New York to Miami Adventure

Your adventure begins near New York City (Jersey City), where you’ll meet up with your local leader and the travel buddies joining you on your journey. After a welcome meeting to find out what lies ahead, leave the Big Apple behind and begin your journey south. Your first stop is Philadelphia, Pennsylvania’s largest city. Here your leader will introduce you to Philly’s history and highlights, including the Old City, Liberty Bell, Independence Hall and the Philadelphia Museum of Art Steps, made famous by the film ‘Rocky’. Enjoy some downtime to explore the city yourself, then hit the road and continue to the country’s capital, Washington, D.C.

Bursting with brilliant museums, monuments and historical sites, there’s so much to uncover in Washington D.C. To familiarise yourself with this storied city, your day begins with an bicycle orientation tour with your leader. Once you’ve got your bearings, the rest of the day is free for your own discoveries. Your leader is on hand to help plan out a fantastic day here. Take your pick of the city’s almost hundred museums – spanning a huge range of subjects, there really is something for everyone here. Of course the White House, Capitol Building, Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, MLK Monument, FDR and Jefferson Memorials are all well worth a visit too. This evening, perhaps head down to the Georgetown neighbourhood along the Potomac River and grab a drink or bite to eat.

Say goodbye to the capital and venture onwards, heading into the Blue Ridge Mountains, part of the Appalachians. Stop and stretch your legs with a guided walk at Shenandoah National Park – this is one of the highest points of the Appalachians and the views are seriously impressive. Back on the road, make sure you’ve got your camera ready as you continue your journey along Skyline Drive, a mountain highway that weaves through deep woods and serves up some super scenic views. Tonight will be spent camping in the Appalachian Mountains, so settle in for a memorable night in a spectacular spot beneath the stars.

Head south this morning to the USA's Country Music Capital ‐ Nashville, Tennessee. Once settled, join your leader on a short orientation tour of Nashville's Downtown area, focusing on the bustling entertainment hub of Broadway, a famed strip renowned for the honky tonk bars which offer live music every day of the week. The rest of the day is at your leisure, so perhaps check out some iconic music venues like Grand Ole Opry House and the Ryman Auditorium. The Wildhorse Saloon is a great spot in the evening to experience authentic southern food and live music.

The day is all yours to really get to know Nashville. You may like to pay a visit to the city’s colourful murals, featuring emblems of the Nashville and positive messages – perfect backdrops for some pictures to remember your trip. Perhaps check out the Country Music Hall of Fame, home to the golden Cadillac that once belonged to Elvis. The beloved Goo Goo candy store is a must-visit for anyone with a sweet tooth. Nashville is known for its creative and innovative food scene, so be sure to ask your leader for tips on the best places to get a taste of the city.

Say goodbye to the glitz and glamour of 'Nashvegas' this morning as you continue your musical pilgrimage to the birthplace of rock and roll: Memphis, Tennessee. Join your leader on a short walking tour to familiarise yourself with the city. You'll head down bustling Beale Street, where traditional blues clubs and ritzier tourist traps rub shoulders – but don't worry, your leader will give you the lowdown on which bars are worth a look. The rest of the day is free to explore. If you have time, a must‐see in Memphis is Sun Studio, the 'Birthplace of Rock', which boasts the first recordings of legendary performers like Elvis, Johnny Cash and Jerry Lee Lewis. For those with an interest in history, there's the National Civil Rights Museum (at the former Lorraine Motel) where Martin Luther King Jr was assassinated. This evening, why not head out for a famous Memphis‐style barbecue.

It’s a long drive today as you head across the state of Mississippi and prepare to get down in New Orleans AKA the ‘Big Easy’ (approximately 8 hours). Get back to nature with a stop at Honey Island and perhaps opt for a tour down one of the least-altered river swamps in the country. It's pretty much in its original condition, almost a pristine wilderness and home to a variety of critters. Residents include nutrias (river rats), snakes and wild boars – spot alligators sunbathing on the banks and absorb the incredible scenery as you cruise through the eerie marshland. Continue your drive into New Orleans – with a mix of Creole, Cajun and European culture reflected in the city’s architecture, cuisine and music there’s plenty to explore and do. On arrival, your leader will point you in the direction of all the major attractions on a short walk of the eclectic French Quarter, the historic heart of the city, famous for its cast-iron balconies and vivacious nightlife. The rest of the time is yours! Perhaps take a walk down rowdy Bourbon Street or through the former plantation area of the Garden District, or head out for a typical Cajun-style dinner.

With no activities planned today and so much to explore in New Orleans, why not dig further into the rich and varied flavours that make New Orleans a food-lover’s haven on a French Quarter Food Tour. Or, (if you’re over the ripe old age of 21) get to grips with the city’s outstanding cocktail culture and sip away on your favourite concoctions on the New Orleans Cocktail Tour.

The adventure continues as you leave New Orleans and drive on to Destin, Florida. This coastal city, located in Florida’s panhandle, is known for its powdery white sand beaches and inviting turquoise waters. Spend the afternoon chilling out at Henderson Beach State Park – unroll your beach towel and get horizontal, cool off with dips in the sea or explore the sugar-like sand dunes.

Leave Destin behind today and head into the heart of Florida to Orlando! Most known for its world-class amusement parks, the city is worth visiting in its own right. There are loads of lovely parks and museums, plus plenty of fun places to eat or pick up a cocktail. If there's time on arrival, you may like to go out and explore the town.

Today is a free day to explore Orlando's famous amusement parks and attractions.
(at own expense) Most people opt for Walt Disney World or Universal Studios, but there are a host of other parks that might take your fancy. Islands of Adventure is one of the world's best theme parks and if the weather is nice, Orlando has a handful of water parks such as Wet'n Wild, Disney's Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach. Each park is a full day's worth of action, so choose wisely. If theme parks aren’t your thing, your leader will have tips on the best way to spend a day here.

Continue your journey south to Miami – this animated city has so much to offer, from its charming Art Deco architecture to gorgeous beaches and rich Cuban culture. On arrival, get a taste of Miami’s Cuban side as you join your leader on a walk through the Little Havana neighbourhood. Stroll its colourful streets as the residents sip coffee, smoke cigars and play dominos. Later on, you may like to make the most of your final evening and dive into Miami’s nightlife scene. With salsa halls, rooftop bars and late-night food trucks, there’s a great time to be had here.

Your trip ends today and you are free to leave at any time after checkout. If you’d like to stay in Miami longer, just speak to your booking agent.