Western Highlights

Tour Itinerary

San Francisco

3 nights’ accommodation at Hotel Whitcomb
After arriving in San Francisco, a shuttle will transfer you to your hotel in the heart of the theatre district. You’ve a BART and MUNI station just outside your front door for venturing further afield but the city itself is easy to walk around with plenty of sights to see. Join your fellow travellers for a welcome drink on your first night, meeting your Virgin Rep and picking up handy hints and tips. A plethora of world-class attractions include Alcatraz, the Golden Gate Bridge and bustling Fisherman’s Wharf. A ride on a cable car up and down some of the steepest streets in the world is also a must as is shopping in Union Square. If you can tear yourself away from ‘the City by the Bay’, join us for an optional tour to Monterey and Carmel, travelling along the Pacific Coast to the Monterey Bay Peninsula. Highlights include a visit to Cannery Row, made famous by John Steinbeck, admission to the Monterey Bay Aquarium, showcasing over 200 marine life species and the 17-Mile Drive through the famed Pebble Beach Golf Course to the charming community of Carmel with its art galleries and shops. As well as California days, California nights can be as active or as relaxed as you like with plenty of diverse restaurants to tempt you and trendy bars.

San Francisco - Fresno

1 night accommodation at Holiday Inn Fresno Downtown
Remember to take your heart with you as you wave goodbye to San Francisco, heading to Fresno but stopping en-route at Yosemite National Park. Renowned for its magnificent waterfalls, granite peaks and remarkable wildlife, this is one of America’s favourite destinations! You’ll explore by bus with plenty of time in-between for close encounters on foot with the spectacular scenery that surrounds you. Overnight in Fresno, lingering over a delicious meal at your hotel or in the town.

Fresno – Las Vegas

3 nights’ accommodation at Circus Circus West Tower Rooms
A spectacular journey through the Mojave Desert awaits you this morning, home to some of America’s most dramatic scenery. Arrive in Las Vegas late afternoon, ready to start enjoying this dazzling city straight away! The ‘Entertainment Capital of the World’, there’s superb shopping, fine dining and some of the world’s most spectacular hotels packed to the rafters with attractions. Circus Circus is no exception, boasting Adventuredome – a 5-acre indoor theme park and world-class circus acts. An optional day trip from Vegas is available to the Grand Canyon, stopping at the majestic Hoover Dam en-route and Lake Mead. At the Grand Canyon, explore on foot, via helicopter or join us on a raft trip on the Colorado, all equally thrilling! Also recommended is an optional trip to Zion National Park, known for its majestic canyons, waterfalls and wildlife. Alternatively, spend your days lounging by one of many magnificent pools, soaking up the sun!

Las Vegas – Los Angeles

3 nights’ accommodation at Four Points by Sheraton LAX
Make your way back across the Mojave Desert for the journey to Los Angeles, stopping at Palm Springs en-route, playground of the rich and famous. Once the winter retreat of stars such as Frank Sinatra, Jane Russell and Elvis Presley, today it is a flourishing resort town with great shops, gourmet restaurants and year-round sunshine. Arrive in the coastal town of Long Beach late afternoon, famous for its pristine beaches and, of course, the Queen Mary, one of the most celebrated ocean liners in history. After a good night’s rest, enjoy a comprehensive city tour of Los Angeles, taking in all the sights, including hip Santa Monica, glamorous Hollywood and upmarket Beverly Hills. The afternoon is yours to spend at leisure, on the beach perhaps or going behind the scenes at Universal Studios to learn all about how films are made. Optional day trips from Los Angeles include a full day excursion to San Diego, the second largest city in California. Tour the historic Old Town, the Gas Lamp district and the bay front as well as picturesque Seaport Village. A shuttle transfer from the hotel to LAX is included.

2012/13 English Guaranteed Departure Dates