Arrive Los Angeles
Welcome to Los Angeles! Your Tour Leader will be on hand late this afternoon to answer any questions.
32-day fly-and-tour epic adventure from Los Angeles to New Orleans! This tour covers natural wonders, iconic cities, and soulful rhythms for an unforgettable coast-to-coast experience.
Book By 30 November 2024
Select Dates 30 Sept 2025 - 21 Oct 2025
32-day fly-and-tour epic adventure from Los Angeles to New Orleans! This tour covers natural wonders, iconic cities, and soulful rhythms for an unforgettable coast-to-coast experience.
International roundtrip flights into Los Angeles to New York and depart from New Orleans
Enjoy onboard meals and drinks, inflight entertainment and checked baggage allowance on all flights.
Experience the ultimate American adventure starting in Los Angeles with stops at Yosemite and Grand Canyon to the stunning Pacific Coast from San Francisco. Fly to New York, see breathtaking Niagara Falls and explore the heart of America & the legendary music scene along the way.
Highlights on Tour
Inclusions
Open All
Welcome to Los Angeles! Your Tour Leader will be on hand late this afternoon to answer any questions.
Driving Time: Approx 2 Hours
The day begins with a sightseeing tour of Hollywood, including stops at the historic TCL Chinese Theatre and Dolby Theatre, home of the Academy Awards, along the Hollywood Walk of Fame. By midday, you’ll head to Palm Springs, a desert oasis known for its sunny weather and its history as a retreat for Hollywood stars since the 1930s.
Driving Time: Approx 4.5 hours
Travel through cacti-covered desert towards Old Town Scottsdale where Western storefronts create an aura of the past. Enjoy free time to explore a taste of the Old West with shopping and Western bars. With wooden beams, wagon wheels, and cowboy hats abundant, you will feel like you have traveled back in time to the era of outlaws and saloons.
Driving Time: Approx 5.5 Hours
First stop today is a visit to Sedona, a center for Southwestern and New Age arts. Travel through Oak Creek Canyon with its weather-sculpted formations of dramatic, color-tinted crags. Then pass by the San Francisco Mountains and beautiful pine forests to the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park. For a once-in-a-lifetime experience, take our optional helicopter flightseeing excursion for incomparable views of flame-colored walls plunging 6,093 feet into the Colorado River (extra cost) Stay overnight in Williams, a picturesque mountain town with Route 66 as the main street.
Driving Time: 3.5 Hours
Cross the old Mohave gold-strike country, that still has traces of century-old ghost towns set in the natural desert beauty. Look out for Joshua trees, a species of the Agave family that grows to 40 feet high and can live for more than 300 years. Today’s destination is the man-made oasis in the Nevada desert that is Las Vegas, a fantastic city of feverish gambling, neon lights, and glamorous shows. An orientation tour upon arrival shows off many of the themed casino resorts along the colorful “Strip.”
Meals: Breakfast Included
The day is free for exploring on your own. Your Tour Leader will have plenty of activities to choose from (extra cost) and will recommend favorite restaurants and shopping areas.
Driving Time: Approx 6 Hours
Departing the neon lights of Las Vegas, we continue across the desert landscape of Nevada before crossing into California. See the vast Mojave Desert, which covers one-fifth of California. Pass through agricultural land and overnight in Selma in the central San Joaquin Valley.
Driving Time: Approx 3 Hours
Today, visit Yosemite National Park, a wonderland of giant granite domes, towering pinnacles, cascading waterfalls, and lush forests. Afterward, drive to Sonora.
Driving Time: Approx 2.5 Hours
This morning, we continue west to the “Golden Gate City” of San Francisco, famous for its cable cars. After lunch, take in the spectacular Golden Gate Bridge, Nob Hill, and bustling Fisherman’s Wharf.
The day is free for you to explore more of this fascinating city with optional tours (extra cost). Visit legendary Alcatraz Prison and get a close-up look at the infamous federal penitentiary that was off limits to the public for years, take an iconic cable car ride, there are a variety of tours to choose from.
Driving Time: Approx 2.5 Hours
This morning, travel south to picturesque Monterey, which was once Spain’s Californian capital. Visit Monterey Harbor’s historic Old Fisherman’s Wharf to look for sea lions and otters, then visit Cannery Row, made famous by John Steinbeck’s novel of the same name. Later, take in the spectacular Pacific Ocean waves from legendary 17-Mile Drive and the rugged Pacific coastline en route to Carmel Bay. Nestled in a pine forest beside the picturesque coastline, Carmel by the Sea is a storybook setting not to be missed.
Driving Time: Approx 3.5 Hours
Today, you will experience one of the most beautiful coastlines anywhere in the world—Big Sur. Experience stunning views, redwood forests, and the Pacific Ocean crashing below. Keep your camera handy, as there will be plenty of scenic photo stops. Visit Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park and experience the deep shade and cathedral-like beauty of California Redwoods, and the dramatic mountains meeting the sea. Enjoy time in San Luis Obispo before making your way to Solvang, where Denmark has been recreated with picturesque buildings and windmills. There’s time to walk the flower-lined village streets and enjoy the “Old World” architecture.
Meals: Breakfast Included
Driving Time: 2.5 Hours
From Solvang, it’s a short drive south back to the coast. We make our way to Santa Monica Pier, and the ultimate California beach. Afterward, head to your hotel near Los Angeles International Airport and say goodbye to your Tour Leader for your flight tomorrow to the East Coast.
Head to the Los Angeles airport with the hotel shuttle for your included flight to New York. Welcome to the “Big Apple!” and transfer on your own to the hotel. The tour leader is on hand late this afternoon to answer any questions. New York City is one of the world’s most exciting cities, buzzing with atmosphere and packed with fascinating sights, so enjoy the evening to take it all in.
Driving Time Approx: 2.5 Hours
This morning you’ll enjoy a guided sightseeing tour by coach of NYC, including key sites such as Broadway, Rockefeller, China town and other neighbourhoods. From there, head south through New Jersey to Philadelphia, the birthplace of the United States. After an orientation tour of the “City of Brotherly Love” which is steeped in history, you’ll have free time. Consider a visit to America’s, most historic square mile, and see Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell or visit Reading Terminal Market, one of the nation’s oldest public markets dating back to 1893.
Driving Time Approx: 3 Hours
Depart for Washington DC, making a stop enroute to the charming town of Annapolis, which sits along the shores of the Chesapeake Bay. It is the state capital of Maryland and is also home to the U.S. Naval Academy. Time for a scatter lunch where you may want to sample Maryland crab! Then travel a short distance to Washington DC for a two-night stay.
Meals: Breakfast included
The nation’s capital is a sightseeing treasure trove, and your half-day tour with a local guide features Capitol Hill, the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument, National WWII Memorial, and other well-known sights. Stop for photos at the White House and Capitol Hill. As the remainder of the day is free, perhaps visit one of the many Smithsonian museums. This evening you may like to join the optional Washington Monuments Illumination tour and dinner.
Meals: Breakfast included
Driving Time Approx: 7 Hours
Travel along the Susquehanna River to Williamsport, the birthplace of Little League baseball and site of the league’s annual “World Series.” Later, cross the Rainbow Bridge to Canada and arrive at Niagara Falls, Ontario, for your overnight stay.
Meals: Breakfast included
This morning, board your Niagara Falls sightseeing cruise for amazing close-up views from the base of the falls. This afternoon is free for independent activities. Perhaps take an optional helicopter sightseeing tour over the Falls or a trip to nearby Niagara-on-the-Lake, often described as the prettiest town in Ontario.
Driving Time Approx: 4 Hours
This morning travel to Dearborn, where you’ll visit the Henry Ford Museum. Here you’ll experience the spirit of American innovation, see a world-famous collection of automobiles, and view American artifacts like the presidential limo in which President John F. Kennedy was killed.
Driving Time Approx: 4 Hours
Travel to Chicago, America’s third-largest city, known for its renowned architecture, skyscrapers, and museums. Arriving early afternoon sightseeing includes all the major landmarks of the “Windy City.”
Meals: Breakfast included
Included sightseeing shows off the city’s landmarks, then an afternoon at leisure. Maybe visit Skydeck at the top of Willis Tower (formerly the Sears Tower), the second-tallest building in the or stroll along Michigan Avenue, better known as the Magnificent Mile. In the evening, perhaps enjoy one of Chicago’s legendary blues clubs.
Meals: Breakfast included
Driving Time Approx: 4.5 Hours
Travel across the fertile Illinois farmlands to St. Louis, “Gateway to the West.” After an orientation tour, you’ll have the afternoon at leisure to explore. Consider joining an optional excursion to the top of Gateway Arch National Park, which commemorates the city’s key role in westward expansion, then visit the museum under the Arch, celebrating Lewis & Clark’s famous expedition 200 years ago.
Meals: Breakfast included
Driving Time Approx: 4 Hours
This morning, depart for Louisville, located along the Ohio River and known as the ‘Gateway to the South’ as well as the official starting point to the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. This evening stroll along Fourth Street Live or historic Main Street, named “One of the Best Main Streets in America”.
Meals: Breakfast included
Today you have time to discover the many attractions in downtown Louisville, including the Muhammad Ali Center, the Louisville Slugger Museum or take a cruise along the Ohio River. You may also choose to join the optional excursion to explore the Bourbon Trail, visiting several local distilleries including tastings and time to discover the Kentucky countryside.
Meals: Breakfast included
Driving Time Approx: 2.5 Hours
Depart mid-morning for Music City, Nashville. Upon arrival take a guided sightseeing tour of Nashville’s famous landmarks and the Music Row recording studios. This evening you have the option of joining a night out with music, dancing, and dining
Meals: Breakfast included
Today you have time at leisure to explore downtown Nashville or consider joining an optional excursion to the Country Music Hall of Fame and historic RCA Studio B, cradle of the 1960s “Nashville Sound” where stars such as Dolly Parton, Elvis Presley, Eddy Arnold, Willie Nelson, and the Everly Brothers recorded many of their biggest hits. Consider visiting the Ryman Auditorium or Johnny Cash Museum. Tonight, consider a visit to the world-famous Grand Ole Opry, a mecca for country music.
Driving Time Approx: 3 Hours
This morning cross Tennessee to Memphis, “Home of the Blues” and a city with a distinct Southern flavour. Enjoy an orientation tour on arrival and see where scenes from the Johnny Cash biographical film ‘Walk the Line’ were filmed. Consider the optional excursion to Sun Studio, where rock ‘n’ roll was first recorded, followed by dinner at a local restaurant.
A good portion of the day is devoted to your included visit to Graceland, Elvis Presley’s beautiful estate. Your guided audio tour focuses on the opulent 15,000-square-foot mansion and the Meditation Garden where Elvis and members of his family have been laid to rest. You’ll also see Elvis’ custom jets and his favorite automobiles! Return to Memphis mid-afternoon and, if you haven’t done so already, get a taste of Memphis with some southern barbecue or visit the Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum near historic Beale Street.
Driving Time Approx: 5.5 Hours
Arrive late afternoon in New Orleans and discover the sights and sounds of the city on a guided tour that includes the French Quarter landmarks, St. Louis Cathedral and Jackson Square, and a visit to a unique above-ground cemetery. Enjoy a free evening to explore the French Quarter.
A full day to explore the city and surroundings of New Orleans. Consider an optional tour of one of the many plantation homes in southern Louisiana. The architecture and beauty of these homes alone is impressive and the stories that go with them are even better. This evening, perhaps join an optional Mississippi River dinner cruise, with live jazz—the perfect finale to a memorable touring adventure of the South.
Your holiday ends this morning. You may choose to extend with extra nights and explore the “Big Easy” further.
Price based on tours starting:
Price based on departing from Melbourne, Sydney
Extra charges apply for:
Optional tours can be booked directly with the Tour Leader and paid in USD
The pace of this tour is fast and lively. The on-the-go nature rewards you with maximum sightseeing opportunities but involves some early starts and a couple of long travel days, with one or two nights in each destination. Scheduled free days allow some downtime, or you have the flexibility to explore further and book optional tours (extra expense)
Hotel names referenced are to be used as an indicative guide for the standard of accommodation to expect. Actual hotels may differ and will be confirmed on your final documentation.
Los Angeles Cambria Hotel Los Angeles or similar
Palm Springs Courtyard Palm Springs or similar
Phoenix Holiday Inn & Suites Phoenix Airport North or similar
Williams Comfort Inn Near Grand Canyon or similar
Las Vegas Excalibur or similar
Selma Holiday Inn Selma Swan Court or similar
Sonora Heritage Inn Yosemite -Sonora or similar
San Francisco Parc 55 San Francisco or similar
Monterey Days Inn Monterey Downtown or similar
Solvang Hotel Corque or similar
New York City Holiday Inn New York City Lower East Side or similar
Philadelphia Wyndham Philadelphia Historic District or similar
Washington DC Area Sonesta Select Arlington or similar
Niagara Falls Days Inn Near the Falls or similar
Dearborn Best Western Greenfield Inn or similar
Chicago Area Comfort Inn O’Hare or similar
St. Louis Pear Tree Inn Union Station St. Louis Downtown or similar
Louisville KY Hampton Inn Louisville Downtown or similar
Nashville The Inn at Opryland or similar
Memphis Holiday Inn Memphis Downtown or similar
New Orleans Wyndham New Orleans French Quarter or similar
Important Information
Exclusions
Flights, airport transfers, meals not stated, drinks on meals, optional programs, visas (if required), travel insurance (strongly recommended), tipping, personal expenses and anything not explicitly specified are at your own expense.
Payment
A first deposit from $499 per person is required to secure your booking. A second deposit (partial payment) is due 10 months before departure – the amount to be advised at the time of booking. The final balance will be due 5 months before departure. Full payment is due at the time of booking for departures within 5 months.
Fitness
A moderate level of fitness is required. You are required to move about unassisted, including getting on and off buses, walking in big cities, and up and down stairs. You will be required to carry your own bags to and from hotels, train stations and terminals. This trip is not suitable for people requiring wheelchair, mobility scooters or facilities for disabled guests. Other walking aids may be permitted if you are able move about unassisted at the required pace. For advice on whether this trip is suitable for you, you are required to disclose physical ailments at the time of booking.
Pace
The pace of this tour is fast and lively. The on-the-go nature rewards you with maximum sightseeing opportunities but involves some early starts and a couple of long travel days, with one or two nights in each destination. Scheduled free days allow some downtime, or you have the flexibility to explore further and book optional tours (extra expense)
Solo Occupancy
A single supplement from $4900 per person is payable in addition to the twin share price for solo occupancy.
Triple Share
Triple share is not available.
Extra Accommodation
Extra nights in Los Angeles and New Orleans, in the same tour hotel or similar area, can be added with rates from $420 per room per night, subject to availability. Transfers to and from the hotel and airports are not included
Child
This tour is best enjoyed by adults and is not suitable for children under 12 years of age. Children 12 years and above are subject to the adult price and must be accompanied by an adult.
Price
Surcharges may apply for select travel periods and departure cities. Prices are correct at time of publication and are subject to availability, change, cancellation, or withdrawal without notice. All prices are in Australian dollars per person twin share unless stated otherwise.
Amendment
Each amendment is subject to a non-refundable fee – from $75 per person. Additional fees and fare differences from third-party suppliers including air, tour, cruise, and accommodation providers may apply.
Cancellation
Cancellation at any time is subject to a non-refundable fee – from $550 per person. Additional fees and fare differences from third-party suppliers including air, tour, cruise, and accommodation providers may apply.
Deviation
Any request to deviate from the original dates or routing, including early arrival and stay behind, is subject to a flight deviation fee from $150 per person plus applicable airfare and tax difference. Packaged tour extensions are not subject to the deviation fee (applicable airfare and tax difference may still apply) if booked according to the original advertised dates and routing.
Passport
For international travel, each customer must provide a copy of the passport photo page at the time of booking. It is the customer’s responsibility to ensure all names are full names matched to the passport with six months validity beyond trip completion. The customer is liable for all fees due to incorrect names, invalid passport information and expired passports.
Visa
A visa is required for Australian passport holders visiting the USA for the purpose of short-term tourism. Apply online prior to leaving for a visa https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/isa Requirements for each origin and destination country are the responsibility of the customer to check and obtain (if required) with the local consulate or embassy. The customer is liable for all visa application costs and fees due to the failure to obtain the required travel documents.
Health
It is the responsibility of the customer to check and comply with the health, vaccination, COVID-19 and immigration requirements of each origin and destination country, and health requirements imposed by air, tour, cruise, and accommodation providers. Vaccinations, testing, and quarantine costs are the expense of the customer. Comprehensive travel insurance with COVID-19 coverage is strongly recommended.
Baggage
Each person is entitled to a strict maximum of one bag not exceeding 20kg on the coach tour, superseding any other baggage allowance. Excess baggage is not permitted. You are strongly encouraged to pack lightly. A light day bag or backpack is permitted on the coach. A carry-on bag with wheels is not considered hand luggage on motorcoaches. Porterage is not included, and you are required to carry your own bags. Luggage and personal effects are your own risk, and we hold no liability for lost or damaged belongings.
Meals
Please notify us at the time of booking of any special dietary requirements and allergies. We will pass on your requirements but cannot guarantee that they can be met as certain choices may be limited or not catered for. You are encouraged to reconfirm requirements with your tour leader whilst on tour.
Accommodation
Accommodation names referenced are to be used as an indicative guide for the standard of accommodation to expect. Actual accommodation names may differ and will be confirmed on your final documentation. All hotel ratings are local or self-ratings provided by the supplier. All rooms are lead-in category or run of house unless otherwise specified. The standard check-in time is after 3pm and check-out is before 10am – actual times may vary.
Tipping
Tipping in the USA is part of their culture at restaurants, hotels, taxis, spa treatments & hairdressers.
Tipping for the tour leader and driver is recommended as a gesture of appreciation for the service provided at the end of the tour. The suggested amount is USD 8 to 10 per day for the tour leader and USD 5 to 7 per day for the driver.
Tipping is generally 15-20% of the restaurant bill (before tax) and is considered standard for good service. Some restaurants may automatically add gratuity, so check your bill carefully.
You don’t have to tip at fast food places or coffee shops with counter service.
Flights
The outbound flight may depart one day prior to day 1 shown on the itinerary. The inbound flight may arrive one day after the final day shown on the itinerary. Flights are booked about 8 to 10 months before departure. The flights included in your package are based on a specific predetermined airfare allowance. Should there be a significant increase in airfares, fuel levies, taxes or government fees at the time of booking flights, then an airfare supplement may be imposed. The flights team will discuss options with you prior to ticketing, should this situation arise. Flights may not operate daily or directly to your destination. No show of any flight sectors will result in the automatic cancellation of all onward flights by the airline.
Fuel
In the unlikely event of a significant increase in fuel costs levied by third-party air, land and cruise transportation operators before travel, a fuel supplement may be passed on to the customer.
Transfers
Airport transfers are not included.
Group Size
The maximum number is 45 people on tour. If the trip does not operate, you will be offered a credit.
Optional Tours
Optional tours are available to purchase on tour and paid to the local guide in USD.
They may require minimum numbers to operate.
Itinerary
The operating schedule and itinerary may be impacted without notice by adverse weather, seasonal factors, closures, local conditions, COVID-19 or other factors beyond our control including force majeure. If attractions are not available due to reasons beyond our control such as closures or adverse weather, alternatives will be provided where possible. The itinerary and its order, sightseeing and transportation may be adjusted as deemed appropriate by the operator for optimum safety, enjoyment, and operation. Any reference to ‘optional’, ‘not included’ or ‘exclusions/excluded’ means at your own expense.
Breakaway
Customers must always remain with the tour group and must not leave the tour unless written approval is provided before departure.
Documentation
Final documentation will be emailed within two weeks of departure. For packages consisting of multiple tours or countries, documentation will be emailed individually within two weeks of departure of each respective tour.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is strongly recommended. Ask our holiday experts for great coverage options.
Force Majeure
Force majeure means any natural disaster, accident, fire, act of God, act of war, terrorism, legally binding judgment, injunction, action of a court or other relevant authority, emergency, unplanned repairs, maintenance, strike, industrial dispute, work ban, blockade or picketing, travel ban, pandemic, epidemic or outbreak of infectious disease, or other event beyond our reasonable direct or indirect control. In case of force majeure or other extraordinary event that prevents safe travel, the supplier reserves the right to adjust, postpone or cancel the trip.
Product Code: MT-1840
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