This 17-day trip takes you from east to west coast on a tour of America’s natural, cultural, and historic marvels, giving you an urban start in the boroughs of New York City and exploring the streets of Philadelphia, Washington, Niagara Falls, Detroit, and Chicago. From there, you’ll embark to America’s wild frontiers through national parks and outdoor landmarks of the Badlands, Mount Rushmore, Yellowstone, Grand Teton Mountains, Grand Canyon, the Mojave Desert, and coming to an end in the star-studded capital of Los Angeles.
Learn about the origins of all 50 states in Philadelphia as you set your sights on the Liberty Bell and Independence National Historical Park in the city where the founding fathers once gathered. The capital of Washington will throw you into the heart of modern day American history, where you’ll enjoy a city tour of the US Capitol Building, Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, and the White House. Museums of historical and artistic nature abound here, paving the way for a visit to Gettysburg National Military Park.
Moving north, you’ll cross the Canadian border where the mist of the Niagara Falls will take over your senses. Feel the roar of the falls in your ears as you explore this natural wonder, which will make for an interesting contrast against the sounds of Motor City USA, also known as Detroit. Here you’ll visit the Henry Ford Museum and the nearby Ford plant, understanding where the city’s reputation comes from. Set your sights towards Lake Michigan, stretching as far as the eye can see as you move around its shores towards Chicago.
The bustling centre and cultural hubs of The Windy City will impress you with its modern high-rise architecture that towers over Navy Pier, boasting one of the world’s tallest buildings. Urban sights will fade away as you travel through Midwestern farm country, where corn fields and dairy farms meet the eye.
In South Dakota, you’ll marvel at the rocky peaks and prairies of Badlands National Park. The alien-like landscapes of the Black Hills, nearly inexplicably created by wind and water, will stun you as you gaze off into the distance coloured in red, brown, green, and gold hues. Come face-to-face with America’s least natural but most famous rock formations at Mount Rushmore, snapping a selfie alongside four of the country’s great presidents.
Wyoming will give way to mountainous terrain, as home to Yellowstone, America’s first National Park. Yellowstone is a wet wonderland of bubbling hot springs, exploding geysers, and glacial lakes set against the backdrops of snowy peaks and bison herds that graze in its green pastures. Neighbouring Grand Teton National Park will give you no shortage of sweeping views either, such as the panorama from the iconic Snake River Outlook.
Cross the border into Utah where you’ll explore Salt Lake City, one of the country’s best-planned centres. Afterwards, you’ll explore the martian-like natural red amphitheatres of Bryce Canyon, shelved in unique geological shapes due to thousand year old erosion. Warm canyon walls make a stunning contrast against the crystalline blues of Lake Powell, one of America’s largest man-made lakes. Follow the desert into the dizzying drops of the Grand Canyon, with its extinct volcanoes and red rising spires.
The freedom of the open road awaits you on historic Route 66, bringing you to Seligman, a town that gives you a healthy dose of nostalgic Americana. The icons keep coming as you roll into the dazzling lights of Las Vegas, where you can take in the sights and sounds along its famous Strip.
Travel through clusters of unique Joshua trees on the road through the Mojave Desert, as the sun beckons you to Los Angeles. Once there, go on a stargazing tour of Hollywood, the Sunset Strip, and Beverly Hills as you discover all the glitz and glamour the City of Angels has to offer. The next day, transfer independently to the airport or continue exploring the Golden State and all its coastline has to offer.
