American Cities and National Parks Journey

Upon arriving in Washington, you'll be transferred to your hotel, with some free time to settle in and explore the area. In the afternoon, you'll receive information about the start of your tour, which will be displayed on the information boards at the hotel's reception. Later, we invite you to join us for an evening excursion to Georgetown, the city’s lively district known for its vibrant mix of bars and restaurants. After enjoying the evening here, you'll return to your accommodation to rest and prepare for the days ahead. Please note: This tour may have travellers joining or departing at various points along the route, meaning group composition can change during the tour. Please also be aware that depending on group composition, guiding may be in additional languages as well as English.

Following breakfast, we set off to explore the iconic landmarks of Washington D.C. Our route takes us past the Pentagon, with a brief photographic stop at the Iwo Jima Memorial in Virginia. Continuing our journey, we visit the poignant Lincoln, Korea, and Vietnam Memorials. The John F Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts is next on our itinerary. Later, we pause for a photo opportunity at the White House before encircling the Capitol, concluding our morning in the museum district of Washington. In the afternoon, we embark on a leisurely boat trip along the Potomac River, offering a unique perspective of the city's renowned landmarks. After the cruise, we return to the hotel. As evening falls, you may choose to join an optional night tour of Washington, taking in the city’s illuminated monuments, before we return to our accommodation. Please note that the Potomac River boat tour operates seasonally, from April to September.

After having breakfast, we set off from Washington towards Lancaster. Here, we'll have an opportunity to observe the region's distinctive Amish farms, renowned for their adherence to an 18th-century way of life, offering a glimpse into a unique cultural heritage. We'll pause for lunch en route before continuing our journey to New York, where we expect to arrive in the afternoon.

After breakfast in New York, we embark on a panoramic tour to explore the diverse neighbourhoods of Manhattan. We’ll visit the bustling financial hub of Wall Street, admire the grandeur of Rockefeller Center and St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and enjoy the tranquillity of Central Park. Our journey continues with notable stops at Columbus Circle, the AOL/Time Warner Building, the culturally rich Village, and the vibrant districts of Little Italy and Battery Park, where you can catch a glimpse of the iconic Statue of Liberty. In the evening, we'll provide a transfer to Times Square, the vibrant core of the city renowned for its spectacular Broadway musicals and dazzling lights. Please note, should your hotel be located near Times Square, a separate transfer will not be arranged.

On the fifth day of your journey, we'll arrange a transfer to the airport for your included domestic flight to Los Angeles. Upon arrival, another transfer will take you to your accommodation. In the late afternoon, your guide will connect with you, either in person or via the information boards at the hotel reception, to update you on the itinerary. Please remember that on domestic flights, the standard luggage allowance is one suitcase weighing up to 23 kg in the hold. Any additional baggage charges should be settled directly with the airline. After settling in, you'll have leisure time to explore at your own pace, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere of Los Angeles or perhaps sampling local cuisine.

Following breakfast, we embark on a panoramic tour of Los Angeles, a city brimming with vibrant culture and iconic landmarks. We'll explore the music, civic, and financial centres, and pass by LA Live and the Staples Center. Travelling west along Wilshire Boulevard, we'll journey through the Korean Quarter and past Brea Ditch en route to the affluent neighbourhood of Beverly Hills. Our travels continue along the renowned Sunset Boulevard, leading us to Hollywood, where we can admire the Walk of Fame with its array of celebrated stars, the Dolby Theatre, the Chinese Theatre, and the iconic Hollywood sign. You'll have some free time to explore and enjoy lunch at your leisure.Later in the afternoon, we provide a transfer to Long Beach. Here, the striking contrast of palm trees against modern glass structures provides a unique backdrop. You will have some time to relax and dine in the lively Shoreline Village, right opposite the historic Queen Mary transatlantic liner. Enjoy the bustling atmosphere before returning to your accommodation for the night.

We depart from Los Angeles today, making our first stop at the iconic Santa Monica Pier, frequently featured in Hollywood films. It's a great place to soak up the vibrant atmosphere and enjoy views of the Pacific Ocean. Our journey continues to the charming town of Solvang, a delightful slice of Denmark nestled in California. Here, you can explore the quaint streets, distinctive architecture, and Danish bakeries at your leisure. Later in the day, we proceed to Bakersfield where we'll arrive and settle in for the night. The day promises a blend of Californian coastal beauty and European charm, providing a unique glimpse into the diverse character of this region.

Following breakfast, we set off for an excursion to Sequoia National Park, leaving the desert landscape behind to explore a vastly different terrain. This park, one of America's most striking forests, is home to the magnificent Giant Sequoias. You’ll have the opportunity to marvel at the General Sherman tree, the largest tree on Earth, and capture photos of these colossal natural wonders. Enjoy a leisurely stroll amongst these giants of nature before our journey continues to Fresno.

After enjoying breakfast, we embark on a journey to the stunning Yosemite National Park, renowned for its majestic cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and lush vegetation, showcasing some of the most breathtaking mountain landscapes in the world. We will explore its most iconic landmarks, including El Capitan, Half Dome, and the park's magnificent waterfalls. You'll have free time to savour lunch amidst this natural wonder. In the afternoon, our adventure continues as we make our way to San Francisco, arriving in the late afternoon.

After breakfast, we begin our exploration of San Francisco with a detailed city tour. We'll traverse iconic sites such as Union Square, known for its vibrant trams, and the well-renowned Chinatown. Our journey takes us through the bustling Financial and Theatre Districts, leading to the Civic Centre and onto Alamo Square, where the famous Painted Ladies offer a striking juxtaposition against the backdrop of the city's modern skyline, famously featured in numerous films. Next, we pass through the dynamic Castro district, making our way up to the Twin Peaks for a breathtaking panoramic view of the city and its bay. Continuing through the historic Haight-Ashbury, a neighbourhood synonymous with the 1960s hippie movement, we proceed to Golden Gate Park for a brief stop. Our tour concludes at the majestic Golden Gate Bridge – a quintessential landmark. The afternoon is yours to explore at leisure, with the option to visit Sausalito for spectacular vistas of San Francisco and the bay. In the evening, we provide a transfer to North Beach, known as 'Little Italy', where you can immerse yourself in the city's authentic nightlife, amongst its many delightful restaurants.

After breakfast, our services conclude. Feel free to spend your remaining time in San Francisco at your leisure, whether you wish to explore more of the city's vibrant culture or simply relax before your onward journey. We hope you enjoyed your tour and have gathered many unforgettable memories.