Von Big Apple bis Big Easy

1. Tag: New York (Newark)

Welcome to the Big Apple. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting in the hotel lobby at 6 pm. New York is a huge metropolis and seeing as though you’ll start your adventure south tomorrow, we suggest that you arrive at least a couple of days early to experience some of what the city has to offer. There’s the manic buzz of Manhattan, the boroughs of the Bronx and Queens, the trendy Williamsburg and Greenwich Village and the seasonal splendour of Central Park. If you don’t have a lot of time spare, we recommend to stick mostly to Manhattan: catch a trip on the free Staten Island ferry past the Statue of Liberty, take the Subway from Wall St up to Central Park, and weave your way down 5th Avenue to Times Square, where you might catch a Broadway show. Better yet, consider doing an Urban Adventures sightseeing tour of New York like Midtown Sights & Bites Food Tour, which takes you past some iconic NYC landmarks and feeds you along the way. See urbanadventures.com/destination/new-york-tours for more information.

Special Information: It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details, food kitty and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place. If you arrive a couple of days earlier to see the sights, we'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability).

2. Tag: Washington D.C.

You’ll drive south towards the nation's capital of Washington DC, stopping at Philadelphia on the way for a look at some of the highlights of its Old City, including the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, and the Rocky steps. After taking a look around Philly, continue onto DC. The total travel time for the day is up to 7 hours, including the stops. Once arrived, your group leader will take you on an orientation walk around Washington DC to help you decide the best way to experience the city tonight, and for your free day tomorrow.

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Philadelphia - City highlights stop

3. Tag: Washington D.C.

Today is free to explore Washington DC, a city best discovered on foot. To see as much as you can, it may be a good idea to get a map and make a plan. Choose from any of DC’s almost 100 world-class museums – the National Air and Space Museum, the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, the National Museum of Natural History, and the Newseum are just a few. There are also many other small fascinating museums hidden around the city. The city is overflowing with historic buildings, so be sure not miss the White House, Capitol Building, Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, MLK Monument, FDR and Jefferson Memorials. You’ll most likely do a lot of walking today, so wear your walking shoes, and reward yourself with a relaxing evening.

Optional Activities:
Washington DC - Arlington National Cemetery - Free
Washington DC - Bike and Roll Tour - USD45
Washington DC - International Spy Museum - USD21
Washington DC - National Air & Space Museum - Free
Washington DC - National Archives - Free
Washington DC - National Gallery of Art - Free
Washington DC - National Museum of American History - Free
Washington DC - National Museum of Crime and Punishment - Free
Washington DC - National Museum of Natural History - Free
Washington DC - Newseum - USD22

4. Tag: Appalachian Mountains

Journey into the breathtaking Appalachian Mountains. Shenandoah National Park is one of the highest and most scenic portions of the Appalachians, and you’ll see all its beauty when taking Skyline Drive along its crest. Weave through the woods and past spectacular lookouts, and stop to stretch your legs under the impressive oak trees. Later in the afternoon, drive to your campsite for the night. The total driving today will be around 8 hours, including stops.

Optional Activities:
Shenandoah National Park - Hiking - Free

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Shenandoah Nationalpark

5. Tag: Nashville

Drive for approximately 6 hours further south to Nashville, Tennessee. Once settled into the hostel, the group leader will orientate you with a short walk around Broadway and Downtown. After this, perhaps visit the Country Music Hall of Fame, which contains the golden Cadillac that once belonged to the King of Rock and Roll, Elvis. Another point of interest is Music Row, where more than 50 recording studios and approximately 200 music publishing houses are located. The Wildhorse Saloon is a great spot in the evening to experience authentic southern food and live music.

Optional Activities:
Nashville - Country Music Hall of Fame - USD26
Nashville - Ryman Auditorium Tour - USD14
Nashville - Tennessee State Museum - Free
Nashville - Wildhorse Saloon - USD10

6. Tag: Memphis

Head west this morning to Memphis, which should take approximately 4 hours. Your group leader will point you in the right direction around the central Beale Street to make sure you know the way around. There is a lot to do in Memphis, and that’s why you’ve got some time to explore some optional activities at your own pace. Just out of the city you can visit Graceland: Elvis Presley's former home and the site of his tomb. Here you can see the famous jungle room, as well as his cars, private planes and much more. If you have time, a must-see in Memphis is Sun Studio – the 'Birthplace of Rock', boasting 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 where Martin Luther King Jr was assassinated. However, be sure to make room in your day to tuck into an included fried chicken and biscuits lunch at Gus's – it's world famous for a reason.

Optional Activities:
Memphis - Graceland Museum - USD35
Memphis - Sun Studio tour - USD14
Memphis - National Civil Rights Museum - USD16

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Memphis - World Famous Fried Chicken Lunch

7. Tag: Memphis

Wake up in Memphis and spend time exploring what you missed out on yesterday. Perhaps head to the Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum, which tells the complete Memphis music story. For something a bit unusual and out of place, take a visit to the Peabody hotel and experience their famous Duck Parade, which happens every day at 11 am and 5 pm. In the evening, consider heading down to check out Beale Street's traditional blues clubs, made famous by legends such as W.C. Handy, Howlin' Wolf and B.B. King.

Optional Activities:
Memphis - Peabody Hotel Duck March - Free
Memphis - Rock 'n' Soul Museum - USD11

8. Tag: New Orleans

Today, make the long 8-hour drive across the state of Mississippi to find yourself in a city known as the Big Easy, New Orleans. If there’s time, your group might like the chance to stop by Honey Island for a swamp tour down one of the least-altered river swamps in the country. It's pretty much in its original condition; almost an untouched wilderness. Otherwise, head straight to New Orleans and get acquainted with an orientation walk of the city. Perhaps take a walk down colourful Bourbon Street or through the former plantation area of the Garden District, and be sure to head with your group for an included po'boy dinner at Johnny’s. It's a quintessential New Orleans experience, and Johnny's po'boys is one of the best.

Optional Activities:
Honey Island Swamp Tour - USD25

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
New Orleans - Po'Boy dinner

9. Tag: New Orleans

With so much to explore in New Orleans and the surrounding area, your trip does not have to finish here! After checking out of your hotel this morning, you’re free to continue your way around NOLA, and a perfect way to do that is through an Urban Adventures experience like the Total New Orleans Tour: a comprehensive guide on food, cocktails and the jazz scene. For more information, see urbanadventures.com/destination/New-Orleans-tours.

Optional Activities:
New Orleans - Bourbon Street - Free
New Oleans - Cabildo - USD10
New Orleans - French Market - Free
New Orleans - Mississippi River Steamboat Jazz Dinner Cruise - USD85
New Orleans - New Orleans School of Cooking - USD35
New Orleans - Presbytere - USD7
New Orleans - Preservation Hall Jazz - USD40
New Orleans - Ursuline Convent Tours - USD8
New Orleans - Voodoo Museum - USD7
New Orleans - Cemetery Tour - USD25