Southern Sun from New York

Our routes have been carefully chosen to include the best overnight stops, highlights and included experiences, with plenty of optional activities to choose from. No two Trek trips are the same, with stops at some of your tour leader's favourite places and occasional changes to the itinerary, so get ready for one awesome adventure!As this tour departs at 07:30 hrs we recommend that you book pre tour accommodation. Please request further details at time of booking.Also departs from Los Angeles

Day: 1-2

Departing from the New York area, strap on your boxing gloves and head for Philadelphia's famous ‘Rocky' steps to recreate a piece of movie history. Cast your eyes on the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, where brave men gathered and defied the King of England to help shape the US Constitution. Reading Terminal Market is waiting for you to explore and you're in the right place if you're feeling a little peckish; grab yourself a Philly cheesesteak from one of the many famous local joints. Culture vultures rejoice, as next up is Washington DC where you'll enjoy soaking up all the history of the nation's capital. From the impressive Smithsonian Museums and the White House to Georgetown's trendy bars, the capital has something for everyone. A locally guided bike tour of Washington DC's monuments is included and it’s the perfect way to see the city and the famous sights like the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument.

• New York Area
• Philadelphia
• Washington, DC

Day: 3

Swap city life for views of the rolling green Appalachian Mountains as you cruise through Virginia. The scenery is spectacular and gives you some idea of why locals travel for miles to hike the trails. Although today is a fairly big drive day, there may be time for a short walk to breathe in the sweet mountain air if time is on your side!

• Virginia

Day: 4

Next up is Tennessee. In 1996 the world's eyes were on Ocoee as it hosted the world's first Olympic white water event and this stretch of river boasts some of the world's best rafting. Now it’s your chance to hit the water, so grab a trusty life jacket and paddle and get your thrills on an optional white water rafting trip. Whilst you're holding on tight, don't forget to look around you as you'll fly past some pretty awesome scenery. For those of you not keen on the rapids, there are a number of surrounding trails to explore.

• Ocoee

Day: 5

From honky-tonk bars to the Grand Ole Opry, they don't call Nashville 'Music City' for nothing! This place is full of life and you'll be hotfooting your way from one country bar to the next. Find out all about the history of music at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, home to the largest collection of country music memorabilia in the world. Even if country isn't your thing, there are live bands everywhere, so you're sure to be toe-tapping by the end of the day.

• Nashville

Day: 6

Turn up that radio, you're about to hit Memphis, the birthplace of rock 'n' roll! With that in mind why not visit the home of Elvis in Graceland, or head to Sun Studio, where many of the greats cut their early records, from BB King to Elvis and Johnny Cash. Stroll along Beale Street where the electric atmosphere will keep you entertained for hours as you listen out for some of the best blues music in town. There's more to Memphis than just music, so pay a visit to the National Civil Rights Museum, located in the former Lorraine Hotel, and see the place where Martin Luther King was assassinated. 

• Memphis

Day: 7-8

Here in the 'Big Easy', sultry bass and chirpy rhythms are king. New Orleans is definitely a city every music fan must make a pilgrimage to at least once in their lifetime! Head into the enchanting French Quarter and hear the real deal at Preservation Hall, before tucking into some classic and delicious Southern cuisine. If you don't want to stop at just eating the likes of gumbo and jambalaya, why not take part in an optional New Orleans cookery class so you can really impress the folks back home. Make a beeline for the legendary nightlife of Bourbon Street, where almost anything goes. New Orleans is a place full of life and is an experience you won't forget in a hurry!

• New Orleans

Day: 9

Search for gators and other wildlife on our optional Louisiana swamp tour, where you'll slowly drift past ancient Indian burial mounds and fishing villages while taking in the unique scenery of the mysterious bayous of Cajun country (it’s a must do!). Then the ‘Lone Star State’ bids you a big-hearted welcome for the first of your nights in mighty Texas, a state which is larger than some countries!  

• Louisiana
• East Texas

Day: 10-11

You’d better not have had your fill of music, as the tunes keep on flowing in Austin, claiming the title for ‘live music capital of the world’. Austin is an electric, cultural and artistic city that packs a punch. Live music can be heard almost any night of the week, so get an enjoy the vibrant atmosphere. During the day check out Barton Springs or hit up one of the city’s local food trucks for some tasty cuisine.

• Austin

Day: 12

Next up is a state which is larger than some countries, Texas! Follow part of the original Route 66 and pay a visit to Cadillac Ranch for unique desert art and one of the most talked about roadside attractions in the US before setting up camp in the night in funky Amarillo, situated in the Texas Panhandle.

• Amarillo

Day: 13

Follow part of Route 66 and pay a visit to Cadillac Ranch for a quirky take on desert art and one of the most talked about roadside attractions in the US. For all the art lovers out there, Santa Fe is for you. Visit Canyon Road, home to art galleries, cultural treasures such as hand-woven Navajo rugs, historic adobe buildings and a vibrant restaurant scene. Our top tip here is to visit the brilliantly weird Meow Wolf, an immersive art experience like no other.

• Santa Fe

Day: 14

Monument Valley, made famous in Westerns and Hollywood films such as Forrest Gump, is unsurprisingly one of the most recognisable landscapes in America. Immerse yourself in the native Navajo culture on an optional (and highly recommended) guided jeep tour of the Navajo Reservation. Experience the real 'Wild West' as you marvel at towering buttes and mesas which dominate the awe-inspiring landscape. After a day of exploring this American wonderland, gather around the campfire and swap stories under a blanket of stars, perfection!

• Monument Valley

Day: 15-16

Your next road trip highlight is the epic Grand Canyon. As soon as you reach the rim and gaze across the vast canyon you'll be lost for words, this place is so awesome! Pack your boots and don't forget your camera for a sunrise or sunset walk along the rim for that extra wow factor! For the more ambitious, take the long hike down Bright Angel Trail to Plateau Point or take to the sky and see the Grand Canyon in all its glory on an optional helicopter flight. Magnificent from any angle, but one thing's for sure you'll never forget your first glimpse of the Grand Canyon.

• Grand Canyon National Park

Day: 17-18

It's on to picture-perfect Zion National Park where you can get stunning 360 degree views of the entire national park if you take on a challenging hike to the viewpoint at Angels Landing.  Whether you're up top or down below, Zion National Park will blow your mind as you're surrounded by brilliant red rock and bright blue skies; you're guaranteed one heck of a great time here.

• Zion National Park

Day: 19-20

Next up, it’s the one and only Vegas. Time to put those lucky numbers to the test, not to mention your energy levels, in this 24/7 party town. Feel like a celeb for the evening with a cruise along The Strip in a party bus. All-you-can-eat buffets are famous here, so it would be rude not to tuck into lots of tasty food on the cheap; just make sure you don't ride the roller coasters straight after! Vegas isn't all about gambling and clubs, so why not check out a show, take an evening flight down The Strip or get yourself hitched by Elvis Presley (don't worry, it's not legally binding... unless you want it to be!).

• Las Vegas

Day: 21

Say goodbye to the bright lights of Las Vegas and hello to the beautiful Californian sunshine with your final stop in glitzy Los Angeles. Check out Venice and head for a sweet lookout spot to see hippest part of the city. Don't worry though, you'll have 21 days of awesome memories to take home with you! If you're spending a few extra days, why not check out Hollywood Boulevard and hang out with the cool kids of LA, or stop by Santa Monica Pier and have your fortune told.This tour ends at approximately 17:00 hrs. We can book you post tour accommodation at our gateway hotel if required. If you are planning to fly tonight, please do not book a flight that departs before 21:00 hrs.

• Las Vegas
• Los Angeles