HIGHLIGHTS
- The flexibility of this trip allows you to do what you want. There are minimal inclusions so you can be as active or relaxed as you like, and to a degree that suits your budget.
- Sandusky is a place for the child and thrill seeker inside you. Feel your stomach drop on one of the world’s best rollercoasters at Cedar Point Amusement Park
- Worship at the sublime altar to Mother Nature that is Niagara Falls, taking an optional wet and wild boat cruise
- 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. Visit the White House, Capitol Hill and the National Mall, and feel small next to the statue of Abraham Lincoln
The Chicago to New Orleans tour starts in Chicago and ends in New Orleans. The Chicago to New Orleans is an Explorer tour that takes 13 days taking you from Chicago to New Orleans and through other destinations in North America.
From laidback Chicago, hit the phoenix city of Detroit, find your inner kid in coaster city USA, feel the power of nature at Niagara, and roll through the hills and wineries of New York state. From the endless possibilities of the Big Apple, get a dose of culture in the monument-filled capital and a dash of nature in the Appalachian Mountains. Music lovers rejoice in the homes of country and the blues – Nashville and Memphis – then get a taste of the unique cultural melting pot of New Orleans.
ITINERARY
Day 1:Chicago
Welcome to Chicago, aka ‘The Windy City’, aka ‘Chi-Town’. It’s laidback, lakeside and has a famously friendly local vibe. You can arrive at any time as there are no activities planned until your welcome meeting at 6pm. Please ask the hotel reception where it will take place. 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. As there's no time spent in Chicago on this trip, we recommend you arrive a few days earlier to see the sights.
This is one of the country’s most walkable cities, and days can be spent wandering the lakefront paths, checking out the soaring buildings, dropping into the top-notch museums, or cruising down the river. In the evening after the welcome meeting, maybe head out with the group for a slice of the city's legendary deep-dish pizza and some blues music.
ACCOMMODATION
This is one of the country’s most walkable cities, and days can be spent wandering the lakefront paths, checking out the soaring buildings, dropping into the top-notch museums, or cruising down the river. In the evening after the welcome meeting, maybe head out with the group for a slice of the city's legendary deep-dish pizza and some blues music.
ACCOMMODATION
- Hostel
- Chicago - Adler Planetarium - USD 12
- Chicago - Art Institute of Chicago - USD 23
- Chicago - Field Museum - USD 15
- Chicago - History Museum - USD 14
- Chicago - Museum of Contemporary Art - USD 12
- Chicago - Museum of Science and Industry - USD 27
- Chicago - Navy Pier - USD 16
- Chicago - Willis Tower Skydeck - USD 18
- Chicago - Bobby's bike hike - USD 35
- Chicago - Baseball game (in season) - USD 40
Day 2: Detroit
Leave the state of Illinois and head east into Michigan and Detroit (approximately 4.5 hours). The city is gritty and urban, but it also has an undeniable energy that its recent bankruptcy hasn't been able to dim. More recently, Detroit has been reinvented with young artists and entrepreneurs moving in, as well as the opening of quirky bars, urban farms, and street art installations like the Heidelberg Project. You could also pay a visit to the Detroit Institute of Arts for a look at one of America's most significant art collections. Alternatively, head to the Motown Museum and Ford Museum for an insight into two of the city's famous exports. The balmy evenings in the city are also perfect for strolling riverside paths and sitting on brew pub decks.
ACCOMMODATION
- Camping (with facilities)
- Detroit - Eastern Market - Free -
- Detroit - Heidelberg Project - Free -
- Detroit - Institute of Arts - USD 8
- Detroit - Ford Museum - USD 20
- Detroit - Motown Museum - USD 15
Day 3:Sandusky
Skirt the edge of Lake Erie and cross the Midwest into Ohio, with Sandusky as your destination (approximately two hours). Make your way to Cedar Point Amusement Park, the so-called ‘Roller Coaster Capital of the World’. Cedar Point also features the Millennium Force, which has been voted the greatest roller coaster in the world, making it the place to be if you love an adrenaline hit. If the thrill of the ride gets too much for you, head to the nearby beach and simply stretch out on the sandy shoreline. In the late afternoon, set up camp near Lake Erie and wander down to the lakeshore for a memorable sunset.
ACCOMMODATION
ACCOMMODATION
- Camping (with facilities)
Day 4: Niagara Falls
Visit one of the country's greatest natural attractions – Niagara Falls. Follow the edge of Lake Erie all the way up to this famous sight, which sits sandwiched between the borders of the United States and Canada (approximately 4.5 hours). There are numerous viewpoints from which you can appreciate the power of this amazing set of falls, but there's no better way than to approach them from the water. Don a blue poncho and experience the full force of the falls with an optional Maid of the Mist cruise. A word of warning though, prepare to get a little wet. For the ultimate show, head to the falls at night and see them lit up in all of their glory.
ACCOMMODATION
ACCOMMODATION
- Camping (with facilities)
- Niagara Falls - Maid of the Mist boat tour
Day 5: Finger Lakes
Cross into upstate New York and drive to the town of Seneca Falls on the Finger Lakes (approximately three hours). This area is named for its 11 finger-like lakes that stretch north to south between Lake Ontario and the state boarder. As New York’s largest wine producing region, the Finger Lakes region has over 100 wineries to discover (just don’t try and visit them all today!) Perhaps indulge in a wine tasting session or head out on a hike to a nearby waterfall. Taughannock Falls State Park is home to a 215-foot waterfall, 33 feet higher than Niagara Falls itself! The park's walks are dotted with little waterfalls along the way and the surroundings are just beautiful. Set up camp for the night in the state park.
ACCOMMODATION
ACCOMMODATION
- Camping (with facilities)
- Finger Lakes - Wine Tasting - USD 15
- Finger Lakes - Waterfall hikes - Free - USD 15
Day 6: New York
Leave the natural setting of the Finger Lakes and head to the urban jungle of New York. This journey usually takes around five hours, but as the traffic can be really busy, please be prepared for delays. While in New York, we actually stay across the Hudson River in Newark, New Jersey. It is a short subway ride over to Manhattan for your evenings and free day, and your leader will assist you with directions for getting around.
- ACCOMMODATION
- Hotel
Day 7: New York (Newark)
This is a free day in New York. Take the subway over to Manhattan and spend the day exploring this bustling metropolis. Perhaps check out the view from the Empire State Building or Rockefeller Center, take a stroll around Central Park, or be moved by the World Trade Center museum and memorial. Tonight, why not see what's playing on Broadway or head to one of East Village's craft cocktail bars?
ACCOMMODATION
ACCOMMODATION
- Hotel
Day 8: 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 9: 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 10: 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 11: 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 12: 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 13: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) (9 nights), Hostel (1 night), Hotel (2 nights)
- Private vehicle
- Sandusky - Cedar Point Amusement Park
- Philadelphia - City highlights stop
- Shenandoah National Park
- Any international flights to Chicago 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 Chicago to New Orleans tour. Travel insurance is mandatory to buy. We recommend purchasing it from World Nomads.
