USA West Coast Experience
11 days from £2,197 (was £2,585)
Trip Highlights
- Watch the sun go down over the majestic Grand Canyon
- Walk under the mighty redwoods in Yosemite National Park
- Explore vintage America on Route 66
- Party the night away in Vegas with VIP access to one of Sin City’s epic nightclubs
- Explore LA’s Sunset Boulevard, Walk of Fame, Venice beach and more
- Discover the tram-lined streets and beautiful bay of bohemian San Francisco
Trip Summary
From Hollywood to the Golden Gate, this all-American road trip takes you through 3 spectacular states over 11 days. See the homes of the stars in Hollywood, get your kicks on Route 66, feast on classic American burgers, party like a VIP in Vegas’ glitzy nightclubs, hang with the surf dudes in San Diego and watch the sun come up over the unforgettable Grand Canyon. Best of all you’ve got a group of ready-made friends to experience it with – it’ll be the best holiday you’ve ever had.
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Day 1: Los Angeles. Welcome to sunny LA! Take a whistle-stop tour of the highlights, including the iconic Walk of Fame, Melrose Avenue, Sunset Boulevard, glitzy Beverley Hills, Santa Monica, and the city’s quirkiest suburb - Venice Beach. You’ve got one night in LA, so let’s make it a good one!
Day 2: San Diego. Next stop – Orange County. Wind your way along the Pacific coastline to the laid-back surf city of San Diego. Explore downtown’s best bits on a guided tour and drive your very own speedboat round the harbour.
Day 3: Phoenix. So long California – we’re headed into the desert. Arrive in the urban oasis of Phoenix, Arizona in time for an all-American BBQ dinner in the gorgeous Papago Park. Then hit the bars of the vibrant Tempe District.
Day 4: The Grand Canyon. Start your day with an optional hot air balloon ride over the ‘Valley of the Sun’ – if only every morning was like this! Then journey into the desert to the one and only Grand Canyon. Get some rest in your comfy lodge, ahead of a big bucket list moment tomorrow!
Day 5: Grand Canyon National Park. Ready to see a world wonder? Peel your jaw off the floor and hike through the majestic landscape. End the day with the most epic sunset you’ve ever seen. Want to take it to the next level? See the canyon from the best seat in the house with a helicopter ride.
Day 6: Las Vegas via Route 66. Get your kicks on Route 66. Travel the iconic route with a stop in Seligman for some vintage Americana. Arrive in Vegas for a night-time tour of the neon Strip, selfies with the legendary Vegas sign, and a light and laser show. Then it’s party-time!
Day 7: Las Vegas. Treat yourself to a lie-in after your big night then explore Sin City at your own pace. Ride a gondola in the Venetian, hit the blackjack tables and hang with the Elvises. Tonight, we’re going baller, with optional VIP entry to a Vegas nightclub.
Day 8: Bass Lake. Time to chill after the Vegas madness. Head through San Joaquin Valley to Bass Lake (with a mouth-watering stop at Barstow In N Out Burger). Breathe in the mountain air, take in the views, cool off in the pool and finish up with a relaxing soak in the jacuzzi – and relaxxxxx.
Day 9: Yosemite National Park. Wander under the mighty redwoods, discover cascading waterfalls and hike the National Park’s trails (hire a mountain bike if you want to cover more ground) – just beautiful. Back at the Bass Lake camp, hop into the jacuzzi and look up at the starry skies.
Day 10: San Francisco. Back to city life in boho San Fran. Take a walking tour through the hilly streets, admiring the street art, Victorian buildings and gorgeous bay. End on a high with a spot of sunset sailing (optional), then get together over one final meal.
Day 11: Trip end. Pack your bags and head for the airport. We bet you’re already planning your next trip!
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Most expensive: £893 January, 2024
What's Included
- 10 nights’ accommodation
- 6 breakfasts & 4 dinners
- Group leader
- All on-trip transport
- LA tour
- San Diego tour
- BBQ dinner (Phoenix)
- Grand Canyon hike
- Vegas night-time tour
- Yosemite entrance fee
- Yosemite hike
- San Fran walking tour
- 24-hour emergency support
- International flights
- Insurance
- Visas
- Airport transfers
- Most meals and drinks
- Activities not listed in the inclusions
Accommodation & Meals
Accommodation
This trip includes 10 nights’ accommodation. 7 nights in hotels, 2 nights in lodges, and one night on a glampsite in the unforgettable Grand Canyon. Rooms are twin share. If you’re travelling with a partner or friend, make sure you let us know when you book so we can place you together.
Meals
6 breakfasts and 4 dinners are included. You’ll have to buy the rest of your meals yourself. This gives you more flexibility to explore the local cuisine and eat when and where you like.
Arrival Information
The trip begins in sunny LA and we’ve got lots of activities planned, so we’d recommend that you arrive the day before, or even earlier if you like. Your travel adviser can help you book some pre-trip accommodation. Fly into LA International Airport (LAX) and make your own way to the starting accommodation (airport transfers are not included). Options include taxi (30 mins), bus (30 mins) and metro (60 mins). Taxi is the most expensive option but also the most convenient.
The trip ends in San Francisco on day 11. You’ll need to make your own way to San Francisco International Airport (SFO) but your tour guide will be able to help with booking transfers. Taxi takes around 35 minutes and is the most expensive option (although less if you’re sharing). There’s also BART (30 mins) and bus (75 mins).
All journey times given are approximate and will vary depending on location of your accommodation and traffic conditions. Please make sure you leave plenty of time to get to or from the airport.
Eligibility and FAQs
This trip is designed for 18-35 year olds.
British passport holders can enter the USA for up to 90 days without a visa. You’ll need to apply online for an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) though. Your passport should be valid for the proposed duration of your stay.
If you’re under 21, you won’t be able to enter bars, clubs or other establishments where alcohol is served. It’s recommended that even if you are over 21, you always carry a valid form of ID.
Visa, passport and entry restrictions can be subject to change. Always check foreign travel advice before your trip.
Please note, this trip requires you to show evidence that you have been fulled vaccinated against covid-19 (final dose administered a minimum of 14 days prior to the start of the trip).
How Many People Will Be In My Group?
On average there will be 30 – 35 people in your group but there may be less or more (max 54), depending on how many people have booked the same dates as you.
How Will We Travel Around?
Most legs of the trip will be by comfy private coach, and we’ll take the Surfliner train from LA to San Diego.
Will I Have A Tour Leader For The Whole Trip?
Yes. Your team will be made up of an expert trip leader and drivers, who are there to make sure you have the time of your life.
Can I Go Into Bars In The Us?
Not if you’re under 21. Even if you’re over 21, you’ll need to make sure you’re carrying some form of valid ID – rules in establishments where alcohol is served are very strict in the US.
Covid safety
Due to Covid-19, many of our partners and suppliers across the globe are putting in place new procedures and policies regarding health and safety in response to the outbreak. These new measures will adapt and change as the state of travel evolves, and the policies and procedures will vary depending on each trip. Some changes that you may experience on our trips are:
Updated safety & hygiene procedures
Health and safety measures will be adapted by our partners and suppliers, dependent on local laws and restrictions.
Different transport & accommodation
You may find yourself on transport or in accommodation that would not typically be used, such as hostels that are more secluded, or on more private transport. This may vary by trip, or even by individual departure dates.
Arrival meetings
Most trips include a meeting on arrival with the guide or local team to discuss the trip, and this is an opportunity for you to ask any questions. You should arrive in time to attend these briefings.
Emergency support 24/7
We have a UK based 24/7 emergency phone line if you have a genuine urgent matter that you need attending.
Knowledgeable & Trained Staff
We can help answer any questions or concerns you may have before you depart. Whilst travelling the guide or local team on our trips are there to help, and to ensure the smooth running of our trips.
Medical care
Should you require medical assistance whilst travelling, the local team or guide will be able to help you get to a point of care. Medical facilities and standards can vary across the glove, so you should ensure you have adequate travel insurance in place.
Varying group sizes
To begin with, many trips will run with amended group sizes, so you may find smaller groups than would be typical. This may vary by trip, or even by individual departure dates.
Whilst there may be changes on our trips, it is vital that you make travelling safer for yourself, your travel companions, the local staff and guides, and the people of the country you are visiting. You should follow all local laws and restrictions, and follow the guidance of the local team. In addition, you can help make travel safer by bringing and using your own face coverings/masks and hand sanitiser, social distance where appropriate, wash your hands frequently, and cover your face when coughing or sneezing.
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