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Southern Cross Country

Span the breadth of the USA as you travel from the Pacific Ocean to the East coast experiencing some of the best culture, unique scenery, history and cuisine that the southern states have to offer.

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Itinerary
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Downtown Houston
San Diego Mission
San Diego
San Xavier del Bac Mission, Tucson
River Walk, San Antonio
The Alamo
Moody Mansion Museum, Galveston
Galveston

DAY 1: UK - Los Angeles.

Fly to Los Angeles where you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel for two nights.

DAY 2: Los Angeles.

Your day starts with a tour of the 'City of Angels', taking in Hollywood and a visit to Mann's Chinese Theatre with its 'footprints of the stars'. The afternoon is free.

DAY 3: Los Angeles - San Juan Capistrano - San Diego.

Head down the coast to the Mission San Juan Capistrano. Hear the bells of this 200-year religious haven and learn about the swallows that nest there, before continuing to San Diego 'The Birthplace of California' for an orientation tour and a visit to its famous zoo.

DAY 4: San Diego - Yuma - Tucson.

This morning cross the Sonoran desert to visit the eerie Yuma Territorial Prison, a notorious desert penitentiary. You may recognise its main gate, featured in many western films. Afterwards, drive to Tucson.

DAY 5: Tucson.

Your sightseeing begins at the Arizona-Sonoran Desert Museum, which showcases the diversity of local wildlife and plants. Next, travel to Arizona's famous 200 year old San Xavier del Bac Mission, known as the 'White Dove of the Desert'.

DAY 6: Tucson - Tombstone - Las Cruces.

Re-live the days of cowboys and sheriffs at Tombstone, the town that saw the 1881 gunfight at the OK Corral. Stroll the dusty streets, visit a swing-door saloon or ride a stagecoach. Next continue to Las Cruces, a major agricultural centre on the Rio Grande.

DAY 7: Las Cruces - White Sands National Monument - Carlsbad.

Today you see the huge, wave-like dunes of the Chihuahuan Desert's White Sands National Monument. The glistening white sands of New Mexico have engulfed 275 square miles of desert creating the world's largest gypsum dunefield. Overnight in the town on Carlsbad.

DAY 8: Carlsbad - Carlsbad Caverns - Fredericksburg.

This morning visit Carlsbad Caverns and admire the spectacular stalactite and stalagmite-filled chambers. Afterwards, drive into Texas stopping at Fort Stockton and the pretty town of Ozona along the way. Your overnight is in Fredericksburg in Texas Hill Country.

DAY 9: Fredericksburg - San Antonio.

This morning visit the Lyndon B Johnson National Historical Park, which charts the life and times of the 36th US president. Next, travel to charming San Antonio, home to the Hispanic River Walk and the Spanish Catholic mission of The Alamo. Enjoy an orientation tour of this Texan city, with free time to explore sights such as the Historic Arts Village or the 33,000 square feet Buckhorn Saloon and Museum.

DAY 10: San Antonio - Houston - Galveston.

Today visit Texas' best-known landmark - The Alamo - where, in 1836, Mexican troops laid siege to Texan soldiers for 13 days. Afterwards, travel to Houston, America's fourth largest city, where on an orientation tour you will learn about its sights and attractions. Continue to Galveston Island on the Gulf of Mexico coast.

DAY 11: Galveston.

The day is yours to explore or relax in this seaside city, with its sandy beaches, boardwalks and elegant Victorian architecture.

DAY 12: Galveston - Houston Space Centre - Lafayette.

Today visit the Lyndon B Johnson Space Centre, home of the USA Space Programme. Here you will have the opportunity to view the interactive NASA displays of its visitor centre before taking a tram tour of the Space Centre to see its Mission Control and Hangar X. Afterwards, travel to Lafayette in Louisiana.

DAY 13: Lafayette - New Orleans.

Start the day with a swamp tour to the hauntingly beautiful Atchafalaya Basin, followed by a visit to Vermilionville, a restored Acadian village on a bayou. Next visit Avery Island. Surrounded by swamps and marshes, the island is inhabited by exotic plants and animal species, and is also home of the Tobasco brand pepper sauce. During your guided tour you will learn how the peppers are grown, harvested, turned into sauce and bottled. Visit the Tobasco country store before driving to New Orleans.

DAY 14: New Orleans.

This morning is dedicated to New Orleans. Your guided signtseeing tours the charming French Quarter, checking through sights including Jackson Square, St Louis Cathedral, a traditional above ground cemetery and the Garden District with its stately mansions. The rest of the day is yours to explore, so why not visit the National World War II Museum or the Blaine Kern's Mardi Gras World.

DAY 15: New Orleans.

A day to delve further into the city.

DAY 16: New Orleans - Biloxi - Bellingrath Gardens - Mobile.

Today follow the coastal highway to Biloxi for an orientation tour before visiting Beauvoir, the last home of Confederate president Jefferson Davis. After a shrimping trip, travel to Alabama and Mobile Bay for a tour of Bellingrath Gardens where Walter Bellingrath, converted 900 acres of subtropical jungle into a magnificent estate.

DAY 17: Mobile - Pensacola - Tallahassee.

Start your day with a scenic drive that never strays far from the blue waters of the Gulf of Mexico and its string of white sandy beaches. In Pensacola, you're in for a taste of the real South, visiting Seville Square, one of the city's three historic districts. Next explore Sandestin, an area of the panhandle which boasts a 20 mile jaunt past scenic lakes, pine forests, and old Florida towns. Next is Tallahassee, Florida's state capital.

DAY 18: Tallahassee - Jekyll Island.

A barrier island off Georgia, Jekyll Island boasts powder-white beaches and woodlands. Tour its 19th century Club Historic District, whose extravagant holiday mansions were built for some of America's wealthiest families. Your tour includes a visit to a picturesque church previously frequented by some of the worlds wealthiest people and a visit to a period restored mansion property.

DAY 19: Jekyll Island ? Savannah.

Today make your way to Savannah, America?s first planned city, with its famous buildings, memorials and parks. Your evening is free to explore the many charms of this fascinating city. Make sure to stop at the ?Pirate House? a famous restaurant that was a tavern frequented by pirates who sailed the Caribbean in 1794.

DAY 20: Savannah.

Today enjoy a guided tour and discover the history behind Georgia. The remainder of the day is yours to explore at your own pace - browse the cobbled shops on River Street or visit some of the 24 squares dotted throughout the historic district and admire the beautiful parks and mansions.

DAY 21: Savannah ? Atlanta.

Your destination today is Georgia?s capital, Atlanta, the birthplace of Martin Luther King. Take an afternoon tour of its downtown area and see landmarks including the State Capitol, Peachtree Plaza, the Olympic Village and Stadium, the Headquarters of CNN and a visit to Martin Luther King Jr Historic Site, featuring his early home and burial place.

DAY 22: Atlanta - UK.

Transfer to the airport for your flight to the UK, or extend your stay in New York, Atlanta or Orlando.

DAY 23: Home landing in the UK.

Accommodation on Tour

Los Angeles: Los Angeles Marriott; San Diego: Holiday Inn on the Bay; Tucson: Riverpark Inn; Las Cruces: Drury Inn Las Cruces; Carlsbad: Best Western Stevens Inn; Fredericksburg: Comfort Inn & Suites; San Antonio: Wyndham St. Anthony Hotel; Galveston: Comfort Suites; Lafayette: Holiday Inn; New Orleans: Holiday Inn French Quarter; Mobile: Holiday Inn Downtown Historic Mobile; Tallahassee: Quality Inn and Suites; Jekyll Island: Hampton Inn; Savannah: Inn at Ellis Square; Atlanta: Country Inn & Suites Buckhead.

Add Trans American Adventure

For the ultimate American road trip, why not combine two tours in one? On the last day of the Trans American Adventure, remain in Los Angeles and join Southern Cross Country on day 2. Please call our Specialist Sales team for more information.

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Southern Cross Country

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