USA: LA to Dallas

Welcome to LA, home to celeb-swamped suburbs, blistering beaches, open-air gyms and of course, all things Hollywood. We’ll start our West Coast adventure with a visit to Beverly Hills, plus Venice Beach and a wander around Santa Monica. Does it get more star-studded than this? We think not.

Today is yours to explore. You can opt to visit Disneyland, see what’s popping at the LA Live entertainment venue, or do some shopping at the garment district. And let's not forget the epic Grammy Museum that showcases some of the best musical artists in the world. No wonder LA is the entertainment centre of the world.

We'll kick things off today in the famed City of Angels, where we'll set off through the Mojave Desert, marveling at the majestic Joshua Trees, before reaching the one and only Las Vegas. On arrival we'll cruise the iconic strip & check out the Vegas sign. Tonight, choose to hang out around Fremont Street or opt for a VIP nightclub experience for the kind of glitzy night out that only Vegas can provide.

You're in Vegas, baby! And the city's weird & wonderful charm isn't going to uncover itself. This morning, you can choose to head out in the Mojave Desert on an ATV! And in the evening, experience the grandeur of the city's opulent casinos as we stroll down the strip and dance the night away. It's the perfect way to bond with your Contiki family, Vegas style.

Today we'll leave the glittering lights of Vegas behind for something even more jaw-dropping. Cruising the historic route 66, we'll stop for some photo ops before reaching the Grand Canyon National Park (entrance included, naturally). We've arrived at another one of our jaw-dropping highlights of this trip... The Grand Canyon! We'll drop our bags off at the hotel and get a good night's sleep. Better be well-rested to welcome the awe-inspiring adventure that awaits us!

Today we’ll have a free day to spend in the Grand Canyon National Park (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). We’ll hike (and possibly bike) through the exposed rock, feel our spines tingle on a unique helicopter ride(!), and then gather in the evening to watch one of the world’s most mesmerising sunsets.

With the beauty of the Grand Canyon imprinted on our brains forever, we'll journey past some Wild Western landscapes towards... This monumental place has an iconic cluster of sandstone buttes, and we'll get a chance to visit the Monument Valley Tribal park as we wind our way through the Rocky Mountains We've arrived in our home for the evening, Colorado's adventure capital: Durango

The great outdoors is a way of life in Durango with adrenaline pumping river rafting on offer to you and your fellow thrill seekers. This afternoon it’s a total change of scenery when we enter New Mexico, where sun-baked earthen brick buildings stand out against the bright blue sky. Boasting influences from Mexico, Spain, and Native American cultures, historic Santa Fe is a true melting pot of culture. Take a walk around town to see interesting styles of architecture, shop for beautiful turquoise jewellery in the market and sample all of the different types of regional food on offer.

Rise and shine! Does anyone know the way to Amarillo? We're headed to this larger than life city this morning. In true Americana Style, we'll visit Cadillac Ranch – a unique art exhibit celebrating the golden age of Cadillacs. Tonight, you can try the ‘Big Texan Steak Challenge’ for a true ‘Man vs Food’ moment. Eternal glory awaits anyone who can finish this Texas-sized meal in one hour or less.

We'll say farewell to Amarillo and sweet Marie today as we head towards a Texan icon. Here in the land of leather boots & Cadillacs, you'll soon learn that ‘bigger is better' is a way of life. An overnight stay in the cowboy town of Fort Worth (right on the outskirts of Dallas) will give you the full Texan experience.

Today we'll dive deep into the Texan way of life. We'll see a cattle drive, visit the Dealey Plaza and have the option to see the 6th floor museum.

It's time to say our farewells and wrap up this epic adventure. Want to keep going? Then check out our Grand Southern!