Southern Adventure (LA to NO)

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.


Length: 13 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
Transportation: Modern Coach

Return to Tour

Itinerary

  1. Day Icon-day1 Los Angeles (Anaheim) to Las Vegas

    Meet up with your Contiki crew and head across the vast Mojave Desert to the bright lights of Las Vegas.

  2. Day Icon-day2 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.

  3. Day Icon-day3 Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon

    Get your kicks on historic Route 66 as you journey to the breath-taking Grand Canyon.

  4. Day Icon-day4 Grand Canyon National Park

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

  5. Day Icon-day5 Grand Canyon to Cortez via Monument Valley

    Monument Valley’s quintessentially ‘Wild West’ landscape offers you unrivaled photo ops before arriving in Cortez, gateway to the Rocky Mountains.

  6. Day Icon-day6 Cortez to Albuquerque via Durango

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

  7. Day Icon-day7 Albuquerque to Amarillo

    Explore the exotic mix of Native American and Hispanic cultures in artistic Santa Fe before visiting the quirky “Cadillac Ranch” roadside attraction on your way into “Cowboy Country”.

  8. Day Icon-day8 Amarillo to Dallas

    We’re off to Dallas, where you’ll discover why everything is bigger and better in Texas![A&M]

  9. Day Icon-day9 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.”

  10. Day Icon-day10 Dallas to Memphis

    Stop in Little Rock as you journey through the Deep South to Memphis, the birthplace of blues, rock-n-roll, and soul music.

  11. Day Icon-day11 Memphis

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

  12. Day Icon-day12 Memphis to New Orleans

    Get set to let the good times roll on a sightseeing tour through swingin’ New Orleans, a fun-spirited city that gave birth to jazz music.

  13. Day Icon-day13 New Orleans

    This morning the tour ends and it’s time to say farewell to your new friends.

Tour Map

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
Accomodations
  • 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)
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.

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.

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

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.
New Orleans 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 during the months of April through August only on the Eastern Discovery departing New York and for the Southern Adventure departing Los Angeles)
Mississippi River Cruise ($45 USD)
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. (optional is offered during the months of April through August only on Eastern Discovery departing from New York and Southern Adventure departing Los Angeles)
Mississippi Riverboat Cruise ($45 USD)
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. (optional is offered during the months of September through March only on Eastern Discovery departing New Orleans and Southern Adventure departing New Orleans)

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.