Spirit of the West

Depart the UK on your scheduled flight to Los Angeles where you'll be met and transferred to your hotel.

Situated upon California's idyllic coastline, the 'City of Angels' represents a microcosm of America; from vast suburban sprawls to towering skyscrapers, bohemian beaches to snow-capped peaks, Los Angeles is a definitive landscape of extremes. Your full-day tour begins in Hollywood, a neighbourhood imbued with a cinematic legend from its glamorous 'golden age'. Wander along the star embedded Walk of Fame to a viewpoint of the iconic Hollywood sign. Continue to Beverly Hills and later in the afternoon, stop at the ocean enclave of Santa Monica city.

Arrive in San Diego late in the morning with time to explore the Old Town and have lunch. The Old Town is California's oldest settlement dating back to 1769 though there is evidence of humans in the area from 9,000 years earlier! Famous for Mexican food this is a great place to get lunch, In the afternoon visit Coronado Island with time to relax on the beach and then head to the lively Gaslamp Quarter.

Head to the 1,600-acre Balboa Park, home to 16 museums and a theatre! After a tour of the park there are a range of optional excursions available including a Harbour Cruise, or the USS Midway (at a fee).

Today, travel through expansive desert biomes, passing San Gorgonio's 3000 turbines and the city of Palm Springs - once a swinging getaway for the likes of Elvis Presley and the Rat Pack. Cross state lines into Arizona, arriving at the affluent city of Mesa early in the evening, home to a melting pot of cuisines, particularly those from across the nearby Mexican border. On the way from San Diego to Mesa, Arizona we will stop in El Centro for coffee break, in Yuma for lunch and in Gela Bend for afternoon stop before arriving to Mesa.

This morning, undertake an optional balloon ride (at a fee) and witness the magnificent spectacle of the Sonoran Desert illuminated by daybreak. Later that morning, travel to the mystical town of Sedona and continue along Oak Creek Canyon to marvel at spectacular red sandstone formations that protrude through the verdant Coconino National Forest. Arrive in Flagstaff, brimming with smalltown character and quaint diners that line the famous Route 66 for an evening at leisure.

Begin today with one of The Seven Natural Wonders of the World, Grand Canyon National Park. Having absorbed its sheer immensity, peer down the 6,000ft drop to witness the snaking Colorado River. Wander along the south rim to admire jagged plateaus, rugged spires and crumbling ridges or take a walk along the Bright Angel Trail to spot inquisitive Albert squirrels, precarious bighorn sheep and the illusive Californian Condor. Later this afternoon, head back to Flagstaff for an evening at leisure. Optional excursion (payable locally) - Grand Canyon by helicopter or fixed-wing aircraft.

Set off this morning and arrive late afternoon to your hotel for an evening to unwind or experience the neon vibrancy of the Vegas strip.

Today is at leisure to explore the west's dazzling rhinestone city at your own pace. Begin at the 1,100ft summit of Stratosphere Tower for a unique observation of Las Vegas; pass the Bellagio's soaring fountain plumes before trying your hand at poker in Caesars Palace or travelling the world in one day as you visit the city's replica landmarks.

This morning, make your way across the dry expanse of the Mojave Desert, back to the 'Golden State of California. En route, witness the peculiar spectacle of the 'boneyard', home to hundreds of obsolete commercial airliners preserved by torrid desert conditions. Your day concludes in Visalia, a quaint farming community brimming with old-town charm.

Spend today in one of the world's most dramatic geological marvels, the UNESCO recognised Yosemite National Park. With varicoloured wild meadows, thunderous glacial rivers cascading from dizzying granite peaks and crumbling pinnacles, pines, cedars and oaks forming jagged silhouettes against the open sky, this display of the West's natural majesty is unparalleled. Later this afternoon, journey to Modesto for an evening at leisure.

In the morning, depart Modesto and travel to San Francisco. Amid a rolling veil of mist, this slender peninsular occupies 47 elevated square miles populated by the clatter of old-fashioned cable cars, diverse neighbourhoods and an unmistakable collection of landmarks to discover on your afternoon tour. View China town's enchanting live markets, paper lantern marquee and pocket size side streets, continuing to the Presidio, a serene park inviting visitors to panoramic vistas across the bay, out towards Alcatraz Island and San Francisco's calling card - the iconic Golden Gate Bridge.

Today, experience the sights of the city at leisure. Visit the vibrant boardwalk of Pier 39, lined with delicious seafood eateries and a herd of resident seals who mysteriously appeared after the 1989 earthquake. Stroll alongside technicolour houses set against a Frisco skyline know as the 'Painted Ladies'; alternatively, take advantage of California's idyllic climate by visiting the vineyards of Napa Valley to sample renowned wines including Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon. Optional excursion (payable locally) - San Francisco Bay Cruise.

Depart San Francisco for a scenic drive along the famous Big Sur Coastal Drive with stops at popular Monterey, Cannery Row and the Elephant Seal Rookery.

Continue along the California coast stopping at beautiful Santa Barbara before your return flight to the UK, or continue on to your chosen extension.

Arrive back in the UK.