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23 Day Trans-American Adventure
Low Cost Coach Tour starting in New York and finishing in Los Angeles
Countries Visited: USA 
Tour Type: Discovery
Tour Duration: 23 Days (22 Nights)
From: New York to Los Angeles
Tour Code: 8800
Operator: Cosmos
from AU $2,504 pp
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Tour Description

From the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean, this 'road trip' of a lifetime takes in the treasures of this mighty continent, as we travel from city-scapes to prairie-lands and beyond. Beginning in New York this cross-country adventure takes in Americas must see sights and cities such as Niagara Falls, Detroit, Chicago, Minneapolis, Mt Rushmore, Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks, Salt Lake City, Grand Canyon and Las Vegas finishing in Los Angeles where the worlds capital of glamour 'Hollywood' awaits.

Included Features

  • Sightseeing: In New York, Washington DC, Niagara Falls, Chicago, Wisconsin Dells, Minneapolis, and Los Angeles; Arlington National Cemetery; Korean and Vietnam War Veteran's Memorials; Maid of the Mist cruise; Henry Ford Museum; boat trip in a unique amphibious vessel; Mall of America; Corn Palace; Mount Rushmore; Calico Ghost Town. Inside visits as shown in UPPERCASE in the tour description, including admission charges when applicable.
  • Scenic Highlights: Broadway, Empire State Building, Greenwich Village, City Hall, Wall Street, Trinity Church, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Dutch Country, Susquehanna River, Eau Claire on the Chippewa River, St. Paul, Crow Creek Indian Reservation, Fort Pierre National Grassland, Badlands National Park, Sheridan, Big Horn Mountains, Cody, Yellowstone National Park, Old Faithful, Grand Tetons, Salt Lake City, Bryce National Park, Zion National Park, Grand Canyon, and Las Vegas.
  • Guides: Local Guide for city sightseeing in Washington DC; services of a professional Tour Director.
  • Transportation: Private, deluxe air-conditioned motorcoach while touring.
  • Hotels: Twin-bedded rooms with private bath or shower, hotel taxes, service charges, and tips for baggage handling.

Accommodation

  • Hotel Classifications: First Class (F), Moderate First Class (MF), Superior Tourist Class (ST), Tourist Class (T)
  • New York City Holiday Inn Express Times Square (ST); Washington DC Area Crowne Plaza Old Town Alexandria (F); Niagara Falls Michael's Inn (F); Dearborn Area Best Western Greenfield Inn (F); Chicago Essex Inn (MF); Minneapolis Best Western Plus Normandy Inn (MF); Pierre Kings Inn Hotel (T); Keystone Mount Rushmore’s White House Resort (T); Cody Buffalo Bill Village (ST); West Yellowstone Brandin' Iron Inn (T); Salt Lake City Red Lion Hotel (MF); Cedar City Best Western Town & Contry (F); Grand Canyon National Park Grand Canyon National Park Lodges (NP); Las Vegas Tropicana Las Vegas (F); Los Angeles Marriott Los Angeles Downtown (F)

Tour Meals

  • 6 continental breakfasts (CB)

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Day
1
New York City.
Welcome to the Big Apple! Enjoy time at leisure to relax or to do some independent exploring. Your Tour Director is on hand this evening to answer any questions.
Day
2
New York City.
On today's sightseeing tour, see New York City's major attractions, including Broadway, the Empire State Building, Greenwich Village, City Hall, Wall Street, and Trinity Church. Your afternoon is free. (CB)
Day
3
New York City - Philadelphia - Washington DC Area.
Head south through New Jersey to Philadelphia, the birthplace of the United States. During your free time in Philadelphia you may wish to visit Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence and Constitution were signed. On to Washington DC. (CB)
Day
4
Washington DC Area.
Cross the Potomac River to see the graves of American heroes, including those of John F. Kennedy and his brother Robert, in beautiful Arlington National Cemetery. Next, your guided sightseeing tour of the capital continues with photo stops at Capitol Hill and the White House, and visits to the Lincoln, Vietnam, and National WW II Memorials. As the remainder of the day is free, why not visit the Smithsonian museums?
Day
5
Washington DC - Niagara Falls.
A scenic day as you head north through Pennsylvania Dutch Country, home of the Amish and Mennonite religious sects. Then, 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.
Day
6
Niagara Falls - Dearborn Area.
This morning, board the Maid of the Mist for amazing close-up views from the base of the falls. Then, travel the Niagara Parkway, admiring the sweeping landscapes of this scenic countryside. Head southwest and cross the farmlands and vineyards of Ontario.

Note: The operation of the Maid of the Mist cruise is subject to favourable weather and/or river conditions. Usually, favourable conditions exist from May to the end of October. When unfavourable conditions exist, a walking tour through the scenic tunnels will be substituted.
Day
7
Dearborn Area - Chicago.
Begin the day with a visit to the HENRY FORD MUSEUM. Don't miss the "Automobile in American Life" exhibit. Reach Chicago, America's third largest city, in the late afternoon.
Day
8
Chicago.
See all the major landmarks on your morning city tour of the "Windy City". This afternoon, take an optional cruise on Lake Michigan and through the locks of the Chicago River. As the evening is free, join the optional outing for a delicious dinner at a Chicago restaurant, followed by spectacular views of the city from atop the Sears Tower, one of the world's tallest buildings.
Day
9
Chicago - Wisconsin Dells - Minneapolis.
Enter Wisconsin with a leisurely break in pretty Wisconsin Dells - a popular spot for photographers. Enjoy an included BOAT TRIP in a unique amphibious vessel. Next, Minnesota - the land of 10,000 lakes. Drive through St. Paul, Minneapolis' twin city, before reaching your overnight hotel.
Day
10
Minneapolis.
Begin the day with a short city sightseeing tour of the bustling downtown area as well as the many beautiful parks and gardens and residential neighbourhoods. Then, head out to the fabulous MALL OF AMERICA, the largest shopping mall in the United States, featuring more than 400 speciality stores as well as several large retailers. Tonight, an optional dinner cruise aboard a paddle wheeler on the Mississippi River is available.
Day
11
Minneapolis - Pierre.
Into the rich farmlands of South Dakota, homeland of the great Sioux Indian Nation. A 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. Then, a scenic drive through the Crow Creek Indian Reservation and along the mighty Missouri River. Overnight in Pierre, the state's capital.
Day
12
Pierre - Badlands National Park - Keystone.
First, a drive through Fort Pierre National Grassland to see 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 out a remarkably colourful sight. Then, head deep into the Black Hills and behold the granite faces of MOUNT RUSHMORE, a giant monument to four American presidents - Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln, and Roosevelt. (CB)
Day
13
Keystone - Cody.
Head through the rich, mountainous country to Buffalo, where open range cattle kings made war on the sheep ranchers of the 1880s. Drive past Sheridan, the scene of many fierce battles between the U.S. Cavalry and the Sioux, Cheyenne, and Crow Indians. Then, climb over the Bighorn Mountains en route to the overnight stop in Buffalo Bill's frontier town of Cody.
Day
14
Cody - Yellowstone National Park.
Through the Shoshone National Forest to splendid YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK. Follow the Grand Loop Road to Artist Point with magnificent views of Yellowstone Canyon and the stupendous Lower Falls, nearly twice the height of Niagara. Next are the geyser basins with bubbling mud paint pots and finally the reliable "blow" of Old Faithful, Yellowstone's great geyser. The next two nights we overnight in West Yellowstone, the western gateway to Yellowstone National Park. Located in Wyoming, Montana and Idaho, it is home to a large variety of wildlife including grizzly bears, wolves, bison and elk.
Day
15
Yellowstone National Park.
Yellowstone National Park, the United States’ first national park, is a dramatic contrast of alpine lakes, lush forests, and deep canyons. The park is a unique geothermal and ecological area, and features a wide variety of fauna, including bison, wolves, and grizzly bears. Today we visit more of this fantastic park. (CB)
Day
16
Yellowstone - Grand Teton National Park - Jackson - Salt Lake City.
Head south into the magnificent GRAND TETONS with saw-toothed, 13,500-foot-high ridges crested with snow most of the year. Through "Western" Jackson with its wooden sidewalks and swing-door saloons, and arrive in Salt Lake City in the late afternoon. Magnificently set on the edge of a salt desert and near mountains covered in forests and abundant with lakes, this is the centre of the Mormon religion. A brief orientation drive before reaching your hotel. (CB)
Day
17
Salt Lake City - Bryce Canyon - Cedar City.
Through the sagebrush landscape of southern Utah to BRYCE CANYON NATIONAL PARK with its breathtaking sandstone and limestone cliffs and ever-changing colours. Head west through the Dixie National Forest and Cedar Breaks National Monument to Cedar City for your overnight.
Day
18
Cedar City - Zion National Park - Grand Canyon.
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 the Grand Canyon, 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. (CB)
Day
19
Grand Canyon - Las Vegas.
Head to the unique phenomenon of Las Vegas, where today?s fortune hunters try their luck at the 24-hour gambling tables of the "Strip." The afternoon is at leisure so you can explore the casinos.
Day
20
Las Vegas.
A free morning and afternoon to enjoy the sights of Las Vegas. Your Tour Director will have suggestions for the best shows to see this evening.
Day
21
Las Vegas - Calico - Los Angeles.
Into California today with a stop at CALICO GHOST TOWN to relive the wild, tough days when miners struck it rich. Through the Mojave Desert and over the San Gabriel Mountains to Los Angeles.
Day
22
Los Angeles.
Start the day with a sightseeing tour of the world's "Capital of Glamour." You'll drive to Hollywood, see the footprints of the stars at Grauman's Chinese Theatre, famous Hollywood Bowl, and the Kodak Theatre. Then, on to elegant Beverly Hills followed by a drive down Sunset Strip. Suggestion for this afternoon is an optional excursion to Universal Studios.
Day
23
Los Angeles.
The trip ends today with guests departing on individual schedules. Transfers to Los Angeles International Airport are included. You can extend your vacation with extra nights and explore Los Angeles furher with a variety of exciting optional activities.
Cosmos Brochure Click on the icon if you would like to view an electronic version of the brochure online.

23 Day Trans-American Adventure Reviews

Tour reviews from past clients of Global Journeys. 2 Reviews, Average Rating 3.0 of 5.
Thought the tour was good. Some of the optional tours seemed to be a bit vague (the tour director didn't have the correct or enough information about some of the optional tours). I would have liked the last evening meal (an optional event) to be included in the cost, so that everyone attends. That would have given us the chance of all being together to say 'farewell'. Wouldn't it be great if 'gratuities' were included in the cost... tipping is not something Aussies want to be bothered with. A 'fun' name tag that could be worn for the first few days (optional)as it is difficult to learn everyone's name. Other than one hotel (Chicago)all the hotels were excellent! Thanks, Yvonne, you answered any questions I had promptly. (GJ: Prepaying tips is an option on all tours. If you'd prefer this, let us know and we'll include it in your quote.)
Jenny McCracken (Australia)
Tour Date 14/09/2011
Wonderful tour of a Wonderful country. Tour director France Wray and driver Don Knight worked very hard to ensure no problems, Frances kept everyone well informed. Don drove over 4,000 miles, which is a long way to be responsible for soo many peoples safety, not to mention loading cases on and off! Accomodation ranged from excellent to very good, only motel which was uncomfortable, not even a chair in the room, was Red Roof Inn in Chicago, but it was in an excellent position, so I suppose cant have everything. Breakfasts every morning would have been nice, would not have added a great deal to overall cost. Air conditioning on bus was too cold, and air vents could do with some maintenance. Not enough time in Las Vegas. So much to see, another day or two wouldnt have made much difference. Most bitter dissapointment though was being taken to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. Grand Canyon is one of the wonders of the world and cant understand why you would take tourists to the North Rim.
Kathryn & Ivor Watson (Australia)
Tour Date 07/09/2011

Tour Prices

Tour prices are per person. Please request a quote for tour availability.

EXCLUSIVE SPECIAL OFFER*

2012 Cosmos Sale! Save up to $480 per couple. Exclusive to Global Journeys. Deposit this month only to qualify! Subject to availability at the time of booking.

START DATE END DATE BROCHURE
(Twin Share)
BROCHURE
(Single)
OUR
SAVINGS
OUR
PRICE
16 May 2012 07 Jun 2012 AU $2,769 AU $4,111 Save $235 AU $2,534
18 May 2012 09 Jun 2012 AU $2,769 AU $4,111 Save $235 AU $2,534
23 May 2012 14 Jun 2012 AU $2,739 AU $4,081 Save $235 AU $2,504
25 May 2012 16 Jun 2012 AU $2,739 AU $4,081 Save $235 AU $2,504
30 May 2012 21 Jun 2012 AU $2,789 AU $4,131 Save $235 AU $2,554
06 Jun 2012 28 Jun 2012 AU $2,789 AU $4,131 Save $235 AU $2,554
08 Jun 2012 30 Jun 2012 AU $2,789 AU $4,131 Save $235 AU $2,554
13 Jun 2012 05 Jul 2012 AU $2,789 AU $4,131 Save $235 AU $2,554
20 Jun 2012 12 Jul 2012 AU $2,789 AU $4,131 Save $235 AU $2,554
22 Jun 2012 14 Jul 2012 AU $2,789 AU $4,131 Save $235 AU $2,554
27 Jun 2012 19 Jul 2012 AU $2,789 AU $4,131 Save $235 AU $2,554
29 Jun 2012 21 Jul 2012 AU $2,789 AU $4,131 Save $235 AU $2,554
04 Jul 2012 26 Jul 2012 AU $2,769 AU $4,111 Save $235 AU $2,534
11 Jul 2012 02 Aug 2012 AU $2,769 AU $4,111 Save $235 AU $2,534
25 Jul 2012 16 Aug 2012 AU $2,769 AU $4,111 Save $235 AU $2,534
15 Aug 2012 06 Sep 2012 AU $2,769 AU $4,111 Save $235 AU $2,534
22 Aug 2012 13 Sep 2012 AU $2,769 AU $4,111 Save $235 AU $2,534
29 Aug 2012 20 Sep 2012 AU $2,769 AU $4,111 Save $235 AU $2,534
05 Sep 2012 27 Sep 2012 AU $2,809 AU $4,151 Save $240 AU $2,569
07 Sep 2012 29 Sep 2012 AU $2,809 AU $4,151 Save $240 AU $2,569
12 Sep 2012 04 Oct 2012 AU $2,809 AU $4,151 Save $240 AU $2,569
19 Sep 2012 11 Oct 2012 AU $2,809 AU $4,151 Save $240 AU $2,569
21 Sep 2012 13 Oct 2012 AU $2,809 AU $4,151 Save $240 AU $2,569
26 Sep 2012 18 Oct 2012 AU $2,809 AU $4,151 Save $240 AU $2,569

Note: The majority of departures above will proceed or are guaranteed to depart. We will outline the status of your departure date in your quote along with all applicable discounts and specials.

Tour Discounts & Options:

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  Click on the descriptions below for more detail. We will apply all valid discounts automatically to your quote to provide you with the best possible price. Terms & Conditions apply to the discounts below.

SAVE2.5 % Early Payment Discount
SAVE5% Journeys Club Discount
SAVEExtra Tour Discount On 2nd Tour
SAVESingle Traveller Saving
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Flights:

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  The prices on our site are land only prices. If you would like to include flights with your quote, then we have some amazing specials for you to take advantage of! Flight specials only apply for clients booking this tour from Global Journeys. Terms & Conditions apply and full details will be provided in your quote.



General Information

The information below relates to this itinerary only.

Tour Operator: Cosmos Tours

Cosmos holidays combine the freedom of independent travel with the benefits of group travel, all at an unbelievable value. If you have never taken a package holiday, consider this: travelling with Cosmos is less expensive, more comfortable and far easier than going it alone. Our expertly planned tour packages combine all the benefits of group travel with much of the freedom of an independent tour to create a balanced experience for each and every traveller. You travel hassle-free knowing that we've taken care of all the details. Once you have discovered the special advantages of Cosmos, you'll never want to travel any other way again. Cosmos turns your dreams into reality.


Tour Type: Discovery

Panoramas are our escorted multi-country, multi-state, or multi-province tours. They are designed to allow travelers the chance to experience and compare a variety of cultures, take in "must see" sights, and create the most vivid memories all over the world at an on-the-go pace.


Frequently Asked Questions

Why should we choose a Cosmos Tour?

  • Our famous value with complete travel packages including hotel, transportation, sightseeing and services of a professional Tour Director
  • Visits to major and must-see sights included in the vacation price
  • Expert Tour Directors share their unique stories and knowledge of destinations
  • Cosmos hotels are selected with care - three star or better hotels with private facilities, so you can relax in a comfortable, clean, and attractive environment
  • Optional excursions at an unbeatable value - diverse enough for unique interests and at reasonable prices
  • A dynamic blend of transportation, including first-class motorcoach, rail, air, and cruise - we make getting there part of the fun
  • Plenty of leisure time to explore on your own or to sit back and take it all in
  • Porterage included - not handling your own bag really makes you feel like you are on a holiday
  • Cosmos budget travel packages receive a 93% satisfaction rating on our customer's post-vacation surveys

I'm leaving in 4 weeks, when will I get my travel documents?

Travel documents, including any air tickets, tour itinerary, hotel lists, and helpful hints and other information are sent approximately four weeks prior to tour departure.

Who else will be travelling with me, and how many will be on tour with me?

Cosmos attracts a wide range of clientele of many ages from all over the English speaking world. Cosmos offers an affordable way to travel and as such the size of the Cosmos group can vary from departure to departure. A Cosmos coach can carry up to 51 passengers however on many tours the number of passengers is below 50 people.

Will the coach be modern and comfortable, and how many will be on tour with me?

Your Cosmos coach is a quiet smooth-riding high cruiser, equipped with soft, semi-reclining lounge seats, huge pan windows, a high-fidelity sound system, and air-conditioning. There is a no smoking policy enforced on the coach, but there are plenty of opportunities to smoke during the frequent stops. Cosmos uses the custom of daily seat rotation which gives every tour member a variety of vantage points to see the passing countryside and city scenery.

What hotel standards can I expect on a Cosmos tour?

Our experienced hotel contractors carefully select hotels that provide the best value for money. Of course, different countries have different standards, but Cosmos endeavours to provide our clients with the best available in cleanliness and comfort. They are mainly 'superior tourist' and 'tourist' class establishments that follow the standards set by the independent Official Hotel Guide (OHG) or by national tourist boards.

Where are Cosmos hotels located?

When Cosmos selects its hotels, it does so with you in mind. A great deal of effort goes into ensuring that the hotels are suitably located to meet the needs of the tour. Some hotels are more centrally located than others. In bigger cities (particularly in Europe), we sometimes use hotels that are located in the suburbs rather than using overpriced hotels or hotels in less desirable areas. In these instances, we make every attempt to locate hotels near public transport and with good access to shopping and/or meals.

Are breakfasts included in the tours?

Breakfast is not included on our American tours but Cosmos does offer the option to pre-pay breakfast supplements on selected North American tours to have a full breakfast daily. On Cosmos European tours a daily continental breakfast is provided. In London and on the Continent, you can expect to start the day with cereal, croissant, yoghurt, bread, butter, jam, cold cuts (cheese, ham, salami) and juice, coffee, tea or hot chocolate. Elsewhere in the United Kingdom, a fully cooked breakfast is provided.

What about dinners?

The number of dinners provided varies from tour to tour, check your itinerary for details. Where dinners are on offer, they tend to have an 'international' flavour. For clients wanting to sample some of the 'local' fare, there are optional excursions which feature dining out at local restaurants. Alternatively, clients can discover the local cuisine when there are free evenings without scheduled meals.

What is the difference between a tour director & a local guide? What are they like?

Your tour director will accompany you from the start to the end of your tour, educating you on the places and the history of the destination. Local guides are included in many cities to give you in-depth information on the culture, history and attractions of the city. Both Tour Director and Local Guides have a passion for travel, people and the destination and look forward to sharing their passion with you.

I'm finding it difficult to match two tours together?

Have you considered pre or post tour accommodation? We offer fantastic rates hard to find elsewhere and this may enable you to select sequential tours with minimal disruption to your intended travel plans.

What does the tour cost include?

Our packages take in each destinations's most popular highlights. They are carefully planned to include visits to places of interest and panoramic drives through areas of natural beauty. There's so much for you to look forward to! In North America you can ride a snocoach on Alberta's Columbia Icefield, tour Washington DC and Québec City with expert Local Guides, and cruise the swampy waterways of Louisiana's bayous. Please refer to the itineraries for a complete description of what is included in the holiday of your choice.

Do coach tour prices include tips to Tour Directors, Drivers & Local Guides?

It is customary worldwide to pay tips to Tour Directors and Drivers on all international vacations and these are not included in your quote. The option to prepay these tips prior to departure is possible however. Please ask your consultant to include this in your quote. You will receive Gratuity vouchers with your travel documents and all you need to do is give this to the Tour Director and driver or Cruise Director and ship's crew at the end of the vacation.

Are there optional excursions & is there much free time?

In addition to included sightseeing, we offer a rich program of optional excursions, all full of interest and very reasonably priced. Optional activities can be booked through your Tour Director. Many optional excursions are mentioned in the package descriptions. Your pre-vacation literature will specify cost and content of the optional highlights that may be offered during your trip. This enables you to budget accordingly before you leave home.

Do you have a share program for singles?

More than one third of Cosmos' clients travel alone. We can provide clients with a 'guaranteed share' facility. This means that we charge singles the basic price and match up singles of the same gender in twin-bedded rooms. If we cannot find a roommate for a tour member who has booked on a 'guaranteed share' basis, we will absorb the single room supplement. For mutal comfort, we do adopt a no-smoking rule in shared rooms. Please note that 'guaranteed share' cannot be offered for pre and post tour accommodation.

Where can I find out more information on Cosmos?

We have a dedicated section on our website providing more detailed information on Cosmos including FAQ's on what you need to know before, during and after your travel; as well as information on their 'Touring Styles', and a comprehensive search facility to enable you to easily find more of their tours. Read more> (NB: This link will take you away from this tour itinerary page).


Airport Transfer Information

U.S. & Canada Airport Transfers

Airport transfers are included when vacation is booked air-inclusive (except Hawaii). Airport transfers are available for purchase up to five days prior to departure, any day year round, when vacation is booked as land-only.

Hawaii Airport Transfers

Airport transfers are included with air-inclusive and land-only Hawaii vacations.


Terms & Conditions:

Yep, all the boring small print! We still recommend you read it all though, as no one likes surprises. Click here to read them now - they will open in a new window, or print them off to read over later with a cup of coffee!

 

Georgie Walpole

Your Tour Consultant Will Be:

Georgie Walpole
Tour Consultant
Email: georgie@globaljourneys.com
Expertise: International Coach Touring & River Cruising
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