Day 1
Arrive San Francisco
A few years ago San Francisco was riding high on the wealth of the dot com explosion. And it showed in outrageously high-priced hotels, restaurants and real estate. When the bubble burst, the city was forced to adjust. In fact, now is a great time to visit the somewhat humbler, but just as fabulous, cultural mecca of the Left Coast. Hotels and restaurants have lowered their prices, making it easier to enjoy a weekend here. One of the best things about San Francisco is that you can be in a museum in the morning and on a mountain in the afternoon. Mind-expanding cultural attractions exist alongside invigorating outdoor activities. Gaze at the work of Jackson Pollock at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art in the morning and then head to Muir Woods to peer up at gigantic redwoods in the afternoon. From the hippie haunts of Haight-Ashbury to the colourful Victorian architecture of the predominantly gay Castro District, and from Japantown to Chinatown, San Francisco is all about neighbourhoods. Each has a distinct look and vibe; you could easily spend a day in each or hop on a streetcar to sample a few.
Hotel: Standard Carlton Hotel
Day 2
San Francisco
You have 3 more days to enjoy this magnificent city. Here are some suggestions on what to do and see.
Today why not combine two of San Francisco’s top attractions with a Hop on Hop off Trolley tour along with a day ticket and tour of the infamous Alcatraz. Hop aboard an exclusive ferry ride to the world-famous Alcatraz, where you’ll take an audio walking tour of one of the most infamous prisons in American history followed by a Hop-on, Hop-off city tour.
Day 3
San Francisco
Today why not take a trip out of the city and visit such places as Muir Woods, one of California’s unique attractions and home to the oldest and tallest Redwood trees in existence or head across San Francisco bay to Sausalito, an alluring village of art galleries, quaint shops and waterfront restaurants.
Day 4
San Francisco
Today you could head to wine country. Sonoma and Napa counties’ Mediterranean climate makes them the premium wine grape growing provinces of North America.
Day 5
Las Vegas
Head east across the Mojave Desert to Las Vegas. This is a city that barely needs an introduction. From its top-of-the-line resorts, shopping and dining to its exciting entertainment and nightlife, Las Vegas has earned its place as one of the world’s premier tourist destinations. Nevada’s largest city has long outgrown its adult playground moniker and is no longer just a gambling Mecca.
The mega-resorts that line The Strip offer visitors more than meets the eye. Behind the flashing neon and dazzling lights, each of them is a destination unto itself. Take Caesars Palace and the designer fashions available at The Forum Shops, or Mandalay Bay and its sandy beaches and wave pool or Bellagio’s world-class spa—each day in Las Vegas can be a whole new vacation. Kids and kids at heart can enjoy roller coasters and other rides at Circus Circus, Stratosphere and New York – New York and live animal exhibits at many resorts including Siegfried and Roy’s Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat at The Mirage and the MGM Grand Lion Habitat. For some education with your vacation, the Springs Preserve is a fun way to learn all about the desert that surrounds Las Vegas and the Nevada State Museum will include even more informative exhibits and displays. Sun-seekers can soak up rays at resort pools at the Hard Rock Hotel, Palms, and everywhere in between.
To fuel any Las Vegas getaway—however frenetic or tranquil—you’ll need plenty to eat, and the city has you covered there as well. Although the once ubiquitous 99-cent shrimp cocktail is all but extinct, it’s unlikely that you’ll starve on any budget. From specials and buffets at practically every resort to five-star, celebrity-chef restaurants—even a burger with a $777 price tag!—Las Vegas is a food lover’s dream.
Maybe Elvis said it best, “Viva Las Vegas!”
Hotel: Standard Excalibur Hotel
Day 6
Las Vegas
Today you should get to know Las Vegas by taking a walking tour of the Strip.. You can cover a lot of the city on foot. That said, the length of the Strip can be deceptive... it takes more time than you would think to walk from one end to the other. But parts of the Strip must be experienced on foot: where else in the world can you marvel at dancing fountains (the Bellagio), see an erupting volcano (the Mirage), or watch pirates and sirens entertain on ships nightly? (Treasure Island, or T.I.) Not to mention downtown’s Fremont Street Experience, which is a haven for pedestrians.
Day 7
Las Vegas
If you want to leave the city and get to see some of the area’s attractions such as Lake Mead and Hoover Dam or head to The Valley of Fire Nevada’s oldest state park. It is located only 50 miles northeast of Las Vegas. The rough floor and jagged walls of the park contain brilliant formations of eroded sandstone and sand dunes more than 150 million years old. These features, which are the centrepiece of the park’s attractions, often appear to be on fire when reflecting the sun’s rays. The areas most popular attraction is the grandest attraction of them all, The Grand Canyon. There are many options to visit the canyon area such as aeroplane, helicopter or bus.
Day 8
Las Vegas
Las Vegas offers world class spas so this being your last day why not spend some time relaxing. Las Vegas spas have no equal for sheer size and extravagance. Most Las Vegas spas are as large, flashy and lavish as the hotels they’re in. The more recent Las Vegas spas have also brought in fancy European technologies, like laconiums, ice fountains and water circuits. But it’s not all about show -- the city attracts great massage therapists. And for those who don’t like a mega-spa there are smaller, more intimate spas. Here are my picks for the best spas on the Las Vegas Strip.
Day 9
Los Angeles
Today you head to ‘The City of Angels’ Los Angeles. Modern myth has it that these days everyone in Los Angeles has written a screenplay, is writing a screenplay or is just visiting. For those in the latter category we offer a road map of ideas to help make a trip to this ultra-hip, ultra-happening haven easy, fun and exciting. While LA will always be associated with movies and movie stars, it is also a culturally vibrant city that boasts a range of interesting attractions from prestigious art museums and galleries to fabulous theatre, both well-known productions and smaller fringe shows. Art enthusiasts will be stunned by the extensive collections at the J. Paul Getty Centre and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. Visit the La Brea Tar Pits on Museum Row, and then investigate the trendy shops on Melrose Avenue. Families will not want to miss the zoo or the action at Universal Studios Hollywood. Of course, no trip to LA would be complete without a stop at the Venice Beach Boardwalk or a visit to Mann’s Chinese Theatre and the Walk of Fame.
Hotel: Crowne Plaza Beverley Hills
Day 10
Los Angeles
Today we suggest you visit the Downtown Area including Olveras Street, Chinatown, Downtown Shopping, Museums, Bunker Hill / Angels Walk, Performing Arts Centre of Los Angeles, walking tours downtown LA, and more.. Santa Monica including Third Street Promenade and Venice Beach. Hollywood including Hollywood Blvd , TV Studios and Show Tickets, Universal Studios, Universal CityWalk, The Grove, Original Farmers Market, and others. Don’t miss Beverly Hills. It is said to form a "Platinum Triangle" with adjacent neighborhoods Bel Air and Holmby Hills, as all three areas are regarded as the most affluent within Los Angeles. Beverly Hills is where you’ll find perhaps one of most well-known streets in the world: Rodeo Drive - a haven for anyone who has a passion for fashion. As seen in Pretty Woman, these short three blocks are concentrated with an overwhelming array of designer labels.
Day 11
Los Angeles
You now have another two days to explore this exciting city. Today we suggest you visit the Downtown Area including Olveras Street, Chinatown, Downtown Shopping, Museums, Bunker Hill / Angels Walk, Performing Arts Centre of Los Angeles, walking tours downtown LA, and more.. Santa Monica including Third Street Promenade and Venice Beach. Hollywood including Hollywood Blvd , TV Studios and Show Tickets, Universal Studios, Universal CityWalk, The Grove, Original Farmers Market, and others. Don’t miss Beverly Hills. It is said to form a "Platinum Triangle" with adjacent neighborhoods Bel Air and Holmby Hills, as all three areas are regarded as the most affluent within Los Angeles. Beverly Hills is where you’ll find perhaps one of most well-known streets in the world: Rodeo Drive - a haven for anyone who has a passion for fashion. As seen in Pretty Woman, these short three blocks are concentrated with an overwhelming array of designer labels.
Day 12
Los Angeles
Today why not head to the original Disney Park, Disneyland Resort in Anaheim south of Los Angeles. The Disneyland Resort is world-famous for immersive attractions featuring masterful storytelling and unbelievable special effects. Both Disneyland Park and Disney’s California Adventure Park are packed with unforgettable experiences that have entertained generations of families and kept them coming back for more. Share classic favorites and brand new adventures with the ones you love!
Day 13
Today you fly home with great memories of the Golden West
Day 14
Arrive home.
What's Included
- Return transatlantic schedule flights to San Francisco and back from Los Angeles
- Flights from San Francisco to Las Vegas
- Flights from Las Vegas to Los Angeles
- Hotel accommodation as specified, or of a similar standard
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