Your itinerary
Day 1: UK - Los Angeles.
Fly to Los Angeles where you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel for a two night stay.
Day 2: Los Angeles.
Spend the day at leisure or join one of the many optional excursions. Visit Disneyland - the most magical place on earth or join the tour of Universal Studios Hollywood. In the evening plenty of suggestions for dining and shopping will be available.
Day 3: Los Angeles. Included sightseeing. - Palm Springs - Scottsdale.
Begin the day with a sightseeing tour of the world's 'Capital of Glamour', including a drive through Hollywood. Later, a stop in the desert oasis of Palm Springs. Ever since Hollywood stars first came here in the 1930's laying claim to ranch-style estates and holding up in elite hotels, the clean dry air and sunshine, just 120 miles east of Los Angeles, have made Palm Springs irresistible. Ocotillo and cholla cacti dot the desert landscape as you cross the great Colorado River and continue into Arizona, where the unmistakable saguaro cacti stand sentinel. Late this afternoon we arrive in the mountain-ringed desert resort of Scottsdale.
Day 4: Scottsdale - Sedona - Grand Canyon - Williams.
First stop is Sedona, a thriving centre for New Age arts set in canyon country. On to the weather-sculptured rock formations of Oak Creek Canyon and up through the San Francisco Mountains and beautiful pine forests to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. There is time to stroll the canyon rim. For a once-in-a-lifetime experience you may choose to take a helicopter flightseeing excursion for incomparable views of flame-coloured walls plunging 6,000 feet into the Colorado River. Overnight in Williams.
Day 5: Williams - Las Vegas.
Leave the mountain town of Williams on historic Route 66 and cross the old Mohave gold strike country, which still bears traces of century-old ghost towns set in natural desert beauty. By late afternoon reach Las Vegas, fantastic city of feverish gambling, neon lights, and glamorous shows. This evening, enjoy our optional outing to a glittering Vegas stage show - setting the seal on an amazing day - or if you prefer, explore some of the many themed casino resorts along the colourful 'Strip.'
Days 6 - 7: Las Vegas.
Las Vegas offers a variety of spectacular attractions and activities for visitors of all ages. You have two full days for swimming and sunbathing at the hotel pool or exploring the 'Strip', with its varied casinos and resorts, shopping plazas, and amusements. There's also a range of great-value excursions to choose from, including river rafting through the Black Canyon on the Colorado River, a visit to the Hoover Dam or in the evening a dazzling Las Vegas show.
Day 8: 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 9: Fresno - Yosemite National Park - Sonora.
Leave Fresno for Yosemite National Park. A wonderland of spectacular lakes, cascading waterfalls, lush forests, 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 collection of Victorian homes.
Day 10: Sonora - Sacramento - San Francisco. Included sightseeing.
This morning we visit Sacramento, California's historic state capital, home to over 40 art galleries and dozens of museums. There's time to visit historic Old Town, the nation's largest collection of gold rush era buildings. We then continue to drive west to the 'Golden Gate City' of San Francisco, famous for its hills and cable cars. Our included sightseeing tour takes in the Old Spanish Mission Dolores, the spectacular Golden Gate Bridge and bustling Fisherman's Wharf.
Day 11: San Francisco - Sausalito - Sonoma Valley - San Francisco. Included winery tour and wine tasting.
This morning, cross the famous Golden Gate Bridge and visit the pristine waterfront community of Sausalito. Next, Sonoma, a picturesque valley known for its wine grapes. A guided tour and wine tasting at one of the many wineries is included.
Day 12: San Francisco.
Spend the day at leisure and enjoy this vibrant city. Ride San Francisco's historic cable cars, take a walking tour of one of the city's diverse neighbourhoods, or visit the famous and fascinating Alcatraz Prison. Enjoy an Italian coffee at a sidewalk café in North Beach, shop for bargains in Union Square or see one of San Francisco's newest attractions, the Boudin Museum and Bakery, where you'll have the chance to see a bakery in action and learn the story of sourdough French bread. In addition, your Tour Director will have suggestions for dining and shopping.
Day 13: San Francisco - Monterey. Included sightseeing.
Today we travel south to picturesque Monterey, made famous by John Steinbeck's novel 'Cannery Row' and once Spain's Californian capital. Upon arrival your sightseeing tour will include visits to historic Fisherman's Wharf and Cannery Row. During your free time this afternoon, why not visit Monterey Bay Aquarium known for its interactive exhibits and teeming sea life inhabiting an offshore Pacific Ocean. Stroll along Fisherman's Wharf in downtown Monterey and watch the sea lions and otters.
Day 14: Monterey - Carmel - Solvang - Lompoc.
This morning we take spectacular 17-Mile Drive and watch the ocean rolling in on the wide Pacific beaches en-route to Carmel, the popular West Coast retreat for artists and celebrities, before picking up the Old Spanish Mission Trail to Solvang, the Danish Capital of America, and the setting for 'Sideways' movie. There's time to walk the flower-lined village streets and enjoy the quaint old world architecture. Windmills, thatched roofs, tasty bakery treats all add to the charming and unique experience of Solvang, nestled in the Santa Ynez Valley. Overnight in Lompoc.
Day 15: Lompoc - Santa Barbara - Los Angeles - UK.
It's a short drive this morning south to coastal Santa Barbara, where sightseeing includes a drive by the historic Mission Santa Barbara and a visit to the pier on the bustling waterfront. Follow the Pacific coastline, past the fine sandy beaches of Malibu and Santa Monica, reaching Los Angeles in the late afternoon for your overnight flight to the UK.
Day 16: Home landing in the UK.
Note: Passengers travelling with Continental Airlines and bmi will have an additional night in Los Angeles (at the airport hotel).
Maximum elevation on this tour is 6,500 ft.
Hotels On Tour
Los Angeles: Westin Bonaventure; Scottsdale: Courtyard by Marriott; Williams: Days Inn; Las Vegas: Imperial Palace; Fresno: Best Western Village Inn; Sonora: Inns of California Sonora; San Francisco: Carlton Hotel; Monterey Days Inn; Lompoc: Quality Inn.
get more info » book online »
