Trans-American Adventure

24 days
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Group Tour
Take a trip across America from sea to shining sea on a 24-day adventure to discover many of the iconic destinations of the United States. This affordable U.S. vacation begins in the Big Apple, New York City. Enjoy guided sightseeing of NYC’s famous attractions—Broadway, the Empire State Building, Rockefeller Center, and more. From New York, travel to the bir...
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Overview

Trip type
Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Extreme
Trip pace
Full schedule

What's this trip about?

    Take a trip across America from sea to shining sea on a 24-day adventure to discover many of the iconic destinations of the United States. This affordable U.S. vacation begins in the Big Apple, New York City. Enjoy guided sightseeing of NYC’s famous attractions—Broadway, the Empire State Building, Rockefeller Center, and more. From New York, travel to the birthplace of Independence—Philadelphia, then to Washington DC, the nation’s capital. Your expert Local Guide will show you the historic sites, featuring the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument, WWII Memorial, and Ford’s Theatre where President Abraham Lincoln was assassinated. Stop for photos at the White House and Capitol Hill. Head north through the home of Little League Baseball in Williamsport, and onto the Rainbow Bridge to Canada for a stay at awe-inspiring Niagara Falls. Explore the falls via a sightseeing cruise and drive along Niagara Parkway, then cross the farmlands and vineyards of Ontario to arrive in Dearborn, Michigan. Visit the Henry Ford Museum in this Detroit suburb to learn about the history of the American automobile. Next, travel to Chicago, Illinois, for sightseeing in Lake Michigan’s “Windy City,” then on to Minneapolis, Minnesota—“Land of 10,000 Lakes.” Visit the largest shopping mall in the country, Mall of America, then venture through the farmlands of South Dakota and home of the Sioux Indian Nation. Visit Badlands National Park, with its dramatic landscape carved by wind and water into steep canyons and towering rock spires amid its vast grasslands. In the Black Hills of South Dakota, visit Mount Rushmore to see the granite monument to four American presidents—Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln, and Roosevelt. Traverse the legendary cattle ranchland and the Bighorn Mountains to Cody, Wyoming—home of Buffalo Bill. Visit Yellowstone National Park with stunning views of Yellowstone Canyon and magnificent Lower Falls in America’s first National Park. Take in the spectacular wilderness in Yellowstone, abundant wildlife, and amazing thermal features, including the famed Old Faithful geyser. Visit the Wild West town of Jackson at the foot of the Grand Tetons, then continue into Utah to visit Salt Lake City. Continue into breathtaking Bryce Canyon and Zion national parks, with sandstone and limestone cliffs of ever-changing colors. Experience one of the Natural Wonders of the World at Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona. Take in the views from the canyon rim, then travel on to Las Vegas, Nevada, for an exciting visit to the “Vegas Strip”—lined with bright lights and casinos. Try your luck at blackjack or the “one-armed bandit” slot machines, then drive through the Mojave Desert and over the San Gabriel Mountains to Los Angeles, California. Enjoy sightseeing in the “The City of Angels,” with an included sightseeing tour of Tinseltown’s famous sites in Hollywood and Beverly Hills. From New York to L.A., and the historic frontiers in between, this affordable U.S. vacation is a trip for the history books!

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Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeStandard Group - 25 + people
Age range6 years and up
Flights and transportAll internal transport included (including local flights)
Start CityNEW YORK CITY
End CityLOS ANGELES

Travel Themes

  • 50 plus
  • Cultural

Destinations

Attractions

  • Bryce Canyon National Park
  • California
  • Chicago
  • Jackson
  • Las Vegas
  • Los Angeles
  • New York
  • Niagara Falls
  • Philadelphia
  • Utah
  • Yellowstone National Park
  • Zion National Park

Activities

  • Culture

View Similar Trips

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1: NEW YORK CITY

Welcome to the “Big Apple!” Your Tour Director is on hand late this afternoon to answer any questions.

Day 2: NEW YORK CITY

New York City is one of the world’s most exciting cities, buzzing with atmosphere and packed with fascinating sights. On today’s guided sightseeing tour, see the major attractions—Broadway, the Empire State Building, Rockefeller Center, and the 9/11 Memorial. Your afternoon is free.

Day 3: NEW YORK CITY–PHILADELPHIA– WASHINGTON DC AREA

Head south through New Jersey to Philadelphia, the birthplace of the United States. During your free time, perhaps see Independence Hall and visit the Liberty Bell. On to Washington DC.

Day 4: WASHINGTON DC AREA

The nation’s capital is a sightseeing treasure trove, and your half-day tour with a Local Guide features Capitol Hill, the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument, National WWII Memorial, and other well-known sights. Stop for photos at the White House and Capitol Hill. As the remainder of the day is free, perhaps visit one of the many Smithsonian museums. (Breakfast)

Day 5: WASHINGTON DC–NIAGARA FALLS, CANADA

A scenic day as you head north through Pennsylvania Dutch Country, home of the Amish and Mennonite religious sects. Then, along the Susquehanna River to Williamsport, the birthplace of Little League baseball and site of the league’s annual “World Series.” Later, cross the Rainbow Bridge to Canada and arrive at Niagara Falls, Ontario, for your overnight stay. (Breakfast)

Day 6: NIAGARA FALLS, CANADA–DEARBORN

This morning, board your Niagara Falls sightseeing cruise for amazing close-up views from the base of the falls. Then, travel the Niagara Parkway, admiring the sweeping landscapes of this scenic countryside. Head southwest and cross the farmlands and vineyards of Onta...

Day 7: DEARBORN–CHICAGO

Begin the day with a visit to the Henry Ford Museum. Reach Chicago, America’s third-largest city, in the late afternoon. City sightseeing includes all the major landmarks of the “Windy City.” (Breakfast)

Day 8: CHICAGO

Today is free for independent activities. Perhaps take an optional cruise on Lake Michigan and through the locks of the Chicago River.

Day 9: CHICAGO–MADISON–MINNEAPOLIS

First stop today is Madison, a vibrant city situated between two sparkling lakes. A photo stop at the capitol before making our way to Minnesota—the “Land of 10,000 Lakes.”

Day 10: MINNEAPOLIS. EXCURSION TO THE MALL OF AMERICA

Enjoy an orientation tour of the bustling downtown area of Minneapolis before reaching the Mall of America, the largest shopping mall in the United States, featuring an extensive range of retail shops, restaurants, and entertainment.

Day 11: MINNEAPOLIS–MITCHELL–OACOMA

Into the rich farmlands of South Dakota, homeland of the great Sioux Indian Nation. Stop in Mitchell to see the Corn Palace, a remarkable Moorish-style building where the interior and exterior are covered with designs of corn outlined with grasses and grain. Stay overnight on the shores of the Missouri River in Oacoma.

Day 12: OACOMA–BADLANDS NATIONAL PARK–MOUNT RUSHMORE–CUSTER

First, a drive through the prairie as it once was when only buffalo and the Sioux Indians occupied the land. Next is Badlands National Park, where 37 million years of wind and water have carved a remarkably colorful sight. Then, head into the Black Hills and behold the granite faces of Mount Rushmore, a giant monument to four American presidents—Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln, and Roosevelt.

Day 13: CUSTER–CODY

Head through the rich, mountainous country where open-range cattle kings made war on the sheep ranchers of the 1880s. See Sheridan and then ascend into the alpine region of the Bighorn Mountains, and site of the Battle of Tongue River. Overnight in Buffalo Bill’s frontier town of Cody. (CBreakfast)

Day 14: CODY–YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK–WEST YELLOWSTONE

Travel through Shoshone National Forest to splendid Yellowstone National Park. Follow Grand Loop Road to Artist Point with magnificent views of Yellowstone Canyon and the stupendous Lower Falls, nearly twice the height of Niagara. Yellowstone’s abundant and diverse w...

Day 15: WEST YELLOWSTONE. DAY EXCURSION TO YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK

This morning, return to Yellowstone National Park and visit the bubbling mud paint pots, the reliable “blow” of Old Faithful, Yellowstone’s great geyser, and West Thumb Geyser Basin. Return to West Yellowstone and explore on your own. (CBreakfast)

Day 16: WEST YELLOWSTONE–JACKSON

Travel south through Idaho and into the Wild West town of Jackson. The afternoon and evening are free to explore the shops and art galleries of historic downtown. Be sure not to miss Town Square, flanked by massive arches made of elk antlers on each corner! (CBreakfast)

Day 17: JACKSON–SALT LAKE CITY

Today, drive to Salt Lake City, Utah’s vibrant capital. Set on the edge of Great Salt Lake Desert, this center of the Mormon religion is where Brigham Young declared to his followers, “This is the place.” An included orientation tour shows you the Capitol Building, the Tabernacle, and other city highlights.

Day 18: SALT LAKE CITY–BRYCE CANYON NATIONAL PARK–CEDAR CITY

Travel through the sagebrush landscape of southern Utah to Bryce Canyon National Park with its breathtaking sandstone and limestone cliffs, unique formations called hoodoos, and ever-changing colors. Head west through Dixie National Forest to Cedar City for your overnight. (Breakfast)

Day 19: CEDAR CITY–ZION NATIONAL PARK–GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK

First stop is Zion National Park, a landscape that was carved out by rushing streams over a period of a million years. Through Kaibab National Forest to the less visited North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park, where you’ll marvel at the stunning views of the flame-colored walls plunging 4,800 feet into the Colorado River. The evening is free. (Breakfast,Lunch)

Day 20: GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK–LAS VEGAS

Head to the unique phenomenon of Las Vegas, where today’s fortune hunters try their luck at the 24-hour gambling tables and slots. An orientation tour upon arrival shows off many of the themed casino resorts along the colorful “Strip.” Tonight, perhaps take a walk down the Strip and be amazed by the flashing lights and variety of nightlife.

Day 21: LAS VEGAS

A free day to explore Las Vegas. Your Tour Director can arrange an optional excursion to the Hoover Dam and will have suggestions for the best shows to see this evening.

Day 22: LAS VEGAS–LOS ANGELES

Travel through the Mojave Desert and over the San Gabriel Mountains to America’s second largest city, Los Angeles.

Day 23: LOS ANGELES

Start the day with a sightseeing tour of Tinseltown. You’ll drive to Hollywood and see the footprints of the glamourous stars at the TCL Chinese Theatre, and famous Dolby Theater, home of the Oscars. Then, on to elegant Beverly Hills followed by a drive down the Suns...

Day 24: LOS ANGELES

Your vacation ends this morning. You may choose to extend your vacation with extra nights and explore L.A. further.

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Dates & Availability

Price From $5,351
Price per day$223
Last Updated: 10/16/2024
Departure Date
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02 May 2025
25 May 2025
$5,351
16 May 2025
08 Jun 2025
$5,531
30 May 2025
22 Jun 2025
$5,581
06 Jun 2025
29 Jun 2025
$5,581
20 Jun 2025
13 Jul 2025
$5,751
18 Jul 2025
10 Aug 2025
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08 Aug 2025
31 Aug 2025
$5,481
15 Aug 2025
07 Sep 2025
$5,481
29 Aug 2025
21 Sep 2025
$5,481
05 Sep 2025
28 Sep 2025
$5,481

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Cosmos.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Jun 2023

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Jun 2020

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Excellent Experience and Excellent Guide

I would highly recommend this company and some trips to Scandinavia and Baltic. The countries are amazing, the service and our guide Ausra Paukste was really the bes...

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Sep 2018

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Since inventing the budget vacation over 50 years ago, Cosmos has offered savvy, value-minded travelers the most affordable travel packages to the world's most captivating places - from the City of Brotherly Love to the City of Light…from the Great White North to northern Africa…from tropical Hawaii to sub-tropical Lugano, Switzerland…from the rainforests of Brazil to the Lost "City of the Incas." Our incredible value helps travel buffs travel more often.

We understand that you want to get out and experience the world. And that you'd rather spend another day in London than have a chocolate on your pillow. That's why Cosmos vacation packages include comfortable, clean, and attractive pre-selected hotels; guided city sightseeing; a dynamic assortment of transportation…to make getting there half the fun; and many meals. Our clout with suppliers is concentrated…and we pass the savings on to you.

With Cosmos, you'll enjoy the benefits, security, and convenience of escorted travel, an expert Tour Director, a greater choice of activities and excursions, and longer stays in key cities so that you can truly immerse yourself in the local culture.

You can also personalize your getaway, thanks to well-designed itineraries that feature the must-see sites as well as significant free time to explore your destination the way you want.

What they’re known for
Value vacations for savvy travelers willing to cut back on the extras in exchange for more activities and time spent at bucket list destinations.

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Logistics

Accommodation

New Yorker, a Wyndham Hotel

Sheraton Pentagon City

Days Inn Near the Falls

Best Western Greenfield Inn

Courtyard Chicago Downtown/Magnificent Mile

Best Western Plus Normandy Inn & Suites

Arrowwood Resort & Conf Center at Cedar Shore

Econolodge of Custer

Buffalo Bill Village

Brandin Iron Inn

Mountain Modern Motel

Crystal Inn & Suites

Best Western Town & Country Inn

Grand Canyon North Rim Lodge

Sahara Las Vegas

Westin Bonaventure

Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Age Requirements
6 years and up
Additional Information
Trip ID
COSMOS-8800

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