Southern Adventure

Get into the city that mixes up glamour, grit and the American Dream: Los Angeles. It’s packed with legends, full of energy and there are loads of things to do. Head to mythical Hollywood and walk across the holy ground for stars. Check out the Kodak Theatre, where the Oscars are held every year and Mann's Chinese Theatre, where so many greats have pressed their hands into the cement. Cruise down the hottest shopping street in LA, Melrose Avenue, and one of the best areas for nightlife, the Strip (Sunset Boulevard), with its billboards, clubs and eateries, before getting a glimpse at one of the world’s wealthiest suburbs in Beverly Hills. A little further west discover Santa Monica, LA’s oldest beach resort. Known for its liberal vibes, art galleries and wide sand beaches, Santa Monica is all about the California coast lifestyle. See the famous pier, which serves as a permanent amusement park, complete with a solar powered Ferris wheel. Maybe later travel out to LA’s quirkiest suburb where anything goes: Venice Beach. A favourite hang out spot for locals, colourful Venice Beach attracts all sorts of people. Get a feel for street life when you hit the buzzing boardwalk, where performers, tattoo artists, hair braiders, musicians and roller bladers gather. Make sure you check out the markets and stalls, as well as the greased-up body builders pumping iron at the famous open air gym, Muscle Beach. Later head out and hit the town's hottest bars and clubs.

The day is yours to explore the City of Angels. Opt to visit Universal Studios or Disneyland or check out LA Live entertainment venue.  The shopping goes off, so look for deals in the garment district. Visit the Grammy Museum and for the foodies among us there's a downtown LA food tour to taste all of the wonders of the multicultural food Mecca.

We'll kick things off today in the famed City of Angels, where we'll set off through the Mojave Desert, marveling at the majestic Joshua Trees, before reaching the one and only Las Vegas.
On arrival we'll cruise the iconic strip & check out the Vegas sign. Tonight, choose to hang out around Fremont Street or opt for a VIP nightclub experience for the kind of glitzy night out that only Vegas can provide.

You're in Vegas, baby! And the city's weird & wonderful charm isn't going to uncover itself. Experience the grandeur of the city's opulent casinos as we stroll down the strip and dance the night away, this is the perfect way to bond with your Contiki family, Vegas style.

Today we'll leave the glittering lights of Vegas behind for something even more jaw-dropping.
Cruising the historic route 66, we'll stop for some photo ops before reaching the Grand Canyon National Park (entrance included, naturally).
We've arrived at another one of our jaw-dropping highlights of this trip... The Grand Canyon!

You will be contemplating life, existence, and the immense size of the Grand Canyon with a free day to spend in Grand Canyon National Park. You can spend your day feeling a part of the wilderness as you go hiking through the exposed rock, but by far the most spine tingling experience at this natural wonder is one of our optional chopper rides through the UNESCO World Heritage site. Indulgent sure, but one of those life moments you deserve to treat yourself to. Tonight settle in to watch the sunset on the rim - the image will plaster a wide grin on your face for years to come.

With the beauty of the Grand Canyon imprinted on our brains forever, we'll journey past some Wild Western landscapes towards...
This monumental place has an iconic cluster of sandstone buttes, and we'll get a chance to visit the Monument Valley Tribal park as we wind our way through the Rocky Mountains
We've arrived in our home for the evening, Colorado's adventure capital: Durango

The great outdoors is a way of life in Durango with adrenaline pumping river rafting on offer to you and your fellow thrill seekers. This afternoon it’s a total change of scenery when we enter New Mexico, where sun-baked earthen brick buildings stand out against the bright blue sky.
Boasting influences from Mexico, Spain, and Native American cultures, historic Santa Fe is a true melting pot of culture. Take a walk around town to see interesting styles of architecture, shop for beautiful turquoise jewellery in the market and  sample all of the different types of regional food on offer.

Rise and shine! Does anyone know the way to Amarillo? We're headed to this larger than life city this morning.
In true Americana Style, we'll visit Cadillac Ranch, a unique art exhibit celebrating the golden age of Cadillacs. Our accommodation tonight even has a Texas shaped pool and a hotel for your horse if you thought to bring it along. Tonight, try your hat at the "Big Texan Steak Challenge" for a true man vs food moment. Eternal glory awaits anyone who can finish this Texas sized meal in one hour or less.

We'll say farewell to Amarillo and sweet Marie today as we head towards a Texan icon.
Here in the land of leather boots & Cadillacs, you'll soon learn that ‘bigger is better' is a way of life. An overnight stay in the cowboy town of Fort Worth will give you the full Texan experience.

Today we'll dive deep into the Texan way of life. We'll see a cattle drive, visit the Dealey Plaza and have options to tour the iconic home of the Dallas Cowboys or see the 6th floor museum.

It's time to say our farewells and wrap up this epic adventure. Want to keep going? Then check out our Grand Southern!