New York to Miami Adventure
New York to Miami Adventure
13 Days Starting in Jersey City and ending in Miami
Visiting: New York to Washington D.C., Washington D.C, Appalachian Mountains, Nashville, Memphis, New Orleans, Destin, FL, Orlando, Miami
Tour operator:
Tour code:
SSYD
Group size:
1 - 12
Physical rating:
Low
Age range:
18-35 years
From:
$3975
$3776 (USD)
Operator discount: -$199
Tour Overview
Hit the road on a historical, scenic and musical pilgrimage from New York to Miami over 13 days. Admire the profound monuments of the USA’s capital, wind through the jaw-dropping Appalachian Mountains, hit up the live music along Honky-Tonk Highway, cruise the murky swamplands of the Mississippi and hit up buzzing Bourbon Street. Chill out in the Florida Panhandle, seek thrills in Orlando and boogie down in Miami. This carefully designed route encompasses everything from political history to musical legacies – and with less drive time and more jive time, you’re guaranteed to maximise your experiences in the essential destinations.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: New York To Washington D.C.
Location: New York to Washington D.C.
Accommodation: Camping (with facilities)
Your adventure begins near New York City (Jersey City), where you’ll meet up with your local leader and the travel buddies joining you on your journey. After a welcome meeting to find out what lies ahead, leave the Big Apple behind and begin your journey south. Your first stop is Philadelphia, Pennsylvania’s largest city. Here your leader will introduce you to Philly’s history and highlights, including the Old City, Liberty Bell, Independence Hall and the Philadelphia Museum of Art Steps, made famous by the film ‘Rocky’. Enjoy some downtime to explore the city yourself, then hit the road and continue to the country’s capital, Washington, D.C.
Included Activities:
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Day 2: Washington D.C
Location: Washington D.C
Accommodation: Camping (with facilities)
Bursting with brilliant museums, monuments and historical sites, there’s so much to uncover in Washington D.C. To familiarise yourself with this storied city, your day begins with an bicycle orientation tour with your leader. Once you’ve got your bearings, the rest of the day is free for your own discoveries. Your leader is on hand to help plan out a fantastic day here. Take your pick of the city’s almost hundred museums – spanning a huge range of subjects, there really is something for everyone here. Of course the White House, Capitol Building, Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, MLK Monument, FDR and Jefferson Memorials are all well worth a visit too. This evening, perhaps head down to the Georgetown neighbourhood along the Potomac River and grab a drink or bite to eat.
Included Activities:
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Optional Activities:
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Day 3: Appalachian Mountains
Location: Appalachian Mountains
Accommodation: Camping (with facilities)
Say goodbye to the capital and venture onwards, heading into the Blue Ridge Mountains, part of the Appalachians. Stop and stretch your legs with a guided walk at Shenandoah National Park – this is one of the highest points of the Appalachians and the views are seriously impressive. Back on the road, make sure you’ve got your camera ready as you continue your journey along Skyline Drive, a mountain highway that weaves through deep woods and serves up some super scenic views. Tonight will be spent camping in the Appalachian Mountains, so settle in for a memorable night in a spectacular spot beneath the stars.
Included Activities:
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Day 4: Nashville
Location: Nashville
Accommodation: Hotel
Head south this morning to the USA's Country Music Capital ‐ Nashville, Tennessee. Once settled, join your leader on a short orientation tour of Nashville's Downtown area, focusing on the bustling entertainment hub of Broadway, a famed strip renowned for the honky tonk bars which offer live music every day of the week. The rest of the day is at your leisure, so perhaps check out some iconic music venues like Grand Ole Opry House and the Ryman Auditorium. The Wildhorse Saloon is a great spot in the evening to experience authentic southern food and live music.
Included Activities:
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Optional Activities:
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Day 5: Nashville
Location: Nashville
Accommodation: Hotel
The day is all yours to really get to know Nashville. You may like to pay a visit to the city’s colourful murals, featuring emblems of the Nashville and positive messages – perfect backdrops for some pictures to remember your trip. Perhaps check out the Country Music Hall of Fame, home to the golden Cadillac that once belonged to Elvis. The beloved Goo Goo candy store is a must-visit for anyone with a sweet tooth. Nashville is known for its creative and innovative food scene, so be sure to ask your leader for tips on the best places to get a taste of the city.
Optional Activities:
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Day 6: Memphis
Location: Memphis
Accommodation: Camping (with facilities)
Say goodbye to the glitz and glamour of 'Nashvegas' this morning as you continue your musical pilgrimage to the birthplace of rock and roll: Memphis, Tennessee. Join your leader on a short walking tour to familiarise yourself with the city. You'll head down bustling Beale Street, where traditional blues clubs and ritzier tourist traps rub shoulders – but don't worry, your leader will give you the lowdown on which bars are worth a look. The rest of the day is free to explore. If you have time, a must‐see in Memphis is Sun Studio, the 'Birthplace of Rock', which boasts the first recordings of legendary performers like Elvis, Johnny Cash and Jerry Lee Lewis. For those with an interest in history, there's the National Civil Rights Museum (at the former Lorraine Motel) where Martin Luther King Jr was assassinated. This evening, why not head out for a famous Memphis‐style barbecue.
Included Activities:
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Day 7: New Orleans
Location: New Orleans
Accommodation: Hostel (multishare)
It’s a long drive today as you head across the state of Mississippi and prepare to get down in New Orleans AKA the ‘Big Easy’ (approximately 8 hours). Get back to nature with a stop at Honey Island and perhaps opt for a tour down one of the least-altered river swamps in the country. It's pretty much in its original condition, almost a pristine wilderness and home to a variety of critters. Residents include nutrias (river rats), snakes and wild boars – spot alligators sunbathing on the banks and absorb the incredible scenery as you cruise through the eerie marshland. Continue your drive into New Orleans – with a mix of Creole, Cajun and European culture reflected in the city’s architecture, cuisine and music there’s plenty to explore and do. On arrival, your leader will point you in the direction of all the major attractions on a short walk of the eclectic French Quarter, the historic heart of the city, famous for its cast-iron balconies and vivacious nightlife. The rest of the time is yours! Perhaps take a walk down rowdy Bourbon Street or through the former plantation area of the Garden District, or head out for a typical Cajun-style dinner.
Included Activities:
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Day 8: New Orleans
Location: New Orleans
Accommodation: Hostel (multishare)
With no activities planned today and so much to explore in New Orleans, why not dig further into the rich and varied flavours that make New Orleans a food-lover’s haven on a French Quarter Food Tour. Or, (if you’re over the ripe old age of 21) get to grips with the city’s outstanding cocktail culture and sip away on your favourite concoctions on the New Orleans Cocktail Tour.
Day 9: Destin, Fl
Location: Destin, FL
Accommodation: Camping (with facilities)
The adventure continues as you leave New Orleans and drive on to Destin, Florida. This coastal city, located in Florida’s panhandle, is known for its powdery white sand beaches and inviting turquoise waters. Spend the afternoon chilling out at Henderson Beach State Park – unroll your beach towel and get horizontal, cool off with dips in the sea or explore the sugar-like sand dunes.
Included Activities:
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Day 10: Orlando
Location: Orlando
Accommodation: Camping (with facilities)
Leave Destin behind today and head into the heart of Florida to Orlando! Most known for its world-class amusement parks, the city is worth visiting in its own right. There are loads of lovely parks and museums, plus plenty of fun places to eat or pick up a cocktail. If there's time on arrival, you may like to go out and explore the town.
Day 11: Orlando
Location: Orlando
Accommodation: Camping (with facilities)
Today is a free day to explore Orlando's famous amusement parks and attractions.
(at own expense) Most people opt for Walt Disney World or Universal Studios, but there are a host of other parks that might take your fancy. Islands of Adventure is one of the world's best theme parks and if the weather is nice, Orlando has a handful of water parks such as Wet'n Wild, Disney's Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach. Each park is a full day's worth of action, so choose wisely. If theme parks aren’t your thing, your leader will have tips on the best way to spend a day here.
Optional Activities:
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Day 12: Miami
Location: Miami
Accommodation: Hostel (multishare)
Continue your journey south to Miami – this animated city has so much to offer, from its charming Art Deco architecture to gorgeous beaches and rich Cuban culture. On arrival, get a taste of Miami’s Cuban side as you join your leader on a walk through the Little Havana neighbourhood. Stroll its colourful streets as the residents sip coffee, smoke cigars and play dominos. Later on, you may like to make the most of your final evening and dive into Miami’s nightlife scene. With salsa halls, rooftop bars and late-night food trucks, there’s a great time to be had here.
Included Activities:
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Day 13: Miami
Location: Miami
Your trip ends today and you are free to leave at any time after checkout. If you’d like to stay in Miami longer, just speak to your booking agent.
What's Included
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Accommodation
Camping (with facilities) (7 nights), Hotel (2 nights), Hostel (Multishare) (3 nights) -
Meet NYC, Philadelphia city tour
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Philadelphia - City highlights stop
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Included Washington DC Bike & Roll Tour
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Washington DC Memorials at Night driving tour
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Shenandoah Nat'l Park - guided hike
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Nashville - Downtown and Country Music Orientation
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Memphis Downtown Orientation
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French Quarter Orientation
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Honey Island Swamp Tour
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Henderson Beach State Park Entrance
Transport
- NORTH AMERICA VEHICLES
- Our large fleet of 15-passenger vans are fully equipped with air-conditioning system, V8 engines and any camping or cooking equipment needed for your trip. Most have cloth-upholstered seats and carpeted interior with radio or CD players. Your luggage is typically transported in a trailer which is towed behind the van.
- The vans are regularly serviced by a well-established network of maintenance and service facilities throughout the continent. However, unforeseen maintenance problems can still occur while on the road and we appreciate the patience of our travellers as we make necessary repairs as quickly as possible.
- While your group will have a van for all included activities on the trip, the services of the van and leader may not be available for your use during free time, or after you have arrived for the day. If you need a special trip into town you may need to arrange transport or a taxi.
Accommodation
- NORTH AMERICA CAMPING
- The campsites that we use are selected for either their scenic beauty, their convenient location to places of interest and/or the facilities available. We aim to offer you a selection of different types of campsites.
- If you've never camped before - no problem! We provide a complete set of camping and cooking equipment. This includes roomy easy-to-pitch tents, which are shared by only two people and are equipped with thin foam rubber mattresses and vinyl floors. Your leader will show you how to pitch a tent on the first day. On many trips we also spend a few nights in reasonably priced hotels/motels/hostels (as per the itinerary).
- Remember that sleeping bags are not provided. Check out the Packing section for more information.
- You'll find the necessary facilities - toilets and in most cases showers, washing machines and dryers - at many of our campsites. The showers at some campsites only have cold water available and some may require a payment (usually no more than US$1-$3 for a quick shower). This is payable locally and is a contribution towards the cost of a limited water supply. Some campsites won't have any facilities, but this will rarely be for more than one night at a time. This is true of many campsites within Yosemite National Park, so if your trip is visiting this park, please prepare to go without a shower on this night, although it can often be arranged to stop and utilise facilities on our way out of the park.
- In all campsites there are strict quiet hours when no loud noise is allowed. This means that all music, singing and group gatherings must stop. We request that all our travellers respect these campsite rules.
- For trips where there are lodges/cabins used, couples travelling together may be separated as our rooming arrangements are based on single gender.
- Our high-quality camping equipment (including tents) can be affected by bad weather conditions. This can result in some wet and cold conditions inside the tent. Your spirit of adventure and flexibility will help make your adventure trip an exciting and unforgettable experience. On nights where the group is camping, and weather conditions are extreme (such as snow or heavy rain), there may be an opportunity for the group (if everyone agrees) to stay at an alternative location such as a nearby hostel or hotel. When this is the case the upgrade is at your own expense.
- The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline only and may change. On some occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our preferred accommodation. In these cases, we will use a similar standard of accommodation.
- Throughout the trip, we request that our properties prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination or on some trips, have use of shared day rooms until all rooms are available.
Important Information
- 1.Your adventure begins promptly at 10am on Day 1 at Grove Street PATH Station in Jersey City, New Jersey, and finishes at check out in Miami on Day 13.
- 2.A sleeping bag is required for this trip.
- 3. Please note that the legal drinking age in the US is 21 and in some parts of Canada it's 19.
- 4. Tipping your Leader: While it may not be customary in your home country, tipping it is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry in North America. As a guideline, US$10-20 per person per day can be used. Of course you are free to tip more or less as you see fit, depending on your perception of service quality and the length and involvement of your leader on your trip. Tipping is always appreciated.
Check out our Q&As
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Is this trip right for you
This trip includes time spent travelling in a private vehicle with your group. Extra space can be tight, and conditions may feel a little cramped. It’s all part of the adventure and a great way to get to know your fellow travellers. Please read the itinerary carefully for travel time estimates.
Although our private vehicles do have air conditioning, it has to work pretty hard to keep a full group cool. Expect to feel hot during summer and cold at other times of the year, especially at night. Please consider the season and research the weather conditions to determine the best time to travel for you. Remember to come prepared with adequate clothing.
This trip involves either a partial or full camping experience, giving you access to more remote destinations at close proximity, and the joy of camping under the night skies and beside a campfire. This is a participatory trip – a fancy way of saying you’re not just along for the ride, but you are part of a team! Be prepared to roll up your sleeves and help out with camp activities like food prep and washing up. It’s all about giving your new travel mates a hand, and everyone knows there’s nothing worse than trying to put up a tent on your own!
That teamwork also extends to our optional food kitty of approximately USD 15 per day, run to cover the cost of meals. This kitty saves you worrying about stuff like where to get food or what exactly sales tax is and helps keep your costs down. Instead of paying individually as you go, it means we can bulk purchase items and cook our own food – though there’s always the chance to use it for the occasional pizza night! The kitty is optional and for your convenience, so if you've got specific dietary requirements you can opt out and purchase (and cook) your own food.
Ensure you bring sturdy walking shoes and comfortable clothes. To make the most of the trip, it's best if you have at least a moderate level of fitness. -
What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room
Reviews of this Operator
Dates & Availability
Monday - Saturday
Aug 12, 2024 - Aug 24, 2024Monday - Saturday
Aug 19, 2024 - Aug 31, 2024Book with Confidence
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Free Date Changes
Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 400 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.
Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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COVID Protection
Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards
From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travellers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19.
However, we continue to strongly recommend that all travellers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and other Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.
This policy excludes all Polar trips and select adventure cruises, where testing and vaccination remains a requirement. Please refer to the Essential Trip Information of your chosen tour for more details. -
Terms and Conditions