Southern Cross Country Westbound

Day 1 New York

Arrive to our joining hotel at any time. Welcome meeting in the evening.

Day 2 New York/Philadelphia/Washington DC (1D)

With a skyline that's recognizable worldwide and more than 8.3 million people from all corners of the globe who call it home, New York City is a one-of-a-kind destination. Each of the five boroughs has its own distinctive flavor, while individual neighborhoods, streets and even single blocks maintain identities all their own. Whether it's your first visit or your hundredth, there's always something new to see and do. From world-class dining to shopping to nightlife to culture, New York City's streets pulsate with an unmistakable rhythm that attracts more than 45 million visitors annually: and you are one of them! Then discover the path of American History in Philadelphia. Visit Independence Hall and explore the facts and myth surrounding the Liberty Bell, the symbol of freedom. In the late afternoon arrive in the Capitol of the USA: Washington DC! Approximate Distance to Philadelphia: 150 km ; Approximate Distance Philadelphia to DC: 190 km Estimated Travel Time to Philadelphia: 2 hrs ; Estimated Travel Time Philadelphia to DC: 2 hrs

Day 3 Washington DC (1B,1D)

Today is all about the Capitol of the United States. There is so much to see and do in Washington DC that you can't see it all in one day. Take your time as you spend a full day exploring this fascinating city. Tour the National Monuments and Memorials including the White House, Washington Monument, Reflecting Pool and the Lincoln Memorial. Visit the National Mall that includes 15 museums such as the Air and Space Museum and the National Museum of Natural History. Later take a walk through Georgetown. After the sun set over Washington DC experience a truly magnificent night as the Monuments illuminate over the National Mall. Take a moment of silence as you gaze into the eternal flame of John F Kennedy's grave at the Arlington Cemetery and pay respect to the many other fallen soldiers around you. In the evening return to camp.

Day 4 Shenandoah NP/Wytheville (1B,1L,1D)

Experience America's favorite drive: The Blue Ridge Parkway through the Appalachian. Continuing we are passing through Shenandoah National Park, a truly beautiful, historic national treasure. Standing on top of the peaks of Shenandoah National Park, gazing across the silent mountains, it's hard to believe we are only a short distance away from Washington DC. Approximate Distance: 480 km Estimated Travel Time: 5.5 hrs

Day 5 Nashville (1B,1L)

See remains of the settlements along the Parkway, learn their history as we take our time exploring this fabulous drive! The Mountains are a perfect place to relax and to enjoy the fresh, clean air and see the true beauty of North America! Optional short hikes on the many trails throughout the park. In the afternoon we arrive in Nashville! Check out the nightlife and visit real country cowboy bars. Approximate Distance: 575 km Estimated Travel Time: 6 hrs

Day 6 Memphis (1B,1L)

Hear the beat in Memphis, Tennessee! Explore the birthplace of Rock 'n' Roll, Home of Blues and the starting point of soul. Music Legends including Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash and B.B.King made their marks on Memphis. Relive history at the National Civil Rights Museum, located where the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr took place in 1968. Enjoy another must-see attraction, "The Peabody Hotel" with the now famous Peabody Duck March! In the evening stroll one of America's most famous streets: Beale Street with it's live entertainment! Approximate Distance: 380 km Estimated Travel Time: 3.5 hrs

Day 7 New Orleans (1B,1L)

Enjoy a guided city tour in New Orleans, and take an optional visit to a world famous plantations. Experience New Orleans at its best. Party in the French Quarter till the early hours, dance to great jazz bands and try out delicious Creole food. Enjoy a last dinner our with the group before it's time to say good bye! For our two nights in New Orleans, we stay close to the action in a hotel in the city center. Approximate Distance: 640 km Estimated Travel Time: 6.5 hrs

Day 8 New Orleans

Free day to explore New Orleans, eat beignets, gumbo and jambalaya. See a city that has rebuilt itself.

Day 9 Lafayette/Houston (1L,1D)

En route we stop in Lafayette, a historic Acadian settlement. Take a walk around the old town, or even take an optional visit to Acadian Village in Lafayette, where you can visit authentic homes that were moved from various other locations piece by piece and carefully restored. Discover the techniques of the early Acadian home builders using wooden pegs, mud walls and high-peaked roofs. Approximate Distance to Lafayette: 225 km ; Approximate Distance Lafayette to Houston: 310 km Estimated Travel Time to Lafayette: 2 hrs ; Estimated Travel Time Lafayette to Houston: 3.5 hrs

Day 10 The Alamo/San Antonio (1B,1D)

Deep in the heart of Texas, historic San Antonio has a lot offer. Discover the battle of Alamo in the 18th century while you walk amongst the largest concentration of missions remaining in North America. Continue your journey back in time on the San Antonio River Walk, winding along the San Antonio River or just relax before it's time say good night! Approximate Distance to the Alamo: 320 km ; Approximate Distance the Alamo to San Antonio: 55 km Estimated Travel Time to the Alamo: 3.5 hrs ; Estimated Travel Time the Alamo to San Antonio: 45 min

Day 11 Fort Stockton/Carlsbad (1B,1L,1D)

Consisting of original and reconstructed military buildings, historic Fort Stockton in Texas is an exciting place for you to discover. Learn how this Fort protected travelers and settlers in the 1850's and explore why this place was almost abandoned. Your final destination today is one of the oldest and most famous cave systems in the world. Explore the cave on self-guided trails and be fascinated by the largest underground chambers and countless formations. In the evening witness the stunning spectacle as nearly 400,000 Mexican free-tail bats exit Carlsbad Cavern. Approximate Distance: 744 km Estimated Travel Time: 7.5 hrs

Day 12 Santa Fe (1B,1L,1D)

On the night of July 2nd in 1947 something (or someone) crashed into the desert outside of Roswell, New Mexico. Was it a balloon, or really extra-terrestrial life? Find out what all the hype is about as we pass through this funky town. Continue your journey back in time and explore one of America's oldest and most beautiful cities, Santa Fe. Approximate Distance: 470 km Estimated Travel Time: 6.5 hrs

Day 13 Santa Fe (1B,1D)

Free day to explore Santa Fe, take a stroll downtown and visit art galeries, or enjoy some world famous roasted green chilies.

Day 14 Taos/Durango (1B,1L,1D)

Taos Plaza is undeniably the main focal point of the Town of Taos. Strolling around its compact, peaceful downtown area is a real pleasure. Relax at the Kit Carson Park. Optional visit to the historical site of Taos Pueblo. In the late afternoon arrive in Durango. Approximate Distance: 350 km Estimated Travel Time: 4 hrs

Day 15 Mesa Verde NP/Monument Valley (1B,1L)

Drive to Mesa Verde National Park which offers a spectacular look into the lives of the Ancestral Pueblo-ans. Take a guided hike through history as you explore the cliff dwellings of Mesa Verde, some of the most notable and best preserved in North America. Then discover one of the most majestic places on earth: Monument Valley! Magnificent colors, miles of mesas, buttes and pinnacles make Monument Valley a truly wondrous experience. Learn about the Navajo culture that has been passed on through generations in order to keep the sacred traditions, beliefs and ceremonies alive. Take an optional jeep tour led by a Navajo guide through Monument Valley and be inspired by a night under the stars as you camp in this magnificent atmosphere. See the sun rise from a perspective very few ever experience! Approximate Distance to Mesa Verde NP: 75 km ; Approximate Distance Mesa Verde NP to Monument Valley: 240 km Estimated Travel Time to Mesa Verde NP: 1 hr ; Estimated Travel Time Mesa Verde NP to Monument Valley: 3.5 hrs

Day 16 Grand Canyon NP (1B,1L,1D)

Considered among nature's most spectacular offerings, the Grand Canyon provides spectacular opportunities for you to explore. Wander along a trail and feel the sunshine and wind on your face as you admire awe-inspiring views. Sit and watch the changing play of light and shadows. With numerous viewpoints, the Grand Canyon will never look the same! In the afternoon enjoy a bird's eye view of the Grand Canyon with an optional helicopter flight or watch the most spectacular IMAX Adventure of all, the Grand Canyon Movie. Return to your campsite and enjoy a BBQ around the campfire to recapture the experiences from this memorable day! Approximate Distance: 290 km Estimated Travel Time: 3.5 hrs

Day 17 Las Vegas (1B)

In the evening arrive in the city of lights, Las Vegas! Take a guided Tour of the famous "Las Vegas" strip and experience this unique city with an optional Limo VIP tour! Try your hand with gambling at giant-mega casinos or visit one of the numerous shows offered on the strip(optional) For our two nights in Las Vegas, we stay close to the action in a hotel in the city center. Approximate Distance: 475 km Estimated Travel Time: 5 hrs

Day 18 Las Vegas

Full day to explore Las Vegas! Walk the strip and try your luck at the tables or the slots. Or spend the day shopping, dining, or even poolside. For the more adventurous consider riding one of the many roller coasters, or even signing up for a zip line tour. Try your hand with gambling at giant-mega casinos or visit one of the numerous shows offered on the strip, just up the road from our well-located hotel. Or do it up in VIP limo touring Vegas in style!

Day 19 Death Valley NP/Bishop (1L,1D)

Visit one of the country's most rugged landscapes, the legendary Death Valley, the hottest and driest spot and home to the lowest point in North America. Surrounded by peaks which soar to over 14,000 feet in elevation, Bishop, one of "America's Coolest Mountain Towns" sits directly in the center of an incredible area of natural beauty. Enjoy secluded hot springs where star gazing is amazing. Note that on Day 20, we intend on using the Tioga Pass, a scenic a route through the Sierra Nevada mountain range that connects Bishop with Yosemite NP. In the spring and autumn seasons, there's a chance that the pass will be closed due to poor weather conditions or even snow. In such a case, we use an alternate route today, and will spend the night in Lake Isabella instead of Bishop. The status of the road is monitored daily, and our travel plan for the area will be confirmed during the trip. Approximate Distance: 590 km Estimated Travel Time: 7.5 hrs

Day 20 Yosemite NP (1B,1L,1D)

Visit ancient Mono Lake and walk among dramatic and fascinating tufa towers. Marvel at the spectacular views of Yosemite National Park's magnificent peaks and granite domes as you enjoy one of most scenic drives in California: the Tioga Pass! Admire spectacular views of Yosemite National Park's magnificent peaks and granite domes. Take short hikes to majestic waterfalls, clear lakes, beautiful meadows and walk amongst giant sequoias. With a keen eye, you may be lucky enough to spot black bears, deer or coyotes. Approximate Distance: 330 km Estimated Travel Time: 4.5 hrs

Day 21 Yosemite NP (1B,1L,1D)

Full day to explore Yosemite National Park. Hike the many trails Yosemite has to offer and be inspired by this beautiful and amazing landscape. Option to rent bikes in Yosemite Valley.

Day 22 San Francisco (1B,1L)

Guided Tour of one of the greatest cities in the world: San Francisco! Discover some of the most iconic attractions such as bustling Fisherman's Wharf or the stately Golden Gate Bridge, a marvel of engineering and art deco design. Enjoy a last group dinner before it's time to say good bye! For our final night in San Francisco, we stay close to the action in a hotel in the city center. Approximate Distance: 225 km Estimated Travel Time: 3 hrs

Day 23 San Francisco