Drive night:
Camp right
Stay at hotel or hostel
American Overland Round Trip
Cross-Country USA: American Overland 2013 Departures:
New York/Boston to San Francisco:
- Sat, Jul 27 - Sat, Aug 31
36 Days: $2272 plus $598 for food/parks.
Frequent Crawler Program
- Points Awarded for this Trip: 10,000
- Points for Free Trip: 100,000
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American Overland Round Trip
Cross Country - 36 Days
This epic cross-country tour will take you from Boston to San Francisco and back, with stops at the best National Parks and City Highlights! This affordable adventure is sure to be one you’ll never forget!
Day 1 - Boston/New York City:
From Boston we strike out through southern New England to meet more of our friends in dazzling New York City. Take a bite out of the "Big Apple" and savor the street food, embark on some sightseeing, or just or hangout with the locals but don't get lost on the subway 'cause we'll be trekking to the nations capital, enjoying the scenic east coast.
Day 2 - Washington D.C.
The capitol of the United States, Washington D.C., houses the motherlode of historical sights. Explore the museums of the Smithsonian Institution and stroll down the National Mall past the all-star line-up of national treasures, the Washington Monument, the Reflection Pool, and the Lincoln Memorial.
Day 3 - Great Smoky Mountains National Park:
Trek by a splashing stream to roaring waterfalls, discover your own hidden spot overlooking the fog-layered flanks of the hills, or relax with your camera handy. Hike through the forest and keep a watchful eye for one of the furry black bears that call this UNESCO World Heritage site home.
Day 4 - Smoky Mountains/Gatlinburg:
Ride the wilds of nature on horseback in America's most visited national park or hop on the bus to Gatlinburg, Tennessee to check out the local attractions like the Aquarium of the Smokies and Ripley’s Believe it or Not! Reunite for an amazing gourmet dinner, and tell your stories during our night on the bus.
Day 5 - New Orleans:
Rise and shine! New Orleans isn't only about the night life in the French Quarter! After a morning beignet and cafe au lait, check out street performers in Jackson Square, and listen to the sidewalk sounds of Zydeco, Dixieland jazz, and Delta blues. Saunter into a Jazz club, sample Cajun fare and live it up with your friends on Bourbon Street.
Day 6 - Texas:
Yee-haw, welcome to Texas, y'all! Hit the big city with your friends and jam to a concert in Austin, take a plunge in the 1,000-foot long natural spring-fed pool at Barton Springs, or explore the trendy cafes of the South Congress district. Later, share your adventures onboard the bus as we roll into the deep south.
Day 7 - Texas/New Mexico:
Swim in the amazing spring-fed oasis at Balmorhea State Park, which provides a home for an incredible array of wildlife and endangered species. Later, we'll roll to New Mexico and camp under the starry night skies.
Day 8 - Guadalupe Mountains/Carlsbad Caverns:
Explore of one of the most extensive cave systems in the world on an underground tour. Marvel at the fantastic limestone stalactites and stalagmites, and peer into dark corners for resident bats. Even though they wont harm us, we'll still boogie outta here tonight!
Day 9 & 10 - Arizona/Utah:
Explore the ancient cliff-dwellings with a Navajo guide in Canyon de Chelly National Monument, then pitch camp on the brinks of the plummeting canyon at Goosenecks State Park. Book a jeep tour into the sacred lands of Monument Valley or feel the wind in your hair on horseback instead. Splash into Lake Powell and cool off before savoring the flavor of a southwest dinner in Paige.
Day 11 - Bryce National Park area:
Home to a brightly layered landscape that rivals the Grand Canyon, Bryce offers stunning desert hiking that stretches into a lunar-like land. Don't wander too far -- we're heading towards a little-known location for a gourmet feast and campout under the stars!
Day 12 - Zion National Park:
Ascend the brilliantly-banded sandstone canyons to Angel’s Landing and be rewarded with sweeping views of Zion, or take a short walk to witness the miracle of raindrops cascading directly from the sandstone arch of Weeping Rock. Later, cool your jets with a splash-down in the Virgin River.
Day 13 - Las Vegas, Nevada:
It's Vegas, baby! Get your heart going with adrenaline-pumping rides, take the city by storm in a limo, or get your game on at the black jack tables. Whatever your thrill, Vegas has something for everyone!
Day 14 though 17 - San Francisco, California:
Welcome to the west coast of America! Everyone's favorite city is your home for the next few days so say goodbye to the bus and jump right into an activity -- there's so much to see and do here! Bike over the Golden Gate Bridge, cruise to Alcatraz Island, hang in "The Haight", or club-hop into the wee hours. Whatever your pleasure, our experts will point you in the right direction before you embark on your solo exploration days.
Day 18 through 20: Yosemite National Park/Sierra Nevada area:
Forge to the top of rushing waterfalls, bike under sheer cliffs reaching into the sky, and stroll through Giant sequoias, this world-renowned destination is packed with sights you can't miss! Backpack to hidden valleys, float in a saline lake, or ponder the mysteries of geology in this glacially created wonderland. We'll also step back into time and visit an authentic historical saloon in a town born in the gold-rush.
Day 21 & 22 - San Francisco:
Spend these days with your friends and check off the sights you missed last time, or just chill-out west coast style and gear up for the next leg of our adventure - the east bound cross country!
Day 23 - Nevada:
Leave the Golden Gates of San Francisco behind and wake up in the wide-open Nevada country-side. Hike through the pine-studded valleys and take a brisk dip in an alpine lake. The day heats up later with a soak in one of our favorite hot springs!
Day 24 - Wyoming:
It's the wild, wild west out here and it's time to pump up your adrenaline on a white-water rafting trip down the Snake River. Or, choose to roam free like the coyotes and hike beneath jagged mountain peaks. Later, stroll through a frontier town and check out the local watering hole.
Day 25 - Grand Teton National Park:
Plunge deep into rugged terrain and discover Hidden Falls, rent a canoe and glide through the lake, take a bout tour, or climb to the top of Inspiration Point for some breathtaking views. Explore the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone then relax after your scenic trek with a gourmet meal and your new friends.
Day 26 & 27 - Yellowstone National Park:
This extraordinary park is famous for gushing geysers (yes, Old Faithful resides here!), roaming herds of buffalo and elk, and expansive plains enclosed by grandiose mountains. Keep your camera handy -- the wildlife viewing here is spectacular!
Day 28 - Montana:
Saddle-up, this is cattle country! Get a sneak peek at cowboy couture and dine with the locals in the small western town of Gardiner. Later soak away the day in Paradise at a nearby hot spring.
Day 29 - Wyoming/South Dakota:
Seek close encounters of the third kind at Devils Tower National Monument, rising out of expansive prairie-lands, you'll see why Native American tribes consider this a sacred place. When you tire of waiting for the mother ship, take a respite in your beautiful Black Hillscampsite.
Day 30 - Black Hills/Mount Rushmore:
We're tumbling out of cowboy country and into Sioux Indian Territory, stopping in at the impressive Mount Rushmore National Monument to admire our greatest American presidents carved into the mountain. Later, take in the history of the gold rush town of Custer, and dine with local tribal members on indian tacos.
Day 31 - South Dakota/Badlands:
The mind-blowing landscape of pinnacles, canyons and multi-colored jagged rocks are like a scene from another planet. Pose for photos as you imagine running from the saber-toothed cat, rhino and ancient horse -- mammals that roamed here in another era.
Day 32 - Great Plains area:
Chill out among grassy fields, shady trees, and friendly people, or stretch your legs on a hike to the center of a cool, northern states town.
Day 33 - Chicago, Illinois:
Explore the streets of Chicago with your friends and indulge in the region’s most famous culinary treats, absorb the cultural scene at a museum, cruise on an urban boat ride, or hit the breweries with your friends!
Day 34 - Great Lakes/Appalachians:
Say "Goodbye" to Chicago's hustle and grind and "Hello" to swimming, hiking and exploring fresh-water lakes and lush forests. Get on the water and rent a kayak or glide over tranquil lagoons on a pontoon boat. Be ready with your camera, opportunities for wildlife photos await you at our lakeside campsite in the Allegheny Mountains.
Day 35 - Niagara Falls:
These famous falls will amaze you with the sheer volume of water, thundering and crashing to the depths below. Get up close and personal (and a little wet!) in the Maid of the Mist tour for a boat ride you'll never forget!
Day 36 - Boston/New York City:
Welcome back to the east coast of the USA! Our round trip American cross-country tour ends today with a morning drop-off in New York City or an afternoon drop-off in Boston.
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Flexible Itinerary means that we may alter an itinerary depending on weather, local events, etc. Although we make every attempt to run our trips as advertised, please be aware that the itinerary may change to give you the best trip possible.
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