USA: National Parks Road Trip

Gather round, roadies, gather round. The unforgettable US adventure starts today here in dreamy Dallas, and our first port of call is Amarillo. Let's go. Here we are. In true Americana Style, we'll visit Cadillac Ranch – a unique art exhibit celebrating the golden age of Cadillacs. Next, we'll beef up our evening with a Texan steakhouse dinner (and all the trimmings too.) But before we go any further, has anyone seen Sweet Marie?

Adios, Amarillo. Today we're making our way to New Mexico - next stop, Albuquerque. This afternoon we'll embark on a unique MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience to the Pueblo Cultural Centre - dedicated to preserving Pueblo Indian culture. Afterwards, you're free to explore the city however you like.

We'll make a flying start to the day today - literally. That's right, today you have the opportunity to take a scenic Hot Air Balloon ride with your crew. Cameras at the ready folks. Afterwards, we'll make our way to dreamy Denver. Here in Denver, you'll check out all the major sites with your Trip Manager and fellow travellers, including the 16th Street Mall, McGregor Square and Denver Milk Market.

Today is your to explore Denver however you like. Don't miss the botanical gardens, the Art Museum and the Science & Nature museum. Plus, you could catch an epic sunset from the City Park. There's so much, and there's no time to waste

Today we'll leave Denver in our rearview. But before that, you have the chance to take part in ziplining! Then, with Moab firmly in our sights - here, we, go! Well hello there, Moab - home to rock art, dinosaur bones and plenty of national parks (which you'll get to know pretty well with Contiki.) Tonight we'll grab a bite to eat and then hit the hay - a big day awaits us tomorrow.

Our mission for the next few days is a simple (but very epic) one: tick the Big 5 national parks of Utah off our bucket list, starting with Canyonlands. Desert landscapes, with an almost perfect 8-shaped river running through it - Canyonlands is sure to stay with you for a while. Home to over 2,000 sandstone arches and sublime views, you'll be posing for selfies left, right and centre here at the Arches. Back in Moab, with a head full of beautiful scenery and a camera-reel full of awesome content, we'll hit the hay tonight, ready for more of the same in the morning!

Wakey wakey, roadies. Today we'll make our way to the next national park on our hitlist: Capitol Reef. Here in red rock country, your jaw will drop and the size, scale and utter beauty of Capitol Reef's cliffs and canyons. Enjoy yourself on one of the USA's very best hikes. And if you thought THAT was amazing, you’ll have the chance to go horse riding in Bryce Canyon National Park.

This morning we'll have a change of scenery and head to Zion National Park for the day. Journeying into the Zion Canyon, our jaws will drop at the towering white, pink and red Navajo sandstone cliffs, surrounded by hanging gardens, soaring peaks, wildlife and birdsong. We'll spend most of today here, so pack some snacks and wear your best boots to get the most out of the day. There's no shortage of trails of all different levels, not to mention restaurants and cafes. Back in Bryce, you'll have the chance to kick back with your crew and chat about what an amazing day it's been.

Today we'll journey from one canyon to the next. We'll finish up today at the big one, the Grand Canyon, but we have a few saucy stop-offs along the way. A meander of the colorado river, which just so happens to be shaped like a horseshoe - Mother Nature, you've outdone yourself with this one! This reservoir is visited by over 2 million people every year, and once you catch it IRL you'll understand exactly why. And now for the one you've been dreaming about (even more than the rest). The star of your USA itinerary. Yup, it's the Grand Canyon. It's about to get extra special too, because tonight we'll be marvelling at the sunset from the South Rim. Charge your phone, clear space on your camera, and prepare to weep.

You will be contemplating life, existence, and the immense size of the Grand Canyon with a free day to spend in Grand Canyon National Park. You can spend your day feeling a part of the wilderness as you go hiking through the exposed rock, but by far the most spine tingling experience at this natural wonder is one of our optional chopper rides through the UNESCO World Heritage site. Indulgent sure, but one of those life moments you deserve to treat yourself to.

With the timeless beauty of the Grand Canyon imprinted in our brains forever, we'll swap hiking boots for dancing shoes as we pull up in Sin City via the historic Route 66. We've reached the one and only Sin City. Upon arrival we'll cruise the iconic strip & check out the Vegas sign. Feeling romantic? Stop by and see one of the many Elvis impersonators for a shotgun wedding ceremony, and maybe even get hitched yourself...(joking).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.

After partying it up in Las Vegas, we'll take the scenic route through the Mojave Desert. And there you have it, folks. We may have ran out of road on our USA road trip but things could be worse - you're in the City of Angels after all! There are plenty of activities here to keep the stars in your eyes, and if you're strapped for ideas, you could always set about planning the next adventure with your new Contiki family (just a thought).