Western Explorer with Hawaii add-on

You will stay at hotels such as the Best Western Carriage Inn in Los Angeles, the Sheraton in San Diego, the Hospitality Suite Resort in Scottsdale, the Radisson Woodlands Hotel in Flagstaff, the Stratosphere Hotel in Las Vegas, the Swan Court Hotel in Selma and the Radisson Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco. All rooms feature private facilities, air-conditioning where appropriate, TV and telephone. There is a restaurant and bar in most locations, and often extra facilities, such as a swimming pool and shop. The Stratosphere Hotel in Las Vegas features its own cabaret, casino, restaurants, bars, shops and its ‘Top of the World’ restaurant 800ft above the Strip. Hotels will be confirmed in your final documents.

For your Hawaii add-on you will stay at the Ohana East Hotel or similar, situated within easy walking distance of the beach at Waikiki. All rooms have private facilities, air-conditioning, TV and personal safe. There is a restaurant, cocktail lounge, coffee shop, swimming pool and excellent shops.

Day 1: UK/Los Angeles

Depart on your scheduled flight to Los Angeles. On arrival transfer to your hotel for a two-night stay. Your hotel is ideally situated for visiting the attractions of Hollywood, Beverly Hills and Universal Studios.

Day 2: Los Angeles

Free in Los Angeles, one of America’s most exciting cities; an outrageous amalgam of almost a hundred townships sprawling over 4,000 square miles. It is, of course, the home of the Hollywood movie industry. You can take an optional morning tour through luxurious Beverly Hills, in downtown LA and visit the famous Farmers’ Market. Afternoon is at leisure or join an optional visit to Santa Monica and Venice Beach.

Day 3: San Diego

This morning you may join an optional visit to Universal Studios, where movies are brought to life. Enjoy thrilling rides and attractions in this exciting theme park in LA. This afternoon we drive to the seaport of San Diego, where two nights’ accommodation has been arranged.

Day 4: San Diego

Amorning sightseeing tour of San Diego is included. The rest of the day is free to enjoy the splendours of San Diego – a delightful seaport with a marked Spanish influence. You could take a boat trip around the natural harbour or visit the zoo, which is one of the finest in the world. Other attractions include Balboa Park, Old San Diego and the renowned Sea World – home of Shamu, the performing killer whale.

Day 5: Scottsdale

A drive through the spectacular desert, crossing the border at Yuma into the state of Arizona. Continue to the ‘Valley of the Sun’ and Scottsdale, a fashionable resort on the outskirts of Phoenix, where overnight accommodation has been arranged. Optional visit to a traditional western steakhouse this evening.

Day 6: Flagstaff

Depart Scottsdale to drive northwards into Northern Arizona. First stop is at the fashionable artists’ township of Sedona, beautifully situated against a backdrop of dazzling pink wind-carved outcrops of rock. Why not join an optional jeep ride to admire the stunning scenery. You will then drive through spectacular Oak Creek Canyon before arriving in the former wild west town of Flagstaff for a two-night stay.

Day 7: Grand Canyon

We include a trip to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon today, where you will be able to absorb the majestic beauty of one of the greatest natural wonders of the world. The Colorado River took seven million years to cut this spectacular 14 mile-wide gorge, with a panorama of staggering depths, strange rock forms and brilliant colours that change with the sun. There will be the option to take a scenic flight over the canyon, a unique experience which gives you a close-up view of the unbelievable workings of nature over millions of years.

Day 8: Las Vegas

Depart Flagstaff for the drive westwards to Las Vegas for a two-night stay. Join the optional Las Vegas by Night tour this evening.

Day 9: Las Vegas

Free in Las Vegas. Set in the vast Nevada Desert, Las Vegas is an oasis of fun and sparkling nightlife. It is renowned the world over for its gambling casinos and spectacular cabaret shows. The famous Strip is a glittering neon wonderland of lavish hotels and casinos offering 24-hour entertainment. It has to be seen – and experienced – to be believed!

The evening cabaret shows, featuring world famous stars, are relatively inexpensive and reservations are easy to obtain.

Day 10: Selma

Drive through the Mojave Desert, the arid, hot unforgiving desert where so many early settlers perished. Now, of course, you can enjoy the scenery from the comfort of your air-conditioned coach. You cross the state border back into California for an overnight stop in Selma.

Day 11: Yosemite National Park

Drive north into Yosemite National Park, a captivating 1,200 square mile paradise of waterfalls, trails, lakes, dramatic mountain peaks and the famous half-dome mountain. After a tour of its main attractions, you will leave the park and continue to San Francisco. Accommodation for the next two nights will be at Fisherman’s Wharf.

Day 12: San Francisco

San Francisco, the ‘City by the Bay’, is one of the world’s most beautiful cities. Home of the Golden Gate Bridge, street cable cars and Fisherman’s Wharf, it is a cosmopolitan city with a distinctly European flavour. An included morning sightseeing tour will give you an excellent perspective of this quite unique city. You will cross the Golden Gate Bridge and also visit Twin Peaks (the view is breathtaking), Golden Gate Park, the Civic Centre, Chinatown and finally, the unique Fisherman’s Wharf. Shopping in San Francisco is excellent. There is a branch of Macy’s that is a whole block in size. And, of course, the famous cable cars are a truly exciting and inexpensive way of exploring the city.

Day 13: San Francisco/Honolulu

You will be transferred from your hotel to the airport for a flight to Honolulu, situated on the Hawaiian island of Oahu. Transfer on arrival to your hotel for a six-night stay.

Days 14 - 18: Oahu

You are free to relax and enjoy the beautiful Island of Oahu.

There will also be a selection of optional excursions available. These may include:

Royal Circle island tour

A wonderful excursion of what is widely referred to as the Royal Circle. This is the perfect way to explore the beautiful scenery and highlights of Oahu. You will be taken to Diamond Head Crater where we will pause to admire the view before we move on to Hanauma Bay. Discover the North Shore surfing beaches and exotic looking pineapple and sugarcane fields. Your excursion also includes an escorted visit through the tropical gardens, the Macadamia Nut Hut where you will be able to sample locally grown macadamias. We also plan to visit a magnificent fish pond. We will make a stop for lunch (not included).

Polynesian Cultural Center

Choice of two packages – standard or Ali’l Luau.

Visit this fascinating cultural centre and choose from two options to tailor the day to your preferences.

Explore the island villages at your own pace, enjoy the IMAX theatre where you can learn about the “Ha Breath of Life” show and join a virtual canoe and tram tour. There are plenty of places to dine in the centre from restaurants to snack bars.

Alternatively choose to experience a traditional meal by joining the Ali’l Luau tour. You will witness the uncovering of the traditional ‘imu’ underground oven where the kalua pua’a (roast pig) will have been cooking for most of the day. You will be served a sumptuous feast and enjoy preferential seating for the “Ha Breath of Life” show.

Paradise Cove Luau

A truly cultural evening which begins with a traditional Mai Tai greeting and live Hawaiian music - certain to get you in the mood for some traditional Hawaiian fun.

Stroll through the traditional village admire the locals’ arts and crafts skills. You may even get the chance to have a go at some Hawaiian games.

At the “hukilau on the beach” you will observe net fishing techniques of old Hawaii, witness the pageantry of the Royal Court Procession and ‘imu’ underground cooking. The highlight of your evening will be a feast of Hawaiian dishes, local favorites and continental cuisine.

Navatek sunset buffet dinner cruise

Enjoy the beautiful sunset while dining at sea on the sleek and modern vessel, Navatek I. You will experience a memorable, fun and informal evening aboard this high-tech vessel which uses a special kind of technology ensuring guests enjoy the smoothest cruise in the islands.

Your route takes you along Waikiki Beach and beyond Diamond Head to the hidden shores of the Kahala Coastline - home to Hawaii’s rich and famous. You will dine in the oceanthemed Blue Hawaii Room with an accompaniment of Hawaiian and contemporary music. After dinner the dining room gives way to a party atmosphere where you can enjoy music and dancing late into the evening.

Volcano tour and lava walk – full-day tour

Explore more of Hawaii on this full-day tour. You will discover the fascinating history of Hawaii’s volcano, explore Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and take a ‘lava walk’ where you will learn of the breathtaking changes that the volcano has imposed on the area. We will drive though magnificent scenery and see dormant volcanoes, lava beds, steam vents and craters. Your knowledgeable guide will tell you of the legends of Pele and the ancient Hawaiian goddess of the volcano. We will make a stop for lunch and dinner (not included).

Days 19 - 20: San Francisco/UK

Transfer to the airport for the return flight to the UK via San Francisco.