Southern Adventure (LA to NO)
Visit the most rocking cities in the United States - New Orleans, Memphis, and Las Vegas - as well as natural wonders like the Monument Valley and the Grand Canyon.
Print Itinerary Itinerary & Map
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Los Angeles (Anaheim) to Las VegasOn to Sin City! Get ready, set, and GO! You are in for the ride of your life on this Grand Southern tour. 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 show. Hotel (D) -
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Las VegasVegas, 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 -
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Las Vegas to the Grand CanyonA World Wonder. You can check one of the World's Seven Natural Wonders off your list today as we enter Arizona and head to Grand Canyon - a natural treasure. Our modern cabins are located inside the National Park, just a short walk to the canyon's rim. Cabin (B,D) -
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Grand Canyon National ParkA 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 -
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Grand Canyon to Cortez via Monument ValleyThe Wild West. 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. Our hotel tonight is in Cortez, located in the beautiful state of Colorado. Hotel (B,D) -
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Cortez to AlbuquerqueRocky Mountain High. Passing 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). Get your kicks in Albuquerque, New Mexico along the old Route 66, our home for tonight. Hotel (B,D) -
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Albuquerque to AmarilloEverything's Bigger in Texas! Rub the sleep from your eyes as you float over Albuquerque in a hot air balloon (optional). Santa Fe is our next stop where Native American culture abounds in this historic art town. After crossing over into 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. Tonight's accommodation and dinner in Amarillo are both true examples of real Texan culture! Hotel (D) -
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Amarillo to DallasYou'll be pleasantly surprised by what your road crew has to show you in Dallas - cutting edge architecture, sophisticated shopping, cool nightlife and marvelous museums. For a taste of another side of Dallas, dust off your cowboy boots and whoop it up tonight at the popular Mesquite Rodeo (seasonal/optional). Hotel (B,D) -
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Dallas at leisureVisit 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) -
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Dallas to MemphisHome of the Blues, a President, and a King. Heading into the Deep South, we stop in Little Rock, the city Bill Clinton called home while Governor of the state of Arkansas. Cruising over the meandering Mississippi River, we enter Tennessee and the soulful city of Memphis. Let's check out the action on Beale Street tonight. Hotel (B,D) -
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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 -
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Memphis to New OrleansLet the Good Times Roll! We'll introduce you to New Orleans, one of America's most unique cities, with an 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 -
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New OrleansAu revoir. There is time to exchange email addresses and contact details as your tour ends after breakfast. (B)
Highlights
All these highlights along with city sightseeing are included in your tour price!
Included
- Mojave Desert: See the famous Joshua Trees
- 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
- Route 66: Stop for photos & souvenirs
- Grand Canyon: Stay in the National Park; Visit a panoramic viewpoint for photos; Hike along the Canyon's North Rim; Watch a spectacular sunset
- Monument Valley: Tour Monument Valley's Navajo Tribal Park; See the Painted Desert
- Cortez: Enjoy an evening in Colorado; Drive through the Rocky Mountains
- Durango: Experience the outdoors in this western town; Experience the outdoors in the Rocky Mountains; Visit the 'wild west' area
- Albuquerque: Visit Old Town Albuqurque
- Santa Fe: Visit the historic art town; Experience Native American culture
- Amarillo: Visit the pop art tribute to the American automobile Cadillac Ranch.; Experience Big Texan culture & food.
- 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
- Little Rock: See the Capital Building, Bill Clinton's home whilst Governor of Arkansas; Cross the Mississippi River
- Memphis: Tour Graceland Mansion, home of Elvis Presley; Visit Beale Street, home of Blues music; Visit the Civil Rights Museum & Sun Studios
- New Orleans: See the French Quarter, Jackson Square & the French Market; See the Garden District Mansions; Enjoy the nightlife of Bourbon Street
Accommodations
- 12 nights in twin-share hotel accommodation
- Breakfasts (B) and Dinners (D) – as per itinerary
Contiki Difference
- Experienced Tour Manager/Driver
- Modern air-conditioned coach
- Inclusions and sightseeing as outlined below
- Visit 11 States: California ; Nevada ; Arizona ; Utah ; Colorado ; New Mexico ; Texas ; Arkansas ; Tennessee ; Mississippi ; Louisiana
Optional Excursions
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.
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, USD$510 - all day)
- See the grandeur and beauty of the Grand Canyon from up above on an unforgettable helicopter flight. 25 minute flights, 45 minute flights and heli-hiking excursions are available. The heli-hiking adventure takes you to the Havasupai Indian Reservation, located on the canyon floor, where you will have the opportunity to hike trails and swim in pristine waters. An optional horseback ride is available upon request with this excursion.
Durango
- River Rafting (USD$29.00 / 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$46.00 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.
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.
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.
New Orleans
- Airboat Swamp Tour (USD$66.00)
- 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"
Contiki Souvenirs
- Contiki Shirts (From USD$15.00)
- Shirts may be purchased from the Contiki Hotel Representatives in Anaheim or from your Tour Manager while on tour.
- 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.
