Intrepid Travel Best of America

• Enjoy a full day to explore the USA capital, Washington DC, at your leisure. See the White House, Capitol Hill and the National Mall, and feel small next to the statue of Abraham Lincoln.
• The hubs of Nashville, Memphis and New Orleans are celebrated for their rich music and nightlife scenes, with unforgettable performances of blues, jazz, country and rock.
• The Grand Canyon National Park takes time to discover – you’ll spend two nights in the park, unlike on most trips, so there’s a full day to explore properly and see the mighty canyon up close.
• Discover another side to Yosemite’s Towering granite cliffs, redwood forests and epic night skies by hiking one of its best, lesser-known trails – Hetch Hetchy – with your expert guide.
• Where better to end your adventure than in San Francisco – the eclectic and multicultural City by the Bay.

• 3 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 1 dinner
• Transport
• Accommodation: Camping (with facilities) (11 nights), Hotel (6 nights), Hostel (2 nights)
• Activities

• Philadelphia – City highlights stop
• Shenandoah National Park
• Memphis – World Famous Fried Chicken Lunch
• New Orleans – Po’Boy dinner
• Joshua Tree National Park – Entrance Fee
• Grand Canyon National Park – Entrance Fee
• Yosemite National Park – Entrance Fee
• Visit to Mono Lake

Day 1: New York

Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting in the hotel lobby at 6 pm.

Days 2-3: Washington DC

Today, drive south towards the nation’s capital of Washington DC, stopping at Philadelphia on the way for a quick look at some of the highlights of the Old City, including the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, and the ‘Rocky’ steps. After touring around Philly, continue onto DC.

Day 4: Appalachian Mountains

Journey into the breathtaking scenery of the Blue Ridge Mountains, part of the Appalachian Mountains (500 km). Shenandoah National Park is one of the highest and most scenic portions of the Appalachian Mountains. Taking the Skyline Drive along the crest of the mountains, travel through deep woods and past spectacular vistas.

Day 5: Nashville

Drive for around six hours further south today to Nashville, Tennessee. Once settled into the campground perhaps visit the Country Music Hall of Fame, which contains the golden Cadillac that once belonged to Elvis. Another point of interest is Music Row, where more than 50 recording studios and approximately 200 music publishing houses are located.

Day 6: Memphis

Head west this morning to Memphis, which should take around four hours. Just out of the city you can visit Graceland, Elvis Presley’s former home and the site of his tomb. Here you can see the famous jungle room, as well as his cars, private planes and much more.

Days 7: Memphis

Today make the long drive across the state of Mississippi to New Orleans (the ‘Big Easy’), which usually takes around eight hours. After checking in to your hotel in the French Quarter, use your free time getting to know the ‘Big Easy’.

Day 8-9: New Orleans

Today, make the long 8-hour drive across the state of Mississippi to find yourself in a city known as the Big Easy, New Orleans.

Day 10: Los Angeles

Take a flight today from New Orleans and touch down in the City of Angels, Los Angeles. Tonight, gather together for another meeting, this time with a new group leader. There will be a meeting at 4 pm where you’ll welcome some new travellers on the next stage of your USA adventure. If you do arrive early, perhaps take a stroll down the Hollywood Walk of Fame, or spend some time learning about the lives of the rich and famous on a celebrity homes tour.

Day 11: Joshua Tree National Park

Today, you’ll head away from the coast and drive to Joshua Tree National Park. Sitting between the Mojave and Colorado Deserts, the park is famous for its spectacular desert plants – including the park’s namesake Joshua trees – along with cacti and Mojave yuccas. The area is also home to striking rock formations and mountain ranges, so you might like to head out on a scenic hike around the park or take a refreshing dip in the Colorado River.

Day 12-13: Grand Canyon National Park

Drive for 6 hours to Grand Canyon National Park, along a section of the famous Route 66, stopping in at the eccentric town of Seligman. Once we arrive at the Grand Canyon National Park, be ready to visually delight in the natural beauty for hours.

Day 14-15: Las Vegas

Head out of the Grand Canyon and cross the western deserts of Arizona to Las Vegas, which takes around 4 hours. Las Vegas may be the gambling capital of the world, but there’s plenty to do if gambling isn’t your thing. Hit the shops, feel your stomach drop on a rooftop roller coaster or simply stroll along the Strip, soaking up the glitz and gaudiness.

Day 16: Sierra Nevada / Keough Hot Springs

Leave the bright lights of Vegas behind and drive into the Eastern Sierra Nevada toward the quaint town of Bishop. On arrival, check out the town or perhaps treat yourself to the crispy cookies or ‘bear claws’ at Erick Schat’s German bakery. Later this afternoon, join the group for a soothing soak in a natural hot spring – perfect for those wanting to relax before an action-packed few days in Yosemite.

Days 17-19: Yosemite National Park

Prepare for some spectacular mountain scenery as you depart from Bishop and head west to Yosemite National Park.

Day 20: San Francisco

Leave Yosemite behind today and drive west for to San Francisco (approximately 4 hours). The ‘City by the Bay’ has a beautiful setting and a vibrant, multicultural heart. You might like to check out the vintage stores along funky Haight Street, catch the tram down to the waterfront or take an Adventure Cat Bay Cruise.

The trip finishes on arrival into San Francisco after a stop to check out the Golden Gate Bridge.

Please note, prices listed are guide prices only and are based on 2 people sharing and don’t include any additional supplements. Holiday prices are fluid and dynamic and may be changed at a moment’s notice, prior to booking, at which point they are confirmed. Please call the team free on 0800 707 6229 for more departure dates available and a quote.