Arrive to Managua, the capital and largest city in Nicaragua. A single group transfer is provided from the airport. You holiday begins with the overnight at the group hotel.

After breakfast we drive to San Carlos, a small village situated on the south eastern shore of Lake Nicaragua and the beginning of the San Juan River, which flows east to the border with Costa Rica. From San Carlos we take a boat down the river for 2 hours to the village of El Castillo. The river and surrounding rainforest make up the Rio San Juan UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and is packed with unique and interesting wildlife; including mammals such as the Tapir and elusive Jaguar, birds such as the Harpy Eagle and Green Macaw, and freshwater life such as Manatees, freshwater sharks and the American Crocodile.

Reaching El Castillo (the Castle), an impressive fortress dominates the town, strategically located on a sharp curve in the river, it was built by the Spanish to protect the affluent city of Granada from attacks by pirates. This vehicle-free town is made up of colourful wooden buildings which sit on stilts above the fast flowing river. We find our hotel on the narrow "main street" where we overnight.

Today starts early to explore the Indio Maiz Biological Reserve, the best time to see wildlife. We embark on a scenic boat trip down the Rio San Juan, arriving at one of the military ranger stations which have been set up to protect the reserve from poachers. From here, we board canoes and begin our adventure. As we paddle along the river we are surrounded by lush vegetation, dense forest and the relaxing sounds of nature. The calm waters of the river provide a smooth and enjoyable canoeing experience. After 1-2 hours of light canoeing we reach the start point for our walk into the heart of the Biological Reserve.

Walking through the jungle we can expect to see Howler Monkeys, brightly coloured Poison Dart Frogs, a wide range of birdlife including Trogons, Manikins, Tanagers and if we are lucky Scarlet Macaws. There is also an endless variety of flora and the chance to see larger mammals such as ocelots. After the hike we return to El Castillo by boat.

This morning we drive for 4 hours to one of the prettiest city in Nicaragua, Granada. Dating back to 1524 this historic city draws locals and travellers alike, with its wonderful colonial and neoclassical architecture, colourful cobbled streets and laid-back, easy-going atmosphere. The afternoon is free to relax and sample some of the culinary delights on offer ahead of our walking tour tomorrow.

This morning our tour leader will take us on a walking tour of Granada. We will visit 'La Merced' Church, Granada's impressive and brightly painted cathedral and the San Francisco convent. We then continue on to the warm waters of Lake Nicaragua where we will explore some of its 354 islets by boat. The islets are made up of basalt rock covered in lush vegetation, rich in bird life, with plenty of egrets, comorants, ospreys, kingfishers and orpendulas. The age of these islands is unknown but it is believed they were created by a massive eruption of Mombacho Volcano that watches over the lake to the west.

Just South of Granada, Mombacho Volcano Reserve has some of the most beautiful cloud forest flora seen anywhere in Latin America with numerous flowers, bromeliads and orchids amongst its 800+ species. We arrive in the morning, where we will be transported by 4x4 to the ranger station from where we will start our nature walk. The Puma Trail hike takes you inside the cloud forest, as we ascend along the trail we are surrounded by a dense canopy of vegetation, alive with calls of tropical birds and the rustling of leaves. The air is cool and refreshing and with the aid of our naturalist guide we learn about the amazing biodiversity and, if weather permits, we will be treated to amazing views of Lake Nicaragua and its Islets.

After our nature walk we return to Granada, where we will be picked up for a sunset drive up nearby Masaya Volcano. Reaching the rim of the crater we walk to a viewpoint where we can look down inside the crater of the volcano, observing the glowing lava below.

This morning we travel (approx. 2 hour drive) to San Jorge Port on the Western side of Lake Nicaragua. On arriving to San Jorge, we take the ferry to Ometepe Island. Made up of two imposing volcanic cones that rise up from the waters of Central America's largest lake, it is a land of legends and another UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Ometepe has been sacred to the local Nahuatl people for millennia and its fertile landscape is scattered with archaeological remains and ancient petroglyphs. We overnight at our hotel ahead of exploring the island tomorrow.

Today we aim for the high point of our trip by climbing Maderas Volcano (1394m). A dormant volcano it is known for its cloud forest and stunning crater lake. This hike is through dense vegetation, ascending steep slopes and crossing scenic streams. As we ascend, we are surrounded by diverse flora and fauna including orchids, monkeys and a variety of bird species. Reaching the summit we are rewarded with an inspiring panorama of the island. The highlight of this hike is in finding the mystical lagoon nestled within the volcano's crater, a serene and picturesque sight. After our walk we return to our hotel on the island for a well-earned rest.

There are lots of different options to explore the island's rich cultural and archaeological heritage, cycling and kayaking are very easy to arrange locally. The best beach on the island is Playa Santo Domingo - on a clear day you can see both volcanoes from the water here and the long stretch of beach is well worth a visit. Other options include bird watching, visits to waterfalls and natural springs, the interesting coin and pre-Columbian museum and the petroglyphs that the island is famous for.

In the morning we take the ferry back to the mainland and drive 2 hours to La Makina Reserve. This nature reserve has embraced tourism as a route to conserving its unique wildlife habitats and ecosystems, located in the dry tropics of Carazo. It offers guided trail walks, canopy walks and a small campsite located in the park, with funds going back into the conservation and protection of the land. There are plenty of trails to explore winding their way through tropical forest and waterfalls with pristine swimming pools, along with high viewpoints where you can overlook the Pacific Ocean. A campfire is set up in the evening for a special night in this natural setting.

On the way we stop at a project in the small community of Nambume. Ramon and his wife welcome us to learn about the variety of medicinal, citrus and ornamental plants grown on their estate. We can also sample their produce with food prepared by ancestral recipes based on native seeds and organic production methods.

Leaving the reserve, today we drive (approx. 3 hours) to the university city of Leon. Leon is the artistic and intellectual heart of Nicaragua, the colonial capital for three centuries and former home of its three great poets, including Ruben Dario. Leon's historic cathedral (the largest in Central America) is inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list and there is plenty more to explore; whether the revolutionary street art, restaurant lined plazas, or colonial architecture.

Today we embark on a half-day excursion to Cerro Negro Volcano. An hour's drive outside Leon, Cerro Negro is Nicaragua's youngest active volcano and is completely covered in black sand and rocks, of which its name is derived. We walk the 500m of ascent to the top of the volcano (726m above sea level), which takes 1-2 hours, at the top a vista of unforgettable views stretch along Nicaragua's volcanic chain. A unique quirk of Cerro Negro is the steep soft black sand slopes that allow for a quick and easy descent. We can either walk, run, slide or 'volcano board' back down to the bottom before we return to Leon.

This morning we wake to our last day in Nicaragua. After breakfast we drive (approx. 3 hours) directly to Managua Airport, where the holiday ends, in time for afternoon flight departures. Additional nights in Leon or Managua can be arranged.

Arrive Las Vegas. Make your own way to the hotel. You will meet your guide and the rest of the group the next morning.

This morning we leave the bright lights and glitz of Las Vegas behind as we head out on our adventure into the US Southwest. After meeting our guide and the rest of our group in the morning we drive out to the eponymous Death Valley (approx. 2hr30). Straddling the border of California and Nevada, this below-sea-level basin is a land of extremes and wonder, thought to be the hottest place on earth in summer, yet home to a surprising array of life and unique natural formations. We explore the National Park by car and on foot, taking in scenic sites such as Zabriskie Point and the Badwater Basin. Later in the afternoon we travel (approx. 2 hrs) on to our campground for the next two nights at Lone Pine.

This morning we visit the Museum of Western Film History that collects, preserves, and exhibits a broad and diverse collection of film memorabilia associated with the American Western film genre including the landscapes that served as a canvas for their stories. After visiting the museum we hit the road on a short tour through these landscapes. The Alabama Hills are a formation of rounded rocks and eroded hills set at the base of the jagged peaks of the Sierra Nevada. We travel a up long dirt path with stellar views of Mount Whitney and the other Sierra Nevada peaks soaring above. More than 400 films have been captured in this scenery. Along the road we make multiple stops for short walks on Shark Finn trail, Mobius Arch and many more. Return to campground at Lone Pine.

This morning we take a ranger's walk at Manzanar historic site (25 min drive) and walk the Manzanar trail (4km, 1 hr). We then drive to Calico (approx. 3hrs30) to visit an old West mining town that was abandoned in the mid-1890s after silver lost its value and have lunch along the drive (not included). After our visit to Calico, we drive to our campground just outside Joshua Tree National Park (2hrs) where we set up camp.

Full day to explore Joshua Tree National Park by car and on foot. We start our day at Cholla Cactus Garden, walking a loop to admire thousands of densely concentrated, naturally growing cholla cactus (30 minutes) we then walk the Arch Rock (1 hour) and Skull Rock (1-2 hrs) trails, a couple of short and easy hikes to explore desert washes and boulder piles including the striking Skull Rock. We finish this walking day at Ryan Ranch (1 hour), with an easy hike along an old ranch road where you can see historic adobe structures. Keys View offers round-the-clock breath-taking vistas where visitors are treated to sweeping views of the Coachella Valley, Palm Springs, and the surrounding peaks that stretch all the way to Mexico. This evening, we take an opportunity to go out for dinner (not included) in the area. Pappy & Harriet's Pioneertown Palace in nearby Pioneertown is a truly unique experience. Part honky­ tonk, part music-biz museum, part premier venue, the 'Palace' is a great place to grab a bite, kick back, and possibly even catch some live music.

Drive to Mojave National Preserve (approx. 2 hrs), where we hike to the top of the most popular sand dune, Kelso Dune. The short but steep hike is fairly strenuous, taking 2-3 hours for most people, but the views from the top are well worth it.

This afternoon we undertake our first longer hike, where we hike the Barber Peak Trail, a ten kilometre loop encircling Barber Peak. We pass the impressive Opalite Cliffs before returning to Hole-in-the-Wall via the Banshee Canyon. We set up camp at Hole-in-the-Wall at the basic campground for the night.

Transfer to Valley of Fire State Park (approx. 3hrs30). Here we undertake a couple of shorter hikes taking in interesting points and scenery. Firstly, we hike the White Domes Trail loop, a popular hike in the park thanks to its ever-changing scenery and terrain. On the 1.8km trail we hike through a sandy desert with tall colourful sandstone formations, through narrow slot canyons and even get to see old 'ruins'. We then hike the Mouse tank Trail (1.6km) to view petroglyphs and explore the rocks of this natural basin. After these walks we drive to Zion (approx. 3 hours) where we take a 5km hike on the Watchman trail as an ideal introduction to Zion's magnificence and beauty. Tonight we set up camp at our campground and head out to eat at a local restaurant (not included).

Today we have a full day to enjoy Zion. Again we split the day into 2 shorter hikes to see the best highlights of the park. We start by hiking to Emerald Pool (4.8km, 260m), after gaining a modest amount of elevation the trail contours above the Virgin River for a few hundred metres, yielding great views of the fertile oasis formed from the flowing water. After lunch we take on the slightly more challenging hike climbing 'Walter's Wiggles', a series of 21 switchbacks, to Scout Lookout (5.8km, 340m), a flat saddle with incredible views of Zion Canyon. We return to our camp to enjoy a camp meal and our last evening in the park.

This morning we drive (approx. 2 hours) to Bryce Canyon. The best way to see the canyon is combining the main trails (Queens Garden, Peek-a-Boo, and Navajo Loops) for an extraordinary day walking through a maze of multi-hued rock formations eroded into fantastical shapes. Overlooks along the rim and ridges on route feature jaw-dropping views of seas of colourful hoodoos, pinnacles and fins. After our day of walking we return of our campground on the edge of Bryce Canyon City.

Waking early we head to sunrise point for sensational views and a natural light show over the canyon as the rising sun lights up the red rock formations below. After this spectacle we drive on to Page (approx. 2 hrs) where we join a tour of the Upper Antelope Canyon, a magnificent slot canyon shaped by millions of years of water and wind erosion, led by a local Navajo guide.
We then continue on towards our final natural wonder, the Grand Canyon. On the way we make a stop at the famous Horseshoe Bend for an impressive look over the horseshoe-shaped incised meander of the Colorado River. We arrive to the Grand Canyon in time to end this special day with sunset views over the canyon. We set up camp in our campground for the next 2 nights and head to a local restaurant for dinner.

Today we have a full day at the Grand Canyon. Getting around using the free shuttle service you may choose to visit the Grand Canyon Visitor's Centre, hike some of the South Rim Trail to one of many viewpoints, or join one of the ranger walks within the National Park. Alternatively you can walk down one of the marked trails to viewpoints within the canyon itself, such as 'Ooh-Aah Point' and 'Cedar Ridge' (This walk would be unguided as external tour leaders are not allowed to guide within the park - The National Park Service provide information on the available hiking routes including approximate timings and safety considerations, such as suggestions of carrying plenty of water). You tour leader will be on hand to provide you with recommendations and assistance. In the evening we return to our nearby campground for our final camp dinner.

In the morning we have our last time at the Grand Canyon before taking the road back to Las Vegas, taking in a section of 'Route 66'. After around 2 hours we stop in Seligman for lunch (not included). A quirky small town along a preserved section of Route 66 that captures a vibrant slice of Americana. After lunch we transfer back to our hotel in Las Vegas (approx. 2hrs45), where we enjoy our final dinner as a group at a local restaurant where we can reflect on our American journey.

Free time before your flight. Airport transfers are not included and can be arranged through your hotel.