Grand Southern (NY to LA)

Grand Southern (NY to LA)

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.


Length: 27 days
Accommodations: Hotel, Cabin
as per itinerary
Meals: Dinner, Breakfast
as per itinerary
Sightseeing: California, Nevada, Arizona, Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, Texas, Arkansas, Tennessee, Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York
Transportation: Modern Coach

Return to Tour

Itinerary

  1. Day Icon-day1 New York to Washington D.C.

    Stop in both Annapolis and Philadelphia on our way to the city where it all happens, Washington, D.C. See the city all dressed up in light during tonight's illumination tour that includes views of the White House and the Capitol Building.

  2. Day Icon-day2 Icon-day3 Washington D.C.

    Hustle and bustle for two free days around this distinguished city. You’ll get to see all the famous memorials and monuments as well as choose from an endless menu of fun must-dos, including museums, politics, shopping, sports and nightlife.

  3. Day Icon-day4 Washington D.C. to Raleigh

    We leave hustle and bustle of Washington D.C. for a little Southern Hospitality. Take a break in historic Richmond, a city steeped in American history, before arriving in Raleigh.

  4. Day Icon-day5 Raleigh to Savannah via Charleston

    Continue to travel through the gracious Old South with a stop in hospitable Charleston as you head to charming and free-spirited Savannah.

  5. Day Icon-day6 Savannah to St. Augustine

    Wander the historic squares of Savannah before heading into the cobblestoned ones of America's oldest city, St. Augustine.

  6. Day Icon-day7 St. Augustine to Cocoa Beach via Kennedy Space Center

    Today drive south and touch base with outer-space as you explore the Kennedy Space Center before arriving at the surfing capital of the East Coast, Cocoa Beach.

  7. Day Icon-day8 Cocoa Beach to Miami

    We depart Cocoa Beach today and head south to Miami with a drive along Florida’s “Space Coast.”

  8. Day Icon-day9 Miami

    Get into the up-tempo groove of this glitzy global city – play on sun-drenched beaches, max out the credit card shopping, or star spot in South Beach’s hottest clubs.

  9. Day Icon-day10 Miami to Orlando via the Everglades

    Venture north, with a drive through the country’s largest subtropical wilderness- the Everglades. Then, it’s on to the entertainment hub of Orlando.

  10. Day Icon-day11 Orlando

    The fast-paced excitement of Orlando's many theme parks, including Disney World, will keep you hopping all day and night.

  11. Day Icon-day12 Orlando to Pensacola

    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.

  12. Day Icon-day13 Pensacola to New Orleans

    Today, roll through Mississippi and Alabama on your way to New Orleans where you will be greeted by the warm and soulful culture of "The Big Easy."

  13. Day Icon-day14 New Orleans

    Simmer in the warm and soulful culture of “The Big Easy”. On your free day, meander in the French Quarter, feast on Creole cuisine, fall under the spell of voodoo, and come evening, get dancing!

  14. Day Icon-day15 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.

  15. Day Icon-day16 Memphis

    Pay homage to “The King” in Graceland. This afternoon, make a pilgrimage through this musical mecca before rockin’ the night on Beale Street.

  16. Day Icon-day17 Memphis to Dallas

    Stop in Little Rock as you journey through the Deep South to Dallas, where you'll discover why everything is bigger and better in Texas!

  17. Day Icon-day18 Dallas

    From big cars to big hair to big belt buckles to big attitude – you’ll see it all as you explore this slick city fondly nicknamed “Big D.”

  18. Day Icon-day19 Dallas to Amarillo

    We journey across the Texas plains and head into the cowboy town of Amarillo for a night of real Texan culture.

  19. Day Icon-day20 Amarillo to Albuquerque

    Explore the exotic mix of Native American and Hispanic cultures in artistic Santa Fe before we arrive in Albuquerque.

  20. Day Icon-day21 Albuquerque to Cortez via Durango

    Nestled in the Rocky Mountains, Durango provides an absolute paradise for adventure seekers before continuing on to Cortez.

  21. Day Icon-day22 Cortez to the Grand Canyon via Monument Valley

    We leave the Rocky Mountains for Monument Valley's quintessentially 'Wild West' landscape which offers you unrivaled photo ops before arriving to the Grand Canyon.

  22. Day Icon-day23 Grand Canyon National Park

    Hike, walk, or take an optional flight for an up close and personal experience with this phenomenal natural wonder.

  23. Day Icon-day24 Grand Canyon to Las Vegas

    Get your kicks on Route 66 as you head toward the bright lights of Las Vegas.

  24. Day Icon-day25 Las Vegas

    It’s all glitz and glamour as you hang out on the ‘Strip’, relax by the pool, or hit up Sin City’s flashiest party hot spots.

  25. Day Icon-day26 Las Vegas to Los Angeles (Anaheim)

    Goodbye! It's not over quite yet! On our way back to Anaheim you can shop 'til you drop at the outlet stores. Start planning your next Contiki tour, your day at Disney, or a reunion with your new friends before the tour's end late this afternoon.

  26. Day Icon-day27 New Orleans

    Simmer in the warm and soulful culture of "The Big Easy." On your free day, meander in the French Quarter, feast on Creole cuisine, fall under the spell of voodoo, and come evening, get dancing!

Tour Map

Highlights

All these highlights along with city sightseeing are included in your tour price!

Included
  • New Orleans: City sightseeing tour; See the French Quarter, Jackson Square & the French Market; See the Garden District Mansions; Enjoy the nightlife of Bourbon Street
  • Memphis: Tour Graceland Mansion, home of Elvis Presley; Visit Beale Street, home of Blues music; Visit the Civil Rights Museum & Sun Studios
  • Little Rock: See the Capital Building, Bill Clinton's home whilst Governor of Arkansas; Cross the Mississippi River
  • Dallas: City sightseeing tour; Tour Texas Stadium, home of the Dallas Cowboys (subject to availability); Visit the John F. Kennedy Sixth Floor Museum; Enjoy the nightlife
  • Amarillo: Visit the pop art tribute to the American automobile Cadillac Ranch.; Experience Big Texan culture & food.
  • Santa Fe: Visit the historic art town; Experience Native American culture
  • Albuquerque: Visit Old Town Albuqurque
  • Cortez: Enjoy an evening in Colorado; Drive through the Rocky Mountains
  • Monument Valley: Tour Monument Valley's Navajo Tribal Park; See the Painted Desert
  • Grand Canyon: Stay in the National Park; Visit a panoramic viewpoint for photos; Hike along the Canyon's North Rim; Watch a spectacular sunset
  • Route 66: Stop for photos & souvenirs
  • Las Vegas: Evening Illumination tour of the famous 'Strip'; Visit Fremont Street; Visit some of the world's largest hotels & casinos and enjoy the nightlife
  • Mojave Desert: See the famous Joshua Trees
Accomodations
  • 23 nights in twin-share hotel accommodation
  • Breakfasts (B) and Dinners (D) – as per itinerary
Contiki Difference
  • Experienced, professional Tour Manager & Driver
  • Modern air-conditioned coach
  • Visit 22 States: California ; Nevada ; Arizona ; Utah ; Colorado ; New Mexico ; Texas ; Arkansas ; Tennessee ; Mississippi ; Louisiana ; Alabama ; Florida ; Georgia ; South Carolina ; North Carolina ; Virginia ; Maryland ; Delaware ; Pennsylvania ; New Jersey ; New York

Optional Excursions

Savannah

Pirate's House Dinner (USD$37.00)
The Pirate's House first opened as an inn for seafarers and fast became the place to rendezvous for blood-thirsty pirates and sailors from the Seven Seas. Enjoy Savannah's most intriguing restaurant where the biggest treasure is the food, acclaimed for over three decades.
Hop on-Hop off sightseeing tour (USD$21.00)
See the sights, hear the history and visit the charming city squares on a comprehensive 90-minute tour of Georgia's First City. Whether you choose the express option or take advantage of all day on and off privileges at any of our 17 stops, you can be sure you'll "see the best first!" Highlights include: City Market, Forsyth Park, the Mercer House, Colonial Park Cemetery and the world famous River Street.

St. Augustine

Ghost Tour (USD$8.00)
Dare to experience this 90-minute night walking tour through the historic district of St. Augustine. You will learn some of the haunted history behind America's oldest city.

Orlando

Disneyworld 1 Day Pass (USD$71.00 per day)
You have the choice to see the Magic Kingdom, the EPCOT Center, MGM Studios or the newly opened Animal Kingdom.

New Orleans

New Orleans School of Cooking (US$25.00)
Experience the food and folklore of New Orleans at this fun and tasteful lunch time demonstration! Watch well known local chefs, skilled in the arts and traditions of Cajun and Creole cuisine, prepare classics such as Jambalaya, Gumbo, Corn & Crab Bisque, and Pralines. Learn the history and trivia behind some of the city's unique dishes and hear tall tales about the recipies that made New Orleans cuisine famous.
Mississippi Cruise (USD$52.00)
An evening spent cruising down the Mississippi River on an old-fashioned riverboat. You'll enjoy a full Creole dinner and a live jazz band will be the entertainment. (this optional is offered on Day 13 April through August, Day 12 the rest of the year for the Grand Southern departing Los Angeles and is offered on Day 14 April through August and Day 13 the rest of the year for the Grand Southern departing NY)
Airboat Swamp Tour ($66 USD)
Get ready for an exciting adventure! Hitting speeds up to 95km/hr (60mph), take a thrilling ride through the swamps, marshes and bayous of Louisiana, accessible only by airboat. During your 90 minute journey, you'll stop at places such as "alligator alley." (this optional is available on Day 12 April through August, Day 13 the rest of the year for the Grand Southern departing Los Angeles and on Day 13 April through August, Day 14 the rest of the year)

Dallas

Dallas Mesquite Rodeo & real Texas BBQ (USD$21.00; Rodeo only: USD$11.00 (seasonal))
Take this opportunity to experience the real west at the Mesquite Championship Rodeo - You will witness the cowboys compete in events that will astound you - bull riding, calf roping and saddle bronco riding. Don't miss this chance for a taste of the real Texas and American West.

Albuquerque

Hot Air Ballooning (USD$165.00)
Experience Hot Air Ballooning in one of the most popular ballooning destinations in the world - Albuquerque, the home of the world's largest annual balloon fiesta. You'll see views of the Rio Grande River as you float peacefully above.

Durango

River Rafting (USD$28.00 / seasonal)
Join your friends and have a blast rafting your way down the Animas River at the edge of the Rocky Mountains. River trips are provided for all levels of experience and thrill! Depending on the time of year, the rapids can range anywhere from class 1 to class 3 - but a fun and wet time is guaranteed for all.(seasonal)
Outlaw Jeep Tours (USD$48.00 seasonal)
Panoramic tours and professional guides provide historical information of forgotten ghost towns, rich gold and silver mines and ancient Indian dwellings. Don't miss out on this great adventure.

Grand Canyon

IMAX Movie (USD$10.50)
This movie shows the history of the Grand Canyon on a 23m (70 ft) screen. This movie is filmed so realistically that you'll think you're part of the action.
Helicopter Flights (USD$149 - 25min, USD$210 - 45min)
See the grandeur and beauty of the Grand Canyon from up above on an unforgettable helicopter flight. Choose between a 25 minute flight or a 45 minute flight to experience unbelievable views of the vast Grand Canyon.

Contiki Souvenirs

USA Group Photo (USD$16.00)
There's no better way to remember the excellent times you've had and the new friendships that you've made than with an 8"x10" glossy photo of all the members of your tour.

Las Vegas

Las Vegas Variety Show (USD$52.00)
This variety show incorporates some of the best talent Las Vegas has to offer. The professional dance team is joined by a number of variety acts including professional dancers, a comedian, a magician and daredevil motorcycle riders.