Alaska Active Escape (NUAE)
Alaska—so raw, vast and far-out it may as well be its very own planet. This adventure lets hardy travellers explore an exotic foreign world without ever leaving Earth, affording visitors a hands-on appreciation for the land (and sea and air) via kayaking, whitewater rafting, hiking and wildlife spotting. Trek the Kenai Peninsula, get an all-access look at the Alaskan Sealife Center and experience the rugged frontier spirit of Anchorage by day, then tuck yourself away in a cozy hotel by night.
Highlights: Paddling among towering peaks and icebergs in the Alaskan wilderness, hiking among a glacial icefield, learning about the local wildlife, experiencing the views and isolation of the Kenai, riding the whitewater on a rafting adventure, lodging with tremendous mountain views
- Trip Style:
- Active
- Trip Type:
- Small Group
- Service Level:
- Comfort
- Physical Grading:
- 3
Los Angeles to San Francisco Adventure (NUAF)
LA, San Francisco, Vegas, the Grand Canyon—they might as well rename this whole region ‘The American Best.’ Steel yourself for eight days of 24-hour thrills as you dive headfirst into the best the West has to offer. Scour the streets of classic American cities in search of the classic American meal—the venerable hamburger—then escape the grid to camp and explore in Yosemite and the Grand Canyon. Add in a streetwise local CEO to keep you headed in the right direction and you’re all set for a whirlwind adventure you won’t soon forget, if ever.
Highlights: Taking a dip in the Colorado River, stargazing in Los Angeles, experiencing a Grand Canyon sunset, breaking a sweat in Death Valley, rolling the dice in Las Vegas, camping under the stars, strolling the hills of San Francisco, hiking in Yosemite.
Autumn Along the Appalachian Trail (NUAT)
You won’t find many tourist stalls along the Appalachian Trail, but so long as you bring your camera, you have all the picture-perfect postcards you’ll need. This active walking and hiking trip connects you with one of North America's most scenic nature trails at the very height of its eye-popping glory. As you walk, delve into the region's unique cultural heritage.
Highlights: Seeing the fall colours among the trees, enjoying the friendly local hospitality, backpacking through the woods, being at one with the great outdoors
San Diego, Grand Canyon & Vegas (NUAV)
Kicks abound on Route 66—come get yours. Nicknamed 'Main Street of America', there’s nothing Norman Rockwell-esque on the stretch of highway you’ll travel on this trip. Burgers, longboards and big-city shenanigans are the order of the day every day as you take in the sights and sounds of LA, Vegas, San Diego and the Grand Canyon with an expert CEO leading the way. If you’ve always longed to see the real American Southwest but never had the time or the money, well, you’re fresh out of excuses.
Highlights: Experiencing a Grand Canyon sunset, stargazing in Los Angeles, having a picnic in Red Rock State Park, rolling the dice in Las Vegas, breaking a sweat in Death Valley, indulging in the attractions of San Diego, getting your kicks on Route 66.
- Trip Style:
- Yolo
- Trip Type:
- Small Group
- Service Level:
- Camping
- Physical Grading:
- 2
Canyonlands Active Escape (NUCH)
There’s no better feeling that sucking in some fresh air while breaking a sweat in the great outdoors—imagine getting active in some of the most amazing scenery in the world. Stone arches, monoliths, hoodoos—blink all you want, this is real! This is Canyonlands National Park. Raft down the Colorado River, hike Bryce and Zion national parks, get to know Arches National Park, and discover the history of the people who’ve called this land home for millennia. We use private touring vans and limit our group size to keep the tour flexible and fun—so you’re never waiting for a busload of stragglers when there’s all this to discover.
Highlights: Hiking the unique landscapes of Bryce and Zion, enjoying the views in Arches and Canyonlands national parks, paddling world-class rapids, taking in vibrant sunsets, learning about native culture
San Francisco to Los Angeles Adventure (NUFA)
Vegas, Frisco, LA and the quest for the perfect burger—all that’s missing from this quintessentially American experience is a ballgame and mom’s apple pie. Promising unfiltered fun from dawn to dusk in some of the West’s best locales, this trip mixes downtown excitement with all-natural, full-contact thrills exploring the Grand Canyon and camping under the stars in Yosemite National Park. All this in just one reasonably-priced week? This is America, the land of opportunity! Believe in the impossible.
Highlights: Experiencing the lights of San Francisco and Las Vegas, hiking Yosemite and the Grand Canyon, stargazing in Los Angeles, driving Route 66, camping in nature.
- Trip Style:
- Yolo
- Trip Type:
- Small Group
- Service Level:
- Camping
- Physical Grading:
- 2
Pacific Coast Highway & the Northwest (NUFS)
The echoes of psychedelia and grunge—the counter-cultural soundtracks to two successive generations—still reverberate across the Pacific Northwest. But if you think this part of America is all cramped clubs and coffee shops, think again. Designed for those as equally comfortable in an urban setting as they are with the outdoors, this trip provides ample opportunity to explore the natural wonders—redwoods, volcanoes and boundless wilderness—for those on a tight schedule. Bookended by hotel stays in San Fran and Seattle, you’ll get a taste of the nightlife, too.
Highlights: Driving along the Pacific coastline, gazing up at giant sequoias, playing in sand dunes, hiking in national parks, strolling in San Francisco, discovering the wonder of Mt St Helens, sipping coffee in Seattle.
- Trip Style:
- Yolo
- Trip Type:
- Small Group
- Service Level:
- Camping
- Physical Grading:
- 2
Napa Valley Active Escape (NUNV)
Yesterday you kayaked through picture-perfect valleys—now your bike’s leaning against a tree while we unpack your picnic lunch and drink in the views. Napa Valley may be synonymous with good grapes but it’s the stunning scenery that sets it apart. So get ready to pedal, paddle and hike your way through the vineyards and wilderness of Wine Country, USA on an adventure that will keep you active, sampling local delicacies and maybe even getting a bit tipsy. Indulge in wine tastings, take in options like horseback riding or hot air balloons, and spend your nights in comfortable hotels. Like a full-bodied Napa vintage, this trip is sure to please.
Highlights: Getting off the beaten path in Napa Valley, kayaking against a backdrop of redwoods in Sonoma, sipping stellar vino at charming wineries, savouring picnics with local produce—and a view
Music, Mountains & Monuments Eastbound (NUOY)
From the Big Apple to the Big Easy, this roadtrip swings south along the East Coast and captures the best cities, historical monuments and beautiful scenery from New York to New Orleans and everything in between. Embrace big city beats, Nashville grooves and the traditional twang of the Appalachian Mountains. As always, centrally located hotels in the cities and campsites in the wilderness keep you in the heart of the action. Skip flying and discover country roots and the earthly delights that come with staying grounded.
Highlights: Feeling the beat in Memphis and New Orleans, driving through the Appalachian Mountains, walking through American history in Washington DC, going all night in New York City.
Western Express Northbound (NUPN)
From ghost towns and the Grand Canyon to roadside burger joints and the cosmopolitan streets of San Francisco, this region is loaded with the intriguing and the incredible. Best of all, the Los Angeles to San Francisco itinerary is structured so that those short on time can experience the region's best. At the sites—like the atmospheric mining town of Laughlin—you’ll get great pictures and a greater appreciation of what you’re seeing. Best of all, national park entrances are included—so you can explore Yosemite and still try your luck in Las Vegas.
Highlights: Basking in big city lights of Los Angeles and Las Vegas, winding through the streets of San Francisco, hiking through Yosemite, feeling the heat in Death Valley, getting your kicks on Route 66
Western Express Southbound (NUPS)
From ghost towns and the Grand Canyon to roadside burger joints and the cosmopolitan streets of San Francisco, this region is loaded with the intriguing and the incredible. Best of all, the San Francisco to Los Angeles itinerary is structured so that those short on time can experience the region's best. At the sites—like the atmospheric mining town of Laughlin—you’ll get great pictures and a greater appreciation of what you’re seeing. Best of all, national park entrances fees are included—so you can explore Yosemite and still try your luck in Las Vegas.
Highlights: Basking in big city lights in Los Angeles, Las Vegas and San Francisco, hiking through Yosemite, sweating buckets in Death Valley, driving Route 66, reliving the Wild West at the ghost town of Calico.
- Trip Style:
- Classic
- Trip Type:
- Small Group
- Service Level:
- Standard
- Physical Grading:
- 2
Sin, Surf & Sierras (NUVA)
For the traveller who wants it all, this desert-to-coast journey delivers in spades. Throw caution to the wind in Sin City, Las Vegas, then cleanse those chakras with pristine national park hiking. You’ll drive the legendary Pacific Coast Highway for views that are postcard-perfect and finish in Los Angeles for a final burst of movie star glamour. A private touring van and participation camping offer affordability and flexibility while letting you get to know your fellow travellers and making this a road trip to remember.
Highlights: Hiking in Yosemite National Park, driving along California's beautiful coastline, revelling in the glitz of Las Vegas, breaking a sweat in Death Valley, stargazing in Los Angeles.
Yosemite Park & Napa Valley (NUVF)
The perfect blend of wildlife, active excursions and the charm of wine country, this week-long journey from Las Vegas to San Francisco packs a punch. Explore Yosemite—famous for its waterfalls and fantastic landscapes—and paddle the Russian River in Sonoma wine country. These diverse areas offer plenty of options and our nimble touring van makes the most of sites. Camping keeps you close to the land while offering great value, so you’ll have money left to sip or slurp you way through Napa Valley.
Highlights: Sipping wine in Napa Valley, hiking the trails of Yosemite, revelling in the bright lights of Las Vegas, breaking a sweat in Death Valley, strolling the hills of San Francisco.
- Trip Style:
- Yolo
- Trip Type:
- Small Group
- Service Level:
- Camping
- Physical Grading:
- 2
Yosemite Active Adventure (NUYA)
California is no stranger to flashbulbs, but some of her incredible sights just can’t be framed by a photograph. On this active trip, you’ll meet some of the best of them face to face. Heading out of San Francisco, the wide open spaces of Yosemite National Park beckon you for a trip that has it all - rafting, hiking, mountain biking and backpacking. The backdrop of the spectacular granite cliffs and towering sequoias of Yosemite surrounds you as you roll out your tent to camp in the middle of the park itself. Nature: ready when you are.
Highlights: Sleeping out under the stars in Yosemite National Park, rafting the rapids and churning waters of the American River, trekking overnight into the high sierra of Yosemite
- Trip Style:
- Active
- Trip Type:
- Small Group
- Service Level:
- Camping
- Physical Grading:
- 4
Yellowstone Active Escape (NUYE)
For the active traveller who loves the outdoors, there is simply no bigger playground than Yellowstone National Park. Imagine biking in Jackson Hole Valley, kayaking Yellowstone Lake and hiking the upper Geyser Basin to Old Faithful. Hike at Jenny Lake, explore Teton National Park and experience wilderness in a whole new way on a Wildlife Float Trip. The days are full, but with nights in comfortable hotels and lodges in or near the parks, you’ll be rested—and inspired—for the next adventure.
Highlights: Exploring amazing geysers and hot springs of Yellowstone by foot, understanding the volcanic forces that helped forge the Rockies, spotting wildlife in Grand Teton National Park, saddling up to a real cowboy bar, taking in some of the world's greatest vistas
- Trip Style:
- Active
- Trip Type:
- Small Group
- Service Level:
- Comfort
- Physical Grading:
- 3
Yosemite & Monterey Active Escape (NUYO)
Here’s an adventure that explores the best the Bay Area and Yosemite National Park have to offer. Kayak along the incredible shoreline of Monterey Bay and bike the famous 17-Mile Drive. Marvel at spectacular views while hiking on the most breathtaking trails in Yosemite. Perfect for the active traveller, this trip will have you breaking a sweat amidst some of the world’s most amazing scenery. With comfortable lodging in the park itself and only minutes away from the shore, you’ll have every minute of the day to discover the world around you.
Highlights: Exploring hip San Francisco by bike, paddling picturesque Monterey Bay, taking in Yosemite's best hikes and views, resting up and chowing down at comfortable accommodation
- Trip Style:
- Active
- Trip Type:
- Small Group
- Service Level:
- Comfort
- Physical Grading:
- 4
