This trip has been specially designed to run at a consistent but relaxed pace with plenty of free days built into the itinerary to allow each group to change the tour to suit their specific interests.
After departing the Big Apple, we begin our tour in America’s capital, Washington D.C. Learn the country's history by visiting museums, monuments, memorials and the Mall. Travel south to experience the charm of Charleston South Carolina before heading into the warmth of the Florida sun, sand and sea. Soak up the rays on the beach at St. Augustine, splash in the surf of the Florida Keys, wonder at the wildlife of the Everglades, and discover Disney world. The city of jazz is next, New Orleans situated on the Gulf Coast. You may never want to leave this eclectic city but four amazing days and nights in the great state of Texas await you.
The National Parks of New Mexico and Utah are next. You will roam through the mountains of Colorado and the Indian Lands of Arizona. Go on a jeep tour with the Navajo Indians in Monument Valley, before exploring the sheer splendour of Grand Canyon National Park.
Then cool off in the clear blue waters of Lake Powell, with time to rest and relax. Hiking and photo opportunities abound in the jaw dropping Bryce Canyon and Zion National Parks of southern Utah.
Canyon dust gives way to desert glitz when we journey to Las Vegas. Catch a show, a limo or a casino and let the neon and nightlife dazzle you. Travel to mellow out in Southern California's playground, San Diego. Sea World Adventure Park, the world renowned San Diego Zoo and beautiful beaches beckon before heading up the coast to the City of Angels, Los Angeles.
Travel north along the Pacific Coast to Yosemite National Park where you have the opportunity to hike among the giant sequoias and enjoy the breathtaking views of the Sierra Nevadas. Then on to San Francisco - Fisherman's Wharf and the delights of Chinatown. Nightlife, baseball, cable cars and shops fill your visit. Next we travel onto the overwhelming Redwood National Park before hitting the streets of “the Emerald City” Seattle.
We next cross into Canada to the great city of Vancouver then head on the Yellowhead Highway and the fantastic scenery of Banff National Park and Lake Louise in the heart of the Canadian Rockies. Walk on the Columbia Icefields or canoe on a wilderness lake.
On to the beauty of Glacier and Yellowstone National Parks complete with a variety of wildlife and steaming and spouting geysers. We then journey to the rodeo town of Cody Wyoming and the cowboy town of Deadwood. See the presidents at the famous Mt. Rushmore National Monument and the Native Americans' tribute to their past, Crazy Horse Monument. Travelling East through the Black Hills and the Sioux Indian territory of Badlands National Park, we reach the "Windy City" of Chicago, famous for music, museums and Lake Shore Drive.
Around the Great Lakes to the thundering power of Niagara Falls, where you will embark on the Maid of the Mist cruise to get you up close and personal with this great natural wonder. We leave the Great Lakes and travel back up to where it all began, New York City.
Please note that this tour starts in New York or Los Angeles and may run in either direction.
2010 Dates for New York to New York:
- 3 Apr - 5 Jun
- 1 May - 3 Jul
- 5 Jun - 7 Aug
- 26 Jun - 28 Aug
- 10 Jul - 11 Sep
- 31 Jul - 2 Oct
- 21 Aug - 23 Oct
2010 Dates for LA to LA:
- 27 Mar - 29 May
- 24 Apr - 26 Jun
- 22 May - 24 Jul
- 19 Jun - 21 Aug
- 3 Jul - 4 Sep
- 24 Jul - 25 Sep
- 21 Aug - 23 Oct
Optional Activities: Canoeing, whitewater rafting, airboat tour, EPCOT centre, snorkeling, Universal Studios, SeaWorld, New Orleans jazz clubs, Mississippi steamboat ride, Southern Mansion Tour, Smithsonian National Museums, Grand Canyon scenic flights, Monument Valley guided jeep tour, Sunset Sailboat Cruise, Western horseback riding, blues club, baseball game, mountain biking, Grand Canyon IMAX theatre, Las Vegas clubs and casinos, Las Vegas limo, Aerial Tramway ride, swamp tour, San Diego zoo, Western rodeo (seasonal), Lake Powell Waverunners, San Francisco cable car, Sears Tower, sand dune buggies, Buffalo Bill Museum, and more.
What’s Included in the Programme
- Services of a travel coordinator prior to trip
- Services of a tour leader
- All camping fees and equipment
- All Transportation by private vehicle
- Night time illumination tour of Washington DC monuments
- New Orleans Bourbon Street
- San Antonio's Riverwalk
- Alien spotting in Roswell
- Admission to Mount Rushmore National Memorial
- Walk the Golden Gate Bridge
- Niagara Falls Maid of the Mist cruise
- Scenic walks and hikes
- City tours of Las Vegas, Hollywood and San Francisco
- Sightseeing in Charleston, St Augustine, Miami, Florida Keys, Santa Fe, San Diego, Seattle, Vancouver and Chicago
- Giant sequoias walk
- National Parks and Monuments: Everglades, Carlsbad Caverns, Rocky Mountains, Arches, Monument Valley, Grand Canyon, Bryce, Zion, Badlands, Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse, Yellowstone, Glacier, Banff/Lake Louise, Redwood and Yosemite
What’s Not Included in the Programme
- International Flights*
- Hotel accommodation of nights noted (H)*
- Travel Insurance*
- Spending Money
- Food (kitty will be collected USD$10 a day)
*Your Real Gap travel coordinator can assist you with flights, insurance, and extra accommodation.
Prices and Durations
2010 Departing LA
Trailblazer NY $6,049: 27 March
Trailblazer NY $6,179: 24 April
Trailblazer NY $6,239: 22 May
Trailblazer NY $6,289: 19 June, 3 July, 24 July
: 21 August
2010 Departing New York
: 3 April
: 1 May
: 15 May, 5 June
: 26 June, 21 August
: 10 July
: 31 July
