HIGHLIGHTS
- The flexibility of this trip allows you to do what you want, when you want, without the restrictions of an overly packed itinerary
- Enjoy a full day to explore Washington DC. There's lots to see and do in the US capital, and most of it is free. See the White House, Capitol Hill and the National Mall, and feel small next to the statue of Abraham Lincoln
- The cities of Nashville, Memphis and New Orleans are notorious for their rich music and nightlife scenes. See live performances of blues, jazz, country and rock in celebrated musical venues
- Lively New Orleans is a great place to round off your trip. Grab a beignet and discover French, Creole and American influences in the Big Easy's architecture, food, history and music
The Big Apple to Big Easy tour starts in Newark and ends in New Orleans. The Big Apple to Big Easy is an Explorer tour that takes 7 days taking you from Newark to New Orleans and through other destinations in North America.
Cut through the heart of the gigantic United States and hit the open road between two of its most iconic cities – New York and New Orleans. Snaking through the jaw-dropping Appalachian Mountains, via the nation's capital, this route encompasses everything from pioneer and political history to the musical legacies of Nashville and Memphis. This overland odyssey has something for everyone, so jump aboard and get ready to explore one of the most fascinating nations on earth.
ITINERARY
Day 1: New York (Newark)
Welcome to the USA. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting in the hotel lobby at 6 pm. If you're going to be late, please inform the hotel reception. We'll be collecting your insurance details, food kitty and next of kin information at this meeting, so please ensure you have all these details to provide to your leader. If you arrive a couple of days earlier to see the sights (recommended), we'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability).
ACCOMMODATION
ACCOMMODATION
- Hotel
Day 2: Washington DC
Today, drive south towards the nation's capital of Washington DC, stopping at Philadelphia on the way for a quick look at some of the highlights of the Old City, including the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, and the 'Rocky' steps. After touring around Philly, continue onto DC. The total driving time from New York to Washington DC will take about seven hours.
ACCOMMODATION
ACCOMMODATION
- Camping (with facilities)
Day 3: Washington DC
Today is a free to explore Washington DC, with the city being easily discovered on foot. To see as much as you can today, it may be an 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 U.S. 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 iconic monuments and buildings, so don’t 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 maybe reward yourself with a relaxing evening.
ACCOMMODATION
ACCOMMODATION
- Camping (with facilities)
- Washington DC - Arlington National Cemetery - Free -
- Washington DC - Bike and Roll Tour - USD 45
- Washington DC - International Spy Museum - USD 21
- Washington DC - National Air & Space Museum - Free - USD 21
- Washington DC - National Archives - Free - USD 21
- Washington DC - National Gallery of Art - Free - USD 21
- Washington DC - National Museum of American History - Free - USD 21
- Washington DC - National Museum of Crime and Punishment - Free - USD 21
- Washington DC - National Museum of Natural History - Free - USD 21
- Washington DC - Newseum - USD 22
Day 4: Appalachian Mountains
Journey into the breathtaking scenery of the Blue Ridge Mountains, part of the Appalachian Mountains (500 km). Shenandoah National Park is one of the highest and most scenic portions of the Appalachian Mountains. Taking the Skyline Drive along the crest of the mountains, travel through deep woods and past spectacular vistas. Stop to stretch your legs under the impressive oak trees and admire the gorgeous views. Later in the afternoon, drive to your campsite for the night. Total driving today will take around eight hours including stops.
ACCOMMODATION
ACCOMMODATION
- Camping (with facilities)
- Shenandoah National Park - Hiking - Free
Day 5:Nashville
Drive for around six hours further south today to Nashville, Tennessee. Once settled into the campground perhaps visit the Country Music Hall of Fame, which contains the golden Cadillac that once belonged to 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.
ACCOMMODATION
ACCOMMODATION
- Camping (with facilities)
- Nashville - Country Music Hall of Fame - USD 26
- Nashville - Ryman Auditorium Tour - USD 14
- Nashville - Tennessee State Museum - Free - USD 14
- Nashville - Wildhorse Saloon - USD 10
Day 6: Memphis
Head west this morning to Memphis, which should take around four hours. 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. 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. For those with an interest in history, there's the National Civil Rights Museum (at the former Lorraine Motel) where Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated.
If you have time, a must-see in Memphis is Sun Studio - the 'Birthplace of Rock'. It boasts the first recordings of legendary performers like Elvis, Johnny Cash and Jerry Lee Lewis.
ACCOMMODATION
If you have time, a must-see in Memphis is Sun Studio - the 'Birthplace of Rock'. It boasts the first recordings of legendary performers like Elvis, Johnny Cash and Jerry Lee Lewis.
ACCOMMODATION
- Camping (with facilities)
- Memphis - Graceland Museum - USD 35
- Memphis - Sun Studio tour - USD 14
- Memphis - National Civil Rights Museum - USD 16
Day 7: New Orleans
Today make the long drive across the state of Mississippi to New Orleans (the 'Big Easy'), which usually takes around eight hours.
The trip finishes on arrival into New Orleans and no accommodation is provided tonight. The arrival time depends on each group, but if you decide to fly out on this day, please don't book a flight before 9pm. This will give you enough time to catch a shuttle from the hotel to the airport and be there two hours before departure. If you are staying in town for the evening, perhaps take a walk down rowdy Bourbon Street or through the former plantation area of the Garden District, or head out for a typical Cajun-style dinner and toast to your adventure.
If you do wish to spend extra time in New Orleans we'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability).
OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES
The trip finishes on arrival into New Orleans and no accommodation is provided tonight. The arrival time depends on each group, but if you decide to fly out on this day, please don't book a flight before 9pm. This will give you enough time to catch a shuttle from the hotel to the airport and be there two hours before departure. If you are staying in town for the evening, perhaps take a walk down rowdy Bourbon Street or through the former plantation area of the Garden District, or head out for a typical Cajun-style dinner and toast to your adventure.
If you do wish to spend extra time in New Orleans we'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability).
OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES
- New Orleans - Bourbon Street - Free -
- New Oleans - Cabildo - USD 5
- New Orleans - French Market - Free - USD 5
- New Orleans - Mississippi River Steamboat Jazz Dinner Cruise - USD 63
- New Orleans - New Orleans School of Cooking - USD 29
- New Orleans - Presbytere - USD 6
- New Orleans - Preservation Hall Jazz - USD 15
- New Orleans - Ursuline Convent Tours - USD 5
- New Orleans - Voodoo Museum - USD 7
- New Orleans - Cemetery Tour - USD 25
WHAT’S INCLUDED
ACCOMMODATION
- Camping (with facilities) (5 nights), Hotel (1 night)
- Private vehicle
- Philadelphia - City highlights stop
- Shenandoah National Park
- Any international flights to Newark and from New Orleans are not included in this price. We always recommend that you arrive 1 day prior to your tour starting date.
- Travel insurance is not included in this Big Apple to Big Easy tour. Travel insurance is mandatory to buy. We recommend purchasing it from World Nomads.
