Trans-American Adventure

Welcome to the “Big Apple!” Your Tour Director is on hand from 3-6:00 p.m. to answer any questions.

New York City is one of the world's most exciting cities, buzzing with atmosphere and packed with fascinating sights. On today's guided sightseeing tour, see the major attractions—Broadway, the Empire State Building, Rockefeller Center, and the 9/11 Memorial. Your afternoon and evening are free to discover some of the many things this larger-than-life city has to offer.

Head south through New Jersey to Philadelphia, the birthplace of the United States. During your free time, perhaps see Independence Hall and visit the Liberty Bell. On to Washington DC. for a two-night stay. Join an optional dinner and National Monuments by Night tour to see some of the city's most iconic landmarks in a different light!

The nation's capital is a sightseeing treasure trove. Your half-day tour with a Local Guide features Capitol Hill, the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument, and other well-known sights. Stop for photos at the White House and the Capitol.

The remainder of the day is free. Perhaps visit one of the many Smithsonian museums like the National Museum of American History to see Dorothy's ruby slippers from the Wizard of Oz, the National Museum of Natural History to see dinosaur bones and the Hope Diamond, or the National Gallery of Art to see the only Da Vinci oil painting in the western hemisphere. (B)

A scenic day as you head north into Pennsylvania. Travel 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. (B)

This morning, board your Niagara Falls sightseeing cruise for amazing close-up views from the base of the falls. It's an exhilarating experience you won't soon forget! Then travel the Niagara Parkway, admiring the sweeping landscapes of the scenic countryside. Head southwest and cross the farmlands and vineyards of Ontario, to Dearborn, a suburb of Detroit.

Please Note: Operation of the Niagara Falls sightseeing cruise is subject to favorable weather and/or river conditions. Favorable conditions usually exist from May to October. When conditions are unfavorable, a visit to Journey Behind the Falls will be substituted.

Begin the day with a visit to the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation which showcases the people, places, events, and innovations that have shaped America. Reach Chicago, America's third-largest city, in the late afternoon. City sightseeing includes all the major landmarks of the “Windy City.” (B)

Today is free for independent activities. Consider a visit to the world-renowned Art Institute of Chicago or set your sights higher with a visit to Skydeck on the 103rd floor of Willis Tower for jaw dropping views of the city. Or learn about Chicago and its iconic architecture on an optional river cruise that takes in skyline views from Lake Michigan.

First stop today is Madison, a vibrant city situated between two sparkling lakes. A photo stop at the capitol there before making our way to Minnesota—the “Land of 10,000 Lakes” for a two-night stay in the state's largest city, Minneapolis.

Enjoy an orientation tour of the bustling downtown area of Minneapolis before reaching the Mall of America, the largest shopping mall in the United States, featuring an extensive range of retail shops, restaurants, and entertainment.

Into the rich farmlands of South Dakota, homeland of the great Sioux Indian Nation. 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. Stay overnight on the shores of the Missouri River in Oacoma.

First, a drive through 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 a remarkably colorful sight. Then, head into the Black Hills and behold the granite faces of Mount Rushmore, a giant monument to four American presidents—Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln, and Roosevelt.

This evening, join an optional dinner and visit to Crazy Horse Memorial honoring the brave Lakota chief where an educational and cultural site shares the yet unfinished carving.

Head through the rich, mountainous country where open-range cattle kings made war on the sheep ranchers of the 1880s. See Sheridan and then ascend into the alpine region of the Bighorn Mountains, and site of the Battle of Tongue River. Overnight in Buffalo Bill's frontier town of Cody. (CB)

Travel through Shoshone National Forest to spectacular Yellowstone National Park. Follow Grand Loop Road to Artist Point with magnificent views of the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone and the stupendous Lower Falls, nearly twice the height of Niagara. Yellowstone's abundant and diverse wildlife are as famous as its geysers. It is home to hundreds of animal species, including bears, wolves, bison, elk, and antelope. As a visitor to the world's first national park, you may be lucky enough to encounter some of these amazing creatures in their natural habitat. Overnight in West Yellowstone.

This morning, return to Yellowstone National Park and visit the bubbling mud paint pots and Old Faithful, Yellowstone's most famous geyser. Old Faithful is known for its predictable eruptions approximately every 90 minutes that spout 3,700-8,400 gallons of boiling water up to 180 feet high! Return to West Yellowstone for an evening at leisure. (CB)

Travel south through Idaho and into the Wild West town of Jackson. The afternoon and evening are free to explore the shops and art galleries of historic downtown. Be sure not to miss Town Square, flanked by massive arches made of elk antlers on each corner! Or go with the flow on an optional scenic float trip down the Snake River between Grand Teton National Park and Bridger Teton National Forest keeping an eye out for eagles overhead and wildlife along the shore. (CB)

Today, drive to Salt Lake City, Utah's vibrant capital. Set on the edge of Great Salt Lake Desert, this center of the Mormon religion is where Brigham Young declared to his followers, “This is the place.” An included orientation tour shows you the Capitol Building, the Tabernacle, and other city highlights. (CB)

Travel through the sagebrush landscape of southern Utah to Bryce Canyon National Park with its breathtaking sandstone and limestone cliffs, unique formations called hoodoos, and ever-changing colors. This evening is at leisure. (B)

Travel through the Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel to Zion National Park, a landscape that was carved out by rushing streams over a period of a million years. Then take an incredible drive on the National Scenic Byway, a winding road with stunning views of the dramatic surrounding landscapes. Stop at Cameron Trading Post, a site over 100 years old where Navajo & Hopi locals used to barter, to see Native American handmade jewelry, Indian baskets, Pueblo pottery, and more.

Arrive at the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park, where you'll be in awe of this massive canyon with its flame-colored walls plunging 4,800 feet into the Colorado River. (B)

Have additional time this morning to enjoy the magnificent Grand Canyon, perhaps from above on an unforgettable optional helicopter ride. Then head to the unique phenomenon of Las Vegas, a desert city with extravagant hotels, big-name entertainment, shopping, and of course, casinos with 24-hour gambling tables and slots. An orientation tour upon arrival shows off many of the themed casino resorts along the colorful “Strip.” Tonight, perhaps take a walk and be amazed by the flashing lights and variety of nightlife.

A free day to explore Las Vegas. Perhaps take an optional excursion to nearby Hoover Dam and learn why it is considered one of the world's Top 10 architectural wonders or if you're feeling a little more adventurous, enjoy the scenery of the Black Canyon on a rafting trip along the Colorado River. This evening, consider joining your traveling companions for an optional dinner at a Brazilian steakhouse and “Vegas! The Show,” a musical journey that pays tribute to the stars who made Vegas the “Entertainment Capital of the World.”

Today travel through the Mojave Desert and over the San Gabriel Mountains to America's second largest city, Los Angeles for a two-night stay. Once settled, visit Santa Monica pier for an evening at leisure at this popular California beach.

Start the day with a sightseeing tour of Tinseltown. You'll drive to Hollywood and see the footprints of the glamourous stars at the TCL Chinese Theatre, and famous Dolby Theater, home of the Oscars. Then, on to elegant Beverly Hills followed by a drive down the Sunset Strip. The rest of your afternoon and evening are free. Maybe take the chance to go Hollywood with an optional Warner Bros. Studio tour for a behind-the-scenes look at the world of TV and movie production.

Your vacation ends this morning. You may choose to extend your vacation with extra nights and explore L.A. further.