The Great American Crossing

The Great American Crossing

187K Views
20 Days From

$6992

$3846

The Great American Crossing

20 Days Starting in New York, USA and ending in San Francisco, USA

Visiting: New York, Washington, D.C., Washington D.C., Gettysburg, Detroit, Chicago, Sioux Falls, Rapid City, Cody, Yellowstone National Park, Salt Lake City, Bryce Canyon National Park, Grand Canyon National Park, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, San Francisco

Tour operator:

Travel Talk Tours

Tour code:

UGAC

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

25 - 55

Physical rating:

Easy

Age range:

21-59

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians

Tour operated in:

English

Interests:

Cultural, History

Activities:

Sightseeing, Walking

From: $6992 $3846 Operator discount: -$3146 -45%

NB: Prices correct on 09-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

Kick off this extensive 20-day tour in New York and make a stop at every must-see city on the way until you reach the golden coast of the Pacific.

The Great American Crossing trip will push the limits of your imagination, taking you on an improbable journey.

Visit the cities that reflect the heart and soul of American liberty like Philadelphia and Washington D.

C.

.

Explore the natural beauties of New England from Niagara to the Great Lakes.

There is nothing like the urban flair of Chicago, and you will have enough time to explore its architectural nuggets.

From there, the landscape will change dramatically as you pass through grand mountain ranges westward.

Your time in Bryce Canyon will be as colorful as the rugged terrain, and the Mojave Desert will put you in a unique mood before you end your trip with four days on the shiny coast.

 

Highlights

  • Begin and end your trip in two of the country’s most glorious cities, New York and San Francisco, with free time to enjoy their countless popular sights and unique experience.

  • The mojo of the Mississippi River awaits in the spectacular Midwest, so buckle up and revel in a scenic ride from Chicago to through the farm-studded fields of the valley.

  • Prepare to escalate in some of the twelve mountain ranges of Wyoming. You will also get to spend a night surrounded by epic panoramic views.

  • A soft trekking adventure in the heart of the canyons and valleys of the Southwest will begin the moment you set foot in the fascinating Bryce Canyon. Ride on the iconic Route 66 afterward.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : New York

Location: New York

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Millennium Downtown (or similar)

Welcome to New York City! Meet your group and tour leader in the evening for an informal welcome at the hotel. Until then, feel free to roam the famed streets of New York like a local or rest up for our great adventure ahead!

Day 2 : New York – Philadelphia – Washington D.C.

Location: Washington, D.C.

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Washington Hilton (or similar)

We depart New York for Philadelphia, where we spend the morning exploring the gorgeous historic district of the “City of Brotherly Love” and the birthplace of a nation. See landmarks such as the Liberty Bell, and stroll through Independence National Historic Park and Mall. Then continue to the nation’s iconic capital, Washington, D.C.

Day 3 : Washington D.C.

Location: Washington D.C.

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Washington Hilton (or similar)

Ready to explore the capital inside out? Tag along your expert guide to learn all about the marvellous sights such as the U.S. Capitol Building, Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, the White House and Arlington National Cemetery, site of the JFK Memorial. Enjoy your personal leisure time in the afternoon, perhaps visit some of the many museums including the famous Smithsonian Institute or simply stroll the banks of the Potomac River.

Day 4 : Washington D.C. – Gettysburg – Niagara Falls

Location: Gettysburg

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Niagara Riverside Resort (or similar)

Continuing our journey northward, we visit the Gettysburg National Military Park. It is here that the most decisive and largest battle of the American Civil War took place, as well as Abraham Lincoln's famous address in 1863. We then travel through upstate New York to Buffalo and finally cross the international border into Canada, where the thundering noise and intense mist of Niagara Falls permeates the air.

Day 5 : Niagara Falls – The Great Lakes – Detroit

Location: Detroit

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Best Western Greenfield Inn

Start this unforgettable morning with the breath-taking scenery of the world-famous Niagara Falls. Stroll along Table Rock and view the thundering waters of Horseshoe Falls with your Tour Leader. Returning to the United States in the late afternoon, we continue to our hotel in a suburb of Detroit, also known as “Motor City USA”.

Day 6 : Detroit – Chicago

Location: Chicago

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Hampton Inn Chicago Downtown (or similar)

This morning we find out why Detroit is named the Motor City with visits to the The Ford River Rouge Factory and the Henry Ford Museum. After some time to explore the plentiful exhibits, we will visit the nearby Ford plant to watch how modern vehicles are produced at the ever-busy factory floor. We bid farewell to Detroit and ride inland to the south of Lake Michigan, reaching Chicago to rest up for the night.

Day 7 : Chicago

Location: Chicago

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Hampton Inn Chicago Downtown (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

Start the day with a short tour of the city’s highlights including Lake Shore Drive, the Magnificent Mile and Navy Pier. Enjoy your personal leisure time for the rest of the day to explore the 'Windy City' Chicago on your own terms. Freely marvel at the fascinatingly bold architecture of downtown Chicago or the inspiring artworks in one of the famous museums in town.

Day 8 : Chicago – Mississippi River Crossing – Sioux Falls

Location: Sioux Falls

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Comfort Suites (or similar)

Travel through the Midwest along farms abundant in corn and wheat fields and dairy farms. Crossing the mighty Mississippi River, we ride into the state of Iowa to arrive just as Lewis & Clark Expedition did two centuries ago on the banks of the Missouri River. We make our way to Sioux Falls for a refreshing rest.

Day 9 : Sioux Falls – Badlands National Park – Mt. Rushmore – Deadwood/Rapid City

Location: Rapid City

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Best Western Ramkota Hotel (or similar)

Travel westward through the vast and lush grasslands of South Dakota and onwards to Badlands National Park. This natural wonderland, once home to the buffalo and antelope, is filled with amazing colorful natural rock formations. Then we continue on to the Black Hills, sacred to the Native Indians and home to the famous Mount Rushmore. After we finish soaking in the unforgettable views, we depart for Rapid City to spend the night.

Day 10 : Deadwood/Rapid City – Bighorn Mountains – Cody

Location: Cody

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Buffalo Bill Village (or similar)

We continue our journey towards the wondrous lands of Wyoming, home to twelve mountain ranges intermixed with vast deserts and rolling grasslands. We will be resting for a big day tomorrow in Cody. In case overnight in Cody is not possible due to poor weather or adverse road conditions in Yellowstone, we will be spending the night in Billings Livingston, Montana.

Day 11 : Cody – Yellowstone National Park

Location: Yellowstone National Park

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Kelly Inn West Yellowstone (or similar)

Drive past the mountains of Wyoming to Yellowstone, America’s first National Park! Tag along your expert guide to enjoy an in-depth tour of this immense geothermal wonderland which includes waterfalls, geysers, canyons, colourful wildlife and more! Some of the incredible highlights will be Yellowstone Lake, Old Faithful, Yellowstone Canyon’s majestic falls, and the beautiful Hayden Valley.

Day 12 : Yellowstone – Grand Teton National Park – Salt Lake City

Location: Salt Lake City

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Crystal Inn Hotel & Suites (or similar)

Today we travel through Grand Teton National Park, as long as the weather permits, to witness magnificent mountain peaks towering over 4,000 metres and the local wildlife. Visit the Snake River Outlook and try your eye at capturing the stunning landscape made famous by Ansel Adam’s iconic shot in black and white. Arriving in Utah, known for its Mormon Community, embark on a short tour of its capital, Salt Lake City. See how the Mormon followers of Brigham Young built one of the best-planned cities in the country. We visit the State Capital building, famed Temple Square and the Tabernacle before arriving at our hotel for the evening. May we suggest an optional dinner at the Rooftop Restaurant for panoramic views of Temple Square?

Day 13 : Salt Lake City – Bryce Canyon National Park

Location: Bryce Canyon National Park

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Bryce View Lodge (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

Embark for a journey to the spectacular Bryce Canyon and follow your guide on a tour through a multi-coloured world of sandstone spires and pinnacles, also known as “hoodoos”, that dazzle the eye. This evening, weather permitting, make sure to gaze upon the enchanting night-sky with sparkling stars & breath-taking constellations.

Day 14 : Bryce Canyon – Lake Powell – Grand Canyon – Flagstaff

Location: Grand Canyon National Park

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Days Flagstaff (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

Departing Bryce Canyon, we ride onwards to the stunning Lake Powell, where canyon walls of red-rock tower over crystal blue waters. Lake Powell is the second-largest man-made lake in America, part of a series of lakes formed after the damming of the Colorado River. Our next stop will be the world-famous Grand Canyon National Park, one of the seven great natural wonders and most impressive sceneries of the world! Pause at the rim of the Canyon to fully experience and appreciate this mile-deep canyon and all its plunging gorges, rising spires, extinct volcanoes, and the snaking Colorado River. Riding on the Historic Route 66, Flagstaff will be where we dream of the sights of the day.

Day 15 : Flagstaff – Seligman/Route 66 – Las Vegas

Location: Las Vegas

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Luxor Las Vegas (or similar)

Viva Las Vegas! In the morning, we hit the road for Las Vegas, the dazzling “Entertainment Capital of the World”. On the way, we will pass through the authentic town of Seligman on the famed Route 66, which looks as if it froze in time sixty years ago. Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure exploring the world-renowned Las Vegas Strip.

Day 16 : Las Vegas – Mojave Desert – Beverly Hills – Los Angeles

Location: Los Angeles

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Sonesta Los Angeles Airport (or similar)

Riding towards the western coast to Los Angeles, enjoy views of the scenic Mojave Desert with characteristic Joshua trees clustered on the mountainous backdrop. Arriving in L.A., join your guide for a tour through the “City of Angels” including famed spots as Hollywood, Sunset Strip and parts of Beverly Hills, before reaching our hotel.

Day 17 : Los Angeles

Location: Los Angeles

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Sonesta Los Angeles Airport (or similar)

The day is yours is to shape to your wishes! We would recommend an optional full-day tour to Universal Studios, the world’s largest theme park and movie studio! Capture an inside look at the movie sets and reveal behind-the-scene secrets of iconic films, or enjoy some of the Studios’ thrilling feature rides.

Day 18 : Los Angeles – Santa Barbara – Central Coast

Location: Santa Barbara

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Radisson Santa Maria (or similar)

Leaving Los Angeles in the morning, we ride north through one of California’s favorite vacation spots, Santa Barbara. Soak in views of palm-lined streets bordering vast white sandy beaches. The city is known for its mission and Spanish heritage. Along the way, we will make a stop at an iconic California lifeguard tower, particularly made famous by the TV series “Baywatch”. We continue to Santa Maria along the Central Coast for a rejuvenating night's rest.

Day 19 : Central Coast – Carmel/Monterey – San Francisco

Location: San Francisco

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: San Francisco Marriott Marquis (or similar)

We continue our journey further north to Carmel, boasting fairytale-like cottages and galleries, and home of the world-famous actor/director Clint Eastwood. Freely browse the shops and galleries of the acclaimed artists’ colony. Traveling further north, we make a stop at Monterey’s Old Fisherman’s Wharf. Stroll along the Pier to Cannery Row, well-known thanks to John Steinbeck’s timeless novel. Passing lush valleys of Castroville and Santa Clara, we arrive in San Francisco, the “City by the Bay.” Knock off some of the cities' famous sights off your list at your leisure.

Day 20 : San Francisco

Location: San Francisco

Our trip will end in San Francisco after we say goodbye to our new friends and check-out of the hotel by 11:00am.

What's Included

  • Accommodation - 4 and 3 star hotels & inns, superior lodges

  • 5 Breakfasts

  • Modern A/C coach or mini-bus

  • Complimentary hotel and coach Wi-Fi ( where available )

  • Services of experienced tour leaders

  • Organised orientation walks at some of the towns visited

What's Not Included

  • Any flights not mentioned above

  • Travel Insurance

  • Meals not stated above

  • Items of a personal nature

  • Tips and gestures

  • Entrance fees to the sights and museums

  • Optional activities

  • Other services not stated in the itinerary

Add Ons

Local Payment: £0

Check out our Q&As

  • Are children permitted to take part in the tour?

    No, minimum age requirement for this tour is 21+ years

  • Are all entrance fees included in the price?

    No

  • Is there any free time to explore places during the tour?

    As detailed in the itinerary

  • What is the standard of the hotels on this tour?

    4 and 3 star hotels & inns, superior lodges

  • What is the maximum group size?

    55

  • Are flights included in this tour?

    No

  • Are airport transfers included in this tour?

    No

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    There are always single travellers on our tours. If you don't mind being roomed with another single traveller of the same gender, then you do not need to pay a single supplement, however, this excludes all of our North American tours where the sharing option for a solo traveller is not available, and the single supplement must be applied if you are travelling alone. The single supplement is for travellers who would like to stay in a private room for the duration of the tour. PLEASE NOTE: The single private option is not always available, especially for sailing tours and camping.

  • Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?

    Our tours are suitable for any traveller above 18 years old. The majority of Travel Talkers are from the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, USA, Canada or Europe, however we always have travellers from all over the world. What brings them together is a passion for travel, discovering authentic cultures and experiencing unique adventures with like-minded travellers.

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    At Travel Talk, we believe that travel is a force for good and show our support through various initiatives and charity organizations, as well as keeping the principals of responsible and sustainable travel at the core of our ethos. These values are engrained in our business culture and the design of our trips just the same. Together with our guests, we strive to make a positive impact on local p

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Over 20 years

Reviews of this operator

Jessie Mae Sia  

My travel talk experience was great and memorable

24-Feb-2021

My travel talk experience was awesome and fantastic. Me and my husband was on their Morocco and Turkey tours in 2019, they operated their tours in a culturally fun manner and the tour guides were very nice and very approachable. It exceeded our expection, we love to come back with them in our future travel. Thank you travel talk you made our 2019 as one of our memorable year!

Trustpilot
Jes Snowden (Google Reviewer)  

The Best of Turkey by...

10-Sep-2024

The Best of Turkey by Land was fantastic! If it’s a “tour” of Turkey you’re seeking, this one is the pick of them all. We travelled to the most spectacular locations, and experienced breathtaking moments and views, in every stop! Our tour guide Mustafa was very knowledgeable and talked us through the history of the land. He was friendly and very patient, considering the hours he puts into his tours. Mus was able to swap the days activities for some days to ensure we were given the best opportunity for photo’s and leas tourists in other locations. Our bus drivers did an amazing job getting us to all locations safely! Thank you Ahmet & Ali, you are superstars… Highlights for us were Gallipoli, Ephesus, Pamukkale, Fethyie and hot air ballooning in Cappadocia. The group consisted of all ages, which worked out to be a good mix. The weather varied between 25 - 36 degrees throughout the trip, so be sure to pack the sunscreen and portable fan. Hotels varied, each one having it’s own idiosyncrasies, but overall very good. Some of the days were extremely long but we got through them.. I’d recommend this tour to anyone that wants a taste of the beautiful land that Turkey is ☺️

Courtney Godden (Google Reviewer)  

First time doing a tour...

28-Jul-2024

First time doing a tour overseas, wow what an amazing experience. Smaller tour group which was awesome, great hotel choices, professional transportation services and saw the best of Turkey in 12 days. Our tour guide Aykut's hospitality was second to none, he went above and beyond for every member of the group. His knowledge of his country's history and culture was outstanding and explained in a memorable way for a lasting memory. Aykut's has extensive experience as a tour guide and it shows in every way, many special tips from living/growing up in Turkey. Aykut's planning meant everything ran smoothly making our only job to turn up with your belongings and enjoy your experience. Thank you again Aykut for going the extra mile, making sure places had gluten free options for me and for all the funny jokes ☺️

elle mcdowell (Google Reviewer)  

We had an amazing time...

10-Jul-2024

We had an amazing time on our 12 day tour of Turkey! Our guide Yild was attentive, always was there to help us make the most of our trip and great fun! Would definitely recommend this tour to others!!

Stephani Ferrari Dalto (Google Reviewer)  

I’m about to finish my...

18-Oct-2024

I’m about to finish my Essential Turkey trip with Travel Talk (October 12th- for 10 days) and had an amazing experience! Our guide Mustafa was fantastic. He took care of every little detail and made sure everyone in our group (42 people, a great mix of ages) was happy and well looked after. I traveled with my mom, and this trip was the perfect way to get a quick, but comprehensive, view of what Turkey has to offer. This was my second time with Travel Talk, and I would definitely choose them again for future adventures!

Samantha Treadwell (Google Reviewer)  

Such an UNREAL EXPERIENCE! I...

13-Aug-2024

Such an UNREAL EXPERIENCE! I cannot recommend the best of Turkey by Gulet for 12 day tour enough. On this tour we were able to see all parts of turkey from the coast line to the major cities and immerse ourselves in the culture and history! Mustafa is the best tour guide who priorities experiences, learning and safety of all tour participants (he also doubles as a comedian so ensures many laughs are had). From sailing on the Mediterranean Sea, experiencing the best food and culture in Istanbul, to paragliding over Pamukkale springs, and finally ticking off the bucket list moment of hot air ballooning over Cappadocia, this has been a trip not to forget. I cannot recommend this tour enough and would encourage anyone going to turkey to book this trip with Travel Talk!

Steph Burnettt (Google Reviewer)  

Thank you Mustafa & Travel...

06-Oct-2024

Thank you Mustafa & Travel Talk for an extraordinary 10 day trip of Turkey. A beautiful country indeed. We had a great time visiting all the sites. Mustafa’s sense of humour and abundance of knowledge made it all the more enjoyable. Definitely recommend this tour.

Victoria McCullough (Google Reviewer)  

I did the travel talk...

26-Aug-2024

I did the travel talk turkey tour with mus. He's an awesome guide full of local knowledge. There had been wild fires at Gallipoli so rearranged our itinerary to allow us a chance to visit which we did! I spent 3 days on the gulet and was a great way to relax. Would highly recommend the tour as a way to visit turkey and would do it again.

Leigh Anaru (Google Reviewer)  

Just finished the 10 day...

30-Apr-2024

Just finished the 10 day ANZAC tour in Türkiye. Wow what an experience! The tour although busy was jam packed with amazing experiences made all the more richer by our highly knowledgable and very funny guide Aykut. The bus was full of 44 Aussies and Kiwis which would've been no easy feat to control. Aykut and our drivers Naci and Sevki were kind and patient making our long drives enjoyable. Gallipoli was a bucket list of mine, and what a beautiful humbling experience it was, especially the following day tour of the cemeteries. Other than that highlight, the early morning hot air balloon and all the other sites the Kapadokya offers was pretty special too. I will be using Travel Talk again. 5 stars!

Bec Wood (Google Reviewer)  

We did the 11 Day...

26-Apr-2024

We did the 11 Day Anzac Tour of Turkey. It. Was. Phenomenal. My husband and I absolutely love Turkey and were excited to explore the country. Highlights were definitely the Hot Air Balloons in Cappadocia and the privilege of attending the Dawn Service at Anzac Cove. A bucket list item ticked off. This was my second Travel Talk in 2024 and I would absolutely do another one in the future. The tour was organised and our guide, Mustafa, was fantastic.

1 Select your preferred date

Friday - Wednesday

May 09, 2025 - May 28, 2025
$6992 $3846

Operator discount: -$3146

Friday - Wednesday

Jun 13, 2025 - Jul 02, 2025
$7106 $3908

Operator discount: -$3198

Friday - Wednesday

Jul 04, 2025 - Jul 23, 2025
$7106 $3908

Operator discount: -$3198

Friday - Wednesday

Jul 18, 2025 - Aug 06, 2025
$7106 $3908

Operator discount: -$3198

Friday - Wednesday

Aug 08, 2025 - Aug 27, 2025
$7106 $3908

Operator discount: -$3198

Friday - Wednesday

Aug 22, 2025 - Sep 10, 2025
$7106 $3908

Operator discount: -$3198

Friday - Wednesday

Sep 05, 2025 - Sep 24, 2025
$7106 $3908

Operator discount: -$3198

Friday - Wednesday

Sep 19, 2025 - Oct 08, 2025
$7106 $3908

Operator discount: -$3198

Prices last published on 09-Nov-2024

Book with Confidence

  • Free Date Changes

    Travel Talk Tours allows you to make 2 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 61 days before the start of the tour.

  • Low Deposit

    Travel Talk Tours requires a minimum deposit of 100 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of travel talk tours charges.

    Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 70% of booking price.

    At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 85% of booking price.

    At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

Enquire for huge savings

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