Grand Southern (NY to LA)

• Overview
• Itinerary & Map
• Highlights & Optional Excursions
• Dates & Rates

Southern delicacies include chicken and ribs, biscuits and gravy, and more curiously, Elvis' favorite Graceland snack, a peanut butter and banana concoction. But here's food for thought: Our equally eclectic travel menu of mouth-watering southern destinations, nicely sandwiched between prime left- and right-coast stop-overs. Get a taste of Texas, full servings of Memphis and New Orleans, and a naughty nibble of Las Vegas, before a final bite in the Big Apple, New York City.

Print Itinerary Itinerary & Map

1. Day New York to Washington D.C.

   Let Freedom Ring! What an incredible beginning! Four fabulous East Coast states, two tantalizing cities, one U.S. military academy, and a coach load of new friends. We'll pop in on Annapolis, Maryland and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, both lovely and historic, on our way to where it all happens, Washington, D.C. Your jaw will drop at how beautiful this city is lit up at night during this evening's orientation tour that includes views of the White House and visits to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the Capitol Building, and the Lincoln, Jefferson and FDR Memorials. Hotel (D)

2. Day Washington DC at Leisure

   Phew, so much to do in two days - you can see the White House, Capital Building, Washington Monument, and Library of Congress. There is also plenty of time to visit the Smithsonian museums - the Museum of Natural History, the National Air and Space Museum and the Museum of American History. Hotel (B)(B,D)

3. Day Washington D.C. to Raleigh

   Southern Hospitality at its best. We leave Washington D.C on a thoughtful note as we visit the Kennedy gravesites and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery on our way to North Carolina. We'll stop in historic Richmond, Virginia before arriving in Raleigh, North Carolina, your home tonight. Hotel (B,D)

4. Day Raleigh to Savannah

   Hi Y'all. Practice your best Southern drawl as you cross the Carolinas today into Georgia. Your road crew will introduce you to the charming city of Savannah and show you the historic squares where "Forest Gump" and "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil" were filmed. Tonight, why not join us for dinner at the Pirates House? (optional) After we'll head to the riverfront where the nightlife is way too tempting! Hotel (B)

5. Day Savannah to St. Augustine

   You'll have time to wander the historic squares of Savannah before heading into, America's oldest city, St. Augustine, Florida. Your road crew will introduce you to this historic city and you'll have time to explore the town. Tonight, join us for a ghostly adventure! (optional) Hotel (B,D)

6. Day St. Augustine to Cocoa Beach via Kennedy Space Center

   Today we drive south to Cocoa Beach and make a stop at Kennedy Space Center. Hotel (B)

7. Day Cocoa Beach to Miami

   We depart Cocoa Beach today and head south to Miami with a drive along Florida’s “Space Coast.” Hotel (B,D)

8. Day Miami at Leisure

   A free day to experience the exciting and global city of Miami. Relax by the beach, gaze at the breathtaking skyline or perhaps take up an afternoon of shopping. Hotel (B)

9. Day Miami to Orlando via the Everglades

   Today we leave Miami and venture north, with a drive through the country’s largest subtropical wilderness- the Everglades. Then, it’s on to Orlando. Hotel (B,D)

10. Day Orlando at leisure

    There are plenty of parks to choose from - Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure, Sea World, and the Walt Disney World complex including Magic Kingdom, EPCOT Centre, Animal Kingdom, and the Disney - MGM Studios. For nightlife, why not try Disney's Pleasure Island or Universal's City Walk. Hotel (B)

11. Day Orlando to Pensacola

    Life's a Beach. After two days of fun in Orlando, you'll need a day to rest on the beautiful, white, sandy beaches of Florida's Panhandle on the Gulf of Mexico. Hotel (D)

12. Day Pensacola to New Orleans

    Let the Good Time Roll! Today you will cross the states of Mississippi and Alabama, as we make our way to New Orleans. We'll introduce you to New Orleans, one of America's most uniques cities,with a orientation tour. Then you'll have the chance to explore the Louisiana Swamps on an airboat. Afterwards look out Bourbon Street here we come! Hotel (B)

13. Day New Orleans at leisure

    "Joie de vivre" oozes out of every pore of this tantalizing city. Your senses will be on overload as you sip café au lait and try beignets at Café du Monde, meander along the sexy streets of the French Quarter, and awe at the immense mansions in the Garden District.Tonight, we'll dance to the jazzy beat of Dixieland while eating Cajun delights on a riverboat cruise on the mighty Mississippi this evening. (optional) Hotel (B)

14. Day New Orleans to Memphis

    Home of the Blues and the King. Say goodbye to the home of jazz and Dixieland as we head for the Mecca of Rhythm and Blues… Memphis, Tennessee. Join us for a night out on the street that made it famous, Beale Street. Hotel (B,D)

15. Day Memphis at leisure

    "We're going to Graceland, Graceland..." Throw on your blue suede shoes as we head to the private home of "The King" - Elvis Presley. Check out the wild "Jungle Room", Elvis' gold records and stage costumes, and the grounds including Elvis' grave. This afternoon there is free time to visit the Civil Rights Museum, as well as Sun Studios where musicians like U2, Elvis, and Johnny Cash have performed. Hotel

16. Day Memphis to Dallas

    Everything's Bigger in Texas! Cruising over the meandering Mississippi River, we depart Tennessee and the soulful city of Memphis. Before leaving the Deep South, we stop in Little Rock, the city Bill Clinton called home while Governor of the state of Arkansas. You'll be pleasantly surprised by what your road crew has to show you in Dallas - cutting edge architecture, sophisticated shopping, cool nightlife, and marvellous museums. Hotel (D)

17. Day Dallas at leisure

    Visit the home of the Dallas Cowboys, Texas Stadium, "where God watches His favorite team play football" (when available). Afterwards, you'll have the chance to understand the life, death, and times of John F. Kennedy, America's 35th President, at the Sixth Floor Museum. Hotel (B)

18. Day Dallas to Amarillo

    Today's journey takes us across the Texas plains where we arrive late afternoon into the cowboy town of Amarillo. This evening's accommodation and dinner are both true examples of real Texan culture! Hotel (B,D)

19. Day Amarillo to Alburquerque

    Before crossing out of the friendly state of Texas, we'll stop at a most unusual outdoor sculpture garden and a tribute to the great American automobile - the Cadillac Ranch. Santa Fe is our next stop where Native American culture abounds in this historic art town. Get your kicks in Albuquerque, New Mexico along the old Route 66, our home for tonight. Hotel (B,D)

20. Day Albuquerque to Cortez

    Rocky Mountain High. Rub the sleep from your eyes as you float over Albuquerque in a hot air balloon (optional). Leaving New Mexico, we'll drive through the spectacular Rocky Mountain Range. You'll feel like exploring the great outdoors in Durango by rafting down the Animas River (seasonal) or bouncing through the backcountry by jeep (optionals). Our hotel tonight is in Cortez, located in the beautiful state of Colorado. Hotel (D)

21. Day Cortez to the Grand Canyon

    Ooh Aah… You'll swear you walked onto the set of a Western movie today as we go for an off road trip of Monument Valley on Navajo Indian Reservation land. Magnificent mesas, buttes, and plateaus are carved out of the landscape of America's spectacular Southwest. Late this afternoon we'll arrive at Grand Canyon National Park where you'll be awed by its magnificence. Hotel (B,D)

22. Day Grand Canyon National Park

    A World Wonder. At over 1.6km (1 mile) deep and averaging 16km (10 miles) wide, it is easy to understand why the Grand Canyon is considered one of the world's seven natural wonders. We have the entire day to hike and explore the national park. Maybe take a sensational helicopter flight over the canyon (optional). Don't miss the spectacular sunset at the Grand Canyon. Cabin

23. Day Grand Canyon to Las Vegas

    On to Sin City! From quiet beauty to outrageous bright lights - Las Vegas awaits you! Prepare for a sensory experience like no other as we drive the famous Vegas "Strip." You won't believe your eyes at this electric wonderland! After the light show at Fremont Street, party on at an optional Las Vegas cabaret show Hotel (B,D)

24. Day Las Vegas

    Vegas, Baby! Only in Las Vegas can you visit most of the world's largest hotels and casinos in one day, gamble while you swim, catapult 327 meters (1,081 feet) up in the air from the top of the Stratosphere Hotel, feel like you are in Venice, Egypt, New York, Ancient Rome, and Paris all at the same time, and party like a rock star 24 hours a day! Get out there and do it all - or just lie by the pool and relax. Tonight, party on at one of Las Vegas's premier hot spots! Hotel

25. Day Las Vegas to Los Angeles (Anaheim)

    We love LA! We have a leisurely start this morning before we leave Sin City and finish up our tour. What an incredible ending! 22 fabulous states, jazz, blues Rock-n-Roll, vibrant cities, one U.S. military academy, and a coach load of new friends all add up to a lifetime of fantastic memories. Your epic journey across America ends late this afternoon. (remember, what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas)
    *Please Note:* Do not book flights before 8:00pm. (B)