Itinerary
- Arrive in New York City
- Day: 1
- 0 miles | 0 Km*
Arrive at the airport and proceed to your hotel. 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 has been arranged in neighboring Newark.
Accommodations: (STD) Wellington Hotel or similar (2 nights)
- New York
- Day: 2
- 0 miles | 0 Km*
New York is an adrenaline-charged, history-laden place that holds immense romantic appeal for visitors. Wandering the streets here, you’ll cut between buildings that are icons to the modern age. New York City is the ultimate cosmopolitan city in the world; there is lower Manhattan’s Chinatown and the traditionally Jewish Lower East Side, the more artsy concentrations of SoHo, TriBeCa, and the East and West Villages. Of course, there is the celebrated architecture of corporate Manhattan, with the skyscrapers in downtown and midtown forming the most unforgettable images. 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. Take a ride through Central Park on a horse drawn carriage, or tour the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. Admire the lights of the Brooklyn Bridge from the South Street Seaport. Visit the 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. This museum is home to a fine collection of 20th century art, including works by Chagall, Degas, Kadinsky, Picasso and Van Gogh. Tour Radio City Music Hall where America’s most popular entertainers have thrilled audiences at since its doors opened in 1932 and home to the world-famous Radio City Rockettes.
- New York – Philadelphia, PA
- Day: 3
- 94 miles | 151.246 Km*
Pick-up Rental Car and leave the excitement of New York behind and travel to historic Philadelphia. Perhaps the most famous attraction here is the Liberty Bell Pavilion, which houses the 2,080 lb. bell and is located within the National Historical Park. Just across the street, is Independence Hall which is known for being the place where Thomas Jefferson’s Declaration of Independence was constructed and adopted on July 4, 1776. Another unique piece of history still reserved in Philadelphia is the Betsy Ross House. She is said to have sewn the first United States flag that was presented to George Washington. Philly is not all historical buildings and artifacts. The Philadelphia Zoo was the first National Zoo in the U.S. and is currently home to over 1,300 animals. The Please Touch Museum is the only one of its kind; it caters to younger audiences and offers a chance to explore hand-on exhibits.
Accommodations: (STD) Best Western City Center or similar (1 night)
- Philadelphia – Washington, D.C.
- Day: 4
- 141 miles | 226.869 Km*
Enjoy this morning in Philadelphia before departing to Washington D.C. Bustling with activity, America’s capital city is powered by politics and tourism. Washington, D.C. attracts nearly twenty million tourists each year making tourism the second biggest industry of the area just after the federal government. Surprisingly, admission to most major attractions is free. The District, as it is called by the locals, centers on the capital city 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 most of the city’s most prominent buildings and museums, including stately presidential monuments and most branches of the world-famous Smithsonian Institution.
Accommodations: (STD) Comfort Inn Alexandria or similar (2 nights)
- Washington, DC
- Day: 5
- 0 miles | 0 Km*
Today you will have a chance to explore more of the nation’s capitol. Visit the city’s most famous sites which are mostly concentrated along the National Mall, often called the “Nation’s Front Yard”; it expands from the Lincoln Memorial on the Potomac to the Capitol Building and Supreme Court on Capitol Hill. Along the Mall are the majority of the 18 museums which comprise the Smithsonian Institution, the War Memorials, and the Washington Monument which offers rides to the top of the obelisk and lies south of the illustrious White House. Other points of interest are Arlington National Cemetery, the Library of Congress, the National Cathedral, and the National Zoo. Of course, there is more to Washington than historical site-seeing. Washington has also developed an active nightlife. Besides the world-class restaurants, you can see Broadway shows, Washington-only political satires, and live music of all types. At the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, you can catch live theater and music performances.
- Washington D.C. – Colonial Williamsburg – Roanoke, VA
- Day: 6
- 392 miles | 630.728 Km*
Depart the bustle of the capital city and continue to Roanoke for an overnight stay. While in route, visit Colonial Williamsburg, the nation’s largest living history museum with some 500 buildings, homes, stores and taverns reconstructed and restored to their 18th-century appearance. Must-see attractions are the Governor’s Palace, the Capitol, the DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum, the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum, and Bassett Hall. Of course, a trip to Williamsburg wouldn’t be complete without visiting Jamestown, America’s birth place, and Yorktown, where America’s Independence was born. Continue to Roanoke; this city actually dates back to the seventeenth century, when pioneers moved west across Virginia and settled in the Shenandoah Valley on the banks of the Roanoke River. Visit the popular Market Square, home to excellent dining, nightlife, and shopping as well as the historic Farmer’s Market.
Accommodations: (STD) Sleep Inn Tanglewood or similar (1 night)
- Roanoke – Smokey & Blue Ridge Mountains – Ashville, NC
- Day: 7
- 248 miles | 399.032 Km*
Today, you will be surrounded by the natural beauty of the Great Smokey and Blue Ridge Mountains as you drive toward North Carolina. Asheville is an inviting destination complete with architectural gems from several eras and a lively cultural scene. 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. 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.
Accommodations: (STD) Red Roof Inn Ashville or similar (1 night)
- Ashville – Charleston, SC
- Day: 8
- 245 miles | 394.205 Km*
Depart the charm of Asheville/Hendersonville and drive toward the southern city of Charleston. Charleston is a compelling place to visit, its historic district lined with tall, narrow houses of peeling, multicolored stucco, adorned with wooden shutters and ironwork balconies wrought by slaves from Barbados. The Caribbean feel is augmented by palm trees, a tropical climate and easygoing atmosphere, while the town’s pretty hidden gardens and leafy patios evoke New Orleans. A fantastic way to see this city is by a horse-drawn carriage. See the Old South in the architecture and gardens of the many historic homes and buildings. Stop by its Downtown to visit the shopping district of King Street.
Accommodations: (STD) Days Inn Patriot’s Point or similar (2 nights)
- Charleston,SC
- Day: 9
- 0 miles | 0 Km*
Explore this fantastic city today. Park your car near the Visitors Center as it is impossible to drive your car in the small streets; they were originally designed for pedestrian use only. There are many guided walking tours to choose from, as well as a horse-drawn carriage tours. Or you can pick up a map and discover the city yourself. See the Civil War Memorials at the Battery, a garden that boasts live oaks and palmettos. Venture slightly outside the city and visit Magnolia Plantation and Gardens. This is the oldest public gardens in America, opening its doors to visitors in 1870. It contains thousands of beautiful flowers and plants, including extensive varieties of camellias and azaleas, in a richly historical setting. Tour the house and learn about life on the plantation.
- Charleston –Atlanta, GA
- Day: 10
- 321 miles | 516.489 Km*
Today you will leave Charleston and drive to 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 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. Visit other Atlanta neighborhoods like the quaint Midtown and luxurious Buckhead, both are filled with interesting shops and restaurants. The Roswell Historic district has a visitor center and several antebellum homes that can be toured. Taste past and present Coca-Cola products at The World of Coca-Cola museum. Enjoy a movie experience and taste brands from around the world. 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.
Accommodations: (STD) Days Inn Atlanta Downtown or similar (1 Night)
- Atlanta – Cherokee Indian Reservation – Smoky Mountains – Gatlinburg, TN
- Day: 11
- 408 miles | 656.472 Km*
Depart Atlanta today and head to the more rural side of Tennessee through the Cherokee Indian Reservation. In 1838, 14,000 Cherokee Indians were rounded up by federal troops and marched to Oklahoma on the Trail of Tears. Approximately one thousand escaped. The residents of Cherokee are their descendents. Visit the Museum of the Cherokee Indian which is devoted to 10,000 years of Native American history, the museum details, among other things, the Trail of Tears tragedy. Visit the Great Smoky Mountains National Park which always offers interesting sights. They are among the oldest mountains in the world and a center of diversity for plant and wildlife. Keep watch for black bear, white-tailed deer, raccoons, coyote and the plentiful salamander. Enjoy the breathtaking views as you travel into Gatlinburg for an overnight stay. For a bird’s eye view of the scenery, ride the sky lift to the top of Crockett Mountain. Close by you will find a number of attractions, ranging from shopping in the outlet malls to the famous Dollywood. Dolly Parton owns this entertainment park offering music and shows. Pigeon Forge is a short drive away for more entertainment options.
Accommodations: (STD) Red Roof Inn Gatlinburg or similar (1 Night)
- Gatlinburg – Nashville, TN
- Day: 12
- 218 miles | 350.762 Km*
Depart Gatlinburg this morning and drive toward Nashville, 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.
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Accommodations: (STD) Red Roof Inn or similar (2 Nights)
- Nashville
- Day: 13
- 0 miles | 0 Km*
Get an up-close look at what was once the second home of music legends Elvis Presley, Chet Atkins, Dolly Parton and many 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.
- Nashville – Memphis, TN
- Day: 14
- 213 miles | 342.717 Km*
Leave country music behind and travel to Memphis, home of the blues. Your first stop must be Graceland, Elvis Presley’s 14-acre estate. 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 mecca has something for everyone, whether you want to listen to music or sample southern barbecue.
Accommodations: (STD) Quality Inn Memphis or similar (1 Night)
- Memphis – Little Rock, AR
- Day: 15
- 137 miles | 220.433 Km*
Leave Memphis and continue to Forrest City that sits atop Crowley’s Ridge in Arkansas. This area is home to Village Creek State Park, an area visited by outdoorsmen from all over the U.S. to enjoy the fishing and hunting. Your drive through Arkansas to Little Rock is a beautiful drive winding its way through hills and valleys, rivers, mountains and historical sites. It is an exceptional way to explore the history and scenic wonders of this state. Arkansas is home to many caves, such as Blanchard Springs Caverns. More than 43,000 Native American living, hunting and tool making sites, many of them Pre-Columbian burial mounds and rock shelters, have been catalogued by the State Archeologist. Arkansas is currently the only U.S. state in which diamonds are mined by members of the public with primitive digging tools for a small daily fee. Arrive in Arkansas’ capital and largest city, Little Rock. Its name is derived from a small rock formation on the south bank of the Arkansas River. and was used by early river traffic as a landmark, becoming a well-known river crossing. Whilst in the city you can visit the Clinton Presidential Library, River Market, a prominent entertainment district, and enjoy Riverfront Park, which is located downtown. Wildwood Park for the Arts is the largest park dedicated to the performing arts in the South. It features year-round performances of opera, cabaret and jazz, as well as seasonal festivals and cultural events.
Accommodations: Comfort Inn & Suites or similar
- Little Rock – Tulsa, OK
- Day: 16
- 274 miles | 440.866 Km*
Your drive takes you through Conway then onto Fort Smith which nestles in the Arkansas River Valley between the Ozark and Ouachita National Forests.
Continue on your journey to Tulsa. Tulsa was first settled in the 1830s by the Lachapoka Band of Creek Native American tribe, who established a home under a large oak tree at the present day intersection of Cheyenne Avenue and 18th Street. Tulsa is one of the cities that claims to be the birthplace of U.S. Route 66. Known for its Western Swing music it sits on the Arkansas River at the foothills of the Ozark Mountains. Influenced by historical native American presence, it is considered the cultural and arts center of Oklahoma and houses art museums, and one of the nation’s largest concentrations of art deco architecture, as well as cultural centers, zoos and wildlife preserves. The Philbrook Museum, located in the former estate of oil pioneer Waite Phillips, is considered one of the top 50 fine art museums in the U.S.and offers a combination of historic home, gardens and art collections.
Accommodations: Holiday Inn Select Tulsa or similar (2 nights)
- Tulsa
- Day: 17
- 0 miles | 0 Km*
By the 1920’s, Tulsa was a boomtown pumping oil and Business is still booming with a thriving aerospace industry and a number of major corporations situated here. Architecture fans shouldn’t miss the Art Deco façades at the Boston Building, Union Depot, and the Philtower. The Philbrook and the Gilcrease museums are the place for art lovers. The Gilcrease contains a copy of the Declaration of Independence. For something different, enjoy the beautiful grounds of Oral Roberts University. Oklahoma is rich with Native American influence, culture and history. Visit the Cherokee Heritage Center at Tsa-La-Gi. At the Cherokee Heritage Center, you can experience Cherokee life the way it was before it was touched by European influences. You will witness tasks such as food preparation, basket weaving, weapon making and recreation. Have a first-hand view of Cherokee crafts such as pottery and jewelry. While at the center, be sure to visit the museum and ancient village, as well as the Ho-Chee-Nee Prayer Chapel and Cherokee Hall of Fame. Beloved cowboy Will Rogers was born and raised in Tulsa. Visit his birthplace and memorial to learn more about his life.
- Tulsa – Oklahoma City, OK
- Day: 18
- 108 miles | 173.772 Km*
Depart Tulsa this morning and drive toward the Oklahoma’s state capital, Oklahoma City. It is at heart a cowboy town and this can be seen at Stockyards City. It was founded in 1910 and is popular for its restaurants and shops specializing in Western wear, custom-made boots, and saddles. It is located next to the Oklahoma National Stockyards, which claims to be the largest live cattle market in the world. Cattle auctions, open to the public, are held all day Monday and Tuesday. Visit the National Cowboy Hall of Fame & Western Heritage Center .The history and culture of frontier life are depicted in a wide range of exhibits in this large-scale museum. Paintings by well-known artists Charles Russell and Frederic Remington are the highlight of the Atherton Art Gallery. The American Rodeo Gallery features a bunkhouse, a display of brands and a barbed wire collection. Walk through Property Junction, a life-size recreation of an authentic frontier town. Visit the revitalized Bricktown Canal, constructed by excavating an old street. Many restaurants and clubs built patios to take advantage of the view. Water taxis are a popular and enjoyable means of transport between shops, cafes, and nightclubs here. The Paseo Historic District has galleries, studios, and restaurants in a historic part of town. This artists’ community, which resembles a Spanish Village with stucco buildings and clay tile roofs, serves as home to writers, painters, potters, photographers, dancers, and actors. Enjoy studio visits, performances, shopping, and dining in this delightful area.
Accommodations: Quality Inn Southwest or similar (1 night)
- Oklahoma City – Shamrock – Amarillo, TX
- Day: 19
- 260 miles | 418.34 Km*
Leave Oklahoma City behind and drive toward the Lone Star State today. As you head into Amarillo make a stop in the town of Shamrock to visit the U-Drop-Inn Restaurant and Service Station dating from 1936 and the Pioneer West Museum, located in the historic Reynolds Hotel, 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: Best Western Amarillo Inn or similar (1 night)
- Amarillo – Tucumcari – Santa Rosa – Albuquerque, NM
- Day: 20
- 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 bottomAccommodations: Quality Inn and Suites Albuquerque or similar (2 nights
- Albuquerque – Santa Fe – Albuquerque, NM
- Day: 21
- 0 miles | 0 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. Visit the Mission San Miguel. The San Miguel Mission, the oldest church in Santa Fe, 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: 22
- 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: Best Western Adobe Inn Holbrook or similar (1 night)
- Holbrook – Winslow – Grand Canyon National Park – Flagstaff, AZ
- Day: 23
- 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: Best Western Pony Soldier or similar (1 night)
- Flagstaff – Las Vegas, NV
- Day: 24
- 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: Best Western Mardi Gras Inn and Casino or similar (2 nights)
- Las Vegas
- Day: 25
- 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: 26
- 287 miles | 461.783 Km*
Leave the glitz of Las Vegas behind and drive toward Santa Monica where you will enjoy a two-night stay. Both a seaside town and bustling city, Santa Monica has activities for both young and old, from beach games and bike paths to art galleries and nightclubs, from shopping and fitness to theater and concerts. Santa Monica’s cultural offerings run the gamut, with over 75 museums and art galleries within the walkable 8.3 square mile city limits. Not to mention the array of public art and sculpture exhibited in the streets. Visit Santa Monica Pier,. It features an aquarium, an amusement park and the famous Hippodrome building, a mix of California, Byzantine and Moorish architecture that has been featured in many films.
Accommodations: Carmel by the Sea or similar (2 nights)
- Los Angeles
- Day: 27
- 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, surffing, volleyball, skating and biking are among the favorite beach-side pasttimes 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. Or, you can choose to explore the neighboring City of Angels. Visit the glitz and glamour of Hollywood. Shop the famous Rodeo Drive, where luxury retail commands the street. 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 , CA – Santa Barbara – San Simeon, CA.
- Day: 28
- 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) Best Western Colony Inn or similar (1 night)
- San Simeon – Monterey – San Francisco, CA
- Day: 29
- 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 (2 nights)
- San Francisco, CA
- Day: 30
- 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.
* Mileage is approximate.
** Prices subject to change without notice. For up to date pricing, please submit a quote request.
Description
This Tour recognizes that for a long road trip to be a wonderful experience for the whole distance, it has to be an easy drive. Along the total route there are no more than 2 consecutive driving days before having a 2 night stay in the same location. The Tour starts in New York, and travels South to Washington DC. and Colonial Williamsburg, then to the Deep South to enjoy the charms of Charleston and Atlanta. From there, West across the Smoky Mountains into Tennessee and the musical cities of Nashville and Memphis. Through the Ozarks to Little Rock and on to Oklahoma to join the “Mother Road” in Tulsa for you to get your kicks on “Route 66″ all the way to Los Angeles California”. Then up the spectacular Pacific Coast Highway to San Francisco
S and J. Connolly – S and JC Cammeray, NSW. Australia –
We”re just writing to say a huge thank you for our coast-to-coast road trip in November/December 2010. We”re just settling back into real life in Australia and are only just now reflecting on our amazing travels. We drove across the US after four months backpacking in Europe and the Auto Tours trip was the perfect, organised solution for two slightly weary travellers. We never had any problems with the car or accomodation and we found Auto Tours staff to be particularly helpful whenever we needed them. We were excited to wake up and explore every place included on our itinerary and we absolutely fell in love with the states and all its natural beauty, wonderful people, kooky little towns and BIG food! Some of the highlights were soaking up the excitement of New York, exploring the monuments in Washington DC, going to a tiki bar in Asheville, wandering around the very charming Charleston, walking in light snow in the Smoky Mountains National Park, Gatlinburg, visiting Graceland in Memphis, eating hot Mexican in Amarillo and Albuquerque, visiting the Grand Canyon and having our vows renewed by Elvis in Las Vegas! They truly were some of the most exciting times of our lives. we”ve included a couple of pictures for you. S and J. Connolly —S and JC Cammeray, NSW. Australia