Tour Overviews
28 Days / 27 Nights
From New York City To Orlando
Grand Eastern Discovery Self Drive Tour
Explore the Eastern Cities of the United States and Canada
Booking Code: S9-NYC-55
Overview
Discover the East Coast and South, starting in the "Big Apple" head up through Canada before continuing on down the east coast and through the Deep South to Orlando.
Visiting
- Mobile
- Orlando
- Panama City
- Tallahassee
- Atlanta
- New Orleans
- Kennebunkport
- Boston
- Natchez
- New York City
- Gettysburg
- Charleston
- Myrtle Beach
- Memphis
- Nashville
- Richmond
- Virginia Beach
- Ottawa
- Toronto
- Montreal
- Quebec City
- Asheville
- Washington
- Hendersonville
- Wilmington
- Disney World
- Blue Ridge Mountains
- Cajun Country
- Shenandoah Ntl. Park
- Suwannee River
- Niagara Falls
- Boston Freedom Trail
- Boston Movie Mile
- Walt Disney World Epcot
- Sea World Orlando
- Universal Studios Florida
- Great Smokey Mountain National Park
- Orlando Theme Parks
- Gulf Coast
- Coastal Florida
- Graceland
- Harpers Ferry
- Monticello
- Mississippi River
- Chesapeake Bay
Prices per person
Available Hotel Categories: Standard
| Daily Departures | Single | Double | Triple | Quad | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Children 10 years & under Free with 2 Adults sharing bedding
|
|||||
| 21-Aug-2009 thru 31-Oct-2009 | $4316.00 | $2235.00 | -- | -- | |
| 01-Apr-2010 thru 14-Jul-2010 | $4530.00 | $2348.00 | -- | -- | |
| 15-Jul-2010 thru 20-Aug-2010 | $4680.00 | $2446.00 | -- | -- | |
| 21-Aug-2010 thru 31-Oct-2010 | $4529.00 | $2348.00 | -- | -- | |
Your Travel Package Includes
27 Nights Hotel Accommodation as detailed in the Day by Day Itinerary as described below
All Hotel Taxes and Service Charges
24 Days Hertz Economy Car Rental (Mid Size for Parties of 3 & 4) Including Unlimited Mileage Free Upgrade to a Mid Size Car for Parties of 1 & 2 and to a Full Size Car for Parties of 3 & 4 When Booking on Line
An Explorer Kit containing Documentation, Maps, Driving Instructions, Mileage, Sights to See and detailed driving descriptions and maps to your hotels will be sent to the First Hotel in advance of your Tour and may be picked up at the front desk.
Optional Inclusions
Rental Car Upgrades to a Convertible, Mid Size 4WD SUV, Minivan, Green or Luxury Car for $10 per day. In-Car Navigation System for $59.75 per week (5 - 7 days), and $11.95 per extra day.
Rental Car Insurance including Loss Damage Waiver, Liability Insurance Supplement, Taxes, Surcharges & Fees for $15 per day
Extra Hotels, Apartments or Villas for Stays Before & After your Tour
Not Included
$500 rental car drop-off charge to be paid locally.
Fuel and Parking Charges.
Admissions to Parks and Attractions unless stated.
Itinerary
New York City, NY
Day 1 | Arrive in New York, NY
Distance: 0 miles / 0.0 km
Arrive at the airport and independently transfer to your hotel by airport bus or taxi. (Car rental is not included in the first two days, as it is much easier to get around using other transportation.) There is much to see and do in this worldly metropolis. Tonight consider a visit to one of New York's most popular destinations, Rockefeller Center. It is a hub of activity, with thousands of visitors and New Yorkers alike taking in an array of exciting attractions. Whether you're looking to spend the afternoon ice-skating, joining the audience of a television show, or shopping at its world-class retail stores, the Rock has something for everyone. A two night stay is arranged. Accommodations: (STD) Skyline Hotel New York (3 Nights)
New York City, NY
Day 2 | New York, NY
Distance: 0 miles / 0.0 km
New York is full of wonderful establishments, monuments and countless sights. Tour the United Nations, the Whitney Museum of Art and the world class Metropolitan Museum of Art. All of these wonderful places make New York the dazzling international city that is known throughout the world. Take a ride through Central Park on a horse drawn carriage. Admire the lights of the Brooklyn Bridge from the South Street Seaport. Visit New York's famous Empire State Building, which soars more than a quarter of a mile into the atmosphere above the heart of Manhattan. Visit the Guggenheim Museum, Frank Lloyd Wright's masterpiece of modern architecture. The museum is home to a fine collection of 20th century art, including works by Chagall, Degas, Kadinsky, Picasso and Van Gogh. See Radio City Music Hall where America's most popular entertainers have thrilled audiences at since its doors opened in 1932. Radio City Music Hall is also home to the world-famous Radio City Rockettes.
Times Square, NY.NY
Day 3 | New York, NY
Distance: 0 miles / 0.0 km
Visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The Met is a coalition of internationally renowned museums housing more than 2 million works of art. The Museum displays international work by artists from all styles, genres, and time periods. Venture out on your own or take a guided tour. The Statue of Liberty, a 450,000 pound gift from the people of France, is a must-see for anyone visiting the “Big Apple.” Ranger-led tours detail the history and technical aspects of the statue. Inside the base of Lady Liberty you'll find a number of exhibits and concessions, and from the observation deck the city and harbor views are unbeatable.
Boston, MA
Day 4 | New York - Boston, Massachusetts
Distance: 225 miles / 362.0 km
Pick up your rental car at the designated location and travel toward Boston. It is the home of over 400 movies and TV shows. From recent blockbusters such as Mystic River and Good Will Hunting to classics such as The Verdict and Thomas Crown Affair, Boston has long been a favorite of Hollywood producers. The TV magic of Cheers, Ally McBeal, The Practice and many more were also created here. Located in the Beacon Hill area of Boston, the Boston Movie Mile is the most filmed part of Boston. It starts at the beginning of Charles Street and continues up Charles Street until taking a left onto Beacon Street. Passing the Massachusetts State House, the Boston Movie Mile ends at 1 Beacon Street. Guided Boston Movie tours are available. It is usually A 90 minute tour including over 30 filming locations from movies and TV shoots. The historic landmarks of Boston have played important roles throughout American history. Visit Boston Commons, the majestic U.S.S. Constitution Memorial and Beacon Hill, which is reminiscent of jolly old England. Walk the Freedom Trail, one of Americas' first historic walking tours. This is the perfect introduction to Colonial and Revolutionary Boston. The walking tour takes visitors to 16 historical sites, covering two and a half centuries of America's most significant past. Faneuil Hall Marketplace is a collection of boutiques, eateries and pushcart vendors housed in converted 18th century warehouses. Enjoy the street entertainers that frequently perform outside. Visit Paul Revere's House, the oldest building in downtown Boston. Revere left here for his famous midnight ride. Walk through history as you visit each of Boston's sites. Enjoy an overnight stay here. Accommodations: (STD) Midtown Hotel (1 Night)
Day 5 | Boston - Kennebunkport - Quebec City, Quebec
Distance: 400 miles / 643.6 km
Depart Boston and drive toward Quebec City, Canada. Make a stop in Kennebunkport Visit Dock Square and see the colorful monument that resides here. Two miles east of Kennebunkport's Dock Square is the fishing village of Cape Porpoise. At Cape Porpoise Pier, you can watch lobstermen unloading their catch and view Goat Island Lighthouse. Enjoy the beauty of this quiet seaside village with its charming shops and galleries, country grocery store, lobster pounds, fish markets and restaurants known for their fabulous fresh seafood. Begin your city exploration at the Fortifications de Quebec. In 1832, the British erected solid stone walls as a defense against American attack. Today, it's the only walled city in North America and is listed as a World Heritage Site. The interpretation centre has historical exhibits and a path with interpretive signs. Self-guided and guided tours are available. For a panoramic view of the city and the St. Lawrence River, take a ride on the Funiculaire du Vieux Quebec. This unique transport dates back to 1879, when William Griffith had it constructed to carry Québec's residents and tourists from Sous-le-Fort in Upper Town to Lower Town's rue Ste-Anne. The only such funiculaire in Canada, it travels at a 45° angle for more than 200 feet. Consider a visit to the Sainte Anne basilica. This striking structure, whose roots date back to a Catholic chapel that French explorers erected in 1658, was constructed in the shape of a Latin cross, using elements of both Gothic and Romanesque architecture. Its unique design includes two soaring spires, a fabulous white interior, five elaborate naves and 200 intricately designed stained-glass windows. An overnight stay has been arranged here. Accommodations: (STD) Clarion Inn Quebec Sainte Foy (1 Night)
Quebec City, QC
Day 6 | Quebec City - Montreal, Quebec
Distance: 160 miles / 257.4 km
One of the largest French-speaking cities in the world, Montréal claim ancestry to 41 different countries. There is a vibrant cultural heart beating here, and the city is populated with fantastic museums and sights including the Musée des Beaux-arts and the Biodôme de Montréal. Montréal's Biodôme is the only one of its kind in the world. It features four distinct ecosystems recreated in the former Olympic Games Velodrome. It is meant to represent the four most beautiful habitats found in North, Central and South America. Mammals, birds and plant life thrive in mini-habitats. The Pointe-à-Callière Museum stands at the point of Montréal's city founding and provides a fascinating introduction to its history. The museum details Montréal's development as a trading and meeting place and features high-tech audio-visual displays. Old Montréal and the Old Port have much shopping and an abundance of fine dining; Olympic Stadium; and Ste-Catherine Street, the main commercial street downtown. "Reso dans la ville souterraine" (City Underground) is a network of boutiques, cafes, theatres, hotels and shopping centers. An overnight stay has been arranged here. Accommodations: (STD) Days Hotel & Conference Centre (1 Night)
Montreal, QC
Day 7 | Montreal - Ottawa - Toronto, Ontario
Distance: 370 miles / 595.3 km
Depart Montreal this morning and drive toward Toronto via Ottawa. Ottawa is on a leading center for the arts and technology. It retains a small town charm by being surrounded by three rivers and farmland. Enjoy this pristine scenery by making a visit to Gatineau Park. There are also over 29 excellent museums. For shopping, take a walk through the Sparks Street Mall and the Rideau Centre or stop by the boutiques along Sussex and Bank streets. Also worth visiting are the ByWard Market, Parliament Hill, the National Arts Center and Rideau Canal. Continue on to Toronto. Accommodations: (STD) Quality Hotel & Suites (2 Nights)
Totonto, ON
Day 8 | Toronto, Ontario
Distance: 0 miles / 0.0 km
As the capital of Ontario and Canada's largest city Toronto has become known for entertainment, culture, sports, high fashion and big business. There are more than 20,000 retail stores and restaurants. Yet for such a large city it's miraculously clean, safe and friendly. Stroll through the charming Lake Ontario waterfront district and explore the trendy shops and quaint cafés along College and Queen Streets. Built as a TV transmission antenna, the CN tower is the symbol of the city. At 1815 feet, it's the tallest tower in the world. It has a range of attractions and exhibits including digital animation shops and a Simulator Theatre, which mimics airflight. All which can be reached via the famous glass-faced elevator, which takes less than a minute to reach the observation deck.
Niagara Falls, ON
Day 9 | Toronto - Niagara Falls, Ontario
Distance: 100 miles / 160.9 km
Nature has left an indelible mark on the Niagara region. The Canadian Falls, with a height of 54 meters (177ft), and the American Falls, at 56 meters (184ft) high, are true wonders of nature. You may choose to drive along the Niagara Parkway which connects Niagara-on-the-Lake to Niagara Falls. This lovely trek takes you passed many attractions. You might choose to stop at the White Water Walk, a scenic boardwalk that runs beside the raging white waters of the Great Gorge Rapids. Stroll along and marvel at the mighty torrent, where the river rushes through the narrow channel at an average speed of 22 mph. Or take a ride on the Whirlpool Aero Car. This cable-car contraption soars up on a 1,097m (3,600-ft.) jaunt between two points in Canada. High above the Niagara Whirlpool, enjoy fantastic panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. An adventurous way to do that is from the decks of the Maid of the Mist, The rugged boat takes you right in through the waters around the American Falls; past the Rock of Ages; and to the foot of the Horseshoe Falls. Here, 34.5 million gallons of water tumble over the 54m-high (176-ft.) cataract each minute. Boats leave from the dock on the parkway just down from the Rainbow Bridge. Venture beneath the falls using the elevator at Table Rock House, which drops you 46m (151 ft.) through solid rock to the tunnels and viewing portals of the “Journey Behind the Falls.” Rain ponchos are provided and you will find them a welcome site. For a different perspective entirely, view the raging, swirling waters in Niagara: Miracles, Myths, and Magic, shown on a six-story-high screen. This IMAX movie captures on film the wonder of the falls. Accommodations: (STD) Best Western Cairn Croft Hotel (1 Night)
Niagara Falls, NY
Day 10 | Niagara Falls - Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
Distance: 300 miles / 482.7 km
Head south to Pennsylvania and visit Gettysburg National Military Park. The Park comprises the Gettysburg battlefield, where one of the most important battles of the Civil War was waged. The area is teeming with history and points of interest. The historic Gettysburg and the battle in 1863 changed the course of history. Visit the National Cemetery and Battlefield inside Gettysburg National Military Park where some 48,000 men killed or wounded here in the Civil War's most decisive battle. Surrounding the cemetery and battlefield, there's an enormity of Civil War lore and attractions. Visit the National Park Service Center to get an orientation. Walk through the cemetery and visit the nearby site where Lincoln gave his most memorable speech. Audio tapes are also sold that will guide you through the park at your own pace. Accommodations: (STD) Best Western Historic Gettysburg Hotel (1 Night)
Gettysburg, PA
Day 11 | Gettysburg - Harper's Ferry - Shenandoah - Washington D.C.
Distance: 272 miles / 437.6 km
Depart Gettysburg and drive toward picturesque Harpers Ferry where the stories of America converge; Native Americans, industry and transportation, Civil War, African- Americans and the natural environment. Continue to Shenandoah National Park for a scenic ride down Skyline Drive, a portion of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Continue on for an afternoon arrival in Washington D.C., the nation's capital. Consider an evening tour of the city. Many of the monuments are illuminated at night. Among the most impressive are the Lincoln Memorial, where the solemn beauty of his historic speech is carved in the walls of this monument and the Washington Monument, which offers spectacular views from the top. The White House and the Capitol building are also lit in the evening. Or take a dinner cruise along the Potomac River. This riverboat tours offer an entertaining and relaxing way to see the city from the water. Enjoy a two night stay in Washington D.C. You have a two nights stay to visit this city. Accommodations: (STD) Comfort Inn Alexandria (2 Nights)
The Capitol, Washington DC
Day 12 | Washington D.C.
Distance: 0 miles / 0.0 km
Bustling with activity, America’s capital city is powered by politics and tourism. D.C. centers on the capitol and then spreads into a variety of distinctive neighborhoods. They include Downtown, with its art galleries and nightlife and Dupont Circle with hip clubs and trendy shopping. Capitol Hill and the National Mall feature many of the city’s most prominent buildings and museums, including stately presidential monuments and most branches of the world-famous Smithsonian Institution. Make sure to see Arlington National Cemetery, Library of Congress, Washington Monument, White House and the Lincoln Memorial. For history lovers and culture fanatics, D.C. is filled with museums and arts venues. The Smithsonian includes 15 distinct museums with vast collections of art and artifacts, including the Air and Space Museum and the Museum of American History. At the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, catch live theater and music performances. Spend time lounging on the National Mall, enjoying lovely views of the Capitol on one end and the Lincoln Memorial on the other. Walking the length of the Mall, you can absorb the green spaces and relax on a park bench whole the big city continues beyond.
Cherry Blossom, Washington DC
Day 13 | Washington D.C. - Richmond - Virginia Beach, Virginia
Distance: 206 miles / 331.5 km
Depart Washington D.C. this morning and drive toward Virginia. Make a stop in Richmond. As the capital of Virginia and one of America's most historic cities, Richmond is a thriving cosmopolitan center. Take a cruise along the scenic James Riveror history buffs can attend a re-enactment of Patrick Henry's ‘Give me liberty or give me death' speech at St. John's Church. Venture back to the Civil War at Richmond National Battlefield Park. Other popular sites include Hollywood Cemetery, Monument Avenue and the Museum of the Confederacy. As for historic houses, Berkeley Plantation was home to Declaration of Independence signer Benjamin Harrison and his son, President William Henry Harrison; and Maymont is the only fully intact Victorian estate in the country. Just a short drive away you'll find Thomas Jefferson's Monticello. Visit the Canal Walk. The walk curves 1.25 miles through the city and offers an interesting history of the river and the canals. Rides along the canal are offered. Continue on to Virginia Beach, the largest city in the state. Centered around the beach, the bustling boardwalk is filled with an array of bars, restaurants and shops. The Cape Henry Lighthouse was established in 1791, making it the country's oldest government built lighthouse. The lighthouse's career spanned nearly 100 years. A trip to the top of the structure promises one of the area's best views Accommodations: Best Western Inn (1 Night)
Virginia Beach, VA
Day 14 | Virginia Beach - Wilmington, North Carolina
Distance: 305 miles / 490.7 km
Drive through the rolling hills and tobacco fields of Virginia to Wilmington, North Carolina. This city’s rich history can be found in the old residential section, on the grounds of Orton Plantation and the Confederate blockade relics at Fort Fisher. The efforts of Wilmington to preserve history are evident in the extensively restored antebellum, Victorian, Georgian, and Italianate homes. Take a narrated cruise of the Cape Fear River. It nears the busy harbor, passes the Cotton Exchange and the Riverfront Park, and stops at the dock for passengers who want to disembark to tour the battleship USS North Carolina. Wilmington has been a major site for the movie industry, hosting the production of more than 400 movie features, miniseries, and TV movies. "Hollywood East" is the nickname the city has been given. Films made in Wilmington include Forrest Gump, I Know What You Did Last Summer, Sleeping with the Enemy, Titus, Waking Ned Devine, Before Night Falls, and Bread and Tulips. Guided tours are offered to the filming locations. Shopping and dining can be found at the Cotton Exchange, the old exchange building transformed into a shopping center. The nearby area of Cape Fear also gained notoriety from the film of the same name. A visit to the Cape Fear Museum will show you the history, science, and culture of the lower Cape Fear region from prehistoric times until the present. Noteworthy are Civil War artifacts and dioramas of the Battle of Fort Fisher and the Wilmington waterfront from around 1863. An overnight stay has been arranged here. Accommodations: Sleep Inn (1 Night)
Charleston, SC
Day 15 | Wilmington - Myrtle Beach - Charleston, South Carolina
Distance: 171 miles / 275.1 km
Depart Wilmington this morning and drive toward South Carolina. Make a stop in world-famous Myrtle Beach. This longtime resort town has 60 miles of shoreline and an impressive selection of entertainment and shopping options including an amusement park and many retail shopping areas. Continue on to Charleston. A fantastic way to see the city is by a horse-drawn carriage. See the Old South in the architecture and gardens of the many historic homes and buildings. Downtown, visit the shopping district of King Street. See Civil War memorials at the Battery, a garden that boast live oaks and palmettos. Venture slightly outside the city and visit Magnolia Plantation and Gardens. Tour the house and learn about life on the plantation. The gardens offer extensive varieties of camellias and azaleas. Accommodations: Days Inn Patriot’s Point (1 Night)
Atlanta, GA
Day 16 | Charleston - Atlanta, Georgia
Distance: 321 miles / 516.5 km
Drive away from Charleston today toward Atlanta, Georgia, “The Peach State.” While it is the state capital, Atlanta still welcomes visitors with southern hospitality. It is a bustling big city with the past and present colliding. Visit Atlanta neighborhoods like the quaint Midtown and luxurious Buckhead; both are filled with interesting shops and restaurants. Today, visit the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site and Sweet Auburn District. Here you will find The King Center and the historic Ebenezer Baptist Church. Exhibits tell the story of the Civil Rights Movement. The Roswell Historic district has a visitor center and several antebellum homes that can be toured. Taste the past and present of Coca-Cola products at the NEW World of Coca-Cola. Enjoy a movie experience and taste brands from around the world. Experience Inside CNN Atlanta and see global news in the making. Take a tour and go behind the scenes to see how a production comes together. View television broadcast innovations and the technology that makes global news-gathering a reality. Just east of the city lies Stone Mountain. This is the world's largest exposed granite monolith with a relief carving of Confederate heroes, surrounded by attractions and recreation in a natural environment. An overnight stay has been arranged here. Accommodations: Days Inn Atlanta Downtown (1 Night)
Day 17 | Atlanta - Asheville/Hendersonville, North Carolina
Distance: 184 miles / 296.1 km
Today, you will be surrounded by the natural beauty of the Great Smoky and Blue Ridge Mountains as you drive toward North Carolina. Be sure to visit the Biltmore Estate, the 250 room French Renaissance style chateau built by George Washington Vanderbilt. Enjoy a behind the scenes tour, art collection, 40 acres of gardens and a winery. Nearby Asheville is an inviting destination complete with architectural gems from several eras and a lively cultural scene. Take a twilight railway excursion through the Blue Ridge Mountains. Or brave the whitewater on a rafting trip. Enjoy a float trip on one of the three rivers in the area. Visit one of the art galleries such as the Folk Art Center on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Feel the local culture at an old fashioned hoedown complete with hayrides, bluegrass and dancing at an area ranch. You will stay overnight in Henderson/Asheville Accommodations: Crowne Plaza Resort (1 Night)
Blue Ridge Mountains, NC
Day 18 | Asheville/Hendersonville - Nashville, Tennessee
Distance: 309 miles / 497.2 km
Drive away from North Carolina toward Nashville, Tennessee. Better known as Music City, USA. Nashville is the heart and soul of country music. Take the time to visit the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. It presents a vast collection to illustrate the story of country music told through two centuries. Enjoy historic country video clips and recorded music, dynamic exhibits and state-of-the-art design. Also visit Historic RCA Studio B, “The Home of 1,000 Hits.” Get an up-close look at what was once the second home of music legends Elvis Presley, Chet Atkins, Dolly Parton and more. Over 35,000 songs were recorded here. For a slightly different side of Nashville, see the Parthenon, the world’s only full-scale reproduction of the famous Greek temple. Nashville’s Parthenon stands in Centennial Park and features both the city’s art museum and Athena Parthenos. At almost 42 feet in height, Athena Parthenos is the tallest indoor sculpture in the Western world. This evening consider a dinner cruise on a paddlewheel riverboat or a dinner theatre experience, both offering exceptional entertainment and cuisine. Accommodations: Millenium Maxwell House Hotel (2 Nights)
Nashville, TN
Day 19 | Nashville, Tennessee
Distance: 0 miles / 0.0 km
Experience the Old South by visiting Bell Meade. This elegant antebellum mansion rests on 30 acres of land, and its columns still bear bullet scars from the Civil War. Belle Meade was one of North America's largest thoroughbred breeding farms. The plantation includes eight listed buildings, including the original dwelling, Dunham Station's cabin, which dates from 1790. The Victorian-style manor home, completed in 1853, is now a museum dedicated to preserving the Harding family's rich legacy. For a glimpse of plantation life, visit Hermitage, home of President Andrew Jackson. The Greek Revival-style offers a film, museum displays, a tour of the mansion and even a trip to Jackson's tomb. "The Grand Ole Opry" is the nation's longest running radio program. If you happen to be in town when one of the nightly shows are offered, you can see some of country music's up-and-coming stars perform.Visit the museum located in the Opry Plaza. Here, you'll find several interactive exhibits that detail the Opry's 70-plus year history.
Graceland
Day 20 | Nashville - Memphis, Tennessee
Distance: 212 miles / 341.1 km
Leave Nashville behind and travel to the home of the blues, Memphis. Your first stop must be Graceland, Elvis Presley’s 14-acre estate. Touring Graceland is a one-of-akind experience that will lead you on Elvis's journey to superstardom. Visit the “Birthplace of Rock ‘n Roll” at Sun Studios. Enjoy a fascinating tour and listen to audio presentations of some of the earliest recordings made there. After that, visit the original studio itself, the exact same room where the likes of Johnny Cash and Elvis recorded their first tracks. City sightseeing tours are offered by paddleboat, carriage and motor coach. Stroll down historic Beale Street where blues has been playing for more than half a century. This historic entertainment capital has something for everyone, whether you want to listen to music or sample southern barbecue. An overnight stay has been arranged here. Accommodations: Comfort Inn Downtown Memphis (1 Night)
Memphis, TN
Day 21 | Memphis - Natchez, Mississippi
Distance: 325 miles / 522.9 km
Today you will travel to the oldest permanent settlement on the Mississippi River. Natchez is known for the preservation of many antebellum homes. Tour Stanton Hall built circa 1857. It is one of the most magnificent palatial residences of antebellum America. The interior contains original furnishings and Natchez antiques. Make sure to taste a local favorite, the pecan. Below the town lies Natchez Under-the-Hill, once a haven for all things inappropriate, is now home to many bars and restaurants. Here you will also find a riverboat casino. Accommodations: Days Inn (1 Night)
Mississippi River Boat
Day 22 | Natchez - New Orleans, Louisiana
Distance: 171 miles / 275.1 km
Depart Natchez for bustling New Orleans, a modern city with a historic soul. The oldest neighborhood in the “Crescent City” is the French Quarter. Established by the French in 1718, the architecture reflects Spanish, French, Creole and American influences. Around every corner you will find eclectic shops and fine dining. Visit the French Market and find treasures of food, antiques and crafts. Make sure to sample a beignet, the state doughnut of Louisiana. The center of the French Quarter is Jackson Square. Musicians, artists, mimes, tarot card readers and entertainers set up in front of St Louis Cathedral on the square each day, creating an animated street scene. Enjoy a paddleboat cruise along the Mississippi River. Hear about the city’s colorful history while savoring a cocktail on the deck. At night, stroll down the famous Bourbon Street. The heart of jazz lives in New Orleans. You will likely hear this music in the streets and pouring out of the many nightclubs and bars. If you’re feeling fortunate, you might want to visit the casino and try your luck at Las Vegas style gambling. Accommodations: Pelham Hotel (2 Nights)
New Orleans, LA
Day 23 | New Orleans, Louisiana
Distance: 0 miles / 0.0 km
Today, venture out of the city center to the Garden District. This elegant neighborhood is home to lovely southern homes and lined with parks and cafes. Some of the historic homes are available to tour. If you are feeling more adventurous, consider an escapade in the swamp. Many guided swamp and wildlife tours are offered along the bayous. In these mysterious waterways that surround the city, you will get intimate with alligators and other exotic creatures. You never know what you’ll see! For marine animal viewing, visit the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas, one of the top museums of its kind in America. Find 15,000 sea life creatures, representing nearly 600 species. In the evening, learn about voodoo and the city’s haunted past on a walking tour of the French Quarter. Your guide might take you to a cemetery or passed one of the many buildings that make New Orleans “America’s Most Haunted City.”
Day 24 | New Orleans - Mobile - Panama City, Florida
Distance: 329 miles / 529.4 km
Leave the Crescent City behind this morning and drive toward Alabama. Make a stop in Mobile. This traditional southern city with its long history and southern charm offers visitors all of the historic momentum needed to explore the southern past. Take a stroll and be shaded by 200-year-old oak trees and Spanish moss that hangs over them. See the wealth of the Old South recreated at Richards-DAR House (circa 1826), an exquisite example of Italianate architecture with lace ironwork, period furniture, and ruby Bohemian glass entrance. Walk aboard the USS Alabama at Memorial Park. Winner of nine battle stars during World War II, the USS "Alabama" logged battle time at Leyte, the Gilbert Islands, and Okinawa. Tonight, venture toward the waterfront and sample local Mobile seafood at one of the many restaurants. Continue on to Panama City for an overnight stay. Panama City is located on the Emerald Coast, which is celebrated for having some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. It is a haven for SCUBA divers with fifty artificial reefs and many sunken ships. Snorkeling and swimming are other popular activities along the twenty seven miles of coastline. There is exceptional fishing here and a variety of boat charters available. Gulf World is a local marine park that has live animal shows and offers hands-on interaction. You’ll find fresh seafood at many of the restaurants and a vibrant nightclub scene around the beach. Accommodations: (STD) Best Western Suites (1 Night)
Gulf Coast Beach, FL
Day 25 | Panama City - Tallahassee - Orlando, Florida
Distance: 376 miles / 605.0 km
Today, depart early and drive west toward Tallahassee. Florida’s capital city is filled with a multitude of unique historic sites; for example, a cemetery where Union and Confederate soldiers rest alongside Prince Murat, Napoleon's nephew. Continue on to Orlando for a three night stay. Tonight, you may wish to venture to Downtown Disney for shopping and dining, or take in a dinner show at Arabian Nights. Accommodations: (STD) Quality Inn Maingate West (3 Nights)
Disney World, Orlando FL
Day 26 | Orlando, Florida
Distance: 0 miles / 0.0 km
Today, enjoy an Orlando attraction such as: Walt Disney World Epcot® - Epcot® is a showplace for the achievements of man, a tribute to innovation and imagination, and a fellowship of international culture. Epcot consists of Future World and World Showcase. Future World features attractions such as Spaceship Earth, where you will experience a journey from the beginning of time to the electronic age. Ride Test Track, a high speed thriller that mimics actual vehicle testing conditions, sending you through breathtaking twists and turns. Explore all of Future World where innovation and invention entertain. World Showcase offers the cultures of 11 nations. The architecture and landscape change as you move from one country to the next. Taste the cuisine, shop and be entertained by distinctly different cultures. End the evening by watching Illuminations, a nighttime kaleidoscope of music and light. SeaWorld® Orlando – SeaWorld Orlando is a premiere marine adventure park. It features thrilling rides and amazing shows where the animals are the stars. Your feet will dangle on Kraken, the only floorless rollercoaster in Orlando. Meet Shamu, the famous killer whale in the sensational show Believe. See polar bears and beluga whales on the Wild Arctic ride. Get ready for the ultimate adventure on Journey to Atlantis! Travel on water and high-speed rails through special effects and a 60 foot drop! Check out the current spectacle at the Sea lion and Otter Stadium, where Clyde and Seamore will be into some mischief. Make sure to include a stop at the dolphin nursery, where you can see new dolphin mothers and their calves. Experience the magic of marine life and the splendor of what lies beyond the ocean’s door.
Orlando,FL
Day 27 | Orlando, Florida
Distance: 0 miles / 0.0 km
Universal Studios® Florida – You’re the star at Universal Studios where you can ride the movies. Join the agents from “Men in Black Alien Attack” and zap aliens as you chase them through the streets of New York. Plunge into darkness on Revenge of the Mummy® a psychological thrill ride that combines special effects and speed. See Shrek 4-D an original 3-D film, with an added dimension where you will see, hear and feel the action right from your seat. Fly with E.T. on a starbound bike as you help him save his home planet. You’ll find something that appeals to kids of all ages at the place where you become part of the movies! Universal‘s Islands of Adventure® - Journey through five remarkable islands where all your favorite myths, legends, comic books and cartoon heroes come to life. Enter a comic book city in the Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man® a 3-D thrill ride, where you will battle evil and feel the adventure. Ride your couch through the pages of the famous children’s book “The Cat In The Hat!” on Seuss Island. Explore the Lost Continent® where you will find Dueling Dragons® the world’s first inverted dueling roller coaster. Take fear to new heights on Doctor Doom’s Fearfall® on Marvel Super Hero Island®. Rocket 150 feet into the air and come back down faster than gravity! Experience all of the cutting edge rides and stories come to life at Universal’s Islands of Adventure.
Day 28 | Orlando - Orlando International Airport
Distance: 0 miles / 0.0 km
Depart at leisure for the Orlando International Airport.