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Grand Southern

5.0/5 Based on 1 Reviews No Booking FeesDedicated Travel Advisor
Fully Guided Coach Group 18-30's Scenic
Our Price From 6,870 Per Person
Exclusive Savings 1,894 Per Person
 Trip Length
21 Days
 Trip Starts
Los Angeles
 Trip Finishes
Miami
21 Day Grand Southern Itinerary (Contiki)
Countries Explored: USA
Trip Operator
Trip Style
Discoverer
Departures
Accommodation
2.5 - 3.5 Star
Max. Group Size
54
Guide Level
Fully Guided
Trip Code
GSLA

Overview

Read reviews and enjoy exclusive savings on Contiki's 21 Day Grand Southern. Travel through the USA doesn't get any grander than this. This sprawling adventure takes you from the glitz of Vegas through the gob-smacking Grand Canyon, the smooth jazz and intoxicating charm of New Orleans to the sun-soaked party scene of Miami. Welcome to the Great American Road Trip - the open road has never felt so good

Itinerary

Get into the city that mixes up glamour, grit and the American Dream: Los Angeles. It's packed with legends, full of energy and there are loads of things to do. Head to mythical Hollywood and walk across the holy ground for stars. Check out the Kodak Theatre, where the Oscars are held every year and Mann's Chinese Theatre, where so many greats have pressed their hands into the cement.

Cruise down the hottest shopping street in LA, Melrose Avenue, and one of the best areas for nightlife, the Strip (Sunset Boulevard), with its billboards, clubs and eateries, before getting a glimpse at one of the world's wealthiest suburbs in Beverly Hills. A little further west discover Santa Monica, LA's oldest beach resort. Known for its liberal vibes, art galleries and wide sand beaches, Santa Monica is all about the California coast lifestyle. See the famous pier, which serves as a permanent amusement park, complete with a solar powered Ferris wheel.

Maybe later travel out to LA's quirkiest suburb where anything goes: Venice Beach. A favourite hang out spot for locals, colourful Venice Beach attracts all sorts of people. Get a feel for street life when you hit the buzzing boardwalk, where performers, tattoo artists, hair braiders, musicians and roller bladers gather. Make sure you check out the markets and stalls, as well as the greased-up body builders pumping iron at the famous open air gym, Muscle Beach. Later head out and hit the town's hottest bars and clubs. (D) Stay: Kawada Hotel (or similar)

The day is yours to explore the City of Angels. Opt to visit Universal Studios or Disneyland or check out LA Live entertainment venue.  The shopping goes off, so look for deals in the garment district. Visit the Grammy Museum and for the foodies among us there's a downtown LA food tour to taste all of the wonders of the multicultural food Mecca. (B)

We'll kick things off today in the famed City of Angels, where we'll set off through the Mojave Desert, marveling at the majestic Joshua Trees, before reaching the one and only Las Vegas. On arrival we'll cruise the iconic strip & check out the Vegas sign. Tonight, choose to hang out around Fremont Street or opt for a VIP nightclub experience for the kind of glitzy night out that only Vegas can provide. (B/D) Stay: Tropicana Hotel (or similar)

You're in Vegas, baby! And the city's weird & wonderful charm isn't going to uncover itself. Experience the grandeur of the city's opulent casinos as we stroll down the strip and dance the night away, this is the perfect way to bond with your Contiki family, Vegas style. (B)

Today we'll leave the glittering lights of Vegas behind for something even more jaw-dropping. Cruising the historic route 66, we'll stop for some photo ops before reaching the Grand Canyon National Park (entrance included, naturally). We've arrived at another one of our jaw-dropping highlights of this trip... The Grand Canyon! (B) Stay: Under Canvas Grand Canyon (or similar)

You will be contemplating life, existence, and the immense size of the Grand Canyon with a free day to spend in Grand Canyon National Park. You can spend your day feeling a part of the wilderness as you go hiking through the exposed rock, but by far the most spine tingling experience at this natural wonder is one of our optional chopper rides through the UNESCO World Heritage site. Indulgent sure, but one of those life moments you deserve to treat yourself to. Tonight settle in to watch the sunset on the rim - the image will plaster a wide grin on your face for years to come. (B)

With the beauty of the Grand Canyon imprinted on our brains forever, we'll journey past some Wild Western landscapes towards... This monumental place has an iconic cluster of sandstone buttes, and we'll get a chance to visit the Monument Valley Tribal park as we wind our way through the Rocky Mountains We've arrived in our home for the evening, Colorado's adventure capital: Durango (B) Stay: Days Inn by Wyndham (or similar)

The great outdoors is a way of life in Durango with adrenaline pumping river rafting on offer to you and your fellow thrill seekers. This afternoon it's a total change of scenery when we enter New Mexico, where sun-baked earthen brick buildings stand out against the bright blue sky. Boasting influences from Mexico, Spain, and Native American cultures, historic Santa Fe is a true melting pot of culture.

Take a walk around town to see interesting styles of architecture, shop for beautiful turquoise jewellery in the market and  sample all of the different types of regional food on offer. (B/D) Stay: The Lodge at Santa Fe (or similar)

Rise and shine! Does anyone know the way to Amarillo? We're headed to this larger than life city this morning. In true Americana Style, we'll visit Cadillac Ranch, a unique art exhibit celebrating the golden age of Cadillacs. Our accommodation tonight even has a Texas shaped pool and a hotel for your horse if you thought to bring it along. Tonight, try your hat at the "Big Texan Steak Challenge" for a true man vs food moment. Eternal glory awaits anyone who can finish this Texas sized meal in one hour or less. (B/D) Stay: Big Texan Inn (or similar)

We'll say farewell to Amarillo and sweet Marie today as we head towards a Texan icon. Here in the land of leather boots & Cadillacs, you'll soon learn that ‘bigger is better' is a way of life. An overnight stay in the cowboy town of Fort Worth will give you the full Texan experience. (D) Stay: Holiday Inn Express & Suites Fort Worth Downtown (or Similar)

Today we'll dive deep into the Texan way of life. We'll see a cattle drive, visit the Dealey Plaza and have options to tour the iconic home of the Dallas Cowboys or see the 6th floor museum.

Swinging past Little Rock High School, a historic site of the Civil Rights movement, we'll head to a place with a big rock heritage. We'll get a city orientation of musical Memphis this afternoon, with a whole day of sightseeing awaiting us tomorrow. (B) Stay: Crowne Plaza Memphis Downtown (or similar)

Today's the day to get into the history of music your way. We'll start with a visit to Sun Studios where Elvis recorded his very first song. Want more? Why not check out Graceland, the home of the King, or the Rock and Soul Museum. (B/D)

We'll say farewell to Memphis today as we head to somewhere with a meaty musical heritage of its own. This city will romance you with its soul and have you swooning over its spiritual heart - the French Quarter. The main drag culminates at Jackson Square with the iconic wrought iron balconies lining the streets. You'll be hard pressed to pick which you find more enchanting, the European/Caribbean fusion food or the non-stop jazz festival vibe.

No matter which, tonight we turn up the volume and hit Bourbon Street to sample the live music and bar culture that New Orleans has to offer. This evening, why not opt for a Taste of New Orleans dinner, to taste all the melting pot of flavours this fascinating place has to offer? (B) Stay: La Quinta Inn and Suites New Orleans Downtown (or similar)

Now that you know New Orleans like one of the locals, it's your day to do your own thing. Stroll down Frenchmen street for the sounds of jazz and funk, head to the vast grassy oasis of the city park or check out the New Orleans museum of art for an extensive collection of gorgeous French masterpieces. Our recommendation? Head to the SoFAB – Southern Food & Beverage Museum for some classic gumbo, or experience your own Airboat adventure. (B)

Leaving New Orleans won't be easy, but knowing we're bound for one of the “world's most beautiful beaches” helps. There's only one way to test the rumours, so we'll take a dip in the crystal clear waters and kick back on the pure white sands of Panama City Beach. (B) Stay: Baymont by Wyndham Panama City Beach (or similar)

Tear yourself away from the beach, there are exciting times ahead! We arrive in Orlando today with a trip to Universal Studios on the cards. We hope you budgeted for butterbeer. (B) Stay: Baymont by Wyndham Universal Blvd (or similar)

Today is your opportunity to visit the epic Universal Studios, where you can visit Diagon Alley, splash around in the vast water park or visit the islands of adventure. There's something for everyone in this dizzying spectacle of rides, film and entertainment. (B)

We'll venture south to glamorous Miami today. A little mouthwatering Cuban cuisine will get us in the mood with a delicious regional group deal setting the scene for two full days of art deco & celeb-spotting in this tropical paradise.  For anyone looking for an adrenaline rush, the option is there for a Thriller Speedboat across the bay. (D) Stay: Catalina Hotel (or similar)

It's time for some magical Miami sightseeing today. We'll head downtown and of course the South Beach. Options for a bike down the beach or party in the city where the heat is on. (B)

Time to say goodbye to your crew. It's been a blast, but all good things must come to an end. With our sun-kissed skin and eyes on the next horizon, it's time to plan our next Contiki. Peru, anyone? (B)

Trip Inclusions

  • Do the Walk of Fame
  • Hang out at Venice Beach
  • Get to know Santa Monica
  • Check out the Las Vegas strip
  • Fremont Street Light & Laser
  • Admire Seven Magic Mountains
  • Enjoy panoramic views of Grand Canyon
  • Pose at Monument Valley Tribal Park
  • See Cadillac Ranch
  • Visit Fort Worth Stockyards
  • Experience the Beale Street Blues
  • Sun Studios Visit
  • New Orleans Walking Tour
  • Taste Beignets and Pralines
  • Do dinner: Cuban style

  • 17 Breakfasts, 7 Dinners

  • 18 nights in Hotels, 2 nights in Special Stay

  • Expert Trip Manager & Driver Team

  • Itinerary and inclusions are subject to change
  • Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included

Trip Reviews (1) Most Recent 'Grand Southern' Reviews

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AVG. RATING 5.0 / 5
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Amazing Contiki Trip!   4 , NSW, Australia, Dec 2015
I had the absolute best experience with this trip - from booking through Global Journeys to the actual Contiki trip itself. I was assigned to Hannah from Global Journeys who made the process so easy and hassle-free. NO problem was too big for her and she was always very fast in her replies to my emails. The Grand Southern trip is absolutely phenomenal ...read more and I would recommend it to anyone. Our tour guide was brilliant - so knowledgeable, and he went to extra lengths for out group - including using his pwn personal credit card when we all wanted to go to an NFL game which wasn't on Contiki's optional activities list. Just amazing! We saw so many sights, it's amazing how different every state is from each other! The pace was fast - 7am breakfasts, bags to coach before 8am, but it was do-able, The included activities were great and the optional activities were absolutely brilliant - I did nearly all of them! Awesome value for money. Can't recommend this trip enough! #noregrets
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Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Prices and trip information are correct at the time at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Contiki. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Contiki. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.