Best of the East

Tour Overview

Experience the best of the East's cities, national parks, attractions and culture, and get "off the beaten track" to the lesser known special places and people that make up this fascinating region of America. From the scenic national parks of the Appalachian Mountains to the big-city sights and sounds of Chicago, the 18th century world of Amish country to the slow-paced life of the rural South.

AU PAIR EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNT

We are proud to offer Au Pairs an exclusive 20% travel discount off all published prices displayed in the Dates & Prices tab. To receive your discount enter "333000" into the Discount Code field on the first page of the booking system and enter your Counselor, Coordinator or Area Director's details when prompted. Alternatively, quote the code and details to our sales staff for telephone bookings. Discount cannot be combined with any other offers.

Included Highlights

Best of the East Map

> Guided Chicago Bike Tour
> Niagara Falls Maid of the Mist cruise
> Evening illumination visit to Washington DC Monuments
> Scenic walks and hikes
> Shenandoah and the Great Smoky Mountains National Parks
> Services of a TrekAmerica tour leader
> All transportation by private adventure vehicle
> 11 nights camping & equipment (except sleeping bag)

Free Wi-Fi on the road

You can now check your email and update Facebook, Twitter and TrekAmerica Live while on the road with our wi-fi enabled vehicles. (Maximum 5 users at a time. Fair usage restrictions may apply. Only available in USA & Alaska).

Optional Activities (paid locally)

> Whitewater rafting US$30-$200
> Great National Park hikes US$FREE
> Smithsonian National Museums US$FREE
> Mountain biking US$45-$95
> Horseback riding US$55-$115
> Blues Clubs US$10-$95
> Country Western saloons US$5-$20
> Baseball Game US$15-$40
> Outlet shopping: US$your credit limit!
> Wineries US$12-$35
> Cedar Point Amusement Park (in season) US$45
> Tree canopy zipline US$83
> River tubing US$15

City Tours

If you are spending extra time in our gateway cities, you can now plan in advance by pre-booking unique city sightseeing day tours in addition to your TrekAmerica trip.

NEW YORK

All city day tours are operated by local experts who are dedicated to take you behind the scenes so you know it like a local! When booking your TrekAmerica trip, simply select your chosen city tour from the Tour Extras section on the online booking form.

> View City Tours

Private Departures

Why not arrange your own TrekAmerica departure? For groups of 8 or more, we can offer private departures on any of our published itineraries enabling friends, families or organizations to enjoy our classic "Trek" style of travel at special rates. Although tours will run as per our standard itinerary shown here, slight modifications may be considered and dates can be chosen to suit your needs. (Subject to seasonal/operational restrictions). So contact us today and start planning your own adventure.

Book now

Flexible Itinerary

Our routes have been carefully chosen to include the best night stops and highlights. However, as local conditions and passenger requests vary, no two trips will ever be the same. With the guidance of your Trek Leader you may modify certain night stops and highlights to give a truly unique experience!

As this tour departs at 0730 we recommend that you book pre-tour accommodation. Please request hotel details at the time of booking.

Local Payments - Food Kitty: US$10 per day. En-route Hostels: Approx US$40 x 2 nights

Important: You will need adequate travel insurance to join this trip. Download our insurance tips pdf for more information.

Day 1-2: New York Area & Washington DC

Washington D.C. is the perfect introduction to the social, cultural and political history of the United States. Explore D.C.'s parks by day and monuments by night. From the impressive Smithsonian Museum to the White House, to Georgetown's trendy bars, the capital has something for everyone.
Accommodation: Camping included

Day 3: Shenandoah National Park

Follow the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Shenandoah National Park for stunning views across the Valley. The Appalachian Trail puts earth under your boots, great oaks overhead and huge scenery every which way you look. Enjoy this amazing hike!
Accommodation: Camping included

Day 4: West Virginia

The Mountain State should be called the Whitewater State: feed the rafting bug with an optional blast rafting some of the best whitewater in America or try your hand at zip lining through the trees.
Accommodation: Camping included

Day 5-6: Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Known to the Cherokee people as the 'Place of Blue Smoke', the valleys offer great walking trails to explore. Keep your eyes peeled, this is the home of the American black bear!
Accommodation: Camping included

Day 7: Nashville

Leaving the Appalachians we head to the center of American country music in Nashville, Tennessee. Expect a big slice of Southern charm where country and western fills foot-tapping live venues to the brim - then satisfy your urge for thumping bass, rock anthems or whatever gets you on the dance floor.
Accommodation: Camping included

Day 8: Indiana

You will be left wide eyed from the scenery and possibly a little blurry eyed, as you hit the Kentucky Bourbon Trail en route to the birthplace of the deep dish pizza, sweet home Chicago.
Accommodation: Camping included

Day 9-10: Chicago

Travel out of the woods and into the wildlife, Chicago that is! The nation's third largest city, home to North America's tallest building, the Willis Tower, boasts incredible nightlife. Hit all the highlights on Bobby's Bike Hike tour of Chicago, including views of the Willis Tower and Navy Pier and work up an appetite for a slice of Chicago's famous deep dish pizza. Listen out for the city's unofficial anthem "Sweet Home Chicago", ringing out from the hip blues joints on soulful Halsted Street.
Accommodation: 2 nights en-route hotel paid locally

Day 11-12: Ohio & Niagara Falls

Cross the midwest to Cedar Point Amusement Park - home of the Millenium Force - the greatest roller coaster in the world! Then it's on to one of America's greatest natural attractions, Niagara Falls. By day, get as close as you dare on the "Maid of the Mist" boat trip where a serious amount of water crashes only feet from you, and at night see them lit up in all their glory.
Accommodation: Camping included

Day 13-14: Finger Lakes & New York Area

A last stop in the lovely and rural Finger Lakes region of New York State, before returning back to the Garden State where the adventure began. This tour is not scheduled to spend any time in New York City so make sure you book extra hotel nights and explore the sights and sounds of the Big Apple on your own before heading home.
Accommodation: Camping included

This tour ends at our gateway hotel at approximately 17:00 hrs. We can book you post-tour accommodation at our gateway hotel if required. If you are planning to fly tonight, please do not book a flight that departs before 21:00 hrs.

Book Your Trip Online

You can easily book your trek online using our secure booking engine. You only need to pay a 10% deposit or (whichever is greatest) with full payment due 8 weeks before departure. We are members of ABTA (Association of British Travel Agents) and are fully financially bonded so your money is 100% safe and protected at all times whether you pay by debit, bank or credit card. If you prefer to book by telephone, please contact our sales office and speak to one our friendly travel consultants.

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How to Book Online
1. Pick your chosen available departure date.
2. Select the number of passengers to book.
3. Click on the book button to be taken to our secure online booking engine.
4. Complete all personal details and payment information.
5. Your tour will be confirmed immediately by e-mail.