California Dreaming From Glitz to Giants - 10 Days

Upon arrival in Los Angeles, you will be greeted and transferred to your hotel, where you can take some time to relax and settle in. This initial day provides a great opportunity to explore at your own pace. Essential information regarding the start of your journey will be available in the afternoon, either shared directly or displayed on informative panels in the hotel reception. Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere and start anticipating all that this exciting city has to offer. Please note: This tour may have travellers joining or departing at various points along the route, meaning group composition can change during the tour. Please also be aware that depending on group composition, guiding may be in additional languages as well as English.

Following breakfast, we embark on a panoramic tour of Los Angeles, exploring this vast and vibrant city. We will visit key landmarks, including the Music Centre, Civic Centre, and Financial Centre, before passing the bustling LA Live area and the impressive Staples Centre. Our journey continues along Wilshire Boulevard, moving west through the intriguing Korean Quarter and the Brea Ditch, ultimately arriving at the luxurious Beverly Hills. Travelling along the iconic Sunset Boulevard, we make our way to Hollywood, where you can admire the famous Walk of Fame, the Dolby Theatre, the Chinese Theatre, and catch a glimpse of the legendary Hollywood Sign. You’ll have free time to wander and find a spot for lunch. Later in the afternoon, we will drive to Long Beach, where the elegance of palm trees contrasts with modern glass buildings. You’ll have some time to stroll around Shoreline Village and dine at one of its lively restaurants overlooking the historic Queen Mary transatlantic.

On Day 3, we depart from Los Angeles and journey towards the vibrant city of Las Vegas, Nevada. Upon our afternoon arrival, we will introduce you to the lively heart of this city with a guided tour of Downtown and the renowned Strip. This iconic avenue is famed for its impressive hotels, bustling casinos, and spectacular entertainment, epitomising Las Vegas as a thrilling adult playground. In the evening, you have the option to join us for a dazzling 'Night of Lights' tour, immersing yourself in the dazzling illuminations of this captivating city. Please note that this journey may sometimes be conducted on a regular line bus.

On day four, we set off early towards Arizona, making a stop at Seligman, a charming town nestled along the iconic Route 66. Afterwards, we continue our journey to the awe-inspiring Grand Canyon, one of the world’s most remarkable natural wonders and a true emblem of the American West. We arrive mid-morning, with entrance to the park included, allowing us to explore the majestic surroundings. Accompanied by our guide, we'll traverse this extraordinary landscape in our bus, visiting renowned viewpoints such as Bright Angel and Mather Point, both offering breathtaking views over 2000 metres above the Colorado River. For those seeking a different perspective, there's an optional plane excursion available. Our day concludes with a transfer to the hotel in the late afternoon, where you can unwind after a day full of exploration.

After enjoying breakfast, we set out for Nevada, making our way past the iconic Hoover Dam. Although we won't be stopping, you will have the chance to see this engineering marvel from the comfort of our bus as we travel. We'll then make a stop for lunch before continuing our journey to Las Vegas. In the afternoon, we'll take you to one of the city's most popular outlet centres for a bit of shopping. The evening in Las Vegas is yours to explore, whether you choose to attend one of its renowned concerts, theatre performances, or experience the magical Cirque du Soleil. Enjoy your night in the city where entertainment knows no bounds.

Following breakfast, we'll embark on an exciting journey through Death Valley, the largest national park in the United States, renowned for its stark and dramatic landscapes. Our first stop will be Zabriskie Point, famous for its striking views of the eroded badlands formed from ancient salt lakes. We'll also visit Badwater Basin, the lowest point in North America at 85 metres below sea level. Midway through our adventure, we'll savour a traditional Far West lunch, capturing the spirit of the region. In the afternoon, we'll traverse the central mountain ranges, skirting Lake Isabella as we make our way to Bakersfield. Please note, however, that from June to October, due to high temperatures and potential park closures, Death Valley is replaced by a visit to Calico Ghost Town.

After breakfast, our journey today takes us into a completely different landscape as we leave the desert behind and venture into one of the most impressive forests in the USA, Sequoia National Park. Renowned for its Giant Sequoias, this park boasts some of the largest trees in the world. You'll have the chance to capture photographs of the majestic General Sherman and others of its kind, while enjoying a leisurely stroll beneath the towering giants of nature. Following our memorable visit to these remarkable forests, we continue our travels and head towards Fresno.

After breakfast, we set off to explore the stunning Yosemite National Park, renowned for its dramatic cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and lush greenery. Our journey takes us to see some of the park's most iconic landmarks, including El Capitan, Half Dome, and its breathtaking waterfalls. You'll have free time to enjoy lunch amidst this spectacular landscape. In the afternoon, we continue our journey, arriving in San Francisco by late afternoon, ready to take in the vibrant atmosphere of this iconic city.

Following breakfast, we embark on a comprehensive tour of San Francisco. Our journey begins at Union Square, renowned for its iconic trams, and continues through the vibrant streets of Chinatown. We'll explore the bustling Financial District, the cultural Theatre District, and the Civic Centre. At Alamo Square, you'll encounter the iconic Victorian "Painted Ladies" set against a backdrop of the bustling modern city, famously featured in numerous films. Our tour takes us further into the Castro neighbourhood before venturing up to Twin Peaks for a sweeping panoramic view of the city and its bay. You'll then step back into the counterculture past in the historic Haight-Ashbury district, before we head to the lush expanses of Golden Gate Park for a brief stop. Our exploration culminates at the legendary Golden Gate Bridge, an enduring symbol of San Francisco.

Your afternoon is free – consider an optional excursion to Sausalito for spectacular vistas of San Francisco and the bay. In the evening, we've arranged a transfer to North Beach, the city's vibrant "Little Italy," celebrated for its lively nightlife and array of dining options.

Following breakfast, our services conclude in San Francisco. We hope you cherished the journey and leave with fond memories of your experiences. Safe travels!