Your itinerary
Day 1: UK - New York.
Fly to New York where you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel for a two night stay.
Day 2: New York City. Included Manhattan sightseeing.
The 'Big Apple' is one of the world's most exciting cities, buzzing with atmosphere and packed with fascinating sights and great shops. On today's sightseeing tour, see New York City's major attractions including Broadway, the Empire State Building, Greenwich Village, bustling Chinatown, City Hall, Wall Street and Trinity Church. This evening choose from the many fine restaurants the city has to offer or enjoy one of the famous Broadway shows.
Day 3: New York City - Pocono Mountains - Niagara Falls.
We leave Manhattan and head north-west through the renowned Pocono Mountains and the scenic farmlands of upstate New York. Late this afternoon cross the border at Rainbow Bridge and proceed to the Canadian side of the Niagara River in the province of Ontario.
Day 4: Niagara Falls. Included sightseeing and cruise.
The power of Mother Nature overwhelms the senses as you marvel at Niagara Falls, one of the world's most incredible natural spectacles. In the morning our included sightseeing tour will give you spectacular views of the waterfalls from scenic points on the rim of the gorge and from the decks of the 'Maid of the Mist', where you will experience the thundering columns of water up close. The afternoon is free, so why not hop aboard the People Mover (local transport) and visit attractions such as the Butterfly Conservatory, Great Gorge Adventure, Botanical Gardens, Niagara Parks Greenhouse or ride the aerial cable car?
Note: The operation of the Maid of the Mist cruise is subject to favourable weather and/or river conditions. Usually favourable conditions exist from May to the end of October. When unfavourable conditions exist, a walking tour through the scenic tunnels will be substituted.
Day 5: Niagara Falls - Philadelphia.
We head south east, through the Appalachian Mountains and into the Susquehanna River Valley. Then it's on to the handsome city of Philadelphia for an overnight stay.
Day 6: Philadelphia - Washington DC.
The 'City of Brotherly Love' is also the birthplace of American Independence, and is therefore steeped in history. Our morning orientation tour focuses on the city's historic landmarks. You will have free time in which you may want to visit Independence Hall, see the Liberty Bell and other sites within the Independence National Historic Park. Afterwards it's on to the US capital and seat of government, Washington DC.
Day 7: Washington DC. Included sightseeing.
A guided sightseeing tour with a local guide includes a visit to the Lincoln Memorial and photo stops at Capitol Hill and the White House. We then cross the Potomac River to visit the Arlington National Cemetery and see the graves of American heroes, including those of John F Kennedy and his brother Robert. The afternoon and evening are at leisure. Perhaps visit historic Union Station for a great international lunch followed by fascinating exhibits in the Smithsonian Museum along the National Mall?
Day 8: Washington DC - Los Angeles.
Morning at leisure before transferring to the airport for your flight to Los Angeles.
Day 9: Los Angeles.
Spend the day at leisure in Los Angeles or join one of the many activities from Disneyland - the most magical place on earth - to a full day tour of Universal Studios Hollywood. In the evening, plenty of suggestions for dining and shopping will be available.
Day 10: Los Angeles - Palm Springs - Scottsdale.
We begin the day with a sightseeing tour of the world's 'Capital of Glamour', including a drive through Hollywood. A stop in the desert oasis of Palm Springs, before we head to the mountain-ringed desert resort of Scottsdale.
Day 11: Scottsdale.
On your free day, a multitude of additional outings are offered for your enjoyment, amongst them a guided jeep tour into Arizona's Sonoran desert to experience the flora and fauna that make up its delicate ecosystem.
Day 12: Scottsdale - Sedona - Oak Creek Canyon - Grand Canyon - Williams.
First stop today is a visit to Sedona, a centre for South-western and New Age arts. Climb through Oak Creek Canyon with its weather-sculpted formations of dramatic, colour-tinted crags. Then it's through the San Francisco Mountains and beautiful pine forests to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. For a once-in-a-lifetime experience, take our optional helicopter 'flightseeing' excursion for dramatic views of the flame-coloured walls plunging 6,000 feet to the Colorado River below.
Day 13: Williams - Las Vegas.
Cross the old Mohave gold-strike country, which still has traces of century-old ghost towns set in natural desert beauty. Watch for Joshua trees, a species of the lily family that grows to 40 feet in height and can live for more than 300 years. Today's destination is the man-created phenomenon of Las Vegas, fantastic city of feverish gambling, neon lights, and glamorous shows.
Day 14: Las Vegas.
The morning and afternoon are free for exploring the 'Strip' with its varied casinos and resorts, shopping plazas and amusement sites. This evening we highly recommend a night out to a dazzling stage show featuring top Vegas entertainment.
Day 15: Las Vegas - Fresno.
A day of striking natural contrasts as the journey continues north-west across the desert landscape of Nevada before crossing into California. Overnight in Fresno located in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley, often referred to as the 'Great Garden of the Sun'.
Day 16: Fresno - Yosemite National Park - Sonora.
Leave Fresno for Yosemite National Park. A wonderland of spectacular lakes, cascading waterfalls, lush forests and giant granite domes, pinnacles and mountains rising more than 4,000 feet above the valley floor. Afterwards we drive to Sonora, once a thriving centre in the gold rush era and well known for its vast collection of Victorian homes.
Day 17: Sonora - Sacramento - San Francisco. Included sightseeing.
Today we travel to Sacramento, capital of California, where there is time to explore the Old Town. See the country's largest collection of Gold Rush era buildings and the Wells Fargo museum. Continue west to San Francisco, crossing one of the city's splendid bridges offering vistas of the San Francisco skyline and its magnificent harbour. Main sights on the city tour include the old Spanish Mission Dolores, renowned Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman's Wharf and Nob Hill.
Days 18 - 19: San Francisco.
Two full days to explore the regularly voted 'Best City in the USA'. San Francisco is a visual feast that offers something for every eye. To help you see it all are the hilltops and landmarks including the 55 metre/180 feet high Coit Tower on Telegraph Hill. A visit to Golden Gate Bridge and Golden Gate Park, one of the largest manmade parks in the world are a must. Then there is Alcatraz, Grant Street, the city's oldest road, running the length of Chinatown, and Haight-Ashbury, which rekindles memories of 'Flower Power' and the 'Beat Generation'.
Day 20: San Francisco - UK.
Transfer to San Francisco airport for your overnight flight to the UK.
Day 21: Home landing in the UK.
Maximum elevation on this tour is 9,940 ft.
Hotels On Tour
New York: Holiday Inn 29th; Niagara Falls: Michael's Inn; Philadelphia: Holiday Inn Historic District; Washington DC area: Crowne Plaza Alexandria; Los Angeles: Marriott Downtown; Scottsdale: Hospitality Suites; Williams: Days Inn; Las Vegas: Imperial Palace; Fresno: Best Western Village Inn; Sonora: Inns of California; San Francisco: Cathedral Hill.
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