From hip hop to country fiddles, Yankee accents to a western drawl, businessmen in power suits and ranchers in cowboy hats – the US is one heck of a country. And if you’ve got the time, this – our ultimate American tour – is the best way to explore the iconic cities, the legendary national parks, national monuments, and wide-open spaces. Centrally located hostels in the cities and campsites in the wilderness keep you in the heart of the action no matter where you are.

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/Newburgh
Spend the morning exploring the Big Apple before heading to Newburgh.

Day 3 Newburgh/Finger Lakes
Enjoy a day out in nature taking in the natural beauty of the Finger Lakes region. Visit towering Taughannock Falls, cool off in the lake, or sample wine from a local winery.

Day 4 Finger Lakes/Niagara Falls
Get wet on the Maid of the Mist boat tour, and be sure to check out the falls illuminated in the evening.

Day 5 Niagara Falls/Sandusky
Travel to Sandusky and opt to catch some thrills at a local amusement park.

Day 6 Sandusky/Chicago
Stop for lunch in the Amish community of Shipshewana before continuing on to Chicago.

Day 7 Chicago
Free time to explore Chicago.

Day 8 Chicago/Frontenac
Tour the Miller Brewing Company in Milwaukee and enjoy a beer tasting, then camp on the banks of the Mississippi River.

Day 9 Frontenac/Sioux Falls
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 10 Sioux Falls/Badlands National Park
Travel through the Badlands before reaching the Black Hills.

Day 11 Badlands National Park/Custer State Park
Discover moon-like landscapes on the trails of the Badlands, then drive to Custer SP. Dodge free-roaming bison herds while exploring Custer's diverse lands.

Day 12 Custer State Park/Devils Tower
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 13 Devils Tower/Bozeman
Check out the the Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument en route to the university town of Bozeman, Montana.

Day 14 Bozeman/Yellowstone National Park
Travel to Yellowstone, the world's first national park, and be in awe of the colourful geysers, powerful waterfalls, exciting wildlife, and contrasting scenic beauty around every corner.

Day 15 Yellowstone National Park
Spend the day exploring the highlights of the Southern Loop.

Day 16 Yellowstone National Park/Jackson
Cross the Continental Divide en route to Grand Teton National Park. Enjoy the view of more than 12 peaks that make up this beautiful drive. Opt to visit a cowboy bar for Western line dancing and live music.

Day 17 Jackson/Twin Falls
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 18 Twin Falls/Reno
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 19 Reno/Lake Tahoe
Arrive to Lake Tahoe after a short drive. Enjoy a free afternoon for hiking, lake activities or relaxing.

Day 20 Lake Tahoe/Yosemite National Park
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 21 Yosemite National Park
Enjoy free time in Yosemite National Park.

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. Take an optional cable car ride over the steep hills, explore the city by bicycle or set sail into the setting sun.

Day 23 San Francisco/Yosemite National Park
Catch a glimpse of the Golden Gate Bridge on the way out of one of America's most popular cities. Drive into the Sierra Nevada Mountains and set up camp.

Day 24 Yosemite National Park
Enjoy a free day in Yosemite National Park.

Day 25 Yosemite National Park/Death Valley
Awe at the spectacular scenery along the Tioga Pass. Marvel at tufa rock towers at Mono Lake.

Day 26 Death Valley/Las Vegas
Visit a land of extremes in Death Valley National Park. Explore Las Vegas and stroll along the famous Vegas Strip. Take an optional VIP party limo.

Day 27 Las Vegas
Free time in Las Vegas.

Day 28 Las Vegas/Grand Canyon National Park
Travel Route 66, then arrive at the beautiful Grand Canyon and take in the sunset from the canyon's edge.

Day 29 Grand Canyon National Park
Enjoy free time in Grand Canyon NP.

Day 30 Grand Canyon National Park/Monument Valley
Drive along the southern rim of the canyon, then opt to discover one of the most majestic places on earth, Monument Valley, on an optional overnight excursion.

Day 31 Monument Valley/Mesa Verde National Park
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 32 Mesa Verde National Park/Santa Fe
Travel to Santa Fe and dive into the Southwest culture in this historic city.

Day 33 Santa Fe/Carlsbad
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 34 Carlsbad/Austin
Cross into the state of Texas, the birthplace of Tex-Mex food, 10-gallon hats, and Western movies.

Day 35 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 36 Austin/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 37 New Orleans
Enjoy a free day to explore New Orleans.

Day 38 New Orleans/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 39 Memphis/Nashville
Take an optional tour of Graceland. Travel to the country music capital of the world and become immersed in local music in downtown Nashville.

Day 40 Nashville/Appalachia
Travel the beautiful winding roads through the Appalachian Mountains and absorb their undisturbed natural beauty.

Day 41 Appalachia/Washington D.C.
Pass through Shenandoah National Park, and opt to take a short hike. Arrive in the US capital in time to wander the monuments by moonlight.

Day 42 Washington D.C.
Enjoy free time to explore.

Day 43 Washington D.C./New York
Travel to New York, where the trip ends upon arrival. Opt to visit Times Square, stroll Central Park, check out Greenwich Village, or experience the famous nightlife of New York.