NYC, Philadelphia, Washington, Blue Ridge Parkway, Great Smoky Mountains NP, Nashville & New Orleans

Enjoy four amazing days exploring the world’s greatest city. An epicentre of the arts and America's true dining and shopping capital. New York City wears many crowns and spreads an irresistible feast for all. Only the Big Apple can provide so much packed into five boroughs. If you've got the energy and arrive early enough we recommend starting with an open top bus tour this afternoon to get a feel for the different areas of the city. Not only is it good value for money but it'll help familiarise yourself with the layout. Your Road Trip Pack is full of recommendations of where to eat and what to see and do.

Highlights today could include 5th Avenue shopping, Grand Central Station, the New York Public Library, Bryant Park, Times Square, Broadway and the Rockefeller Centre - just make sure you leave time to visit either the Top of The Rock or The Empire State Building as the Sun sets, to witness the city’s lights come alive in the Big Apple.

More time to explore New York, perhaps go downtown to the business district or the uber cool neighbourhoods like Greenwich or Soho. Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty can be visited by catching a boat from Battery Park right on the southern tip of Manhattan. The financial district is also downtown anchored by Wall St, home to the New York Stock exchange and the National September 11 Memorial and Museum.

Manhattan's Central Park offers a break from the stresses of city life, watch joggers and dog walkers stretch their legs amongst more than 800 acres of well-maintained lawns boating ponds and even a castle and zoo. In contrast the frenetic buzz of Times Square, in the heart of Midtown is larger than life and no visit to the Big Apple is complete without a visit here.

Starting your road trip, heading south you’ll arrive in the “birthplace of America”, Philadelphia. Known as Philly to locals, you have two nights to take a taste of the capital of Pennsylvania. This evening, you may want to take an evening riverside stroll. Head to Race Street Pier for incredible sunset and nighttime views of the Benjamin Franklin Bridge.

A second day to enjoy Philadelphia. A visit to the city wouldn’t be complete without trying an authentic ‘Philly Cheese Steak’ sandwich. You can find these guilty pleasures easily in Reading Market and all over the city. To burn off those calories, recreate the famous scene from the film ‘Rocky’ by climbing the 72 steps outside the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

Your itinerary pack is the perfect companion to begin exploring the city. You may want to begin by taking a self-guided tour of some of Washington’s iconic buildings. The White House, Capitol Hill and the Lincoln Memorial are just some of the key buildings that can be explored. Across the Potomac River is Arlington, a must visit for history buffs with the moving National Cemetery a great place to simply wander.

You may want to dip into the famous Smithsonian Museums today - there are 17 to choose from! The most famous, the Air & Space Museum and the Museum of Natural History are on the National Mall, in the heart of the city. Best of all, they’re free to visit. Our favourite though is the Newseum, which has amazing artefacts chronicling how 'news' has changed over the last 100 years.

Front Royal marks the start of the legendary Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park. Stunning surroundings, abundant wildlife and a 35mph speed limit mean you'll easily spend the day meandering this 105-mile leg of your journey. Why not park up at one of the scenic lay-bys and stretch your legs on one of the many trails.

The best way to enjoy this area is by driving the Blue Ridge Parkway from Shenandoah National Park to the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. This is one of America’s truly great roads, it makes the very most of the stunning mountain views with the famous blue haze.

Cruise along farm-dotted valleys unfurling between the Blue Ridge and Allegheny mountains. The Blue Ridge Parkway and Appalachian Trail roll across the mountains here, which are home to scenic rivers, streams and lakes. Old-time mountain music can be heard regularly, and wineries and craft breweries offer tastings in small towns and on mountain slopes.

Our route will guide you to continue south on the epic Blue Ridge Parkway. Some of the main BRP points of interest are on this drive today including Lynn Cove, Grandfather Mountain and Linville Falls. Cruise this most scenic of roads to Asheville. The town has 17 farmers’ markets to try and the local restaurant scene fully takes advantage of the seasonal produce sold there. Don’t miss the microbreweries either!

Complete the Blue Ridge Parkway on your drive to Great Smoky Mountains National Park today. You’ll find ridge upon ridge of forest which straddles the border between North Carolina and Tennessee. The Smokies is world-renowned for its diversity of plant and animal life, the beauty of its ancient mountains, and the quality of its remnants of Southern Appalachian mountain culture.

This is America's most visited National Park, so a second day to explore is essential in our opinion. Look out for the wonderful wildlife roaming the area including black bears, bobcats and elk. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is an awesome place to visit at any time of year, but in the autumn the trees put on a dazzling show of colour for hikers and drivers to absorb.

The home of Country Music and very proud of it. Nashville boasts its music heritage at every opportunity and is home to the Country Music Hall of Fame. It's not all about country music. The region has a rich blues history too with singers and songwriters from every genre calling 'Music City' home.

Enjoy a full day in Nashville. Head to the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge (colloquially known in Nashville as simply the ‘Pedestrian Bridge’) which spans the Cumberland River. You’d be hard-pressed to find a better view of the Nashville skyline anywhere. Tonight. for the full tourist experience, head down to Broadway and stop by a honky tonk or two for a one-of-a-kind night.

Continue west through Tennesse to Memphis. Second, only to The White House, Elvis Presley’s Graceland is arguably the most iconic home in America. Memphis has plenty more to offer, including the legendary Sun Records studios and the moving National Civil Rights Museum. In our opinion, Memphis is the Barbecue capital of America so make sure you try a rib joint tonight.

Your Road Trip Pack will have a full range of recommendations from our own specialists to help you plan your day in Memphis. On your road trip be sure to try and fit in tickets to see some American Sports. Memphis is home to a professional basketball team and college team too.

Your Road Trip Pack includes multiple route options for driving between musical Memphis and historic Natchez. Natchez itself lies upon a bluff above the Mississippi River with former Plantation Homes dotting your route. Depending on your arrival time in Natchez, try to include Emerald Mound and Grand Village to learn more about the area's rich Native American heritage.

Follow the Great River Road down to New Orleans, or 'The Big Easy'. Built on the mouth of the Mississippi River, the city has seen a lot of changes in the last 10 years and regeneration work is bringing out the best of its character. Oak Alley Plantation is nearby and is a must-do.The French Quarter will be waiting to offer you dinner and drinks, otherwise rest up and get ready for a grand finale in the "The Big Easy".

New Orleans is a vibrant, sultry southern city. This will be your final full day to explore New Orleans' must see attractions, have you taken a ride on a Streetcar yet? Tried a beignet? Or had a stroll around the Garden District? The following day you'll leave for the airport in order to fly home. Whether you call it NOLA, The Big Easy or just plain old New Orleans, we're confident this lively city will stay with you for many a year.