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Grand Southern

(Start Los Angeles)

4.6
190 reviews
PRICE
$4,485
from
$4,037
View Dates
0266amer2019-sized

The one that’s the ultimate American road trip, including the Grand Canyon, Vegas, Miami & New Orleans

Travel Style

Discoverer

Learn about our travel styles.

  • Duration

    21 days

  • Places

    13 places

  • Meals

    18 Breakfasts, 7 Dinners

  • Transport Style

    Coach

  • Group Size

    Maximum 52 people

  • Team

    Expert Trip Manager and Driver team

Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Grand Canyon, Durango, Santa Fe, Amarillo, Dallas/Fort Worth, Memphis, New Orleans, Panama City Beach, Orlando, Miami, Monument Valley

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    Pick your destination & book

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    STEP 2

    Book 7 hotels, try figuring out public transport in a foreign language, get into an argument with your taxi driver, lose your passp…

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    STEP 2

    Turn up to your dream trip

    Everything has been sorted for you. Cool, convenient accom, smooth transport from place to place - plus a bunch of meals and travel experiences all locked in.

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    STEP 3

    Have the time of your life

    Your Trip Host has designed every trip to be packed with incredible, local experiences, made even more amazing as you share it with other incredible 18-35 year old travelers.

About this trip

Travel through the USA doesn't get any grander than this. This sprawling adventure takes you from the glitz of Vegas through the gob-smacking Grand Canyon, the smooth jazz and intoxicating charm of New Orleans to the sun-soaked party scene of Miami. Welcome to the Great American Road Trip - the open road has never felt so good.

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  • Only $200 deposit to book

    Reserve your space now with a deposit of only $200, pay the rest 45 days before departure

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    Change your travel dates or even your trip for free

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Map & Itinerary

  • Start location
  • End location
  • Trip day
  • Via location
  • River route
  • Plane route

DAY 1 - Arrive Los Angeles

Los Angeles

Get yourself in gear for glamour, grit, and the American Dream. Today we’re in Los Angeles, where stars are born and history is made. The day is yours, where first? Feel famous at Kodak Theatre, where the Oscars are held, see the handprints of industry greats in cement at Mann's Chinese Theatre, cruise down the hottest shopping street in LA, Melrose Avenue. Go for a drive through one of the world's wealthiest suburbs, Beverly Hills, or maybe sunbathe in Santa Monica, LA's oldest beach resort. Get a feel for street life on the buzzing boardwalk of Venice Beach, see bodybuilders pumping iron at the famous open-air gym, Muscle Beach. Then wrap up for the evening at the Strip (Sunset Boulevard), where you can grab dinner alongside the towering billboards or keep the party going at one of the many clubs in the area.

DAY 2 - Los Angeles

Los Angeles

The day is yours to explore the City of Angels. Opt to visit Universal Studios or Disneyland or check out LA Live entertainment venue.  The shopping goes off, so look for deals in the garment district. Visit the Grammy Museum and for the foodies among us there's a downtown LA food tour to taste all of the wonders of the multicultural food Mecca.

DAY 3 - Los Angeles to Las Vegas

Los Angeles

We'll kick things off today in the famed City of Angels, where we'll set off through the Mojave Desert, marvelling at the majestic Joshua Trees, before reaching the one and only Las Vegas.

Las Vegas

On arrival we'll cruise the iconic strip & check out the Vegas sign. Speaking of iconic, why not stop by and see one of the many Elvis impersonators for a shotgun wedding ceremony, and maybe even get hitched yourself...(joking). Tonight, choose to hang out around Fremont Street or opt for a VIP nightclub experience for the kind of glitzy night out that only Vegas can provide.

DAY 4 - Las Vegas

Las Vegas

You're in Vegas, baby! And the city's weird & wonderful charm isn't going to uncover itself. Experience the grandeur of the city's opulent casinos before joining our famed party bus. As we cruise down the strip and dance the night away, this is the perfect way to bond with your Contiki family, Vegas style.

DAY 5 - Las Vegas to The Grand Canyon

Las Vegas

Today we'll leave the glittering lights of Vegas behind for something even more jaw-dropping.

Grand Canyon

Cruising the historic route 66, we'll stop for some photo ops before reaching the Grand Canyon National Park (entrance included, naturally).

DAY 6 - Grand Canyon

Grand Canyon

You will be contemplating life, existence, and the immense size of the Grand Canyon with a free day to spend in Grand Canyon National Park. You can spend your day feeling a part of the wilderness as you go hiking through the exposed rock, but by far the most spine tingling experience at this natural wonder is one of our optional chopper rides through the UNESCO World Heritage site. Indulgent sure, but one of those life moments you deserve to treat yourself to. Tonight settle in to watch the sunset on the rim - the image with plaster a wide grin on your face for years to come. 

DAY 7 - Grand Canyon to Durango via Monument Valley

Grand Canyon

With the beauty of the Grand Canyon imprinted on our brains forever, we'll journey past some Wild Western landscapes towards...

Monument Valley

...this monumental place has an iconic cluster of sandstone buttes, and we'll get a chance to visit the Monument Valley Tribal park as we wind our way through the Rocky Mountains.

Durango

We've arrived in our home for the evening, Colorado's adventure capital: Durango

DAY 8 - Durango to Santa Fe

Durango

The great outdoors is a way of life in Durango with adrenaline pumping river rafting on offer to you and your fellow thrill seekers. This afternoon it’s a total change of scenery when we enter New Mexico, where sun-baked earthen brick buildings stand out against the bright blue sky.

Santa Fe

Boasting influences from Mexico, Spain, and Native American cultures, historic Santa Fe is a true melting pot of culture. Take a walk around town to see interesting styles of architecture, shop for beautiful turquoise jewellery in the market and  sample all of the different types of regional food on offer.

DAY 9 - Santa Fe to Amarillo

Santa Fe

Rise and shine! Does anyone know the way to Amarillo? We're headed to this larger than life city this morning.

Amarillo

In true Americana Style, we'll visit Cadillac Ranch, a unique art exhibit celebrating the golden age of Cadillacs. Our accommodation tonight even has a Texas shaped pool and a hotel for your horse if you thought to bring it along. Tonight, try your hat at the "Big Texan Steak Challenge" for a true man vs food moment. Eternal glory awaits anyone who can finish this Texas sized meal in one hour or less.

DAY 10 - Amarillo to Fort Worth

Amarillo

We'll say farewell to Amarillo and sweet Marie today as we head towards a Texan icon.

Dallas/Fort Worth

Here in the land of leather boots & Cadillacs, you'll soon learn that ‘bigger is better' is a way of life. An overnight stay in the cowboy town of Fort Worth will give you the full Texan experience.

DAY 11 - Dallas/Fort Worth

Dallas/Fort Worth

Today we'll dive deep into the Texan way of life. We'll see a cattle drive, visit the Dealey Plaza and have options to tour the iconic home of the Dallas Cowboys or see the 6th floor museum.

DAY 12 - Fort Worth to Memphis

Dallas/Fort Worth

Swinging past Little Rock High School, a historic site of the Civil Rights movement, we'll head to a place with a big rock heritage.

Memphis

We'll get a city orientation of musical Memphis this afternoon, with a whole day of sightseeing awaiting us tomorrow.

DAY 13 - Memphis

Memphis

Today's the day to get into the history of music your way. We'll start with a visit to Sun Studios where Elvis recorded his very first song. Want more? Why not check out Graceland, the home of the King, or the Rock and Soul Museum.

DAY 14 - Memphis to New Orleans

Memphis

We'll say farewell to Memphis today as we head to somewhere with a meaty musical heritage of its own.

New Orleans

This city will romance you with its soul and have you swooning over its spiritual heart - the French Quarter. The main drag culminates at Jackson Square with the iconic wrought iron balconies lining the streets. You'll be hard pressed to pick which you find more enchanting, the European/Caribbean fusion food or the non-stop jazz festival vibe. No matter which, tonight we turn up the volume and hit Bourbon Street to sample the live music and bar culture that New Orleans has to offer. This evening, why not opt for a Taste of New Orleans dinner, to taste all the melting pot of flavours this fascinating place has to offer?

DAY 15 - New Orleans

New Orleans

Now that you know New Orleans like one of the locals, it's your day to do your own thing. Stroll down Frenchmen street for the sounds of jazz and funk, head to the vast grassy oasis of the city park or check out the New Orleans museum of art for an extensive collection of gorgeous French masterpieces. Our recommendation? Head to the New Orleans school of Cooking for some classic gumbo, or experience your own Airboat adventure.

DAY 16 - New Orleans to Panama City Beach

New Orleans

Leaving New Orleans won't be easy, but knowing we're bound for one of the “world's most beautiful beaches” helps.

Panama City Beach

There's only one way to test the rumours, so we'll take a dip in the crystal clear waters and kick back on the pure white sands of Panama City Beach.

DAY 17 - Panama City Beach to Orlando

Panama City Beach

Tear yourself away from the beach, there are exciting times ahead!

Orlando

We arrive in Orlando today with a trip to Universal Studios on the cards. We hope you budgeted for butterbeer.

DAY 18 - Orlando

Orlando

Today is your opportunity to visit the epic Universal Studios, where you can visit Diagon Alley, splash around in the vast water park or visit the islands of adventure. There's something for everyone in this dizzying spectacle of rides, film and entertainment.

DAY 19 - Orlando to Miami

Orlando

We'll venture south to glamorous Miami today.

Miami

A little mouthwatering Cuban cuisine will get us in the mood with a delicious regional group deal setting the scene for two full days of art deco & celeb-spotting in this tropical paradise.  For anyone looking for an adrenaline rush, the option is there for a Thriller Speedboat across the bay.

DAY 20 - Miami

Miami

It's time for some magical Miami sightseeing today. We'll head downtown, hit the Bayside Marketplace, Wynwood Walls and of course the South Beach. Options for a bike down the beach or a Party Boat adventure are on the cards for anyone who wants to party in the city where the heat is on.

DAY 21 - Depart Miami

Miami

Time to say goodbye to your crew. It's been a blast, but all good things must come to an end. With our sun-kissed skin and eyes on the next horizon, it's time to plan our next Contiki. Peru, anyone?

Short on time?

This trip can be booked in smaller sections, so you can pick your dream adventure, tailored for you

1 Country, 10 Days

Eastern Discovery

(Start Dallas/Fort Worth)

4.2

Visiting 7 places

1 Country, 12 Days

Southern Adventure

(Start Los Angeles)

4.7

Visiting 9 places

Where You'll Stay

Learn more about the accommodation available on this trip

  • 20 nights

    All accommodation is included on this trip

    19 nights in Hotel, 1 night in Lodge

190 Reviews

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4.6
190 independent reviews
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Do the trip. Don't put it off. It was a great trip all round (e.g. making new friends from different parts of Oz, not having to worry about accommodation and finding activities to do, covered so many places in a month - tour provided great insight into Southern America). I'm glad to say that I've made tight friendships with some of the people on the tour. Only downsides were the Contiki Cough that knocked out of all the tour group and the occasional long bus trips (e.g. Santa Fe to Amarillo, St Augustines to Savannah and than to Rayleigh). Highlights of the trip include New Years Eve in New Orleans (be careful of the Hurricane and Grenade cocktails), Las Vegas, Grand Canyon, Miami, For Worth, Washington and Cocoa Beach / JFK Space Centre (we got to see a SpaceX rocket take off at night). However St Augustine, Georgia and the Carolinas weren't that exciting, but it was a necessary evil to get from Florida to Washington. Luckily the group I was with were great (Mainly Aussies from Qld and SA) with the odd few from Canada and NZ. Due to the time of the year, most of the people on tour were teachers and boy did they know how to party. 2/3 of the group were in their early 20s and the remainder were in the late 20s to mid 30s. Reasonably good dynamic with some odd moments. Food was good overall (I was actually surprised). Most of the breakfast meals included hot items (e.g. bacon and eggs). Occasionally breakfast only included cereal, milk and a piece of fruit etc. The provided dinners were fine (e.g. pub quality and BBQ meats in Texas / Florida). And yes, there was lots of partying (2 out of 3 nights were spent on drinking). Despite negative reviews about accomodation from past reviews, accommodation for our trip was good overall (apparently Contiki HQ have been able to secure better deals due to a downturn in the tourism industry in the USA during 2019), however the location of some of the accommodation was a bit far to the city centre (e.g. Memphis, DC), so be prepared to use Uber frequently if you're experiencing the night life in certain cities. There were semi-frequent stops to Walmart, so it was a good opportunity to stock up on beef jerky... and alcohol. In terms of budget, you're looking at spending $3.5k to $4k throughout the whole month (e.g. meals at restaurants, alcohol, optional activities, gifts, shopping). Low Aussie dollar had a big impact on purchasing power.
Best trip I have ever been on. All of the towns and city’s that we stayed at were well above standard and fufiled their requirements
Great way to see the southern states. My trip manager Miranda was great, she was very knowledgeable of all the places we visited and was happy to help with any questions we had. She also made time to organise extra activities for us that weren't included through Contiki. I had a great group, of mainly Australians to travel with (i believe that was down to the time of year i traveled) who were all really fun and friendly. The trip was a great way to see a huge amount of the USA in just a month. It would have been good to have an extra day in Orlando so you could have the chance to see Disney and Universal. There was a good mix of optional's available to chose from along with a good amount of free time to explore. Evening activities were generally focused on partying/drinking so would have been nice for some alternatives,but the nice part was no-one judged you if there were nights that you went back earlier, plus there was so many great things to see during the day time like Monument Valley and the many museums of DC. The accommodation was nice, some places were better than others but as you don't spend that much time in the rooms it didn't really matter. There was a good variety of food too. Overall the trip well worth going on and i would recommend it to anyone wanting to see the southern states. Just make sure if you travel in winter that you pack for all weathers as places like the Grand Canyon are pretty cold where as Miami is pretty hot.

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