Famed for its skyscraper-filled cityscape dominated by the Neo-Gothic Tribune Tower, Chicago is a storied metropolis on the shores of Lake Michigan. It boasts outstanding museums and galleries such as the Art Institute of Chicago, as well as the vibrant entertainment district of Navy Pier. Catch a baseball game at legendary Wrigley Field or explore the eclectic cafes and antique stores that line the laid-back streets of the Far North Side.

Located near the confluence of the Missouri and Mississippi rivers, St. Louis has been dubbed the “Gateway to the West” as the launching point for the Lewis and Clark expedition. Gaze up at the soaring Gateway Arch that commemorates this legacy and soak up the city sights onboard a paddlewheeler. After discovering the city’s links to the “father of ragtime” at Scott Joplin House, head to the Soulard district for barbecue and blues.

Nicknamed the “Birthplace of Route 66”, Tulsa is a riverside city that’s clustered with beautifully preserved Art Deco buildings. Marvel at the Gothic-style Philtower building and explore the lavish Italianate villa of the Philbrook Museum of Art before getting your cultural fix at the impressive Woody Guthrie Center. After learning about the city’s oil connections at the monumental Golden Driller statue, settle in for dinner at one of Tulsa’s farm-to-table restaurants.

Serving as the gateway to Palo Duro Canyon State Park, Amarillo is a quintessential Texan town in the state’s Panhandle. It boasts an eclectic range of museums and attractions that include “Cadillac Ranch” - a series of graffiti-adorned cars that lie partially buried in a field. You can wander between the antique stores and cafes in the U.S. Route 66–Sixth Street Historic District or take on the famous steak challenge at the Big Texan.

Backed by rugged mountains in New Mexico’s high desert, Albuquerque centres around an atmospheric Old Town that’s been shaped by Spanish and Mexican influences over the last 300 years. It’s famed for its annual hot air balloon festival and the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, which celebrate’s the region’s living cultures. Wildlife-spot along the Paseo del Bosque and enjoy the elevated views from the Sandia Peak Tramway before feasting on chilli-infused fare that’s distinctly Southwestern.

Grand Canyon National Park encompasses canyons, river tributaries, and surrounding grounds. The Grand Canyon is situated in Arizona's northwestern quadrant. With millions of visitors making the trip to the canyon each year, this park is one of the most visited tourist destinations in the world. In addition, the park has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979.

Dubbed “Sin City”, Las Vegas is the entertainment capital of the world and situated in the middle of Nevada’s Mojave Desert. Its main thoroughfare, the “Strip”, is lined with 24-hour casinos fronted by monumental themed displays that include everything from musical fountains to exploding volcanos. Get your thrills in the Adventuredome at Circus Circus, wander through the botanical gardens of the Bellagio and experience an interactive account of organised crime at The Mob Museum.

The home of Hollywood, Los Angeles is a sprawling metropolis that includes upmarket beachside burbs, outstanding museums and a colourful farmer’s market. Take in the city views from the Griffith Observatory and stroll along the Walk of Fame, then go shopping along Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills. Head to Santa Monica to see its famous pier and the fitness fanatics at Muscle Beach before discovering the exhilarating nightlife of West Hollywood.