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Road tripping is an iconic American pastime, but don't let your lack of a driver's license stop you from exploring the country's best sites. On this 32-day tour, you'll visit the best of the east and west coasts with a flight that connects each, cutting down on long drives so that you have more time to spend at the spots that matter most. Explore Chicago's riverside, be charmed by New Orleans' colonial architecture, and marvel at the rocky cliffs and rolling fog of California's famed Highway 1. Ready to hit the road? Us too.
TAXI
Yellow Cabs are available on the third floor parking garage. A cab from Sea-Tac airport to downtown Seattle ranges from $50-55 USD.
Rideshare Apps
After requesting a ride, follow the parking garage signs and meet your driver at the Rideshare/TNC pickup zone on the 3rd floor of the Sea-Tac Airport parking garage. Fare estimates are $40-$45.
LINK LIGHT RAIL
Upon arrival, follow the signs to Link Light Rail by way of the fourth floor of the parking garage (and not Public Transit). Take the Link: University Of Washington Station to University Street Station. Transfer to the E Line: Aurora Village Transit Center and take it 4 stops to Aurora Ave N & Denny Way. Your hotel is a 5 minute walk from here. The fare is about $5 USD.
Link is a separate entity from Metro transit that serves downtown Seattle. If you buy a ticket for the train and you wish to transfer to a city bus that would be another fare. You can buy an Orca card from the ticket machine that does allow for transfers. This will cost $5 and you can 'load' it with any amount of money that you wish.
SHUTTLE EXPRESS
The Shuttle Express is a shared van service that can be pre-booked online (www.shuttleexpress.com). The fare is $40 USD per person in a shared van and goes from the airport to most downtown hotels.
Please note that Day 1 is an arrival day and no activities have been planned for that day other then your welcome meeting in the evening, so you can arrive at any time.
Your CEO will organize a short meeting for this evening, during which you will meet other tour participants and receive information about general and specific aspects of the trip. A welcome note will be left for you in the hotel so you have all the necessary information regarding the meeting time. If you arrive late, s/he will leave you a message detailing what time and where you should meet the next morning.
Camping:
• Hiking boots/sturdy walking shoes
• Sleeping bag and liner, 4 season
• Socks
• Thermal base layer
• Travel pillow
• Windproof rain gear
Cold Weather:
• Long-sleeved shirts or sweater
• Scarf
• Warm gloves
• Warm hat
• Warm layers
Documents:
• Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)
• Insurance info (required) (With photocopies)
• Passport (required) (With photocopies)
• Required visas or vaccination certificates (required) (With photocopies)
• Vouchers and pre-departure information (required)
Essentials:
• Binoculars (optional)
• Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries)
• Cash, credit and debit cards
• Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights)
• Ear plugs
• First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)
• Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal)
• Fleece top/sweater
• Footwear
• Hat
• Locks for bags
• Long pants/jeans
• Moneybelt
• Outlet adapter
• Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.)
• Reusable water bottle
• Shirts/t-shirts
• Sleepwear
• Small travel towel
• Sunglasses
• Toiletries (Preferably biodegradable)
• Watch and alarm clock
• Waterproof backpack cover
• Windproof rain jacket
Health & Safety:
• Face masks (required)
• Hand sanitizer (required)
• Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)
• Rubber gloves
Warm Weather:
• Sandals/flip-flops
• Shorts/skirts (Longer shorts/skirts are recommended)
• Sun hat/bandana
• Swimwear
Note: For evenings out in some cities there will be a dress code. If you wish to participate, please bring a nicer outfit for these occasions. We recommend a nicer pair of shoes and a collared shirt or blouse.
Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your CEO, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy please bear in mind that all clients must have medical coverage and that we require a minimum coverage of USD 200,000 for repatriation and emergency rescue. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.
You will be on the move a lot, so our advice is to pack as lightly as possible.
For days in the outdoors, we recommend the use of lightweight, breathable, moisture-wicking fabrics made of wool or synthetic fibers. Cotton is not recommended for days spent hiking as it does not allow for heat or moisture to enter or escape, and it will not dry easily once wet.
We recommend using a backpack for your convenience, or a medium-sized suitcase if you prefer. Heavy luggage is not recommended for the health of the CEO, who will take a lead in loading the storage trailer. Due to space in the trailer, we will not be able to accommodate more than one piece of main luggage per person. A good size day-pack (20-35L) is also essential to carry your personal gear for the day, as access to luggage between destinations will be limited. This daypack will be used to carry your personal gear for the day, your lunch and a water bottle.
The American west is generally known for warm weather, but temperatures do vary significantly in the mountain and desert areas especially. The day time temperature could exceed 30 C, while the night time temperatures do regularly decrease to single digits, or even possible below freezing. It is therefore important to pack clothes for warm days and cool evenings - a light jacket is necessary.
Seasonal temperature ranges:
March - May ; September to December: -7 C to +30 C
June - August: 0 C to + 35 C
Additionally, a set of smart casual clothes is also advisable.
1 or 2 Chief Experience Officers (CEOs) throughout, depending on group size.
Should you need to contact us during a situation of dire need, it is best to first call the G Adventures Local Representative. If for any reason you do not receive an immediate answer, please leave a detailed message and contact information, so they may return your call and assist you as soon as possible.
EMERGENCY CONTACT NUMBERS?
G Adventures Local Representative (Las Vegas) ?
From outside the USA: 1-412-423-8143
From within the USA: 412-423-8143
If you are unable for any reason to contact our local representative, please call the numbers listed below, which will connect you directly with our 24 hour Sales team, who will happily assist you.
Toll-free, North America only: 1 888 800 4100
Calls from UK: 0344 272 0000
Calls from Germany: 0800 365 1000
Calls from Australia: 1 300 796 618
Calls from New Zealand: 0800 333 307
Outside North America, Australia, New Zealand, Germany and the UK: +1 416 260 0999
Minimum age of 18 years for this trip.
Laundry can be done at least once a week while on tour. Some private campgrounds and most cities have laundromats where you can buy soap and wash your laundry in coin-operated machines. Your CEO will advise you along the trip where you will be able to do your laundry.
After your travels, we want to hear from you! Your feedback information is so important to us that we'll give you 5% off the price of your next G Adventures trip if your feedback is completed on-line within 30 days of finishing your trip. Your tour evaluation will be e-mailed to you 24 hours after the conclusion of your trip. If you do not receive the tour evaluation link in the days after your tour has finished, please drop us a line at customerservice@gadventures.com and we will send it on to you.
Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on any trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of the world but is not acceptable for our travellers. Our philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter, and in particular the local people who make the world the special place it is. The exploitation of prostitutes is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our CEOs have the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or if they use prostitutes.
Check-in times and baggage allowances/restrictions vary by airline and can change at any time. For the most up-to-date information for your flight, please contact your airline. We recommend checking in online in advance to avoid potential delays at the airport.
While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission.
Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.
Max 22, avg 16.
We use 25-passenger vehicles perfect for cross-country road trips on our 18-to-Thirtysomethings tours in the United States. Our new fleet of more cushy vehicles give travellers all the comfort of a big coach bus, but with a small-group experience. They put rider wellbeing first and foremost, with high-backed bucket seats and built-in headrests for all seats on board, huge 92cm-tall (36 in) windows that make every seat a window seat, an aisle way with enough headroom for most of stand upright, sliding seats that free up more shoulder room while on the road, A/C, charging stations, wi-fi, and loads of other features. We use a trailer to carry luggage and camping equipment. These are durable vehicles that allow us to drive on most types of roads in North America.
This is not a physically demanding journey. However, please take note of the travel times and distances in the itinerary. Despite some of the long days, most clients feel that the diversity of the North American landscape, culture and wildlife are all well worth the experience! A typical day of driving will include about six hours driving by one of the CEOs and two to five hours of stops along the way. Keep in mind that North America is a really big place - New York to New Orleans alone is the equivalent of driving across most of Europe, and we cover that much ground in a single week. Driving time is the perfect opportunity to catch up on sleep, relax, and swap stories with your fellow travellers.
While we try to travel into and out of cities during non-rush hour times, heavy traffic is a reality of some of the places we visit. As a result, some drives may be a bit longer than listed in the day-to-day itineraries. Bring your patience and a smile, and we'll make the most of it!
We believe single travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and single travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.
Please also make sure you have access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an 'emergency' fund, to be used when circumstances outside our control (ex. a natural disaster) require a change to our planned route. This is a rare occurrence!
Your First Night Out Moment: Connect With New Friends
Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group
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 parks, state parks, and national monuments with hiking and walking excursions. Crater Lake NP visit. Redwood NP visit. Tioga Pass (seasonal). Yosemite NP 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 Portland, San Francisco, Detroit, Chicago, Nashville, Memphis, New Orleans, Panama City Beach, Orlando, and Washington DC. Self-inflating mattresses and dome tents while camping. Internal flight. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.
Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.
Bend
- Canoe by Moonlight (90USD per person)
- Bend Kayaking (20USD per person)
- Bend Brewery Tour (80USD per person)
Sonoma County
- Sonoma County Wine Tasting (10-40 per person)
Emerald Bay State Park
- Emerald Bay Hiking
Lake Tahoe
- Lake Tahoe Paddleboard Excursion (25-105USD per person)
San Francisco
- Cable Car Ride San Francisco (7USD per person)
- Fisherman's Wharf Visit (Free)
- Sunset Sailing San Francisco
- Bike Rental San Francisco (8-32USD per person)
- Haight-Ashbury Visit (Free)
- Golden Gate Bridge Visit (Free)
Los Angeles
- Venice Beach Visit (Free)
- Universal Studios Hollywood (90-150USD per person)
- Santa Monica Pier Visit (Free)
- Optional Welcome Meeting for Travellers on Combos
Chicago
- Willis Tower (22-40USD per person)
- Millennium Park Visit (Free)
- Navy Pier Boardwalk (Free)
Nashville
- Cowboy Bar Visit (Free-20USD per person)
- Country Music Hall of Fame (25USD per person)
- Johnny Cash Museum (18USD per person)
Memphis
- Graceland visit (41-61USD per person)
- National Civil Rights Museum (15USD per person)
- Rock & Soul Museum Visit (12USD per person)
- Sun Studio Visit (14USD per person)
New Orleans
- Creole Cooking Class (25USD per person)
- French Quarter and Bourbon St Visit (Free)
- Ghost Tour (25USD per person)
- Historical Tours (25-30USD per person)
- Café du Monde Visit (10USD per person)
- Mississippi River Steam Boat Ride (31-42USD per person)
Savannah
- Bonaventure Cemetery and Historic District Tour
Washington DC
- White House Visit (Outside) (Free)
- National Mall Visit
Reflecting Pool
- Reflecting Pool and National Mall Visit (Free)
Lincoln Memorial
- Lincoln Memorial Visit
Washington Monument
- Washington Monument Visit (Free)
New York City
- Top of the Rock (26-32USD per person)
- Times Square Visit (Free)
- Central Park Visit (Free)
- Brooklyn Bridge Visit (Free)
- Empire State Building Visit (32USD per person)
New York
- 9/11 Memorial Visit and One World Trade Center Observation Deck (24-58USD per person)
- Chinatown Visit (Free)
- Statue of Liberty Visit (18USD per person)
1. An essential part of your trip is participation - from putting up your tent (while camping) or packing it away in the morning, to helping with meal preparation and cleaning up - it is all part of your adventure and when everyone puts in a little effort the trip will run smoothly. Your CEO will do all the meal planning, but we do ask the clients to help with the preparation and washing up. Team spirit is part of the fun! All camping equipment (with the exception of your sleeping bag and pillow) is supplied. We supply dome tents and assembly/disassembly takes only 5 minutes. All tents have built-in insect nets. Comfortable, self-inflating mattresses are also provided, which are approximately 4cm thick.
2. Proper sleeping bags are necessary for this tour. Evening temperatures can reach -9°C - 0°C. Please ensure that your sleeping bag is rated to (-17°C for spring and fall trips and 0°C for trips June - Sept). If you prefer you can purchase a proper sleeping bag on the first day of the trip. Prices range from $60-$150USD.
3. In order to cover the vast distance in North America to be able to visit several different parks and cities along our trip, we will have a couple of long driving days.
4. All walks and hikes proposed by our CEO will be easy to moderate level. You may choose to participate or not, but exploring our national parks on foot is part of our way of travelling. It's a healthy way to discover North America's beauty and landscape.
5. Tioga Pass is a route through the Sierra Nevada mountain range of California on the eastern edge of Yosemite National Park, and we travel through the pass en route. 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. The status of the road is monitored daily, and our travel plan for the area will be confirmed during the trip.
6. Please note that some trips could be a combination of multiple G Adventure tours. You should expect some group members to join or leave the tour between tour segments.
7. The American west is generally known for warm weather, but temperatures do vary significantly in the mountain and desert areas especially. The day time temperature could exceed 30 C, while the night time temperatures do regularly decrease to single digits, or even possible below freezing. Please be prepared for such extreme conditions.
8. Regarding our wi-fi equipped vehicles: we have limited bandwidth, and in the interests of allowing all travellers to access the wi-fi, travellers should limit their access to reasonable levels. Please note that wi-fi is not always available due to areas with limited or no cell phone service (e.g. in parts of national parks).
9. Please note that the legal drinking age in the United States is 21 and in Canada, 19 (with Alberta and Quebec at 18). Many bars and clubs will ask for ID at the door, therefore listening to live music in certain bars or spending a night out in Las Vegas or New Orleans is not possible when you are under the legal age, even if you don't plan on consuming alcohol. Drinking laws in both countries are strictly enforced and our CEOs are unable to help those under age obtain alcohol of any kind.
While this should not stop those under legal drinking age from booking a tour, it is important to note that if a traveller is under-age there are certain optional nighttime activities that they may not legally be able to participate in. When trying to book the right trip, we recommend that travellers under legal drinking age take this into consideration when booking a tour that visits several big cities.
10. A NOTE ON HOMELESSNESS:
San Francisco hosts a considerable population of homeless. Homelessness is a crisis in America, and nowhere is it more evident than here; with as many as 10,000 people without permanent homes, San Francisco has become the homeless capital of America.
As you explore San Francisco with your G Adventures group, you will likely encounter the city's homeless. While we understand the urge to help those in need, we recommend that you not donate directly to people you meet on the street. The best response is to smile, say that you do not have any money and continue on your way.
San Francisco is a beautiful and safe city, and our hotel is ideally situated for further exploring on your own. That said, when exploring independently, we suggest you avoid the area to the southwest of the hotel.
We completely understand that stifling the urge to help out can make you uncomfortable. There are dozens of shelters, food banks and aid organizations dedicated to helping the city's needy, and your CEO will be more than happy to help you make a donation. It really is the best way to make a change.
11. Luggage fees are NOT included on domestic fights in the USA. Fees can range from $25 - $50 USD for standard checked-bag fees. Additional fees may be required for bags weighing more than 23 kg/ 50 lbs. In some cases, a fee may be charged for carry on bags as well.
This G Adventures group trip is accompanied by one of our group leaders, otherwise known as a Chief Experience Officer (CEO). The CEO will be the group manager, leader and sometimes the driver - this person is knowledgeable in the routes travelled and will organize and lead the meal preparations and has experience in cooking a variety of local and international dishes for large groups.
As the group coordinator and manager, the aim of the CEO is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. While not being guides in the traditional sense, you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. They will also offer suggestions for things to do and to see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends.
If a group exceeds 16 travellers, there will be a second CEO/CEO Driver co-leading the group to allow for a better overall experience.
While our CEOs are trained and have resources to assist them along the way, the United States is the fourth largest country on the planet, and it is impossible for them to know everything about this massive country. We recommend local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting - we think it's the best of both worlds.
Please note that specific tour guide licenses are required to guide in certain cities and regions, and as such, our CEOs will oftentimes provide brief orientation walks or drives to point out useful places like supermarkets, main squares and ATMs but for more specific or in depth destination information, an official guided tour is recommended.
Accommodation will be varied throughout your adventure. We use a combination of hotels and hostels, but most of the nights on tour are spent camping in tents in public and private campgrounds.
Multi-share accommodation, on a single-sex basis (typically 4-6 people per room), is common in the U.S. and is the way you will be spending your hostel nights. We have specifically chosen unique accommodations to give local flavor to your trip.
Couples: Please note that due to the types of accommodation used in the U.S., couples will likely be split into separate rooms where we use multi-share hostels. Pending availability, couples may be able to pay extra while on tour to have their own room in some destinations.
All camping equipment (with the exception of your sleeping bag and pillow) is supplied, including comfortable camp mattresses. We supply dome tents that take only 5 minutes to assemble/disassemble. They are good quality, durable, industry-standard, oversized 2-person tents, each with 2 separate and convenient zip-up doors, so that each person has his/her own entrance.
We use 2 types of campgrounds in North America:
1. Private campgrounds: These are privately run sites, usually with all services such as fire pits, picnic tables, drinking water, toilets & shower buildings. Some have small outdoor swimming pools and laundry facilities. These campgrounds are typically located near national park entrances or towns.
2. Public campgrounds: These are park-run sites, usually with basic facilities such as fire pits, picnic tables, and drinking water. In some cases, this type of campground doesn't have showers, only pit toilets and a lake! In other locations, toilet and shower facilities may be located outside the campground, or at times in another location a drive away. Some may have shower fees for onsite facilities ($2-6/shower).
Air-conditioned private vehicle, plane, walking.
All countries require a valid passport (with a minimum 6 months validity). Contact your local embassy, or consulate for the most up-to-date visa requirements, or see your travel agent. It is your own responsibility to have the correct travel documentation. Visa requirements for your trip will vary depending on where you are from and where you are going. We keep the following information up to date as far as possible, but rules do change and sometimes without warning. While we provide the following information in good faith, it is vital that you check yourself and understand that you are fully responsible for your own visa requirements.
Catch a glimpse of San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge, Hike through Yosemite to see wildlife and waterfalls, Get immersed in the Blues in Memphis, Meet Mickey Mouse at Disney World, Stroll through the bustling streets of New York City,
The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary.
VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.
It is customary in North America to tip service providers such as waiters, bartenders and taxi drivers, at approximately 18-20%, depending on the service. Tipping is an expected - though not compulsory - component of your tour program and an expression of satisfaction with the persons who have assisted you on your tour. Although it may not be customary to you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels. There are times during the trip where there is opportunity to tip any local guides used. Recommendations for tipping local guides would range from $2-8 USD per activity depending on the quality and length of the service; ask your CEO for specific recommendations based on the circumstances and culture.
Also at the end of each trip if you felt your G Adventures Chief Experience Officer did an outstanding job, tipping is appreciated. The amount is entirely a personal preference; however as a guideline $5-10 USD per person, per day can be used as a guide. If your CEO(s) exceeded your expectations, feel free to tip more.
The United States currency is the US Dollar (USD).
Credit cards are accepted almost everywhere in the US and can be used to purchase small and large items. When purchasing products or services with a foreign credit card in the USA, you may be charged additional fees by your credit card company for foreign purchases.
Credit cards and debit cards are very useful for cash advances but you must remember to bring your PIN number (be aware that many ATM machines only accept 4-digit PINs). Both Cirrus and Plus system cards are the most widely accepted debit cards. Both Visa and Master Cards are the most widely accepted credit cards. While ATMs are commonly available, there are no guarantees that your credit or debit cards will actually work check with your bank before you travel. A visit to an ATM can be arranged on Day 1 and other days of the trip.
Do not rely on credit or debit cards as your only source of money. A combination of US Dollars as cash (preferably smaller bills, 5's, 10's and 20's), traveller's cheques and credit cards is best. Currency exchange is best obtained prior to travel or at the airport, currency exchange is very difficult to find in the USA and most banks do not accommodate.
Always take more rather than less, as you don't want to spoil the trip by constantly feeling short of funds.
As currency exchange rates can fluctuate often we ask that you refer to the following website for daily exchange rates: www.xe.com
For details of your joining hotel please refer to your tour voucher, G Account, the G Adventures App or contact your travel agent.
27 breakfasts, 17 lunches, 11 dinners
All included meals will be prepared from goods bought en route from supermarkets, local shops and markets. Breakfasts will generally consist of breads and cereals, if time allows a warm breakfast may be prepared. Many lunches will be provided en-route and will be light meals such as sandwiches and/or salads. All evening meals will be freshly-prepared hot meals, and will consist of a variety of continental and local dishes.
Hotels/hostels (11 nts, some multi-share), participation camping (20 nts).
Please note that if you have booked the "My Own Room/Tent" option for this tour, you will receive your own single room/tent for all nights, except for days 1, 2, 9, 10, 12, 17, 18
Arrive at any time.
Welcome to Seattle! Spend your first night out on the town with your CEO and group as you explore this free-spirited Pacific Northwest city. From mini golf to gum walls, and made-up games there's plenty to choose from. So grab your fellow adventurers and get ready to make some memories.
There's a lot to see and do in Seattle, and we recommend spending extra time here if you'd like to explore; speak to your sales agent to book extra accommodation.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
With a keen eye and a little luck, spot black bears, deer or coyotes.
Enjoy free time in 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.
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.
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.
Opt to pre-book the "Sunset Sailing - San Francisco" activity on the checkout page ahead of time to include this optional on your tour.
Enjoy a free day to explore San Francisco.
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.
Crashing waves, rolling fog, and sheer rocky cliffs will make this journey down California's coast Highway 1 an unforgettable experience.
Journey along the stunning Pacific coast to the City of Angels. Stop in Santa Barbara for lunch in this famous coastal city as we make our way to LA (maybe sneak in a volleyball game on the beach if you have time). Your CEO will point out a few famous neighbourhoods and landmarks on the drive. And even though the trip ends upon arrival to Los Angeles you ca certainly book some post accommodation and continue enjoying one of most geographically diverse states in America.
We're not done just yet! It's time to give the East Coast some attention. Hop on a flight to the Big Apple, and get ready to see more highlights of the other side of the U.S.
Please note that there may be additional baggage fees for the internal flight if you are checking your bag.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
Enjoy a free day to explore Chicago.
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.
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.
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".
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Enjoy a free day to explore 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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
Travel to the city of Charleston, known for its historic, romantic charm. Explore the cobblestone streets and pre-civil war houses, and look across the water to Fort Sumter, the location of the first shots of the Civil War. Opt to visit the Charleston City Market before heading up the coast to camp for the night.
Travel to the US capital and tour the monuments by moonlight with your CEO.
Enjoy free time to explore.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Details
Duration: 32 Days
Physical Grading: 3 - Average
Merchandising: Vans with Wifi
Travel Style: 18-to-Thirtysomethings
Service Level: Camping
Trip Type: Small Group
32 day 18-to-Thirtysomethings tour
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