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One Month
Conducted Tour
       
Trans American Adventure

For only $5,995
per person twin share

This price includes airport taxes & levies

 Tour departs Australia September 8 and returns October 6, 2012
This is superb value for the early Autumn period, as all of the following are included:
  • Return air fares from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane into New York and out of Los Angeles with Korean Air. 
  • A wonderful 24 day coach tour right across the USA from east to west visiting all the most interesting places in this extraordinary country.
  • A 3 night stopover in Seoul, South Korea. 
  • Good accommodation, mainly 3 - 4 star. 
  • All transport and transfers. 
  • Services of American and Korean tour guides and if there are 14 or more tour participants there will be an Australian tour leader. 
If you don't have a travel partner but wish to travel at twin share rates, we will do our best to match you up, but this is not guaranteed. For a single room there is an extra charge of $1,775.

Note for Melbourne Passengers: This tour does not fly back into Melbourne. As such Melbourne passengers are required to make their way from Sydney to Melbourne at the conclusion of the tour. Macleay Valley Travel can arrange a connecting one-way flight from Sydney to Melbourne for $100 per person including taxes. 

Tour Itinerary

Terms and Conditions

Tour Map

Booking Form

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   Itinerary for Trans America Tour - September 2012
Note:

 Meals are included in the itinerary as:
B = Breakfast, CB = Continental Breakfast, L = Lunch D = Dinner


08.09.12
(D)
 Australia - Seoul
Depart Sydney at 7.55am on KE 122, arriving in Seoul at 5.20pm.
Depart Melbourne at 7.45am on KE 126, arriving in Seoul at 5.55pm.
Depart Brisbane at 8.25am on KE 124, arriving in Seoul at 5.35pm.
Upon arrival in Seoul (Incheon) you are met and transferred to the Capital Hotel or similar in central Seoul. Dinner will be at a local restaurant.
09.09.12
(B/L)









 Seoul
Today there is Seoul city tour. First we pass by the Blue House (Presidential House) on the way to Gyongbok Palace which was built in 1935 and is arguably the most beautiful and grandest of the five palaces. Afterwards we visit the Jogyesa Temple which is the centre of Zen Buddhism in Korea. After an included lunch there is an afternoon visit to the Korean Folk Village, which is home to numerous collections of Korean cultural artifacts. The folk village provides an opportunity for Korean children to experience and learn the culture of their ancestors first hand. The site provides a venue to promote traditional Korean culture to both domestic and international visitors, and provides an open-air learning place for succeeding generations. Afterwards we are transferred back to the hotel.  
10.09.12
(B/L)



 Seoul
This morning remember to bring your passport for an included tour of the Demilitarised Zone (DMZ). On the DMZ tour we visit the aggressive tunnel, Dorasan Observatory & Dorasan Station. After lunch we visit Insadong Antique Street and Seoul Tower. 
11.09.12
(B)
 Seoul - New York
This morning you are transferred to the airport for your flight to New York. Depart
Incheon (Seoul) at 10.20am on Korean Air flight KE 81, arriving in New York at 11.20am the same day (you cross the international date line). 
Upon arriving in New York you will be transferred to your hotel. Welcome to the 'Big Apple!' Enjoy time at leisure to relax or do some independent exploring. 
12.09.12


 New York
Today is at leisure to explore one of the most exciting cities in the world. Your tour director is on hand this afternoon to answer any questions. 
13.09.12
(CB)
 New York
Manhattan Sightseeing. On today's sightseeing tour you will see New York City's major attractions, including Broadway, the Empire State Building, Greenwich Village, City Hall, Wall Street, and Trinity Church. Your afternoon is free.
14.09.12
(CB)		 New York City - Philadelphia-Washington DC Area
Head south through New Jersey to Philadelphia, the birthplace of the United States. During your free time in Philadelphia you may like to visit Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence and Constitution were signed.  Then onto Washington DC.
15.09.12
    		 Washington DC Area
Cross the Potomac River to see the graves of American heroes, including those of John F. Kennedy and his brother Robert, in beautiful Arlington National Cemetery. Next, your guided sightseeing tour of the capital continues with photo stops at Capitol Hill and the White House, and visits to the Lincoln, Vietnam, and National WW II Memorials. As the remainder of the day is free, why not visit the Smithsonian museums?
16.09.12
  		 Washington DC - Niagara Falls
Today is a scenic day as you head north through Pennsylvania Dutch Country, home of the Amish and Mennonite religious sects.  Then along the Susquehanna River to Williamsport, the birthplace of Little League baseball and site of the league's annual "World Series". Later, we cross the Rainbow Bridge to Canada and arrive at Niagara Falls, Ontario, for your overnight stay.
17.09.12
     		 Niagara Falls - Detroit
This morning we board the 'Maid of the Mist' for an amazing close-up view from the base of the falls.  Then we travel the Niagara Parkway, admiring the sweeping landscapes of this scenic countryside. Head southwest and cross the farmlands and vineyards of Ontario. 
Note: The operation of the Maid of the Mist cruise is subject to favourable weather and/or river conditions. Usually favourable conditions exist from May to the end of October. If unfavourable conditions exist, a walking tour of the scenic tunnels will be substituted.
18.09.12
   		 Detroit - Chicago
Begin the day with a visit to the Henry Ford Museum. Don't miss the 'Automobile in American Life' exhibit.  Reach Chicago, America's third-largest city, in the late afternoon.
19.09.12
 Chicago
See all the major landmarks on your morning city tour of the 'Windy City'. The afternoon is free. 
20.09.12
 Chicago - Wisconsin Dells-Minneapolis
Enter Wisconsin with a leisurely break in pretty Wisconsin Dells - a popular spot for photographers. Enjoy an included boat trip in a unique amphibious vessel.
Next, Minnesota - the land of 10,000 lakes. Drive through St Paul, Minneapolis' twin city, before reaching your overnight hotel.
21.09.12
 		 Minneapolis
Begin the day with a short city sightseeing tour of the bustling downtown area as well as the many beautiful parks and gardens and residential neighbourhoods. Then, head out to the fabulous Mall of America, the largest shopping mall in the United States, featuring more than 400 speciality stores as well as several large retailers.  Tonight, an optional dinner cruise aboard a paddle wheeler on the Mississippi River is available.
22.09.12
    		 Minneapolis - Pierre
Into the rich farmlands of South Dakota and homeland of the great Sioux Indian Nation. A stop in Mitchell to see the Corn Palace, a remarkable Moorish-style building where interior and exterior are covered with designs of corn outlined with grasses and grain. Then a scenic drive through the Crow Creek Indian Reservation and along the mighty Missouri River. Overnight in Pierre, the state's capital.
23.09.12
(CB)		 Pierre - Badlands National Park - Keystone
First a drive through Fort Pierre National Grassland to see the prairie as it once was when only buffalo and the Sioux Indians occupied the land. Next is Badlands National Park, where 37 million years of wind and water erosion have carved out a remarkably colourful sight. Then head deep into the Black Hills and behold the granite faces of Mount Rushmore, a giant monument to four American presidents - Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln and Roosevelt.
24.09.12
    		 Keystone - Cody
Head through the rich, mountainous country to Buffalo, where open-range cattle kings made war on the sheep ranchers of the 1880's.  Drive past Sheridan, the scene of many fierce battles between the U.S. Cavalry and the Sioux, Cheyenne, and the Crow Indians. Then, climb over the Bighorn Mountains en route to the overnight stop in Buffalo Bill's frontier town of Cody.
25.09.12
  		 Cody - Yellowstone National Park
Through the Shoshone National Forest to splendid Yellowstone National Park. Follow the Grand Loop Road to Artist Point with magnificent views of Yellowstone Canyon and the stupendous Lower Falls, nearly twice the height of Niagara. Next are the geyser basins with bubbling mud paint pots and finally the reliable "blow" of Old Faithful, Yellowstone's great geyser. The next two nights we overnight in West Yellowstone, the western gateway to Yellowstone National Park. Located in Wyoming, Montana and Idaho, it is home to a large variety of wildlife including grizzly bears, wolves, bison and elk.
26.09.12
(CB)



 		Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone National Park, the United States first National Park, is a dramatic  contrast of alpine lakes, lush forests, and deep canyons. The park is a unique geothermal and ecological area, and features a wide variety of fauna, including bison, wolves and grizzly bears. Today we visit more of this magnificent national park. 
27.09.12
(CB)		 Yellowstone - Grand Teton National Park - Jackson - Salt Lake City
Head south into the magnificent Grand Tetons with saw toothed, 13,500 foot high ridges crested with snow most of the year. Through 'Western' Jackson with its wooden sidewalks and swing-door saloons, and arrive in Salt Lake City in the late afternoon. Magnificently set on the edge of a salt desert and near mountains covered in forests and abundant with lakes, this is the centre of the Mormon religion. A brief orientation drive before reaching your hotel.
28.09.12
     		 Salt Lake City - Bryce Canyon - Cedar City
Through  the sagebrush landscape of southern Utah to Bryce Canyon National Park with its breathtaking sandstone and limestone cliffs and ever-changing colours. Head west through the Dixie National Forest and Cedar Breaks National Monument to Cedar City for your overnight.
29.09.12
(CB)		 Cedar City - Zion National Park - Grand Canyon
First stop is Zion National Park, a landscape that was carved out by rushing streams over a period of a million years. Through Kaibab National Forest to the less visited north rim of the Grand Canyon, where you'll marvel at the stunning views of the flame-coloured walls plunging 4,800 feet into the Colorado River.  The rest of the evening  is free.
30.09.12
     		 Grand Canyon - Las Vegas
Head to the unique phenomenon of Las Vegas, where today's fortune hunters try their luck at the 24 hour gambling tables of "The Strip". The afternoon is at leisure so you can explore the casinos.
01.10.12
     		 Las Vegas
A free morning and afternoon to enjoy the sights of Las Vegas. Your Tour Director will have suggestions for the best shows to see this evening.
02.10.12
    		 Las Vegas - Los Angeles
Into California today with a stop at Calico Ghost Town to relive the wild, tough days when miners struck it rich. Through the Mojave Desert and over the San Gabriel Mountains to Los Angeles.
03.10.12
    		 Los Angeles
Start the day with a sightseeing tour of the world's "Capital of Glamour". You'll drive to Hollywood, see the footprints of the stars at Grauman's Chinese Theatre, famous Hollywood Bowl, and the Kodak Theatre.  Then on to elegant Beverly Hills followed by a drive down Sunset Strip. Suggestion for this afternoon an optional excursion to Universal Studios.
04.10.12
      		 Los Angeles - Seoul
This morning you are transferred to Los Angeles International Airport for your flights back to Australia. Depart Los Angeles at 12.25pm on flight KE 18, arriving in Seoul at 5.50pm the next day (you re-cross the international date line).
05.10.12





 Seoul - Australia
On arrival in Seoul airport, transfer to your next flight.
Sydney & Melbourne passengers depart Seoul at 7.10pm on flight KE 121, arriving in Sydney at 6.20am the next day (06.10.12)
Brisbane passengers depart Seoul at 8.05pm on flight KE 123, arriving in Brisbane at 6.45am the next day (06.10.12).
Note for Melbourne Passengers:

 This tour does not fly back into Melbourne. Melbourne passengers are required to make their own way from Sydney to Melbourne at the end of the tour. Macleay Valley Travel can arrange a connecting domestic flight at an additional cost of $100 per person, including taxes.
Also note: The ground operator for this tour is Cosmos.
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Conditions for Macleay Valley Travel's Trans America Tour
Deposits and Payments - A non-refundable deposit of $400.00 per person is payable within 7 days of booking. This deposit is not refundable should you later cancel. The balance is payable in full 12 weeks prior to departure. 

Refunds and Cancellations - Cancellations after final payment will result in a refund limited to whatever we can recoup from the airline.

Insurance - Adequate travel insurance is essential. We can arrange this for you if desired. Macleay Valley Travel offers Suresave Travel Insurance.  Please note that we can only process  your travel insurance when we have received full payment for the insurance and the signed Suresave Travel Insurance application form, located on the last page of the Suresave Travel Insurance information booklet. Until this time the travel insurance cannot be processed and will not be valid. Macleay Valley Travel will bare no responsibility for any consequences that may occur as a result of an incomplete insurance application.    

Passports - All travellers require a current passport with at least 6 months left on it at the end of the tour. Some Non-Australian passport holders require a re-entry visa for Australia.
A visa waver is required for travel to the United States of America for all Australian passport holders. The cost of the visa waiver is $14 per person.

Not  Included in the Cost - All items of a personal nature such as telephone calls, drinks, excess baggage, tips, meals, (except those specified in the itinerary), etc. Also travel insurance.   Similarly, credit card payments can only be accepted if 2% is added to the price to help defray the heavy merchant fees charged to us by the credit card companies.

Basic Tour Price & Taxes  - Air taxes and Fuel Levies are included in the basic tour price if the tour is paid in full on or before the due date on the final invoice. Macleay Valley Travel reserves the right to charge for any increase in Air taxes and Fuel Levies if the tour is not paid in full by the due date.

Breakaway Fee - All fully inclusive prices are based on group travel and any deviation from the set  itinerary will incur a breakaway fee.

Booking through other Agents - As we keep the cost of out tours as low as possible, there is insufficient margin for us to be able to pay commission to other travel agents, so some bookings can only be accepted if the client pays the other agent's commission. 
Macleay Valley Travel is a fully licensed travel agent and as such any monies paid to us are fully insured by the Travel Compensation Fund. We are happy for any prospective traveller with us to check us out with your local Consumer Affairs (fair trading) department.

Health and Fitness -Macleay Valley Travel recommends that the passenger is reasonably healthy and/or fit to participate in this tour.  Persons with a disability requiring special assistance must be accompanied by a companion. Macleay Valley Travel and their representatives cannot provide this service.  Macleay Valley Travel reserves the right to accept/decline or terminate a passenger's participation in the tour under certain circumstances.

Limitation of Liability - As Macleay Valley Travel acts only as agent for the Airlines, Hotels, Coach Companies etc., providing accommodation, transportation and other services, Macleay Valley Travel shall not be liable or responsible for death or injury to any person or loss or damage to any property including baggage arising out of or connection with any transportation, accommodation or other services, or resulting directly or indirectly from acts of God, fire, breakdown in machinery or equipment, acts of Government or other authorities, de jure or defacto wars, whether declared or not, hostilities, civil disturbances, strikes, riots, thefts, epidemics, quarantines, medical or customs regulations, delays or cancellations caused by changes in schedules or itinerary, or over bookings or defaults or for any causes beyond Macleay Valley Travel's control or any loss or damage resulting from improper or insufficient passports, visas or other documents and neither Macleay Valley Travel, and its servants or employees shall be or become liable or responsible for any additional expenses or liability sustained or incurred by the tour member as a result of the foregoing causes.
Macleay Valley Travel reserves the right to modify the itinerary or the accommodation if circumstances make this necessary, provided that the amended itinerary is of equal value or greater value than that of the original program.
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