DAY 1: UK - San Francisco.
Fly to San Francisco where you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel for an overnight stay.

DAY 2: San Francisco - Monterey. Included sightseeing.
Today we travel south to picturesque Monterey, made famous by John Steinbeck's novel 'Cannery Row' and once Spain's Californian capital. Upon arrival your sightseeing tour will include visits to historic Fisherman's Wharf and Cannery Row. During your free time this afternoon, why not visit Monterey Bay Aquarium, known for its interactive exhibits and teeming sea life, or stroll along Fisherman's Wharf in downtown Monterey and watch the sea lions and otters.

DAY 3: Monterey - Carmel - Solvang - Lompoc.
This morning we take spectacular 17-Mile Drive and watch the ocean rolling in on the wide Pacific beaches en route to Carmel, the popular West Coast retreat for artists and celebrities, before picking up the Old Spanish Mission Trail to Solvang, the Danish Capital of America. There's time to walk the flower-lined village streets and enjoy the quaint old world architecture. Windmills, thatched roofs and tasty bakery treats all add to the charming and unique experience of Solvang. Overnight in Lompoc.

DAY 4: Lompoc - Santa Barbara - Los Angeles.
We drive south along the coast to Santa Barbara, a charming city with some handsome Spanish-inspired architecture. There's time to wander along the bustling waterfront, before we follow the Pacific coastline past the fine sandy beaches of Malibu to Los Angeles.

DAY 5: Los Angeles. Included sightseeing.
A full day to explore the 'City of Angels', home of star-studded Hollywood and glamorous Beverly Hills. Your day will begin with an included sightseeing tour of the world's 'Capital of Glamour', including a drive through Hollywood and a visit to Mann's Chinese Theatre. We will then visit the famous Kodak Theatre, where you will go behind the velvet rope to experience the glamour of the home of the Academy Awards ceremonies. The afternoon is yours to relax or explore further. Why not join the optional tour of Universal Studios Hollywood?

DAY 6: Los Angeles - Palm Springs - Scottsdale.
This morning visit Palm Springs with its distinctive wind farms, 5,000 swimming pools and 90 golf courses! We then cross the great Colorado River and drive through vast desert landscapes, viewing the spectacular giant saguaro cacti. We arrive in the mountain-ringed desert resort of Scottsdale in the late afternoon. The evening is yours to relax.

DAY 7: Scottsdale - Sedona - Oak Creek Canyon - Grand Canyon - Williams.
We journey north to Sedona, set in canyon country and known as 'Arizona's scenic sensation'. Then it's on through the weather-sculpted rock formations of Oak Creek Canyon, and then north through Kaibab National Forest to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. Marvel at one of the Natural Wonders of the World as you experience the breathtaking views of the Grand Canyon. And for a once-in-a-lifetime experience, why not take our optional helicopter 'flightseeing' excursion? You will then stay overnight along the famous Route 66 in Williams.

DAY 8: Williams - Las Vegas.
We travel across the old Mohave gold strike country, which still has traces of century-old ghost towns set in natural desert beauty, to Las Vegas - a neon desert oasis, packed with spectacular hotels and casinos. Your tour director can help to advise on the best shows to see and casinos to visit.

DAY 9-10: Las Vegas.
Las Vegas offers a variety of spectacular attractions and activities for visitors of all ages. You have two full days for swimming and sunbathing at the hotel pool or exploring the 'Strip', with its varied casinos and resorts, shopping plazas, and amusements. There's also a range of great-value excursions to choose from, including river rafting through the Black Canyon on the Colorado River, a visit to the Hoover Dam or in the evening a dazzling Las Vegas show.

DAY 11: Las Vegas - Tulare.
We leave the neon lights of Las Vegas this morning and continue north-west across the desert landscape of Nevada before crossing into California. You'll see the vast Mojave desert which covers one fifth of California, and is also the landing site for space shuttles. We'll pass through fertile agricultural land and then stay overnight in Tulare, located in the central San Joaquin Valley.

DAY 12: Tulare - Yosemite National Park - Sonora.
This morning we enter Yosemite National Park, a wonderland of spectacular lakes, giant granite domes and pinnacles rising more than 4,000 feet above the valley floor, cascading waterfalls, and lush forests. Explore the Yosemite Valley or visit the Ansel Adams Gallery and see the works of this famous photographer who captured the beauty of Yosemite National Park so well. Then it's on to Sonora, once a thriving centre in the gold rush era and known today for its elegant Victorian homes. The evening is at leisure.

DAY 13: Sonora - Sacramento - San Francisco. Included sightseeing.
This morning we visit Sacramento, California's historic state capital, home to over 40 art galleries and dozens of museums. There's time to visit historic Old Town, with the nation's largest collection of gold rush era buildings. We then continue to drive west to the 'Golden Gate City' of San Francisco, famous for its hills and cable cars. Our included sightseeing tour takes in the Old Spanish Mission Dolores, the spectacular Golden Gate Bridge, Nob Hill and the bustling Fisherman's Wharf. In the evening, why not join us for an optional dinner outing in Chinatown?

DAY 14: San Francisco.
The day is yours to do some more exploring. Ride San Francisco's historic cable cars, take a walking tour of one of the city's diverse neighbourhoods, or visit the famous and fascinating Alcatraz Prison. Enjoy an Italian coffee at a pavement café in North Beach, shop for bargains in Union Square or see one of San Francisco's newest attractions, the Boudin Museum and Bakery, where you'll have the chance to see a bakery in action and learn the story of sourdough French bread. Walk among the redwoods of Muir Woods, enjoy a bird's-eye view of all the famous sights on a helicopter flight or sample some of California's renowned wines on an excursion to Napa Valley. In addition, your Tour Director will have suggestions for dining and shopping.

DAY 15: San Francisco - UK.
Transfer to the airport for your flight to the UK.

DAY 16: Home landing in the UK.