Welcome to New York, USA. You can arrive at any time as there are no activities planned until your welcome meeting at 6pm. Please ask the hotel reception where this will take place. If you're going to be late, please inform the hostel reception. We'll be collecting your insurance details, food kitty and next of kin information at this meeting, so please ensure you have all of these details to provide to your leader. If you arrive early, perhaps see the sights with walks to Times Square, Broadway or Central Park. As there's no time spent in New York City on this trip, we recommend you arrive a few days earlier to see the sights. Consider joining our one-day sightseeing tour of New York at urbanadventures.com.In the evening after the welcome meeting, maybe head out with the group for a slice of New York style pizza. Notes: If y...

Leave New York behind in the morning and journey to Washington DC, stopping to visit Philadelphia along the way. Founded in 1682, Philadelphia is home to the Liberty Bell and it was here that Thomas Jefferson signed the Declaration of Independence in 1776. You'll have time to see a couple of the highlights of this city before continuing on to Washington DC. On arrival, perhaps take an evening bike tour of the monuments and then maybe experience the booming nightlife of Georgetown. Don't worry about not having too much time to explore today, as you'll have a full free day tomorrow.

Today is a free day to explore Washington DC, with the city being easily explored on foot. To see as much as you can today, it may be an idea to get a map and make a plan. Don't miss the White House, Capitol Building, Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, and National Air and Space Museum. These are just a few of the optional activities available, as there as tons of museums, monuments and parks to venture to.

This morning you'll cross into the state of Virginia and drive to the Blue Ridge Mountains in the south of the state (approximately 5 hours). The Blue Ridge Mountains are one of the most beautiful and iconic parts of the American landscape, with an abundance of flora and fauna peppering the steep slopes of the mountains. This area is also home to a portion of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail, one of the most visited footpaths in the world, making it a great place to get out for a short walk.

Cross into the state of Tennessee this morning to the town of Gatlinburg in the Great Smoky Mountains (approximately 2-3 hours). Depending on the group's arrival time, you should be able to use your free time to see some of the town's attractions. Take a stroll on one of the nearby trails or pay a visit to Dollywood, the Dolly Parton-themed amusement park that's also owned by the singer.

Drive approximately 4 hours 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.

Leave Nashville behind today and drive for around three hours to Louisville, Kentucky. On arrival, you'll have free time to explore this huge city. Louisville is perhaps best known as being the home of the Kentucky Derby, although it's also famous in baseball circles as being the birthplace of the Louisville Slugger bats. Aside from sports, Louisville has an up-and-coming food scene, several interesting museums, pretty parks, the largest collection of Victorian-era homes in the country, and to top all that, it is the final resting place of Colonel Sanders. Of course Kentucky is also well-known for its bourbon, and in Louisville you can follow the Bourbon Trail, learn about the history of the beverage, visit distilleries and perhaps trying a sample or two.

Enjoy a five hour roadtrip to Chicago. In the evening, search out an authentic blues bar for a night of music. B.L.U.E.S is a great place to spend your evening, but be prepared to be drowned out by the music.  

With more than 45 kilometres of lake front paths, Chicago is also one of the world's most walkable cities so it's a great place to explore on foot. For amazing views of Chicago, visit the Skydeck at Willis Tower, which has huge glass panels and a glass balcony so you can see all the way down.

Leave the state of Illinois and head east into Michigan and Detroit (approximately 4.5 hours). The city is gritty and urban, but has an undeniable energy that its recent bankruptcy hasn't been able to dim. It encapsulates the highs and lows of the American Dream, and offers a fascinating look into Midwest America. As a place that's famous for its car production and the sound of Motown and rap, possibly head to the Motown Museum and Ford Museum for an insight and history into two of the city's well-known exports. The city has been reinvented with young artists and entrepreneurs moving in, as well as opening 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. The balmy evenin...

Skirt the edge of Lake Erie and cross the Midwest into Ohio, with Sandusky as your destination (approximately 2 hours). Make your way to Cedar Point Amusement Park, the so-called ‘Roller Coaster Capital of the World’. The US is a heaven for thrill seekers, with their parks home to some of the highest and fastest coasters in the world. Cedar Point 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 bliss 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.

Today’s all about one of the country's greatest natural attractions – Niagara Falls. Follow the edge of Lake Erie all the way up to this famed sight, sandwiched between the borders of the US and Canada (approximately 4.5 hours). Witness thousands upon thousands of cubic feet of water pour over the falls per second. 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. Experience the full force of the falls with an optional Maid of the Mist cruise. Prepare to get a little wet as you get up-close to a serious amount of water. Don a blue poncho and try to stay dry! For the ultimate illuminated show, head to the falls at night and see them lit up in all of their glory.

Cross into upstate New York and drive on to the town of Seneca Falls on the Finger Lakes (approximately 3 hours). This area is named for its 11 finger-like lakes that stretch north to south between Lake Ontario and the state boarder. The region is sprinkled with wineries, waterfalls and (naturally) lakes, making it the ideal place to explore. 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! 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. ...

Leave the natural setting of the Finger Lakes and head to the urban jungle of New York City. This journey usually takes around five hours, but as the traffic can be really busy, please be prepared for delays. This adventure comes to and end on arrival in New York. There is no accommodation included tonight. From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, the possibilities are truly endless in the global city of New York, so why not stay a few days longer. We’ll be happy to help you book additional accommodation (subject to availability).