DAY 1: UK - San Francisco.
Fly to San Francisco where you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel for an overnight stay.
DAY 2: San Francisco - Monterey.
Today travel to picturesque Monterey, made famous by John Steinbeck's novel 'Cannery Row'. 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, or stroll along Fisherman's Wharf in downtown Monterey and watch the sea lions and otters.
DAY 3: Monterey - Carmel - Solvang.
This morning take the spectacular 17-Mile Drive and watch the ocean rolling in on the wide Pacific beaches en route to Carmel, the popular retreat for artists and celebrities, before picking up the Old Spanish Mission Trail to Solvang, the Danish Capital of America. There's time to walk the flower-lined streets and enjoy the quaint old world architecture, with its windmills and thatched roofs which all add to the charming and unique experience of Solvang.
DAY 4: Solvang - Santa Barbara - Los Angeles.
Drive along the coast to Santa Barbara, a charming city with some handsome Spanish-inspired architecture. There's time to wander along the bustling waterfront, before following the Pacific coastline past the fine sandy beaches of Malibu to Los Angeles.
DAY 5: Los Angeles.
A full day to explore the 'City of Angels', home of star-studded Hollywood and glamorous Beverly Hills. Your day will begin with an included sightseeing tour of the world's 'Capital of Glamour', including a drive through Hollywood and a visit to Mann's Chinese Theatre. Then visit the famous Kodak Theatre, where you will go behind the velvet rope to experience the glamour of the home of the Academy Awards ceremonies. The afternoon is yours to relax or explore further.
DAY 6: Los Angeles - Palm Springs - Scottsdale.
This morning visit Palm Springs with its distinctive wind farms, and an abundance of swimming pools and golf courses! You then cross the great Colorado River and drive through vast desert landscapes, viewing the spectacular giant saguaro cacti, before arriving in the mountain-ringed desert resort of Scottsdale in the late afternoon.
DAY 7: Scottsdale - Sedona - Oak Creek Canyon - Grand Canyon - Flagstaff.
Journey to Sedona, set in canyon country and known as 'Arizona's scenic sensation'. Then it's on through the weather-sculpted rock formations of Oak Creek Canyon, and Kaibab National Forest to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. Marvel at one of the Natural Wonders of the World as you experience the breathtaking views of the Grand Canyon. And for a once-in-a-lifetime experience, why not take our optional helicopter 'flightseeing' excursion? You will then stay overnight along the famous Route 66 in Flagstaff.
DAY 8: Flagstaff - Las Vegas.
Travel across the old Mohave gold strike country, which still has traces of century-old ghost towns set in natural desert beauty, to Las Vegas - a neon desert oasis, packed with spectacular hotels and casinos.
DAY 9-10: 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 11: Las Vegas - Tulare.
Leave the neon lights of Las Vegas this morning and continue across the desert landscape of Nevada before crossing into California. You'll see the vast Mojave desert which covers one fifth of California, and is also the landing site for space shuttles. You'll pass through fertile agricultural land and then stay overnight in Tulare, located in the central San Joaquin Valley.
DAY 12: Tulare - Yosemite National Park - Sonora.
This morning enter Yosemite National Park, a wonderland of spectacular lakes, giant granite domes and pinnacles rising more than 4,000 feet above the valley floor, cascading waterfalls, and lush forests. Explore the Yosemite Valley or visit the Ansel Adams Gallery and see the works of this famous photographer who captured the beauty of Yosemite National Park so well. Then it's on to Sonora, once a thriving centre in the gold rush era and known today for its elegant Victorian homes. The evening is at leisure.
DAY 13: Sonora - Sacramento - San Francisco.
This morning 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, with the nation's largest collection of gold rush era buildings, before continuing on to the 'Golden Gate City' of San Francisco, famous for its hills and cable cars. Your included sightseeing tour takes in the spectacular Golden Gate Bridge, Nob Hill and the bustling Fisherman's Wharf.
DAY 14: San Francisco.
Today, take a boat trip to Alcatraz Island, and discover the history of this notorious former prison. Afterwards, the day is yours to do some more exploring. Ride the historic cable cars, 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 French sourdough bakery in action. Walk among the redwoods of Muir Woods, or sample some of California's renowned wines on an excursion to Napa Valley.
Note: The Alcatraz Prison visit is a value of $26.00
DAY 15: San Francisco - UK.
Transfer to the airport for your flight to the UK.
DAY 16: Home landing in the UK.
Maximum elevation on this tour is 8,470 ft.
The ultimate in comfort travel, why not choose to upgrade to our Platinum Tourer coach?
The Platinum Tourer is offered on the following dates: 12, 26 April, 10, 24 May, 7, 21 June, 19 July, 2, 30 Aug, 13, 27 Sept, 11, 25 Oct, 8 Nov. Enjoy the benefits of a coach specifically designed for luxury touring.
I never realised one holiday could produce so many superlatives. Awesome, wonderful, fantastic.
Jenny Salter