California & Canyons

Head to progressive San Francisco and tour the city. Make sure you tick off the icons: catch a cable car to explore the sloping city streets, walk or cycle across the imposing Golden Gate Bridge, people watch over a coffee in Union Square, and relax by the coast in popular Fisherman’s Wharf. Next, why not wander through the colourful neighbourhood of Mission with its quirky boutiques and cafes? Later, hop across the water on a ferry to the notorious prison island of Alcatraz, 1.5km offshore, which once detained Al Capone.

4* Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf

Your US road trip really gets going today as you embark on the picturesque drive to the glorious mountain scenery of Yosemite National Park. Be at one with nature along one of the park’s many hiking trails, varying in length and difficulty from gentle trails to challenging hikes, and enjoy the majestic scenery of Yosemite’s waterfalls. For the more adventurous, rafting trips and rock climbing excursions are also possible.

4* Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite

Note the dramatic shift in landscape as you enter the arid climate of Death Valley National Park – you will feel like you have entered a different country altogether. Spend the day exploring the weird and wonderful beauty spots such as Dante's View, which overlooks the salt flats of Badwater and the incredible Devil's Golf Course, a large halite salt crystal formation, or gaze in wonder at the Racetrack, where rocks appear to move on their own!

4* The Inn at Death Valley Inside The Park

Prepare to have your senses dazzled by the neon lights and showmanship of Sin City, a sizzling metropolis in the middle of the desert. See the Strip lit up at night, wonder at the kitsch of the themed hotels, or perhaps catch one of the world-famous Cirque du Soleil shows. Roll the dice and try your luck, after all, what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas.

5* Vdara Hotel & Spa at Aria Las Vegas

Today you'll be leaving Las Vegas for one of nature's greats: the Grand Canyon. Along the way, stop off at the colossal Hoover Dam, and then tick off another classic USA road trip moment as you take the old Route 66 to the Grand Canyon. Marvel at the scale of this natural spectacle from one of the many vantage points throughout the park, walk the trails that run around the canyon or, if you have a head for heights, give the skywalk a go. Later in the evening, you can while away many an hour gazing at the myriad stars.

3* Yavapai East Lodge

Your California holiday may be drawing to a close, but there's still time for one final adventure as you head for cosmopolitan LA. Go celeb-spotting in Hollywood, shop till you drop in Beverly Hills and hike Runyon Canyon for stunning views over the city. Relax on one of the Los Angeles’ beautiful beaches, or head over to Hollywood to experience the city’s vibrant side. Explore the diverse neighbourhoods, from glitzy Bel Air to arty Venice Beach to the chic galleries of Santa Monica. Dive into the smorgasbord of international cuisine you might expect from such a cosmopolitan city.

3* Magic Castle Hotel