Best of the USA Tour–San Fran to San Fran

Travel out to Alcatraz Island for a cell-house audio tour of the infamous federal penitentiary. While there, check out the natural side of the rock—with its gardens, tide pools, bird colonies, and stunning views of San Francisco Bay. Tours often sell out, so book a ticket online (far in advance!) to secure a spot.

Visit San Francisco's famous Fishermen's Wharf, walk the piers, check out the marine life, shop and sample the fresh seafood.

Check out this neighbourhood known as the centre of counterculture ideals, drugs, and music during the hippie movement in the 60s. Today, find locally-owned restaurants and bars, boutiques, booksellers, head shops and record stores.

What trip to San Fran would be complete without seeing the Golden Gate Bridge? Depending on time, step foot on this famous red suspension bridge or find a great viewing point to take some photos.

Hold some cards, toss some dice, place a bet or sit at the slots. Try your luck at gambling in one of the many casinos along the Strip. (The legal age for gambling is 21 years of age.)

Take a day trip to the Hoover Dam to learn more about this marvel of engineering.

Discover the charm of New Orleans’ oldest neighbourhood. Admire the Spanish colonial architecture of this historic district—many of the buildings date back to the late 18th century. Visit Jackson Square, Bourbon St (known for its many bars), Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop and Pat O’Brien’s (known for inventing the hurricane cocktail) as you explore this lively area, a National Historic Landmark.

Visit the reputed birthplace of rock and roll and see where it all began. First opened in January of 1950, this historic recording studio will deepen your understanding of the origins of rock music in Memphis.

Pay a visit to the ample Graceland estate and see how this rock and roll legend lived. Tour Graceland Mansion and see Elvis’ living room, music room, kitchen and famous Jungle Room. Wrap up your visit with a stop at Meditation Garden where “the king” has been laid to rest.

Hit the town and live it up in the country music capital of the world. This "Music City" will get you up and dancing and keep your toes tapping late into the night.

Visit Arlington National Cemetery, a military cemetery in Arlington, Virginia. Wander through the tombs, see the eternal flame at John F Kennedy's grave, and visit the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, which represents the thousands lost in war. Spend some time at the memorial amphitheater or witness the changing of the guard.

Visit the National Mall, a park in downtown Washington DC, that occupies the area between the Lincoln Memorial and the United States Capitol. Wear comfy shoes – there’s lots to explore in this spectacular green space. The National Mall includes the Washington Monument, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Constitution Gardens, World War II Memorial, the Korean War Veterans Memorial, the District of Columbia War Memorial, National Air and Space Museum, National Museum of American History, National Museum of Natural History, the Smithsonian, and much more.

Visit the National Mall to see the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, a stunning 2,029 ft (618m) long pool lined with trees and walking paths, which reflects the Lincoln Memorial and/or the Washington Monument, depending on your vantage point.

Visit the monument dedicated to the 16th US president, Abraham Lincoln, who was instrumental in the abolition of slavery.

Visit 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue and learn more about where the president of the US lives and works.

Visit the massive obelisk built to honour George Washington, the United States' first president. The Washington Monument is the world's tallest structure made entirely of stone and the world's tallest obelisk. Reopened after suffering damage from an earthquake and hurricane, visitors can opt to travel to the top for a gorgeous view of the city.

Lively and diverse, New York City's Chinatown has so much to see and do for urban adventurers. This growing community is considered to have the largest Asian population in a city outside of Asia.

Pay a visit to “Lady Liberty”, dedicated in 1886 and a gift from the people France. Cruise through New York Harbor and stop off at Liberty Island to get a closer look at this iconic woman meant to welcome new immigrants to the United States. Opt to ride to the top and take in stunning views of the city.

Come experience the hub of the city that never sleeps. Head to Midtown Manhattan at Broadway and Seventh Avenue – the heart of all the action. Covered in illuminated billboards and advertisements, Times Square is one of the world's busiest pedestrian intersections and a major centre of the world's entertainment industry.

Soak in stunning views of New York and beyond from the top of one of the most famous landmarks in the world. The Empire State Building's Observatory is a main attraction of New York's skyline, stretching 1,250 ft (381m) high.

Remember 9/11 on a visit to Ground Zero. A Memorial and Museum have been created to commemorate those lost on 9/11.

Remember 9/11 on a visit to Ground Zero. A Memorial and Museum have been created to commemorate those lost on 9/11.

Lively and diverse, New York City's Chinatown has so much to see and do for urban adventurers. This growing community is considered to have the largest Asian population in a city outside of Asia.

Roll the dice, place a bet or play the slots— try your luck at gambling and take in the sights and sounds of the casino.

Wander through this Chicago landmark and check out the rides, theatres, museums, restaurants, shops, art, music, and more, along this lakefront boardwalk.

Visit Willis Tower, which reaches 412m (1,353 ft) and 103 floors into the sky. Step "outside" on the Skydeck's glass ledge for a jaw-dropping view of Chicago and up to four states.

Wander through this Chicago landmark and check out the rides, theatres, museums, restaurants, shops, art, music, and more, along this lakefront boardwalk.

Visit Willis Tower, which reaches 412m (1,353 ft) and 103 floors into the sky. Step "outside" on the Skydeck's glass ledge for a jaw-dropping view of Chicago and up to four states.

Enjoy a night out in a true Western town. Opt to go to the One Million Dollar Bar, Wyoming's landmark watering hole, known for its western dancing, live entertainment, and fascinating decor, including knobbed pine architecture and genuine saddle barstools. (Bar entry and drinking age in the United States is 21.)

What trip to San Fran would be complete without seeing the Golden Gate Bridge? Depending on time, step foot on this famous red suspension bridge or find a great viewing point to take some photos.

Check out this neighbourhood known as the centre of counterculture ideals, drugs, and music during the hippie movement in the 60s. Today, find locally-owned restaurants and bars, boutiques, booksellers, head shops and record stores.

Travel out to Alcatraz Island for a cell-house audio tour of the infamous federal penitentiary. While there, check out the natural side of the rock—with its gardens, tide pools, bird colonies, and stunning views of San Francisco Bay. Tours often sell out, so book a ticket online (far in advance!) to secure a spot.

Visit San Francisco's famous Fishermen's Wharf, walk the piers, check out the marine life, shop and sample the fresh seafood.