Make this trip your own
Create your own free, personalized itinerary in seconds — then sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version

Epic 4‑Week U.S. Adventure: Nashville → New Orleans → Carolina → Yellowstone → Route 66 → Las Vegas

Viewed by 76 travelers

Day 1: Arrival & Exploration in Nashville

Morning: Land at Nashville International Airport, pick up your rental car, and enjoy a leisurely breakfast at Pancake Pantry. The downtown vibe sets a lively tone for the week.

Afternoon: Stroll down Broadway to soak up live music at iconic venues like the Tootsie Mac. Visit the Country Music Hall of Fame for an immersive history lesson.

Evening: Dine on hot chicken at Prince’s Hot Chicken and catch a show at the legendary Grand Ole Opry. End the night with a riverside walk along the Cumberland River.

Find Hotels

Day 2: Nashville Culture & Nature

Morning: Tour the historic Ryman Auditorium and explore the nearby Johnny Cash Museum. Grab coffee at Frothy Monkey for a boost.

Afternoon: Head to the lush Centennial Park to see the Parthenon replica and enjoy a picnic. Then browse local art at the Frist Art Museum.

Evening: Sample Southern barbecue at Martin’s Bar-B-Que followed by live honky‑tonk tunes on Lower Broadway. Stay up late for a nightcap at Robert’s Western World.

Find Hotels

Day 3: Nashville to New Orleans (Travel Day)

Morning: Check out of your hotel and drive east on I‑40, stopping at the historic Natchez Trace Parkway for scenic views.

Afternoon: Continue the journey through Birmingham, Alabama, for a quick lunch at Dreamland BBQ. Cross into Mississippi and refuel at the iconic Vicksburg National Military Park.

Evening: Arrive in New Orleans, settle into your French Quarter boutique hotel, and enjoy a midnight beignet at Café Du Monde.

Find Hotels

Day 4: New Orleans – French Quarter & Riverfront

Morning: Join a guided walking tour of the French Quarter, marveling at the architecture of Jackson Square and St. Louis Cathedral.

Afternoon: Cruise the Mississippi River on a steamboat, then explore the bustling French Market for souvenirs.

Evening: Savor Creole cuisine at Antoine’s before experiencing live jazz on Bourbon Street. End with a nightcap at The Carousel Bar.

Find Hotels

Day 5: New Orleans – Garden District & Culture

Morning: Take a streetcar ride to the elegant Garden District, admiring historic mansions like Lafitte’s Mansion.

Afternoon: Tour the National WWII Museum for an immersive historical experience. Grab a po’boy at Parkway Bakery.

Evening: Dine on fresh Gulf seafood at GW Fins and enjoy a haunting ghost tour through the French Quarter.

Find Hotels **(Continue similar format for remaining days)**

Day 6: New Orleans – Swamp Adventure

Morning: Depart for a guided airboat tour of the Atchafalaya Basin Swamp, spotting alligators and native birds.

Afternoon: Return to the city for lunch at Commander's Palace. Spend free time exploring Royal Street art galleries.

Evening: Attend a soulful performance at Preservation Hall before a late‑night stroll along the riverfront.

Find Hotels

Day 7: New Orleans to Carolina (Travel Day)

Morning: Fly from New Orleans to Charlotte, North Carolina, and pick up a rental car.

Afternoon: Drive to the charming town of Asheville, stopping at the historic Biltmore Estate for a quick tour.

Evening: Check into a cozy cabin near the Blue Ridge Parkway, enjoy a home‑cooked dinner, and watch the sunset over the mountains.

Find Hotels

Day 8: Asheville & Blue Ridge Parkway

Morning: Explore the grand halls of the Biltmore House and its stunning gardens.

Afternoon: Drive a scenic stretch of the Blue Ridge Parkway, stopping at overlooks like Mount Mitchell for breathtaking views.

Evening: Dine at Rhubarb for farm‑to‑table cuisine, then relax with a craft beer at the Asheville Brewing Company.

Find Hotels

Day 9: Great Smoky Mountains (North Carolina Side)

Morning: Hike the iconic Clingmans Dome trail for panoramic vistas of the Smokies.

Afternoon: Visit the historic Oconaluftee Visitor Center and explore the Mountain Farm Museum.

Evening: Return to Asheville for a relaxed dinner at The Market Place and enjoy live acoustic music.

Find Hotels

Day 10: Carolina – Beach Relaxation

Morning: Drive to the coastal town of Wilmington and stroll along the historic Riverwalk.

Afternoon: Sunbathe on the white sands of Carolina Beach and try paddle‑boarding.

Evening: Savor fresh seafood at Dock Street Oyster Bar and watch the sunset from the Cape Fear Light.

Find Hotels

Day 11: Carolina to Yellowstone (Travel Day)

Morning: Fly from Raleigh‑Durham to Bozeman, Montana, and pick up a 4‑WD vehicle.

Afternoon: Drive the scenic Gallatin Canyon toward Yellowstone, stopping at the Boiling River hot spring.

Evening: Arrive at the historic Old Faithful Inn, check in, and enjoy a hearty dinner at the inn’s restaurant.

Find Hotels

Day 12: Yellowstone – Geysers & Wildlife

Morning: Witness the eruption of Old Faithful and explore the surrounding geyser basin.

Afternoon: Visit the colorful Grand Prismatic Spring and hike the Upper Geyser Basin trail.

Evening: Spot elk and bison at the Hayden Valley during a sunset wildlife drive.

Find Hotels

Day 13: Yellowstone – Grand Canyon & Lakes

Morning: Hike down to the spectacular Lower Falls in the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone.

Afternoon: Cruise on Yellowstone Lake and visit the historic Lake Hotel for tea.

Evening: Dine under the stars at the Lake Yellowstone Hotel Dining Room and relax in the park’s quiet.

Find Hotels

Day 14: Yellowstone – Thermal Features & Departure

Morning: Explore the lesser‑known Mammoth Hot Springs terraces and historic fort.

Afternoon: Take a scenic drive through the Beartooth Highway, stopping at breathtaking overlooks.

Evening: Return to Bozeman, drop off the rental, and catch an evening flight to Flagstaff, Arizona, the gateway to Route 66.

Find Hotels

Day 15: Flagstaff to Winslow (Route 66 Start)

Morning: Pick up a classic convertible for the Route 66 road trip and visit the historic Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff.

Afternoon: Drive the iconic stretch of Historic Route 66 to Winslow, AZ, stopping at the Standin’ on the Corner Park.

Evening: Enjoy a southwestern dinner at La Posada Hotel and stay overnight in Winslow.

Find Hotels

Day 16: Winslow to Grand Canyon

Morning: Continue east on Route 66 to Flagstaff and take the scenic detour to the Grand Canyon South Rim.

Afternoon: Hike part of the Bright Angel Trail and soak in the vast canyon vistas.

Evening: Sunset at Yavapai Point, followed by dinner at the historic El Tovar Dining Room.

Find Hotels

Day 17: Grand Canyon to Kingman

Morning: Depart the canyon and drive back to Flagstaff, then head south on Route 66 toward Kingman, AZ.

Afternoon: Explore the Historic Route 66 Museum and the Mohave Museum of History & Arts.

Evening: Dine at Dambar & Steakhouse and enjoy a night under the desert sky.

Find Hotels

Day 18: Kingman to Las Vegas (Route 66 Finale)

Morning: Drive the famous Roadrunner Pass and cross the iconic Hoover Dam en route to Las Vegas.

Afternoon: Arrive in Las Vegas, check into a Strip hotel, and explore the vibrant Fremont Street Experience.

Evening: Treat yourself to a world‑class dinner at Gordon Ramsay Hell’s Kitchen followed by a dazzling Las Vegas show.

Find Hotels

Day 19: Las Vegas – The Strip

Morning: Take a leisurely stroll down the Las Vegas Strip, snapping photos of the themed hotel facades.

Afternoon: Relax by the pool at your hotel and enjoy a spa treatment at the Bellagio Spa.

Evening: Watch the spectacular Fountain Show at the Bellagio, then gamble at the Caesars Palace casino.

Find Hotels

Day 20: Las Vegas – Day Trip to Red Rock Canyon

Morning: Drive to Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area for a scenic hike.

Afternoon: Picnic among towering sandstone formations and return to the city for a relaxed lunch.

Evening: Enjoy a rooftop dinner at STK at The Cosmopolitan and explore the nightlife on Omni Street.

Find Hotels

Day 21: Las Vegas – Culture & Shopping

Morning: Visit the Neon Museum to see iconic vintage signs.

Afternoon: Shop at the upscale Forum Shops at Caesars and indulge in a chocolate tasting at Jean Philippe Patisserie.

Evening: Dine at Twist by Pierre Gagnaire and catch a Cirque du Soleil performance.

Find Hotels

Day 22: Las Vegas – Relaxation & Departure Prep

Morning: Take a hot‑air balloon ride over the desert for sunrise views.

Afternoon: Return to the hotel for a leisurely brunch at Mon Ami Gabi.

Evening: Pack, enjoy a final dinner at Prime Steakhouse, and prepare for departure the next day.

Find Hotels

Day 23: Departure

Morning: Transfer to McCarran International Airport for your flight home, reflecting on an unforgettable U.S. adventure.

Afternoon: Arrive back home with memories of music, cuisine, natural wonders, and classic American road‑trip vibes.

Evening: Rest and start planning your next journey!

Find Hotels

Time and Cost Estimates

  • Grand Ole Opry – 2 hrs – $40 entry
  • Country Music Hall of Fame – 2 hrs – $25 admission
  • French Quarter Walking Tour – 3 hrs – $30 guide fee
  • Steamboat Cruise (Mississippi River) – 1.5 hrs – $45 ticket
  • National WWII Museum – 3 hrs – $28 entry
  • Biltmore Estate – 4 hrs – $70 admission
  • Blue Ridge Parkway Scenic Drive – 5 hrs – free
  • Great Smoky Mountains Hiking – 4 hrs – free
  • Old Faithful Geyser – 2 hrs – park entry $35 per vehicle
  • Grand Prismatic Spring – 2 hrs – included in park fee
  • Mammoth Hot Springs – 2 hrs – included in park fee
  • Route 66 Scenic Drive (AZ‑NM) – 10 hrs – free
  • Hoover Dam Tour – 2 hrs – $15 ticket
  • Las Vegas Strip Exploration – 6 hrs – free (optional gambling)
  • Bellagio Fountain Show – 30 min – free
  • Red Rock Canyon Entrance – 2 hrs – $15 vehicle fee
  • Neon Museum – 2 hrs – $20 entry
  • Cirque du Soleil Show – 2 hrs – $120 ticket
  • Hot‑Air Balloon Ride – 3 hrs – $250 per person
  • Average Daily Meals & Misc. – 3 hrs – $60 per day (×23 days = $1,380)
  • Transportation (flights, car rentals, fuel) – — – $2,200
  • Accommodation (23 nights) – — – $3,450
  • Total Estimated Cost – — – $9,977

Tips

If you need to shorten the trip, consider combining Nashville and New Orleans into a single “Music & Food” leg (4 days total) and skip the coastal Carolina beach day. To extend, add a day in the Smokies for additional hikes or spend an extra two nights in Las Vegas to explore nearby attractions like the Grand Canyon’s West Rim and Lake Mead. Adjust the Route 66 segment by either driving straight to Las Vegas for a faster finish or adding stops in Flagstaff, Sedona, and the historic town of Seligman for more classic Americana flavor.

0
Like this trip? Make your own version.
A free, personalized itinerary in seconds — sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version