Essential East & West Coast Explorer - 12 day tour

Upon arrival in Boston this morning, you will have some free time to explore the city independently. You might enjoy walking around, sightseeing, relaxing in a park, or browsing local shops and neighborhoods.

In the afternoon, meet your tour leader and fellow travelers at the entrance of the HI Boston hostel for a welcome briefing. Afterward, we will make a start to our tour by walking along the Freedom Trail, spanning just over 4 KM and linking 16 landmarks that reflect key moments in American history. As we make our way through the city, we'll take in sights such as Park Street Church, historic Boston Common — the oldest public park in the U.S. — Faneuil Hall, and the vibrant North End, also known as the famed 'Little Italy,' where we’ll take a break to enjoy a world-renowned cannoli from Mike’s Pastry.

Next, we’ll hop on the T, Boston’s iconic subway, and head to Fenway Park for a guided visit to the legendary home of the Red Sox.

Later, you will have the rest of the night at your leisure. you can choose to stay in Fenway Park and enjoy vintage mod bowling, or you can visit one of the bars that have stand-up comedy while enjoying a drink.

Please note: If we’re fortunate to be at Fenway Park during a home game, the tour will be replaced with tickets to attend the game and experience the atmosphere firsthand.
Overnight: Boston

Boston - New York City. We have an early start today, as we board a bus heading for New York City. The journey offers views of scenic countryside, small towns, and the Connecticut River before reaching the vibrant city. Once we have arrived, we will make our way to HI New York Hostel for our check-in.

We will start our tour of New York with an exciting speedboat ride from New York Harbor, cruising past the skyline and heading toward the Statue of Liberty, where we’ll get a close-up view of this iconic symbol of freedom.

Once we have made our way back on land, we are in for a treat as we head to Chelsea Market, known for its diverse offerings — from fresh seafood and tacos to sushi and artisanal baked goods. Here, you will have the chance to experience flavors that will excite your palate.

In the evening, we will make our way to the tallest building in New York City, the Rockefeller Centre. Here on the 70th floor, we will be able to enjoy panoramic views of the Big Apple. After, you will have the rest of the day at leisure to further explore the city, to take in Times Square, where you will be able to shop, enjoy some sightseeing or stroll through the city.

Please note: The Speedboat ride operates from May to September. During the earlier season it will be replaced by a ferry.
Overnight: New York City

Today, we begin with a stroll through Central Park, where we’ll enjoy the lush greenery, beautiful sculptures, and iconic landmarks such as Bethesda Fountain and Belvedere Castle. Next, we’ll head to the MET, where we’ll take a guided tour through one of the world’s premier art museums, featuring collections of ancient artifacts, Renaissance masterpieces, and contemporary works of art.

Shortly after, we’ll set off on a tour of Brooklyn, exploring the stunning sights of Brooklyn Heights, DUMBO, Brooklyn Bridge Park. After enjoying lunch with a view at Time Out Market, we’ll board a scenic ferry to Williamsburg, a trendy neighborhood known for its street art, vintage shops, and outdoor bars.

Later, you will have the rest of the day at leisure. You can make your way to Broadway to enjoy a play at one of the theaters, explore one of New York's many free events, or pay your respects at the 9/11 Memorial.
Overnight: New York City

New York City - Philadelphia. This morning, we make our way to the train station in New York, where we will board a train heading for Philadelphia. Before we depart, you will have a chance to grab a snack from Magnolia Bakery.

Once we arrive, we'll head to the Apple Hostel, where you'll have the opportunity to enjoy an iconic Philly cheesesteak with your group. Afterward, you'll have some time to relax and explore the hostel's common areas, or you can opt for a walk to admire the Liberty Bell and the Declaration of Independence.

In the evening, we’ll head to the Philadelphia Museum of Art, famously featured in the Rocky movies, where you’ll have the chance to snap photos on the iconic steps. From there, we’ll continue to the lively Fishtown District to enjoy a night out.
Overnight: Philadelphia

Philadelphia - Washington DC. Today we have another early start as we make our way to the train station heading for our next destination, Washington DC the capital city of the United States. (Approximately 1.5 hours). Once we arrive in Washington DC, you will have some time for lunch. We will then make our way to the U-Street Hostel for check-in

Afterwards, we’ll begin our walking tour of the capital, passing key landmarks such as the United States Capitol, the National Museum of African American History and Culture, the Washington Monument, the White House, and the memorials dedicated to World War II, Abraham Lincoln, and Martin Luther King Jr. Next, we’ll head to Ben’s Chili Bowl, a local institution where you’ll get to taste some of the city's most famous chili and experience a true flavor of Washington, D.C.’s culinary scene.

Later, you will have your last night at leisure on the East Coast, you can enjoy sipping a drink while relaxing in the Adams Morgan neighborhood or you can explore the nightlife in U Street.
Overnight: Washington DC

Washington DC - Las Vegas. This morning, we will depart for the airport for your onward flight to Las Vegas. Once you have arrived on the West Coast, you will have the rest of the morning at your leisure to experience Las Vegas at your own pace. In the Afternoon, we will meet with our tour leader and fellow travelers at the entrance to the Luxor Hotel’s Aurora Bar for a welcome briefing.

Afterwards, we’ll walk along the bustling Las Vegas Strip, lined with dazzling lights, iconic hotels, street performers, and lively attractions at every turn. We will then stop at Café Hollywood, a classic diner, where you will have a chance to enjoy a meal as a group. Next, we’ll admire the famous Bellagio Fountain Show, where water, light, and music come together in a captivating performance that has become an iconic part of the Las Vegas experience.

Later, you’ll have the rest of the day at leisure to experience the nightlife at your own pace — whether that’s exploring themed casinos, catching a live show, enjoying rooftop bars, or simply taking in the energy of the Strip after dark.
Overnight: Las Vegas

Las Vegas - Kingman - Seligman - Williams/Grand Canyon. Today, we leave Las Vegas and begin our journey to Williams, Arizona. On the way, we’ll visit the iconic Las Vegas sign and the well-known Little White Chapel, made famous by its appearance in Friends. We’ll also stop at Trader Joe’s, a favorite grocery store chain from LA, to pick up some supplies for the day.

As we travel on Route 66, we will make a stop at a Locomotive Park in scenic Kingman, Arizona known for the Steam Engine #3759, which symbolizes the golden age of rail travel in the United States. Donated by the Santa Fe Railway in 1957, the locomotive now serves as a historic monument that visitors can climb aboard and explore. Here, you will have a chance to enjoy a Picnic with the food you bought earlier from Trader Joe's.

Next, we travel to the quaint town of Seligman, the birthplace of Route 66 and the inspiration for Pixar’s Cars. You will have some time to explore and take some pictures before we jump back into our private van heading for Williams. You’ll arrive at a glamping site, where you'll settle into a cozy cabin before we head to the Cruiser’s Route 66 Café, where you will have a chance to enjoy a BBQ dinner with your fellow travelers. Afterwards, we’ll gather around the campfire at the campsite to savor some classic s’mores.
Overnight: Williams/Grand Canyon

Williams - Grand Canyon National Park - Las Vegas. This morning, we depart for one of the seven natural wonders of the world, the Grand Canyon. Here, you can enjoy free time to take in the breathtaking views of this 445-kilometer marvel and capture photos at the Southern Rim. Afterwards, you can explore scenic trails like the Rim Trail at your own pace and remember to stay hydrated!

In the mid-afternoon, we’ll meet at the Hopi House near El Tovar Hotel before taking a van ride back to Vegas, where you can enjoy the evening at your leisure. You can choose to visit Fremont Street for live music, the SlotZilla zipline, or try Nacho Daddy’s Scorpion Shot. Explore history at The MOB Museum or the Neon Museum, or enjoy karaoke at the Millennium Fandom Bar.
Overnight: Las Vegas

Las Vegas - Los Angeles. Today, we will hop on a bus from Las Vegas to Los Angeles, passing through the Mojave Desert, where you’ll catch glimpses of stunning desert landscapes, and the San Bernardino Mountains. We’ll arrive in the early afternoon at Santa Monica, where our tour leader will meet us before we check into the Santa Monica hostel.

Afterwards, you’ll have some free time to explore the lively 3rd Street Promenade, known for its shops and street performers. Later, you’ll regroup to enjoy dinner together at Trejo’s Tacos — a popular spot founded by Danny Trejo, famous for its flavorful tacos, burritos, bowls, quesadillas, and salads.

Later, we’ll head to the beach to catch the sunset and enjoy a relaxing walk along the shoreline, before making our way to the Santa Monica Pier for a fun-filled arcade challenge.
Overnight: Los Angeles

We’ll start the day on the beach in Santa Monica, where a coach will teach us the basics of volleyball — how to bump, set, and spike. Then, we’ll take the metro to Sunset Boulevard for a visit to the Hollywood Walk of Fame and some daytime stargazing. After grabbing a bite at the popular In-N-Out Burger, you'll have free time to explore attractions like the Hollywood Film Museum, the Wax Museum, or browse for souvenirs.

Afterwards, we’ll regroup in the early evening for a hike from Griffith Park to the well-known Griffith Observatory. Along the way, we’ll take in views of the Hollywood Sign before reaching the observatory, where you can enjoy sweeping views of the City of Angels at sunset and the surrounding hills. We will then make our way backdown to our accommodation while enjoying the sights.
Overnight: Los Angeles

Los Angeles - San Francisco. Today, we make our way to the airport where we will board a flight heading for San Francisco, our last stop on our journey.

Once we have landed in San Francisco, we will make our way to our accommodation, where you will have free time to relax, explore the city, or you can join your fellow travelers for dinner at the House of Nanking.

Please note: the flight may be substituted with a train journey In the event of unforeseen circumstances
Overnight: San Francisco