Southern Cross Country Westbound

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.”

Day 1 New York
Arrive at any time. Consider arriving a few days early to see more of this famous city.

Day 2 New York/Washington D.C.
Spend the morning exploring one of the Big Apple, then arrive to the US capital in time to wander the monuments by moonlight.

Day 3 Washington D.C.
Enjoy a free day to explore.

Day 4 Washington D.C./Appalachia
Continue through Shenandoah National Park, a truly beautiful, historic national treasure.

Day 5 Appalachia/Nashville
Drive through the Appalachian Mountains. Travel to the country music capital of the world.

Day 6 Nashville/Memphis
Explore the vibrant cultural and musical melting pot of Memphis. Take an optional tour of Graceland, opt to relive history at the National Civil Rights Museum, or tour the Rock 'n' Soul Museum. Head to Beale Street at night for great food and live music.

Day 7 Memphis/New Orleans
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 8 New Orleans
Enjoy a free day to explore New Orleans.

Day 9 New Orleans/Austin
Drive across Louisiana into Texas and take in the scenery on the way to Austin.

Day 10 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 11 Austin/Carlsbad
Explore Carlsbad Caverns, dodging the 400,000 bats heading out to hunt at sunset.

Day 12 Carlsbad/Santa Fe
Stop by infamous Roswell before taking in Southwest culture in Santa Fe.

Day 13 Santa Fe/Mesa Verde National Park
Explore Santa Fe in the morning before travelling towards Mesa Verde National Park for the night.

Day 14 Mesa Verde National Park/Monument Valley
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. Opt to discover one of the most majestic places on earth, Monument Valley.

Day 15 Monument Valley/Grand Canyon
Hike the trails of the Grand Canyon before enjoying a sunset at the rim.

Day 16 Grand Canyon
Free time in Grand Canyon NP.

Day 17 Grand Canyon/Las Vegas
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 18 Las Vegas
Free time in Las Vegas.

Day 19 Las Vegas/Death Valley
Visit a land of extremes in Death Valley National Park.

Day 20 Death Valley/Yosemite National Park
Morning trip to Mono Lake; walk among the tufa towers. Discover Yosemite's peaks, granite domes, and giant sequoias. Marvel at majestic waterfalls, lakes, and meadows.

Day 21 Yosemite National Park
Enjoy free time in Yosemite NP for hiking and exploring.

Day 22 Yosemite National Park/San Francisco
Catch a glimpse of the Golden Gate Bridge on the way into one of America's most popular cities. Trip ends upon arrival to San Francisco. Take an optional cable car ride over the steep hills or set sail into the setting sun.