USA: LA to Miami

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.

Swinging past Little Rock High School, a historic site of the Civil Rights movement, then we'll head to a place with a big rock 'n roll heritage. We'll get a city orientation of musical Memphis this afternoon, with a whole day of sightseeing awaiting us tomorrow.

Today's the day to get into the history of music your way. We'll start with a visit to Sun Studios where Elvis recorded his very first song. Want more? Why not check out Graceland, the home of the King, or the Rock and Soul Museum.

We'll say farewell to Memphis today as we head to somewhere with a meaty musical heritage of its own. After some free time to explore this hearteningly soulful city, we’ll turn up the volume and hit Bourbon Street to sample the live music and lively bar culture. This evening, venture out for a New Orleans dinner, to taste all the melting pot of flavours this fascinating place has to offer.

Now that you know New Orleans like one of the locals, it's your day to do your own thing. Stroll down Frenchmen Street for the sounds of jazz and funk, head to the vast grassy oasis of the city park or check out the New Orleans museum of art for an extensive collection of gorgeous French masterpieces. Our recommendation? Head to the French Quarter for some classic gumbo, or experience your own Airboat adventure.

Leaving New Orleans won't be easy, but knowing we're bound for one of the “world's most beautiful beaches” helps. There's only one way to test the rumours, so we'll take a dip in the crystal clear waters and kick back on the pure white sands of Panama City Beach.

Tear yourself away from the beach, there are exciting times ahead! We arrive in Orlando today with a trip to Universal Studios on the cards. We hope you budgeted for butterbeer.

Today is your opportunity to visit the epic Universal Studios, where you can visit Diagon Alley, splash around in the vast water park or visit the islands of adventure. There's something for everyone in this dizzying spectacle of rides, film and entertainment.

We'll venture south to glamorous Miami today. A little mouthwatering Cuban cuisine will get us in the mood with a delicious regional group dinner, setting the scene for two full days of art deco & celeb-spotting in this tropical paradise.  For anyone looking for an adrenaline rush, the option is there for a Thriller Speedboat across the bay.

It's time for some magical Miami sightseeing today. We'll head downtown and of course to South Beach. Foodies have the chance to jump on a food walking tour of Little Havana. Other options up for grabs are a bike ride down the beach or a party in the city where the heat is on.

Time to say goodbye to your crew. It's been a blast, but all good things must come to an end. With our sun-kissed skin and eyes on the next horizon, it's time to plan our next Contiki. Peru, anyone?