GAP ADVENTURE ITINERARY
Day 1 San Francisco
Arrive to our joining hotel at any time. Welcome meeting in the evening.
Now, I'm writing this first post from the Adante Hotel - the 'joining hotel' that we start from. I've been in San Fran for three days now and love it but I'll be updating you on that next!!!
Day 2 San Francisco/Yosemite NP
Guided Tour of one of the greatest cities in the world: San Francisco! Discover some of the most iconic attractions such as bustling Fisherman's Wharf or the stately Golden Gate Bridge, a marvel of engineering and art deco design. Admire spectacular views of Yosemite National Park's magnificent peaks and granite domes. Take short hikes to majestic waterfalls, clear lakes, beautiful meadows and walk amongst giant sequoias. With a keen eye, you may be lucky enough to spot black bears, deer or coyotes.
(Mountain) Lions and (metaphorical) tigers and Bears OH MY - I met a lovely fellow on the plane from RDU to LAS who told me all about how his wife went for a dip in a river only to come back and find a big black bear going through her rucksack!! Guess I'd better be careful!!
Day 3 Yosemite NP
Full day to explore Yosemite National Park. Hike the many trails Yosemite has to offer and be inspired by this beautiful and amazing landscape. Option to rent bikes in Yosemite Valley.
I'm so excited for this - everyone has told me it's absolutely gorgeous and I HOPE HOPE HOPE that it's even half so nice as they say. Apparently the thing to do is to hike up to Half Dome (tbc?!) and look down at the thousands of feet that drop down below.
Day 4 Yosemite NP/Bishop
Marvel at the spectacular views of Yosemite National Park's magnificent peaks and granite domes as you enjoy one of most scenic areas in California. Surrounded by peaks which soar to over 14,000 feet in elevation, Bishop, one of "America's Coolest Mountain Towns" sits directly in the center of an incredible area of natural beauty. Enjoy secluded hot springs where star gazing is amazing.
NB. We intend on using the Tioga Pass, a scenic a route through the Sierra Nevada mountain range that connects Yosemite NP with Bishop.
I have no idea what this will be like but I'm excited anyway!!
Day 5 Death Valley NP/Las Vegas
Visit one of the country's most rugged landscapes, the legendary Death Valley, the hottest and driest spot and home to the lowest point in North America. In the evening arrive in the city of lights, Las Vegas! Take a guided Tour of the famous "Las Vegas" strip and experience this unique city with an optional Limo VIP tour! Try your hand with gambling at giant-mega casinos or visit one of the numerous shows offered on the strip(optional).
For our two nights in Las Vegas, we stay close to the action in a hotel in the city center.
Day 6 Las Vegas
Free day to explore Las Vegas!
Day 7 Las Vegas/Grand Canyon NP
Considered among nature's most spectacular offerings, the Grand Canyon provides spectacular opportunities for you to explore. Wander along a trail and feel the sunshine and wind on your face as you admire awe-inspiring views. Sit and watch the changing play of light and shadows. With numerous viewpoints, the Grand Canyon will never look the same! In the afternoon enjoy a bird's eye view of the Grand Canyon with an optional helicopter flight or watch the most spectacular IMAX Adventure of all, the Grand Canyon Movie. Return to your campsite and enjoy a BBQ around the campfire to recapture the experiences from this memorable day!
Day 8 Grand Canyon NP/Monument Valley
Discover one of the most majestic places on earth: Monument Valley! Magnificent colors, miles of mesas, buttes and pinnacles make Monument Valley a truly wondrous experience. Learn about the Navajo culture that has been passed on through generations in order to keep the sacred traditions, beliefs and ceremonies alive. Take an optional jeep tour led by a Navajo guide through Monument Valley and be inspired by a night under the stars as you camp in this magnificent atmosphere. See the sun rise from a perspective very few ever experience!
Day 9 Monument Valley/Mesa Verde NP/Durango
Drive to Mesa Verde National Park which offers a spectacular look into the lives of the Ancestral Pueblo-ans. Take a guided hike through history as you explore the cliff dwellings of Mesa Verde, some of the most notable and best preserved in North America.
Day 10 Taos/Santa Fe
Taos Plaza is undeniably the main focal point of the Town of Taos. Strolling around its compact, peaceful downtown area is a real pleasure. Relax at the Kit Carson Park. Optional visit to the historical site of Taos Pueblo. Continue your journey back in time and explore one of America's oldest and most beautiful cities, Santa Fe.
Day 11 Santa Fe
Free day to explore Santa Fe, take a stroll downtown and visit art galeries, or enjoy some world famous roasted green chilies.
Day 12 Carlsbad
On the night of July 2nd in 1947 something (or someone) crashed into the desert outside of Roswell, New Mexico. Was it a balloon, or really extra-terrestrial life? Find out what all the hype is about as we pass through this funky town.
Then visit Carlsbad Caverns, one of the oldest and most famous cave systems in the world. Explore the cave on a guided tour and be fascinated by the largest underground chambers and countless formations. In the evening witness the stunning spectacle as nearly 400,000 Mexican free-tail bats exit Carlsbad Cavern.
Day 13 Fort Stockton/San Antonio
Consisting of original and reconstructed military buildings, historic Fort Stockton in Texas is an exciting place for you to discover. Learn how this Fort protected travelers and settlers in the 1850's and explore why this place was almost abandoned. Cool off in the clear and intense blue-green waters of Paradise Canyon before we continue to San Antonio in the evening.
Day 14 The Alamo/Houston
Deep in the heart of Texas, historic San Antonio has a lot offer. Discover the battle of Alamo in the 18th century while you walk amongst the largest concentration of missions remaining in North America. Continue your journey back in time on the San Antonio River Walk, winding along the San Antonio River or just relax before it's time say goodbye!
Day 15 Lafayette/New Orleans
En route we stop in Lafayette, a historic Acadian settlement. Take a walk around the old town, or even take an optional visit to Acadian Village in Lafayette, where you can visit authentic homes that were moved from various other locations piece by piece and carefully restored. Discover the techniques of the early Acadian home builders using wooden pegs, mud walls and high-peaked roofs.
Our Journey ends in fabulous New Orleans! Enjoy a guided city tour, or choose to visit a nearby plantation. Experience New Orleans at its best. Party in the French Quarter till the early hours, dance to great jazz bands and try out delicious Creole food. Take an optional swamp tour or a steam boat ride on the Mississippi.
For our two nights in New Orleans, we stay close to the action in a hotel in the city center.
Day 16 New Orleans
Free day to explore New Orleans! You guys have NO IDEA how excited I am to be going back to this city. It's already claimed my heart and I cannae wait to be back even though this time I'll have to provide for myself!!! (ps. THANK YOU DADDY!!)
Day 17 Memphis
Hear the beat in Memphis, Tennessee! Explore the birthplace of Rock 'n' Roll, Home of Blues and the starting point of soul. Music Legends including Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash and B.B.King made their marks on Memphis. Relive history at the National Civil Rights Museum, located where the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr took place in 1968. Enjoy another must-see attraction, "The Peabody Hotel" with the now famous Peabody Duck March! In the evening stroll one of America's most famous streets: Beale Street with it's live entertainment!
Day 18 Memphis/Nashville
In the morning walk in the footsteps of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll at Elvis Presley’s home, Graceland (optional). See how the legend lived and discover videos, pictures, stage costumes and much more. If this is not your cup of tea, go to the most famous recording studio in the world, Sun Studio! Visit Grand Ole Opry, the show that made country music famous and where unforgettable moments happen! Check out the nightlife and visit real country cowboy bars.
Day 19 Wytheville
Experience America's favorite drive: The Blue Ridge Parkway through the Appalachian Mountains! See remains of the settlements along the Parkway, learn their history as we take our time exploring this fabulous drive! The Mountains are a perfect place to relax and to enjoy the fresh, clean air and see the true beauty of North America! Optional short hikes on the many trails throughout the park.
Day 20 Shenandoah NP/Washington DC
Continuing on the Blue Ridge Parkway we are passing through Shenandoah National Park, a truly beautiful, historic national treasure. Standing on top of the peaks of Shenandoah National Park, gazing across the silent mountains, it's hard to believe we are just a short distance away from Washington DC. Take a moment of silence as you gaze into the eternal flame of John F Kennedy's grave at the Arlington Cemetery and pay respect to the many other fallen soldiers around you.
Day 21 Washington DC
Today is all about the Capitol of the United States. There is so much to see and do in Washington DC that you can't see it all in one day. Take your time as you spend a full day exploring this fascinating city. Tour the National Monuments and Memorials including the White House, Washington Monument, Reflecting Pool and the Lincoln Memorial. Visit the National Mall that includes 15 museums such as the Air and Space Museum and the National Museum of Natural History. Later take a walk through Georgetown. After the sun set over Washington DC experience a truly magnificent night as the Monuments illuminate over the National Mall.
Day 22 Philadelphia/New York City
Discover the path of American History in Philadelphia. Visit Independence Hall and explore the facts and myth surrounding the Liberty Bell, the symbol of freedom. Last but not least enjoy the last afternoon with a city tour in New York City. Visit New York City's landmark, the see the Statue of Liberty from Battery Park, stand on top of the world of the Empire State Building and take a look back on 9/11 as you stand at Ground Zero. Enjoy a last dinner with your group before saying goodbye!
Day 23 New York City
FARE THEE WELL
Je serai poète et toi poésie,
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