Best Of America (Ex San Francisco)

All content by Intrepid

43 days (ex San Francisco)

Destinations visited: USA, San Francisco, 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$4,955

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Description

Experience the Best of America on this awesome adventure. Start the tour in the sunshine and happy vibe of San Francisco, and then traipse across America to see modern cities, historic towns, iconic landmarks and stunning national parks. From the neon-madness of Las Vegas and the epic grandeur of the Grand Canyon to the infectious rhythms of New Orleans, this trip delivers cultural experiences, breathtaking panoramas and unforgettable moments in nature. See the wildlife of Yosemite National Park, meet the proud Navajo people, rub shoulders with cowboys and find out why this country is such a fun place to visit.

Highlights

Dive into the art and culture of San Francisco.
Be enchanted by the natural beauty of Yosemite National Park.
See the bright lights of Las Vegas.
Stare at the grandeur of the Grand Canyon.
See ancient ruins in Santa Fe.
Sample the spicy flavours of New Orleans.
Revel in the music of Memphis.
Hit the streets of New York City.
Be blown away by the power of Niagara Falls.
Spot an abundance of wildlife in Yellowstone National Park.
Relax in the serenity of Lake Tahoe.
Sip wine in the Napa Valley.

Itinerary

Day 1 San Francisco

Start the trip in San Francisco, home to the infamous Alcatraz Prison and the iconic Golden Gate Bridge.

Days 2-3 Yosemite National Park

Experience the wonder of this beautiful natural environment. Hike to one of the lower Nevada Falls or perhaps take an easy stroll to Mirror Lake for a picnic.

Day 4 Sierra Nevada

Spectacular mountain scenery, crystal clear lakes and breathtaking vistas await in the Sierra Nevada.

Days 5-6 Death Valley/Las Vegas

Travel through desolate Death Valley to 'Sin City', where cabaret shows, cocktails and all-you-can-eat buffets await.

Days 7-8 Grand Canyon

Leave the craziness of Vegas behind and escape to the vast expanse of the Grand Canyon. Walk along one of the rim trails, hike down into the canyon or choose to splurge on a scenic helicopter flight for mind-blowing views.

Day 9 Monument Valley

Be immersed in the culture and traditions of the Navajo tribe in Monument Valley.

Day 10 Mesa Verde National Park

Travel to Mesa Verde, known for its cliff dwellings.

Day 11 Aztec Ruins National Monument/Santa Fe

Explore the ancient sandstone pueblo of the Aztec Ruins near Santa Fe.

Day 12 Carlsbad Caverns National Park

Witness thousands of bats swarm out of the Carlsbad Caverns.

Day 13 San Antonio

Perhaps visit the Alamo, a reconstructed 18th century fort, or stroll along San Antonio's famous River Walk.

Day 14 Houston

Travel to Houston, the largest city in Texas, and choose to take a trip to NASA to learn more about astronauts, shuttle launches and space exploration.

Days 15-16 New Orleans

Enter Louisiana and head to spirited New Orleans for Creole cuisine, lively music clubs and grand mansions.

Day 17 Memphis

Elvis fans should pay a visit to Graceland; otherwise, head to Beale St to listen to authentic blues musicians wail the night away.

Day 18 Nashville

The Best of America adventure continues to the country music heaven of Nashville.

Days 19-21 Washington DC

By day, admire Washington's monuments, museums and memorials. In the evening, visit Georgetown and be a part of the area's lively nightlife.

Day 22 New York

Explore the busy streets of Manhattan. With Central Park, Greenwich Village, Chinatown, Times Square and Broadway, New York City has an iconic sight around every corner!

Day 23 Finger Lakes Region

Finger Lakes not only has some of the USA's deepest lakes, but also boasts excellent vineyards.

Day 24 Niagara Falls

Behold the epic beauty of Niagara Falls.

Day 25 Lake Erie

Lake Erie is a playground for all kinds of sports, from swimming in summer to ice fishing in winter.

Days 26-27 Chicago

Get to know the delights of Chicago by walking the streets, visiting museums and galleries, or taking a trip up the Willis Tower for scenic views.

Day 28 Milwaukee/Madison

Travel to cosmopolitan Milwaukee. Visit Madison, a beautiful city cradled by four lakes.

Days 29-30 Badlands National Park

Camp at a cowboy ranch and perhaps saddle up for a horse ride.

Days 31-32 Mount Rushmore/Custer State Park

See the heads of former presidents at Mt Rushmore before spotting herds of bison in Custer State Park.

Day 33 Devil's Tower National Monument

Get to know Cody, the 'Rodeo Capital of the World'.

Day 34 Cody

Skirt around geysers and spot grizzlies in the magnificent Yellowstone National Park.

Days 35-36 Yellowstone National Park

Travel to Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming. Skirt around the geysers which bubble from below the earth and try to spot grizzlies, elk and coyotes.

Days 37-38 Grand Teton National Park/Jackson Hole

Enjoy a hike in Grand Teton National Park before travelling to Jackson Hole.

Day 39 Salt Lake City

Drive west to the Great Salt Flats, an expanse that's saltier than the ocean. Stop at Reno, and then continue to peaceful Lake Tahoe.

Day 40 Reno/Lake Tahoe

See giant redwoods, colossal cliffs and a wonderful array of wildlife in Yosemite National Park.

Days 41-42 Yosemite National Park

Day 43 San Francisco

Return to the peace and sunshine of San Francisco.

Group Size

Maximum of 13 travellers per group

Departure Guarantee

Departure is guaranteed

Accommodation

Camping (with facilities) (34 nts), Hostel (5 nts), Hotel (3 nts)

Transport

Van

Budget

Allow USD $645 for meals not included.

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

from USD$4,955

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