day 13-14: Roswell and Santa Fe How about a visit to Mulder and Scully's favourite place, The International UFO Museum and Research Centre (and gift shop) in Roswell They say Aliens crashed to Earth and they have proof Next, check out Santa Fe and soak up the artsy vibe of this oldest US capital city high in the desert foothills. Stroll down Canyon Road where locals are peddling their wares and get ready to hit the town tonight.
Day 15-16: Durango and Mesa Verde National Park Crossing the Colorado border we hit Durango. The buildings on main street still resemble the old wild west as steam trains puff into town and it's rodeo time most evenings time. Yee-hah Check out some prime real estate at Mesa Verde National Park: the stone cut cliff dwellings of Ancestral Pueblans with a back yard of vast terrain; viewings are highly recommended.
Day 17: Monument Valley Venturing into the desert southwest, we hit the iconic Monument Valley, used in countless Hollywood scenes from Westerns to 2001: A Space Odyssey. The only things to pre-date the origins of Native American culture are the towering buttes and mesas which dominate the awe-inspiring landscape. We will have an opportunity to explore some of the areas hidden treasures, learning of the local history and culture on an optional Navajo guided 4x4 tour. Tonight, experience a stunning sunset overlooking the valley.
Day 18-19: Lake Powell Get ready for the beach Swim the deep blue waters of Lake Powell, formerly the great Glenn Canyon or just sit back on the shore and soak up the powerful rays of this beautiful and surreal man-made desert oasis.
Day 20-21: Grand Canyon National Park Next we come face to face with the most awe-inspiring national park of them all, the Grand Canyon. Nothing you have ever seen before will prepare you for this spectacular site Hike from the forest above to the desert below or take a helicopter flight above it all and marvel at the brilliant colours. One thing's for sure though, this place looks incredible from any angle, especially walking along the rim at sunset or sunrise.
Day 22-23: Las Vegas Back to the modern world with a bang - Las Vegas - the greatest show on earth Cruise "The Strip" in a super-stretch limo, indulge in an all-you-can eat buffet, take in a show or just watch the amazing crowds and neon signs as the glitzy hotels try to out do each other with spectacular attractions. And if that's not enough, take a helicopter flight down The Strip or just gamble the night away in one of the world class casinos. Oh, and there's a saying here: what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas.
Day 24-25: Nevada Desert and Lake Tahoe Along the 'Extraterrestrial Highway', we only promise one close encounter: that's with the town of Rachel, 'UFO Capital of the World'. On to Lake Tahoe - with 300+ days of sunshine every year, the odds suggest you'll hike, pedal or splash around under deep blue skies.
Day 26-27: Yosemite National Park Prepare to be wowed. Thundering waterfalls, huge granite cliffs shaped by the elements and towering sequoia trees are all perfect camera fodder within this vast wilderness. We have two days to hike, bike or float through this extraordinary landscape. If you want a real challenge, try the 17 mile round trip hike to the top of Half Dome
Day 28: San Francisco Plump for Chinatown and Fisherman's Wharf, it'll be time for a stroll across the Golden Gate Bridge. What a memory to pack up and take home.
This tour ends at approximately 17:00 hrs. We can book you post-tour accommodation at our gateway hotel if required. If you are planning to fly tonight, please do not book a flight that departs before 21:00 hrs.
Wander from the East coast to the West coast 28 day tour departing New York.23 nights accommodation camping.4 nights accommodation in a hotel/hostel. Professional tour leader. Camping fees, equipment and transportation. Maid of the Mist cruise. Limousine in Las Vegas. Rock n Roll Hall of Fame. Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey Trail. Roswell UFO Museum. Texas Cadillace Ranch. Grand Canyon sunrise/sunset. City tour of San Francisco. Sightseeing in Nashville, Memphis, Amarillo, Santa Fe and Lake Tahoe, national parks - Carlsbad Caverns, Mesa Verde, Monument Valley, Grand Canyon and Yosemite
Ask about our great airfaresConditions Valid for sale until 3 September 2012.Price is per person twin share.Airfare not included.4 nights hotel/hostel accommodation (USD160*) and food kitty (USD280*) are included in the advertised price, but are to be paid direct while on tour.Additional conditions may apply, please enquire for further details.Prices shown are fully inclusive of taxes. Additional levies, government charges and other applicable fees may apply and are beyond our control.Seasonal surcharges and blackout dates may apply depending on date of travel.Payments made by credit card will incur a surcharge. Prices shown are for payments made by cash in store or Bpay.These prices are a guide to the best price and are subject to change without notice.Prices are subject to change without notice, due to matters outside our control, such as adverse currency fluctuations, fuel surcharges, taxes and airfare increases, please enquire for further details. |
