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.
Downtown Houston
San Diego Mission
San Diego
San Xavier del Bac Mission, Tucson
River Walk, San Antonio
The Alamo
Moody Mansion Museum, Galveston
Galveston
Previous
Next
Your Itinerary
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.
Your Holiday Map
Southern Cross Country
-
Downtown Houston
-
San Diego Mission
-
San Diego
-
San Xavier del Bac Mission, Tucson
-
River Walk, San Antonio
-
The Alamo
-
Moody Mansion Museum, Galveston
-
Galveston
Previous
Next
Optional Excursions
To help you plan and make the most of your holiday, below is a list of optional excursions available to you.
Universal Studios Hollywood - One day admission - client ID #1074
No visit to the West Coast would be complete without seeing the world's largest motion picture and television studio. There's a chance to see live shows currently aired on TV, a screen test, comedy theater, and a daring stunt show.
$77 (US Dollar)
Movie Stars Homes From Chinese Theater
Movie Stars' Homes Tour in Los Angeles, provides an exclusive comprehensive narrated tour of breath-taking stars' homes in Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Bel-Air and Los Angeles as well as introducing you to Hollywood's iconic Sign and mile-long Walk of Fame, West Hollywood's glittering Sunset Strip and Beverly Hills's glamorous Rodeo Drive! Our professionally trained tour guides will take you in our air-conditioned or open-air mini-buses (featured in "The Osbournes" and "Speed") to see LA's most exclusive residential neighborhoods. During your two hour tour, your informative fun guide will take you to see over 40 breathtaking mansions. Celebrities are constantly moving in and out of the neighborhood, so bring your camera... you never know who you might see! (2 hours)
$47 (US Dollar)
Dinner at Pinnacle Peak
Pinnacle Peak steakhouse, a division of Agro Land & Cattle Co., Inc., is one of the oldest and perhaps the most popular restaurant in the State of Arizona. The history of Pinnacle Peak and Trail Dust Town go hand-in-hand.
$38 (US Dollar)
Evening Dinner in San Antonio
Enjoy Texas style dining on the Riverwalk in San Antonio at The Republic of Texas Restaurant and Nightclub.
$41 (US Dollar)
Cajun Sensation & Dancing
Come and enjoy local Cajun cuisine and foot-stomping music at a popular restaurant where the natives dance the night away. A great opportunity to sample the famous seafood from the Louisiana bayous and learn to dance to the Cajun music from an entertaining local couple!
$38 (US Dollar)
Dinner & Jazz Cruise On 'Natchez' Paddlewheeler
Experience traditional New Orleans ragtime aboard an authentic riverboat while she cruises the mighty Mississippi. You'll enjoy a Creole buffet followed by the opportunity to go outside and view the sparkling skyline of one of America's busiest ports.
$68 (US Dollar)
Jean Lafitte Airboat Swamp Tour with R/T Transportation
Experience real-life adventure Cajun style... on a Swamp Air Boat through the meandering bayous and areas fostering the legends and lore of Louisiana's still untamed wilderness. Included transportation from hotel with pick up one hour prior to tour. Subject to availability.
$72 (US Dollar)
Jean Lafitte Swamp Tour with R/T Transportation
Head down to the swamp on a real life adventure - view fascinating plant life, live alligators and many other wild creatures as you glide down haunting bayous lined with moss-draped cypress trees. Tours at 10:00am, 12:00 noon, 2:00pm, and 4:00pm and last approximately one hour and 45 minutes. Includes return transportation from New Orleans.
$49 (US Dollar)
Creole Queen Jazz Dinner Cruise
When night falls, the Paddlewheeler Creole Queen rises to the occasion. Step on board and cruise into the night and enjoy the sounds of a lively jazz band and a lavish Creole buffet in elegantly appointed dining rooms. Dinner cruise is approximately 3 hours.
$66 (US Dollar)
Oak Alley Plantation Tour
Experience a bygone era in one of the South's most beautiful settings; Oak Alley Plantation, built in 1839. You'll hear fascinating and amusing stories of the home and its history, presented by your guide. Tour dates and times vary seasonally and are subject to availability.
$56 (US Dollar)
Ghosts & Spirits Walking Tour
New Orleans has been described as the most haunted city in America. Walk through these mysterious streets where you will hear about the "ghosts" behind some of the houses and the "spirits" still frequenting the taverns. Tours operate daily but times change seasonally.
$23 (US Dollar)
Garden District Walking Tour
Enjoy a walk through New Orleans elegant Garden District, once part of the plantation owned by Bienville, the founder of New Orleans. This historic district is known for its marvelous examples of Greek Revival and Italianate architecture. The homes of former Kings and Queens of Mardi Gras are located here, as well as the home of the premier family of football - the Mannings - where Archie lives and Peyton and Eli grew up. Includes climate controlled transportation to and from Garden District, narrated tour, and refreshment.
$26 (US Dollar)
French Quarter Walking Tour
Follow in the footsteps of historic figures as you stroll along the Mighty Mississippi, through the French Market and Jackson Square, and down the banquettes (sidewalks) of quaint streets named for saints and sinners from our European past. See the old Quarter come to life as your guide explains its secrets and helps you understand all it has to offer - architecture, courtyards, gardens, food, music, and art. Tour is offered at 10:00am daily.
$23 (US Dollar)
Court Of Two Sisters Jazz Brunch
Experience a leisurely jazz brunch at The Court of Two Sisters Restaurant. This restaurant is not only known for its sumptuous food but also for its rich history. The location has long played a significant role in the history of the French Quarter and old New Orleans. You'll be entertained by the Jambalaya Jams trio, while enjoying a selection of over eighty items prepared fresh daily.
$36 (US Dollar)
Hurricane Katrina Tour
An eyewitness account of the events surrounding the most devastating natural disaster on American soil. After this tour, you'll have a better understanding of events pre and post Katrina and the "Rebirth of New Orleans." $3.00 will be donated to a non-profit organization (one of five that you choose) directly affected by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Tour operates daily 1:00pm and duration is approximately 3 hours.
$39 (US Dollar)
Laura Plantation
Enjoy a panoramic view of Lake Pontchartrain while crossing the Bonnet Carre Spillway ( the flood outlet of the Mississippi River ) as you travel back in time to Laura Plantaiton, an operating sugar farm built in 1805 on the great River Road. The tour, which has been called "the best history tour in the U.S.", is based upon 5,000 pages of documents found in the French National Archives and upon Laura's Memories of the Old Plantation Home, in which she details 250 years of true-life stories of the Creole women, slaves and children who lived and worked here. Available Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursdays at 12:00pm, and 4.5 Hours in length. Subject to availability.
$56 (US Dollar)
Cemetery & Gris-Gris Walking Tour
With your knowledgeable Local Guide, you'll walk through St. Louis Cemetery #1, the site of the classic movie "Easy Rider," as your professional licensed guide recounts the background of the famous and infamous people who are buried there. Make a wish or cast a spell at the tomb of Marie Laveau, the Voodoo Queen of New Orleans, and discover how she was able to be in two places at once. Listen to the evolution of Voodoo-which is still practiced today-and learn how it became such a factor in the Crescent City. Learn about our unique above ground burial customs and the tombs of various "societies." Find out what "Gris-Gris" means and discover the mysterious ingredients in your souvenir "Gris-Gris" bag.
$26 (US Dollar)
Dinner at Jekyll Ilsand Club
On this unhurried, undeveloped, unspoiled barrier island off Georgia's historic southeastern coast awaits a world of compelling contrasts and perfect balances - the Jekyll Island Club Hotel. Rich history with elegant surroundings and simple pleasures. Dining is a notable pleasure at the Jekyll Island Club Hotel, so enjoy this evenings optional dinner experience. ( NOTE: Dinner will be served in a private room as on most nights the Grand Dining room may not be available. )
$48 (US Dollar)
Savannah Theatre Shows
The two-hour musicals at the Savannah Theatre will have you smiling, laughing, singing along and tapping your toes. The Theatre will present "The Beat Goes On", "Southern Nights", "Jukebox Journey" , and "Savannh Live" over the course of the season. (Exception is December performance will be "A Christmas Tradition")
$36 (US Dollar)
Dine Southern Style at Mary Mac's Tea Room
Mary Mac's Tea Room opened in 1945, today it is the last of sixteen tea rooms that once dotted intown Atlanta in the 1940s. Still operating 65 years later because of made-from-scratch true southern fare served with genuine southern hospitality. From the time you come in the door you're welcomed with open arms and a big smile.
$36 (US Dollar)
Please note that optional excursions and prices are subject to change.
Southern Cross Country 21 nights
Availability and our best prices for all dates
Select the number in your party and accommodation options. Then select your holiday from the calendar.
Southern Cross Country 21 nights
Availability and our best prices for all dates
Select the number in your party and accommodation options. Then select your holiday from the grid.
Southern Cross Country
Price from £2519.00
What's Included
- Flights UK - Los Angeles; Atlanta - UK
- Accommodation on tour in a twin room with private facilities
- Services of a tour director on tour and local representative at other times
- Porterage at hotels during tour (for one suitcase per person)
- Transfers between overseas airport and hotels
- All local and airport taxes/service charges
- Single share option no supplement to pay
Holiday Highlights
- Los Angeles City sightseeing
- Tuscon Arizona Desert Museum, San Xavier del Bac Museum
- Tombstone
- Carlsbad Caverns
- Galveston
- Houston Space Centre
- Lafayette Atchafalaya swamp tour
- New Orleans City Sightseeing
Departures from
- Birmingham
- Edinburgh
- Glasgow
- London Heathrow
- Manchester
Departures between
31 May 2012 to 04 Oct 2012
NO HIDDEN EXTRAS: All prices shown include ALL compulsory charges (Fuel Supplement, Air Passenger Duty & Flight Supplement where applicable). Book with confidence: We are members of ABTA and all our air-inclusive holidays are financially protected by the Civil Aviation Authority under the ATOL scheme
© Copyright 2012. All rights reserved. All holidays and offers are subject to availability.