Grand Northern (Start Los Angeles) View More Reviews

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Meet up with your Contiki crew and Tour Manager before we hit the road. Journey through Southern California and the vast Mojave Desert, with its renowned Joshua trees, into Nevada.

Get ready to arrive in larger-than-life Las Vegas – a manmade entertainment oasis smack in the middle of the desert. Dubbed “Sin City”, it’s all about glitz, neon lights and excess.

See the bright lights of this city and its world famous casinos in a first taste of Vegas kitsch. As the group heads down the main drag, the “Strip”, your Tour Manager will fill you in on the story behind the city.

Then cruise downtown to Fremont Street where you’ll experience the spectacular light and laser show in a massive pedestrian mall.

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With a free day, you’ve got time to get a real feel for this outrageous town, so keep an eye out for Elvis impersonators and fast-paced chapel weddings!

Explore more of the Strip and check out over-the-top versions of international icons, like the Eiffel Tower, Venetian canals and gondolas, a Roman temple or the pyramid, whose nightlight can be seen from the moon. Try your luck at one of the casinos and sit yourself down at a blackjack table with the high-rollers. For a different kind of thrill you can visit a Strip-view roller coaster or sky-high theme park. If you work up an appetite, tuck into an all you can eat buffet or eat from the kitchen of a celebrity chef.

Discover the quirky side of Las Vegas’ at the Neon Museum and for a look into this town’s atomic heyday in the 50s, visit the Atomic Testing Museum.

There’s a chance to discover the mind-blowing landscape of the Grand Canyon, one of the world’s most recognizable natural wonders, in a fantastic optional helicopter flight.

If you just want to relax, position yourself poolside back at the hotel and soak up the Las Vegas sun.

Tonight, see an optional variety show with the group or get some pointers on Las Vegas’ hot spots from your Tour Manager and make the most of this towns’ 24/7 action with some of your new friends.

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It’s a change of scene today when we leave Las Vegas and visit Zion National Park – with loads of greenery, waterfalls, colourful cliffs, and rock formations it’s a far cry from the bright lights and glamour of Las Vegas. Your Tour Manager will point out the park’s landmarks, including the Watchman and the West Temple.

Strap into some waders for an unusual optional through Zion’s Narrows, one of North America’s most popular hikes as sheer vertical sandstone walls climb up to 1300 ft (400 m) and support hanging gardens. This hiking trail runs through the Virgin River, so plan on getting wet!
Later, pull into small-town Kanab, gateway to several national parks. It might look familiar, as over 150 old westerns were filmed here.

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Today, we discover the mind-blowing landscape of the Grand Canyon, one of the world’s most recognizable natural wonders and pride of Arizona.
A day here means time to see the breath-taking immensity of the canyon. It’s truly a wonder you can’t take your eyes off!

Hike along the rim for full-blown vistas of the dramatic scenery. See some of the oldest exposed rocks on earth, take in the depths of the abyss and soak up the wildness of the area. There are trails for all levels of hiking, so take it up a notch or cruise along at your own pace.

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Today you head toward the towering peaks of the Teton Range and stop for lunch in quaint and rustic Jackson – a real rancher’s town. Check out the main square’s archway, made out of hundreds of elk antlers.

Then we’re up for some of the USA’s most awe-inspiring scenery as we head to Yellowstone, the world’s first national park. The result of a massive volcanic eruption, the park is a breathtaking spectacle of nature

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Kick start the day with an optional hot-air balloon ride over pretty Park City, which holds the annual Sundance Film Festival. Enjoy sweeping vistas over the state of Utah and get another angle on the impressive Wasatch Mountains, which divide the lush eastern and arid western halves of the state.

Then head toward the towering peaks of the Teton Range and stop for lunch in quaint and rustic Jackson – a real rancher’s town. Check out the main square’s archway, made out of hundreds of elk antlers.

Then we’re up for some of the USA’s most awe-inspiring scenery as we head to Yellowstone, the world’s first national park. The result of a massive volcanic eruption, the park is a breathtaking spectacle of nature.

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Spend the day in this natural wonder made up of mud pools, fossil forests, half the world’s geysers and an unparalleled amount of wildlife. Keep your eyes peeled for herds of buffalo, moose, wolves, grizzlies and eagles. Go explore!

Choose to get a guaranteed and closer look at Yellowstone’s gray wolves and grizzly bears in their natural habitat on an optional trip to the Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center.

Learn about the forces of nature that formed the park from your Tour Manager, who’ll take you to Yellowstone’s colorful Grand Canyon, Yellowstone Lake and Old Faithful – a very reliable geyser which explodes boiling hot water.

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Today, it’s on to Cody. With pick-up trucks, dusty streets, lots of cattle and some legendary history, this ‘rodeo capital of the world’ still has its Wild West charm.

This afternoon why not try a white-water rafting optional on the river if the conditions are right - and have a go with the paddle in a fun ride.

Or use your free time to check out Cody’s Historic Trail Town and get the low down on the cowboys who used to hang out in the local saloons, like Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid or see the Irma Hotel Bar, an expensive gift from Queen Victoria to Buffalo Bill Cody, the town’s namesake.

Tonight, if the season’s right, you’ve got a chance to experience an authentic rodeo and see professional cowboys at work in a fun night time optional.

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Cut into Wyoming’s cowboy country and travel across historic routes that the Pony Express (postal service on horseback) used to follow and see where the pioneers lived. Stop off at the Devil’s Tower, a massive natural monument formed by volcanic activity.

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Today is all about South Dakota’s Black Hills - sacred land to the Sioux and patriotic hot spot for Americans.

Visit iconic Mt Rushmore and see the 18 m (60ft) stony faces of four former US presidents. It took over 14 years to carve Jefferson, Lincoln, Washington and Roosevelt into the rock.

You’ll be blown away by the massive monument of the famous Sioux warrior, Crazy Horse. Standing at 563 feet tall and carved out of rock, this work in progress is amazing. Get a crash course in heroism and learn how he led the Sioux tribes to victory at the Battle of Little Bighorn.

From Crazy Horse join an optional horse-back ride through the Buckhorn Range of the Black Hills National Forest. Or if horses aren’t for you, take an optional Jeep ride through this rugged land instead. You’ll see the untamed wilderness of the Black Hills, still home to wildlife including bison and bald eagles.

Get ready for Deadwood and a real taste of the Wild West. Packed with old saloons, gambling parlors and Wild West storefronts from the gold rush era, Deadwood is National Historic Landmark. See shoot-outs in the street in the former stomping ground of outlaws like Calamity Jane and Wild Bill Hickok.

Tonight, take a special trip out to see Mt. Rushmore under the starry sky and dramatically lit from below.

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Watch the amazing natural sites of South Dakota go by as you journey through Badlands National Park, past a surreal, lunar landscape of rugged-edged cliffs, sharp spires and crevices. With a stop here there’s time to walk the easy Fossil Trail, take in all the fossils on display within the park.

You travel across the county’s biggest prairies and through a region once dominated by the Sioux Tribes – the only Native American Nation to defeat the US army.

Arrive in Sioux Falls and get the background behind the city’s name with a visit to Falls Park, where many tribes originally established their homes. Tonight dinner is on the east bank of the Big Sioux River in Falls Park, located in a restored 1908 hydroelectric plant.

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Today we travel through America’s heartland to Wisconsin and the friendly college town of Madison. If you’re up for a night out, grab a few buddies and hang out with the lively student population on State Street, where there’s a choice of taverns, local breweries, comedy clubs and bars.

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This morning we’ll stop in Milwaukee to visit the Harley Davidson Museum and Miller Brewery. Learn about the city’s famous brew in a behind the scenes tour before heading to the Windy City: Chicago.

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Get to know the city as your Tour Manager shows the group around Chicago’s sporting shrines; Soldier Field, home to the Chicago Bears American football team, U.S. Cellular Field and to the legendary Chicago White Sox. The 110 storey Willis Tower and other skyscrapers will make you understand why this town has the highest skyline in the USA. Then you’ll cruise down the Magnificent Mile, a shopper’s paradise.

After, head to Navy Pier a central hub of activity on the waterfront. Besides great views and a prime location, Navy Pier has fun rides, restaurants and shops selling trinkets. From here, it’s easy to get out and explore more of Chicago.

Use your free time and jump on a bicycle to get a wide-ranging overview of the city’s core sights with a Local Guide in a fun optional activity. There’s also a chance to learn about the famous architects who helped design the world’s tallest skyline on an architectural cruise. With unrestrained views from the river, you’ll get a good look at the towering buildings with this optional.

For a dose of some of Chicago’s ground-breaking culture, visit a world-class museum, like the Art Institute of Chicago. And you’ll definitely want to see some of this cities infamous blues clubs where well-known Chicago blues players such as Muddy Waters, Howlin' Wolf and Buddy Guy made music history.

For a true Chi-town experience try a Chicago style hot-dog, from a street vendor.

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We leave Chicago behind and continue on to Cleveland, home to the Rock &Roll Hall of Fame. Once an industrial working man’s town, Cleveland has undergone a musical makeover and a cultural re-awakening.

We visit Cleveland’s claim to fame, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, where you can get up close to rock memorabilia like Janis Joplin’s Porsche, Jimi Hendrix’s hand-written lyrics and Ray Charles’ sunglasses. Learn about the history of rock & roll, listen to rare recordings and watch some fascinating films.

If you’re keen to get out and about tonight, head to the transformed industrial area, where old buildings and warehouses contain shops, galleries, cafes and a buzzing nightlife. (B)

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Today head to the surging waters of world-famous Niagara Falls, right on the border of the USA and Canada. Jump on board the Maid of the Mist and cruise along the river to the base of the world’s second largest falls for a closer look. You’ll see the incredible volume of water pouring over the cliff and feel the sheer power of the spray. But don’t worry – there is an included rain poncho!

Choose to get a bird’s-eye-view of it all on an optional helicopter ride and check out the falls from both sides of the border. Follow the river’s path and see the tons of water that make up the falls– it’ll make your jaw drop.

Later, pull into Toronto, Canada’s economic powerhouse and cosmopolitan capital.

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Start your time here with a few of Toronto’s key spots on a tour around the city. Your Tour Manager will fill you in on the CN Tower, North America’s tallest free standing structure at 553 metres. See buzzing Yonge Street, with its designer labels, funky boutiques and diverse stores.

Enjoy a look into student life as you check out the University of Toronto, complete with gothic buildings and ivy covered stone walls.
Toronto is loaded with things to do, so some ideas for your free time include getting away from it all by jumping on a local ferry and heading out to one of Toronto’s leafy islands. With no cars, cute cottages and windswept nature, these are the perfect places to chill out.

Or, for something different, visit the fantastic Bata Shoe Museum and see its quirky, impressive collection of footwear. If something sporty is more your thing, head to the Hockey Hall of Fame and honour Canada’s national sport.

Otherwise, explore Toronto’s melting pot, experience different pockets of culture and taste food from all over the world.

Start by having a bit of fun in colourful and chaotic Chinatown.
It’s packed with little shops selling anything from knick knacks to lanterns, and its streets are full of stalls dishing up all sorts of tasty Asian dishes. Check out the bustling vibe of near-by Kensington Market, a vibrant, multi-cultural neighbourhood that is fascinating to walk around. Popular with locals, Kensington Market serves up bakeries, tapas (Spanish style nibbles), international grocery stores, Mexican and Jewish food, vintage stores and one-of-a kind boutiques. Round off your experience with some espresso and pastries in Little Italy.

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As we stick to the St Lawrence River Valley, you’ll see the local fresh water wonder: the 1000 islands of different sizes that are scattered across Lake Ontario and the river.

Continue on to the island city of Montreal. A happening hub and home to the famous Montreal Jazz festival, this hot, creative city mixes up a North American feel with French influence. It also has amazing food and is thriving with festivities.

Get familiar with the city when we arrive. Your Tour Manager will show you some of Montreal’s signature sites. See the copper dome of St Joseph’s oratory, the biggest monument built to honour Canada’s patron saint. You’ll get a look at Montreal’s most famous architectural curiosity: the 1976 Olympic stadium, complete with the world’s tallest inclined tower. Catch some of Montreal’s relaxed vibes down at the Old Port and get the background on its maritime history as the group drives around the quays. The well-preserved riverside old-town was a key player in early Montreal’s development.

Then, you’ll take a drive up Mt Royal, which serves up sweeping views over the city. Check out this enormous park that was designed by the same person who landscaped New York’s famous Central Park.

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With a free day ahead of you, explore Montreal’s creative core and joie de vivre (joy of living).

See some of the city’s innovations, like the world-famous Biodome, where you can walk through different eco-systems, from ocean fronts to woodlands, and get up close to all sorts of wildlife.

Montreal is a great place to shop. On St Laurent Boulevard (it’s affectionately dubbed “The Main”) look through cutting-edge boutiques, jewelry stores and artists’ workshops. Otherwise just hang out in an outdoor café among the throngs of people and get a real feel for Montreal’s street life.

For a different shopping experience, head underground to Montreal’s famous underground-city. With 19 miles of shops and restaurants right under the heart of the city, it’s got it all.

Lunchtime: go local and head to Jean-Talon Market, with its bustling stalls and friendly atmosphere. Try some tasty baked goods, fresh produce or delicious snacks, like calamari and chips. Then kick back with some of the best coffee in town from near-by Little Italy.
For some action, hit the rapids of the St Lawrence River in an adrenaline-pumping optional jet-boat ride, and experience another side of Montreal.

Tonight, explore Montreal’s amazing nightlife with some friends. There’s so much to choose from – jazz bars in the down town area, the student vibes of the Latin Quarter, the clubs of Rue St. Catherine or the festive outdoor atmosphere and cosy lounge bars back up the hill on Mt Royal, where Rue St. Denis is a happening night spot.
Afterwards, round off your night with a Montreal favourite: poutine (French fries with gravy and cheese curd).

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This morning continue on to 400 year-old Quebec and experience a slice of old Europe. Founded in the 17th century, this is the only city in Canada or the USA that has its original city walls, making it the only walled-city in North America.

Step back in time in Quebec’s old-town as your Local Guide opens up the UNESCO World Heritage listed site. As you walk through this open-air museum, complete with cobbled streets and 17th century stone houses you’ll learn all about its history.

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With free time, discover more of the fortified city. Check out the Citadel, ancient point of defense, complete with a traditional changing of the guard. Otherwise, follow the city walls and uncover little boutiques and galleries tucked away within the time-worn streets.

With its European heritage, Quebec has a buzzing café culture that fills its historic centre. For lunch, grab a table in a Parisian style bistro and try some of the local specialties like tourtière québecois (meat pie) or duckling with maple syrup. Kick back and listen to the locals speaking French.

For views over the St. Lawrence River, walk along Dufferin Terrace, Quebec City’s most famous boardwalk.

If you’re keen for a slice of Canada’s diverse history, get the low-down on the people of French-Canada at the Musée de la Civilisation (Museum of Civilisation). See how the building cleverly blends both new design and old buildings. Otherwise, don’t forget to visit the iconic Chateau Frontenac in the heart of the old town.

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We leave Canada behind and head back to the USA. Wind down on the coach, plug in your MP3 and watch the wilderness of Maine unfold from your window. Keep an eye open for fresh-water lakes, beautiful scenery and wildlife like moose, beavers, foxes and birds as we make our way to Boston.

Home to the Red Sox (the famous baseball team), Harvard, many creative thinkers and historic rebels - Boston is steeped in history and packed with things to do.

Your Tour Manager will introduce you to Boston’s core spots. You’ll see Boston Common, the city’s oldest park, and the historic Quincy Market & Faneuil Hall, which served as a meeting place for American Revolutionaries and later Abolitionists – those wanting to see the end of slavery.

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With a full day here you’ll get a feel for this remarkable city, which is easy to explore on foot.

In your free time, walk through a living time line and follow Boston’s famous Freedom Trail, which takes you past two and a half centuries of history. Learn about Boston’s rebellious role on its road to independence as you explore the cobbled lanes and historic hotspots.
Discover more of Boston. Pound the pavements or choose our optional Hop-on-Hop-off trolley tour and cover more of the city. You’ll get the background on Boston’s famous Tea Party, when Boston citizens threw tons of tea into the harbour in protest against the British Crown.

Head back to Faneuil Hall & Quincy Market for a bit of souvenir shopping and a dose of history. Dubbed the “Cradle of Liberty” this famous brick building has played a key role in the city for over 250 years. Check out the stalls loaded with New England’s crafts, pick up some Boston-made items and order some local food at a push cart eatery or restaurant.

For a bit of the local lifestyle, take in the waterfront by following the Haborwalk. Made up of 62.8 km (39 miles) of paths weaving through diverse neighbourhoods, it is a great way to experience Boston’s maritime flavour and see its working ports in action.

Get into the city’s café culture on Italian section of Hanover Street in Boston’s oldest residential district. Sip on a cappuccino as you take in the city’s historic brick architecture.

If you just want to relax, kick back with the locals and people-watch in one of the nine parks that make up the city’s “Emerald Necklace”. You could return to Boston Common, where public hangings took place in the old days, – now it’s a great place to hang out.

Tonight is your last night with the group and spend it like a true Bostonian at a family-style clambake.

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See the capital of Rhode Island, Providence and stop in New Haven, Connecticut home of Yale University before heading back to the bright lights of NYC where the tour ends & it’s time to say good-bye to your new friends.

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