Splendours of the East & West + San Francisco

Your Itinerary

DAY 1: UK - New York.

Fly to New York and be met and transferred to your hotel for two nights.

DAY 2: New York City.

The 'Big Apple' is one of the world's most exciting cities. On today's sightseeing tour, see its major attractions including Broadway, the Empire State Building, Greenwich Village, Chinatown, Wall Street and Trinity Church.

DAY 3: New York City - Pocono Mountains - Niagara Falls.

Today head through the Pocono Mountains and scenic farmlands of upstate New York. Late this afternoon cross the border at Rainbow Bridge and enter Ontario, Canada.

DAY 4: Niagara Falls.

The power of Mother Nature overwhelms the senses at one of the world's most incredible natural spectacles. Your morning sightseeing will give you spectacular views of the falls from scenic points on the rim of the gorge and from the Maid of the Mist, where you will experience the thundering water up close. The afternoon is free. Note: The operation of the Maid of the Mist cruise is subject to favourable weather and/or river conditions. Usually favourable conditions exist from May to the end of October. When unfavourable conditions exist, a walking tour through the scenic tunnels will be offered.

DAY 5: Niagara Falls - Philadelphia.

Head through the Appalachian Mountains and into the Susquehanna River Valley, then on to Philadelphia.

DAY 6: Philadelphia - Washington DC area.

The 'City of Brotherly Love' is also the birthplace of American Independence. Your morning orientation tour focuses on its historic landmarks then you have free time perhaps to see the Liberty Bell and visit other sites in the Independence National Historic Park. Afterwards it's on to the US capital.

DAY 7: Washington DC area.

A sightseeing tour with a local guide includes a visit to the Lincoln Memorial and photo stops at Capitol Hill and the White House. We then cross the Potomac River to visit Arlington National Cemetery and see the graves of American heroes, including those of Robert and John F Kennedy. The afternoon and evening are at leisure.

DAY 8: Washington DC area - Los Angeles.

Morning at leisure before transferring to the airport for your flight to LA.

DAY 9: Los Angeles.

Begin the day with a sightseeing tour of the world's 'Capital of Glamour', and the legendary Sunset Strip. Afterwards, the day is free for your own exploration. Visit Hollywood and the Hollywood History Museum, stroll down Olvera Street, or visit the Getty Centre with its wonderful art collection.

DAY 10: Los Angeles - Palm Springs.

Today we make our way to the desert oasis of Palm Springs. 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. The rest of the day is at leisure.

DAY 11: Palm Springs - Scottsdale.

The morning take a Phoenix sightseeing tour, including downtown and the State Capitol Building. Next, experience Old Town Scottsdale where Western storefronts create an aura of the past.

DAY 12: Scottsdale - Sedona - Oak Creek Canyon - Grand Canyon - Williams.

First stop today is a visit to Sedona, a centre for South-western and New Age arts. Climb through Oak Creek Canyon with its weather-sculpted formations of dramatic, colour-tinted crags. Then it's through the San Francisco Mountains to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. For a once-in-a-lifetime experience, take the optional helicopter 'flightseeing' excursion for dramatic views of the flame-coloured walls plunging to the Colorado River below. Head to Williams for an overnight stay.

DAY 13: Williams - Las Vegas.

Cross the old Mohave gold-strike country, which still has traces of century-old ghost towns. Watch for Joshua trees, a species of the lily family that grow to 40 feet and can live for more than 300 years. Today's destination is the man-made phenomenon of Las Vegas.

DAY 14: Las Vegas.

The morning and afternoon are free for exploring the 'Strip' with its varied casinos and resorts, shopping plazas and amusement sites.

DAY 15: 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 within easy reach of Yosemite National Park. Note: Tioga Pass is closed typically from November to the end of May due to snow. When it is closed, this tour is re-routed to stay overnight in Fresno instead of Mammoth Lakes. Departures from the end of May through mid-October are expected to overnight in Mammoth Lakes, however, weather may affect the routing of tours to Fresno during these times.

DAY 16: Mammoth - Yosemite National Park - Sonora.

Cross the high Tioga Pass and enter Yosemite National Park, a wonderland of spectacular lakes, cascading waterfalls, lush forests and giant granite domes, pinnacles and mountains rising more than 4,000 feet. Afterwards, drive to Sonora.

DAY 17: Sonora - Sacramento - San Francisco.

Travel to Sacramento, California's capital, with time to explore the Old Town. See the country's largest collection of Gold Rush era buildings and the Wells Fargo museum. Continue to San Francisco. Main sights on the city tour include Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman's Wharf and Nob Hill.

DAY 18: San Francisco.

This morning, visit the notorious former prison of Alcatraz, which housed famous gangsters such as Al Capone and Robert 'The Birdman' Stroud. The afternoon is free for you to explore more of this fascinating city. Note: The Alcatraz Prison visit has a value of $27 which is included in the price.