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Array ( [0] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 17434 [post_author] => 2 [post_date] => 2019-06-26 11:05:02 [post_date_gmt] => 2019-06-26 10:05:02 [post_content] => Booking 15 months in advance Mr & Mrs Lush were able to take advantage of the best availability and prices for our Yosemite to Yellowstone Fly Drive Holiday. They sure had plenty of time to wait and get excited but as the pictures show it was certainly worth the wait! You can click here to view our Yosemite to Yellowstone Fly Drive Holiday 'Hi Roger, A few photo’s from the trip. All the locations were beautiful in their own way. We were very lucky with the San Francisco weather, Golden Gate bridge is to admire, Alcatraz full of history, and on a beautiful day the Coit Tower is worth a visit for the views. The buses and cable cars are are god send to get you round the city.
Above images - 1. San Francisco - Bay Cruise. 2. San Francisco - Alcatraz. 3. San Francisco - View of Lombard Street.
Yosemite was just amazing, for us the snow had melted the day before so the waterfalls were stunning. Photo’s do not do the place justice. The same with Death Valley Dantes view is amazing but again photo’s don’t do the place justice.
Above images - 1. Yosemite National Park - Yosemite Falls. 2. Yosemite National Park - Nevada Falls. 3. Death Valley - Dante's View.
Not enough time at Las Vegas for me to take it in. Yellowstone again photo’s do not say it all. The Geysers and the hot springs were amazing could easily spend a week there is the weather is right to do the trails (we had cold and windy days and snow the night before we left)
Above images - 1. Yellowstone National Park, West Thump Geyser Basin. 2. Yellowstone National Park, Bison at road side.
Seeing the bear in Grand Teton NP was amazing as we had not seen one in Yellowstone.
Grand Teton Black Bear
Above images - 1. Grand Teton Black Bear on the Jenny Lake Trail. 2. Hidden Falls, Jenny Lake Trail.
Thanks again for a great holiday to remember for a long time. Jo' Yosemite to Yellowstone 14 nights Fly Drive Holiday    [post_title] => Mr & Mrs Lush Visit Yosemite & Yellowstone [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => yosemite-yellowstone-review [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2019-06-26 11:05:02 [post_modified_gmt] => 2019-06-26 10:05:02 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://www.completenorthamerica.com/?p=17434 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [1] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 17423 [post_author] => 2 [post_date] => 2019-06-21 10:35:39 [post_date_gmt] => 2019-06-21 09:35:39 [post_content] => Mr & Mrs Stevens enjoy our Route 66 fly drive holiday with some rather neat tweaks towards the end. Meghan worked with them to understand their specific interests and the result was a detour along Highway 163 into Navajo Nation Country and the quite spectacular Monument Valley. The tour was topped off with a stay in Santa Monica instead of Los Angeles which is after all where Route 66 comes to an end on the shores of the Pacific Ocean. Click here to view our range of Route 66 holidays. 'Just a quick thanks really to you and the team. The first issue that really came up was the return flights from B.A. but there's nothing you could have done about that. I was always going to be sceptical booking with a company that I nor anyone I knew had booked with but to be fair, I couldn't have hoped or wished for a better experience. From the first day I spoke to you I was happy and comfortable that this was the right company to book with, nothing worse than asking people for recommendations or leaving them to book your accommodation that haven't been where you were looking to visit. The trip itself was everything both me and my partner hoped it would be. The way everything was booked and pre-paid with the vouchers was brilliant and cut check in times right down to minutes at some places (except Vegas, but it was EDC weekend and was packed!). All in all everything flowed perfectly and as I'm sure you know, there are some weird and wonderful people dotted along the route. Some friendly and others not so. I was also really grateful to your manager David who within half an hour or so of the return flights being cancelled had emailed me to make sure we were ok (more than BA managed to do!), the subsequent flight we were then placed on was cancelled too but all in all we got home in the end, even got a nice pay out from British Airways as compensation so it worked out well. Whilst this was sold to my partner as a honeymoon before the wedding, we have been eyeing up the New England trip around the 6 states as a honeymoon. Several people have asked me about the trip and I couldn't recommend the company highly enough so fingers crossed you may get some business from them, if not you will certainly be dealing with myself again. Many thanks again for the hard work you put in making this such a special trip.'     [post_title] => Customer Review - Mr & Mrs Stevens (Route 66) [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => customer-review-mr-mrs-stevens-route-66 [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2019-06-21 10:42:38 [post_modified_gmt] => 2019-06-21 09:42:38 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://www.completenorthamerica.com/?p=17423 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [2] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 17419 [post_author] => 2 [post_date] => 2019-06-21 10:21:48 [post_date_gmt] => 2019-06-21 09:21:48 [post_content] => Janet and her party drove the 'Mother road' on our Route 66  fly drive holiday and have provided some really useful feedback that we wanted to share with everyone as Route 66 holidays are our most popular. You can view our Route 66 Fly Drives holidays by clicking here. 'We are writing to let you know how much we all enjoyed our holiday and to say that all the arrangements made by Laura went faultlessly. We were very pleased with all the hotels which you chose for us and particularly enjoyed the extra touch of history and luxury at the Skirvin, Oklahoma City. The Rio Grande Inn in Albuquerque was also an especially good hotel and was a great place to stop for 3 nights, within walking distance of the old town - we used one of our free days here to visit Santa Fe by train, as Santa Fe is not to be missed and it gave us all a break from driving. Additionally, there were 3 hotels which you do not normally use that we picked out ourselves - we can thoroughly recommend them for future travellers. They were the Holiday Inn Mart Plaza in Chicago (very central and safe location, superb views from the bar), Ayres Hotel at Barstow (a bit classier and different to the bigger chain motels, in a good spot next to the outlet mall) and the Georgian at Santa Monica (beautiful old hotel right on the seafront - well worth paying a bit extra for the location). The EZ-66 Guide was invaluable for route finding and enabled us to follow the maximum amount possible of original Route 66 within the time we had available, which is very much more interesting than the Interstate highways. The personalised route book which you also supplied makes a great souvenir. I would just make a few comments about the advice in the route book: Day 3 Chicago - St Louis The route described is nearly all along old Route 66, but we feel that anyone wanting to do this would need to split the drive over 2 days, with an overnight in Springfield IL. In order to cover the route in one day, we largely used I-55 with detours to visit specific places on the old road (Launching Pad Wilmington, Atlanta, Springfield IL + Chain of Rocks Bridge) and this worked very well. Incidentally, the overview states that you can drive across the historic Chain of Rocks Bridge - it is well worth detouring to visit, but is now closed to traffic. Day 14 Williams - Needles The drive along historic Route 66 from Seligman past the Hackberry General Stores to Kingman is not to be missed. Also, after leaving Kingman there is a further stretch of old road over the spectacular Sitgreaves Pass to Oatman with its wild donkeys. Altogether, this makes about 137 miles of historic road - the best stretch of the whole route, so it would be a great shame to miss this by following I-40 as suggested in the route book. Day 15 Needles - Barstow Again the route book suggests following I-40 but there are some more superb stretches of old road through Goffs, Amboy (Roy's Motel), Ludlow and Newberry Springs. We made the decision not to visit Las Vegas especially so we could enjoy the drives on old route 66 for these 2 days and it really was a highlight of our holiday - highly recommended! Thank you again, we were extremely pleased with our holiday and also thought it was good value, so we would not hesitate to recommend CNA.'   [post_title] => Customer Review - Caiger Party (Route 66) [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => customer-review-caiger-party [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2019-06-21 10:36:03 [post_modified_gmt] => 2019-06-21 09:36:03 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://www.completenorthamerica.com/?p=17419 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [3] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 17415 [post_author] => 2 [post_date] => 2019-06-21 10:11:40 [post_date_gmt] => 2019-06-21 09:11:40 [post_content] => Mr & Mrs Porter enjoyed our Great Western Parks fly drive holiday that really does give our customers the maximum chance of seeing the wonderful wildlife of Western Canada. You can view our Great Western Parks Fly Drive tour to Canada and the Rockies by clicking here 'Having recovered from jetlag, I would like you to know what a fabulous trip we have had. The sights we have seen - mountains, lakes, waterfalls, etc have played havoc with our senses! Not to mention bears and bald eagles. Virtually everything you organised went so well, especially the timings for activities and ferries which had, clearly, been carefully considered. A couple of things worth bringing to your notice: Avis had no intermediate sized rental - we were offered a larger one but, with heavy mileage ahead of us, we opted for a compact - a small Honda. Actually, it turned out to be very economical but, initially, a bit disappointing. The Zodiac boat trip for bear watching was exhilarating but the same type of boat for whale watching, way out in a turbulent ocean, was not for the faint hearted.... However, we thoroughly enjoyed our Western Canada experience so thanks for the excellent organisation and we look forward to using Complete North America again in the future. Any customers heading to the west coast of Vancouver Island in the foreseeable future ought to know that Highway 4 is completely closed during various hours of the day for major road works.' For our full range of Canada holidays click here.   [post_title] => Customer Review - Mr & Mrs Porter (Canada's Great Western Parks) [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => customer-review-mr-mrs-porter-canadas-great-western-parks [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2019-06-21 10:24:15 [post_modified_gmt] => 2019-06-21 09:24:15 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://www.completenorthamerica.com/?p=17415 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [4] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 17396 [post_author] => 2 [post_date] => 2019-06-20 15:32:07 [post_date_gmt] => 2019-06-20 14:32:07 [post_content] =>
A list that could be many more in number but here's ten for starters.

1.  Going To The Sun Road / Montana.

Not an easy road to drive and only open from June to September, this National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark is over 50 miles long and is the only road across Glacier National Park. For those that want to sit back and enjoy the views take one of the converted 1930's tour buses from Lake McDonald Lodge. Whether driving or taking the tour you will soon realise why this drive makes our top ten. Offering some of the most spectacular view in all of the American Rockies you climb to where the snow-capped mountains meet the vivid blue skies and the naming of this road becomes apparent. The Seattle To Denver Fly Drive Holiday features the Going To The Sun Road click here for details.

2. Overseas Highway / Florida.

[caption id="attachment_17398" align="aligncenter" width="1001"] florida keys and key west marathon pigeon key old seven mile bridge atlantic ocean gulf of mexico[/caption] Route 1 runs for 113 miles from Miami to Key West in the Florida Keys passing through the tropical islands of the Keys that are home to the largest tropical reefs in the United States. As the Keys are essentially a long string of islands you will pass over countless bridges above the turquoise blue waters that will have you feeling like you are floating above the water. You will also be able to boast having travelled along one of America's longest bridges, just a mere 7 miles long. Visits to the Florida Everglades in Southern Florida and time spent in the eclectic surroundings of Key West are highlights of a visit to this part of North America. The Florida Keys & Miami Fly Drive Holiday Features This Drive Click For Details

3. Pacific Coast Highway / California.

Considered one of the top drives in the world we couldn't leave out the PCH. We recommend driving south from San Francisco to Los Angeles, driving on the right means you will have the most spectacular view as the waves crash against the rocky coastline. There an many places to stop and don't miss the seals at San Simeon. We have a choice of driving holidays in California featuring the Pacific Coast Highway Click For Details

4. Highway 163 / Arizona & Utah.

Slicing through Navajo Nation Country, discover the backdrop to many iconic Cowboy & Indian movies as you experience the huge rocky outcroppings of Monument Valley rising vertically from the desert floor. Book early to overnight at the only place to stay in Monument Valley, Gouldings Lodge & Trading Post where the sunset and sunrise is something very special. Our recommendation is to combine this drive as part of an itinerary that then continues on to Moab to visit spectacular Canyonlands and Arches National Park. The Grand Canyon Country Fly Drive Holiday Features This Drive Click For Details

5. Kancamagus Highway / New Hampshire

Running from Conway to Lincoln the route is only 36 miles long but being one of the highest roadways in the region it affords countless scenic panoramas. Beautiful at any time of year but spectacular during the New England Fall as you look across the vast forests, mountain tops and endless waterways and travel through the covered bridges, synonymous with New England. Easily incorporated into most tours of New England as you move from New Hampshire to Vermont. We have a number of suggested New England fly Drive Holidays Featuring This Drive Click For Details

6. Route 66

Snow Cap Diner in Seligman, Route 66Needs little introduction, probably the most iconic road in the world. Spanning 8 states and over 2000 miles, Route 66 or ‘The Mother Road’ as it became known during the desperation of the Dust Bowl era, offers a nostalgic journey through 20th century American history and the search for a better life in the West. Can be tricky to follow in some parts so Complete North America provide an essential driving guide - EZ-66 for all travellers. For A Full Selection Of Route 66 Holidays By Car Motorcycle Or Coach Tour Click Here.

7. Highway 12 / Utah.

Not so well known as some others in the list but no less spectacular. A drive through the red rock country of the southern USA. Marvel at the towering mesas and stunning buttes with the chance to visit the majestic beauty of Bryce Canyon National Park and Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument en-route to Capitol Reef National Park. Time needs to be allowed to drive 'Hole in the rock road' into Grand Staircase Esclante to visit the slot Canyons and Coyote Gulch, the natural beauty of which you will struggle to match anywhere on earth. The Grand Canyon Country Fly Drive Holiday Includes Highway 12 Click For Details.

8. Highway 101 Olympic National Park / Washington State.

Highway 101 circles Olympic National Park which is one of the less well known parks for British visitors but is without doubt one of the most incredible National Parks in America. Perhaps it's most unique attraction is its variety, covering several different eco-systems from the towing peaks of the Olympic Mountains to the old growth forests. See the Glacier topped Mt Olympus, take a walk through rainforests and explore the Pacific Ocean coastline, Highway 101 is your gateway to it all. Explore Pacific Northwest Holidays Click Here

9. Blue Ridge Parkway / North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia.

500 miles of Appalachian scenic driving through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Shenandoah National Park. Offering great view east and west as the road runs down the spine of the mountains it's particularly special during the fall when the leaves turn golden for as far as the eye can see. Best combined with a visit to the region around the capital Washington D.C. and contrasted with a visit to Charleston and Savannah on the coast. The Washington D.C. & Southern U.S.A. Fly Drive Holiday Includes The Blue Ridge Parkway Click For Details

10. Beartooth Highway / Montana, Wyoming.

A 68 mile National Scenic Byway, we think this deserves a place on the list just for the cool name! However it reaches the top ten on merit. Running from southwest Montana through Wyoming and into Yellowstone National Park at it's northeast entrance, closed in winter it offers breathtaking views of the Absaroka and Beartooth Mountains. The alpine plateaus offer numerous glacial lakes, forest valleys, waterfalls and wildlife and all this before you reach the awe-inspiring Yellowstone National Park. View the real American Rockies Fly Drive Holiday & consider Amending to Include The Beartooth Highway We'd love to hear about some of your favourite drives. [post_title] => 10 Of The Best Drives In America [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => best-america-road-trips [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2019-06-20 15:32:07 [post_modified_gmt] => 2019-06-20 14:32:07 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://www.completenorthamerica.com/?p=17396 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [5] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 17387 [post_author] => 2 [post_date] => 2019-06-14 12:08:03 [post_date_gmt] => 2019-06-14 11:08:03 [post_content] =>

1. Grand Canyon, Arizona.

Grand CanyonEverybody knows the big daddy of them all right? The Grand Canyon, found in the state of Arizona. Nearly 6 million people travel to see what is one of the most remarkable natural wonders in the world. The Grand Canyon is 1 mile deep, 277 river miles long and up to 18 miles wide. 90% of visitors see the Grand Canyon from the 'South Rim'. Just over 4 hours drive from Las Vegas the South Rim offers National Park Lodges at the Grand Canyon Village, some on the edge of the Grand Canyon. You can drive Desert View Drive for pullouts and viewpoints or use the shuttle bus from the village. Hiking options and helicopter flights are also available from here. The South Rim is open year round. The other 10% of visitors travel to the 'North Rim'. Only 10 miles away from the South Rim as the Condor flies... Worth mentioning the Grand Canyon is home to a small population of America's largest bird the California Condor. You will know if you see one, they have a wingspan of 9.5 feet! Whilst only 10 miles for the Condor, the North Rim is a 220 mile drive from the South Rim. If you want to travel to the North Rim you will need to go between mid-May and mid-October when it is open and travel from Las Vegas is 264 miles. This can easily be worked into an itinerary that includes the fabulous parks of Zion and Bruce in southern Utah. Click here to see holiday suggestions for the Grand Canyon, Bryce, Zion and Yellowstone.

2. Grand Canyon Of The Yellowstone, Wyoming.

Located in Yellowstone National Park, America's oldest National Park, Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone is about 20 miles long, begins at the Upper Falls and is measured to the spectacular 308ft Lower Falls shown in our picture. The Lower Falls areas is very accessible with numerous view points, some requiring virtually no walking at all. If fit and able the safe but steep trail to the top of the falls is very rewarding. It is about 3/4 of a mile round trip but nothing beats standing atop these brutally powerful yet stunningly beautiful falls. Yellowstone National Park, located in in the North West of Wyoming is best accessed as part of a coach or driving tour from either Denver or Salt Lake City. It combines some superb rocky mountain scenery with one of Americas foremost wildlife preserves. It also has one of the highest concentrations of geysers and hot springs anywhere on earth. Known simply as 'Wonderland' in the early days this is one of our favourite places in North America. Click here to view a selection of Canyons, Rockies & Yellowstone Holidays

3. Grand Canyon Of The Tuolumne, California.

Not many of you will have heard of this one.. but many will have heard of Yosemite National Park where it can be found. That said to experience this hidden gem you will need to take your best hiking boots with you and book a 3-4 day backpacking trip. The trail follows the Toulumne River past picturesque waterfalls, cascading rapids and towering granite cliffs as you escape the crowds and delve deeper in to the 'Grand Canyon' of Yosemite National Park. Yosemite National Park is approximately 1200 square miles of stunning mountainous scenery, it includes high granite cliffs like El Capitan and Half Dome , waterfalls and valleys with an abundance of wildlife and giant sequoia trees. Access to the park for most is along the valley floor but traffic can be heavy so we recommend using the free shuttles. Click here for California and the West holidays some of which include travel to Yosemite National Park. Tell us about some of your Canyon experiences below. [post_title] => Did you know America has 3 Grand Canyon's? [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => did-you-know-america-has-3-grand-canyons [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2019-06-14 12:17:40 [post_modified_gmt] => 2019-06-14 11:17:40 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://www.completenorthamerica.com/?p=17387 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [6] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 17357 [post_author] => 2 [post_date] => 2019-06-11 16:30:46 [post_date_gmt] => 2019-06-11 15:30:46 [post_content] => Mr & Mrs Jackson enjoyed a package specifically tailored for them including Niagara Falls before flying on to Western Canada & the Canadian Rockies. David spent time understanding what they really wanted to see during their time in Canada and worked within their budget to custom fit the holiday to their exact requirements. We received a kind message from Mrs Jackson on their return recently. "I would just like to email you and say thank you so much for helping us book our holiday. It was absolutely amazing! We will definitely be using you again in the future. Thank you so much!" Click here for a selection of holidays we  have created for Canada   [post_title] => Customer Review - Mr & Mrs Jackson (Niagara Falls & Canadian Rockies) [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => customer-review-mr-mrs-jackson-niagara-falls-canadian-rockies [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2019-06-11 16:30:21 [post_modified_gmt] => 2019-06-11 15:30:21 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://www.completenorthamerica.com/?p=17357 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [7] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 17341 [post_author] => 2 [post_date] => 2019-06-10 11:54:00 [post_date_gmt] => 2019-06-10 10:54:00 [post_content] => Our top 7 'Extreme' places, feel free to add yours. Hottest Town: Lake Havasu City, AZ Death Valley may be the answer most would give with temperatures reaching a mind boggling 130 degrees Fahrenheit, but Lake Havasu City in Arizona is the winner being a place where people actually live. More than 50,000 residents have found a way to survive summer temperatures that regularly top 100 degrees Farenheit and can reach 130 from time to time. Why do people live here I hear you ask, well for the same reasons that attract thousands of visitors. 45 miles of lakefront for boating, fishing and hiking amid volcanic rock, sparkling geodes, and other desert formations. Lake Havasu also has two less obvious attractions: It is home to a collection of 1/3 scale miniature lighthouses that are scattered along the lakeshore and the original London Bridge. Purchased in 1968 from the City of London for more than $2 million, it was taken down transported more than 5,000 miles, and reassembled in Arizona. The bridge is now the second-most-popular tourist site in the state, after the Grand Canyon. The California & the Grand Canyon fly drive holidays includes a stop at Lake Havasu City. Coldest City: Fairbanks, AK This place is seriously cold.. The average temperature in winter drops to -5 degrees Fahrenheit or -20.6 degrees centigrade, that is the average..  A balmy summer sees the temperature rise to just 40 degrees Fahrenheit or 5 degrees centigrade. But like Lake Havasu, visitors flock to Fairbanks, besides the city's warm and welcoming residents, there is a rich gold rush history. Visits to the Pioneer Museum, with its dioramas and murals are a must while in Fairbanks, but most visitors are here to see the Aurora Borealis. Also known as the Northern Lights, the aurora produces the appearance of crackling skies filled with bright blue, green, and red patterns for more than 200 nights over the course of the year. August through April is primetime for aurora-viewing, and if you spend three nights in Fairbanks you have about an 80 percent chance of a clear night. Ask your hotel if it offers middle-of-the-night wake-up calls to rouse you in time to see a display. Click to browse Alaska Holidays. Highest point: Mount McKinley, Denali National Park, AK Staying in Alaska's Denali National Park is a quite incredible destination despite being home to the tallest peak in North America, Mount McKinley, standing at an impressive 20,320 feet. The park comprises 6 million acres navigated via a 92 mile long Park Road, with jaw-dropping views of the stunning Alaska Range. There are several excellent visitor centres to offer advice and guidance. They can also educate you on the history, flora, fauna, wildlife and geography of the park. Take on their ‘Big Five’ challenge, to spot moose, caribou, dall sheep, wolves, and grizzly bears. In truth you will be lucky to spot all five but they are there and are frequently seen. Mid-May to mid-September is the time to visit and a good tip is to book on to one of the ranger talks or other interactive education programs from one the visitor centre. Click for a choice of holidays to Alaska that include a visit to Denali National Park. Lowest place: Death Valley, CA and NV Death Valley, one of the most desolate yet beautiful places you will probably ever visit. The Badwater Basin is 282 feet below sea level as well as being the hottest and the driest place in the USA. This stretch of the Mojave and Colorado Deserts in California and Nevada records temperatures above 100 degrees for five months of the year (The record being 134 degrees, in 1913) But such is the contrast, unexpected deluges can bring fields of wildflowers, and in winter snow dusts the higher peaks of the surrounding valley. A drive through Death Valley is an ideal way to link northern California visits to places like Yosemite National Park with Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon. See the Flat Sand Dunes and stay the Furnace Creek ranch on the California & the Grand Canyon fly drive holiday. Biggest city: New York City It is Los Angeles I hear you shout, nope, New York has been the most populous city in the U.S. since the first census was taken in 1790. In the 15 years following the full opening of the Erie canal in 1825 that linked New York to the Great Lakes, numbers tripled. Linking the Hudson River to Lake Erie, the canal saw the dawn of new era in trade that propelled the city to the economic pre-eminence it enjoys to this day. As a visitor destination New York needs no introduction. The prosperous development of the city has brought about unparalleled art collections, arguably the best theatre in the world, music, and a choice of dining crowned with over 70 Michelin star restaurants. A great way to see New York is as part of a tour north that includes Boston and New England. Explore New York and New England holidays here. [caption id="attachment_17346" align="aligncenter" width="1121"] Generated by IJG JPEG Library[/caption] Smallest town: Buford, WY I bet not many of you got this one! And while we mention ‘One’ that is the sum total of the town’s population. Don Simmons, has become a bit of a celebrity these days and whilst his Buford Trading Post and gas station has now closed, this is surely one of the best selfie spots when visiting Wyoming. It is right on Interstate 80 between Cheyenne and Laramie so you can easily stop by if travelling on the Real American Rockies fly drive holiday. Biggest river: Mississippi River We could not put this article together without mentioning the mighty river that flows for 2,320 miles from Lake Itasca, in Minnesota, to the Gulf of Mexico. It passes through or borders 10 states and draws water from 31 other states between the Rocky Mountains and the Appalachian Range. The significance of the river historically cannot be underestimated from the first native Americans that settled along it’s banks thousands of years ago to the birthplace of Blues music in Clarksdale that was the seed for most modern music. On a Deep South USA fly drive holidays you can follow the path of the Mississippi from Memphis to New Orleans and experience the rich music history that grew up around the river. A finish in New Orleans means you can enjoy authentic jazz at Preservation Hall, a ride on one of the city's historic streetcars and sample the unique cuisine and party scene in the French Quarter. Click here to find our more about the Deep South USA fly drive holiday.   [post_title] => 7 Extreme Places In America [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => 7-extreme-places-in-america [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2019-06-10 12:11:43 [post_modified_gmt] => 2019-06-10 11:11:43 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://www.completenorthamerica.com/?p=17341 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [8] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 11825 [post_author] => 2 [post_date] => 2019-06-06 09:00:02 [post_date_gmt] => 2019-06-06 08:00:02 [post_content] => The team here at Complete North America have been on quite a few wonderful road trips across the USA and Canada, including Route 66, the Deep South and the Ultimate Canadian Rockies tour, but everyone has a favourite 2 week holiday to California and the West. Duncan enjoyed California and the Grand Canyon for the amazing contrasts. From vibrant cities like San Francisco to the rugged California coastline around Monterey. From the dramatic desert scenery of Death Valley to one of the most remarkable natural wonders of the world, the Grand Canyon. Laura likes the the sunshine and relaxation of the California Sunshine Coast. Frequently featured as one of the sunniest locations in the world, it's easy to combine a visit to San Francisco, now one of the top culinary destinations in the world, with a road trip along one of the most scenic coastal drives you could ever wish to travel - the Pacific Coast Highway.  Gasp at the mountains, towering trees, expansive beaches and endless sky. You can also delve in to all the character California has to offer, pioneer outposts, surfing villages, farm-fresh foods, local wine, Hollywood glitz and bohemia as you visit the likes of Carmel, Monterey, Santa Barbara, Los Angeles and San Diego,  Roger likes to get away from the crowds so a walk through beautiful mountain scenery before some time on the coast means that California & Yosemite National Park is the perfect 2 week holiday for him. Less than 200 miles from San Francisco, Yosemite National Park is an area of awe-inspiring natural beauty, filled with sheer-sided granite cliffs, waterfalls, freshwater lakes and ancient sequoia trees, it's not hard to see why Roger keeps going back to this part of California. But our featured itinerary is that favoured by David and Kerry which has a little bit of all the above. The beauty of this one is you can choose where you end up with 3 options – Los Angeles, San Diego or Phoenix!

So on to our recommendations for a perfect two week road trip in California...

Days 1-3 - Start with three nights in the beautiful ‘City by the Bay’ – San Francisco

You won’t be short of things to do in here! San Francisco is one of our favourite cities in the whole of North America and we’d recommend you spend at least 3 nights in the city if this is your first visit. Our first suggestion would be to take a city tour to get your bearings. After you've become acquainted with San Francisco, check out Muir Woods - a forest of giant California redwood trees, or explore Union Square’s department stores, small boutiques and art galleries. [caption id="attachment_12582" align="alignleft" width="600"]Muir Woods National Monument, California Muir Woods National Monument[/caption]                     Our must-do experience in San Francisco is visiting the infamous former prison island Alcatraz. Once home to some of America’s most notorious criminals, the federal penitentiary was open from 1934 to 1963 and housed infamous inmates such as Al “Scarface” Capone, “Machine Gun Kelly” and the “Birdman”. Tip: if you visit Alcatraz during your stay in San Francisco make sure to book tickets well in advance - particularly during the peak summer months. If you’re a budding foodie, San Francisco will not disappoint. With over 3,000 restaurants you can take your pick of cuisine, from authentic Chinese banquets in Chinatown (the largest Asian settlement outside of mainland China), incredibly tasty Korean barbecue to Italian feasts in the city’s Italian ‘North Beach’ quarter. Another option is a lively dinner cruise on San Francisco Bay. Enjoy dinner and dancing to a live band as you cruise past the city’s famous skyline at sunset. [caption id="attachment_12583" align="alignnone" width="600"] Lights from the Golden Gate Bridge shining across the waters of San Francisco Bay.[/caption]

Day 4 - To Monterey!

Leaving San Francisco, take route US-1 South which will lead you along the beautiful scenic coastal areas of the Pacific Ocean. You’ll pass the California State Park and beach areas as you travel to Santa Cruz on the way to Monterey Bay. Check out the world-renowned Monterey Bay Aquarium in the heart of John Steinbeck’s historic Cannery Row! Whilst in Monterey, visit the charming coastal town of Carmel. There’s a fee to drive the 17-Mile Scenic Drive route, but the ocean views and opulent lifestyle of this region is worth paying to see! The route will bring you into the heart of Carmel where you can visit high end boutiques and Carmel Beach – repeatedly voted one of the top beaches in the USA. You can choose to stay in Carmel tonight or in Monterey.

Day 5 - Monterey to Yosemite National Park

Leaving Monterey, take a short detour along US-1 to see the Pfeiffer Canyon Bridge near to the area of Big Sur. This will be about a 70 mile very scenic round-trip drive as you will return to Carmel and Monterey and then drive across the state to Merced. Following the Merced River you climb into the majestic Sierra Nevada mountain range as you close in on Yosemite National Park. The Big Sur area is amazingly beautiful so you may want to take a short walk whilst here! [caption id="attachment_12584" align="alignnone" width="600"]California Coast Line California coast, viewed from the rugged stretch of the Big Sur.[/caption]

Day 6 - Yosemite National Park

A full day exploring and sightseeing in the main valley of the Yosemite National Park.

The park is home to huge waterfalls, wildflowers, forests of centuries-old sequoias (including the Grizzly Giant), glacier-carved canyons and massive monoliths – it’s a must-see!

Tip: Why not treat yourself to an incredible experience by hiring a private guide for a personalised hike?

On this two hour tour, Rangers introduce some of Yosemite’s most famous sightseeing points in Yosemite Valley. You will see Yosemite Falls, Half Dome, El Capitan, Tunnel View, Bridalveil Falls and more, with Rangers describing the history, geology, plant and animal life of the region. Bring your camera along!

[caption id="attachment_12585" align="alignnone" width="600"]El Capitan in Yosemite National Park Sun breaking over the El Capitan rock formation in Yosemite National Park.[/caption]

Day 7 - Yosemite National Park to Death Valley

Drive the route of US-395 South heading towards your overnight stop in the heart of Death Valley. Death Valley is a land of complete extremes. It is one of the hottest places on the surface of the earth with summer temperatures averaging well over 100 degrees fahrenheit, it encompasses the lowest point in the Western Hemisphere and is the driest place in North America. The valley is a land of subtle beauties. We recommend getting up early one morning and experiencing the morning light creeping across Zabriskie Point to strike Manly Beacon. Other breathtaking views are watching the setting sun and lengthening shadows of the sand dunes at Stovepipe Wells and the colours of the wildflowers on the golden hills above Harmony Borax. Death Valley is a truly unique place and a complete contrast to what you have left behind at Yosemite. [caption id="attachment_12586" align="alignnone" width="600"]Zabriskie Point in Death Valley Zabriskie Point in Death Valley.[/caption]

Day 8 & 9 – Leaving Death Valley and onto Las Vegas

There’s so much to do and see in Las Vegas that we recommend you make a beeline for the bright lights upon leaving Death Valley to really make the most of your two nights here! A few of our must do things to do in Las Vegas include catching the "Volcano" show at The Mirage, taking a gondola ride at the Venetian, taking a ride up to the observation deck on the Eiffel Tower at the Paris Hotel, taking the Big Shot ride atop the Stratosphere Tower, experiencing a bungee jump at Circus Circus Hotel, visiting the amazing Fremont Street experience or maybe even booking a helicopter trip to fly over the Grand Canyon! In the evening you can choose from endless places to eat (think Le Cirque, Weera Thai or The Capital Grille) before finishing the night off at one of the world class shows that entertain nightly across the city that never sleeps. [caption id="attachment_12587" align="alignnone" width="600"]Volcano show at The Mirage in Las Vegas Volcano show at The Mirage in Las Vegas.[/caption]

Day 10 - Las Vegas to Grand Canyon

Today will be a long but spectacular day of driving. Head South and over the Hoover Dam and stop to take the guided tour or continue on across the dam and into the state of Arizona. Another great route (albeit slower) is to take the old Route 66 through Peaches Springs which will eventually bring you out onto the same Interstate route to Williams. This is one of the few remaining sections of the famed highway from Chicago to L.A. From here continue North until you finally reach the awesome destination that is the Grand Canyon!

Day 11 - Grand Canyon

Take a full day to explore the South Rim of the Grand Canyon National Park. A visit to see the El Tovar Lodge if you are not staying there is a must, but we also suggest any of the scenic stops or even taking one of the guided coach tours that will explain the history and geology of the area. Tip: Definitely visit the Grand Canyon Rim to experience the spectacular sunrise and sunset! [caption id="attachment_12588" align="alignnone" width="600"] Sunset at Cape Royal Point, Grand Canyon National Park North Rim.[/caption]

Day 12 - Grand Canyon to Lake Havasu City

Today you leave the Grand Canyon and on to ‘Arizona’s Playground’ – Lake Havasu City - the off-roading, ultralight-flying, speed boating, rock climbing capitol of the Southwest! The lake, being the largest man-made lake in North America, sits along the Colorado river where you can also visit the London Bridge which was transported out to Lake Havasu from London in 1968 after being bought at auction by the founder of Lake Havasu City. Sadly you’re almost at the end of your awesome California road trip, but don’t worry -  there’s a few different endings that you can choose from! Perhaps you’ll head towards Los Angeles to do some last-minute shopping, visit Knotts Berry Farm, Disney  World, Universal Studios or maybe just relax and soak up the last few rays in the California sunshine. Or you could visit one of the United States’ top tourist destinations, San Diego - a year-round paradise. Relax on one of the fabulous beaches, hop on a tour bus and see the whole city, visit Old Town, Balboa Park, Seaport Village or the Gaslamp Quarter. the San Diego Zoo is a must-see in Southern California. Spend the day monkeying around as you visit amazing habitats for animals such as gorillas, tigers, sun bears, flamingos, mandrills, polar bears, birds of paradise, giant tortoises, leopards and more. [caption id="attachment_12589" align="alignleft" width="598"]San Diego beach and pier at sunset View of the pier at sunset on Pacific Beach, San Diego.[/caption]                     Our final suggested end to your perfect two weeks in California is a relaxed visit to Scottsdale Resort, Phoenix. Here you can pamper yourself – maybe take a dip in one of its myriad of pools or indulge in a treatment at the tranquil spa facility. For those looking to venture out - shopping, jeep tours, balloon trips and fine dining await!
The trip we’ve described above can be viewed in more detail here - Perfect 2 week California & West Trip
A really popular trip with C.N.A. travellers but like all our itineraries they can be changed to suit you. Just get in touch and we can design your perfect holiday. 
View all California holidays 
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The eclectic mix of nationalities that have lived in the Deep South (the states of Georgia, Alabama, South Carolina, Mississippi, and Louisiana) have led to a fascinating melting pot of culture, cuisine and a relaxed way of life.
Add in the unique musical heritage, authentic Southern cuisine and the famous southern hospitality, and you have all the makings of a once-in-a-lifetime holiday.

Atlanta

The ‘Big Peach' is the birthplace of the American Civil Rights Movement and the best place to learn about the events that have shaped modern America. Famous singer-songwriters such as Jimi Hendrix, Bobby Brown and Elton John have all called this sophisticated and contemporary city home, and sightseeing highlights include the Carter Presidential Centre, the World of Coca Cola Pavilion and the CNN Centre, home of the largest TV network where you can experience a behind the scenes tour that will give you insider knowledge into the production complexities of producing a great show. Underground Atlanta sizzles at night. We recommend a visit to Blind Willies for the best in blues, booze and Cajun food - including gumbo, jambalaya and Kentucky's finest whiskey. You'll also find some of the best live music in town. https://www.instagram.com/p/BsEm4uxHMjO/

New Orleans

The birthplace of Jazz and home to the culture and religion of Voodoo! Here you can explore the French Quarter (the architecture is like strolling into old world Europe), stroll along famous Bourbon Street and spend an afternoon getting lost along the other narrow streets of this historic district. Visit the unique antique shops, numerous jazz clubs, and experience Cajun and Creole cooking at its best! [caption id="attachment_16697" align="alignnone" width="570"]Royal Street, New Orleans Royal Street, New Orleans during Mardi Gras.[/caption] Make sure you allow time to explore the historic buildings of Jackson Square, including the magnificent St. Louis Cathedral. We also recommend taking some time to browse the many shops, restaurants, cafés, galleries and museums around this area whilst surrounded by local sketch artists, fortune tellers and street performers. If you get hungry, stop off at Central Grocery and Deli for a famous Muffaletta. This delicious Italian sandwich was born and bred in New Orleans deli. If sweet treats are your thing, enjoy strong chicory coffee and beignets outside the famous Café du Monde on Decatur Street. [caption id="attachment_16698" align="alignnone" width="600"]Café au lait and beignets at Café du Monde in New Orleans Café au lait and beignets at Café du Monde in New Orleans[/caption] For those wanting to experience the darker side of the city, there's also St. Louis Cemetery, the Voodoo Museum and the Museum of Death to enjoy!

... Experience 2 nights in New Orleans ...

Savannah

Continuing the spooky theme, Savannah, Georgia is often reported to be one of the most haunted places in America, alongside New Orleans and Salem. This is definitely a great place to experience eerie presences and local ‘haints' on your Deep South road trip. Even the visitor centre is built on top of a yellow fever grave site – eek! https://www.instagram.com/p/BsCsA_RgCOI/ You might guess that ghost tours are a popular activity here, but there's also beautiful antebellum architecture and authentic, world-famous Southern cuisine to enjoy. Visit the Olde Pink House to enjoy sumptuous seafood platters, bone-in cowboy rib-eye and incredible mac and cheese. The nightlife in Savannah is plentiful and diverse. From live jazz to alternative bands, you can always find your groove here. Visitors enjoy piano bars, Broadway-style musicals and even karaoke.

... Enjoy 5 nights in Savannah, St. Mary's and Jekyll Island in between experiencing the rich musical themes of Atlanta ...

Memphis

It's time to start belting out ‘Walking in Memphis' as loud as you can. There is so much to do and see in Memphis, including Graceland, home of Elvis Presley, Beale Street where you'll find blues clubs and restaurants aplenty, and of course a plethora of music establishments like Sun Studio and Stax Museum of American Soul Music. Memphis is the best place to visit to be immersed in some of the most enduring musical movements in American history. One stop off you must make is Graceland. Hailed as the most famous rock ‘n' roll residence in the world, this is the late Elvis Presley's estate and mansion. The museum here takes visitors on an unforgettable journey through the rock ‘n' roll legend's home and gives an insider's guide into the music, culture and personal side of Elvis. https://www.instagram.com/p/BsfVxSandlc/ If you're a foodie, take some time to get stuck into local favourites like soul burgers, slow-smoked meats, biscuits and gravy and Prozac cupcakes: a moist chocolate cupcake topped with decadent chocolate icing made by Muddy's Bake Shop. For a weird and wonderful hotel experience, look no further than a stay at the five-star Peabody Hotel. At 11am each morning you can witness the hilarious march of the ducks. The hotel's resident ducks come down from their rooftop penthouse and waddle along a red carpet to a fountain in the centre of the lobby, where they remain until 5pm each day before they return to their penthouse suite. This bizarre spectacle has been happening since 1940!

... Experience the Peabody Hotel on our Deep South USA fly drive ...

Nashville

Home to the Country Music Hall of Fame, Grand Ole Opry and the Johnny Cash Museum, Nashville is the unrivalled capital of country music and one of the friendliest cities in the USA https://www.instagram.com/p/Bq0wO-Ch6b2/ The city is bursting with honky-tonk bars, where local musicians play for tips, hoping to finally get their big break. Legendary venues like Bluebird Café and Tootsies are great places to experience live music and enjoy a beer or two.

... Explore Nashville on our Deep South and Tennessee fly drive ...

Cajun country

Cajun country is classed as the French Lousiana region stretches from west of New Orleans to the Texas border along the Gulf of Mexico and is also known as Acadiana (good luck finding that on any map though!). Major cities include Acadia, Lake Charles and Lafayette. When people think of Cajun country several things spring to mind: miles of haunting bayous, alligators, swamps and of course lots of really, really good food – think po'boys, gumbo, boudin, shrimp and sugar cane. Zydeco music is a part of daily life here. You'll find signs for a fais do-do (Cajun dance party) everywhere and there's always a party to attend. With 400 festivals and events throughout the year the people of this region definitely know how to let the good times roll (or as locals would say "laissez les bons temps rouler"). If you're excited for Mardi Gras in New Orleans, definitely also consider the music events in Cajun country. For nature lovers, the moss-draped cypress trees and vast wetlands of this region are home to a number of species of water birds, wildlife and native plants. If you're looking for excitement, you can even rent a canoe in this area for the chance to spot a 'gator. https://www.instagram.com/p/BqYLgdilSq3/

... See the heart of the Louisiana wilderness and the Creole Nature Trail ...

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Feeling inspired? View our Deep South itineraries, or speak to our North America travel experts on 01159 610590
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Booking 15 months in advance Mr & Mrs Lush were able to take advantage of the best availability and prices for our Yosemite to Yellowstone Fly Drive Holiday.

They sure had plenty of time to wait and get excited but as the pictures show it was certainly worth the wait!

You can click here to view our Yosemite to Yellowstone Fly Drive Holiday

‘Hi Roger,

A few photo’s from the trip.

All the locations were beautiful in their own way.

We were very lucky with the San Francisco weather, Golden Gate bridge is to admire, Alcatraz full of history, and on a beautiful day the Coit Tower is worth a visit for the views. The buses and cable cars are are god send to get you round the city.

Above images – 1. San Francisco – Bay Cruise. 2. San Francisco – Alcatraz. 3. San Francisco – View of Lombard Street.

Yosemite was just amazing, for us the snow had melted the day before so the waterfalls were stunning. Photo’s do not do the place justice. The same with Death Valley Dantes view is amazing but again photo’s don’t do the place justice.

Above images – 1. Yosemite National Park – Yosemite Falls. 2. Yosemite National Park – Nevada Falls. 3. Death Valley – Dante’s View.

Not enough time at Las Vegas for me to take it in.

Yellowstone again photo’s do not say it all. The Geysers and the hot springs were amazing could easily spend a week there is the weather is right to do the trails (we had cold and windy days and snow the night before we left)

Above images – 1. Yellowstone National Park, West Thump Geyser Basin. 2. Yellowstone National Park, Bison at road side.

Seeing the bear in Grand Teton NP was amazing as we had not seen one in Yellowstone.

Grand Teton Black Bear
Above images – 1. Grand Teton Black Bear on the Jenny Lake Trail. 2. Hidden Falls, Jenny Lake Trail.

Thanks again for a great holiday to remember for a long time.

Jo’

Yosemite to Yellowstone 14 nights Fly Drive Holiday 

 

Mr & Mrs Stevens enjoy our Route 66 fly drive holiday with some rather neat tweaks towards the end. Meghan worked with them to understand their specific interests and the result was a detour along Highway 163 into Navajo Nation Country and the quite spectacular Monument Valley. The tour was topped off with a stay in Santa Monica instead of Los Angeles which is after all where Route 66 comes to an end on the shores of the Pacific Ocean.

Click here to view our range of Route 66 holidays.

‘Just a quick thanks really to you and the team. The first issue that really came up was the return flights from B.A. but there’s nothing you could have done about that.

I was always going to be sceptical booking with a company that I nor anyone I knew had booked with but to be fair, I couldn’t have hoped or wished for a better experience.

From the first day I spoke to you I was happy and comfortable that this was the right company to book with, nothing worse than asking people for recommendations or leaving them to book your accommodation that haven’t been where you were looking to visit. The trip itself was everything both me and my partner hoped it would be. The way everything was booked and pre-paid with the vouchers was brilliant and cut check in times right down to minutes at some places (except Vegas, but it was EDC weekend and was packed!). All in all everything flowed perfectly and as I’m sure you know, there are some weird and wonderful people dotted along the route. Some friendly and others not so.

I was also really grateful to your manager David who within half an hour or so of the return flights being cancelled had emailed me to make sure we were ok (more than BA managed to do!), the subsequent flight we were then placed on was cancelled too but all in all we got home in the end, even got a nice pay out from British Airways as compensation so it worked out well. Whilst this was sold to my partner as a honeymoon before the wedding, we have been eyeing up the New England trip around the 6 states as a honeymoon. Several people have asked me about the trip and I couldn’t recommend the company highly enough so fingers crossed you may get some business from them, if not you will certainly be dealing with myself again.

Many thanks again for the hard work you put in making this such a special trip.’

 

 

Janet and her party drove the ‘Mother road’ on our Route 66  fly drive holiday and have provided some really useful feedback that we wanted to share with everyone as Route 66 holidays are our most popular.

You can view our Route 66 Fly Drives holidays by clicking here.

‘We are writing to let you know how much we all enjoyed our holiday and to say that all the arrangements made by Laura went faultlessly.

We were very pleased with all the hotels which you chose for us and particularly enjoyed the extra touch of history and luxury at the Skirvin, Oklahoma City. The Rio Grande Inn in Albuquerque was also an especially good hotel and was a great place to stop for 3 nights, within walking distance of the old town – we used one of our free days here to visit Santa Fe by train, as Santa Fe is not to be missed and it gave us all a break from driving.

Additionally, there were 3 hotels which you do not normally use that we picked out ourselves – we can thoroughly recommend them for future travellers. They were the Holiday Inn Mart Plaza in Chicago (very central and safe location, superb views from the bar), Ayres Hotel at Barstow (a bit classier and different to the bigger chain motels, in a good spot next to the outlet mall) and the Georgian at Santa Monica (beautiful old hotel right on the seafront – well worth paying a bit extra for the location).

The EZ-66 Guide was invaluable for route finding and enabled us to follow the maximum amount possible of original Route 66 within the time we had available, which is very much more interesting than the Interstate highways.

The personalised route book which you also supplied makes a great souvenir. I would just make a few comments about the advice in the route book:

Day 3 Chicago – St Louis The route described is nearly all along old Route 66, but we feel that anyone wanting to do this would need to split the drive over 2 days, with an overnight in Springfield IL. In order to cover the route in one day, we largely used I-55 with detours to visit specific places on the old road (Launching Pad Wilmington, Atlanta, Springfield IL + Chain of Rocks Bridge) and this worked very well. Incidentally, the overview states that you can drive across the historic Chain of Rocks Bridge – it is well worth detouring to visit, but is now closed to traffic.

Day 14 Williams – Needles The drive along historic Route 66 from Seligman past the Hackberry General Stores to Kingman is not to be missed. Also, after leaving Kingman there is a further stretch of old road over the spectacular Sitgreaves Pass to Oatman with its wild donkeys. Altogether, this makes about 137 miles of historic road – the best stretch of the whole route, so it would be a great shame to miss this by following I-40 as suggested in the route book.

Day 15 Needles – Barstow Again the route book suggests following I-40 but there are some more superb stretches of old road through Goffs, Amboy (Roy’s Motel), Ludlow and Newberry Springs. We made the decision not to visit Las Vegas especially so we could enjoy the drives on old route 66 for these 2 days and it really was a highlight of our holiday – highly recommended!

Thank you again, we were extremely pleased with our holiday and also thought it was good value, so we would not hesitate to recommend CNA.’

 

Mr & Mrs Porter enjoyed our Great Western Parks fly drive holiday that really does give our customers the maximum chance of seeing the wonderful wildlife of Western Canada.

You can view our Great Western Parks Fly Drive tour to Canada and the Rockies by clicking here

‘Having recovered from jetlag, I would like you to know what a fabulous trip we have had.

The sights we have seen – mountains, lakes, waterfalls, etc have played havoc with our senses! Not to mention bears and bald eagles.

Virtually everything you organised went so well, especially the timings for activities and ferries which had, clearly, been carefully considered.

A couple of things worth bringing to your notice: Avis had no intermediate sized rental – we were offered a larger one but, with heavy mileage ahead of us, we opted for a compact – a small Honda. Actually, it turned out to be very economical but, initially, a bit disappointing.

The Zodiac boat trip for bear watching was exhilarating but the same type of boat for whale watching, way out in a turbulent ocean, was not for the faint hearted….

However, we thoroughly enjoyed our Western Canada experience so thanks for the excellent organisation and we look forward to using Complete North America again in the future.

Any customers heading to the west coast of Vancouver Island in the foreseeable future ought to know that Highway 4 is completely closed during various hours of the day for major road works.’

For our full range of Canada holidays click here.

 

A list that could be many more in number but here’s ten for starters.

1.  Going To The Sun Road / Montana.

Not an easy road to drive and only open from June to September, this National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark is over 50 miles long and is the only road across Glacier National Park. For those that want to sit back and enjoy the views take one of the converted 1930’s tour buses from Lake McDonald Lodge. Whether driving or taking the tour you will soon realise why this drive makes our top ten. Offering some of the most spectacular view in all of the American Rockies you climb to where the snow-capped mountains meet the vivid blue skies and the naming of this road becomes apparent.

The Seattle To Denver Fly Drive Holiday features the Going To The Sun Road click here for details.

2. Overseas Highway / Florida.

florida keys and key west marathon pigeon key old seven mile bridge atlantic ocean gulf of mexico

Route 1 runs for 113 miles from Miami to Key West in the Florida Keys passing through the tropical islands of the Keys that are home to the largest tropical reefs in the United States. As the Keys are essentially a long string of islands you will pass over countless bridges above the turquoise blue waters that will have you feeling like you are floating above the water. You will also be able to boast having travelled along one of America’s longest bridges, just a mere 7 miles long.

Visits to the Florida Everglades in Southern Florida and time spent in the eclectic surroundings of Key West are highlights of a visit to this part of North America.

The Florida Keys & Miami Fly Drive Holiday Features This Drive Click For Details

3. Pacific Coast Highway / California.

Considered one of the top drives in the world we couldn’t leave out the PCH. We recommend driving south from San Francisco to Los Angeles, driving on the right means you will have the most spectacular view as the waves crash against the rocky coastline. There an many places to stop and don’t miss the seals at San Simeon.

We have a choice of driving holidays in California featuring the Pacific Coast Highway Click For Details

4. Highway 163 / Arizona & Utah.

Slicing through Navajo Nation Country, discover the backdrop to many iconic Cowboy & Indian movies as you experience the huge rocky outcroppings of Monument Valley rising vertically from the desert floor. Book early to overnight at the only place to stay in Monument Valley, Gouldings Lodge & Trading Post where the sunset and sunrise is something very special. Our recommendation is to combine this drive as part of an itinerary that then continues on to Moab to visit spectacular Canyonlands and Arches National Park.

The Grand Canyon Country Fly Drive Holiday Features This Drive Click For Details

5. Kancamagus Highway / New Hampshire

Running from Conway to Lincoln the route is only 36 miles long but being one of the highest roadways in the region it affords countless scenic panoramas. Beautiful at any time of year but spectacular during the New England Fall as you look across the vast forests, mountain tops and endless waterways and travel through the covered bridges, synonymous with New England. Easily incorporated into most tours of New England as you move from New Hampshire to Vermont.

We have a number of suggested New England fly Drive Holidays Featuring This Drive Click For Details

6. Route 66

Snow Cap Diner in Seligman, Route 66Needs little introduction, probably the most iconic road in the world. Spanning 8 states and over 2000 miles, Route 66 or ‘The Mother Road’ as it became known during the desperation of the Dust Bowl era, offers a nostalgic journey through 20th century American history and the search for a better life in the West. Can be tricky to follow in some parts so Complete North America provide an essential driving guide – EZ-66 for all travellers.

For A Full Selection Of Route 66 Holidays By Car Motorcycle Or Coach Tour Click Here.

7. Highway 12 / Utah.

Not so well known as some others in the list but no less spectacular. A drive through the red rock country of the southern USA. Marvel at the towering mesas and stunning buttes with the chance to visit the majestic beauty of Bryce Canyon National Park and Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument en-route to Capitol Reef National Park. Time needs to be allowed to drive ‘Hole in the rock road’ into Grand Staircase Esclante to visit the slot Canyons and Coyote Gulch, the natural beauty of which you will struggle to match anywhere on earth.

The Grand Canyon Country Fly Drive Holiday Includes Highway 12 Click For Details.

8. Highway 101 Olympic National Park / Washington State.

Highway 101 circles Olympic National Park which is one of the less well known parks for British visitors but is without doubt one of the most incredible National Parks in America. Perhaps it’s most unique attraction is its variety, covering several different eco-systems from the towing peaks of the Olympic Mountains to the old growth forests. See the Glacier topped Mt Olympus, take a walk through rainforests and explore the Pacific Ocean coastline, Highway 101 is your gateway to it all.

Explore Pacific Northwest Holidays Click Here

9. Blue Ridge Parkway / North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia.

500 miles of Appalachian scenic driving through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Shenandoah National Park. Offering great view east and west as the road runs down the spine of the mountains it’s particularly special during the fall when the leaves turn golden for as far as the eye can see. Best combined with a visit to the region around the capital Washington D.C. and contrasted with a visit to Charleston and Savannah on the coast.

The Washington D.C. & Southern U.S.A. Fly Drive Holiday Includes The Blue Ridge Parkway Click For Details

10. Beartooth Highway / Montana, Wyoming.

A 68 mile National Scenic Byway, we think this deserves a place on the list just for the cool name! However it reaches the top ten on merit. Running from southwest Montana through Wyoming and into Yellowstone National Park at it’s northeast entrance, closed in winter it offers breathtaking views of the Absaroka and Beartooth Mountains. The alpine plateaus offer numerous glacial lakes, forest valleys, waterfalls and wildlife and all this before you reach the awe-inspiring Yellowstone National Park.

View the real American Rockies Fly Drive Holiday & consider Amending to Include The Beartooth Highway

We’d love to hear about some of your favourite drives.

1. Grand Canyon, Arizona.

Grand CanyonEverybody knows the big daddy of them all right? The Grand Canyon, found in the state of Arizona. Nearly 6 million people travel to see what is one of the most remarkable natural wonders in the world.

The Grand Canyon is 1 mile deep, 277 river miles long and up to 18 miles wide.

90% of visitors see the Grand Canyon from the ‘South Rim’. Just over 4 hours drive from Las Vegas the South Rim offers National Park Lodges at the Grand Canyon Village, some on the edge of the Grand Canyon. You can drive Desert View Drive for pullouts and viewpoints or use the shuttle bus from the village. Hiking options and helicopter flights are also available from here. The South Rim is open year round.

The other 10% of visitors travel to the ‘North Rim’. Only 10 miles away from the South Rim as the Condor flies… Worth mentioning the Grand Canyon is home to a small population of America’s largest bird the California Condor. You will know if you see one, they have a wingspan of 9.5 feet!

Whilst only 10 miles for the Condor, the North Rim is a 220 mile drive from the South Rim. If you want to travel to the North Rim you will need to go between mid-May and mid-October when it is open and travel from Las Vegas is 264 miles. This can easily be worked into an itinerary that includes the fabulous parks of Zion and Bruce in southern Utah.

Click here to see holiday suggestions for the Grand Canyon, Bryce, Zion and Yellowstone.

2. Grand Canyon Of The Yellowstone, Wyoming.

Located in Yellowstone National Park, America’s oldest National Park, Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone is about 20 miles long, begins at the Upper Falls and is measured to the spectacular 308ft Lower Falls shown in our picture.

The Lower Falls areas is very accessible with numerous view points, some requiring virtually no walking at all. If fit and able the safe but steep trail to the top of the falls is very rewarding. It is about 3/4 of a mile round trip but nothing beats standing atop these brutally powerful yet stunningly beautiful falls.

Yellowstone National Park, located in in the North West of Wyoming is best accessed as part of a coach or driving tour from either Denver or Salt Lake City. It combines some superb rocky mountain scenery with one of Americas foremost wildlife preserves. It also has one of the highest concentrations of geysers and hot springs anywhere on earth. Known simply as ‘Wonderland’ in the early days this is one of our favourite places in North America.

Click here to view a selection of Canyons, Rockies & Yellowstone Holidays

3. Grand Canyon Of The Tuolumne, California.

Not many of you will have heard of this one.. but many will have heard of Yosemite National Park where it can be found.

That said to experience this hidden gem you will need to take your best hiking boots with you and book a 3-4 day backpacking trip. The trail follows the Toulumne River past picturesque waterfalls, cascading rapids and towering granite cliffs as you escape the crowds and delve deeper in to the ‘Grand Canyon’ of Yosemite National Park.

Yosemite National Park is approximately 1200 square miles of stunning mountainous scenery, it includes high granite cliffs like El Capitan and Half Dome , waterfalls and valleys with an abundance of wildlife and giant sequoia trees.

Access to the park for most is along the valley floor but traffic can be heavy so we recommend using the free shuttles.

Click here for California and the West holidays some of which include travel to Yosemite National Park.

Tell us about some of your Canyon experiences below.

Mr & Mrs Jackson enjoyed a package specifically tailored for them including Niagara Falls before flying on to Western Canada & the Canadian Rockies.

David spent time understanding what they really wanted to see during their time in Canada and worked within their budget to custom fit the holiday to their exact requirements.

We received a kind message from Mrs Jackson on their return recently.

“I would just like to email you and say thank you so much for helping us book our holiday. It was absolutely amazing! We will definitely be using you again in the future.
Thank you so much!”

Click here for a selection of holidays we  have created for Canada

 

Our top 7 ‘Extreme’ places, feel free to add yours.

Hottest Town: Lake Havasu City, AZ
Death Valley may be the answer most would give with temperatures reaching a mind boggling 130 degrees Fahrenheit, but Lake Havasu City in Arizona is the winner being a place where people actually live. More than 50,000 residents have found a way to survive summer temperatures that regularly top 100 degrees Farenheit and can reach 130 from time to time. Why do people live here I hear you ask, well for the same reasons that attract thousands of visitors. 45 miles of lakefront for boating, fishing and hiking amid volcanic rock, sparkling geodes, and other desert formations. Lake Havasu also has two less obvious attractions: It is home to a collection of 1/3 scale miniature lighthouses that are scattered along the lakeshore and the original London Bridge. Purchased in 1968 from the City of London for more than $2 million, it was taken down transported more than 5,000 miles, and reassembled in Arizona. The bridge is now the second-most-popular tourist site in the state, after the Grand Canyon. The California & the Grand Canyon fly drive holidays includes a stop at Lake Havasu City.

Coldest City: Fairbanks, AK
This place is seriously cold.. The average temperature in winter drops to -5 degrees Fahrenheit or -20.6 degrees centigrade, that is the average..  A balmy summer sees the temperature rise to just 40 degrees Fahrenheit or 5 degrees centigrade. But like Lake Havasu, visitors flock to Fairbanks, besides the city’s warm and welcoming residents, there is a rich gold rush history. Visits to the Pioneer Museum, with its dioramas and murals are a must while in Fairbanks, but most visitors are here to see the Aurora Borealis. Also known as the Northern Lights, the aurora produces the appearance of crackling skies filled with bright blue, green, and red patterns for more than 200 nights over the course of the year. August through April is primetime for aurora-viewing, and if you spend three nights in Fairbanks you have about an 80 percent chance of a clear night. Ask your hotel if it offers middle-of-the-night wake-up calls to rouse you in time to see a display. Click to browse Alaska Holidays.

Highest point: Mount McKinley, Denali National Park, AK
Staying in Alaska’s Denali National Park is a quite incredible destination despite being home to the tallest peak in North America, Mount McKinley, standing at an impressive 20,320 feet. The park comprises 6 million acres navigated via a 92 mile long Park Road, with jaw-dropping views of the stunning Alaska Range. There are several excellent visitor centres to offer advice and guidance. They can also educate you on the history, flora, fauna, wildlife and geography of the park. Take on their ‘Big Five’ challenge, to spot moose, caribou, dall sheep, wolves, and grizzly bears. In truth you will be lucky to spot all five but they are there and are frequently seen. Mid-May to mid-September is the time to visit and a good tip is to book on to one of the ranger talks or other interactive education programs from one the visitor centre. Click for a choice of holidays to Alaska that include a visit to Denali National Park.

Lowest place: Death Valley, CA and NV
Death Valley, one of the most desolate yet beautiful places you will probably ever visit. The Badwater Basin is 282 feet below sea level as well as being the hottest and the driest place in the USA. This stretch of the Mojave and Colorado Deserts in California and Nevada records temperatures above 100 degrees for five months of the year (The record being 134 degrees, in 1913) But such is the contrast, unexpected deluges can bring fields of wildflowers, and in winter snow dusts the higher peaks of the surrounding valley. A drive through Death Valley is an ideal way to link northern California visits to places like Yosemite National Park with Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon. See the Flat Sand Dunes and stay the Furnace Creek ranch on the California & the Grand Canyon fly drive holiday.

Biggest city: New York City
It is Los Angeles I hear you shout, nope, New York has been the most populous city in the U.S. since the first census was taken in 1790. In the 15 years following the full opening of the Erie canal in 1825 that linked New York to the Great Lakes, numbers tripled. Linking the Hudson River to Lake Erie, the canal saw the dawn of new era in trade that propelled the city to the economic pre-eminence it enjoys to this day. As a visitor destination New York needs no introduction. The prosperous development of the city has brought about unparalleled art collections, arguably the best theatre in the world, music, and a choice of dining crowned with over 70 Michelin star restaurants. A great way to see New York is as part of a tour north that includes Boston and New England. Explore New York and New England holidays here.

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Smallest town: Buford, WY
I bet not many of you got this one! And while we mention ‘One’ that is the sum total of the town’s population. Don Simmons, has become a bit of a celebrity these days and whilst his Buford Trading Post and gas station has now closed, this is surely one of the best selfie spots when visiting Wyoming. It is right on Interstate 80 between Cheyenne and Laramie so you can easily stop by if travelling on the Real American Rockies fly drive holiday.

Biggest river: Mississippi River
We could not put this article together without mentioning the mighty river that flows for 2,320 miles from Lake Itasca, in Minnesota, to the Gulf of Mexico. It passes through or borders 10 states and draws water from 31 other states between the Rocky Mountains and the Appalachian Range. The significance of the river historically cannot be underestimated from the first native Americans that settled along it’s banks thousands of years ago to the birthplace of Blues music in Clarksdale that was the seed for most modern music. On a Deep South USA fly drive holidays you can follow the path of the Mississippi from Memphis to New Orleans and experience the rich music history that grew up around the river. A finish in New Orleans means you can enjoy authentic jazz at Preservation Hall, a ride on one of the city’s historic streetcars and sample the unique cuisine and party scene in the French Quarter. Click here to find our more about the Deep South USA fly drive holiday.

 

The team here at Complete North America have been on quite a few wonderful road trips across the USA and Canada, including Route 66, the Deep South and the Ultimate Canadian Rockies tour, but everyone has a favourite 2 week holiday to California and the West.

Duncan enjoyed California and the Grand Canyon for the amazing contrasts. From vibrant cities like San Francisco to the rugged California coastline around Monterey. From the dramatic desert scenery of Death Valley to one of the most remarkable natural wonders of the world, the Grand Canyon.

Laura likes the the sunshine and relaxation of the California Sunshine Coast. Frequently featured as one of the sunniest locations in the world, it’s easy to combine a visit to San Francisco, now one of the top culinary destinations in the world, with a road trip along one of the most scenic coastal drives you could ever wish to travel – the Pacific Coast Highway.  Gasp at the mountains, towering trees, expansive beaches and endless sky. You can also delve in to all the character California has to offer, pioneer outposts, surfing villages, farm-fresh foods, local wine, Hollywood glitz and bohemia as you visit the likes of Carmel, Monterey, Santa Barbara, Los Angeles and San Diego, 

Roger likes to get away from the crowds so a walk through beautiful mountain scenery before some time on the coast means that California & Yosemite National Park is the perfect 2 week holiday for him. Less than 200 miles from San Francisco, Yosemite National Park is an area of awe-inspiring natural beauty, filled with sheer-sided granite cliffs, waterfalls, freshwater lakes and ancient sequoia trees, it’s not hard to see why Roger keeps going back to this part of California.

But our featured itinerary is that favoured by David and Kerry which has a little bit of all the above. The beauty of this one is you can choose where you end up with 3 options – Los Angeles, San Diego or Phoenix!

So on to our recommendations for a perfect two week road trip in California…

Days 1-3 – Start with three nights in the beautiful ‘City by the Bay’ – San Francisco

You won’t be short of things to do in here! San Francisco is one of our favourite cities in the whole of North America and we’d recommend you spend at least 3 nights in the city if this is your first visit.

Our first suggestion would be to take a city tour to get your bearings. After you’ve become acquainted with San Francisco, check out Muir Woods – a forest of giant California redwood trees, or explore Union Square’s department stores, small boutiques and art galleries.

Muir Woods National Monument, California

Muir Woods National Monument

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our must-do experience in San Francisco is visiting the infamous former prison island Alcatraz. Once home to some of America’s most notorious criminals, the federal penitentiary was open from 1934 to 1963 and housed infamous inmates such as Al “Scarface” Capone, “Machine Gun Kelly” and the “Birdman”.

Tip: if you visit Alcatraz during your stay in San Francisco make sure to book tickets well in advance – particularly during the peak summer months.

If you’re a budding foodie, San Francisco will not disappoint. With over 3,000 restaurants you can take your pick of cuisine, from authentic Chinese banquets in Chinatown (the largest Asian settlement outside of mainland China), incredibly tasty Korean barbecue to Italian feasts in the city’s Italian ‘North Beach’ quarter.

Another option is a lively dinner cruise on San Francisco Bay. Enjoy dinner and dancing to a live band as you cruise past the city’s famous skyline at sunset.

Lights from the Golden Gate Bridge shining across the waters of San Francisco Bay.

Day 4 – To Monterey!

Leaving San Francisco, take route US-1 South which will lead you along the beautiful scenic coastal areas of the Pacific Ocean.

You’ll pass the California State Park and beach areas as you travel to Santa Cruz on the way to Monterey Bay. Check out the world-renowned Monterey Bay Aquarium in the heart of John Steinbeck’s historic Cannery Row!

Whilst in Monterey, visit the charming coastal town of Carmel. There’s a fee to drive the 17-Mile Scenic Drive route, but the ocean views and opulent lifestyle of this region is worth paying to see! The route will bring you into the heart of Carmel where you can visit high end boutiques and Carmel Beach – repeatedly voted one of the top beaches in the USA.

You can choose to stay in Carmel tonight or in Monterey.

Day 5 – Monterey to Yosemite National Park

Leaving Monterey, take a short detour along US-1 to see the Pfeiffer Canyon Bridge near to the area of Big Sur. This will be about a 70 mile very scenic round-trip drive as you will return to Carmel and Monterey and then drive across the state to Merced. Following the Merced River you climb into the majestic Sierra Nevada mountain range as you close in on Yosemite National Park. The Big Sur area is amazingly beautiful so you may want to take a short walk whilst here!

California Coast Line

California coast, viewed from the rugged stretch of the Big Sur.

Day 6 – Yosemite National Park

A full day exploring and sightseeing in the main valley of the Yosemite National Park.

The park is home to huge waterfalls, wildflowers, forests of centuries-old sequoias (including the Grizzly Giant), glacier-carved canyons and massive monoliths – it’s a must-see!

Tip: Why not treat yourself to an incredible experience by hiring a private guide for a personalised hike?

On this two hour tour, Rangers introduce some of Yosemite’s most famous sightseeing points in Yosemite Valley. You will see Yosemite Falls, Half Dome, El Capitan, Tunnel View, Bridalveil Falls and more, with Rangers describing the history, geology, plant and animal life of the region. Bring your camera along!

El Capitan in Yosemite National Park

Sun breaking over the El Capitan rock formation in Yosemite National Park.

Day 7 – Yosemite National Park to Death Valley

Drive the route of US-395 South heading towards your overnight stop in the heart of Death Valley.

Death Valley is a land of complete extremes. It is one of the hottest places on the surface of the earth with summer temperatures averaging well over 100 degrees fahrenheit, it encompasses the lowest point in the Western Hemisphere and is the driest place in North America.

The valley is a land of subtle beauties.

We recommend getting up early one morning and experiencing the morning light creeping across Zabriskie Point to strike Manly Beacon.

Other breathtaking views are watching the setting sun and lengthening shadows of the sand dunes at Stovepipe Wells and the colours of the wildflowers on the golden hills above Harmony Borax.

Death Valley is a truly unique place and a complete contrast to what you have left behind at Yosemite.

Zabriskie Point in Death Valley

Zabriskie Point in Death Valley.

Day 8 & 9 – Leaving Death Valley and onto Las Vegas

There’s so much to do and see in Las Vegas that we recommend you make a beeline for the bright lights upon leaving Death Valley to really make the most of your two nights here!

A few of our must do things to do in Las Vegas include catching the “Volcano” show at The Mirage, taking a gondola ride at the Venetian, taking a ride up to the observation deck on the Eiffel Tower at the Paris Hotel, taking the Big Shot ride atop the Stratosphere Tower, experiencing a bungee jump at Circus Circus Hotel, visiting the amazing Fremont Street experience or maybe even booking a helicopter trip to fly over the Grand Canyon!

In the evening you can choose from endless places to eat (think Le Cirque, Weera Thai or The Capital Grille) before finishing the night off at one of the world class shows that entertain nightly across the city that never sleeps.

Volcano show at The Mirage in Las Vegas

Volcano show at The Mirage in Las Vegas.

Day 10 – Las Vegas to Grand Canyon

Today will be a long but spectacular day of driving. Head South and over the Hoover Dam and stop to take the guided tour or continue on across the dam and into the state of Arizona.

Another great route (albeit slower) is to take the old Route 66 through Peaches Springs which will eventually bring you out onto the same Interstate route to Williams. This is one of the few remaining sections of the famed highway from Chicago to L.A.

From here continue North until you finally reach the awesome destination that is the Grand Canyon!

Day 11 – Grand Canyon

Take a full day to explore the South Rim of the Grand Canyon National Park.

A visit to see the El Tovar Lodge if you are not staying there is a must, but we also suggest any of the scenic stops or even taking one of the guided coach tours that will explain the history and geology of the area.

Tip: Definitely visit the Grand Canyon Rim to experience the spectacular sunrise and sunset!

Sunset at Cape Royal Point, Grand Canyon National Park North Rim.

Day 12 – Grand Canyon to Lake Havasu City

Today you leave the Grand Canyon and on to ‘Arizona’s Playground’ – Lake Havasu City – the off-roading, ultralight-flying, speed boating, rock climbing capitol of the Southwest!

The lake, being the largest man-made lake in North America, sits along the Colorado river where you can also visit the London Bridge which was transported out to Lake Havasu from London in 1968 after being bought at auction by the founder of Lake Havasu City.

Sadly you’re almost at the end of your awesome California road trip, but don’t worry –  there’s a few different endings that you can choose from!

Perhaps you’ll head towards Los Angeles to do some last-minute shopping, visit Knotts Berry Farm, Disney  World, Universal Studios or maybe just relax and soak up the last few rays in the California sunshine.

Or you could visit one of the United States’ top tourist destinations, San Diego – a year-round paradise.

Relax on one of the fabulous beaches, hop on a tour bus and see the whole city, visit Old Town, Balboa Park, Seaport Village or the Gaslamp Quarter. the San Diego Zoo is a must-see in Southern California. Spend the day monkeying around as you visit amazing habitats for animals such as gorillas, tigers, sun bears, flamingos, mandrills, polar bears, birds of paradise, giant tortoises, leopards and more.

San Diego beach and pier at sunset

View of the pier at sunset on Pacific Beach, San Diego.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our final suggested end to your perfect two weeks in California is a relaxed visit to Scottsdale Resort, Phoenix.

Here you can pamper yourself – maybe take a dip in one of its myriad of pools or indulge in a treatment at the tranquil spa facility.

For those looking to venture out – shopping, jeep tours, balloon trips and fine dining await!

The trip we’ve described above can be viewed in more detail here – Perfect 2 week California & West Trip
A really popular trip with C.N.A. travellers but like all our itineraries they can be changed to suit you. Just get in touch and we can design your perfect holiday. 
View all California holidays 
The eclectic mix of nationalities that have lived in the Deep South (the states of Georgia, Alabama, South Carolina, Mississippi, and Louisiana) have led to a fascinating melting pot of culture, cuisine and a relaxed way of life.
Add in the unique musical heritage, authentic Southern cuisine and the famous southern hospitality, and you have all the makings of a once-in-a-lifetime holiday.

Atlanta

The ‘Big Peach’ is the birthplace of the American Civil Rights Movement and the best place to learn about the events that have shaped modern America.

Famous singer-songwriters such as Jimi Hendrix, Bobby Brown and Elton John have all called this sophisticated and contemporary city home, and sightseeing highlights include the Carter Presidential Centre, the World of Coca Cola Pavilion and the CNN Centre, home of the largest TV network where you can experience a behind the scenes tour that will give you insider knowledge into the production complexities of producing a great show.

Underground Atlanta sizzles at night. We recommend a visit to Blind Willies for the best in blues, booze and Cajun food – including gumbo, jambalaya and Kentucky’s finest whiskey. You’ll also find some of the best live music in town.

New Orleans

The birthplace of Jazz and home to the culture and religion of Voodoo! Here you can explore the French Quarter (the architecture is like strolling into old world Europe), stroll along famous Bourbon Street and spend an afternoon getting lost along the other narrow streets of this historic district. Visit the unique antique shops, numerous jazz clubs, and experience Cajun and Creole cooking at its best!

Royal Street, New Orleans

Royal Street, New Orleans during Mardi Gras.

Make sure you allow time to explore the historic buildings of Jackson Square, including the magnificent St. Louis Cathedral. We also recommend taking some time to browse the many shops, restaurants, cafés, galleries and museums around this area whilst surrounded by local sketch artists, fortune tellers and street performers.

If you get hungry, stop off at Central Grocery and Deli for a famous Muffaletta. This delicious Italian sandwich was born and bred in New Orleans deli. If sweet treats are your thing, enjoy strong chicory coffee and beignets outside the famous Café du Monde on Decatur Street.

Café au lait and beignets at Café du Monde in New Orleans

Café au lait and beignets at Café du Monde in New Orleans

For those wanting to experience the darker side of the city, there’s also St. Louis Cemetery, the Voodoo Museum and the Museum of Death to enjoy!


Experience 2 nights in New Orleans

Savannah

Continuing the spooky theme, Savannah, Georgia is often reported to be one of the most haunted places in America, alongside New Orleans and Salem. This is definitely a great place to experience eerie presences and local ‘haints’ on your Deep South road trip. Even the visitor centre is built on top of a yellow fever grave site – eek!

You might guess that ghost tours are a popular activity here, but there’s also beautiful antebellum architecture and authentic, world-famous Southern cuisine to enjoy. Visit the Olde Pink House to enjoy sumptuous seafood platters, bone-in cowboy rib-eye and incredible mac and cheese.

The nightlife in Savannah is plentiful and diverse. From live jazz to alternative bands, you can always find your groove here. Visitors enjoy piano bars, Broadway-style musicals and even karaoke.


Enjoy 5 nights in Savannah, St. Mary’s and Jekyll Island in between experiencing the rich musical themes of Atlanta

Memphis

It’s time to start belting out ‘Walking in Memphis‘ as loud as you can. There is so much to do and see in Memphis, including Graceland, home of Elvis Presley, Beale Street where you’ll find blues clubs and restaurants aplenty, and of course a plethora of music establishments like Sun Studio and Stax Museum of American Soul Music. Memphis is the best place to visit to be immersed in some of the most enduring musical movements in American history.

One stop off you must make is Graceland. Hailed as the most famous rock ‘n’ roll residence in the world, this is the late Elvis Presley’s estate and mansion. The museum here takes visitors on an unforgettable journey through the rock ‘n’ roll legend’s home and gives an insider’s guide into the music, culture and personal side of Elvis.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BsfVxSandlc/

If you’re a foodie, take some time to get stuck into local favourites like soul burgers, slow-smoked meats, biscuits and gravy and Prozac cupcakes: a moist chocolate cupcake topped with decadent chocolate icing made by Muddy’s Bake Shop.

For a weird and wonderful hotel experience, look no further than a stay at the five-star Peabody Hotel. At 11am each morning you can witness the hilarious march of the ducks. The hotel’s resident ducks come down from their rooftop penthouse and waddle along a red carpet to a fountain in the centre of the lobby, where they remain until 5pm each day before they return to their penthouse suite. This bizarre spectacle has been happening since 1940!


Experience the Peabody Hotel on our Deep South USA fly drive


Nashville

Home to the Country Music Hall of Fame, Grand Ole Opry and the Johnny Cash Museum, Nashville is the unrivalled capital of country music and one of the friendliest cities in the USA

The city is bursting with honky-tonk bars, where local musicians play for tips, hoping to finally get their big break. Legendary venues like Bluebird Café and Tootsies are great places to experience live music and enjoy a beer or two.


Explore Nashville on our Deep South and Tennessee fly drive

Cajun country

Cajun country is classed as the French Lousiana region stretches from west of New Orleans to the Texas border along the Gulf of Mexico and is also known as Acadiana (good luck finding that on any map though!). Major cities include Acadia, Lake Charles and Lafayette.

When people think of Cajun country several things spring to mind: miles of haunting bayous, alligators, swamps and of course lots of really, really good food – think po’boys, gumbo, boudin, shrimp and sugar cane.

Zydeco music is a part of daily life here. You’ll find signs for a fais do-do (Cajun dance party) everywhere and there’s always a party to attend. With 400 festivals and events throughout the year the people of this region definitely know how to let the good times roll (or as locals would say “laissez les bons temps rouler“). If you’re excited for Mardi Gras in New Orleans, definitely also consider the music events in Cajun country.

For nature lovers, the moss-draped cypress trees and vast wetlands of this region are home to a number of species of water birds, wildlife and native plants. If you’re looking for excitement, you can even rent a canoe in this area for the chance to spot a ‘gator.

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Another friendly gator #louisiana #louisianabayou #alligator #bayou

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See the heart of the Louisiana wilderness and the Creole Nature Trail


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