Costsaver Road Trip USA - Coast to Coast (Los Angeles to New York)

Day 1 - Arrive Los Angeles

Welcome to the land where it's always 70 degrees and sunny, Los Angeles. The place where dreams are made (and broken), La La Land is a city that exudes talent, creativity and drive, spilling out into its countless theatres, galleries, museums and street art hubs. Arriving today, you'll meet up with your Travel Director in the afternoon to get a glimpse of what's to come on your LA to New York tour, before hitting the streets to explore LA your way. Perhaps the lure of the famous Venice neighbourhood will pull you in, where you can wander down Venice Beach and explore its many boutiques and seaside cafes, or maybe head to Griffith Observatory for a spot of stargazing. Feeling hungry? LA's food scene needs little introduction, offering California's best tacos, tasty Korean food and more health food options than anywhere else in the country.

 

Day 2 - Los Angeles – Las Vegas (2 Nights)

Ready to get stars in your eyes? This morning's tour with your fellow travellers will show you the all out glitz and glamour of LA, the palm lined streets of Santa Monica, the iconic Sunset Boulevard, and the Hollywood Walk of Fame, which is just a stone's throw from the beacon of Hollywood, the Dolby Theatre, home of the Academy Awards. Leaving your dreams of fame and fortune behind, you'll then head on to the neon lights of Las Vegas, an entertainment oasis surrounded by dry desert with a reputation almost as big as the fortune's many have made (and lost) here. Tonight, why not see the city at its finest on our ‘Sights and Lights' tour.

 

Day 3 - Las Vegas Free Time

With a free day in Sin City, it's entirely up to you how to explore the entertainment capital of the world. The dazzling casinos, the glittering rooftop pools, the all you can eat buffets - they're all here for the taking. You could get out of town on our excursion to Hoover Dam for the chance to admire the USA's biggest man made reservoir Lake Mead, or enjoy a performance at Vegas! The Show, crooning to the best loved hits of Sonny & Cher and Elvis. Tonight, head over to the Downtown area to explore the artsy Fremont East district.

 

Day 4 - Las Vegas – Flagstaff (2 Nights)

It’s really time to kick things off on your USA road trip package, as today we get our kicks on Route 66! A symbol of the American dream, Route 66 has been eternally immortalised by literature and movies and still to this day represents the ultimate American road trip. You'll be stopping by Kingman and Seligman en route to Flagstaff, two iconic outposts that are a real taste of all things Americana complete with classic motels, kitsch petrol pumps and steaming slices of apple pie. Feeling like you've taken your place in American history, you'll finish up this evening in the Arizonan escape town of Flagstaff.

 

Day 5 - Grand Canyon

Nothing can quite prepare you for your first glimpse of the Grand Canyon. One of the world's 7 natural wonders and a UNESCO World Heritage site, it's estimated to be around 2 billion years old, with a layer of rock at the bottom of the canyon said to be some of the oldest exposed rock on the planet. Take your time exploring the incredible geology of the land, or to make your visit extra special, why not treat yourself to our Choice Experience that could see you soaring in a helicopter or aircraft over the stunning North and South Rims.

 

Day 6 - Flagstaff – Monument Valley

This morning, you'll venture on to explore a Hollywood great, Monument Valley. Immortalised as the setting for countless movies and TV shows, Monument Valley is an emblem of the wild west, with rusty red spindles and grand buttes soaring 1,200 feet skyward from the barren valley below. Named the ‘Valley Between the Rocks' by the Navajo people who have lived here for centuries, you'll likely feel very small and insignificant here as you learn about the geology and history of the area from a local Navajo guide on an open-air vehicle tour. This evening, join in the Earth Spirit Theater and view an original John Wayne movie filmed in and around Monument Valley.

 

Day 7 - Monument Valley – Durango

Visit the UNESCO World Heritage listed Mesa Verde National Park. Home to the Pueblo people for over 700 years, Mesa Verde protects nearly 5,000 archaeological sites including 600 cliff dwellings and offers a fascinating glimpse into Native American history. Not done with historical insight just yet, you'll then finish today in the old Colorado mining town of Durango, which boasts tasteful hotels, lovely tree lined streets and Victorian-era saloons reminiscent of the town's wild west history.

 

Day 8 - Durango – Santa Fe (2 Nights)

Leaving Durango behind, today you'll head deeper into the wild west as you journey towards one of America's oldest and most beautiful cities, scorching Santa Fe. Founded by Spanish missionaries in 1610 and the capital of New Mexico, Santa Fe claims the title of the nation's highest state capital, sitting at an elevation of 7,000 feet. With the towering Sangre de Cristo mountain range surrounding you, admire the rambling abode houses and baroque churches as you explore this timeless, soulful city. Have time for lunch in Taos, NM before heading to Santa Fe Plaza, the city's cultural heart, to admire crafts and jewellery sold by Native American sellers. Or, dive into the Mexican infused culinary scene as you sip margaritas and toast to the electric sunset.

 

Day 9 - Santa Fe Sightseeing

Slap on the sunscreen and head out on a sightseeing tour this morning, learning more about the 400 year old history of The Plaza before stopping by the Palace of the Governors, the oldest public building in the United States. Visit St. Francis Cathedral where European and New Mexican influences collide, then this afternoon and with time to yourself why not get to grips with Santa Fe's famous art scene. The distinctive neighbourhoods of Barrio Analco and Canyon Road are both well worth a visit, then finish the day eating tacos on Guadalupe Street.

 

Day 10 - Santa Fe – Amarillo

Cruising along Route 66 once again, you'll be heading on to the Cadillac Ranch, located just outside of Amarillo. An emblem of Route 66 and a testament to America's long standing love affair with wheels, the Ranch features 10 Cadillacs buried face down which visitors are encouraged to leave their mark on. Finally you'll arrive in Amarillo, where you will be staying for the night. Head out this evening to explore Amarillo your way or rest up at your hotel in anticipation of the big city adventures tomorrow will bring.

 

Day 11 - Amarillo – Dallas/Fort Worth (2 Nights)

It's big, it's brash, it's flashy - it can only be the ‘Big D', Dallas-Fort Worth, the buzzing metroplex of Texas. Synonymous with the Dallas Cowboys and the TV show that became an American household name, Dallas also has a darker history as the spot of JFK's assassination in 1963. Arriving today, you'll have free time to explore however you choose, perhaps heading to one of the city's unique neighbourhoods to discover their culinary and cultural scenes. The 68 acre Arts District is the nation's largest urban arts district boasting award winning museums and performing art venues. However you explore today, you'll likely end up with a cold beer in hand, toasting to another amazing day of adventure in the USA.

 

Day 12 - Dallas Fort Worth Sightseeing

Waking up to an entirely free day in Dallas, this morning you'll have the chance to visit a place of scandal and romance. The famous home of the Ewing Family, Southfork Ranch has a special place in the nation's hearts as the star of the hit TV show Dallas. Visiting here you can tour the mansion and re-live exciting moments from the show. This afternoon, venture out with your fellow travellers to experience a slice of true Texan life at the Fort Worth Cattle Drive as you watch real Texan handlers drive their longhorn cattle through Exchange Avenue in the Stockyards National Historic District.

 

Day 13 - Fort Worth – Lafayette

Leaving the cowboys and big city antics of Dallas behind, today you'll head on to Lafayette. This bubbly little university town is a real under the radar gem and may just end up being one of the surprising stand out stars of your entire trip.

 

Day 14 - Lafayette – New Orleans (2 Nights)

Head towards the ‘Big Easy'. Famed for its Mardi Gras celebrations and diverse culture, everything in New Orleans is a little larger than life. The weddings are bigger, the funerals are louder, the food is richer, and every single day is a cause for celebration. Perhaps enjoy a po boy from Cafe du Monde while tonight it would only be right to sample some good old fashioned Creole cooking.

 

Day 15 - New Orleans Free Time

Wake up with a NOLA induced spring in your step, as you explore the Big Easy your way. Head back to the cute cafes and grand mansions of the Garden District, have your fortune told in Jackson Square, or learn more about the city's fascinating voodoo culture by exploring a cemetery, taking a peek around the elaborate stone crypts and mausoleums. Keep the NOLA highlights coming this afternoon with a sightseeing tour where you'll make stops at the French Quarter and St. Louis Cathedral. If the swamps and bayous of the Mississippi have caught your attention, why not join a boat trip through the Jean Lafitte National Park. Led by a local native guide, you'll have the chance to spot ‘gators, eagles, snakes and egrets as you cruise these lush waters. This evening, we doubt you'll be able to resist the prospect of an optional steamboat jazz dinner cruise.

 

Day 16 - New Orleans – Memphis (2 Nights)

Enjoy a morning free to explore your way then head over to the artistic Fondren District for a spot of lunch. Next up, this afternoon you'll arrive in the music obsessed city of Memphis. Home to the King who needs little introduction, musical history and influence run through the city with bluesy Beale Street a fine example of this, while the city is also a historical heavyweight for the role it played in the Civil Rights Movement. After all, it was here in 1968 that Martin Luther King was assassinated. Tonight you'll no doubt be keen to put Memphis' legendary barbecue reputation to the test. Make sure you're hungry as the huge portions of smoky pulled pork and juicy ribs will defeat even the keenest of eaters.

 

Day 17 - Memphis Sightseeing

We hope you didn't peak too soon on last night's barbecue. Likely rolling out of the classic ‘greasy spoon' restaurant, today will be a special one for Elvis fans as you have the chance to make the pilgrimage to Graceland. This afternoon, enjoy a Choice Experience at Sun Studio, where Elvis was first discovered back in 1954. Toe tapping your way into the evening, head over to Beale Street for dinner at the Blue's City Cafe, a lively joint that serves up Southern treats accompanied by live music, naturally.

 

Day 18 - Memphis – Nashville (2 Nights)

Enjoy an Iconic Breakfast at The Arcade before trading one rhythmic city for another. Good old fashioned southern hospitality will welcome you to the ‘Music City' today, otherwise known as Nashville. A place of pilgrimage for country music lovers, Nashville has been attracting icons since the 1920's and while country music wasn't born here, the city is certainly responsible for the evolution of the genre. Get your bearings on a sightseeing tour that will take you to Riverfront Park, Tennessee State Capitol and the 132 acre Centennial State Park, where you'll be transported straight to Athens as you admire the Parthenon, an amazing exact replica of the original.

 

Day 19 - Nashville Sightseeing

Delve into the incredible history of Nashville today with a visit to Music Row, stopping off at Studio B where industry legends like Dolly Parton and the Everly Brothers have all recorded albums. No Nashville tour would be complete without a snoop around the Country Music Hall of Fame, and your Travel Director will take you here to discover the history and enjoy priceless memorabilia from Hank Williams and Loretta Lynn. With the rest of the day free to explore your way, why not join your fellow travellers to scout out the tastiest hot chicken and biscuits of the city, an iconic dish of the south.

 

Day 20 - Nashville – Pigeon Forge

It's back on the road today as you head towards the bright lights of Pigeon Forge. A vibrant little city that gets its name from the Little Pigeon River that runs through the middle of it, Pigeon Forge sits in the shadows of the Great Smoky Mountains and prides itself on its entertainment capacity. Arriving here with a free afternoon, you could visit OJ Simpson's white Ford Bronco, ride a 200ft high Ferris wheel or step onboard a detailed replica of the Titanic, where the hallways, cabins, parlours and Grand Staircase of the world's most iconic ship have been meticulously reproduced.

 

Day 21 - Pigeon Forge – Great Smoky Mountains – Natural Bridge

It's a short drive into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park this morning, the most visited national park in all of the United States. Simply stunning is the best way to describe this place, where lush forests and fields of wildflowers bloom all year round. Take your time exploring here, following the various walking routes that will take you past streams, rivers and waterfalls, with Clingman's Dome looming from up above. Keep an eye out for black bears and visit a section of the Appalachian Trail, before heading on to Natural Bridge.

 

Day 22 - Natural Bridge – Washington, D.C. (2 Nights)

Wake up in happy Natural Bridge before visiting beautiful Shenandoah National Park. Embark on a Natural Bridge Caverns Tour this morning and bask in the magnificent sights before driving to Washington, America's capital city and the seat of political power. Fast paced, politically charged and culturally revered, ‘DC' is the place you've seen a thousand times on the big screen and is just as impressive in real life. Settle in to your hotel, then pay a visit to bustling Georgetown for a wander round the shops and restaurants.

 

Day 23 - Washington, D.C. Sightseeing

Today's all about unearthing the political and cultural highlights of this high flying city. You'll kick things off with a sightseeing tour that will feel more like a walk through a real life movie set, visiting icons including the massive Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument, and the jewel in America's political crown, the White House. With the rest of the day then free to explore as you please, the question is really where to start? Perhaps treat your cultural side to an afternoon spent browsing the museums of the Smithsonian Institution, pay a visit to George Washington's sprawling Mount Vernon Estate, or enjoy a cruise down the scenic Potomac River. This evening we've then got another treat in store - our Choice Experience Washington Illumination Tour, where you'll see DC's most famous monuments all lit up in their night time glory.

 

Day 24 - Washington – Philadelphia – New York City

From one American great to another, New York City beckons today, but not before a visit en route to ‘Philly'. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage city in 2015, Philadelphia is the beating heart of the USA's revolutionary history and the place where both the Declaration of Independence and the US Constitution were signed. You'll have time to eat lunch here, likely involving the city's legendary cheesesteak sandwich, before heading on to the fast and fabulous metropolis of NYC. Every inch as iconic as you've been imagining, you'll head out on an orientation tour of the Big Apple that will allow you to see Broadway, the Empire State Building, leafy Greenwich Village and the sobering 9/11 Memorial. This evening and in celebration of your final night, why not get acquainted with the city's foodie scene? From gourmet food trucks to Michelin Star restaurants, the city that never sleeps ensures you'll never go hungry.

 

Day 25 - Depart New York City

With fond memories of giant canyons, musical legends and indulgent southern food still fresh in your mind, your USA value tour will come to an end this morning. Head out for one final stroll around Central Park before heading to the airport for your onward flight. If you're not ready to say goodbye just yet, perhaps extend your stay in NYC for a few more days. In a city as varied and wonderful as New York, you're never short of new things to discover.