Western Highlights - America

San Francisco • Monterey • 17 Mile Drive • Carmel • Yosemite National Park • Las Vegas • Hollywood

A combination of the Golden West’s spectacular natural highlights with exciting city stays makes this a holiday that’s hard to beat. Immerse yourself in the beauty of the fabulous 17 Mile Drive and relish a full day at the breathtaking Yosemite National Park with its towering granite domes and lush meadows. Explore the familiar sights of San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman’s Wharf and ‘big dipper’ streets, while inimitable Las Vegas is such a contrast with its 24 hour glitzy lifestyle. Our holiday concludes with a two night stay in Hollywood, movie capital of the world, where actors and entertainers alike are celebrated along the famous Walk of Fame. With plenty of free time to explore at a relaxing pace this combination truly makes for a holiday full of fine memories.DAY 1 LONDON • SAN FRANCISCO
We begin with Titan HiTours Home Departure Service to London Heathrow Airport for your direct scheduled Virgin Atlantic flight to San Francisco. On arrival we transfer to the Holiday Inn Golden Gateway, our base for the next three nights.

DAY 2 SAN FRANCISCO
This morning we have arranged a tour of this remarkably compact city which, with its colourful mix of cultures, is known for its air of sophistication. Our tour takes in views of the magnificent span of the Golden Gate Bridge, once called “the bridge that couldn’t be built” and will include many local districts including fashionable Nob Hill, Chinatown, Union Square and Fisherman’s Wharf. This afternoon you are free to make your explorations of the city or take one of the many excursions that are available, including a bay cruise which offers panoramic views of the city, or a trip to the infamous Alcatraz Island, where you can enjoy a fascinating close-up look at the historic federal prison. Here visitors not only explore the remnants of the prison but also learn about the Native American occupation and early military fortifications.

DAY 3 SAN FRANCISCO
San Franciscans are proud of their ethnic diversity and, as in many American cities, certain districts have become a home away from home for their occupants. Vibrant Chinatown, the largest in America, offers a huge variety of dining opportunities, as does the hospitable Italian quarter. Fisherman’s Wharf enjoys some fantastic seafood restaurants and Pier 39, especially, also offers a good selection, together with many speciality shops and entertainment. Shoppers will want to spend time at the compact and convenient Union Square with its large department stores including Macy’s.

DAY 4 MONTEREY • 17 MILE DRIVE • CARMEL • OAKHURST
We say farewell to San Francisco as we head south to Monterey and a coffee stop at Cannery Row, made famous by the author John Steinbeck. The original canneries of the attractive waterfront now house a fine selection of art galleries and handicraft shops. We continue through 17 Mile Drive, an area that bathes in its exclusivity, glimpsing occasionally at the homes of its millionaire residents that dot the passing landscape. Our route winds along with the illustrious Pebble Beach golf course and enjoys spectacular sea views. We enjoy a lunch stop at Carmel whose continuing quiet charm has enticed so many artists for the last 100 years. Stroll the tree-lined streets and peruse the shop fronts before we depart inland for the Shilo Inn at Oakhurst.

DAY 5 YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK
A day of superb scenic splendour and a highlight of the holiday awaits us as we experience the breathtaking beauty of the Sierra Nevada and Yosemite National Park. Yosemite has long been recognised as one of the most beautiful and unspoilt areas in America and achieved National Park status in 1890 to ensure this is preserved in perpetuity. The stunning 1,200 square mile park includes towering granite cliffs such as Half Dome and El Capitan; waterfalls cascade from high above to the valley floor where meandering streams nourish the expansive and lush parkland. After an unforgettable day, which is a photographer’s delight, we return to our hotel in Oakhurst.

DAY 6 OAKHURST • LAS VEGAS
A dramatic change of scenery today as we travel into the “Silver State” of Nevada. The arid plains of the Mojave Desert draw us to the neon lights of Las Vegas. Our hotel is the Excalibur or Flamingo, located on the famous strip and the perfect base for your explorations.

DAYS 7-8 LAS VEGAS
A true 24-hour city, and two whole days to enjoy it. Utilise one of the many trolley buses that cruise the strip throughout the day and night to sightsee, shop and gamble as much as you wish. Take advantage of the free shows that some resort hotels use to entice the passing public into their vast gambling arenas. Witness the superb dancing fountain show at the Bellagio or the erupting volcano at the Mirage and pirate ship battle at the Treasure Island. Why not enjoy one of the numerous shows that are available every night, from the typical showgirl revue to comedy, musicals and everything in between.

DAY 9 LAS VEGAS • HOLLYWOOD
Back to California today as we head westwards to Calico Ghost Town, now very much alive as a popular tourist attraction and on to the movie capital of the world, Hollywood. You will enjoy a sightseeing tour including Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, where the handprints of the stars are immortalized, Sunset Boulevard and fashionable Rodeo Drive before arriving at our hotel, the Renaissance, ideally located in the Hollywood and Highland development which features the Kodak Theatre, the home of the Academy Awards.

DAY 10 HOLLYWOOD
Today is free to explore at leisure or simply relax by the poolside of your hotel. The Hollywood and Highland complex has world class dining and shopping surrounding an impressive courtyard inspired by the 1916 epic film, Intolerance. The arch here affords some of the best views of the famous Hollywood sign in the hills above. The Metro, LA’s rail and underground system, is a simple and easy way to get around with a station ideally located near to the hotel. A taxi ride away is Rodeo Drive, with its wide-pavemented streets of great charm, elegant bistros and designer stores. You may want to take an optional tour to the legendary Universal Studios, the largest working film and television studios in the world. This 420-acre complex includes an array of attractions, elaborate rides and spectacular shows and a thrilling day is guaranteed.

DAY 11 HOLLYWOOD • LONDON
We depart for Los Angeles airport and our direct scheduled Virgin Atlantic flight to London Heathrow Airport - OR EXTEND YOUR STAY

DAY 12 LONDON
Arrival at London Heathrow Airport where our staff will greet you and transfer you to Titan transport for your journey home to your own front door.Duration 12 days, 10 nights in hotels – 3 San Francisco, 2 Oakhurst, 3 Las Vegas, 2 Hollywood & 1 in flight.

Titan HiTours VIP Home Departure Service™

Check-in service by Titan staff.

Scheduled Virgin Atlantic direct flights

Services of an experinced Titan HiTours tour manager.

First class air-conditioned coaches

Accommodation as specified in brochure or of a similar standard.

Excursions, tours and entrances as detailed in the itinerary.

Hotel porterage (1 bag per person).

All airport taxes, security charges and the UK Air Passenger Duty and applicable fuel surcharges.