Trans-American Adventure

Welcome to the “Big Apple!” Your Tour Director is on hand late this afternoon to answer any questions.

New York City is one of the world’s most exciting cities, buzzing with atmosphere and packed with fascinating sights. On today’s guided sightseeing tour, see the major attractions—Broadway, the Empire State Building, Rockefeller Center, and the 9/11 Memorial. Your afternoon and evening are free to discover some of the many things this larger-than-life city has to offer.

Head south through New Jersey to Philadelphia, the birthplace of the United States. During your free time, perhaps see Independence Hall and visit the Liberty Bell. On to Washington DC. for a two-night stay. Join us for an illuminating evening with an optional dinner and National Monuments by Night tour to see some of the city’s most iconic landmarks in a different light!

The nation’s capital is a sightseeing treasure trove, and your half-day tour with a Local Guide features Capitol Hill, the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument, and other well-known sights. Stop for photos at the White House and the Capitol. As the remainder of the day is free, perhaps visit one of the many Smithsonian museums or take a stroll on the National Mall.

A scenic day as you head north into Pennsylvania. Travel along the Susquehanna River to Williamsport, the birthplace of Little League baseball and site of the league’s annual “World Series.” Later, cross the Rainbow Bridge to Canada and arrive at Niagara Falls, Ontario, for your overnight stay.

This morning, board your Niagara Falls sightseeing cruise for amazing close-up views from the base of the falls. It’s an experience like no other! Then, travel the Niagara Parkway, admiring the sweeping landscapes of this scenic countryside. Head southwest and cross the farmlands and vineyards of Ontario, to Dearborn, a suburb of Detroit. NOTE:Operation of the Niagara Falls sightseeing cruise is subject to favorable weather and/or river conditions. Favorable conditions usually exist from May to October. When conditions are unfavorable, a visit to Journey Behind the Falls will be substituted.

Begin the day with a visit to the Henry Ford Museum. Reach Chicago, America’s third-largest city, in the late afternoon. City sightseeing includes all the major landmarks of the “Windy City.”

Today is free for independent activities. Why not set your sights on an optional cruise on Lake Michigan and through the locks of the Chicago River for a whole new skyline view of the city known as the birthplace of modern architecture.

First stop today is Madison, a vibrant city situated between two sparkling lakes. A photo stop at the capitol there before making our way to Minnesota—the “Land of 10,000 Lakes.”

Enjoy an orientation tour of the bustling downtown area of Minneapolis before reaching the Mall of America, the largest shopping mall in the United States, featuring an extensive range of retail shops, restaurants, and entertainment.

Into the rich farmlands of South Dakota, homeland of the great Sioux Indian Nation. Stop in Mitchell to see the Corn Palace, a remarkable Moorish-style building where the interior and exterior are covered with designs of corn outlined with grasses and grain. Stay overnight on the shores of the Missouri River in Oacoma.

First, a drive through the prairie as it once was when only buffalo and the Sioux Indians occupied the land. Next is Badlands National Park, where 37 million years of wind and water have carved a remarkably colorful sight. Then, head into the Black Hills and behold the granite faces of Mount Rushmore, a giant monument to four American presidents—Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln, and Roosevelt. This evening, join an optional dinner and visit to Crazy Horse Memorial honoring the brave Lakota chief where an educational and cultural site shares the yet unfinished carving.

Head through the rich, mountainous country where open-range cattle kings made war on the sheep ranchers of the 1880s. See Sheridan and then ascend into the alpine region of the Bighorn Mountains, and site of the Battle of Tongue River. Overnight in Buffalo Bill’s frontier town of Cody.

Travel through Shoshone National Forest to spectacular Yellowstone National Park. Follow Grand Loop Road to Artist Point with magnificent views of the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone and the stupendous Lower Falls, nearly twice the height of Niagara. Yellowstone’s abundant and diverse wildlife are as famous as its geysers. It’s home to hundreds of animal species, including bears, wolves, bison, elk, and antelope. As a visitor to the world’s first national park, you may be lucky enough to encounter some of these amazing creatures in their natural habitat. Overnight in West Yellowstone.

This morning, return to Yellowstone National Park and visit the bubbling mud paint pots and the reliable “blow” of Old Faithful, Yellowstone’s most famous geyser. Return to West Yellowstone and have time to explore on your own.

Travel south through Idaho and into the Wild West town of Jackson. The afternoon and evening are free to explore the shops and art galleries of historic downtown. Be sure not to miss Town Square, flanked by massive arches made of elk antlers on each corner! Or go with the flow on an optional scenic float trip down the Snake River between Grand Teton National Park and Bridger Teton National Forest keeping an eye out for eagles overhead and wildlife along the shore.

Today, drive to Salt Lake City, Utah’s vibrant capital. Set on the edge of Great Salt Lake Desert, this center of the Mormon religion is where Brigham Young declared to his followers, “This is the place.” An included orientation tour shows you the Capitol Building, the Tabernacle, and other city highlights.

Travel through the sagebrush landscape of southern Utah to Bryce Canyon National Park with its breathtaking sandstone and limestone cliffs, unique formations called hoodoos, and ever-changing colors. Head west through Dixie National Forest to Cedar City for your overnight.

First stop is Zion National Park, a landscape that was carved out by rushing streams over a period of a million years. Through Kaibab National Forest to the less visited North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park, where you’ll marvel at the stunning views of the flame-colored walls plunging 4,800 feet into the Colorado River. The evening is free.

Head to the unique phenomenon of Las Vegas, where today’s fortune hunters try their luck at the 24-hour gambling tables and slots. An orientation tour upon arrival shows off many of the themed casino resorts along the colorful “Strip.” Tonight, perhaps take a walk down the Strip and be amazed by the flashing lights and variety of nightlife.

A free day to explore Las Vegas. Perhaps take an optional excursion to nearby Hoover Dam and learn why it’s considered one of the world’s Top 10 architectural wonders. Your Tour Director will have suggestions for the best shows to see this evening.

Today travel through the Mojave Desert and over the San Gabriel Mountains to America’s second largest city, Los Angeles for a two-night stay.

Start the day with a sightseeing tour of Tinseltown. You’ll drive to Hollywood and see the footprints of the glamourous stars at the TCL Chinese Theatre, and famous Dolby Theater, home of the Oscars. Then, on to elegant Beverly Hills followed by a drive down the Sunset Strip. The rest of your afternoon and evening are free. Maybe take the chance to go Hollywood with an optional Warner Bros. Studio tour for a behind-the-scenes look at TV and movie production.

Your vacation ends this morning. You may choose to extend your vacation with extra nights and explore L.A. further.