Golden West Adventure + San Diego's Mission Beach
Extend your stay in California and discover why Mission Beach is often compared to classic East Coast beaches like Atlantic City and Coney Island. You may also wish to venture into San Diego City to explore Balboa park and the downtown area. For a slower scene visit South Mission Beach, where fishermen cast their lines off the jetty and watch the boats pass in and out through the Harbor Channel.
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 the next two nights.
DAY 2: Los Angeles.
Today is yours to explore the attractions of this famous city. Visit the cultural sights of Los Angeles such as Olvera Street, the heart of the original Spanish Mission or visit the Getty Centre with its magnificent art collection. Discover the glamour of Hollywood at the Hollywood Museum or spend some time at the luxurious shopping district of Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills.
DAY 3: Los Angeles - 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, just 120 miles east of Los Angeles. 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 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 - Flagstaff.
Your first stop is Sedona, a thriving centre for New Age arts set in canyon country. Next, pass through the weather-sculptured rock formations of Oak Creek Canyon, the San Francisco mountains and beautiful pine forests to the Grand Canyon, where 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 stay in Flagstaff.
DAY 5: Flagstaff - Las Vegas.
Leave the mountain town of Flagstaff 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, don't miss the Fremont Street experience, where a glass atrium enclosing five city blocks comes alive with dazzling sounds and lights - or enjoy an outing to a glittering Vegas stage show.
DAY 6 to 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. You may also wish to take an optional excursion, including river rafting through the Black Canyon on the Colorado River or a visit to Boulder City and the Hoover Dam.
DAY 8: Las Vegas - Mammoth.
A day of striking natural contrasts as the journey continues across the desert landscape of Nevada, before crossing into California and ascending into the snow-capped Sierra Nevada Mountains. Overnight in Mammoth, a popular alpine resort area surrounded by beauty and majesty, and within easy reach of Yosemite National Park.
DAY 9: Mammoth - Yosemite National Park - Sonora.
Cross the high Tioga Pass and enter 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, 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.
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 the historic Old Town, with the nation's largest collection of gold rush era buildings. You then continue west to the 'Golden Gate City' of San Francisco, famous for its hills and cable cars. Our included sightseeing tour takes in the spectacular Golden Gate Bridge and bustling Fisherman's Wharf.
DAY 11: San Francisco - Sonoma Valley - Sausalito - San Francisco.
This morning you cross the famous Golden Gate Bridge and visit Sonoma, a picturesque valley known for its wine grapes. A guided tour and wine tasting at one of the many wineries is included. Next, visit the pristine waterfront community of Sausalito before returning to San Francisco.
DAY 12: San Francisco.
Today, take a boat trip to Alcatraz Island, and discover the history of this notorious former prison. The rest of the day is yours to explore more of this vibrant city. Ride San Francisco's historic cable cars, or take a walking tour of one of the city's diverse neighbourhoods. Enjoy an Italian coffee at a sidewalk café in North Beach, shop for bargains in Union Square or see one of San Francisco's 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.
DAY 13: San Francisco - Carmel - Monterey.
Today you travel south to picturesque Monterey, which was once Spain's Californian capital, and visit historic Fisherman's Wharf, where you may spot sea lions and otters. Next, 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. This afternoon, return to Monterey and visit Cannery Row, made famous by John Steinbeck's novel of the same name. The rest of the day is free, so why not visit Monterey Bay Aquarium known for its interactive exhibits and teeming sea life.
DAY 14: Monterey - Solvang - Lompoc.
This morning, pick up the Old Spanish Mission Trail to Solvang, the Danish Capital of America, and the setting for the movie 'Sideways'. There's time to walk the flower-lined village streets and enjoy the quaint old world architecture. Windmills, thatched roofs and tasty bakery treats all add to the charming and unique experience of Solvang, nestled in the Santa Ynez Valley. Overnight in the town of Lompoc.
DAY 15: Lompoc - Santa Barbara - Los Angeles.
It's a short drive this morning to coastal Santa Barbara, where sightseeing includes a photo stop at 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.
DAY 16: Los Angeles - San Diego/Mission Beach.
Board Amtrak?s Pacific Surfliner and ride the rails from Los Angles to San Diego. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel in Mission Beach.
DAY 17 to 18: Mission Beach.
Two full days to explore Mission Beach and San Diego.
DAY 19: Mission Beach - UK.
Transfer to the airport for your overnight flight to the UK.
DAY 20: Home landing in the UK.
Optional Excursions
To help you plan and make the most of your holiday, below is a list of optional excursions available to you.
Universal Studios Hollywood - One day admission - client ID #1074
No visit to the West Coast would be complete without seeing the world's largest motion picture and television studio. There's a chance to see live shows currently aired on TV, a screen test, comedy theater, and a daring stunt show.
$77 (US Dollar)
Stars' Homes Tour
Cruise the Sunset Strip on our way to Beverly Hills and Bel Air where you will see a dazzling array of Stars' Homes, and well groomed parks, manicured gardens and Hillside Estates. Tour is approximately 2 hours.
$49 (US Dollar)
24-hour Hop On Hop Off Double Decker Bus Tour
Discover the whole of Los Angeles and get on or off the buses at over 50 stops! Enjoy the open-air view from our vintage Double Decker Buses from England as the narrated tour points out landmarks from Downtown L.A. to the beaches of Santa Monica, with Hollywood and Beverly Hills in between. Hop-On or Hop-Off as often as you like to explore major attractions, movie studios or dine and shop at Los Angeles's hotspots - when you're ready to continue, just hop back on the bus. This ticket allows you to transfer between routes. (24 hour pass)
$35 (US Dollar)
48-hour Hop-on Hop-off Double Decker Bus Tour
Only with Starline's CitySightseeing HOP-ON HOP-OFF tour can you discover the whole of Los Angeles on a City Tour that allows you to get on or off the buses at any of our 50 stops! Enjoy the open air view inside our vintage Double Decker Buses from England as the narrated tour points out landmarks from Downtown Los Angeles to the beaches of Santa Monica, with Hollywood and Beverly Hills in between. Hop-on or hop-off as often as you like to explore major attractions, movie studios or dine and shop at Los Angeles's hotspots - when you're ready to continue, just hop back on the bus. You'll be telling family and friends about the HOP-ON HOP-OFF tour for years to come!
$50 (US Dollar)
Grand Canyon Helicopter Flightseeing - North Canyon Tour
Explore impressive Dragon Corridor, the deepest and widest part of the Canyon, and one of the most remarkable panoramas of the Grand Canyon. The Tower of Ra, a 6,076-foot butte named in the 1800s after the Egyptian sun god, comes into view, as do other fanciful rock formations resembling temples and shrines. Fly in a comfortable, climate controlled helicopter with specially designed windows for optimum viewing. (30 minute flight, weather dependent)
$175 (US Dollar)
Grand Canyon Imax
Fly like a condor over the rim and into the Canyon, be drenched in the power of the raging Colorado River without ever leaving your seat at the Grand Canyon National Geographic Visitor Center. And relive the history and mystery of one of the most storied natural wonders of the world. From the mysterious Anasazi who inhabited the Canyon 4,000 years ago, viewers at The National Geographic Visitor Center will travel through Grand Canyon history to join Major John Wesley Powell as he challenges the unexplored Canyon and raging Colorado River in 1869. (40 minute multimedia presentation)
$13 (US Dollar)
Eco-Star Grand Canyon Helicopter Flightseeing
This experience will be a highlight of your vacation. Fly over the widest and deepest portion of the Grand Canyon. You will see the amazing views of the Dragon Corridor, Colorado River and other geologic features and formations over a billion years old. If you have ever wanted to see the Grand Canyon from a birds eye view this is the trip for you. Fly in our first class state of the art ECO-Star helicopter with specially designed windows and seating for 180 degrees of virtually unobstructed views. This is a comfortable, climate controlled helicopter with quiet ride technology for a more comfortable Grand Canyon helicopter tour experience. Grab your camera and enjoy this spectacular journey to the Grand Canyon. (30 minute flight)
$199 (US Dollar)
Black Canyon Raft Trip With Transportation
This is a unique day trip aboard a motor-assisted raft which allows the visitor to leisurely enjoy and share in the history, desert wildlife and beauty in the Black Canyon of the Colorado River. Black Canyon/Willow Beach River Adventures will provide round trip transportation. You will be transported on our tour buses to the launch area at the base of the Hoover Dam. This is an extremely rare view of the Hoover Dam that very few people have the opportunity to see. At this time, you will board our large comfortable rafts which have been carefully constructed with your party's safety in mind. During this excursion, our experienced and knowledgeable guides will share with you the history of this magnificent geological area. The high canyon walls will leave you breathless. Be prepared to see Desert Big Horn Sheep, Osprey, and Great Blue Heron in their natural setting. Bring your camera because it is seldom you will have an opportunity such as this to view the wonders of nature. Our rafts will stop along the shore to give you a chance to swim or play in the cool clear waters below Hoover Dam. You might take this opportunity to enjoy the box lunch provided while watching and listening to the sights and sounds of this magnificent desert. Your trip will end on the Arizona side of the river at Willow Beach. Here you will board our comfortable tour buses for the return trip over the crest of the Hoover Dam to your Las Vegas hotel. Fun for all ages, no paddling experience necessary. This is truly an experience to remember. (Approximately 8 hours round trip from hotel to hotel)
$132 (US Dollar)
Grand Celebration Helicopter Experience
Embark on an unforgettable, narrated flight from Boulder City to the floor of the Grand Canyon. Descend 4,000 feet toward your exclusive landing site and enjoy breathtaking beauty of the Grand Canyon. Touch down by the banks of the Colorado River. Compliment your journey with a delightful picnic meal and refreshments served under an authentic Indian "Ramada". You will have ample time to take photos and explore the canyon floor. Before taking back off toast your journey with a champagne toast. Your tour also includes majestic views of historic Boulder City, Lake Mead, the Hoover Dam, Guano and Eagle Points, the famous SkyWalk and the Grand Canyon itself. (Approximately 4 hours, hotel to hotel, weather dependent)
$429 (US Dollar)
Lake Mead Cruise And Hoover Dam Discovery Tour
Explore Lake Mead on a paddle-wheeler boat, viewing amazing sights such as Hoover Dam and the Arizona Paint Pots. Your tour begins with a stop at Hoover Dam, one of the greatest engineering feats ever accomplished. There you will take a guided tour starting at the visitor's center that will include an informative movie, a trip to the generator room on the Nevada side and time to explore a number of exhibits at the center. After a 90-minute stay at the dam you will move on to Lake Mead. Here enjoy the largest man-made lake in the United States with more than 550 miles of shoreline. Board the Desert Princess, a three-level Mississippi-style paddle wheeler with two enclosed climate-controlled decks and a third observation deck. Cruise the beautiful waters of Lake Mead and view the unparalleled sights of Hoover Dam and the steep canyon walls that surround it. View Boulder Island, Sentinel Island and see the Arizona Paint Pots. Your will enjoy lunch on board the Desert Princess. After your cruise, enjoy a visit to the historic Boulder Dam Museum, where you'll learn even more about Boulder City and its magnificent dam. (Approximately 7.5 hours)
$110 (US Dollar)
Black Canyon River Rafting
This is a unique day trip aboard a motor-assisted raft which allows the visitor to leisurely enjoy and share in the history, desert wildlife and beauty in the Black Canyon of the Colorado River. Black Canyon/Willow Beach River Adventures will provide round trip transportation. You will be transported on our tour buses to the launch area at the base of the Hoover Dam. This is an extremely rare view of the Hoover Dam that very few people have the opportunity to see. At this time, you will board our large comfortable rafts which have been carefully constructed with your party's safety in mind. During this excursion, our experienced and knowledgeable guides will share with you the history of this magnificent geological area. The high canyon walls will leave you breathless. Be prepared to see Desert Big Horn Sheep, Osprey, and Great Blue Heron in their natural setting. Bring your camera because it is seldom you will have an opportunity such as this to view the wonders of nature. Our rafts will stop along the shore to give you a chance to swim or play in the cool clear waters below Hoover Dam. You might take this opportunity to enjoy the box lunch provided while watching and listening to the sights and sounds of this magnificent desert. Your trip will end on the Arizona side of the river at Willow Beach. Here you will board our comfortable tour buses for the return trip over the crest of the Hoover Dam to your Las Vegas hotel. Fun for all ages, no paddling experience necessary. This is truly an experience to remember. (Approximately 8 hours round trip from hotel to hotel)
$132 (US Dollar)
Hoover Dam Classic
Travel to Hoover Dam in style and comfort aboard our custom Tour Trekker. Your talented guide will share many points of interest along the way. You'll truly appreciate the extra care and comfort you receive from Pink Jeep Tours.
The Hoover Dam Discovery Tour offers ample time for exploring this National Historic Landmark and engineering wonder of the world. See live presentations, a fascinating film on the Dam's construction and history, exhibit gallery, observation deck, and venture down to the observation room in the power plant to view the massive generators. You'll also encounter dramatic views of both the Colorado River and Lake Mead, the largest manmade body of water in the Western Hemisphere. (4 hours)
$92 (US Dollar)
Hoover Dam Top to Bottom
From the Lake Mead Overlook, you're transported to the Colorado River by van on the Lower Portal Road, where construction crews traveled each day. You'll see the original gauging station used to measure water level and flow, and dynamite storage bunkers used during construction. Then, a guided Colorado River float tour by raft offers you close-up views few people have ever seen of Hoover Dam, mighty power plants, and Black Canyon.
You'll also learn historical facts and get an astounding view of the Hoover Dam Bypass project and construction of the nearly 2000-foot-long bridge spanning over 900 feet above the river. This is absolutely the best photo opportunity of the Hoover Dam and Colorado River! (5 hours)
$142 (US Dollar)
Dinner at the Carnival World Buffet and The Rat Pack Show
Before there was Elvis there was The Rat Pack - Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., Joey Bishop and Dean Martin - who won over audiences with their cool musical styling's and playful stage demeanour during their run at the Sands in the original Copa Room. First you have dinner at the Rio's Carnival World Buffet recognized as the best buffet in Vegas year after year by guests and critics alike; the Carnival World Buffet has raised the bar in buffet dining once again, offering more variety in food choices (more than 300 dishes prepared fresh daily) and a new contemporary design that make the best buffet in Vegas even better. From pizza to omelets, sushi to teppan yaki, fresh carved meats to Asian barbecue, the Carnival World Buffet offers numerous distinct dining experiences from around the world featuring live-action cooking right before your eyes guaranteeing freshness and top quality. Enjoy more than 70 varieties of homemade pies, cakes and pastries, and nine gelato flavours, all made from scratch. After dinner relive the glory days of Vegas with the Rat Pack in this international hit, now in its 11th smash year.
$100 (US Dollar)
West Rim & Hoover Dam Combo Tour
Travel in comfort to one of the Southwest's most exciting venues in our luxurious, custom vehicles with a professional tour guide. Experience the extraordinary desert scenery of the Mojave Desert as you travel to the West Rim. Brief stops along the way allow for close-up views and photo of the desert community of Dolan Springs, the rugged Joshua tree forest, and the magnificent Colorado River. Your journey culminates at the stunning West Rim of the Grand Canyon, home of the Hualapai Nation. Your knowledgeable tour guide escorts you to points of interest, and shares fascinating facts on the history, culture, geology, flora, fauna, and all that surrounds you on this exceptional adventure. Next, explore the Hoover Dam. Spend some time exploring this National Historic Landmark and engineering wonder of the world. See live presentations, a fascinating film on the Dam's construction and history, exhibit gallery, observation deck, and venture down to the observation room in the power plant to view the massive generators. You'll also encounter dramatic views of both the Colorado River and Lake Mead, the largest manmade body of water in the Western Hemisphere. Approximate time 10-11 hours, lunch is included at the West Rim. Tickets to the Skywalk can be purchased for $32.50 at the West Rim.
$304 (US Dollar)
Evening In Chinatown
Explore this vibrant historic section of San Francisco that houses the largest Chinese community outside of Asia. Included in this evening's agenda is a lavish four-course dinner in an authentic Chinese restaurant. This evening will include a short walking tour of Chinatown.
$42 (US Dollar)
San Francisco By Night with dinner at The Franciscan
The evening begins with dinner at a popular Fisherman's Wharf restaurant and spectacular views of the bay. Afterwards visit historic Ghirardelli Square. Set on the city's dynamic waterfront, the square offers a great view of the sea and elegant 19th-century factor and mill buildings that are worth exploring. During your visit, relax with an Irish coffee and some world famous chocolates. Before heading back to your hotel we will drive out to Treasure Island to view the city lights from across the bay.
$63 (US Dollar)
Rocket Boat
Get blown away on this 30-minute high-speed tour of the City's historic waterfront. Sail past the sea lions, zoom to the Bay Bridge, fly down to AT&T Park, scream past Treasure Island, and breeze by Alcatraz on the way back to PIER 39. This exciting ride pauses occasionally to allow passengers to catch their breath and capture unique sightseeing and photo opportunities unavailable on other tours. RocketBoat, it's an extreme adventure powered by biodiesel fuel. A blast on the Bay that is not to be missed.
$24 (US Dollar)
Bay Cruise
This fully narrated one-hour tour sails under the majestic Golden Gate Bridge. Experience the thrilling history of San Francisco Bay with all the sound and glory it deserves. The tour also sails along San Francisco's historic waterfront where there's no better way to experience unobstructed views of sensational skylines in every direction. It's a great vantage point for snapping pictures or simply reflecting on the vast beauty of the San Francisco Bay. Sail past the PIER 39 sea lions, under the Golden Gate Bridge and circle Alcatraz Island. Onboard narration describes the City and its landmarks as you sail along in comfort; both indoor and outdoor seating are provided. (Cruise is 1 hour)
$25 (US Dollar)
Monterey Bay Aquarium
Explore the wonders of our ocean planet in nearly 200 galleries and exhibits at one of the world's finest aquariums. Highlights include a million-gallon indoor ocean with giant bluefin tuna, sharks, sea turtles, stingrays and barracuda; plus the largest jellyfish exhibits anywhere.
$33 (US Dollar)
Please note that optional excursions and prices are subject to change.
Golden West Adventure + San Diego's Mission Beach 18 nights
Availability and our best prices for all dates
Select the number in your party and departure month, update the calendar then select your holiday.
Golden West Adventure + San Diego's Mission Beach 18 nights
Availability and our best prices for all dates
Select the number in your party and accommodation options. Then select your holiday from the grid.

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| 25 Jul 2012 | Birmingham |
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| 25 Jul 2012 | Edinburgh |
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| 25 Jul 2012 | Glasgow |
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| 25 Jul 2012 | London Heathrow |
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| 25 Jul 2012 | Manchester |
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Golden West Adventure + San Diego's Mission Beach
Price from £1969.00
Holiday Highlights
- Los Angeles
- Oak Creek Canyon
- Grand Canyon National Park
- Las Vegas
- Yosemite National Park
- San Francisco
Departures from
- Birmingham
- Edinburgh
- Glasgow
- London Heathrow
- Manchester
- Newcastle
Departures between
25 Jul 2012 to 27 Mar 2013
NO HIDDEN EXTRAS: All prices shown include ALL compulsory charges (Fuel Supplement, Air Passenger Duty & Flight Supplement where applicable). Book with confidence: We are members of ABTA and all our air-inclusive holidays are financially protected by the Civil Aviation Authority under the ATOL scheme
© Copyright 2012. All rights reserved. All holidays and offers are subject to availability.
