Southern Coast To Coast Odyssey
- 25 days 24 nights
-
- From $4,331
per person/double occupancy.
Your Tour Package Includes:
- 24 Nights Hotel Accommodation as detailed in the Day by Day Itinerary as described below.
- All Hotel Taxes and Service Charges.
- 24 Days Compact Rental Car, including Unlimited Mileage, Airport Service Charge, Collision Damage Waiver (CDW), Theft Protection (TP) & Taxes.
- Emergency telephone numbers accessible 24/7 in the unlikely event you have a problem with a hotel or the rental car.
- 5 Passengers
- 1 Large Suitcase, 1 Small Suitcase
- Automatic Transmission
- Air Conditioning
- 39 miles/gallon or better
- Dual Airbags
- ABS
Optional inclusions:
- Extra Hotel Nights before, en-route and after your Tour.
- Rental Car Upgrades.
- Navigation System.
- Child Seat.
Not Included:
- Fuel and Parking Charges.
- Admissions to Attractions unless otherwise stated.
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Southern Coast To Coast Odyssey
Itinerary
- Arrive Miami, FL
- Day: 1
- 0 miles | 0 Km*
Arrive at Miami International Airport, pick-up your rental car and proceed to your hotel. Miami is an international city, rich with a multi-ethnic culture which is reflected in the cuisine and architecture. The beaches are a great way to relax as you absorb the pastel buildings and turquoise waters. In the evening, take a short drive to South Beach’s Lincoln Road, this pedestrian-friendly outdoors Mall is home to over 175 specialty shops, outdoor cafes, restaurants and galleries.
Accommodations:
(STD) Best Western Atlantic Beach or similar (2 nights).
(SUP) The Eden Rock or similar (2 nights).
- Miami Beach
- Day: 2
- 0 miles | 0 Km*
Warm breezes, swaying palm trees, and the sound of the waves washing ashore act as a backdrop for pastel-colored, Art Deco buildings making Miami’s South Beach a stunning and often intoxicatingly beautiful place. It has been called the American Riviera by seasoned travelers, but there’s more to this city than fine white sand and turquoise waters. World famous South Beach is home to fabulous shopping and restaurants, fashion shoots and filming of TV and movies. Walk along Ocean Drive and enjoy any type of cuisine you can imagine. Shop at Lincoln Road mall and take pleasure in 175 specialty shops and galleries. Learn more about the Art Deco Architecture by taking a walking tour of this district. At night, South Beach truly becomes “decadent” with scores of nightspots catering to both the adventurous and relaxed clientele. Consider a visit to Bayside Marketplace which offers unique shops and outdoor entertainment. Several types of boat tours also depart from Bayside Marketplace, including sightseeing cruises and party boats.
- Miami Beach – Everglades National Park – Naples – Sarasota, FL.
- Day: 3
- 218 miles | 350.762 Km*
Depart Miami and drive to Florida’s natural side, the Everglades. Often called the “River of Grass” because of the slow moving waters and the abundance of sawgrass, the Everglades is Florida’s premier nature spot. Unique plants and incredible wildlife inhabit this area, including the famous Florida alligator. Enjoy the Everglades this morning before driving up the Florida Gulf Coast to Sarasota. Sarasota is home to some of the most spectacular sunsets and sandy beaches on the Gulf Coast. While it maintains the charm of a sleepy beach town, it is also recognized as a cultural center. This is a perfect time to relax, lounge by the swimming pool or take a dip in the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico.
Accommodations:
(STD) Best Western Midtown or similar.
(SUP) Helmsley Sandcastle or similar.
- Sarasota – Gulf Coast – Tallahassee, FL.
- Day: 4
- 295 miles | 474.655 Km*
Drive along Florida’s Nature coast. With its beautiful views, rivers and abundant wildlife it’s a joy to drive here! As you continue on your journey, make a short stop a Tarpon Springs, a Greek sponge fishing town. Enjoy a true adventure at the Crystal River. Take a canoe ride and get up-close and personal with nature. Swimming with manatees is also a favorite activity at Crystal River. See these protected mammals up close! Leave the wonders of Crystal River behind as you drive toward Tallahassee. As the capital city of the State of Florida, Tallahassee is the regional center for trade and agriculture and home to several universities, as well as a center of aeronautics and engineering, Tallahassee is proud of its scientific contributions, showing off with a 5-story IMAX theater and planetarium, and the Mary Brogan Museum of Arts and Science. Have dinner out this evening; from fast food to five-star, Tallahassee serves up an excellent selection of tantalizing restaurants. Tickling the taste buds are specialties ranging from homemade country sausage and melt-in-your-mouth steaks to wild game and succulent seafood fresh from the Gulf.
Accommodations:
(STD & SUP) Holiday Inn Tallahassee or similar (1 night).
- Tallahassee – Apalachicola – Emerald Coast – Pensacola, FL.
- Day: 5
- 205 miles | 329.845 Km*
Drive along Florida’s “secret” Gulf Coast and discover well-kept wildlife preserves, elegant southern homes, and the colorful fleet of the fishing and oystering village of Apalachicola. Soak in the beauty of the Emerald Coast, with its string of postcard-perfect beaches. Arrive in Pensacola and stroll about the Seville Historic District.
Accommodations:
(STD & SUP) Holiday Inn Express or similar (1 night).
- Pensacola – Mobile – New Orleans, LA
- Day: 6
- 200 miles | 321.8 Km*
This morning, reach the Grand Dame of Alabama’s cities, Mobile, founded nearly 300 years ago by the French. The city remains an elegant combination of European culture and southern charm. Then continue to New Orleans, the city on the bayou. Enjoy your stay in “The Crescent City”. New Orleans is known worldwide for its multicultural and multilingual heritage, cuisine, architecture, music (particularly as the birthplace of jazz), and its annual Mardi Gras and other celebrations and festivals. For this, the city is often referred to as the “most unique” city in America. Around every corner you will find eclectic shops and fine dining. Depending on your time of arrival 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. At night stroll down famous Bourbon Street, where 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:
(STD) Holiday Inn Downtown or similar.
(SUP) Maison Dupuy or similar (2 nights).
- New Orleans
- Day: 7
- 0 miles | 0 Km*
Today is yours to explore this historical city. Ride on the legendary St. Charles Street Car Line for an amazing view of the city’s architectural wonders. Along its route you will also pass through the Garden Distict, the second largest historic district in the country. This elegant neighborhood is home to lovely southern homes and lined with parks and cafes. Some of the historic homes are available for touring. Enjoy a riverboat excursion on the Mississippi, a swamp tour through the famous bayou, or a carriage ride tour of the French Quarter. Visit The Presbytere Museum for an insider look at Mardi Gras from its origins to the present day. In the evening, you must visit Pat O’Brien’s for their world famous hurricane cocktails in the beautiful courtyard and singalong in the patio bar. Another important stop tonight is at the legendary Preservation Hall for some traditional New Orleans Jazz.
- New Orleans – Lafayette, LA
- Day: 8
- 136 miles | 218.824 Km*
Depart New Orleans early this morning and travel west to Lafayette. This city, dubbed “the heartbeat of Acadiana”, is where you can truly feel the pulse of Cajun Country. This cultural oasis on the bayou blends contemporary sophistication of a cosmopolitan city with a unique heritage and culture hard to find anywhere this side of Europe. Visit the Jean Lafitte National Historic Park and Preserve, Acadian Cultural Center for a complete understanding of Cajun Country; admission is free. Another great venue to learn the history of the Acadian and Creole people is the Vermillion Heritage and Folklife Park. This evening, further immerse yourself in the unique cultures of the area by visiting Mulate’s “The Original Cajun Restaurant”, Prejean’s Restaurant, or Randol’s Restaurant & Cajun Dancehall. These three dancehall/restaurants are known for serving delicious cajun and creole foods along with cajun and Zydeco music and dancing.
Accommodations:
(STD) Juliet Boutique Hotel or similar (1 night).
(SUP) Hilton Lafayette or similar (1 night).
- Lafayette – Houston, TX.
- Day: 9
- 217 miles | 349.153 Km*
Experience the best of Texas’ largest city. Cross the Sabine river and begin with the Museum of Natural Science in the Houston Museum District and experience the world’s finest collection of gems and minerals, dinosaur fossils and more. Walk to the nearby Museum of Fine Arts to view classics by Rembrandt and Picasso or modern masterpieces.
Accommodations:
(STD) Hotel Indigo Galleria or similar.
(SUP) Intercontinental Galleria or similar (1 night).
- Houston – Austin, TX.
- Day: 10
- 162 miles | 260.658 Km*
Say goodbye to Houston and head out for a night in musical Austin. Austin is a modern metropolis with an atmosphere and rhythm all its own. Austin is known as the gateway to the Texas Hill Country, the capital of Texas, and site of The Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum, the pride of Texas. Austin is an arts and cultural center, a recreational treasure and technological Mecca. There are great venues to choose from. You can discover everything from Barbecue to Tex-Mex to award winning cuisine from local establishments. The city is also known for its nightlife. Come discover why we are called the “Live Music Capital of the World” with 200 music venues, hotels, restaurants and attractions all within walking distance located in the downtown area.
Accommodations:
(STD) Hampton Inn or similar.
(SUP) Crowne Plaza or similar (1 night).
- Austin – Fort Worth, TX
- Day: 11
- 187 miles | 300.883 Km*
Welcome to Fort Worth, Texas! In the “City of Cowboys and Culture,” America’s Western heritage is showcased everywhere you go – downtown’s Sundance Square, the famed Cultural District and especially the 15-block Stockyards National Historic District. Here you’ll see real cowboys in the world’s only daily Longhorn cattle drive.
Accommodations:
(STD) Hilton Garden Inn or similar.
(SUP) Hilton Fort Worth or similar (2 nights).
- Fort Worth
- Day: 12
- 0 miles | 0 Km*
Shop for Western gear, dine on cowboy cuisine, and watch bull riding at the weekly Championship Rodeo. Highlights include the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame, Stockyards Museum and Billy Bob’s Texas, the “world’s largest honky-tonk.” Also visit the National Cowgirl Museum, the memorial toTwogun Roden and The Hall of Fame and the Amon Carter Museum celebrating American art.
- Fort Worth – Amarillo, TX
- Day: 13
- 342 miles | 550.278 Km*
As you head towards Amarillo make a stop in the town of Wichita Falls to visit the World’s Littlest Sky Scraper and for a glimpse on how life was in these parts when Route 66 was indeed the Mother Road. Continue to Amarillo. The combination of the railroad and ranchland has made Amarillo a cattle-shipping capital. While agriculture remains the foundation of the economy, Amarillo’s location on a famous major highway, Route 66, has given way to making it a tourist destination. A must see is the Cadillac Ranch; this roadside attraction features 10 graffiti-covered Cadillacs standing upright in a row, buried nose-first in the ground. The sculpture is the brainchild of Amarillo millionaire Stanley Marsh III, who chose classics dating from 1948 to 1963. Visit Route 66’s Historic District. This mile-long stretch of road originally belonging to Route 66, now features shops, clubs and restaurants. The American Quarter Horse Heritage Center & Museum showcases the development of the American Quarter Horse from colonial times to present day is traced through interactive exhibits, dramatic video presentations and live demonstrations. Several locals host horse-drawn wagon rides through miles of scenic ranch land followed by mouth-watering meals.
Accommodations:
(STD & SUP) Holiday Inn Amarillo or similar (1 night).
- Amarillo – Tucumcari – Santa Rosa – Albuquerque, NM
- Day: 14
- 289 miles | 465.001 Km*
Leave Big Texas behind as you drive into the southwestern charm of New Mexico. First on this road you will encounter the town of Tucumcari. Here you will find the beautifully restored Blue Swallow Motel with its famous blue neon and the Tucumcari Historical Museum where you can experience the legendary past of this town. Next on the way is the town of Santa Rosa which contains more than ten structures still in operation from the glory days of Route 66. Continue to Albuquerque for a two-night stay. Albuquerque is New Mexico’s largest city and a study in contrasts: old and new, natural beauty and manmade wonders, frontier town and sophisticated metropolis. Even the landscape, which accommodates both majestic mountains and vast desert plains, reveals the area’s diversity. Albuquerque is also blessed with a wide cultural mix that is reflected in all aspects of day-to-day life. Places worth visiting are the historic Old Town, trendy Nob Hill and the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center. Take a ride on the Sandia Peak Tramway. This 20-minute excursion is the world’s longest aerial tram ride, and also one of the most scenic. Once at the top, you may like to ski, mountain bike, or just enjoy the view. There are restaurants at both the top and the bottom.
Accommodations:
(STD) Doubletree Hotel or similar.
(SUP) Sheraton Uptown or similar (2 nights).
- Albuquerque – Santa Fe – Albuquerque, NM
- Day: 15
- 64 miles | 102.976 Km*
Today take a short drive to neighboring Santa Fe, the oldest capital city in the United States. Flanked by crooked streets and Pueblo style buildings, Santa Fe has an old world feel with a central plaza where you will find many shops, restaurants and art galleries. Santa Fe is known as the “City Different” because of the blending of cultures which is reflected in the harmonious inhabitants and different architectural styles. The San Miguel Mission, the oldest church in Santa Fe, it was built in 1626 for the servants brought to Santa Fe by the Spanish. The mission was damaged during the Pueblo Revolt in 1680 and was rebuilt in 1710. View the famous “Miraculous Stairway” at the Loretto Chapel. Legend holds that a carpenter mysteriously appeared to build a staircase to the choir-loft. Amazingly, he used no nails or supports to build the corkscrew staircase and then disappeared before he could be paid. A remarkable view can be had from The Cross of the Martyrs, located on a small hill on the 600 block of Paseo de Peralta. It serves as a reminder of the 21 Franciscan monks that were slain during the Pueblo Revolt.
- Albuquerque – Gallup – Holbrook, AZ
- Day: 16
- 233 miles | 374.897 Km*
Depart Albuquerque via Gallup. This small town’s two known Route 66 landmarks were lost to fire in past years; all that remains is the actual road. Press on into Arizona. Holbrook, Arizona became a frontier town in 1881 and it has remained so ever since, only the theme has changed. Historic Route 66 provided a means for those seeking better futures after World War II. Close by are the ancient Native American lands of the Navajo and Hopi Indian Nations. Also nearby is the Petrified Forest National Park. There is an abundance of beautifully colored petrified logs that existed 225 million years ago. The 28-mile drive through the park has scenic overlooks, wonderful photo opportunities are found at Rainbow Forest, Agate House and Blue Mesa. Part of the Painted Desert also lies within the park where many hardened dunes can be found. These hardened dunes are spectacular bands of grays, reds, oranges and yellows. The area is especially beautiful at sunset and sunrise when the land appears to glow in hues of violet, blue, red and gold. This evening, explore Holbrook’s Main Street for shopping and dining.
Accommodations:
(STD & SUP) Best Western Arizonian Inn or similar (1 night).
- Holbrook – Grand Canyon National Park – Flagstaff, AZ
- Day: 17
- 177 miles | 284.793 Km*
This morning depart for Grand Canyon National Park which is located close to this route on the way to Flagstaff. On the way, the town of Winslow offers The Old Trails Museum and the Minnetonka Trading Post whose façade is made of petrified wood. Continue to the Grand Canyon. The overwhelming size and brilliant colors of the Grand Canyon easily make it one of the natural wonders of the world. The Grand Canyon was carved out by natural elements including the Colorado River over vast geological spans of time. The South Rim has an assortment of viewing areas that can be reached by shuttle or car. There are many paved and unpaved walkways along the rim. Visit the Bright Angel Lodge for an excellent vantage point. The lodge is a historic landmark and also offers a gallery, restaurant, exhibits and a great view. Guided hikes also leave from the lodge and talks are often offered by the park rangers. For the adventurous, hiking trails and guided mule rides will take you down to the Colorado River. Rafting trips along the river are also a spectacular way to enjoy the canyon.
Accommodations:
(STD) Best Western Pony Soldier or similar.
(SUP) Little America or similar (1 night).
- Flagstaff – Las Vegas, NV
- Day: 18
- 277 miles | 445.693 Km*
Leave the natural wonder of the Grand Canyon behind as you drive toward Las Vegas this morning. Even though, Las Vegas and, as a whole, the state of Nevada do not form part of this historic route, it is such an impressive highlight that is worth the deviation. Las Vegas has something to offer everyone. From the outrageous live shows to the excitement of casinos, the action never stops from morning to night. Stroll down Las Vegas Boulevard, also known as “the strip.” Each hotel and casino has a distinctly different theme and all are wondrous displays. Take a trip up to the top of the Stratosphere hotel tower, the tallest building west of the Mississippi River. Enjoy dinner at the Top of the World, or simply admire the view from the observation deck.
Accommodations:
(STD) Riviera Hotel and Casino or similar.
(SUP) Luxor or similar (2 nights).
- Las Vegas
- Day: 19
- 0 miles | 0 Km*
Visit any of the premier hotels including Caesars Palace, The Venetian and Paris for luxury shopping. If you’re searching for a bargain, drive to one of the outlet malls featuring designer names at discounted prices. Make sure not to miss the nightly fountain show at the Bellagio Hotel. Using a dramatic combination of music, water and light, the Bellagio delivers spectacular performances nightly with its majestic fountains. For a different side of Vegas, visit Fremont Street. This historic street features shops, restaurants and casinos. Above you hangs a canopy screen where more than 12 million lights put on a spectacular show. Enjoy an overnight stay in Las Vegas.
- Las Vegas – Barstow – Los Angeles, CA
- Day: 20
- 287 miles | 461.783 Km*
Leave the glitz of Las Vegas behind and drive toward Los Angeles where you will enjoy a two-night stay. Explore the City of Angels. Visit the glitz and glamour of Hollywood. Take a stroll along the Walk of Fame and see the names of celebrities commemorated in pink stars along the sidewalk. Visit Mann’s Chinese Theater, the best-preserved of the movie palaces from Hollywood’s golden era. Known for its celebrity hand and footprints in the forecourt, over 200 impressions are yours to discover. Drive through Beverly Hills, the most famous neighborhood in the United States and glimpse exclusive homes. Shop at famous Rodeo Drive, where luxury retail commands the street. If movie making is what you fancy, visit Universal Studios. Tour the sets and cast yourself in the thrilling rides, shows and attractions that bring the movies to life. In the evening, enjoy Universal City Walk, filled with restaurants and nightclubs.
Accommodations:
(STD) Mayfair Hotel or similar.
(SUP) Westin Bonaventure or similar (2 nights).
- Los Angeles
- Day: 21
- 0 miles | 0 Km*
Today, spend some time at the beach; with 3.5 miles of Southern California beaches and over 300 days of sunshine, the beach is a welcome retreat for vacationers and locals alike with a range of activities for everyone. Swimming, surfing, volleyball, skating and biking are among the favorite beach-side past times of this area. In the evening, countless dining experiences are available; Santa Monica is the reputed birthplace of “California” and “fusion” cuisines which are marked by an artistic blending of culinary styles and the freshest of organic ingredients. Have lunch in Venice Beach, home to famous Muscle Beach, where the sand and surf are secondary to the lively scene of people that inhabit the sidewalk.
- Los Angeles – Santa Barbara – San Simeon, CA
- Day: 22
- 241 miles | 387.769 Km*
Depart Los Angeles this morning and drive toward Santa Barbara. On the beautiful Pacific Coast, Santa Barbara is a gem. The pristine city’s climate gives rise to a number of natural attractions. Stroll through the Santa Barbara Botanic Gardens to view breathtaking flora or hike a scenic nature trail in Los Padres National Forest. The beaches all have their own allure. East Beach attracts the trendy and young while fishing and whale watching are the favorites at Arroyo Burro. Enjoy the fine collection at the Santa Barbara Museum of Art or explore the Old Mission. Fresh seafood can be found in the many restaurants on Stearn’s Wharf. Continue on to the San Simeon area for an overnight stay.
Accommodations:
(STD) Cambria Pines Lodge or similar.
(SUP) Sea Crest Resort or similar (1 night).
- San Simeon – Monterey – San Francisco, CA
- Day: 23
- 212 miles | 341.108 Km*
Depart San Simeon this morning for the luxurious drive up the Pacific Coast toward Monterey. After being swept away by the stunning Pacific coast views, spend the afternoon enjoying this artisan city. Settled in 1770 as one of the first European outposts on the west coast, many of the early American Colonial buildings still stand. Monterey eventually became the sardine capital of the Western Hemisphere when the first packing plant was built in 1900. Today, the old sardine factories have been converted into quaint restaurants and boutique shops. This area called “Cannery Row” was made famous by the author John Steinbeck and still remains an amusing place to explore. Monterey Bay is a fantastic place to whale watch and tours are offered locally. Consider taking the famously scenic 17-Mile drive up the coast. Stop at renowned Pebble Beach and enjoy the sights of lavish mansions along the coast. Continue on to San Francisco for a two night stay.
Accommodations:
(STD) Pickwick Hotel or similar.
(SUP) Sir Frances Drake or similar (2 nights)
- San Francisco
- Day: 24
- 0 miles | 0 Km*
Enjoy touring the city by cable car today. Visit the dramatic curves of Lombard Street, one of San Francisco’s most photographed sites. At the intersection of Hyde and Lombard a cable car route provides spectacular views of Alcatraz, Angel Island, Coit Tower, Yerba Buena Island and the Bay Bridge. For a change of pace, consider a visit to Muir Woods National Monument. This grove of coastal redwoods has been protected for a century, and the amazing specimens rank among the tallest trees in the world. Some reach 252 feet, are 14 feet across, and are more than 1000 years old. Paved trails make for easy exploration and unpaved trails offer more of a challenge for the hiking enthusiast. This evening, explore Chinatown, along its streets, exotic ingredients are sold, silks and jade are tendered, and wonderful native food can be found at the many restaurants.
- Depart San Francisco
- Day: 25
- 14 miles | 21.7215 Km*
Drive to SFO and depart at leisure. Drop-off rental car.
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