Your tour will begin in New York City. We leave the Big Apple and cross the Hudson River heading for Niagara Falls for the Maid of the Mist boat ride. From the majestic falls we continue onto the “Windy City” of Chicago. Chicago is home to America’s tallest building and some of the best blues in the country.
We continue our journey through the American Plains that were once the Western Frontier. We will also cross America’s two longest rivers, the Missouri and the Mississippi. We enter South Dakota and visit the Badlands National Park and the Black Hills. This portion of the plains is sacred Sioux Indian Territory where Native Americans still live. We carry on past the well-known American symbol, Mt Rushmore, to see the former presidents faces carved into the mountain. We also pass the Native Americans version of Mt Rushmore, Crazy Horse Monument, which is still a work in progress. This great sculpture is being carved in memory of Crazy Horse the great Sioux chief.
We continue our tour into Wyoming and into the heart of cowboy country. Here we will take in volcanic geysers and the amazing wildlife of Yellowstone National Park. We also will visit the spectacular Grand Teton National Park, a picture postcard opportunity. We will have ample opportunity to take in the scenery and go on some great hikes before heading for Jackson. Jackson gives us a chance for rafting on the Snake River by day and fun in a western saloon by night.
We continue through the West to the great state of California. Take in Lake Tahoe and try your hand at sailing or try your luck in Las Vegas at the slots before we head to Yosemite National Park. The Yosemite Valley offers a plethora of hiking and photo opportunities.
Then, onto the “City by the Bay” San Francisco where you can visit Chinatown, take a cable car ride; see a baseball game or the famous Fisherman’s Wharf. We then head south to Monterrey along the coast to LA where we will end with a visit Hollywood and Universal Studios.
Please note that this tour runs in both directions and when starting in LA the itinerary is reversed.
Optional Extra Activities:
- Natural Hot Springs
- Sears Tower
- San Francisco cable cars
- Aquarium visit
- Chicago Blues clubs
- Las Vegas clubs and casinos
- Horseback riding
- Cycling in Yosemite Valley
- Whitewater rafting (in season)
- San Francisco Bay sunset cruise
- Mountain biking
- Indian museum
- Chicago Museums
- Excellent hiking opportunities
- Sea Kayaking
What’s Included in the Programme
- Services of a tour leader
- All camping fees and equipment
- Transportation by adventure vehicle
- Crazy Horse Monument
- Admission to Universal Studios
- Admission to Mount Rushmore National Memorial
- Niagara Falls Maid of the Mist Cruise
- Admission to all National Parks and Monuments
What’s Not Included in the Programme
- International Flights
- Hotel accommodation of nights noted (H)
- Travel Insurance
- Spending Moneys
- Food (kitty will be collected USD$10 a day)
Prices and Durations
2010 Start Dates and Prices:
Northern Trail LA - NY £1,149: Apr 28; May 5, 12, 19
Northern Trail NY - LA £1,149: May 19, 26
Northern Trail LA - NY £1,239: May 25; Jun 29; Jul 13; Sep 7
Northern Trail NY - LA £1,229: Jun 2, 9, 16, 23, 30; Jul 7; Sep 8
Northern Trail NY - LA £1,309: Jul 14, 21, 28; Aug 4; Sep 1
Northern Trail LA - NY £1,309: Jul 27; Aug 3, 17, 24
Northern Trail NY - LA £1,369: Aug 11, 18, 25
