HIGHLIGHTS
- Take a ferry to the infamous Alcatraz Prison
- Las Vegas party bus tour
- Search for 'gators' on a Louisiana swamp tour
- Visit 1880s town to experience an Old West Town
The Grand BLT tour starts and ends in New York City. The Grand BLT is a Deserts And Canyons tour that takes 41 days taking you through New York City, USA and other destinations in the USA.
Experience the thrills of the east, the sprawling landscapes of the west, the small town charms of the north and the famous hospitality of the south. There's no doubt about it, this epic 41-day loop of the States packs a serious punch. From towering mountains to white sand beaches and the top of skyscrapers to the bottom of canyons, this fast and furious loop highlights the very best of the USA.
ITINERARY
You're in the 'Big Apple' so why not stay a couple of nights before the tour departs and explore this iconic city? Visit Lady Liberty or take a stroll through the beautiful Central Park, there's something for everyone here. As your tour departs, it's time to leave city life behind and make your way across New York state to Niagara for an illuminated view of the Falls.
MEALS- All meals paid locally
Niagara Falls is three waterfalls all rolled into one, so you can only imagine how epic it'll be to witness this natural wonder with your own two eyes. Get as close as you dare to the booming cascades of Niagara Falls on an optional ‘Maid of the Mist' cruise – just be prepared to get a little wet! As you make your way past the shores of Lake Erie, one of the five Great Lakes of North America, why not visit Cedar Point Amusement Park to ride the tallest, fastest and longest roller coaster in the world?Please note: Cedar Point in Ohio is open all of June, July and August and on certain days during May, September and October. It may not always be possible to visit Cedar Point Amusement park.
MEALS- All meals paid locally
- Maid of the Mist cruise (summer only) US$19
- Cedar Point Amusement Park (evening 'Twilight Pass') US$40-$50
In Chicago, you can soar up to the top of the Willis Tower for dizzying views over the ‘Windy City’, or trawl the upmarket malls of Magnificent Mile, before taking to pedal power on an optional 'Bobby's Bike Hike' tour. It’s a great way to see the city guided by a local. Chill out by Lake Michigan and take in the laid-back city vibes, then grab yourself a slice of Chicago's famous deep-dish pizza, you deserve it! Chicago is also home to some of the greatest blues music in America, so be sure to check out the local clubs.
MEALS- All meals paid locally
- Willis Tower US$23
- 'Bobby's Bike Hike' US$35
- Baseball game from US$20
- Blues clubs from US$6
- Museums US$18-$50
- Scenic helicopter flight for 15-17 minutes US$125
Some of the greatest things about an all-American road trip are the quirky roadside attractions you come across, so say a big howdy to the Jolly Green Giant statue in Blue Earth. Head out across the great prairies of America's original western frontier, where resident coyotes utter the occasional howl as you settle down for some shut-eye under canvas.
MEALS- All meals paid locally
Travel to 1880’s Town and experience a replica of an old west town in all its gun slinging, saloon swinging, lawless (not really) glory. Not quite Westworld, but immersive enough to get dressed up and channel your inner Buffalo Bill. Admire the historically correct buildings and authentic relics that have been collected over time. Then it’s into the Badlands for you. Touching down here feels more like a moon landing due to the bizarre lunar landscape of low-slung buttes, chiselled spires and saw tooth ridges. The rugged beauty draws people in from all over the world and you could see bison, Bighorn Sheep and prairie dogs.
MEALS- All meals paid locally
It's not every day you get to see the faces of America's presidents peering out from the granite face of Mount Rushmore, so get your camera at the ready. The sculpture features presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln and it's pretty darn huge with 60 ft. high faces, 500 ft. up. Close by you’ll witness another rock-carved epic, the Crazy Horse Memorial. A memory to the famed Lakota Indian war leader, this is an impressive sight not to be missed.
MEALS- All meals paid locally
Wild Wyoming is up next as you'll head to Cody in the heart of cowboy country. Embrace the regions cowboy roots, shake a leg and try some two-step as the buckin' bronco rears its massive head! Nothing says Wyoming more than a good dose of rodeo and a Stetson, which is why you'll enjoy an included trip to the Cody Rodeo (June-August departures only).
MEALS- All meals paid locally
One of the highlights on any trip through Northern USA is definitely exploring the unique landscape of the world's first national park, Yellowstone! This truly is wilderness at its very best, with spouting geysers (including famous Old Faithful), waterfalls and simmering mud pools. Wildlife roams freely around the park, so make sure you keep an eye out for once in a lifetime wildlife spotting. Black Bear, elk, bison, moose and even the elusive wolf can all be seen on a visit to Yellowstone National Park. Forget about traffic jams here, it's all about bison jams! Don't go anywhere without your trusty camera, this park is full of surprises.
MEALS- All meals paid locally
Feel the old frontier spirit alive and kicking in the truly Western town of Jackson, the perfect base for exploring the Grand Teton National Park with its spiky peaks and plentiful wildlife. Why not raft the Snake River rapids, one of America's last great untamed rivers on an optional white water rafting trip, and then herd your posse into the nearest watering hole? Million Dollar Cowboy Bar is a fine tip, with saddles for stools and trophy cow horns above the counter.
MEALS- All meals paid locally
- Western saloons US$varies
- Whitewater rafting on the Snake River US$77-$124
- Horseback riding US$65
- Mountain biking from US$30-$70
- Aerial tram US$42
WHAT’S INCLUDED
- 24 Nights Budget Lodging, All accommodation
- All meals paid locally
- Private transportation with free Wi-Fi
- Services of a TrekAmerica tour leader
- Any international flights to/from New York City 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 Grand BLT tour. Travel insurance is mandatory to buy. We recommend purchasing it from World Nomads.
