Chicago to LA

Chicago to LA

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tourhub | Travel Talk Tours | Chicago to LA | UCLA
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11 Days
From

$5299

$3090

Chicago to LA

11 Days Starting in Chicago and ending in Los Angeles

Visiting: Chicago, Sioux Falls, Badlands National Park, Mount Rushmore National Memorial, Rapid City, Bighorn Mountains, Cody, Yellowstone National Park, Grand Teton National Park, Salt Lake City, Bryce Canyon National Park, Lake Powell, Grand Canyon National Park, Flagstaff, Seligman / Route 66 KOA Journey, Las Vegas, Mojave Desert, Beverly Hills, Los Angeles

Tour operator:

Travel Talk Tours

Tour code:

UCLA

Specialist Group:

18-30 Somethings

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

25 - 30

Physical rating:

Easy

Age range:

18-39 years

Trip Styles:

Adventure Tours

Activities:

Sightseeing, Walking

From:
$5299
$3090 (USD) Operator discount: $2120 WINTER SALE @ Tourhub Discount: $89 -42%
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Tour Overview

Prepare for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure traveling across the USA from Chicago to Los Angeles with an 11-day trip.

You will draw a parallel to the Northern border of the country passing through iconic locations in search of the American spirit.

Enjoy a full day in Chicago with the sights we have in store for you, then take your time discovering the chich restaurants, art centers, and hopping nightlife venues of the Winding City.

Head to the stunning backcountry from there, tour the incredible Badlands National Park and get a taste of Native American history in the Black Hills.

From then on, it will be all about the mountains of Wyoming.

The breezy western air will take over, and soon you will get into the free spirit of the Southwest.

Take to the trails of Yellowstone and the Grand Canyon before a majestic finish including Las Vegas and California.

Itinerary

Expand All
Day 1: Chicago
Location:

Chicago


Welcome to Chicago! Meet your group and tour leader in the evening for an informal welcome at the hotel.

Until then, feel free to roam the famous downtown of Chicago like a local or rest up for our great adventure ahead!

Accommodation
Hampton Inn Chicago Downtown/Magnificent Mile - 3 Star

Day 2: Chicago
Location:

Chicago


Start the day with a short tour of the city's highlights including Lake Shore Drive, the Magnificent Mile and Navy Pier.

Enjoy your personal leisure time for the rest of the day to explore the 'Windy City' Chicago on your own terms.

Freely marvel at the fascinatingly bold architecture of downtown Chicago or the inspiring artworks in one of the famous museums in town.



Accommodation
Hampton Inn Chicago Downtown - 3 Star (or similar)
Meals Included
Breakfast
Included Activities
Sightseeing of Lake Shore Drive
Sightseeing of the Magnificent Mile
Sightseeing of Navy Pier

Day 3: Chicago - Mississippi River Crossing - Sioux Falls
Location:

Chicago, Sioux Falls


Travel through the Midwest along farms abundant in corn and wheat fields and dairy farms.

Crossing the mighty Mississippi River, we ride into the state of Iowa to arrive just as Lewis & Clark Expedition did two centuries ago on the banks of the Missouri River.

We make our way to Sioux Falls for a refreshing rest.



Accommodation
Comfort Suites (or similar)
Included Activities
Sightseeing of Mississippi River

Day 4: Sioux Falls - Badlands National Park - Mt. Rushmore - Rapid City
Location:

Sioux Falls, Badlands National Park, Mount Rushmore National Memorial, Rapid City


Travel westward through the vast and lush grasslands of South Dakota and onwards to Badlands National Park.

This natural wonderland, once home to the buffalo and antelope, is filled with amazing colorful natural rock formations.

Then we continue on to the Black Hills, sacred to the Native Indians and home to the famous Mount Rushmore.

After we finish soaking in the unforgettable views, we depart for Rapid City to spend the night.



Accommodation
Best Western Ramkota Hotel - 3 Star (or similar)
Included Activities
Sightseeing of Badlands National Park
Sightseeing of Mt.

Rushmore National Memorial

Day 5: Rapid City - Bighorn Mountains - Cody
Location:

Rapid City, Bighorn Mountains, Cody


We continue our journey towards the wondrous lands of Wyoming, also known as "Equality State", home to twelve mountain ranges intermixed with vast deserts and rolling grasslands.

We will be resting for a big day tomorrow in Cody.

In case overnight in Cody is not possible due to poor weather or adverse road conditions in Yellowstone, we will be spending the night in Billings Livingston, Montana.



Accommodation
Buffalo Bill Village (or similar)

Day 6: Cody – Yellowstone National Park
Location:

Cody, Yellowstone National Park


Drive past the mountains of Wyoming to Yellowstone, America's first National Park! Tag along your expert guide to enjoy an in-depth tour of this immense geothermal wonderland which includes waterfalls, geysers, canyons, colourful wildlife and more! Some of the incredible highlights will be Yellowstone Lake, Old Faithful, Yellowstone Canyon's majestic falls, and the beautiful Hayden Valley.



Accommodation
Kelly Inn West Yellowstone Hotel (or similar)
Included Activities
Sightseeing of Yellowstone National Park

Day 7: Yellowstone – Grand Teton National Park – Salt Lake City
Location:

Yellowstone National Park, Grand Teton National Park, Salt Lake City


Today we travel through Grand Teton National Park, as long as the weather permits, to witness magnificent mountain peaks towering over 4,000 metres and the local wildlife.

Visit the Snake River Outlook and try your eye at capturing the stunning landscape made famous by Ansel Adam's iconic shot in black and white.

Arriving in Utah, known for its Mormon Community, embark on a short tour of its capital, Salt Lake City.

See how the Mormon followers of Brigham Young built one of the best-planned cities in the country.

We visit the State Capital building, famed Temple Square and the Tabernacle before arriving at our hotel for the evening.

May we suggest an optional dinner at the Rooftop Restaurant for panoramic views of Temple Square?

Accommodation
Crystal Inn Hotel & Suites - 3 Star (or similar)
Included Activities
Panoramic Sightseeing of Grand Teton National Park
Sightseeing of Snake River
Sightseeing of State Capital Building & Temple Square & the Tabernacle

Day 8: Salt Lake City – Bryce Canyon National Park
Location:

Salt Lake City, Bryce Canyon National Park


Embark for a journey to the spectacular Bryce Canyon and follow your guide on a tour through a multi-coloured world of sandstone spires and pinnacles, also known as “hoodoos”, that dazzle the eye.

This evening, weather permitting, make sure to gaze upon the enchanting night-sky with sparkling stars & breath-taking constellations.



Accommodation
Bryce View Lodge (or similar)
Meals Included
Breakfast
Included Activities
Sightseeing of Bryce Canyon

Day 9: Bryce Canyon – Lake Powell – Grand Canyon – Flagstaff
Location:

Bryce Canyon National Park, Lake Powell, Grand Canyon National Park, Flagstaff


Departing Bryce Canyon, we ride onwards to the stunning Lake Powell, where canyon walls of red-rock tower over crystal blue waters.

Lake Powell is the second-largest man-made lake in America, part of a series of lakes formed after the damming of the Colorado River.

Our next stop will be the world-famous Grand Canyon National Park, one of the seven great natural wonders and most impressive sceneries of the world! Pause at the rim of the Canyon to fully experience and appreciate this mile-deep canyon and all its plunging gorges, rising spires, extinct volcanoes, and the snaking Colorado River.

Riding on the Historic Route 66, Flagstaff will be where we dream of the sights of the day.



Accommodation
Days Flagstaff (or similar)
Meals Included
Breakfast
Included Activities
Sightseeing of Lake Powell
Grand Canyon National Park Visit
Sightseeing of Route 66

Day 10: Flagstaff – Seligman/Route 66 – Las Vegas
Location:

Flagstaff, Seligman / Route 66 KOA Journey, Las Vegas


Viva Las Vegas! In the morning, we hit the road for Las Vegas, the dazzling “Entertainment Capital of the World”.

On the way, we will pass through the authentic town of Seligman on the famed Route 66, which looks as if it froze in time sixty years ago.

Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure exploring the world-renowned Las Vegas Strip.



Accommodation
Luxor Las Vegas - 4 Star (or similar)
Included Activities
Panoramic tour of Seligman Town

Day 11: Las Vegas – Mojave Desert – Beverly Hills – Los Angeles
Location:

Las Vegas, Mojave Desert, Beverly Hills, Los Angeles


Riding towards the western coast to Los Angeles, enjoy views of the scenic Mojave Desert with views of characteristic Joshua trees clustered on the mountainous backdrop.

Arriving in L.

A.

, join your guide for a tour through the “City of Angels” including famed spots as Hollywood, Sunset Strip and parts of Beverly Hills, before reaching our hotel around 17:00.

Our trip will end in San Francisco after we say goodbye to newly-made friends.



Included Activities
Panoramic tour of the Mojave Desert
Sightseeing of Hollywood & Sunset Strip & Beverly Hills

What's Included

  • Accommodation

    4 and 3 star hotels & inns, superior lodges

  • Meals

    5 Breakfasts

  • Transportation

    A/C coach or mini-bus

  • Tour Guiding

    Services of experienced tour leaders

  • Orientation Walks

    Organised orientation walks at some of the towns visited

  • Free Wi-Fi

    Complimentary hotel and coach Wi-Fi ( where available )

Add Ons

Local Payment: £0

Check out our Q&As

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    There are always single travellers on our tours. If you don't mind being roomed with another single traveller of the same gender, then you do not need to pay a single supplement. The single supplement is for travellers who would like to stay in a private room for the duration of the tour. PLEASE NOTE: The single private option is not always available, especially for sailing tours and camping.

  • Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?

    Our tours are suitable for any traveller above 18 years old. The majority of Travel Talkers are from the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, USA, Canada or Europe, however we always have travellers from all over the world. What brings them together is a passion for travel, discovering authentic cultures and experiencing unique adventures with like-minded travellers.

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    At Travel Talk, we believe that travel is a force for good and show our support through various initiatives and charity organizations, as well as keeping the principals of responsible and sustainable travel at the core of our ethos. These values are engrained in our business culture and the design of our trips just the same. Together with our guests, we strive to make a positive impact on local p

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Over 20 years

Reviews of this Operator

Jessie Mae Sia  

My travel talk experience was great and memorable

24-Feb-2021

My travel talk experience was awesome and fantastic. Me and my husband was on their Morocco and Turkey tours in 2019, they operated their tours in a culturally fun manner and the tour guides were very nice and very approachable. It exceeded our expection, we love to come back with them in our future travel. Thank you travel talk you made our 2019 as one of our memorable year!

Trustpilot
Scarlett Lily  

One of the best holidays I’ve had

25-Feb-2021

We went on a tour of the Balkans and it was above our expectations. Bojan was the best tour leader gave us so much information about the places we were visiting but also a great laugh! The tour ran so smoothly and was the perfect way to see the area in a little amount of time. It was one of the best holidays I have been on, I loved every minute of it and I can’t wait to book another tour with travel talk. They are great value for money!

Trustpilot
James Wilkins (Google Reviewer)  

29-Oct-2023

Just completed the exotic Morocco tour with our excellent guide Abdul! He was one of the best tour guides I have met, he brought so much energy and knowledge on the tour and could not imagine doing the tour without him. The tour itself was so diverse, seeing so many different landscapes. It has been one of the best trips I have done. Would highly recommend!

Diane Horsman  

Fantastic tour, personable experiences

19-Oct-2021

My first tour with Traveltalk to Jordan was fantastic. Everything was very well planned, the itinerary was timed to perfection and jam packed with amazing experiences. The tour guide Issa went above and beyond to make everyone happy and have the best experience possible, taking us to local restaurants and telling us the best things to eat. Our bus broke down on the way to the Dead Sea and he dealt with it really quickly, and a replacement bus arrived in less than an hour. He treated us all like his friend rather than just a job which make the tour even more special. The hotels were fab and had everything that we needed, all I great locations to local attractions. I booked another tour but had to cancel due to Covid and Traveltalk have placed my deposit aside ready to use on the next trip. I can’t wait to book again with them.

Trustpilot
Eric Gunther (Google Reviewer)  

12-Sep-2023

We did the 12 day Turkey tour with the Gullet option, and loved it! The price was super reasonable, Travel Talk was always extremely responsive whenever I reached out. Most importantly, we visited an amazing array of impressive historical sites, saw the profound and varied natural beauty of Turkey and enjoyed incredible experiences like hot air ballooning and paragliding. Mustafa was the best tour guide we have ever had. His knowledge and organizational skills were top notch, he helped with everything (even with arranging laundry services) and was hilarious as well. The food was tasty, the hotels were good and the boat trip was fun and relaxing with beautiful scenery and a lot of swimming. The cabins on the boat weren’t air conditioned and were pretty hot at night, so some people slept on deck where there were plenty of places with cushions where you could stretch out and get a good nights rest. I highly recommend this tour!!

Hazel Kuzu (Google Reviewer)  

03-Dec-2023

The 9-day Turkey Essentials tour with Travel Talk Tours exceeded our expectations! The well-crafted itinerary showcased Turkey's best, complemented by excellent hotel choices. Mustafa, our guide, added depth with his rich knowledge, engaging storytelling and brilliant sense of humour. The seamless experience, from transportation, meals, accommodations, sightseeing and optional activities made this tour unforgettable. Highly recommended for those seeking a perfect blend of culture and comfort in Turkey.

Tronix4eva (Google Reviewer)  

21-Oct-2023

Wow. 9 Day Essential Turkey Tour with Mustafa from Travel Talk Tours. Absolutely exceeded all expectations. I am in love with Turkey! The sights, the places, the hotels, the food, the bus and the antics of our amazing guide was seriously fantastic. This was an unforgettable experience and I am so glad I stumbled across Travel Talk and chose them. Mustafa you made me laugh and made us all feel so safe and welcome.. best guide I've ever had. ❤️

BEN LAWN  

Mustafa is the key to a fantastic Essential Turkey tour

06-Dec-2021

My partner and I did the Essential Turkey tour in November/December 2021. We had a fantastic time, and can both only recommend Travel Talk and this tour. Mustafa Kurt, our incredible guide, is really who sets this tour apart from any competition. He conducts the majority of Travel Talk's Essential Turkey, so you may get lucky if you book. Mustafa is an extremely qualified tour guide, with an extraordinary tourism CV, who wholly commits to ensuring that those on his tour have the very best Turkey experience possible. The man goes well above and beyond, without even thinking twice. He is a natural leader, whilst also being a friend. He was hilarious to have around us, bringing all the laughs and very much aiding in bringing the group together. His knowledge of Turkey is second to none, and he never lets this or his jokes get stale. The minibus that we used was better than expected - modern and comfy. We also had two drivers, adding to safety and ability to cover the long distances required. The hotels on the tour do vary, but are generally good. Travel Talk were responsive during booking, and flexible when it came to us having to delay due to Covid.

Trustpilot
karl brucal (Google Reviewer)  

10-Nov-2023

Travel Talk's 9-day trip all over Turkey has exceeded all of my expectations. The itinerary was well-crafted, seamlessly blending historical marvels like Istanbul and Ephesus with breathtaking landscapes in Cappadocia. Mustafa was very knowledgeable and have a good sense of humour which made the trip even more fun. The accommodations made our stay very comfortable. Each day was a new adventure, making it a truly unforgettable experience. Will definitely go with travel talk again for future tour guide trips!

Amy Steger  

Best tour ever

24-Feb-2021

I absolutely loved my trips with travel talk. I did the Egypt and Jordan tour and it was so magical. I felt completely safe and all the activities included and those not included were both clearly stated and priced so I could budget for the trip with no surprise costs. Highly recommend! I can’t wait to be able to travel again soon with travel talk.

Trustpilot

Dates & Availability

Instant Booking Available

Wednesday - Saturday

May 15, 2024 - May 25, 2024
$5299 $3090 (USD)

Operator discount: $2120 (USD)

WINTER SALE @ Tourhub Discount: $89 (USD)

Instant Booking Available

Wednesday - Saturday

Jun 19, 2024 - Jun 29, 2024
$5599 $3265 (USD)

Operator discount: $2240 (USD)

WINTER SALE @ Tourhub Discount: $94 (USD)

Instant Booking Available

Wednesday - Saturday

Jul 10, 2024 - Jul 20, 2024
$5599 $3265 (USD)

Operator discount: $2240 (USD)

WINTER SALE @ Tourhub Discount: $94 (USD)

Instant Booking Available

Wednesday - Saturday

Jul 24, 2024 - Aug 03, 2024
$5599 $3265 (USD)

Operator discount: $2240 (USD)

WINTER SALE @ Tourhub Discount: $94 (USD)

Instant Booking Available

Wednesday - Saturday

Aug 14, 2024 - Aug 24, 2024
$5599 $3265 (USD)

Operator discount: $2240 (USD)

WINTER SALE @ Tourhub Discount: $94 (USD)

Instant Booking Available

Wednesday - Saturday

Sep 11, 2024 - Sep 21, 2024
$5599 $3265 (USD)

Operator discount: $2240 (USD)

WINTER SALE @ Tourhub Discount: $94 (USD)

Instant Booking Available

Wednesday - Saturday

Sep 25, 2024 - Oct 05, 2024
$5599 $3265 (USD)

Operator discount: $2240 (USD)

WINTER SALE @ Tourhub Discount: $94 (USD)

Book with Confidence

  • Free Date Changes

    Travel Talk Tours allows you to make 2 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 61 days before the start of the tour.

  • Low Deposit

    Travel Talk Tours requires a minimum deposit of 100 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of travel talk tours charges.

    Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 70% of booking price.

    At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 85% of booking price.

    At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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