Best of the USA Tour–San Fran to San Fran image
Operated by G Adventures

Best of the USA Tour–San Fran to San Fran

From
Price on request
Duration
43 days
Countries
United States
Activity
moderate

The adventure

Is it possible to capture the complex, diverse flavour of a country and its 300-million-strong people in a single trip? Short answer: Yup. This epic sojourn across America from sea to shining sea (and back again) is, quite possibly, the most ambitious road trip you’ll ever take. Wide-open spaces, iconic monuments, sprawling national parks, quirky local slang, regional delicacies and the incredible cities you’ve always wanted to visit. It’s all here. Welcome to the US of A, where the "A" stands for "Amazing."

At a glance

Duration
43 days
Route
San Francisco → San Francisco
Countries
United States
Activity level
moderate
Style
Culture & History, Food & Drink, National Parks & Wilderness, Overland & Road Trips, Trekking & Hiking, Wildlife & Safari
Group size
Ask
Flights
Not included
Solo travellers
Welcome

Where you'll go

Best of the USA Tour–San Fran to San Fran image

Day by day

Explore the breathtaking rock formations and winding river of Smith Rock State Park on a sunny summer day.
Your journey through

United States

Day 1Arrival dayArrivalThere's a lot to see and do in San Francisco, and we recommend spending extra time here if you'd like to explore the city; speak to your sales agent to book extra accommodation. Haight-Ashbury, Alcatraz, the Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman's Wharf, and the city's famous cable cars await you.
There's a lot to see and do in San Francisco, and we recommend spending extra time here if you'd like to explore the city; speak to your sales agent to book extra accommodation. Haight-Ashbury, Alcatraz, the Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman's Wharf, and the city's famous cable cars await you.
Day 2Catch a glimpse of the Golden Gate Bridge…Travel through California's Sierra Nevada Mountains on the way to Yosemite National Park. Set up camp for the night and get ready for a full day of exploring the next day.
Travel through California's Sierra Nevada Mountains on the way to Yosemite National Park. Set up camp for the night and get ready for a full day of exploring the next day.
Day 3Enjoy a free day in Yosemite National ParkAdmire spectacular views of Yosemite National Park's magnificent peaks and granite domes. Yosemite has many trails to offer. Be inspired by this beautiful and amazing landscape and opt to rent a bike to better explore the Yosemite Valley.
Admire spectacular views of Yosemite National Park's magnificent peaks and granite domes. Yosemite has many trails to offer. Be inspired by this beautiful and amazing landscape and opt to rent a bike to better explore the Yosemite Valley.
Day 4Awe at the spectacular scenery along the Tioga PassMarvel at the spectacular views of Yosemite National Park's magnificent peaks and granite domes while enjoying one of most scenic areas in California.
Marvel at the spectacular views of Yosemite National Park's magnificent peaks and granite domes while enjoying one of most scenic areas in California.
Day 5Visit a land of extremes in Death Valley…Visit one of the country's most rugged landscapes, legendary Death Valley, the hottest and driest spot on earth and home to the lowest point in North America.
Visit one of the country's most rugged landscapes, legendary Death Valley, the hottest and driest spot on earth and home to the lowest point in North America.
Day 6Free time in Las VegasFull day to explore Las Vegas. Walk the strip and try your luck at the tables or slot machines. Or spend the day shopping, dining or poolside. In the evening, opt to see one of the wildly entertaining shows Vegas is known for.
Full day to explore Las Vegas. Walk the strip and try your luck at the tables or slot machines. Or spend the day shopping, dining or poolside. In the evening, opt to see one of the wildly entertaining shows Vegas is known for.
Day 7Travel Route 66Grand CanyonConsidered among nature's most spectacular offerings, the Grand Canyon provides spectacular opportunities for exploration. Return to the campsite and recapture the experiences from this memorable day!
Stunning aerial view of Tarn Gorge with cliffs and river in La Malène, France.Grand Canyon
Considered among nature's most spectacular offerings, the Grand Canyon provides spectacular opportunities for exploration. Return to the campsite and recapture the experiences from this memorable day!
Map showing Grand Canyon
Day 8Enjoy free time in Grand Canyon NPEnjoy a free day to discover the Grand Canyon. Opt to wander throughout the park and take a hike. Hire a bike, check out a museum or see the canyon from the sky by helicopter.
Beautiful landscape of Verdon Gorge featuring boats in turquoise river, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur.Grand Canyon
Enjoy a free day to discover the Grand Canyon. Opt to wander throughout the park and take a hike. Hire a bike, check out a museum or see the canyon from the sky by helicopter.
Map showing Grand Canyon
Day 9Drive along the southern rim of the canyonTake an optional jeep tour led by a Navajo guide through Monument Valley and be inspired by a night under the stars while camping in this magnificent atmosphere.
Take an optional jeep tour led by a Navajo guide through Monument Valley and be inspired by a night under the stars while camping in this magnificent atmosphere.
Day 10Wind up the side of a mountain through…
Wind up the side of a mountain through Mesa Verde National Park's rocky slopes and inspiring vistas. Hike to ancient cliff dwellings in Mesa Verde.
Day 11Travel to Santa Fe and dive…Continue the journey back in time and explore one of America's oldest and most beautiful cities, Santa Fe. Take a stroll downtown and visit art galleries, or enjoy some world-famous roasted green chilies.
Continue the journey back in time and explore one of America's oldest and most beautiful cities, Santa Fe. Take a stroll downtown and visit art galleries, or enjoy some world-famous roasted green chilies.
Day 12Look for aliens at infamous Roswell en route…
Look for aliens at infamous Roswell en route to exploring the Carlsbad Caverns, dodging the 400,000 bats heading out to hunt at sunset.
Day 13Cross into the state of TexasSit back and gaze at the scenery while travelling through the southern United States. Upon arrival in the 'Lonestar' state, settle in at the campsite for a night under the stars.
Sit back and gaze at the scenery while travelling through the southern United States. Upon arrival in the 'Lonestar' state, settle in at the campsite for a night under the stars.
Day 14Spend a free day in Austin
Spend a free day in Austin. Opt to visit the SoCo area for thrift shopping, take a dip in the Barton natural pool, or let loose at a local country bar in the evening.
Day 15Crank up the jazz and drive…
Crank up the jazz and drive into the home of Mardi Gras. Explore the French Quarter, and join the revellers on Bourbon Street 'til the early hours.
Day 16Enjoy a free day to explore New OrleansNew travellers may join you today for the rest of the adventure. You are welcome to join them at a group meeting this evening, followed by an optional dinner.
New travellers may join you today for the rest of the adventure. You are welcome to join them at a group meeting this evening, followed by an optional dinner.
Day 17Explore the vibrant cultural and musical melting pot…Explore the birthplace of Rock 'n' Roll, the Home of Blues, and the starting point of soul. Music legends, including Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash and B.B. King, made their marks on Memphis. Optional activities include visiting the National Civil Rights Museum (located where the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr took place in 1968) or visiting the Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum.
Explore the birthplace of Rock 'n' Roll, the Home of Blues, and the starting point of soul. Music legends, including Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash and B.B. King, made their marks on Memphis. Optional activities include visiting the National Civil Rights Museum (located where the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr took place in 1968) or visiting the Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum.
Day 18Take an optional tour of GracelandIn the morning, opt to walk in the footsteps of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll at Elvis Presley’s home, Graceland. If Graceland is not for you, enjoy the time to explore more of Memphis on your own. Travel to Nashville in time to check out the nightlife and visit a real country cowboy bar.
In the morning, opt to walk in the footsteps of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll at Elvis Presley’s home, Graceland. If Graceland is not for you, enjoy the time to explore more of Memphis on your own. Travel to Nashville in time to check out the nightlife and visit a real country cowboy bar.
Day 19Travel the beautiful winding roads through the Appalachian…Experience the Appalachian Mountains on the drive. The mountains are a perfect place to relax and to enjoy the fresh, clean air and see the true beauty of North America.
Experience the Appalachian Mountains on the drive. The mountains are a perfect place to relax and to enjoy the fresh, clean air and see the true beauty of North America.
Day 20Pass through Shenandoah National ParkContinue on the Skyline Drive through Shenandoah National Park, a truly beautiful, historic national treasure. Standing on top of the peaks of Shenandoah National Park, gaze across the silent mountains. It's hard to believe Washington DC is just a short distance away.
Continue on the Skyline Drive through Shenandoah National Park, a truly beautiful, historic national treasure. Standing on top of the peaks of Shenandoah National Park, gaze across the silent mountains. It's hard to believe Washington DC is just a short distance away.
Day 21Enjoy free time to exploreThere is so much to see and do in Washington DC that you can't see it all in one day. Take your time and spend a full day exploring this fascinating city.
There is so much to see and do in Washington DC that you can't see it all in one day. Take your time and spend a full day exploring this fascinating city.
Day 22Dive into the hustle and bustle…
Dive into the hustle and bustle of the Big Apple. Opt to visit Times Square or stroll through Central Park. Check out the famous nightlife in NYC.
Day 23Spend the morning exploring the Big Apple before heading to NewburghDive into the hustle and bustle of NYC on a brief orientation to the city with the CEO, then trade in the big city for a campfire.
Dive into the hustle and bustle of NYC on a brief orientation to the city with the CEO, then trade in the big city for a campfire.
Day 24Enjoy a day out in nature taking…Discover one of the highest waterfalls east of the Rocky Mountains, Taughannock Falls. Take a hike to explore this beautiful area on foot, rent a kayak or paddleboard, or just relax by the lake. Opt to taste wine from one of the local vineyards.
Discover one of the highest waterfalls east of the Rocky Mountains, Taughannock Falls. Take a hike to explore this beautiful area on foot, rent a kayak or paddleboard, or just relax by the lake. Opt to taste wine from one of the local vineyards.
Day 25Get wet on the Maid of the Mist…An exciting adventure awaits in Niagara Falls. Feel the rushing waters of the falls taking the famous "Maid of the Mist Boat Tour." Return after darkness settles over the Niagara region and witness the Falls illuminated in a rainbow of colour!
An exciting adventure awaits in Niagara Falls. Feel the rushing waters of the falls taking the famous "Maid of the Mist Boat Tour." Return after darkness settles over the Niagara region and witness the Falls illuminated in a rainbow of colour!
Day 26Travel to Sandusky and opt to catch some…
Travel to Sandusky and opt to catch some thrills at a local amusement park.
Day 27Stop for lunch in the Amish community…There's tons to do in the Windy City – walk along the river to Millennium Park, enjoy dazzling music, and stroll the boardwalk of the Navy Pier. Opt to ride to the top of the Willis (formerly Sears) Tower, or hit the town for a night out with the group.
There's tons to do in the Windy City – walk along the river to Millennium Park, enjoy dazzling music, and stroll the boardwalk of the Navy Pier. Opt to ride to the top of the Willis (formerly Sears) Tower, or hit the town for a night out with the group.
Day 28Free time to explore ChicagoToday, new travellers may join you for the rest of your adventure. You are welcome to join them at a group meeting this evening, followed by an optional dinner.
Today, new travellers may join you for the rest of your adventure. You are welcome to join them at a group meeting this evening, followed by an optional dinner.
Day 29Tour the Miller Brewing Company in Milwaukee…
Tour the Miller Brewing Company in Milwaukee and enjoy a beer tasting, then camp on the banks of the Mississippi River.
Day 30Enjoy a free morning at the largest shopping…
Enjoy a free morning at the largest shopping mall in America – the Mall of America. Afterwards, venture into South Dakota and head into the Great Plains and lands of the Sioux.
Day 31Travel through the Badlands before reaching the Black Hills
Travel through the Badlands before reaching the Black Hills.
Day 32Discover moon-like landscapes on the trails of the BadlandsExplore the spectacular, bizarre, and moon-like landscape at Badlands National Park. Discover Wall Drug, an American roadside wonder before reaching the famous Black Hills in the heart of South Dakota. Then take the scenic route to Custer State Park.
Explore the spectacular, bizarre, and moon-like landscape at Badlands National Park. Discover Wall Drug, an American roadside wonder before reaching the famous Black Hills in the heart of South Dakota. Then take the scenic route to Custer State Park.
Day 33Check out the larger than life ex-presidents…
Check out the larger than life ex-presidents of Mount Rushmore, tour around Crazy Horse Memorial, and stop off at Deadwood en route to Devils Tower in Wyoming.
Day 34Check out the the Little Bighorn Battlefield National…
Check out the the Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument en route to the university town of Bozeman, Montana.
Day 35Travel to YellowstoneYellowstone is beyond special. Geysers, waterfalls, wildlife, and scenic beauty are around every corner just waiting to be explored. In fact, Yellowstone National Park is a super volcano with the world’s largest active geyser field, boasting more than 10,000 geysers. The Park is also home to more wild animals than almost anywhere else in the U.S., including roaming bison, gray wolves, elk, black bears, and, of course, the famous grizzly bear.
A mesmerizing view of a steaming geothermal pool in Yellowstone National Park, USA.Yellowstone
Yellowstone is beyond special. Geysers, waterfalls, wildlife, and scenic beauty are around every corner just waiting to be explored. In fact, Yellowstone National Park is a super volcano with the world’s largest active geyser field, boasting more than 10,000 geysers. The Park is also home to more wild animals than almost anywhere else in the U.S., including roaming bison, gray wolves, elk, black bears, and, of course, the famous grizzly bear.
Map showing Yellowstone
Day 36Spend the day exploring the highlights of the Southern LoopYellowstoneTravel through some of the most famous landmarks of Yellowstone, including Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic Spring, West Thumb, and Yellowstone Lake.
Aerial view of a colorful geothermal spring at Yellowstone National Park with vibrant mineral deposits.Yellowstone
Travel through some of the most famous landmarks of Yellowstone, including Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic Spring, West Thumb, and Yellowstone Lake.
Map showing Yellowstone
Day 37Cross the Continental Divide en route to Grand…Stop at Jenny Lake in Grand Teton National Park and take in the tranquil surroundings. In the late afternoon, reach Jackson and marvel at the town square’s elk antler arches. In the evening, enjoy a night out with a true wild western atmosphere at the One Million Dollar Bar.
Stop at Jenny Lake in Grand Teton National Park and take in the tranquil surroundings. In the late afternoon, reach Jackson and marvel at the town square’s elk antler arches. In the evening, enjoy a night out with a true wild western atmosphere at the One Million Dollar Bar.
Day 38Choose to go whitewater rafting or horseback riding…
Choose to go whitewater rafting or horseback riding during a free morning, then cross the border into Idaho. Stop off at Shoshone Falls en route.
Day 39Sit back and relax during a road trip day
Sit back and relax during a road trip day, crossing into Nevada. Enjoy the bright lights both in and outside the casinos in "The Biggest Little City in the World."
Day 40Arrive to Lake Tahoe after a short drive
Arrive to Lake Tahoe after a short drive. Enjoy a free afternoon for hiking, lake activities or relaxing.
Day 41Marvel at the spectacular views of Yosemite National…
Marvel at the spectacular views of Yosemite National Park's magnificent peaks and granite domes while enjoying one of most scenic drives in California: Tioga Pass!
Day 42Enjoy free time in Yosemite National ParkFull day to explore Yosemite National Park. Hike the many trails Yosemite has to offer and be inspired by this beautiful and amazing landscape. Option to rent bikes in Yosemite Valley.
Full day to explore Yosemite National Park. Hike the many trails Yosemite has to offer and be inspired by this beautiful and amazing landscape. Option to rent bikes in Yosemite Valley.
Day 43Catch a glimpse of the Golden Gate Bridge…San FranciscoArrive at one of the most iconic cities in the world: San Francisco. The CEO will point out some popular sites on the drive into town. There's a lot to see and do in San Francisco. We recommend spending extra time here if you'd like to explore the city; speak to your sales agent to book extra accommodation, or pre book a sunset sail off the coast of the city.
Captivating view of San Francisco's famous Victorian houses with city skyline in the background.San Francisco
Arrive at one of the most iconic cities in the world: San Francisco. The CEO will point out some popular sites on the drive into town. There's a lot to see and do in San Francisco. We recommend spending extra time here if you'd like to explore the city; speak to your sales agent to book extra accommodation, or pre book a sunset sail off the coast of the city.
Map showing San Francisco

Discover United States

A glimpse of the destination you'll explore.

Breathtaking view of Delicate Arch in Arches National Park at sunset, showcasing vibrant skies and rugged landscape.
Explore the majestic granite spires of Custer State Park in South Dakota's Black Hills.
Breathtaking view of Monument Valley's iconic rock formations at sunset, showcasing vivid desert landscape.
A tranquil road through a lush forest in Flagstaff, AZ, under a dramatic, cloudy sky.
Stunning view of the rugged terrain in Moapa Valley, Nevada under a clear sky.
Operated by G Adventures

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