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Best of the US Express
18 days, New York to San Francisco
Itinerary
Day 1New York
Arrive at any time.
Towering skyscrapers, flashing lights, and a pulsing energy you can’t quite escape from. First impressions matter so get to know New York City the right way; after dark with your CEO and group. Roam through the crowds, take in the sounds, the smells, and gear up for a good time in the Big Apple. Journey through the Hamilton Heights neighbourhood in Brooklyn in search of the perfect enclave to sip a cocktail, maybe two, and have some laughs with your newest adventure pals.
Please note this trip leaves the city first thing the following morning. If you wish to spend time in New York City, speak to your sales agent about booking pre-accommodation.
Your First Night Out Moment: Connect With New Friends
Connect with new friends on your first night out in a new destination. Only available on 18-to-Thirtysomethings tours.
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
Day 2New York/Finger Lakes
Travel to the Finger Lakes region, and take in the natural beauty of the area. Opt to cool off in the lake, or sample wine from a local winery.
Take a hike to explore this beautiful Finger Lakes region on foot, rent a kayak or paddleboard, or just relax by the lake. Opt to taste wine from one of the local vineyards.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Meals included:
DinnerDay 3Finger Lakes/Niagara Falls
Visit towering Taughannock Falls, before travelling to Niagara Falls. Get wet on the Maid of the Mist boat tour and be sure to check out the falls illuminated in the evening.
An exciting adventure awaits in Niagara Falls. Feel the rushing waters of the falls taking the famous "Maid of the Mist Boat Tour." Return after darkness settles over the Niagara region and witness the Falls illuminated in a rainbow of colour!
Opening day for Maid of the Mist is usually the end of April or beginning of May, but is dependent on ice conditions and varies year by year.
Taughannock Falls Visit
Discover one of the highest waterfalls east of the Rocky Mountains, Taughannock Falls, which drops 66m (215 ft). Hike along the river 1.2km (.75 mi) to the end of the gorge trail for stunning views at the base of the falls. Or view the falls from above at the overlook vista.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Maid of the Mist Tour
Ready to “explore the roar”? The Niagara Falls Maid of the Mist tour takes visitors on an excursion into the basin of Niagara Falls State Park’s Horseshoe Falls. Generations of Niagara Falls visitors have named the Maid of the Mist tour as one of the highlights of their trip. A favorite Niagara Falls State Park attraction for more than 150 years, the dramatic passage ferries past the base of the American Falls, and on to the basin of Horseshoe Falls, through roiling waterfall whitewater and massive rock formations. The Maid of the Mist returns guests to shore with new found appreciation of the power and grandeur of Niagara Falls.
Meals included:
Breakfast | Lunch | DinnerDay 4Niagara Falls/Detroit
Drive along Lake Erie, through the city of Cleveland before continuing on to Detroit. Detroit is having a resurgence and is quickly transforming with new markets, distilleries, art galleries, and restaurants popping up. Enjoy a free evening to explore this up-and-coming destination.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Free Time
Enjoy time to explore the city.
Meals included:
Breakfast | LunchDay 5Detroit/Chicago
Continue west to Chicago. There's tons to do in the Windy City – walk along the river to Millennium Park, enjoy dazzling music, and stroll the boardwalk of the Navy Pier. Opt to ride to the top of the Willis Tower, or hit the town for a night out with the group.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Free Time
Chicago is a great city to explore. Ride the ferris wheel at Navy Pier, snap photos of the iconic Bean in Millennium Park, go on an architecture boat tour, or chow down on deep dish pizza – the options are endless!
Chicago Walking Tour
Join your CEO for a walking tour of the highlights of Chicago. Starting in Millennium Park, check out Buckingham Fountain, one of the largest in the world, representing the Great Lake Michigan. See the beginning of Route 66 before checking out the Cloud Gate, commonly coined the Bean. Walk up Michigan Ave to cross DuSable Bridge and check out the Wrigley Building and Tribune Tower on the Magnificent Mile. End the tour at Navy Pier, 3,300 feet of Chicago shoreline filled with games, shops and restaurants. Enjoy some free time to take it all in.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 6Chicago
Enjoy a free day to explore Chicago.
Your Discover Moment
There's plenty to see and do in Chicago, and we wanted to make sure that you had some time to take it all in. Feel free to relax or try optional activities like visiting the Willis Tower, Millennium Park, and the Navy Pier Boardwalk. Your CEO has more ideas if you need them. Just ask!
Optional Activities - Day 6 HideShow
Willis Tower
22-40USD per personVisit 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.
Millennium Park Visit
FreeDiscover downtown Chicago’s beautiful “front lawn”, Millennium Park, featuring green design and four artistic highlights: the Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Cloud Gate (aka the Bean), the Crown Fountain, and the Lurie Garden. Located near Chicago's Lake Michigan shoreline, the park was originally intended to celebrate the millennium, but opened four years later in July 2004.
Navy Pier Boardwalk
FreeWander through this Chicago landmark and check out the rides, theatres, museums, restaurants, shops, art, music, and more, along this lakefront boardwalk.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 7Chicago/Louisville
Follow the Kentucky Bourbon Trail to Louisville. Home of the Kentucky Derby, this city is a foodie haven filled with lively bars and farm-to-table restaurants. Enjoy a free afternoon to explore, and don't forget to indulge in some BBQ and bourbon.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Free Time
Bring your appetite, the food in this city can't be missed!
Meals included:
Breakfast | LunchDay 8Louisville/Nashville
Travel to the country music capital of the world. Head out for live music, line dancing, and cowboy nightlife tonight. Keep your eyes peeled for some of country music's biggest stars.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Optional Activities - Day 8 HideShow
Cowboy Bar Visit
Free-20USD per personHit 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.
Country Music Hall of Fame
25USD per personSpend some time exploring the largest collection of country music memorabilia on the planet. The Country Music Hall of Fame is the epicenter of country music research and history, and a must visit for fans around the world.
Johnny Cash Museum
18USD per personCountry music's favourite bad boy, Johnny Cash. Visit this museum dedicated to the famous musician, and learn more about the life of the Man in Black.
Meals included:
Breakfast | LunchDay 9Nashville
Enjoy a free day in Nashville. Opt to visit the Grand Ole Opry, Country Music Hall of Fame, Johnny Cash Museum, or take in live music along the "Honky Tonk Highway".
Nashville has so much unique culture to experience while visiting. No stay would be complete without trying some of the cities famous hot fried chicken, or visiting one of its many country bars or music museums.
Your Discover Moment
Pick up your guitar and strum a tune because Nashville is the mecca of country music. The cowboy town attracts thousands of pilgrims and wannabe musicians each year who try their luck at finding fame or simply visit temples of country music, such as the Country Music Hall of Fame. Listen to the best live music and grab some good ol' southern food for an authentic dinner.
Optional Activities - Day 9 HideShow
Cowboy Bar Visit
Free-20USD per personHit 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.
Country Music Hall of Fame
25USD per personSpend some time exploring the largest collection of country music memorabilia on the planet. The Country Music Hall of Fame is the epicenter of country music research and history, and a must visit for fans around the world.
Johnny Cash Museum
18USD per personCountry music's favourite bad boy, Johnny Cash. Visit this museum dedicated to the famous musician, and learn more about the life of the Man in Black.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 10Nashville/Memphis
Explore the vibrant cultural and musical melting pot of Memphis. Take an optional tour of Graceland, opt to relive history at the National Civil Rights Museum, or tour the Rock 'n' Soul Museum. Head to Beale Street at night for great food and live music.
In the afternoon, opt to walk in the footsteps of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll at Elvis Presley’s home, Graceland. See how the legend lived and discover videos, pictures, stage costumes, and much more. Then hear the music in Memphis, Tennessee! Explore the birthplace of Rock 'n' Roll, Home of Blues, and the starting point of soul. Music legends, including Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, and B.B. King, made their marks on Memphis.
Opt to check out the National Civil Rights Museum, located where Martin Luther King Jr was assassinated.
Memphis Night Out
Hailed "Home of the Blues", Beale Street is filled with talent and tunes to get you moving. Find the Memphis Music Hall of Fame, the Sidewalk of Stars, and an Elvis statue as you make your way to the Beale Street Entertainment District. Hear the music from B.B. King's Blues Club filter out to the street along with several of the other cafes, dives and clubs that line the street and make it hard not to dance.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Optional Activities - Day 10 HideShow
Graceland visit
41-61USD per personSee how the legend lived and discover Elvis Presley videos, pictures, stage costumes, and much more. All tickets include an interactive media tour of Graceland Mansion and grounds as well as a self-guided tour of Elvis' Tupelo. Want to see more? Opt to include the Graceland Archives Experience, and a self-guided tour of Elvis' Automobile Museum, Elvis: Live from Vegas, and Elvis' Hawaii: Concerts, Movies and More!
National Civil Rights Museum
15USD per personVisit the National Civil Rights Museum, located at the Lorraine Motel, the assassination site of Dr Martin Luther King Jr. Tour exhibits and collections to learn about key episodes of the American civil rights movement and its legacy in inspiring global civil and human rights efforts.
Rock & Soul Museum Visit
12USD per personLearn all about the birth of rock and soul music at the Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum. Discover the stories of this genre's musical pioneers, who blazed a path and created a cultural revolution.
Sun Studio Visit
14USD per personVisit 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.
Meals included:
Breakfast | LunchDay 11Memphis/New Orleans
Crank up the jazz and drive into the home of Mardi Gras. Explore the French Quarter, and join the revellers on Bourbon Street 'til the early hours.
The CEO will point out a few things on the drive in, then get out and experience the city at its best. Enjoy a night out with the group.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Optional Activities - Day 11 HideShow
Mississippi River Steam Boat Ride
31-42USD per personClimb aboard an iconic steamboat and gain a new perspective on the Mississippi River.
Creole Cooking Class
25USD per personLearn to cook authentic Creole food and savour the fruits of your labour.
French Quarter and Bourbon St Visit
FreeDiscover 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.
Historical Tours
25-30USD per personLearn more about this fascinating city by discovering its past. New Orleans has all kinds of tour options for all kinds of tastes. Opt for a voodoo tour, ghost tour, cemetery tour or vampire tour — you name it, there’s probably a tour for it. All the tours bring a different historical side of New Orleans to life, with a little bit of creepy thrown in.
Ghost Tour
25USD per personAfter the sun goes down, embark on a tour of mysterious and (possibly!) haunted spots around New Orleans. From century-old cemeteries to historical voodoo sites, see if you'll experience any paranormal activity.
Café du Monde Visit
10USD per personGrab a coffee and try a delicious beignet at Café du Monde – a New Orleans institution. The original stand was established in 1862 and is just as popular today.
Meals included:
Breakfast | LunchDay 12New Orleans/Los Angeles
Hop on a flight to LA, and get ready to explore the highlights of the West.
Please note that there may be additional baggage fees for the internal flight if you are checking your bag.
Plane
Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.
Optional Activities - Day 12 HideShow
Optional Welcome Meeting for Travellers on Combos
You may be a seasoned pro at group travel by now, but there will likely be some new travellers joining the group. Sit in on the welcome meeting to meet the newest members of your group and learn about the next leg of your tour.
Day 13Los Angeles/Lake Havasu
Wake up in the “City of Angels” before heading inland to the desert. Don't forget to watch for celebrities on the way out of California's most glamorous city. Gear up for your visit to Joshua Tree National Park. It might be short and sweet but no less impactful. Trek amongst the boulders and famous Joshua trees and find the unexpected beauty and serenity of such a barren landscape. Then cool off with some of your buddies in the crystal-clear waters off Lake Havasu.
Private Vehicle
Includes stops
Joshua Tree NP Hike
Hike the trails in Joshua Tree NP, get up close to the iconic trees, climb a rock outcrop and watch for desert wildlife.
Your Big Night Out Moment: Spring Break
Release your inner “spring breaker” and let loose with your group at a spring break themed party at camp in Lake Havasu. Share some throwback stories of your younger party days, play some games, and laugh around the fire together as the milky way joins you in the night sky.
Meals included:
DinnerDay 14Lake Havasu/Grand Canyon
Start your day by visiting London Bridge (an exact 1800s replica shipped to Arizona from London) before heading off to Grand Canyon National Park. Grab a buddy or set off on your own into one of the deepest canyons in the world. Flip a coin to decide if you should hike along the rim or down into the canyon itself (just remember if you hike down you must hike up). All that effort will be worth it because guess what? You will get to enjoy a pizza dinner at the rim while watching sun set before you. The South Rim might end up being the best spot you have ever eaten a slice of 'za!
In the morning, discover something unexpected, the London Bridge, in Lake Havasu City. Continue across vast desert landscapes to one of the earth's greatest on-going geological spectacles: the Grand Canyon. Take short hikes at the most spectacular gorge in the world and enjoy a pizza dinner at the rim as you view the stunning sunset.
London Bridge Visit
From spanning the Thames to crossing the Colorado River, check out the 1800s London Bridge shipped from England and rebuilt in Lake Havasu City, Arizona.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Grand Canyon South Rim Visit
Visit the south rim of the canyon for a great first impression. Marvel as the Grand Canyon unfolds before you. Don't get too close. The land drops almost straight down for more than 1,000m (3,280 ft) into the serpentine canyons below! The gorge is filled with rocky buttes, sheer limestone cliffs, and deep canyons all arrayed in a rainbow of colors. Words defy. This is truly one of the most magnificent sights on earth.
Grand Canyon Hike
Opt to hike along the rim or down into the canyon. Experience breathtaking scenery with spectacular views. Bring lots of water, a hat and plenty of energy. Remember -- hiking down is optional, hiking back up is mandatory!
Meals included:
Breakfast | Lunch | DinnerDay 15Grand Canyon/Las Vegas
Another day, another adventure! Not feeling a hike this morning? That's cool, you have the option to splurge on an unforgettable helicopter ride over the Grand Canyon. Get ready to feel incredibly small as the world opens up at your feet. Then cruise along historic Route 66 en route to... Vegas baby! Discover ghost towns and funky roadside attractions and bask in the fading sun as you head into “Sin City”. Explore the Las Vegas strip for a truly unforgettable evening of fun with your fellow trip mates. If you decide you want to cruise Vegas in style head out on an optional VIP party limo ride.
For our night in Las Vegas, we stay close to the action in a hotel in the city centre.
Pre-book a bird's-eye view of the Grand Canyon with an optional helicopter flight, or a Vegas strip Party Bus experience on the checkout page ahead of time to include this optional on your tour.
Private Vehicle
Includes stops along Route 66.
Seligman (Route 66) Visit
Take a trip back in time to the birthplace of Route 66. Established in the early 1900s as the first transcontinental highways in the U.S, Route 66 has a lot of history on it's original length of almost 2,500 miles. Starting in Chicago, Illinois and travelling through Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona, before ending at the ocean in Santa Monica California. The creation of the Interstate system bypassed the majority of Route 66, creating ghost towns along it's original route, though there are a few iconic Americana towns still delivering experiences from the past. Check out the historic general store, original motels, and don't forget to get your kicks!
Vegas Strip Visit
Walk along Las Vegas Boulevard and soak in the lights, energy and pulse of the Strip. With an ever-evolving architecture and multitude of hotels, casinos, restaurants, and entertainment, there's so much to see and do.
Optional Activities - Day 15 HideShow
VIP Party Bus Experience
45USD per personChannel your inner celebrity and set off in this party on wheels. Luxuriate in the leather seats, and feel like a star with the neon lights, flat screen TV and booming stereo system. Tour the highlights of Vegas and love the limo life.
Las Vegas Show
60-200USD per personLeave the world behind, give in to your senses and prepare to be amazed. Take in one of the many shows available in this entertainment mecca. Live music, burlesque, comedy, magic, Cirque Du Soleil, and more. Whatever your passion, no other city can compete with the range and scale of shows on offer 24 hours a day.
Gambling at Vegas Casino
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.)
Vegas Strip Visit
FreeWalk along Las Vegas Boulevard and soak in the lights, energy and pulse of the Strip. With an ever-evolving architecture and multitude of hotels, casinos, restaurants, and entertainment, there's so much to see and do.
Grand Canyon Helicopter Tour
The Grand Canyon helicopter ride is a must! Enjoy a bird's-eye view for 45 to 50 minutes as you fly over the canyon, taking in the stark contrast of the blue-green Colorado River against the thousand shades of red rock found in the canyon. From above, you can fully appreciate the greatness of the gorge and see why it is one of the seven natural wonders of the world.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 16Las Vegas/Sierra Nevadas
Experience a land of extremes in Death Valley National Park. Visit the driest, the hottest, and the lowest places in the U.S. From Badwater Basin to Zabriskie Point and Dante's View to Furnace Creek – it is easy to fall in love with this desolate landscape. The adventure doesn't stop here you'll continue on to Bishop for a night of campfires, stories, and don't forget s'mores!
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Death Valley National Park Visit
Death Valley is one of America’s most extreme locations – from sand dunes and desert, to badlands, towering peaks, and a basin that actually registers below sea-level, this is sure to be an unforgettable stop. Hottest. Driest. Lowest. There’s a bit of everything here on the border of California and Nevada.
Meals included:
Lunch | DinnerDay 17Sierra Nevadas/Yosemite National Park
Yosemite can best be described as out of this world. Catch a glimpse of the beauty on the drive from Bishop through the Sierra Nevadas along Tioga Pass. Once in the park itself let your mind wander as you hike past roaring waterfalls and giant sequoias. Gaze in wonder at Yosemite's magnificent peaks and granite domes before turning your attention to the tranquil nature of the valley floor. Snap photos or simply take in the splendour of one of the country's most beautiful national parks.
With a keen eye, you may be lucky enough to spot black bears, deer or coyotes.
We intend to use the Tioga Pass, a scenic a route through the Sierra Nevada mountain range that connects Bishop with Yosemite NP. In the spring and autumn seasons, there's a chance the pass will be closed due to poor weather conditions or even snow. In this case, we use an alternate route, and spend the night in Lake Isabella instead of Bishop. The status of the road is monitored daily, and our travel plan for the area will be confirmed during the trip.
Private Vehicle
Includes stops
Yosemite National Park Visit
Picturesque valleys, vast wilderness, powerful waterfalls, elusive wildlife, ancient sequoias and more than 16 types of granite make up this internationally recognized national park. Hike the trails, get up close to ancient rock formations and take panoramic photos of this gorgeous landscape. Keep an eye out for black bears, deer, and coyotes.
Optional Activities - Day 17 HideShow
Yosemite National Park Hike
FreePanoramic vistas, gushing waterfalls, and elusive wildlife await. Bring water, wear a hat and sunscreen, and hike Yosemite NP. Keep an eye out for black bears, deer, and coyotes.
Yosemite Bike Rental
30-40USD per personSet your wheels in motion with tandem, hand crank or mountain bikes, and opt to cycle some of the 20km (12mi) of paved trails throughout the valley floor. Bring a water bottle, stop to shoot photos, and enjoy some of the most picturesque spots in Yosemite NP.
Choose between a half-day rental or a full-day, and be aware that this activity is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Please note the price for a half-day bike rental is $30 USD and the price for a full-day bike rental is $40USD.
Meals included:
Breakfast | Lunch | DinnerDay 18Yosemite National Park/San Francisco
Catch a glimpse of the Golden Gate Bridge on the way into one of America's most popular cities. Even though the trip ends on arrival the fun doesn’t have to stop just yet. Ride a cable car, walk down winding Lombard Street, indulge in some erotic shaped treats in the Castro District, get lost at the botanical garden, chill out at Baker's Beach, and simply enjoy being in the moment.
There's a lot to see and do in San Francisco, and we recommend spending extra time here if you'd like to explore the city; speak to your sales agent to book extra accommodation. Haight-Ashbury, Alcatraz, the Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman's Wharf and the city's famous cable cars await you.
If you are departing on arrival to San Francisco, you will not have enough time to participate in the Sunset Sailing extra. Post-tour accommodation is required to purchase this extra.
Private Vehicle
Includes stops
Free Time
Spend a few hours in San Francisco anyway you like.
Departure Day
Depart on arrival to San Francisco. Your CEO can help with any onward travel arrangements you require.
Optional Activities - Day 18 HideShow
Fisherman's Wharf Visit
FreeVisit San Francisco's famous Fishermen's Wharf, walk the piers, check out the marine life, shop and sample the fresh seafood.
Golden Gate Bridge Visit
FreeWhat 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.
Haight-Ashbury Visit
FreeCheck 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.
Alcatraz Visit
33USD per personTravel 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.
Cable Car Ride San Francisco
7USD per personIconic to San Francisco, travel back in time and hop on the world's last manually operated cable car system.
Bike Rental San Francisco
8-32USD per personRent a bike to peddle across the Golden Gate Bridge, through the scenic Marina district or perhaps to Golden Gate park.
Sunset Sailing San Francisco (Mon-Wed)
Depart from Fisherman's Wharf and catch a glimpse of marine life as we sail around San Francisco Bay. Admire the city's remarkable skyline, get up close and personal with the infamous Alcatraz Island, and sail underneath the Golden Gate Bridge. Enjoy the sunset and make a mental note to return.