United States Eastern Discovery
Tours for 18 - 35 Year Old College Students and Young
Professionals
Overview
This Eastern America tour will give you action and adventure,
as well as time to chill out and unwind. From the relaxed beauty of
the Southern States to the fast-paced lifestyle of the Northern
hotspots, get a good taste of America! While you're up north, why not
get consumed by the city that never sleeps, New York. And down South,
get charmed by some traditional southern hospitality. Still craving
more northern action? The Big Apple Explorer offers you the complete
sights of the exciting city of New
York.
Itinerary
Day 1
New Orleans Let the Good Time Roll! Your tour begins with warm Bon
Jour from your Contiki road crew. Today you will experience the "Joie
de vivre" that oozes out of every pore of this tantalizing city. Your
senses will be on overload as you sip café au lait and try beignets
at Café du Monde, meander along the sexy streets of the French
Quarter, and awe at the immense mansions in the Garden District. This
evening we'll dance to the jazzy beat of Dixieland while eating Cajun
delights on a riverboat cruise on the Mighty Mississippi tonight
(optional). Hotel
Day 2 New Orleans
to Tallahassee Head through Sweet Home Alabama to Florida’s state
capital, with it’s small-town feel & historic plantations &
buildings. Hotel (B,D)
Day 3 Tallahassee to
Orlando As we drive across the state of Florida, we’ll make a
pit stop in Tallahassee, the capital, before arriving in the
entertainment hub or Orlando. Get ready to plan your two full days of
fun and excitement in Orlando. Hotel (B,D)
Day 4 Orlando at
leisure There are plenty of parks to choose from - Universal
Studios and Islands of Adventure, Sea World, and the Walt Disney
World complex including Magic Kingdom, EPCOT Centre, Animal Kingdom,
and the Disney - MGM Studios. For nightlife, why not try Disney's
Pleasure Island or Universal's City Walk. Hotel (B)
Day 5 Orlando to Miami via the
Everglades Today we leave Orlando and venture south, with a drive
through the country's largest subtropical wilderness- the Everglades.
Then, it's on to Miami, known as the "Magic City." Hotel (B,D)
Day 6 Miami
at Leisure A free day to experience the exciting and global city
of Miami. Relax by the beach, gaze at the breathtaking skyline or
perhaps take up an afternoon of shopping. Hotel (B)
Day 7 Miami
to Cocoa Beach We depart for Cocoa Beach today with a drive north
along Florida's "Space Coast." Hotel (B)
Day 8 Cocoa
Beach to St. Augustine via Kennedy Space
Center We spend the day exploring Kennedy Space Center.
Tonight, we're in St. Augustine, once thought to house "The Fountain
of Youth." Hotel (B,D)
Day 9 St.
Augustine to Savannah Hi Y'all. These two towns are hidden Southern gems.
You'll have time to wander the inviting streets of America's oldest
city, St. Augustine, Florida before heading onto Savannah, Georgia.
Your road crew will introduce you to this charming town and show you
the historic city squares where the movie "Forrest Gump" was filmed.
The nightlife along the riverfront is way too tempting! Hotel (B)
Day 10 Savannah to
Raleigh Southern Hospitality at its best. Practice your best
Southern drawl as you cross the Carolinas today. First stop is the
picturesque town of Charleston, then on to Raleigh, North Carolina,
your home tonight. Hotel (B,D)
Day 11 Raleigh to Washington
D.C. We leave Raleigh today and continue our journey north.
We'll stop in historic Richmond but arriving in Washington D.C. where
it all happens! We start off on a thoughtful note as we visit the
Kennedy gravesites and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington
National Cemetery. Your jaw will drop at how beautiful this city is
lit up at night during this evening's orientation tour that includes
views of the White House and visits to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial,
the Capitol Building, and the Lincoln, Jefferson and FDR Memorials.
Hotel (B,D)
Day 12 and
13 Washington DC at
Leisure Phew, so much to do in two days - you can see the
White House, Capital Building, Washington Monument, and Library of
Congress. There is also plenty of time to visit the Smithsonian
museums - the Museum of Natural History, the National Air and Space
Museum and the Museum of American Indian to name a few. Hotel
(B,D)(B)
Day 14 Washington D.C. to New
York Take a Bite of the Big Apple. What an incredible
ending! Four fabulous East Coast states, two tantalizing cities, one
U.S. military academy, and a coach load of new friends all add up to
a lifetime of fantastic memories. Before arriving at one of most
electrifying cities in the world, New York, we'll pop in on
Annapolis, Maryland and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, both lovely and
historic. Your epic journey across America will end late this
afternoon. Please Note: Do not book flights before 9:00pm.
(B)
Dates &
Prices
| Dates |
Prices |
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Dates |
Prices |
August 3 |
$1915 |
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October 5 |
$1915 |
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| November 2 |
$1859 |
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December 28 |
$1859 |
November 30 |
$1859 |
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| 2011 |
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| February 1 |
$1859 |
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*Prices are not guaranteed until time of
booking
Important
Trip Details
- Tour starts in New Orleans and ends in New
York
- Depart 7:00am Finish 9:30am
Highlights
All these highlights along with city sightseeing are included
in your tour price!
- New York: Panoramic View of New York City; Travel through
the Lincoln Tunnel into Manhattan; See the Lincoln Center for performing
arts
- Philadelphia: See the Liberty Bell & Independence
Hall
- Annapolis: Guided tour of the US Naval Academy
- Washington DC: Visit historic Richmond, VA; Evening
Illuminations Tour; Visit John F. Kennedy's Grave & the Tomb of the
Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery; See the Changing of the
Guard; See the Pentagon, White House, Capital Building, Library of
Congress & Washington Monument; See the Lincoln, Jefferson, Vietnam,
FDR & Korean Memorials; Visit the Smithsonian Museums of Natural
History, Air & Space and American History; Visit the F.B.I &
International Spy Museums
- Raleigh: See the state capital building
- Charleston: See this historic 'southern' town
- Savannah: City sightseeing tour; See the historic city
squares, homes & gardens made famous by the film 'Forrest Gump';
Enjoy nightlife along the riverfront
- St. Augustine: Tour America's oldest city; Visit Castillo
de San Marcos National Monument America's 300 year old
fortress
- Kennedy Space Center: Tour Kennedy Space Center; See the
Saturn V rocket & Space Shuttle launch pads; Hear the history of the
Apollo moon landing
- Orlando: Transfers to the Amusement Parks; Visit the
entertainment area of Old Town
- Pensacola: Relax on Florida beaches in the Gulf of
Mexico
- Alabama: See the retired battleship USS
Alabama
- New Orleans: See the French Quarter, Jackson Square &
the French Market; See the Garden District Mansions; Enjoy the nightlife
of Bourbon Street
Accommodations
- 11 nights in twin-share hotel accommodation
- Breakfasts (B) and Dinners (D) – as per
itinerary
- Experienced Tour Managers and Drivers
- Modern air conditioned coach with toilet, reclining seats
and video
- Visit 13 States: Louisiana; Mississippi; Alabama; Florida;
Georgia; South Carolina; North Carolina; Virginia; Maryland; Delaware;
Pennsylvania; New Jersey; New York
Optional Activities:
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Washington DC
- Bike and Roll Washington DCUSD -
Experience Washington, DC’s history and culture by
bike. This tour provides an overview of the city as you bike the
major sites on and around the National Mall and Capitol Hill,
including Union Station, the Library of Congress, the Supreme
Court, the White House, the World War II Memorial, the Washington Monument, the Lincoln
Memorial and more. Learn about the interesting history, local
events, and practical touring tips.
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Savannah
- Pirate's House DinnerUSD- The Pirate’s House first opened as an inn for
seafarers and fast became the place to rendezvous for
blood-thirsty pirates and sailors from the Seven Seas. Enjoy
Savannah’s most intriguing restaurant where the biggest treasure
is the food, acclaimed for over three decades.
- Hop on-Hop off sightseeing tour
See the sights, hear the history and visit the
charming city squares on a comprehensive 90-minute tour of
Georgia’s First City. Whether you choose the express option or
take advantage of all day on and off privileges at any of our 17
stops, you can be sure you’ll “see the best first!” Highlights
include: City Market, Forsyth Park, the Mercer House, Colonial
Park Cemetery and the world famous River
Street.
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St. Augustine
- Ghost Tour- Dare to experience this 90-minute night walking
tour through the historic district of St. Augustine. You will
learn some of the haunted history behind America’s oldest
city.
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Miami
- Bike and Roll Miami- The best way to discover South Beach and enjoy
the great outdoors is on a bicycle! This bike tour includes
architecture, history, culture, beach life, and good times.
Starting in the heart of South Beach at 10th & Collins in the
famous Art Deco district, including a visit to Casa Casuarina
(the Versace Mansion). We then continue riding along the
beachfront to Lincoln Road Theater and visit the Holocaust
Memorial. We’ll also stop at the Botanical Gardens and Bass Art
Museum. To stay cool in the Miami heat, we’ll stop for a quick
dip at Nikki Beach (optional), and then enjoy some refreshments
at Monty’s restaurant/bar at the Miami Beach Marina, a local
favorite.
- Everglades Tram Tour- Learn about the ecosystem and ‘hidden’ aspects of
the world renowned wetlands of the Shark Valley area of
Everglades National Park through this two-hour, open air tram
tour. The tour includes narration from a trained naturalist and a
stop at an observation deck which allows you to enjoy tranquil
vistas from 45 feet above ground.
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Orlando
- Disneyworld 1 Day Passper
day- You have the choice to see the Magic Kingdom, the
EPCOT Center, MGM Studios or the Animal
Kingdom.
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New Orleans
- New Orleans School of
Cooking- Experience the food and folklore of New Orleans
at this fun and tasteful lunch time demonstration! Watch well
known local chefs, skilled in the arts and traditions of Cajun
and Creole cuisine, prepare classics such as Jambalaya, Gumbo,
Corn & Crab Bisque, and Pralines. Learn the history and
trivia behind some of the city’s unique dishes and hear tall
tales about the recipes that made New Orleans cuisine
famous.
- New Orleans Airboat Swamp
Tour- Get ready for an exciting adventure! Hitting
speeds up to 60 mph, take a thrilling ride through the swamps,
marshes and bayous of Louisiana, accessible only by airboat.
During your 90 minute journey, you’ll stop at places such as
“alligator alley.”
- Mississippi Riverboat
Cruise-An evening spent cruising down the Mississippi
River on an old-fashioned riverboat. You’ll enjoy a full Creole
dinner and a live jazz band will be the
entertainment.
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