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.
Highlights
Dining Summary
- 6 Dinner (D)
- 17 Breakfast (B)
FAQs
- New York City: A modular trip means fellow travellers will join and leave at various locations. There’ll be some goodbyes, sure, but there’ll also be plenty of hellos with new like-minded travellers.
- Los Angeles: The US is a large country - which means this trip involves some long journeys on the coach. But it also means that you’ll have plenty of time to sit back, relax, enjoy the stunning scenery and get to know your fellow travellers.
- Los Angeles: The climate in this region is extremely varied. In shoulder season (May, September, and October) you can expect temperatures to vary between single digits and warm sunny days, while from June until September temperatures can reach well above 30 C (86 F).
- Los Angeles: It’s always a good idea to bring a warm windproof jacket. No matter which time of year you decide to travel, it can get quite cool at night (especially outside of the cities), so we recommend that you bring a warm jacket or fleece. This trip involves visiting National Parks, walking and light hiking is required to visit all the viewpoints listed. You should pack appropriate clothing for outdoor activities. Closed shoes are required for most activities.
- Grand Canyon National Park: Yes. For new bookings travelling from 01-Jan-2027, non-U.S. residents will be required to pay a separate National Parks entry fee due to new regulations from National Parks authorities. This fee is separate from any existing permits or inclusions. It will be added at the time of booking and paid with your final payment, due 60 days before departure. Please note: this fee is subject to change.
- New York City: You’ll now book and pay for your Free Time Add-Ons through WeTravel — a simple website link where you can browse all the FTAs, pick what you’re keen on, and pay directly by card, in any currency. You’ll get the link in your Welcome Email, usually 3–5 days before your trip starts. Once you’re in, it’s easy: check out the pics, descriptions and prices, add your chosen experiences to your cart, then check out online. You can book before your trip starts or while you’re on the road, up until each activity’s booking deadline.Missed the link? No stress. Your Trip Manager can share it with you on trip too.
Included Experience
- Los Angeles: This needs no introduction. See the palm-lined playground of the rich and famous!
- Los Angeles: Follow the lead of music icons through the decades and hang out on this infamous stretch of Sunset Boulevard.
- Los Angeles: Photo op! Ramble around the iconic pink stars and hunt down your favourite celebs.
- Los Angeles: A trip to Cali isn’t complete without seeing this boho beach town. Complete with its famous skate plaza and bodybuilders.
- Los Angeles: Soak up those cool Cali vibes and explore the iconic pier and array of boutiques, bars and eateries.
- Los Angeles: Hit one of LA’s most iconic lunch spots, right by The Grove. Wander the legendary Farmers Market and choose from a world of flavours, all served up by local small businesses in one seriously solid food hall.
- Las Vegas: Where else would you find the Eiffel Tower and a Sphinx on the same street? See all the weird and wonderful Vegas highlights.
- Las Vegas: Just when you thought Vegas couldn’t get any crazier, this nightly light show comes along and proves you wrong. Intense!
- Grand Canyon: Don’t just believe the hype. See it IRL. Tick this incredible natural wonder of the world off your bucket list.
- Monument Valley: You’ll instantly recognise the red landscape from the movies. Plus, you’ll get a glimpse into the Native American way of life.
- Amarillo: A rainbow-coloured art installation. Made from Cadillacs in the desert. That glows in the dark. Why the heck not?
- Dallas: Always wanted to know what it was like to live in the Wild West? Welcome to cowboy town.
- Fort Worth: Our trip to the Fort Worth stockyards just took a turn for the tasty, with a delicious BBQ dinner coming our way this evening. Think smoky flavours, juicy, slow-cooked goodness and all the classic fixings on the side.
- Memphis: This iconic block of clubs and restaurants is a melting pot of blues, jazz, R&B, rock and gospel. And every muso’s dream.
- Memphis: Visit the birthplace of rock ’n’ roll. Where Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash recorded their major records.
- New Orleans: Get to know New Orleans, with an orientation tour including the French Quarter – and the chance to sample the doughy and delightful New Orleans beignets.
- New Orleans: Sample the delicious doughy goodness that is a staple of the city's food culture.
- Orlando: Can you handle this level of excitement? All of your childhood dreams are about to come true...
- Miami: Mojitos all round! It’s time to relax with your new buddies and sample some sizzling Cuban fare.
Trip Details
Product Code: 17536
Tour Type: Group Tour
Accommodation: Deluxe
Transport: Private
Guide Language: English
Travel Styles: 18 - 35 Year Olds Only, Budget
Tour Operator: Contiki (CA)
Supplier Code: 614.2093A
Starts: Los Angeles (CA), United States Of America
Finishes: Miami (FL), United States Of America
Duration: 21 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating: Easy
Includes
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $4679 ($223 /day)
Itinerary
Welcome to LA, home to celeb-swamped suburbs, blistering beaches, open-air gyms and of course, all things Hollywood. Next up, lunch at a popular farmers market before we start our West Coast adventure with a visit to Beverly Hills, plus Venice Beach and a wander around Santa Monica. Does it get more star-studded than this? We think not.
Accommodation: Kawada Hotel (or similar)
Meals: Dinner
Today is yours to explore. You can opt to visit Disneyland, see what’s popping at the LA Live entertainment venue, or do some shopping at the garment district. And let's not forget the epic Grammy Museum that showcases some of the best musical artists in the world. No wonder LA is the entertainment centre of the world.
Accommodation: Kawada Hotel (or similar)
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.
Accommodation: The Strat Hotel & Casino (or similar)
Meals: Dinner
You're in Vegas, baby! And the city's weird & wonderful charm isn't going to uncover itself. This morning, you can choose to head out in the Mojave Desert on an ATV! And in the evening, experience the grandeur of the city's opulent casinos as we stroll down the strip and dance the night away. It's the perfect way to bond with your Contiki family, Vegas style.
Accommodation: The Strat Hotel & Casino (or similar)
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! We'll drop our bags off at the hotel and get a good night's sleep. Better be well-rested to welcome the awe-inspiring adventure that awaits us!
Accommodation: Red Feather Lodge (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast
Today we’ll have a free day to spend in the Grand Canyon National Park (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). We’ll hike (and possibly bike) through the exposed rock, feel our spines tingle on a unique helicopter ride(!), and then gather in the evening to watch one of the world’s most mesmerising sunsets.
Accommodation: Red Feather Lodge (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast
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
Accommodation: Super 8 by Wyndham (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast
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.
Accommodation: Coyote South (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast
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. Tonight, you can try 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.
Accommodation: Home2 Suites by Hilton Amarillo East (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
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. First, we’ll get a taste of the Wild Wild West with a visit to a stockyard. We’ll catch a cattle drive and tuck into a Texas BBQ dinner. An overnight stay in the cowboy town of Fort Worth (right on the outskirts of Dallas) will serve up the full Texan experience.
Accommodation: Holiday Inn Express & Suites Fort Worth Downtown (or Similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Today we’ll dive deeper into the Texan way of life. We’ll visit Dealey Plaza, with the option to step into The Sixth Floor Museum for the full story.
Accommodation: Holiday Inn Express & Suites Fort Worth Downtown (or Similar)
Meals: Breakfast
Swinging past Little Rock High School, a historic site of the Civil Rights movement, then we'll head to a place with a big rock 'n roll heritage. We'll get a city orientation of musical Memphis this afternoon, with a whole day of sightseeing awaiting us tomorrow.
Accommodation: Crowne Plaza Memphis Downtown (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast
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.
Accommodation: Crowne Plaza Memphis Downtown (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
We'll say farewell to Memphis today as we head to somewhere with a meaty musical heritage of its own. After some free time to explore this hearteningly soulful city, we’ll turn up the volume and hit Bourbon Street to sample the live music and lively bar culture. This evening, venture out for a New Orleans dinner, to taste all the melting pot of flavours this fascinating place has to offer.
Accommodation: La Quinta Inn and Suites New Orleans Downtown (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast
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 French Quarter for some classic gumbo, or experience your own Airboat adventure.
Accommodation: La Quinta Inn and Suites New Orleans Downtown (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast
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.
Accommodation: Garner Hotel Panama City Beach (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast
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.
Accommodation: Holiday Inn Resort Kissimmee (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast
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.
Accommodation: Holiday Inn Resort Kissimmee (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast
We'll venture south to glamorous Miami today. A little mouthwatering Cuban cuisine will get us in the mood with a delicious regional group dinner, 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.
Accommodation: Catalina Hotel (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
It's time for some magical Miami sightseeing today. We'll head downtown and of course to South Beach. Foodies have the chance to jump on a food walking tour of Little Havana. Other options up for grabs are a bike ride down the beach or a party in the city where the heat is on.
Accommodation: Catalina Hotel (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast
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?
Meals: Breakfast
Similar Tours
Tour Operator
Contiki (CA)
Contiki is a New Zealand-based tour company that caters to 18 to 35-year-olds, offering over 350 different tours in over 75 countries in Europe, Australia, New Zealand, North America, South America, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.[1] It is a subsidiary of The Travel Corporation. Its tours historically had a reputation for partying;[2][3] however, it also operates wellness trips culturally immersive experiences that focus less on alcohol, which are more popular with Generation Z.[4] The company owns lodging facilities in Europe, including the Chateau De Cruix, a 16th century castle in the Beaujolais wine region, and the Gasthof Schoneck in the Austrian Tyrol. The name "Contiki" comes from the portmanteau 'Con' from the word 'Continent' and 'Tiki'; from the Māori referring to the first man, often symbolised as a pendant known as hei-tiki. It can also be attributed to the New Zealand slang 'Tiki-tour' describing taking a longer route to a destination in order to explore.[5]
In Business Since 1931
Reviews
Danniella - Traveled, October 2024
It was truly amazing. I wish the free time add ons were better priced for contiki members and some hotels could be better.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/31/2024
Anonymous - Traveled, December 2024
Was good fun , met the most amazing people and got to experience cool adventures.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/22/2024
Amber - Traveled, November 2024
Such a good trip! Everything was planned out so well and we did so much during the 3 weeks. Our tour leader, was absolutely amazing! She made everyone feel welcome and included herself in almost all the activities, which made the whole group feel a lot closer. Easy to book and everything was already done for me, all I had to do was book flights!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/23/2024
Anonymous - Traveled, October 2024
This was my first group trip and with Contiki, not knowing really what to expect I went in with I would say low expectations just incase it didn’t live up to the ‘what you see online’ marking. However, I quickly became friends with everyone on the trip and realised it was an absolute out of this world experience to do. There were 1 or 2 of the accommodations that were really below par, as in the unsafe-ness of surroundings and interior hanging on by a thread but most of them were better than expected. Our tour guide gave us a few mishaps, like not giving correct information or messing up on our day plan.. we did find out at the end of our holiday it was their first time hosting a trip, so with that in mind it was more I would say disappoint. When you pay a lot of money for a trip you expect it to go without any mishaps. If I were in their shoes I would have maybe pre-planned a little more and not been so last minute with the following days day sheet to the WhatsApp group, as we had to prompt it a lot of the time. So their organisation could have been smoother running, these aren’t major points but I feel they do also kind of impact the trip itself. To finish off, I would definitely recommend this trip and doing any trips with Contiki as a company. I hope that I can book another soon :) Easy to navigate and book, couldn’t really fault the process.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/24/2024
Luke - Traveled, August 2024
Unbelievable fun exploring some of the most see parts of America.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/25/2024
Katie - Traveled, February 2024
Amazing, incredible, unforgettable! Emily was incredible!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/26/2024
Anonymous - Traveled, January 2024
It was such a fun tour I wish it went for longer! I met some amazing people and saw some awesome places. It was fast paced but not in a bad way. I wish I could do it again in a heartbeat. I highly recommend it :) I booked through a travel agent so it wasn’t done by me but the whole process was easy enough.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/27/2024
Amelia - Traveled, September 2024
This trip was an incredible way to see a lot of the USA in a short amount of time! I would’ve loved an extra day in Vegas to explore more though! Yes super easy and I love that you don’t have to pay up front!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/28/2024
Courtnie - Traveled, October 2024
Loved the trip! Would love to do it again.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/29/2024
Samuel - Traveled, September 2024
Had the best time bonding with the group, it was superb doing all the exciting additional activities provided by the tour guide! Yeah no wokkas.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/30/2024
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