USA Road Trip: San Diego, Grand Canyon & Vegas

Introduction

Now's the time to explore the United States on your terms with this tour that's affordable for young travellers. Burgers, longboards, and big-city shenanigans are the order of the day every day as you venture down Route 66. Take in the sights and sounds of L.A., San Diego, the Grand Canyon, Monument Valley, and Vegas on a zippy week-long road trip with an expert CEO (Chief Experience Officer) leading the way. If you’ve always longed to see the real American Southwest but never had the time or the money, well, now you’re fresh out of excuses.

Day 1: Los Angeles

There's a lot to see and do in LA, and we recommend spending extra time here if you'd like to explore Hollywood, Rodeo Drive, Santa Monica, Venice Beach and other hot spots around the city; speak to your sales agent to book extra accommodation.

Enjoy free time today in Santa Monica, where the hostel is located, and check out the famous pier or hit the beach.

Day 2: Los Angeles/San Diego

Be on celebrity-watch while passing by a few popular sites on the way out of LA, California's most glamorous city. Cruise through Orange County and along the incredible Pacific coastline to the truly remarkable, San Diego. Sun, sand, food and fun awaits us in this beautiful beach city.

Once we have arrived you are free to adventure as you please. Soak up the sun on Mission Beach, hike along the sandstone cliffs of Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, spend the day at the city’s cultural hub – Balboa Park, or immerse yourself in the military and maritime history of one of the happiest cities in the U.S. In the evening, head to the Gaslamp Quarter District for dinner and live music. As the sun sets, watch the area come alive with numerous pubs and nightclubs and get ready for a night of fun!

Accommodation:
- KOA San Diego (or similar).

Transport:
- Private Van with Wi-fi 03:00 - 04:00 Hr(s)

Included Activities:
- Mission Beach Visit
- Gaslamp Quarter District Visit

Day 3: San Diego/Lake Havasu City (1B, 1L, 1D)

Travel to the desert landscape of Joshua Tree National Park – a place that attracts everyone from stargazers to rock climbers. Stop, stare, and enjoy the scenery of the Mojave and Colorado deserts, and of course the famous Joshua trees, with their gnarled branches. The group will take a short hike amongst the boulders of this park before zooming off to cool off in the crystal-clear waters of the Colorado River at Lake Havasu.

Accommodation:
- River Island State Park Campground (or similar).

Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner

Transport:
- Private Vehicle: Joshua Tree National Park to Lake Havasu City 02:30 - 03:00 Hr(s)

Included Activities:
- Joshua Tree National Park Visit
- Spring Break Big Night Out

Day 4: Lake Havasu City/Grand Canyon (1B, 1D)

Hit the road to get some kicks on Route 66. Dive into historic Americana and enjoy lunch at a famous joint and see if you can spot all the movie memorabilia. Afterwards, it’s off to the Grand Canyon to explore the massive gorges, ridges and rock formations that make even the most skeptical of travellers become awestruck. Dive into a delicious pizza dinner as you sit with your newest adventures buddies and watch the sun dip below the canyon’s south rim.

Accommodation:
- Mather Campground (or similar).

Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner

Transport:
- Private Vehicle 06:00 - 07:00 Hr(s)

Included Activities:
- London Bridge Visit
- Seligman (Route 66) Visit
- Grand Canyon South Rim Visit
- Grand Canyon Sunset

Day 5: Grand Canyon (1B, 1L, 1D)

Another day another adventure! Not feeling a hike this morning? That's cool, you have the option to splurge on an unforgettable helicopter ride over the Grand Canyon. Get ready to feel incredibly small as the world opens up at your feet. For a quieter experience rent a bike to check out the south rim or go see the IMAX Grand Canyon movie. No matter what you decide the epic views will be there.

Accommodation:
- Mather Campground (or similar).

Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner

Included Activities:
- Grand Canyon South Rim Visit

Optional Extras to chose from:
- Grand Canyon Helicopter Ride

Additional Notes: Opt to pre-book a bird's eye view of the canyon by helicopter on the checkout page ahead of time to include this optional on your tour.

Day 6: Grand Canyon/Monument Valley (1B, 1L)

Wave goodbye to this grand park as we take one last drive along the southern rim of the canyon. Then it’s time to eat some grub at a local Navajo food truck supported by Planeterra.

With a full stomach and a happy attitude drive through the desert to discover one of the most majestic places on earth, Monument Valley. You have the option of getting deep into the valley with a 4x4 excursion with a local Navajo guide, or simply walk around yourself and admire this vast, colourful landscape and cool rock formations.

Accommodation:
- Gouldings Campground (or similar).

Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch

Transport:
- Private Vehicle 04:00 - 04:30 Hr(s)

Included Activities:
- Native Grill Food Truck Breakfast

Optional Extras to chose from:
- Monument Valley 4x4 Overnight Excursion

Additional Notes: Opt to pre-book a jeep tour led by a Navajo guide through Monument Valley on the checkout page of this tour.

Day 7: Monument Valley/Las Vegas (1B, 1L)

Grab your buddies and break a sweat with a quick hike to iconic Horseshoe Bend. Stand overlooking this cool natural shape of the Colorado River and snap a few zen photos. Then, discover ghost towns, funky roadside attractions, and bask in the fading sun as you head into “Sin City”.

Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch

Transport:
- Private Vehicle 07:00 - 08:00 Hr(s)

Included Activities:
- Horseshoe Bend Hike
- Fremont Street Experience
- Departure Day (Activities)

Additional Notes: Please note this trip ends on arrival to Las Vegas. If you wish to spend the night in the city, speak to your sales agent about booking post-accommodation.