The West Coast of America

Meet your Tour Manager at the airport today, as you fly from London Heathrow to San Francisco. On arrival, check into your hotel before the rest of your day is at leisure.

On Day 2, you are picked up from your hotel by a coach to begin a half-day's sightseeing tour. San Francisco is filled with incredible sights, such as the iconic Golden Gate Bridge which spans a mile over the Pacific Ocean, connecting the city of San Francisco to Marin County.

This afternoon you are at leisure to continue exploring San Francisco. Perhaps take a closer look at attractive Fisherman's Wharf? Alternatively the infamous prison island of Alcatraz is accessible by ferry. It's on this island where some of America's most dangerous prisoners were kept, including gangster Al Capone.

Depart San Francisco along the San Joaquin route which takes you through California's Central Valley by rail. Arrive at Merced, where you transfer to the incredible Yosemite National Park. Here, enjoy a tour of the valley floor and see Half Dome, which stands 4,000 feet above the valley, as well as the thundering Bridalveil Falls, which sends water tumbling down an enormous height of 617 feet.

From the natural beauty of Yosemite, head to the glamorous and glittering sights of Las Vegas. Travel by train to Bakersfield, heading across the eerily beautiful Mojave Desert, past derelict ghost towns and atmospheric villages. The buildings and lights of Las Vegas soon appear on the horizon. You stay here for the next 2 nights.

On Day 5, you are free to discover Las Vegas for yourself. With no end of entertainment to enthral and delight, Vegas is a favourite city for tourists over the world, with an incredible selection of resorts, casinos, and shows.

Depart Las Vegas by coach today and cross from Nevada to Arizona. On your way to Flagstaff, stop off at the Hoover Dam. This masterpiece of engineering was built during the Great Depression of 1936 as an attempt to control floods and produce useful hydroelectric power. It is now one of the most visited tourist attractions in the United States, and provides enough electricity to serve 1.3 million people across Arizona, Nevada, and California.

Travel further along legendary Route 66, stopping off in Kingman for a short break before checking into the Little America Hotel, Flagstaff.

Today is an undoubted highlight of our holiday, as you have the chance to visit the Grand Canyon. Begin by travelling on board the Grand Canyon Railway in vintage-style carriages which have been fully restored, as you journey to the South Rim of the natural wonder. It is from here that it's possible to see way out over the incredible peaks and valleys, forged by the powerful Colorado River millions of years ago.

Make the return journey from the South Rim on board the Grand Canyon Railway, then travel back to Flagstaff and join Amtrak's overnight service on the Southwest Chief to Los Angeles. The journey takes you through the heart of the western side of the USA.

Arrive into Los Angeles this morning, where you are picked up by coach for a half-day tour of this city, a bastion of entertainment. During the tour, visit famous Hollywood Boulevard, which features the numerous stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame as well as the TCL Chinese Theatre, home of the Oscars.

The rest of your day is at leisure in Los Angeles. You could explore the upmarket boutiques on Sunset Strip, or visit the famous Venice Beach Boardwalk before transferring to your hotel for the night.

This morning, take a ride on the Coast Starlight for a wonderful journey along the stunning Pacific shoreline. The train hugs the coast along the Pacific Coast Highway, offering wonderful sea views. Enjoy the sights of the mesmerising Salinas Valley, with the Santa Lucia and Diablo mountain ranges surrounding you en route to Salinas. Here, you disembark, making the short coach transfer to Monterey. Day 10 is your last full day in America, and you are free to enjoy it at leisure.

Today, transfer to San Francisco airport, for your return flight back to London Heathrow, landing on Day 12.