America's Golden West & Las Vegas
America's Golden West & Las Vegas
America's Golden West & Las Vegas
14 Days
Visiting: Los Angeles, San Diego, Palm Springs, Flagstaff, Grand Canyon, Las Vegas, Mojave Desert, Visalia, Yosemite National Park, California Coast Beer Company, San Francisco, United Kingdom
Tour operator:
Tour code:
98714
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Trip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Enjoy a classic introduction to the USA, taking in California, Las Vegas and the awe-inspiring Grand Canyon.
Combine the movie-land glamour of LA and Hollywood, the show-time sparkle of Las Vegas, the charm and personality of San Francisco, and the lovely 'City by the Bay' with the awesome spectacles of the Grand Canyon and Yosemite National Park. Take a scenic journey along California's wild and beautiful Pacific coast to explore sun-kissed towns and cities, including laid-back south Californian San Diego, and enjoy an irresistible holiday full of unforgettable, must-see highlights – especially for those visiting the West Coast for the first time.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day One – Fly To The Usa
Location: Los Angeles
Fly to Los Angeles, and transfer to your hotel for the next two nights in Buena Park.
Day Two – Santa Monica And Hollywood
Location: Los Angeles
Heading north today for a visit palm-fringed Santa Monica with its famous pier which marks the end of Route 66. It's a trendy city with plenty of art-deco heritage and a wealth of trendy boutiques to explore. We'll then continue to Hollywood where we'll enjoy a brief tour of the star-studded streets. Be sure to see Mann's Chinese Theatre and chart the history of the city's film industry along the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Don't forget to take a picture of the infamous Hollywood sign!
Day Three – Included San Diego Tour And Palm Springs
Location: San Diego, Palm Springs
Discover the laid-back, sun-kissed, Southern California city of San Diego on today's full-day excursion. Highlights include the historic Santa Fe Railroad Depot and the Gaslamp District. Across the Bay Bridge, Coronado Island is home to the Hotel del Coronado, where Edward VIII first met Mrs Simpson and Marilyn Monroe filmed 'Some Like it Hot'.
Continue on to the millionaires’ playground of Palm Springs for the night, once home of the late Bob Hope and still a haunt of a host of Hollywood stars.
Day Four – To Flagstaff On Old Route 66
Location: Flagstaff
Cross the desert and travel to Flagstaff, once a Route 66 staging post and now a small western town handy for the Grand Canyon. Spend two nights here.
Day Five – Included Grand Canyon Day Trip And Optional Helicopter Ride
Location: Grand Canyon
One of the tour's most unforgettable days awaits today, as you travel into the desert to the edge of the Grand Canyon, perhaps nature’s most startling wonder.
We'll stop on the South Rim to take in the astonishing views across this immense chasm, formed over millennia by the Colorado River that still flows along the Canyon floor a mile below. Take an optional helicopter flight for yet more stupendous views, before returning to Flagstaff for a second night.
Day Six – Travel To Las Vegas
Location: Las Vegas
Today's journey takes you to Las Vegas, for a three-night stay in the World's Capital of Entertainment. Spend your first evening soaking up the electrifying atmosphere of this extraordinary, man-made, 24-hour entertainment oasis.
See the spectacular hotels, glittering casinos and sparkling show lounges – home to some of the biggest names in show business.
Day Seven – Optional Night Time Helicopter Ride
Location: Las Vegas
A free day to explore all that's big and bold in Las Vegas! Enjoy a walk - with a drink or two on the way - through some of the mega-resorts on the famous Strip or maybe try your luck in one of the many casinos. Later, perhaps relax by the pool, arrange to be pampered in a spa, or simply shop till you drop.
This evening, don’t miss an incredible opportunity to see Vegas by night on our optional Vegas Nights helicopter flight over the Strip, and perhaps complete your stay by taking in a show in one of the famous lounges.
Day Eight – Free Time In Las Vegas And Optional The Rat Pack Is Back Show
Location: Las Vegas
Today you're totally free to explore. There’s simply so much to see and do in this amazing place! Enjoy more of the gaming rooms, vast shopping malls, diverse entertainments and endless dining opportunities of the famously of the Strip and Downtown.
Tonight, enjoy an optional dinner and entertainment from the stars of the nostalgic The Rat Pack is Back show.
Day Nine – Across The Mojave Desert To Visalia
Location: Mojave Desert, Visalia
Leaving Las Vegas head across the vast, dry wilderness of the Mojave Desert, entering the California Central valley for an overnight stay in Visalia.
Day 10 - Yosemite National Park
Location: Yosemite National Park
Today head north to Yosemite, 12,000 square miles of wilderness. There are some big, well noted sights to take in, including the rearing head of the granite Half Dome, imposing El Capitan and the majestic Yosemite Falls.
Spend some free time on the Valley Floor before heading on to Tuolumne for an overnight stay.
Day 11 – Travel To The Californian Coast
Location: California Coast Beer Company
head for the coast, today, visiting exquisite Carmel-by-the-Sea and the fishing town of Monterey, both linked by stunning 17-Mile Drive on the shore of the Pacific Ocean.
Continue to delightful San Francisco, the city by the Bay, for a two night stay.
Day 12 – Optional San Francisco City Tour
Location: San Francisco
Take this morning's optional guided tour of the city's major landmarks, and see Union Square and stylish Nob Hill, before crossing the famously photogenic Golden Gate Bridge to beautiful Bayside artists' town of Sausalito. Take the Bay Ferry back to the city, and enjoy wonderful views of the infamous prison island, Alcatraz, en route. This evening, why not head for colourful Chinatown, or to the bustle of Fisherman’s Wharf shops, bars and restaurants?
Day 13 - Free Time In San Francisco
Location: San Francisco
This morning, you're free to explore. Perhaps head to Golden Gate Park, or the Hippy heartland of Haight Ashbury. Alternatively, take the "little cable car" down to the bustle of Union Square or enjoy some retail therapy in nearby Market Street.
At lunchtime, continue to the airport for your overnight flight home.
Day 14 – Land In The Uk
Location: United Kingdom
Arrive back in the UK, this morning, at the end of a wonderful Californian holiday.
What's Included
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12 nights' room-only accommodation at hotels in Los Angeles (2 nights), Palm Springs (1 night), Flagstaff (2 nights), Las Vegas (3 nights), Visalia (1 night), Tuolumne (1 night) and San Francisco (2 nights), plus one night on the aircraft
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Return flights to Los Angeles, returning from San Francisco
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Comfortable, air-conditioned coach travel and transfers throughout
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Fully escorted by a friendly, experienced tour manager
Passports and visas
When travelling to the USA, British citizens require passports with an integrated chip (shown on the front by a small rectangular symbol beneath the word PASSPORT), valid beyond the return date from the USA. Visas are not normally required for entry, but visitors must apply for an ESTA online with US Immigration at least 72 hours before departure at www.cbp.gov/esta. The current charge is $21 for British Citizens. British subjects and anyone who has a criminal record or has ever been arrested should consult the US Embassy as a visa may be required. Note too that if you have visited Cuba, North Korea, Iran, Iraq, Sudan, Syria, Libya, Somalia or Yemen since March 2011, or have dual nationality with any of these countries, you do require a US visa and cannot travel on the Visa Waiver Programme.
Foreign Office travel advice
Visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice to find out the latest Foreign And Commonwealth Office travel advice for your holiday destination, as well as information about passports and visas.
Hotel transfer times
The transfer time from the airport to your hotel is approximately one hour.
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted on any coach forming part of your holiday; regular stops will be made though for your comfort en route. The majority of hotels in North America are non-smoking throughout including in all bedrooms. In general smoking outside is acceptable, but do look out for signs prohibiting this close to public entrances or bus stops.
Tipping
Gratuities are a way of life in North America, and it is generally accepted that they form part of a person's earnings. The customary gratuity for a coach driver or Tour Manager is about $5 per person per day. It is normal to tip 15-20 per cent of the bill for a taxi or in a restaurant, and to leave a dollar or so per drink in a bar.
On your flight
All outbound flights depart and arrive on the same day. All return flights leave in the evening and land in the UK the next day. On-board meals will usually include lunch and a snack on outward flights, and dinner and breakfast on flight home. Soft drinks are complimentary, but some airlines will charge for alcoholic drinks.
Casino age restrictions
Local laws stipulate that that there must be at least one person aged 21 or over occupying each room booked. Casino floors cannot be entered by under 21s unless they are accompanied by an adult aged over 21.
Luggage allowance
You are permitted to take one suitcase per person on the aircraft, which should not exceed 23kg.
Helicopter flights
Sightseeing flights by helicopter are weight controlled and balanced. Please contact us if you wish to book a helicopter flight and your bodyweight exceeds 250lbs. (In such cases, a seat may have to be left empty, and some companies may charge a premium.)
Special requirements
If you have notified us of any special requirements, please check that they have been noted and acknowledged. This is especially important with any dietary needs you may have.
Disabled access
The majority of our tours involve a certain amount of walking, including a short walk from the coach stop to the town, attraction or venue you're visiting. If you are bringing a wheelchair, please let us know at the time of booking so that appropriate arrangements can be made.
Itinerary changes
Occasionally, for operational reasons, we may have to change the order of the excursions on your holiday. The final day-by-day itinerary will be confirmed on your Final Travel Documents, which you will receive approximately three weeks prior to your departure.
Changes to your hotels
Should circumstances require, we reserve the right to accommodate you in alternative hotels, of a similar standard, nearby. Full details of your hotels will be sent with your Final Travel Documents.
Hotel rooms
Standard hotel rooms in North America will contain one or two double- or queen-sized beds, and it is not possible to add extra beds to the room. Parties consisting of more than two travellers, but who have only booked one room, will be expected to make use of the two beds provided. If this is a concern, you may wish to consider booking more than one room for your group.
Passports and visas
When travelling to the USA, British citizens require passports with an integrated chip (shown on the front by a small rectangular symbol beneath the word PASSPORT), valid beyond the return date from the USA. Visas are not normally required for entry, but visitors must apply for an ESTA online with US Immigration at least 72 hours before departure at www.cbp.gov/esta. The current charge is $21 for British Citizens. British subjects and anyone who has a criminal record or has ever been arrested should consult the US Embassy as a visa may be required. Note too that if you have visited North Korea, Iran, Iraq, Sudan, Syria, Libya, Somalia or Yemen since March 2011, or Cuba since 12 January 2021, or have dual nationality with any of these countries, you do require a US visa and cannot travel on the Visa Waiver Program.
Foreign Office travel advice
Visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice to find out the latest Foreign And Commonwealth Office travel advice for your holiday destination, as well as information about passports and visas.
Hotel transfer times
The transfer time from the airport to your hotel is approximately one hour.
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted on any coach forming part of your holiday; regular stops will be made though for your comfort en route. The majority of hotels in North America are non-smoking throughout including in all bedrooms. In general smoking outside is acceptable, but do look out for signs prohibiting this close to public entrances or bus stops.
Tipping
Gratuities are a way of life in North America, and it is generally accepted that they form part of a person's earnings. The customary gratuity for a coach driver is $5 per person per day for the driver and $7 per person per day for the tour manager.
It is normal to tip 15-20 per cent of the bill for a taxi or in a restaurant, and to leave a dollar or so per drink in a bar.
On your flight
All outbound flights depart and arrive on the same day. All return flights leave in the evening and land in the UK the next day. On-board meals will usually include lunch and a snack on outward flights, and dinner and breakfast on flight home. Soft drinks are complimentary, but some airlines will charge for alcoholic drinks.
Casino age restrictions
Local laws stipulate that that there must be at least one person aged 21 or over occupying each room booked. Casino floors cannot be entered by under 21s unless they are accompanied by an adult aged over 21.
Luggage allowance
You are permitted to take one suitcase per person on the aircraft, which should not exceed 23kg.
Helicopter flights
Sightseeing flights by helicopter are weight controlled and balanced. Please contact us if you wish to book a helicopter flight and your bodyweight exceeds 250lbs. (In such cases, a seat may have to be left empty, and some companies may charge a premium.)
Special requirements
If you have notified us of any special requirements, please check that they have been noted and acknowledged. This is especially important with any dietary needs you may have.
Disabled access
The majority of our tours involve a certain amount of walking, including a short walk from the coach stop to the town, attraction or venue you're visiting. If you are bringing a wheelchair, please let us know at the time of booking so that appropriate arrangements can be made.
Itinerary changes
Occasionally, for operational reasons, we may have to change the order of the excursions on your holiday. The final day-by-day itinerary will be confirmed on your Final Travel Documents, which you will receive approximately three weeks prior to your departure.
Changes to your hotels
Should circumstances require, we reserve the right to accommodate you in alternative hotels, of a similar standard, nearby. Full details of your hotels will be sent with your Final Travel Documents.
Hotel rooms
Standard hotel rooms in North America will contain one or two double- or queen-sized beds, and it is not possible to add extra beds to the room. Parties consisting of more than two travellers, but who have only booked one room, will be expected to make use of the two beds provided. If this is a concern, you may wish to consider booking more than one room for your group.
Las Vegas hotels
It's common in Las Vegas that tea/coffee-making facilities will not be available in hotel bedrooms. There are always plenty of outlets, though, to get drinks.
Las Vegas swimming pools all have a lifeguard present. This means they operate strict opening and closing times outside of which the pool cannot be used. Pools also close for the winter - dates for closing and opening vary depending on the weather conditions at the time.Local laws stipulate that there must be at least one person aged 21 or over occupying each room booked.
Casino floors cannot be entered by under 21s unless they are accompanied by an adult aged over 21.
Check out our Q&As
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1983
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Vaccination Requirements
Your health and safety are pivotal to our operations, and every customer travelling on a tour with us must be fully vaccinated against Covid-19. Fully vaccinated means that you have had the full course of an approved vaccine a minimum of 14 days prior to your holiday. We also recommend that you travel with proof that you’ve been fully vaccinated.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Our company’s mission is to enrich lives and improve wellbeing through travel. A big part of that is ‘Travel for Good’. Our ‘Travel for Good’ hub is our first step in a long journey to reduce carbon, offset anything we produce as a company and travel without harming the planet or the people of the destinations we go to.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest Covid-19 policies
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Fitness to Travel
We strive to give all our customers full care and attention, but we do need to know at the time of booking if there are any special needs or requirements. It is particularly important that we are advised of any disabilities and also if you intend to bring any specialist equipment such as a wheelchair with you. Please make sure that you make us aware of any requirements.
Reviews of this operator
Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Newmarket Holidays requires a minimum deposit of 35% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of newmarket holidays charges.
Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 48 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 34 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.
At 15 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Vaccination Requirements
Your health and safety are pivotal to our operations, and every customer travelling on a tour with us must be fully vaccinated against Covid-19. Fully vaccinated means that you have had the full course of an approved vaccine a minimum of 14 days prior to your holiday. You can find the travel restrictions for different countries on www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice. We also recommend that you travel with proof that you’ve been fully vaccinated.