Southern Cross Country Westbound image
Operated by G Adventures

Southern Cross Country Westbound

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

The adventure

Can one 22-day trip define the elusive essence of a complex nation with centuries of incredible history? Probably not, but it’d be a blast to try, no? Designed specifically for curious travellers with a passion for real experiences and lots of time, this adventure takes you from the busy streets of New York to the shores of San Francisco Bay, with just about every shade of Americana thrown in along the way: the Washington Mall, Music City USA, the French Quarter, Tex-Mex, Yosemite, the Vegas Strip… forget e pluribus unum; America’s real motto is “go big or go home.”

At a glance

Duration
22 days
Route
New York → San Francisco
Countries
United States
Activity level
moderate
Style
Culture & History, Food & Drink, National Parks & Wilderness, Sailing & Marine, Trekking & Hiking
Group size
Ask
Flights
Not included
Solo travellers
Welcome

Where you'll go

Southern Cross Country Westbound 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 dayArrivalArrive to the joining hostel at any time. Welcome meeting at 7:00pm. From the Statue of Liberty to Ground Zero to Chinatown, New York City is full of things to do and see. We recommend spending extra time here; please speak to your sales agent to book pre-trip accommodation.
Arrive to the joining hostel at any time. Welcome meeting at 7:00pm. From the Statue of Liberty to Ground Zero to Chinatown, New York City is full of things to do and see. We recommend spending extra time here; please speak to your sales agent to book pre-trip accommodation.
Day 2Spend the morning exploring one of the Big AppleDive into the hustle and bustle of the Big Apple on a brief orientation to the city with the CEO. Arrive at the capital of the USA, Washington DC, in the late afternoon.
Dive into the hustle and bustle of the Big Apple on a brief orientation to the city with the CEO. Arrive at the capital of the USA, Washington DC, in the late afternoon.
Day 3Enjoy a free day to exploreToday is all about the capital of the United States. There is so much to see and do in Washington DC that you can't see it all in one day. Take your time spending a full day exploring this fascinating city.
Today is all about the capital of the United States. There is so much to see and do in Washington DC that you can't see it all in one day. Take your time spending a full day exploring this fascinating city.
Day 4Continue through Shenandoah National ParkStanding on top of the peaks of Shenandoah National Park while gazing across the silent mountains, it's hard to believe Washington DC is just a short distance away. Opt to take a short hike on the many trails throughout the park.
Standing on top of the peaks of Shenandoah National Park while gazing across the silent mountains, it's hard to believe Washington DC is just a short distance away. Opt to take a short hike on the many trails throughout the park.
Day 5Drive through the Appalachian MountainsContinue through the Appalachian Mountains, a perfect place to relax. Enjoy the fresh, clean air and see the true beauty of North America. Travel to the country music capital of the world, and be immersed in the local music scene in downtown Nashville at night.
Continue through the Appalachian Mountains, a perfect place to relax. Enjoy the fresh, clean air and see the true beauty of North America. Travel to the country music capital of the world, and be immersed in the local music scene in downtown Nashville at night.
Day 6Explore the vibrant cultural and musical melting pot…In the afternoon, opt to walk in the footsteps of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll at Elvis Presley’s home, Graceland. See how the legend lived and discover videos, pictures, stage costumes, and much more. Then hear the music in Memphis, Tennessee! Explore the birthplace of Rock 'n' Roll, 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. Opt to check out the National Civil Rights Museum, located where Martin Luther King Jr was assassinated.
In the afternoon, opt to walk in the footsteps of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll at Elvis Presley’s home, Graceland. See how the legend lived and discover videos, pictures, stage costumes, and much more. Then hear the music in Memphis, Tennessee! Explore the birthplace of Rock 'n' Roll, 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. Opt to check out the National Civil Rights Museum, located where Martin Luther King Jr was assassinated.
Day 7Crank 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 8Enjoy 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 9Drive across Louisiana into Texas and take…Travel day from New Orleans to Austin. 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.
Travel day from New Orleans to Austin. 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 10Spend 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 11Explore Carlsbad CavernsTravel to one of the oldest and most famous cave systems in the world. Explore a cave on self-guided trails and be fascinated by the largest underground chambers and countless formations. In the evening, witness a stunning spectacle as nearly 400,000 Mexican free-tail bats exit Carlsbad Cavern.
Travel to one of the oldest and most famous cave systems in the world. Explore a cave on self-guided trails and be fascinated by the largest underground chambers and countless formations. In the evening, witness a stunning spectacle as nearly 400,000 Mexican free-tail bats exit Carlsbad Cavern.
Day 12Stop by infamous Roswell before taking in Southwest…On the night of July 2nd in 1947 something (or someone) crashed into the desert outside of Roswell, New Mexico. Was it a balloon, or really extra-terrestrial life? Find out what all the hype is about when passing through this funky town. Continue the journey back in time and explore one of America's oldest and most beautiful cities, Santa Fe.
On the night of July 2nd in 1947 something (or someone) crashed into the desert outside of Roswell, New Mexico. Was it a balloon, or really extra-terrestrial life? Find out what all the hype is about when passing through this funky town. Continue the journey back in time and explore one of America's oldest and most beautiful cities, Santa Fe.
Day 13Explore Santa Fe in the morning before travelling…Free morning to explore Santa Fe's downtown and enjoy some world-famous roasted green chilies before travelling to Mesa Verde National Park.
Free morning to explore Santa Fe's downtown and enjoy some world-famous roasted green chilies before travelling to Mesa Verde National Park.
Day 14Wind up the side of a mountain through…Hike through history while exploring Mesa Verde National Park – it offers a spectacular look into the lives of the Ancestral Puebloans. In Monument Valley, opt to explore on a 4x4 tour led by a Navajo guide. Stay overnight in the Tribal Park to see the sun rise from a perspective very few ever experience!
Hike through history while exploring Mesa Verde National Park – it offers a spectacular look into the lives of the Ancestral Puebloans. In Monument Valley, opt to explore on a 4x4 tour led by a Navajo guide. Stay overnight in the Tribal Park to see the sun rise from a perspective very few ever experience!
Day 15Hike the trails of the Grand Canyon before…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!
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 16Free 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 17Travel Route 66 and stop at a wacky…
Travel Route 66 and stop at a wacky burger joint. Explore Las Vegas and stroll along the famous Vegas Strip. Take an optional VIP party limo.
Day 18Free 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 chilling 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 chilling poolside. In the evening, opt to see one of the wildly entertaining shows Vegas is known for.
Day 19Visit a land of extremes in Death Valley National ParkVisit one of the country's most rugged landscapes, the legendary Death Valley – the hottest and driest spot on earth and home to the lowest point in North America. Surrounded by peaks which soar more than 14,000 ft (4,267m) in elevation, Bishop, one of "America's Coolest Mountain Towns" sits directly in the centre of an incredible area of natural beauty.
Visit one of the country's most rugged landscapes, the legendary Death Valley – the hottest and driest spot on earth and home to the lowest point in North America. Surrounded by peaks which soar more than 14,000 ft (4,267m) in elevation, Bishop, one of "America's Coolest Mountain Towns" sits directly in the centre of an incredible area of natural beauty.
Day 20Morning trip to Mono LakeIn the morning, visit ancient Mono Lake and walk among dramatic and fascinating tufa towers. Be in awe of the spectacular views of Yosemite National Park's magnificent peaks and granite domes while enjoying one of the most scenic drives in California: the Tioga Pass! Hike one of the many trails Yosemite has to offer and be inspired by this beautiful and amazing landscape.
In the morning, visit ancient Mono Lake and walk among dramatic and fascinating tufa towers. Be in awe of the spectacular views of Yosemite National Park's magnificent peaks and granite domes while enjoying one of the most scenic drives in California: the Tioga Pass! Hike one of the many trails Yosemite has to offer and be inspired by this beautiful and amazing landscape.
Day 21Enjoy free time in Yosemite NP for hiking and exploringAdmire 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 22Catch a glimpse of the Golden Gate Bridge…San FranciscoThere'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.
Captivating view of San Francisco's famous Victorian houses with city skyline in the background.San Francisco
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.
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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