Your itinerary
1. London to Vancouver
Your door-to-door driver drops you off at London Heathrow for
your non-stop flight to Vancouver with Air Canada. Make yourself
comfortable for the next two nights at the 4 diamond Coast Plaza
Hotel and Suites, set close to Stanley Park - the largest natural
forest in any downtown area of Canada.
2. Vancouver
Tour this lovely city today, including highlights such as
Stanley Park and the Lions Gate Bridge. Cross over to the North
Shore, and head up Grouse Mountain for panoramic views of the Lower
Mainland. Continue to Capilano for a guided tour of the Totem and
Nature Park and stroll across the world-famous suspension bridge to
the treetop walkways on the other side. Enjoy some free time in the
afternoon before this evening's optional sunset dinner cruise on
English Bay. L
3. Vancouver to Kamloops
Following the Thompson River to Fraser Canyon and Hell's Gate
Gorge, where the freshwater Fraser and glacial Thompson Rivers meet
in spectacular style, trace the scenic route of the Cariboo Wagon
Road on today's journey. After a brief stop in Hope, the town of
Kamloops and its 3 diamond Coast Canadian Inn welcome you for an
overnight stay.
4. Kamloops to Banff
Journey along the Trans Canada Highway, through the
spectacularly scenic Columbia Mountains, and approach the Rockies
via the Kicking Horse Pass. Reaching Banff, check in at the Banff
Caribou Lodge (3 diamond). Your home for two nights (which isn't
air-conditioned) is set within walking distance of the town
centre.
5. Banff
Traverse the Icefields Parkway, one of the most scenic highways
in the world, on today's optional tour, passing beautiful sights
such as Peyto and Bow lakes and the Crowfoot Glacier en route to
Jasper National Park. While in the park, visit the Columbia
Icefield for a chance to ride an Ice Explorer on the Athabasca
Glacier. Alternatively, your day is at leisure in Banff.
6. Banff, Calgary and San Francisco
Leave the picturesque Rockies behind as you head to Calgary for
your flight to the United States. Reaching San Francisco in the
evening, the Holiday Inn Fisherman's Wharf Hotel (3 diamond) or
similar awaits you for your two-night stay.
7. San Francisco
Take in some of San Francisco's most popular sights on your
morning city tour, including Union Square, Fisherman's Wharf, Twin
Peaks Park and the Golden Gate Bridge. With this afternoon at
leisure you could join an optional tour, either on a cable car ride
across town or a bay cruise, to relax and admire the cityscape from
the water. Alternatively, spend a few hours exploring the city at
your own pace.
8. San Francisco to Yosemite and Oakhurst
Cross the picturesque San Joaquin Valley to Yosemite National
Park and spend the day exploring the breathtaking landscape of
waterfalls, granite domes, alpine meadows and giant redwood
forests. Oakhurst's 3 diamond Shilo Inn (or similar) is only 30
minutes from Yosemite, and although it has no bar or restaurant, it
is situated close to both.
9. Oakhurst to Fresno
The long journey to Las Vegas is divided by a stopover in
Fresno, California, where you will be welcomed for the night at the
centrally-located Four Points Sheraton Hotel (4 diamond).
10. Fresno to Las Vegas
Continuing through the San Joaquin Valley and the Tehachapi
mountains, you'll get to see some beautiful scenic contrasts today.
Head through the Mohave desert and take a break in Calico Ghost
Town, site of California's richest silver strike, en route to Las
Vegas and the downtown Golden Nugget Hotel (4 diamond), which
becomes your home for the next two nights.
11. Las Vegas
Take to the skies for a spectacular flight over the
awe-inspiring Grand Canyon on this morning's optional trip. You'll
have plenty of time to enjoy the amazing scenery, taking in Lake
Mead and the Colorado River, and to learn all about the area from
the expert commentary en route. Otherwise, your day is free to make
the most of the lively atmosphere of Las Vegas.
12. Las Vegas to San Diego
Observe the scenic contrasts in landscape today as you journey
through the desert to the Californian city of San Diego, where you
can settle in at the Handlery Hotel and Resort (3 Diamond) for two
nights in the Mission Suburb.
13. San Diego
Take in the adobe buildings and shops of the Old Town, Balboa
Park, Mission Bay and Seaport Village on this morning's tour. Enjoy
some free time this afternoon to explore at your own leisure.
14. San Diego to Toronto
Head to Los Angeles for your flight to Toronto. The 4 Diamond
Novotel Toronto Centre becomes your home in downtown - unpack for
three nights.
15. Toronto
Explore this vibrant city this morning, taking in sights such as
the lakefront, CN Tower - the world's tallest free-standing
structure (entrance included), the SkyDome stadium, City Hall and
the impressive campus of Toronto University. The rest of the day is
free for you to discover more of the city centre, explore the
harbourfront or take in views of Canada's most dynamic city from
the water on an optional cruise, where an expert commentary will
help you identify the towering skyscrapers, island parklands and
lagoons.
16. Toronto or Niagara Falls
Join the unmissable optional tour to Niagara Falls today (book
with your holiday). You'll have plenty of time to admire the
majesty of the falls, cruise on the Maid of the Mist boat or take a
helicopter flightseeing trip for a unique bird's-eye view. Lunch
overlooking the falls is included and your excursion returns, via
the Whirlpool Rapids and Queenston Heights, to Toronto by early
evening. Otherwise, your day is free in Toronto.
17. Toronto and flight home
This morning is at leisure for you to do any last-minute
shopping or sightseeing before your non-stop, overnight flight to
London Heathrow with Air Canada.
18. London
Your door-to-door driver will chauffeur you home.
Travel notes
We have chosen our hotels carefully to give your trip real variety
as well as comfort. In Las Vegas, for example, we'll stay in a
quieter downtown area rather than the lively Vegas strip, while in
LA you can experience the community spirit of the Anaheim area. The
Stars and Stripes and the maple leaf sit well together. This mix of
Canada and the USA, busy cities and restful national parks, gives
you the best aspects of each. Holidays are for leisurely meals and
shopping trips as well as sightseeing and nature-loving. So
although there's lots to pack in, there's a relaxed pace to this
multi-faceted tour.
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