The holiday of a lifetime
The 'Golden West' is at its most glittering in the make-believe worlds of Los Angeles - movie capital and sprawling metropolis - and the Nevada Desert's oasis of colour and opulence, Las Vegas. Discover them both on a fun-packed holiday that also features one of the world's most breathtaking natural wonders - the awesome Grand Canyon.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
WHAT DOES THE PRICE INCLUDE?
Your Itinerary
Day One: Fly to Los Angeles
Fly to Los Angeles, Southern California, then transfer by coach to your overnight hotel.
Day Two: Enjoy a tour of San Diego
Enjoy a full-day tour to the laid-back, Pacific city of San Diego. From beaches to boardwalks, to the fields and footpaths of sprawling Balboa Park, there's plenty of outdoor space to enjoy the weather and outdoor way of life.
Day Three: Optional Santa Monica and Malibu Tour
Relax and explore, or join an optional excursion to discover the gorgeous, yet very different coastal resorts of Santa Monica and Malibu. Stroll down the Santa Monica boardwalk, see the pier and Ferris wheel and enjoy the exceptional shopping on Third Street Promenade. Afterwards, follow the beautiful coastal drive along the bay to chic, picturesque Malibu.
Day Four: Travel to the Grand Canyon
Journey east into the Nevada Desert, heading for the spectacular Grand Canyon, close to where we'll spend the night.
Day Five: Watch the sunrise over the Grand Canyon
Another unforgettable day awaits. Wake early to witness the breathtaking sight as the sun rises over the Grand Canyon - one of nature's most eye popping sights. Later, perhaps enjoy an optional helicopter flight, on which you'll swoop like an eagle into the Canyon itself.
This afternoon, we'll continue through the awe-inspiring desert landscape to Las Vegas.
Days Six to Eight: Explore Las Vegas
Discover glittering, glorious Las Vegas, the world's most colourful entertainment centre. Nothing prepares you for the glitz, glamour and sheer scale of this monument to man's capacity for fun.
Spend your days at leisure in Las Vegas, perhaps exploring the shopping malls, heading out to one of the many golf courses or taking an optional helicopter ride over the 'Strip' by night. Come sundown, try your luck at the sparkling casinos and see the spectacular displays of the Bellagio Hotel's iconic dancing fountains.
Day Nine: Visit Hollywood and fly home
Bid farewell to 'Vegas', heading for Hollywood, home to the 'stars of the silver screen' and renowned centre of the movie-making industry. Spot your favourite on the 'sidewalk' of Hollywood Boulevard before continuing to the airport for the overnight return flight.
Day 10: Arrive home
Arrive back in the UK at the end of your west coast USA adventure.
PRICES
Hollywood and Vegas Touring Hotels ★★★
Hollywood and Vegas Touring Hotels ★★★
The hotels used on our tours will meet the standard of a good, three-star European hotel. Rooms will have private bathrooms, telephones and TV. The vast majority will also have tea- and coffee-making facilities. There will always be a bar or restaurant on site or nearby.
Holiday Inn, Buena Park (nights 1-3)
This hotel is well-located for sightseeing in the Los Angeles area and is close to the Knott's Berry Farm theme park. It has a restaurant, a bar and an outdoor swimming pool. Rooms are well-equipped and have coffee-making facilities.Canyon Plaza Resort, Grand Canyon (night 4)
Conveniently located for the Grand Canyon National Park, this hotel offers deluxe guest rooms, beautifully decorated in traditional Southwestern style. The hotel has an on-site restaurant.On selected departures, tours will stay at the Best Western Squire Inn. This three-star, resort-style hotel is located around two miles from the south entrance of Grand Canyon National Park. Facilities include an outdoor swimming pool, a coffee shop, a restaurant, a sports bar and a games room including a bowling alley.Four-Star Golden Nugget, Las Vegas (nights 5-8)
Stay in a downtown Las Vegas landmark, with an award-winning casino, a host of restaurants and bars (including a buffet), a show room, a spa and a stunning outdoor swimming pool complex.Should circumstances require, we reserve the right to accommodate you in conveniently located, alternative hotels of a similar standard.
Further Information
Hotel transfer times
The transfer time from the airport to your hotel is approximately one hour.
Luggage allowance
You are permitted to take one suitcase per person on the aircraft, which should not exceed 23kg.
Passports and visas
When travelling to the USA, British citizens require passports with an integrated chip (shown on the front by a small rectangular symbol beneath the word PASSPORT), valid beyond the return date from the USA. Visas are not normally required for entry, but visitors must apply for an ESTA online with US Immigration at least 72 hours before departure at www.cbp.gov/esta . The current charge is $14 for British Citizens. British subjects and anyone who has a criminal record or has ever been arrested should consult the US Embassy as a visa may be required. Note too that if you have visited Iran, Iraq, Sudan, Syria, Libya, Somalia or Yemen since March 2011, or have dual nationality with any of these countries, you do require a US visa and cannot travel on the Visa Waiver Program.
Foreign Office travel advice
Visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice to find out the latest Foreign And Commonwealth Office travel advice for your holiday destination, as well as information about passports and visas.
On your flight
All outbound flights depart and arrive on the same day. All return flights leave in the evening and land in the UK the next day. On-board meals will usually include lunch and a snack on outward flights, and dinner and breakfast on flight home. Soft drinks are complimentary, but some airlines will charge for alcoholic drinks.
Casino age restrictions
Local laws stipulate that that there must be at least one person aged 21 or over occupying each room booked. Casino floors cannot be entered by under 21s unless they are accompanied by an adult aged over 21.
Helicopter flights
Sightseeing flights by helicopter are weight controlled and balanced. Please contact us if you wish to book a helicopter flight and your bodyweight exceeds 250lb. (In such cases, a seat may have to be left empty, and some companies may charge a premium.)
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted on any coach forming part of your holiday, though regular stops will be made for your comfort en route. The majority of hotels in North America are non-smoking throughout, including in all bedrooms. In general smoking outside is acceptable, but do look out for signs prohibiting this close to public entrances or bus stops.
Tipping
Gratuities are a way of life in North America, and it is generally accepted that they form part of a person's earnings. The customary gratuity for a coach driver or Tour Manager is about $5 per person per day. It is normal to tip 15-20 per cent of the bill for a taxi or in a restaurant, and to leave a dollar or so per drink in a bar.
Special requirements
If you have notified us of any special requirements, please check that they have been noted and acknowledged. This is especially important with any dietary needs you may have.
Disabled access
The majority of our tours involve a certain amount of walking, including a short walk from the coach stop to the town, attraction or venue you're visiting. If you are bringing a wheelchair, please let us know at the time of booking so that appropriate arrangements can be made.
Itinerary changes
Occasionally, for operational reasons, we may have to change the order of the excursions on your holiday. The final day-by-day itinerary will be confirmed on your Final Travel Documents, which you will receive approximately three weeks prior to your departure.
Changes to your hotels
Should circumstances require, we reserve the right to accommodate you in alternative hotels, of a similar standard, nearby. Full details of your hotels will be sent with your Final Travel Documents.
Hotel rooms
Standard hotel rooms in North America will contain one or two double- or queen-sized beds, and it is not possible to add extra beds to the room. Parties consisting of more than two travellers, but who have only booked one room, will be expected to make use of the two beds provided. If this is a concern, you may wish to consider booking more than one room for your group.
