40-Day U.S. Explorer Teen Tour

Course Description: 40-Day U.S. Explorer Teen Tour

U.S. Explorer Teen Tour 🇺�*

Experience the ultimate cross-country adventure on this 40-day teen tour “from sea to shining sea.” Beginning in New York and ending in California, this unforgettable journey blends iconic cities, breathtaking national parks, thrilling adventures, and meaningful group bonding. From Niagara Falls to Yellowstone, from Las Vegas to San Francisco, teens explore America’s most celebrated destinations with a warm, supportive group and skilled leaders guiding every step.

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Program Highlights ✨

• Take a ride to the Falls and enjoy a Jetboat thrill on the Niagara River.

• Whitewater raft the Snake River.

• Challenging ropes course and Quadricycles.

• Visit National Parks like Bryce, Yellowstone, Zion & Grand Canyon.

• Learn to surf with professional lessons in San Diego.

• Witness the lighting ceremony at Mount Rushmore.

• Sea kayak off the coast of Santa Barbara.

• Cedar Point Amusement Park – the nation’s best!

• Sail a private charter across Lake Tahoe.

• Enjoy an exciting Las Vegas show.

• Learn from professional chefs at a private cooking school.

• Extreme tubing at Park City Olympic Park.

• Laugh at the IMPROV Comedy Club in L.A.

• Horseback ride, Alpine Slide and Cowboy Coaster.

• Enjoy San Francisco including Fisherman’s Wharf and Alcatraz.

• Venice Beach, Rodeo Drive, Hollywood, Santa Monica Pier.

• Waterski, wakeboard, kneeboard or tube Lake Tahoe.

• Explore Universal Studios and Disneyland.

• Major League Baseball and San Diego Zoo.

• Whirlyball, Lagoon-a-Beach Water & Amusement Park.

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Itinerary �*

Days 1–2: Ithaca, New York

Begin with icebreakers and bonding before tackling the Hoffman Challenge Course featuring zip lines, rappelling, a giant swing, and a replica of Cornell’s McGraw Tower. Visit Cornell University, explore Ithaca’s college town, and enjoy mini golf.

Days 3–4: Niagara Falls, New York

See Horseshoe, American, and Bridal Veil Falls up close on the Maid of the Mist, then experience the thrill of a Whirlpool Jet Boat ride down the Niagara River.

Days 5–6: Cleveland, Ohio

Explore the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and spend an exhilarating day at Cedar Point amusement park, home to world-class roller coasters.

Days 7–8: Ann Arbor, Michigan

Tour the University of Michigan and enjoy State Street favorites. Play Whirlyball and try the famous Chipati at a popular local hangout.

Days 9–11: Chicago, Illinois

See the Blue Man Group, visit the Skydeck atop Willis Tower, explore Navy Pier, ride quadricycles, and discover the Museum of Science and Industry. Browse The Magnificent Mile and enjoy comedy at Second City.

Days 12–13: Minneapolis, Minnesota

Experience the Mall of America and FlyOver America immersive attraction. Enjoy time at a local lake and play beach volleyball.

Day 14: Sioux Falls, South Dakota

Hike Badlands National Park and visit the iconic Wall Drug.

Days 15–16: Rapid City, South Dakota

Visit Mount Rushmore, explore Jewel Cave, and see the unique wildlife at Reptile Gardens.

Days 17–18: Cody, Wyoming

Take in the Western charm of Cody, enjoy horseback riding in Shoshone National Forest, and experience the Cody Rodeo.

Days 19–20: Jackson, Wyoming

Explore Yellowstone National Park, watch Old Faithful erupt, visit geothermal features, and travel through Grand Teton National Park. Whitewater raft the Snake River and enjoy time in downtown Jackson Hole.

Days 21–22: Park City, Utah

Enjoy resort amenities and take on Extreme Tubing at Olympic Park. Spend time at Lagoon-a-Beach Water Park and ride the thrilling Cannibal coaster.

Days 23–24: Zion, Bryce Canyon & Grand Canyon

Hike in Zion National Park, walk Bryce Canyon’s Queen’s Trail, and take in the beauty of the Grand Canyon’s Rim Trail. Roll down the Coral Pink Sand Dunes.

Days 25–26: Las Vegas, Nevada

Stay at the iconic Luxor hotel, explore the Vegas Strip, visit the Bellagio fountains, ride the Big Apple Coaster, shop at themed attractions, and enjoy a Cirque du Soleil show.

Days 27–28: Orange County, California

Stay near Disneyland Resort and spend a full day enjoying its attractions, including Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and classic park experiences.

Days 29–30: San Diego, California

Learn to surf, enjoy a day at San Diego Zoo, explore Seaport Village, and spend the evening at Belmont Park’s beachfront boardwalk.

Days 31–33: Los Angeles, California

Visit Beverly Hills, Hollywood Walk of Fame, and Santa Monica Pier. Enjoy Universal Studios, including the Studio Tour and Wizarding World of Harry Potter. End the night with comedy at the IMPROV and treats at Diddy Riese.

Days 34–35: Santa Barbara, California

Relax on the beach, sea kayak the coast, visit Stearns Wharf and State Street, and enjoy classic California views.

Days 36–37: Lake Tahoe, California

Relax by the lake, enjoy beach games, and learn to waterski, wakeboard, kneeboard, or tube. Sail on Lake Tahoe aboard a private charter.

Days 38–40: San Francisco, California

Ride cable cars, tour Alcatraz*, visit Pier 39 and Fisherman’s Wharf, explore Ghirardelli Square, and see the Golden Gate Bridge. Depart from San Francisco after celebrating the end of an unforgettable journey.

*Alcatraz tour included; retail value $47.95.

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Accommodations �*

Ithaca, New York – Hampton Inn Ithaca

Niagara Falls, New York – Hyatt Place Niagara Falls

Cleveland, Ohio – Hyatt Place Lyndhurst

Ann Arbor, Michigan – University of Michigan campus accommodation

Chicago, Illinois – AC Hotel Chicago Downtown

Bloomington, Minnesota – Embassy Suites Bloomington

Sioux Falls, South Dakota – Hyatt Place Sioux Falls – South

Rapid City, South Dakota – Home2 Suites by Hilton Rapid City

Cody, Wyoming – Buffalo Bill Village

Jackson, Wyoming – Cowboy Village Resort

Park City, Utah – AC Marriott Park City

Kanab, Utah – Hampton Inn

Las Vegas, Nevada – Luxor Hotel

Orange County, California – Embassy Suites by Hilton Anaheim South

San Diego, California – Homewood Suites Hotel Circle

Los Angeles, California – Embassy Suites LAX North

Santa Barbara, California – Hyatt Place Santa Barbara

Lake Tahoe, California – Hampton Inn & Suites Tahoe-Truckee

San Francisco, California – Embassy Suites San Francisco

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What It’s Like �*

An adrenaline-filled cross-country program featuring iconic landmarks, thrilling outdoor adventures, and a tight-knit group dynamic.

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Accommodations

Hotels, resorts, and college residences.

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Meals 🍽️

Includes breakfast and dinner daily.

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Activities �*

Includes all recreation and activities listed.

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Transportation �*

Chartered deluxe, air-conditioned motor coach with a professional driver.

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Compatible Groupings

Separate departure dates create compatible co-ed age groups.

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Group Size

Varies from 28 to 48 participants.

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Dietary Options �*

Most dietary preferences and allergies can be accommodated.

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Program Specifics ✈️

Arrive in New York

Motor-coach transportation from New York to Ithaca is included. Travelers from outside NY/NJ/CT/PA may arrange flights into New York the day before; chaperoned accommodation is available. Participants may also meet the group directly in Ithaca.

Return Flight Home from San Francisco, California

Leaders assist with check-in and stay until all designated flights have departed. A chaperoned flight to New York is available for local participants.

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Food and Meals 🍽️

Dining includes a mix of popular teen-friendly restaurants and local favorites. Meals balance well-known chains with regional specialties such as San Francisco’s sourdough bread. Special dietary needs—including vegetarian, allergies, lactose intolerance, celiac, and kosher-style—are all accommodated.

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Rooming 🛏️

Hotels, resorts, and college residences feature doubles or triples; triples may include rollaways or sofa beds. Every participant has their own bed.

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Laundry �*

Laundry is done weekly at local laundromats. Detergent and dryer sheets are provided, and staff assist first-time laundry users.

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What’s Included / Not Included ✅

Included:

• All lodging

• Breakfast and dinner daily

• All listed recreation and activities

• Airport transfers at designated times

• Motor-coach transportation from New York to Ithaca

• Gratuities and taxes

Not Included:

• Transportation to and from the program

• Lunches and snacks

• Personal spending money

• Laundry

• Optional travel insurance