Transcontinental South ex New York

Itinerary

Day 1-2, New York Area & Washington D.C

Washington D.C. is the perfect introduction to the social, cultural and political history of the United States. Explore D.C.'s parks by day and monuments by night. From the impressive Smithsonian Museum to the White House, to Georgetown's trendy bars, the capital has something for everyone. Accommodation: Camping included

Day 3-4, Carolinas, Charleston & St Augustine

Bond with new buddies as mountain views morph into swamps, plantations and palmetto palms in the Carolinas, then enjoy a cozy campfire. Historic Charleston is next. This place oozes old world charm, especially the gaudy mid-1700 houses of Rainbow Row. Head on to St Augustine, the oldest settlement on US soil which owes much to it's spanish plaza and sizzling sand. Accommodation: Camping included

Day 6, Miami

SoBe (aka South Beach) has it all! Stroll the art deco seafront or pose with the beautiful people on sugary sand and in ultra-cool nightspots. Magnificent Miami beckons with miles of white beaches and palm trees swaying in the breeze... Accommodation: 1 en-route hotel night paid locally

Day 7-8, Florida Keys

Over conch fritters and Key lime pie, admire a crimson sunset and swap tales from teeming reefs, before celebrating with a sunset party! Accommodation: Camping included

Day 9-10, Orlando

It's not far from strip malls and souvenir shops to the Magic Kingdom. Escape from it all with an optional day at Disneyworld. Forget your age, it makes a big kid of one and all. With two nights here, fitting in extra thrills and spills is a piece of cake. Maybe slip-slide around Wet 'n' Wild, be drenched by killer whales at SeaWorld or cross the final frontier at Kennedy Space Center. Who wants to grow up anyhow? Accommodation: Camping included

Day 11-12, Panama Beach

Dream of lazy beach days or windsurf and jet ski the afternoon away. The heat of the beach simmers beyond sundown in this undisputed good-time town. Pack dancing shoes with your flip-flops as the party spirit simmers far into the small hours at the hippest, hottest haunts of the Gulf Coast. Accommodation: Camping included

Day 13-14, New Orleans

Now we're talking all that jazz! We head into the enchanting French Quarter of New Orleans! Hear the real deal at Preservation Hall, echoing with chirpy trumpet and smooth sax or sample a Hurricane at Pat O'Brien's! New Orleans has more than just food, drink and music to offer. Do the Huckleberry Finn thing as you chug along the Mississippi River. Accommodation: 2 nights en-route hotel paid locally

Day 15-18, Texas

Look for gators on our optional Louisiana swamp tour through the mysterious bayous of Cajun country (a must do!). Then don your Stetson and toast marshmallows as the Lone Star bids you a big-hearted welcome for four nights in the mighty Texas. The second biggest of the states has plenty of oil, cowboys and southern hospitality. Feel that tumbleweed vibe at the Alamo in San Antonio and don't forget to checkout the Buckhorn Saloon and Museum, crammed with cowboy curiosities. Accommodation: Camping included

Day 19, Carlsbad Caverns National Park

Do you know your stalactite from your stalagmite? Carlsbad Caverns is one of the largest cave systems in the world and boasts over 100 limestone caves sporting bizarre rock formations. Pack the amphitheatre at dusk as thousands of resident bats swarm out. Accommodation: Camping included

Day 20-21, Sante Fe & Mesa Verde

Soak up the artsy vibe of Santa Fe, the oldest US capital city, high in the desert foothills, and check out the International UFO Museum and Research Centre (and gift shop!) in Roswell! They say Aliens crashed to Earth and they have proof! Mesa Verde National Park is next. Explore the ancient dwellings of Ancestral Pueblans cut into the cliff face on an optional ranger led hike; viewings are highly recommended! Accommodation: Camping included

Day 22-24, Colorado Rocky Mountains & Arches National Park

Distant peaks sport snowy caps and pines huddle together as you pit yourself against amazing hiking and biking trails in the Rockies before heading to Arches National Park. The park's name says it all. Some 2,000 orange sandstone arches strike their poses. The scenery here is breathtaking and a sunset stroll to Delicate Arch tops most 'to do' lists. Take on the famous "Slick Rock" mountain bike trail, float down the Colorado on a scenic rafting trip or tackle the terrain high above on a guided jeep tour. Accommodation: Camping included

Day 25, Monument Valley

Navajo legends rise from crimson flats at Monument Valley. The only things to pre-date the origins of Native American culture are the massive towering rock formations which dominate the awe-inspiring landscape. Take the opportunity to experience it close-up with an optional Navajo guided jeep ride before setting up camp on the edge of Monument Valley. What a place to swap campfire stories and songs. Accommodation: Camping included

Day 26-27, Grand Canyon National Park

Next we come face to face with the most awe-inspiring national park of them all, the Grand Canyon. Nothing you have ever seen before will prepare you for this spectacular site! Hike from the forest above to the desert below, or take a helicopter flight above it all and marvel at the brilliant colours. One thing's for sure though, this place looks incredible from any angle, especially walking along the rim at sunset or sunrise. Accommodation: Camping included

Day 28-29, Lake Powell, Bryce Canyon National Park

It's time for some stunning R&R, basking in the clear blue waters of Lake Powell ringed by deep red rock. Swim, ride a waverunner, horse-ride in the desert or just sit back on the shore and soak up the powerful rays of this beautiful and surreal man-made desert oasis. Bryce is next with its knobbly hoodoos striking their crazy poses as your camera clicks away at a perfect sunset. What's a hoodoo when it's at home? Actually, Hoodoos are weird and wonderful rock spires arranged in rows as far as the eye can see. They will leave you searching for your own way to describe this 'indescribable' place. Accommodation: Camping included

Day 30, Zion National Park

Another batch of topnotch trails provides one final hiking fix at Zion National Park. Swim and explore the hidden canyons or maybe hike to the top at Angels Landing. Okay, so getting up there can be devilish at times, but the famous trail puts on a 360-degree display of this magnificent national park. Accommodation: Camping included

Day 31-32, Las Vegas

Next, Las Vegas - the greatest show on earth! The Strip, the shows, the casinos, the clubs; Sin City's glitziest and brashest spots are sure to impress as you cruise the Las Vegas Boulevard on an optional limo ride! Hop onto one of the world's highest thrill rides at Vegas' Stratosphere and it won't just be your head that's spinning. And if that's not enough, take a helicopter flight down The Strip or just gamble the night away in one of the world class casinos. Accommodation: 2 en-route hotel nights paid locally

Day 33-34, San Diego

It's all about the beach: bronzed bodies, big shades and baggy shorts. Wow fellow beachgoers on your surfboard or let the world-famous San Diego Zoo or SeaWorld steal the limelight. Accommodation: Camping included

Day 35, Los Angeles

That's all, folks! After a whirlwind tour of Tinseltown and Hollywood Boulevard, of course. Tour ends at approx 17:00 hours on day 35 in Los Angeles.