Southerner ex New York

Itinerary

Day 1-2, New York Area & Washington DC

Our first stop is the nation's capital, Washington, DC, and an evening tour of the illuminated monuments. The following day is free to explore the famous Smithsonian Museums, the Capitol Building, Washington Monument or even the White House itself. Accommodation: 2 en-route hotel nights paid locally

Day 3, Appalachian Mountains

Expect crisp skies, bumpy peaks and dreamy scenery draped in spruce as you cruise down towards the Deep South. Walking, hiking and horseback riding are some of the activities awaiting you amidst the lush, natural beauty of the Appalachian Mountains. Accommodation: 1 en-route hotel night paid locally

Day 4, Nashville

We venture to the center of American country music in Nashville, Tennessee. Also known as "Music City", and home to the country music institution, the Grand Ole Opry, which is still putting on a rocking shindig. Learn to line-dance, walk the riverfront or shop at the many stores downtown. Accommodation: En-route hotel nights paid locally

Day 5, Memphis

Pay your respects to The King. Elvis's Graceland estate is crammed with gold discs, sequinned jumpsuits and his final resting place. Then stroll along Beale Street to see the influences that Blues and Jazz music has had on America. Accommodation: En-route hotel nights paid locally

Day 6-7, New Orleans

Next is New Orleans, the place everyone loves to visit, with its exciting nightlife, great music and that special French flavour. Pick up the jaunty jazz vibe in the infamous French Quarter, ride a steamboat on the Mississippi River, party on Bourbon Street and sample a Hurricane at Pat O'Brien's! Accommodation: 2 en-route hotel nights paid locally

Day 8-9, Texas & San Antonio

After checking out the alligator swamps, you'll be hoping you've packed an appetite, because barbecue was born in the Lone Star State, so follow your nose to a grill joint and order a giant rack of lipsmacking ribs. We head west for historic San Antonio and home of the Alamo, a symbol of Texan pride. Accommodation: 2 en-route hotel nights paid locally

Day 10-12, Big Bend National Park & El Paso

Leave the cities behind for five days of desert wonderland. We head to Big Bend National Park, named for the Rio Grande's sharp twist and it's huge on hiking too. As temperatures slack off for winter, negotiate miles of dirt and paved trails snaking through the stark wilderness. In El Paso's San Jacinta Plaza, a gator statue stands proud. Real live ones dwelt here until 1965, and these early resident reptiles even stayed in local saloons during cold snaps! Accommodation: Camping included

Day 13, Tombstone

You don't get much more "Wild West" than this. Scene of the OK Corral shootout, the 'Town Too Tough To Die' sports genuine gun-slinging streets. Browse the rogue's gallery buried at Boot Hill and wet parched throats at the Crystal Palace Saloon. Accommodation: Camping included

Day 14, Wild West Cowboy Camp

Our Wild West Cowboy Camp is calling! Opt to mount your trusty steed and trot between the iconic saguaro cacti, with familiar curved arms looming as high as 20 feet. Fresh from the saddle, tuck into an authentic chuck wagon dinner (that's a mobile cookhouse) before a night under a million desert stars. Accommodation: Camping included

Day 15, Monument Valley

Monument Valley, a land of classic western scenery, is the Navajo Nation's greatest natural treasure. Take a jeep tour with the Navajo guides into remote areas made famous by scores of celebrated western movies. Then spend an unforgettable night in an traditional Navajo Hogan, hearing secret stories and legends around the campfire. Accommodation: Camping included

Day 16-17, Grand Canyon National Park

Just when the scenery seems unbeatable, journey to the Grand Canyon, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Walk along the rim, hike down a canyon trail or take a scenic flight; whatever the choice, it will forever create a vivid and indelible memory of this special place. Accommodation: 2 en-route hotel nights paid locally

Day 18-19, Las Vegas

On to an incredible man-made wonder in the desert - Las Vegas - "The City That Never Sleeps". Leftfield stuff is part and parcel of Sin City: Caesars Palace mall attendants in full centurion garb; a mock volcano erupting through the evening and newly-weds partying on The Strip. It's brash, it's bizarre, it's brilliant. Catch a shows, ride a roller coasters and enjoy its famous bright lights, casino gambling and non-stop nightlife. Accommodation: 2 en-route hotel nights paid locally

Day 20, Death Valley National Park

Our desert experience is completed by this perfect winter destination: Death Valley National Park. The blistering summer heat is no more, so your camera will lap up sights like Artist's Palette, a giant egg-box of turquoise, orange and red mineral deposits, Zabriskie Point, and the immense perspectives of Dante's View, a perfect view indeed! Accommodation: Camping included

Day 21, Los Angeles

Kick back on Venice Beach, put on your best Baywatch pose by the lifeguard tower, before saying a fond farewell to LA! Tour ends at approx 17:00 hrs in Los Angeles on day 21.