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Home > Contiki > North America > Grand Southern 2008
| Grand Southern 2008 | Save 10% Off this Tour - GUARANTEED! |
 | | Tour Operator | Contiki | | Tour Code | TLALA | | Vacation Quality | Budget | | Vacation Type | Escorted Tour | | Number of Days | 24 | | Starting Price | $2539 (Select Dates)* | | Countries Visited | United States | | City Highlights | Albuquerque, Grand Canyon, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Memphis, New Orleans, New York, Orlando, Philadelphia, Savannah, Washington DC |
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Southern delicacies include chicken and ribs, biscuits and gravy, and more curiously, Elvis’ favorite Graceland snack, a peanut butter and banana concoction. But here is food for thought: Our equally eclectic travel menu of mouth-watering southern destinations, nicely sandwiched between prime left- and right-coast stop-overs. Get a taste of Texas, full servings of Memphis and New Orleans, and a naughty nibble of Las Vegas, before a final bite in the Big Apple, New York City.
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ITINERARY
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Day 1: Los Angeles (Anaheim) to Las Vegas:
On to Sin City! Get ready, set, and GO! You are in for the ride of your life on this Grand Southern tour. Keep your clothes on as we take a drive down the (in) famous Vegas 'Strip.' You won't believe your eyes at this crazy place! After the light show at Fremont Street, party on at a titillating Las Vegas cabaret show (optional). Hotel (D)
Day 2: Las Vegas:
Vegas, Baby! Only in Las Vegas can you visit most of the world's largest hotels and casinos in one day, gamble while you swim, catapult 327 meters (1,081 feet) up in the air from the top of the Stratosphere Hotel, feel like you are in Venice, Egypt, New York, Ancient Rome, and Paris all at the same time, and party like a rock star 24 hours a day! Get out there and do it all - or just lie by the pool and relax. Tonight, party on at one of Las Vegas's premier hot spots! Hotel
Day 3: Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon:
A World Wonder. You can check one of the World's Seven Natural Wonders off your list today as we enter Arizona and head to Grand Canyon - a natural treasure. Our modern cabins are located inside the National Park, just a short walk to the canyon's rim. Cabin (B,D)
Day 4: Grand Canyon National Park:
A World Wonder. At over 1.6km (1 mile) deep and averaging 16km (10 miles) wide, it is easy to understand why the Grand Canyon is considered one of the world's seven natural wonders. We have the entire day to hike and explore the national park. Maybe take a sensational helicopter flight over the canyon (optional). Don't miss the spectacular sunset at the Grand Canyon. Cabin
Day 5: Grand Canyon to Cortez via Monument Valley:
The Wild West. You'll swear you walked onto the set of a Western movie today as we go for an off road trip of Monument Valley on Navajo Indian Reservation land. Magnificent mesas, buttes, and plateaus are carved out of the landscape of America's spectacular Southwest. Our hotel tonight is in Cortez, located in the beautiful state of Colorado. Hotel (B,D)
Day 6: Cortez to Albuquerque:
Rocky Mountain High. Passing through the spectacular Rocky Mountain Range, you'll feel like exploring the great outdoors in Durango by rafting down the Animas River (seasonal) or bouncing through the backcountry by jeep (optionals). Get your kicks in Albuquerque, New Mexico along the old Route 66, our home for tonight. Hotel (B,D)
Day 7: Albuquerque to Amarillo:
Everything's Bigger in Texas! Rub the sleep from your eyes as you float over Albuquerque in a hot air balloon (optional). Santa Fe is our next stop where Native American culture abounds in this historic art town. After crossing over into the friendly state of Texas, we'll stop at a most unusual outdoor sculpture garden and a tribute to the great American automobile - the Cadillac Ranch. Tonight's accommodation and dinner in Amarillo are both true examples of real Texan culture! Hotel (D)
Day 8: Amarillo to Dallas:
You'll be pleasantly surprised by what your road crew has to show you in Dallas - cutting edge architecture, sophisticated shopping, cool nightlife, and marvelous museums. For a taste of another side of Dallas, dust off your cowboy boots and whoop it up tonight at the popular Mesquite Rodeo (seasonal optional). Hotel (B)
Day 9: Dallas:
Visit the home of the Dallas Cowboys, Texas Stadium, 'where God watches His favorite team play football' (when available). Afterwards, you'll have the chance to understand the life, death, and times of John F. Kennedy, America's 35th President, at the Sixth Floor Museum. Hotel (B,D)
Day 10: Dallas to Memphis:
Home of the Blues, a President, and a King. Heading into the Deep South, we stop in Little Rock, the city Bill Clinton called home while Governor of the state of Arkansas. Cruising over the meandering Mississippi River, we enter Tennessee and the soulful city of Memphis. Let's check out the action on Beale Street tonight. Hotel (B,D)
Day 11: Memphis:
'We're going to Graceland, Graceland...' Throw on your blue suede shoes as we head to the private home of 'The King' - Elvis Presley. Check out the wild 'Jungle Room', Elvis' gold records and stage costumes, and the grounds including Elvis' grave. This afternoon, we will make a stop at the Civil Rights Museum, as well as Sun Studios where musicians like U2, Elvis, and Johnny Cash have performed. Hotel
Day 12: Memphis to New Orleans:
Let the Goodtime Roll! Upon arriving in New Orleans, one of America's wildest cities, we'll hop onto an airboat and take a break with the alligators through one of Louisiana's sultry swamps (optional). Bourbon Street here we come! Hotel
Day 13: New Orleans:
'Joie de vivre' oozes out of every pore of this tantalizing city. Your senses will be on overload as you sip café au lait and try beignets at Café du Monde, meander along the sexy streets of the French Quarter, and awe at the immense mansions in the Garden District. Bop to the jazzy beat of Dixieland while gobbling gumbo on a riverboat cruising along the 'Mighty Mississippi' tonight (optional). Hotel (B)
Day 14: New Orleans to Pensacola:
Life's a Beach. After two days of fun in New Orleans, you'll need a day to rest on the beautiful, white, sandy beaches of Florida's Panhandle on the Gulf of Mexico. Rent a jet ski, try the locally famous 'Bushwacker', or get into a game of volleyball on the beach. Hotel (B,D)
Day 15: Pensacola to Orlando:
Mickey and friends, here we come! As we drive across the state of Florida, you'll have time to plan your two full days in Orlando - the mecca of theme parks and entertainment. Hotel (B,D)
Days 16-17: Orlando:
There are plenty of parks to choose from - Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure, Sea World, and the Walt Disney World complex including Magic Kingdom, EPCOT Centre, Animal Kingdom, and the Disney - MGM Studios. For nightlife, why not try Disney's Pleasure Island or Universal's City Walk. Hotel (1B)
Day 18: Orlando to St. Augustine incl. Kennedy Space Cent:
Blast Off! You will have most of the day to explore Kennedy Space Center. Your tour includes the Saturn V rocket, the history of the Apollo moon landing flights and views of the Space Shuttle Launch pads. Once thought to house 'The Fountain of Youth', we'll make our way to St. Augustine for the night. Hotel (D)
Day 19: St. Augustine to Savannah:
Hi Y'all. These two towns are hidden Southern gems. You'll have time to wander the inviting streets of America's oldest city, St. Augustine, Florida before heading onto Savannah, Georgia. Your road crew will introduce you to this charming town and show you the historic city squares where the movie 'Forrest Gump' was filmed. The nightlife along the riverfront is way too tempting! Hotel (B)
Day 20: Savannah to Raleigh:
Southern Hospitality at its best. Practice your best Southern drawl as you cross the Carolinas today. The people are just so friendly in Raleigh, North Carolina, your home tonight. Hotel (B,D)
Day 21: Raleigh to Washington D.C.:
We leave Raleigh today and continue our journey north. We’ll stop in historic Richmond but arriving in Washington D.C. where it all happens! We start off on a thoughtful note as we visit the Kennedy gravesites and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery. Your jaw will drop at how beautiful this city is lit up at night during this evening’s orientation tour that includes views of the White House and visits to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the Capitol Building, and the Lincoln, Jefferson and FDR Memorials. (B,D)
Days 22-23: Washington D.C.:
Phew, so much to do in two days - you can see the White House, Capital Building, Washington Monument, and Library of Congress. There is also plenty of time to visit the Smithsonian museums - the Museum of Natural History, the National Air and Space Museum and the Museum of American History. Hotel (2B,1D)
Day 24: Washington D.C. to New York:
Take a Bite of the Big Apple. What an incredible ending! Four fabulous East Coast states, two tantalizing cities, one U.S. military academy, and a coach load of new friends all add up to a lifetime of fantastic memories. Before arriving at one of most electrifying cities in the world, New York, we'll pop in on Annapolis, Maryland and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, both lovely and historic. Your epic journey across America will end late this afternoon. (B) |
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WHATS INCLUDED
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CONTIKI TOURS ARE AVAILABLE ONLY FOR 18 - 35 YEAR OLDS.
Highlights
All these highlights along with city sightseeing are included in your tour price!
Mojave Desert: See the famous Joshua Trees
Las Vegas: Evening Illumination tour including the famous Las Vegas 'Strip'; Visit the Fremont Street Experience Light Show; Visit some of the world's largest hotels & casinos and enjoy the nightlife
Route 66: Stop for photos & souvenirs
Grand Canyon: Stay in the National Park; Visit the panoramic lookout; Hike along the rim of the canyon; Watch a spectacular sunset
Monument Valley: Tour Monument Valley's Navajo Tribal Park; See the Painted Desert
Cortez: Enjoy an evening in Colorado; Drive through the Rocky Mountains
Durango: Enjoy an evening in Colorado; Drive through the Rocky Mountains
Albuquerque: Visit Old Town Albuqurque
Santa Fe: Visit the historic art town; Experience Native American culture
Amarillo: Visit the unusual outdoor tribute to the American automobile at 'Cadillac Ranch'; Experience 'real' Texan culture in food & accommodation
Dallas: City sightseeing tour; Tour Texas Stadium, home of the Dallas Cowboys (subject to availability); Visit the John F. Kennedy Sixth Floor Museum; Enjoy the nightlife
Little Rock: See the Capital Building, Bill Clinton's home whilst Governor of Arkansas; Cross the Mississippi River
Memphis: Tour Graceland Mansion, home of Elvis Presley; Visit Beale Street, home of Blues music; Visit the Civil Rights Museum & Sun Studios
New Orleans: City sightseeing tour; See the French Quarter & the Garden District Mansions; Enjoy the nightlife of Bourbon Street
Alabama: See the retired battleship USS Alabama
Pensacola: Relax on Florida beaches in the Gulf of Mexico
Orlando: Transfers to the Amusement Parks; Visit the entertainment area of Old Town
Kennedy Space Center: Tour Kennedy Space Center; See the Saturn V rocket & Space Shuttle launch pads; Hear the history of the Apollo moon landing
St. Augustine: Tour America's oldest city; Visit Castillo de San Marcos National Monument America's 300 year old fortress
Savannah: City sightseeing tour; See the historic city squares, homes & gardens made famous by the film 'Forrest Gump'; Enjoy nightlife along the riverfront
Raleigh: See the state capital building
Washington DC:
- Visit historic Richmond, VA
- City sightseeing tour; Evening Illuminations Tour
- Visit John F. Kennedy's Grave & the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery
- See the Changing of the Guard
- See the Pentagon, White House, Capital Building, Library of Congress & Washington Monument
- See the Lincoln, Jefferson, Vietnam, FDR, & Korean Memorials
- Visit the Smithsonian Museums of Natural History, Air & Space and American History
- Visit the Holocaust Museum
- Visit the F.B.I & International Spy Museums
Annapolis: See the United States Naval Academy
Philadelphia: See the Liberty Bell & Independence Hall
New York: Panoramic View of New York City; Travel through the Lincoln Tunnel into Manhattan; See the Lincoln Center for performing arts
Accommodation
23 nights in twin-share hotel accommodation
Breakfasts (B) and Dinners (D) – as per itinerary
Contiki Specials
Experienced, professional Tour Manager and Driver
Modern air-conditioned coach
Visit 22 States: California ; Nevada ; Arizona ; Utah ; Colorado ; New Mexico ; Texas ; Arkansas ; Tennessee ; Mississippi ; Louisiana ; Alabama ; Florida ; Georgia ; South Carolina ; North Carolina ; Virginia ; Maryland ; Delaware ; Pennsylvania ; New Jersey ; New York | | ^Top |
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| Nov 01 - Nov 24, 2008 | Call Us | $2699 | Call Us | $2429 |  | | Nov 29 - Dec 22, 2008 | Call Us | $2699 | Call Us | $2429 | | | Jan 24 - Feb 16, 2009 | Call Us | $2699 | Call Us | $2429 | |
Note: All prices, itineraries, accommodations and dates are subject to change without notice and at any time by the tour operators. Availability is limited and must be reconfirmed at time of booking. Please call us toll free at 1-800-935-2620 to confirm availability and current pricing on all our discounted specials. The prices on this website are not guaranteed until a deposit has been made. We are not responsible for errors, omissions, or changes in these prices until a booking has been confirmed by one of our agents. Some land prices may include an internal air component and discounts will not be offered on the internal air component. Discounts will not be offered on packages with a land price of less than $500. |
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