Eastern Discovery ( NO to NY )
Contiki's Eastern America tour will give you action and adventure, as well as time to chill out and unwind. From the relaxed beauty of the Southern States to the fast-paced lifestyle of the Northern hotspots, get a good taste of America! While you're up north, why not get consumed by the city that never sleeps, New York. And down South, get charmed by some traditional southern hospitality. Still craving more northern action? The Big Apple Explorer offers you the complete sights of the exciting city of New York.
Print Itinerary Itinerary & Map
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New OrleansLet the Good Time Roll! Your tour begins with warm Bon Jour from your Contiki road crew. Today you will experience the "Joie de vivre" that 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. This evening we'll dance to the jazzy beat of Dixieland while eating Cajun delights on a riverboat cruise on the Mighty Mississippi tonight (optional). Hotel -
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New Orleans to PensacolaLife's a Beach. After a day of fun in New Orleans, you'll need a day to rest on the beautiful, white, sandy beaches of Florida's Panhandle on the Gulf of Mexico. Rent a jet ski, try the locally famous "Bushwacker", or get into a game of volleyball on the beach. Hotel (B,D) -
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Pensacola to OrlandoMickey and friends, here we come! As we drive across the state of Florida, you'll have time to plan your two full days in Orlando - the mecca of theme parks and entertainment. Hotel (B,D) -
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Orlando at leisureThere 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) -
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Orlando to Miami via the EvergladesToday we leave Orlando and venture south, with a drive through the country's largest subtropical wilderness- the Everglades. Then, it's on to Miami, known as the "Magic City." Hotel (B,D) -
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Miami at LeisureA 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) -
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Miami to Cocoa BeachWe depart for Cocoa Beach today with a drive north along Florida's "Space Coast." Hotel (B) -
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Cocoa Beach to St. Augustine via Kennedy Space CenterWe spend the day exploring Kennedy Space Center. Tonight, we're in St. Augustine, once thought to house "The Fountain of Youth." Hotel (B,D) -
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St. Augustine to SavannahHi Y'all. These two towns are hidden Southern gems. You'll have time to wander the inviting streets of America's oldest city, St. Augustine, Florida before heading onto Savannah, Georgia. Your road crew will introduce you to this charming town and show you the historic city squares where the movie "Forrest Gump" was filmed. The nightlife along the riverfront is way too tempting! Hotel (B) -
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Savannah to RaleighSouthern Hospitality at its best. Practice your best Southern drawl as you cross the Carolinas today. First stop is the picturesque town of Charleston, then on to Raleigh, North Carolina, your home tonight. Hotel (B,D) -
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Raleigh to Washington D.C.We leave Raleigh today and continue our journey north. We'll stop in historic Richmond but arriving in Washington D.C. where it all happens! We start off on a thoughtful note as we visit the Kennedy gravesites and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery. 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 (B,D) -
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Washington DC at LeisurePhew, 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 Indian to name a few. Hotel (B,D)(B) -
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Washington D.C. to New YorkTake a Bite of the Big Apple. What an incredible ending! Four fabulous East Coast states, two tantalizing cities, one U.S. military academy, and a coach load of new friends all add up to a lifetime of fantastic memories. Before arriving at one of most electrifying cities in the world, New York, we'll pop in on Annapolis, Maryland and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, both lovely and historic. Your epic journey across America will end late this afternoon. Please Note: Do not book flights before 9:00pm. (B)
Highlights
All these highlights along with city sightseeing are included in your tour price!
Included
- New York: Panoramic View of New York City; Travel through the Lincoln Tunnel into Manhattan; See the Lincoln Center for performing arts
- Philadelphia: See the Liberty Bell & Independence Hall
- Annapolis: Guided tour of the US Naval Academy
- Washington DC: Visit historic Richmond, VA; Evening Illuminations Tour; Visit John F. Kennedy's Grave & the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery; See the Changing of the Guard; See the Pentagon, White House, Capital Building, Library of Congress & Washington Monument; See the Lincoln, Jefferson, Vietnam, FDR & Korean Memorials; Visit the Smithsonian Museums of Natural History, Air & Space and American History; Visit the F.B.I & International Spy Museums
- Raleigh: See the state capital building
- Charleston: See this historic 'southern' town
- Savannah: City sightseeing tour; See the historic city squares, homes & gardens made famous by the film 'Forrest Gump'; Enjoy nightlife along the riverfront
- St. Augustine: Tour America's oldest city; Visit Castillo de San Marcos National Monument America's 300 year old fortress
- Kennedy Space Center: Tour Kennedy Space Center; See the Saturn V rocket & Space Shuttle launch pads; Hear the history of the Apollo moon landing
- Orlando: Transfers to the Amusement Parks; Visit the entertainment area of Old Town
- Pensacola: Relax on Florida beaches in the Gulf of Mexico
- Alabama: See the retired battleship USS Alabama
- New Orleans: See the French Quarter, Jackson Square & the French Market; See the Garden District Mansions; Enjoy the nightlife of Bourbon Street
Accommodations
- 11 nights in twin-share hotel accommodation
- Breakfasts (B) and Dinners (D) – as per itinerary
Contiki Difference
- Experienced Tour Managers and Drivers
- Modern air conditioned coach with toilet, reclining seats and video
- Visit 13 States: Louisiana; Mississippi; Alabama; Florida; Georgia; South Carolina; North Carolina; Virginia; Maryland; Delaware; Pennsylvania; New Jersey; New York
Optional Excursions
New Orleans
- 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.
- 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.
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.
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.
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.
New York
- New York City Pass (USD$68.00)
- Visit six famous New York attractions for one-low-price! Includes tickets to Guggenheim Museum, American Museum of Natural History, The Museum of Modern Art, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Empire State Observatory & audio tour and a 2-hour Circle Line Harbor Cruise at 42nd Street. Avoid most ticket lines and save money! Good for 9 days.
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.
