Wiener’s Circle Arctic Circle Education Adventures

Across America Westbound

All content by Intrepid

22 days (ex New York)

Destinations visited: USA, New York City, Los Angeles, World

Physical rating:
Culture shock rating:

Physical Ratings

The physical rating gives you an idea of how much huffing and puffing you can expect on the trip. While generalisations are always tricky, a summary of our ratings follows:

Rating 1

These trips are a relaxing break. You don't have to worry about doing anything physically demanding unless you want to.

Rating 2

Some easy physical activities included in your trip. No physical preparation is required to make the most of the journey.

Rating 3

This trip will raise your heartbeat. Moderate physical activities are included and a good level of fitness is required.

Rating 4

Be prepared for some serious physical activity. The majority of activities included on this trip will be challenging. The fitter you are, the more you will enjoy your holiday.

Rating 5

Intrepid’s highest physical rating. Get ready for a heart-pumping adventure with plenty of challenges and some extreme conditions. You will be required to be seriously fit for this trip as difficult activities are included.

Culture Shock Ratings

The culture shock rating considers the level of development in the location, the area's infrastructure and how easy it is to access services. It also takes into consideration how different the food and customs are and whether English is widely spoken. While generalisations are always tricky, here’s a summary of the ratings:

Rating 1

This is the least confronting of Intrepid's product range. English is the native language and the food, customs and access to services will be familiar to you.

Rating 2

You will probably have experienced food like this in restaurants back home and English is commonly spoken. Services are available most of the time but there may be some cultural differences.

Rating 3

Expect some culture shock. You will be exposed to signs of poverty and access to services may be sporadic. The food will be quite different to home and English speakers harder to find. Respecting the local culture will make it easier to fit in and really experience the location.

Rating 4

The comforts of home are more of a rarity. English is not common and the food will be quite different to what you are used to. It is important to observe some of the local customs to not cause offence. Many of the locals' standard of living may be confronting.

Rating 5

You're really out there! You'll need to pay specific attention to health and hygiene. A large proportion of locals' living conditions are a world away from standards you are used to. You may have difficulty finding an English speaker and there is little or no access to services. Paying heed to local customs is essential.

from USD$3,596

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Description

Take an adventure across the heart of the United States and discover the landscapes, cities and people that define modern America. Leave New York behind on this journey through New Orleans, Santa Fe and Las Vegas, and arrive in the shining lights of Los Angeles. See some of the country's most impressive natural features along the way - from Monument Valley to the Grand Canyon - while meeting the people who make this region such a special part of the world. Looking for the ultimate adventure holiday across the USA? This is it!

Highlights

Peel back the many layers of New York City.
Traverse the jagged Appalachian Mountains.
Visit the home of country music Nashville.
Tennessee.
Listen to the Blues in Memphis.
Sample Creole cuisine in New Orleans.
Explore some larger-than-life cities in Texas.
See the bizarre landscapes of Monument Valley.
Be amazed by the rolling White Sands in New Mexico.
Dive into the cool waters of Lake Powell.
Stare over the rim into the Grand Canyon.
Take in the bright lights of the Strip in Las Vegas.
Travel across the arid southern California desert.
Bask in the sunshine of San Diego.

Itinerary

Day 1 New York

Loud, fast and pulsating with energy, New York City is the ideal spot to begin this across America tour. With so much awesome sightseeing in New York, its well worth staying a few extra days - or even weeks!

Days 2-3 Washington DC

Visit Philadelphia en route to the nation's capital. Discover the countless attractions in Washington DC, including the White House and Capitol Building, during a guided walking tour around the city.

Day 4 Appalachian Mountains

Cross the jagged Appalachian Mountains and stop by roadside trails for leisurely hikes along the way.

Day 5 Nashville

Keep cruisin' into the heart of Tennessee, Nashville. Country music fans can't afford to miss a visit to the Country Music Hall of Fame while here - home to Elvis' golden Cadillac.

Day 6 Memphis

Explore the 'Home of the Blues', Memphis. Attractions here come in all shapes and sizes but none of them are bigger than Graceland. Take a visit to Elvis Presley's impressive home or check out a blues club on Beale Street.

Days 7-8 New Orleans

The trip continues west today, heading to New Orleans in Louisiana. Get acquainted with the French Quarter or Bourbon Street, visit local shops and admire the grand Southern mansions.

Day 9 Houston

Visit an antebellum plantation home or take a Louisiana swamp tour en-route to Houston, Texas.

Day 10 Austin

Everything's bigger in cities in Texas, including the music, so get into the swing of this southern state by enjoying some live music along the Austin riverfront.

Day 11 Carlsbad Caverns

Hike into the gigantic Carlsbad Caverns, then witness thousands of bats swarm out of the cave and into the inky night sky.

Day 12 White Sands National Monument

Mounds of perfectly white sand dunes as far as the eye can see await at the White Sands National Monument in New Mexico.

Day 13 Tombstone

Step back in time in Tombstone - the town that hosted the most famous gunfight in Old West history.

Day 14 Saguaro National Park/Phoenix

View Giant Saguaro cacti on a drive through Saguaro National Park.

Day 15 Monument Valley

Discover the weird and wonderful landscape of Monument Valley, the heart of the Navajo Indian Reserve and home to more than 200,000 members of the Navajo tribe.

Day 16 Lake Powell/Western Ranch

Take a dip in the warm, crystal clear waters of Lake Powell or simply laze on the sunny shores. Spend the night sleeping at a western ranch.

Day 17 Grand Canyon

Travel into the Grand Canyon National Park and explore the rim of this vast chasm. Perhaps opt for an unforgettable scenic flight for exhilarating views over the canyon and surrounding area.

Days 18-19 Las Vegas

Venture out across the arid deserts of southern California en route to America's jingling hip-pocket, Las Vegas, Nevada. Be dazzled by the neon signs that light up the Vegas Strip, see a show or dance the night away at an A-list club.

Days 20-21 San Diego

Make tracks through the Mojave Desert to San Diego. The climate, boardwalks and beaches in San Diego make this the perfect place to indulge in some outdoor activities. Use free time to soak up the sunshine, visit the city's world-famous zoo or relax at Mission Beach.

Day 22 Los Angeles

This across America adventure ends among the glamorous streets and skyscrapers of Los Angeles city.

Group Size

Maximum of 13 travellers per group

Departure Guarantee

Departure is guaranteed

Accommodation

Hostel (13 nts), Hotel (5 nts), Cabin (3 nts)

Transport

Van

Budget

Allow USD $440 for meals not included.

Check dates and prices
Book this trip with Intrepid Travel on their site

from USD$3,596

Book now

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