Drive night:
Camp right
Stay at hotel or hostel
USA Explorer Round-Trip
Cross-Country: USA Explorer 2013 Departures:
Round Trip from New York/Boston:
- Check back in 2014!
36 Days: $2218 plus $598 for food/parks. Hostel nights not included
Frequent Crawler Program
- Points Awarded for this Trip: 10,000
- Points for Free Trip: 100,000
Join the Frequent Crawler Club today!
USA Explorer Round-Trip Cross Country Tour - 36 Days
Experience the very best the U.S.A. has to offer on our round-trip coast-to-coast overland holiday! Ride the legendary adventure bus across the country and back, and see Mt. Rushmore, the Badlands, Bryce Canyon, Zion, Yosemite, White Sands, Big Bend, New Orleans, and more!
Day 1 & 2 - NYC/Boston to Great Lakes/Appalachians:
Say "Goodbye" to the city 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!
Day 3 - 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 4 - 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 5 - 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 6 - 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 7 - Black Hills/Mount Rushmore:
We're tumbling west towards cowboy country, stopping in at the impressive Mount Rushmore National Monument to admire our greatest American presidents carved into the mountain. Later, brave the rough and tumble history of the gold rush town of Custer.
Day 8 - Colorado/Rockies:
The towering view of the Rockies will amaze you as you dine on a gourmet Tortoise-style breakfast. Experience the thrill of a white-water rafting trip jetting you down the Colorado River, or go for a hike and enjoy the fresh mountain air!
Day 11 - Utah/Arches National Park:
Get dwarfed by towering pinnacles and spires as you explore this park, known for containing the worlds largest concentration of natural sandstone arches and impressive balancing rocks. Round up your friends -- this is a perfect opportunity for a group photo!
Day 10 - Utah/Moab:
Blast off on a mountain bike over the stunning red-rock landscape, or simply relax in this friendly town. Talented artists display their craft in galleries, stroll through or treat yourself to a midday snack at a brewery. Later, soak the exciting day away in a natural hot spring.
Day 11 - Utah/Bryce National Park:
Home to a brightly layered landscape that rivals the Grand Canyon, Bryce offers stunning desert hiking that stretches into a lunar-like land. Make sure you 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:
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 - San Francisco/California Coastline:
We begin our journey today and roll south, soaking up the sun along California's dramatic Highway 1. Wiggle your toes in the sandy shores of the Pacific Ocean and check out seal pups at the protected elephant seal sanctuary on Piedras Blancas beach. Stroll Monterey’s Cannery Row, before saying goodbye to the coast and heading east.
Day 24 - 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 25 - Las Vegas, Nevada:
It's Vegas, baby! Jump-start your heart 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 26 - Grand Canyon National Park:
At Arizona’s awe-inspiring park, stroll along the Rim Trail and behold the canyon’s wonder from the many overlooks, or go for the gusto and descend into the canyon on one of the routes on Bright Angel or South Kaibab trails. Whichever you choose, enjoy the mind-blowing panorama -- a perfect backdrop to our gourmet cookout.
Day 27 - New Mexico/Gila Wilderness:
Absorb the nature of this rustic desert terrain of Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument on a tour of the natural caves -- inhabited more than 700 years ago by ancestral Pueblo people. Reflect on ancient times while soaking in a natural hot springs under the starry skies of a cool desert night.
Day 28 - New Mexico/Tularosa Basin:
Traverse the largest gypsum sand dunes in the world and try to capture photos of African Onyx, or just roll around in the sparkling White Sands National Monument for your own playful photographic opportunities. Round-em up, we'll head out toward the "Lone Star State" after a desert sunset.
Day 29 - 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 stories onboard the bus as we roll into the deep south.
Day 30 - Louisiana:
We get down-home and back-woods in the swamplands of the south today. Get some of that southern hospitality and flavor on an alligator-spotting boat tour though the bayou. If you see one, shout out "See ya later, alligator" 'cause we'll be heading out to New Orleans to sample some smooth jazz, hot cajun fare and the all-night entertainment of Bourbon Street.
Day 31 - New Orleans:
Rise and shine, party-goers, New Orleans is not just 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. Capture local folklore at the Voodoo Museum, then take a cemetery tour by ornate and mysterious mausoleums.
Day 32 - Florida:
Release your inner beach-bum and kick back on the beaches ribboning the Gulf of Mexico, known for its turquoise waters and bleach-blonde sands. You'll find peace whether you swim, snorkel or just spot herons and ibis on this mile-and-a-half stretch of paradise.
Day 33 - 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 34 - 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 35 - 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 36 - New York City/Boston:
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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Please note this is a combination trip. Please call our office for details.
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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