Welcome to New York, USA. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. 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. 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). Consider doing a one-day sightseeing tour of New York by visiting: urbanadventures.com.

Today, drive south towards the nation's capital of Washington DC, stopping at Philadelphia on the way for a guided walk around the highlights of the Old City. After touring around Philly, continue onto DC. Your evening is free to explore this compact city. Perhaps take an Urban Adventure and see the monuments of the National Mall lit up at night. The total driving time from New York to Washington DC will take about six hours.

Today is free to explore Washington DC on your own. Perhaps head to the White House, take a tour of the National Museum of Natural History or stroll through the manicured park of the National Mall. Discover the cobbled streets, harbour or university in the historical district of Georgetown. In the evening, perhaps try some authentic American food at one of the many grill joints in town.

Journey into the breathtaking scenery of the Appalachian Mountains, also called the Blue Ridge 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 five and a half hours.

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.

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 Louis Armstrong, Muddy Waters 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.

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). ...