14 DAY Eastern & SOUTHERN Discovery

| 14 DAYS

14 DAY Eastern & SOUTHERN Discovery

THE ONE THAT ENTICES YOU WITH EAST COAST’S GEMS, KICKING OFF IN THE BIG APPLE

“If I got to choose a coast I choose East.” Ah, the wise words of Notorious B.I.G. still ring in our ears. Here on the east you’ll get to experience all things all American, exploring art deco architecture in Miami, visiting the grave of J.F.K. and finally landing in the jazz hub of New Orleans

DAY 1 – New York City to Washington DC via Philadelphia

New York City

A brief foray in the five boroughs will see you meeting the legends you’ll be traversing the south with before we hit the road in search of the nation’s capital.

Philadelphia

From New York, we’ll make a cheeky stop in Philadelphia – a city teeming with people and history. See the Liberty Bell, visit the Independence Hall, and we’re pretty sure by now you’ll be feeling hungry. With lunch the game plan, why not grab a Philly cheese steak (they claim they have the best in the country).This city is where America declared its Independence; they’re use to a little rebel-rousing, so feel free to make some noise.

Washington DC

Washington’s neoclassical monuments look less far imposing dressed up in lights, so tonight we’ll take you on an illumination tour of the city. With a Trip Manager leading the charge, we will cruise on the coach under the city glow, stopping for photos and talks along the way at the most iconic monuments. Thirsty? DuPont nightlife could be calling, so head out D.C style.

NO REGRETS INCLUSIONS

See the White House, Capitol Building & Washington Monument

See the Lincoln, Jefferson, Vietnam, FDR & Korean Memorials

Evening Illuminations Tour

DAYS 2-3 – Washington DC

Washington DC

Peddle round the city on a pushbike this morning to get your bearings, or take a Segway tour for an almost serious way to get around. Later, you could dose up on intellectualism at one of the 19 Smithsonian Museums. Other history-and-culture must-dos are watching the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, visiting the world-class Holocaust Museum and treating your inner Bond (or Bond girl) at the Spy Museum.

Washington DC

Believe it or not, amid the pomp and ceremony of politics, Washington DC has a tendier side just bursting to get out. Georgetown, its oldest district, has had new life breathed into it with a smattering of uptown galleries, boutiques and eateries and is a great spot by night…but more about that later. Come-as-you-are Adams Morgan is also a definite must: it overflows with hipsters (can’t escape ’em, can you?), salsa dancers and patrygoers, and is the perfect spot for a bar hop. Or, if you feel like a round with a future President afterwards, feel free to hit the Georgetown bars – where the people who make the wheels turn hang loose.

FREE TIME ADD-ONS

Visit the Newseum Museum

USD $21.00

DAY 4 – Washington D.C. to Raleigh

Washington DC

We leave hustle and bustle of Washington D.C. for a little Southern Hospitality. Take a break in historic Richmond, a city steeped in American history, before arriving in Raleigh.

Raleigh

NO REGRETS INCLUSIONS

See the Pentagon

DAY 5 – Raleigh to Savannah via Charleston

Raleigh

From the urban wilds of North Carolina’s capital, we continue our journey, heading deeper south toward Savannah via Charleston.

Charleston

Charleston, the birthplace of the dance craze of the same name. Here, horse and carriages are the norm and the ‘low country’ favourite of shrimps and grits are menu regulars, which should be high priority on your agenda today. Learn some facts from our Local Guide, and visit a historical rice plantation. Later, more beautiful 17th Century buildings will excite the architecture enthusiasts as we stroll along stunning Church Street and the waterside promenade, visiting the 200 year old market.

Savannah

The oldest town in Georgia, Savannah is charming and free-spirited. Manicured parks give way to cobbled squares, and the town is bedecked with ornate 19th-century architecture. Soak up the old-world charm along River Street, and throw all your calorie concerns out the window with a sundae at the 100-year-old ice-cream parlour, Leopold’s.

NO REGRETS INCLUSIONS

Enjoy nightlife along the riverfront

Guided walking tour of charming Savannah

See the historic city squares, homes & gardens made famous by the film ‘Forrest Gump’

FREE TIME ADD-ONS

Group Photo

USD $15.00

DAY 6 – Savannah to St. Augustine

Savannah

One last morning under the spell of free-wheeling Savannah, her historic squares and mossy oak trees, then it’s on to America’s oldest city: St Augustine.

St Augustine

St. Augustine may be part of sun-drenched Florida, but an amble around Old Town will show you it’s wildly different from its amusement-park sister cities. Its rich history as a place of early settlement is woven into its streets, from the creepy jail to the old stores and kooky tea shops. That’s not to say its beach isn’t killer too: you could spend a full day here collecting shells, swimming and getting salty. Tonight get into the sweet city vibes at a local restaurant on the wate – nothing like a sundowner to get you into vacation mode.

NO REGRETS INCLUSIONS

See the historic city squares, homes & gardens made famous by the film ‘Forrest Gump’

See the Castillo de San Marcos

DAY 7 – St Augustine to Daytona Beach (Cocoa Beach From Apr 2019) via Kennedy Space Center

St Augustine

It’s a verified fact that all children dream of being an astronaut at least once – it’s either that or a goldfish, we’re not quite sure. Either way, today we leave the cobblestones of St Augustine in our wake and cruise the Space Coast.

Kennedy Space Center

With less computing power than you carry in your cell phone, NASA once rocketed men to the moon from the Kennedy Space Center – and they couldn’t even Snapchat the landing. We spend a good chunk of today embracing our inner space nerd; you’ll even get to see a rocket and a launchpad, 5,4,3,2,1!

Daytona Beach or Cocoa Beach

It’s all about fast cars as we make our way to the very famous Daytona Beach (for departures from Apr 2019 you will visit Cocoa Beach), most well known as the NASCAR capital of America.

NO REGRETS INCLUSIONS

BBQ Dinner (From Apr 2019)

BBQ Dinner (From Apr 2019)

FREE TIME ADD-ONS

Kennedy Space Centre

USD $52.00

Parasailing

USD $63.00

DAY 8 – Daytona Beach (Cocoa Beach From Apr 2019) to Miami

Daytona Beach or Cocoa Beach

This morning is dedicated to down time, either laying low on the beach or hitting the skies on a parasail, then we’re back on the road.

Miami

Hot, loud and fabulously flashy, Miami will knock your socks off. This character driven place has so many diverse neighbourhoods, each with their own unique cultures. We’ll cruise downtown, taking in the Miami Heat basketball arena and the outdoor shopping center, Bayside Marketplace, then why not go a little Miami Vice on a ‘Thriller’ speedboat tour of the Bay. Want to make it a night to really remember? Opt for our boat party and cruise around Miami harbour, spending your evening like a celeb.

NO REGRETS INCLUSIONS

City sightseeing tour

Cuban feast

FREE TIME ADD-ONS

Parasailing

USD $63.00

Thriller speed boat ride

USD $33.00

Miami Party Cruise

USD $60.00

DAY 9 – Miami

Miami

Don’t hit snooze too many times, because you’ve been gifted a full day to explore this glittering metropolis. On bikes, we’ll check out Miami’s waterfront neighbourhoods, spotting icons like the Versace Mansion. If you’d like to shimmy your way into the local Latin culture, head to Little Havana and verse whoever will take you at street dominoes on Calle Ocho whilst puffing on a cigar. Tonight, experience the city’s Cuban side with a mouthwatering dinner where we’ll be picking up the bill. Later, take a stroll down the super cool South Beach and peruse the art deco buildings and bright neon lights, finishing up with a night of dancing amidst Miami’s uber fun club scene.

NO REGRETS INCLUSIONS

Wander through vibrant Art Deco period architecture & party like a rockstar in a city famous for it’s nightlife

FREE TIME ADD-ONS

Bike tour of South Beach

USD $35.00

DAY 10 – Miami to Orlando

Miami

Another slightly cleaner type of fun awaits us today – Orlando, the home to more than a dozen theme parks and belly screams a-plenty.

Orlando

Orlando was once a farming town but has since undergone a transformation into the most visited place in Florida. It is now home to the happiest place on earth, Disney World. Walt Disney’s imagination was instrumental in turning this place into the fun, fantasy and amusement-loving spot that it is today. Savvy shoppers, this place has many an outlet mall just waiting for you to flex your credit card in – think rock-bottom prices on Nike, Ray-Ban, Lululemon and more – so prepare to do some serious bank balance damage.

DAY 11 – Orlando

Orlando

Free time means a day out in one of the many fun parks located here with some friends. There are loads of options; Disney World with its 4 parks, Universal Studios, SeaWorld and several water parks. The parks also serve up theme-bars and clubs, so if you’re keen, keep it moving tonight at one of them.

DAY 12 – Orlando to Panama City Beach via Tallahassee

Orlando

You can leave your Mickey ears on, but we’re on the move again today, this time westward. We’ll be turning the clocks back an hour as we journey to Tallahassee, which means an extra hour in Florida’s vibrant capital.

Tallahassee

Panama City Beach

Tonight we’ll settle in at one of “The World’s Most Beautiful Beaches” – Panama City Beach, testing out the hype with a dip in the clear blue waters.

DAY 13 – Panama City Beach to New Orleans via Mobile

Panama City Beach

We rise early this morning to make the most of the afternoon in what they call the Big Easy, where jazz is as much a part of everyday life as breathing.

Mobile

New Orleans

This city will romance you with its soul and have you swooning over its spiritual heart – the French Quarter. The main drag culminates at Jackson Square with the iconic wrought iron balconies lining the streets. You’ll be hard pressed to pick which you think is more enchanting, the European/Caribbean fusion food or the non-stop jazz festival vibe. No matter which you choose, tonight we turn up the volume and hit Bourbon Street to sample the live music and bar culture that New Orleans is so famous for, indulging in signature cocktails like the hurricane and the sazerac.

NO REGRETS INCLUSIONS

Locally guided city tour

See the French Quarter, Jackson Square & the French Market

FREE TIME ADD-ONS

Taste of New Orleans

USD $33.00

DAY 14 – Depart New Orleans

New Orleans

Our tour ends after breakfast. It’s time to say goodbye to your new friends and Contiki Crew.

WHAT YOU GET

13 nights accommodation

13 nights in Hotel

We always provide comfortable accommodation in a relaxed atmosphere – think comfy, centrally located hotels and the best crew to travel with.

15 included Meals

5 Dinner, 10 Breakfast

We’ll get 15 of your meals and you get the rest. You can refuel over breakfast and grab some authentic American dinners from us but you’ll also get an opportunity to sample some of this country’s cuisine. You’ll taste it all – from greasy burgers to gourmet fare.

Team

Expert Trip Manager, Driver and Local Guides

A highly trained Trip Manager who brings your adventure to life. An expert driver who knows foreign roads better than Google Maps. Local Guides who make tourist traps a thing of the past. This is your team. Smart, friendly, fun, and integral to everything we do.

Transport

All transport included during the trip

Included in your trip is transport on our fleet of comfy, state of the art coaches. They’re kitted out with all the necessities: USB charge points, WiFi, Air Con and a rocking sound system. You bring the other essentials, like tunes, friendships and stories from the night before.

Your group

Travel with other 18-35 year olds from around the world

Our trips are exclusively 18-35. This means you’ll be travelling with people just like you, from all over the world- laughter and friendships always guaranteed.

Experiences

16 included, 9 optional that you can add

The coolest thing about travelling with Contiki is that we include a lot of extras while you’re exploring. Awe at the monuments in Washington D.C., Swim at Miami’s iconic South Beach and relish the nightlife of Bourbon Street, New Orleans.