| Starts | New York, United States |
|---|---|
| Ends | Miami, United States |
| Region | United States Of America |
| Duration | 15 days |
| Tour Operator | Intrepid Travel |
Itinerary
Day 1 - Starting: New York & Finishing: New York
Welcome to New York, USA. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. Please ask the hotel reception where it will take place. If you're going to be late, please inform the hotel reception. We'll be collecting your insurance details, food kitty and next of kin information at this meeting, so please ensure you have all these details to provide to your leader. If you arrive a couple of days earlier to see the sights (recommended), we'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability). Consider doing a one-day sightseeing tour of New York by visiting: urbanadventures.com.
Day 2 - Starting: Washington DC & Finishing: Washington DC
Today, drive south towards the nation's capital of Washington DC, stopping at Philadelphia on the way for a guided walk around the highlights of the Old City. After touring around Philly, continue onto DC. Your evening is free to explore this compact city. Perhaps take an Urban Adventure and see the monuments of the National Mall lit up at night. The total driving time from New York to Washington DC will take about six hours.
Day 3 - Starting: Washington DC & Finishing: Washington DC
Today is free to explore Washington DC on your own. Perhaps head to the White House, take a tour of the National Museum of Natural History or stroll through the manicured park of the National Mall. Discover the cobbled streets, harbour or university in the historical district of Georgetown. In the evening, perhaps try some authentic American food at one of the many grill joints in town.
Day 4 - Starting: Appalachian Mountains & Finishing: Appalachian Mountains
Journey into the breathtaking scenery of the Appalachian Mountains, also called the Blue Ridge Mountains (500 km). Shenandoah National Park is one of the highest and most scenic portions of the Appalachian Mountains. Taking the Skyline Drive along the crest of the mountains, travel through deep woods and past spectacular vistas. Stop to stretch your legs under the impressive oak trees and admire the gorgeous views. Later in the afternoon, drive to your campsite for the night. Total driving today will take around five and a half hours.
Day 5 - Starting: Nashville & Finishing: Nashville
Drive for around six hours further south today to Nashville, Tennessee. Once settled into the campground perhaps visit the Country Music Hall of Fame, which contains the golden Cadillac that once belonged to Elvis. Another point of interest is Music Row, where more than 50 recording studios and approximately 200 music publishing houses are located. The Wildhorse Saloon is a great spot in the evening to experience authentic southern food and live music.
Day 6 - Starting: Memphis & Finishing: Memphis
Head west this morning to Memphis, which should take around four hours. Just out of the city you can visit Graceland, Elvis Presley's former home and the site of his tomb. Here you can see the famous jungle room, as well as his cars, private planes and much more. In the evening, consider heading down to check out Beale Street's traditional blues clubs, made famous by legends such as Louis Armstrong, Muddy Waters and B.B. King. For those with an interest in history, there's the National Civil Rights Museum (at the former Lorraine Motel) where Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated. If you have time, a must-see in Memphis is Sun Studio - the 'Birthplace of Rock'. It boasts the first recordings of legendary performers like Elvis, Johnny Cash and Jerry Lee Lewis.
Day 7 - Starting: New Orleans & Finishing: New Orleans
Today make the long drive across the state of Mississippi to New Orleans - the 'Big Easy' (approximately 6.5 hours). Founded by French traders in 1718, there are many layers of history in this city and its many attractions combine to make it one of the most visited cities in the USA – a trend that was momentarily halted by Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Use your free time in the late afternoon/evening getting to know the city. An eclectic mix of European, Creole and Cajun culture manifests in the city's architecture, cuisine and music scene. Possibly take a walk down rowdy Bourbon Street or through the former plantation area of the Garden District.
Day 8 - Starting: New Orleans & Finishing: New Orleans
Today is a free day for you to explore New Orleans. There's a welcome meeting at 6 pm to introduce the second leg of your trip, so please make sure you attend this. Before the meeting, perhaps head out on one of the many optional activities in the city. If the weather is nice, venture out on a Mississippi Riverboat Cruise, comb the French Market among the shops and flea markets or take a walk around the Preservation Hall for a history in jazz. In the evening, try some of the Cajun style food and beignets that New Orleans is famous for.
Day 9 - Starting: Panama City Beach & Finishing: Panama City Beach
It's quite a long drive today to Panama City Beach, which should take around six hours. Once there, the best way to recover is to flop on some of the 27 miles of white sand beach, or go for a dip in the turquoise waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Panama City Beach is also renowned for its night clubs and parties, so if you have enough energy left at the end of the day you may choose to hit the town.
Day 10 - Starting: Orlando & Finishing: Orlando
Leave Panama City Beach behind today for another long drive of around six hours, as we head into the heart of Florida to Orlando. With its large Latino population, including many from Cuba, Orlando has an exciting and varied nightlife, as well as a plethora of shops and outlet malls. If there's time on arrival, you may like to go out and explore the town.
Day 11 - Starting: Orlando & Finishing: Orlando
Today is a free day to explore the amusement parks and attractions of Orlando. Most people opt for Walt Disney World or Universal Studios, but there are a host of other parks that might take your fancy. Islands of Adventure is one of the world's best theme parks and if the weather is nice, Orlando has a handful of water parks such as Wet'n Wild, Disney's Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach. Each park is a full day's worth of action, so choose wisely.
Day 12 - Starting: Key West & Finishing: Key West
Get comfortable today for a long drive to Key West, which can take up to seven hours. As Florida's southernmost point, you'll travel across the Oversees Highway to this little slice of American paradise. On arrival to the island city, use your free time in the evening to recharge after a long day's drive.
Day 13 - Starting: Key West & Finishing: Key West
Today is free to explore. Key West is a town that has long been a haven for artists. The local area is famous for its pastel houses and laid-back attitude, and this combines to give the whole area a bohemian and relaxed feel. With the tip of Key West sitting around 90 miles north of Cuba, the water is warm and perfect for snorkelling and swimming among the reefs.
Day 14 - Starting: Miami & Finishing: Miami
Drive back across the Overseas Highway this morning to Miami, which will take around three hours. The trip finishes on arrival into Miami and no accommodation is provided tonight. The arrival time depends on each group, but if you decide to fly out on this day, please don't book a flight before 8pm. This will give you enough time to catch a shuttle from the hotel to the airport and be there two hours before departure. If you are staying in town for the evening, get another fix of sandy beaches and glorious sunshine down at SoBe (South Beach), stroll the art deco seafront or pose with the beautiful people in ultra-cool nightspots. This is a great way to spend the last night of your trip.. If you do wish to spend extra time in Miami we'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability).
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