North America - Special

Day 1

The non-stop flight time to Las Vegas from the U.K. is 10 hours 20 minutes. Your package includes transfers from the airport to your hotel.

Stroll The Strip

You will arrive into Las Vegas in the afternoon or early evening so drop your bags and head out on to the world famous 'Las Vegas Strip'. Your hotel is right in a prime spot on the strip so you will feel safe and relaxed walking the strip with everyone else out enjoying the bright lights of this desert oasis. We'd suggest a stroll towards the Bellagio Hotel where you can watch the frequent water fountain show on the lake in front of the hotel, like many things in this one off town it's quite a spectacular sight.

Enjoy a Vegas Buffet

By this time you will be roughly on the opposite side of the road to the Paris Hotel. If you are feeling peckish Paris Hotel houses one of the best buffet dining experiences in Las Vegas. Vegas has become famous for buffet dining so this is a good place to indulge either tonight or another night during your stay.

Continue to walk the strip and 'Casino-hop' until you can take no more then head for a good night's sleep at your hotel, the rooms are spacious and the beds divine!

Important tip

Wear very comfortable shoes we guarantee you will walk more than you think - Everything looks close but it's bigger and further than you think in Las Vegas!

Hotel - Monte Carlo Hotel & Casino

We've visited and stayed at the Monte Carlo a number of times and we reckon it's a good choice for a number of reasons. The hotel is just very straight forward... you will walk into many hotels during your stay and probably get lost a number of times... Monte Carlo just seems so well laid out, when you need to just find your way to the elevator to go to bed it's easy, odd as it may sound that's not always that easy at other hotels in this city. Position wise on the strip it's close to perfect, having all the current major attractions and hotels right around you and within easy walking distance.

Day 2Las Vegas

We suggest you start the day by booking a show for tonight if you have not already booked anything. We think the Cirque De Soleil productions of Ka, O or Mystere are the pick of the bunch but there are so many options and lots of different ticket prices so grab the guide in your room and see what takes your fancy. It ought to be one of those 'Must do' things whilst in Vegas though.

Our suggestion would be to spend the day hopping from place to place along the strip again. The buildings along this famous road are like nothing else on earth and each grandiose interior tops the last. You will want to see Wynn Las Vegas, the Venetian complete with gondolas on the waterways surrounding the hotel, Bellagio, Mirage with the erupting volcano out front, Paris Hotel (Just look out for the Eiffel Tower) New York New York, MGM Grand and at least the exterior of Excalibur (The Castle) and Luxor (The Pyramid). Perhaps one of the most popular hotel attractions is the pirate ship battle in front of the Treasure Island hotel, check out show times when you walk by and be sure to be there in plenty of time to get a decent viewing spot.

Tonight might be a good time to eat at a buffet but try and get down to the Stratosphere for a drink at the top of the tower, the tallest building West of the Mississippi River and a great place for night time pictures of Las Vegas, oh yeah and perhaps you should have a little flutter in the casinos today as well!

Hotel - Monte Carlo Hotel & Casino

Unless you have become hooked on gambling or just want to spend the day casino hopping we'd suggest heading a little further afield today. You can either hire a car for the day or book yourself on to any number of tours, that is of course unless you haven't already sorted it before you left the U.K. with us. A trip to the Hoover Dam comes well recommended, they have a nice tour that takes you down to the base of the dam with a guide who tells the story of if it's construction between 1931 and 1936 during the Great Depression, a project that cost over 100 lives.

If you are feeling really adventurous and want this holiday done in style then surely it has to be a helicopter up above the Las Vegas Strip and off to one of the wonders of the world the Grand Canyon. There are a number of different tour options and this is probably best booked before you go but all tours will generally offer a pick-up and drop off service from your hotel. A great great way to see this truly awesome sight and our preferred tours will take you further and deeper into the Grand Canyon than anyone else, by far the most dramatic tour below the rim of the Grand Canyon.

Being your last night in Las Vegas why not push the boat out and book a flash restaurant.. Whilst buffet eating is a famous part of Vegas history in more recent times genuine haute cuisine by celebrity chefs has invaded the town. We'd suggest looking up one or two of the following. Bartolotta, Fleur de Lys, Bouchon, Picasso, Joël Robuchon and L'Atelier de Joël Robuchon at the MGM Grand, Alex, Alizé, or Aureole, Olives, Pinot Brasserie, Border Grill.

Whatever you end up doing on your last night be sure to leave some time to go Downtown to check out the much more affordable casinos in the classic Glitter Gulch and to visit the Fremont Street Experience light show.

Hotel - Monte Carlo Hotel & Casino

The flight time from Las Vegas to Honolulu is approximately 6 hours.

On arrival at Honolulu you will experience a traditional Lei greeting and be transferred to your hotel.

The island of Oahu is the 3rd biggest of 6 Hawaiian Islands and is home to famous Waikiki Beach. But it has more to offer, granted many come to the emerald island to laze on its pristine sandy beaches and why not? But be sure to consider some of  the fantastic lush walking trails, or a snorkeling tour of an extinct volcanic crater and everyone should witness the history at Pearl Harbor. If it's glamour you seek, Waikiki Beach delivers, with its backdrop of gleaming Honolulu skyscrapers and vibrant nightlife.

Things to Do on Oahu

Oahu is an island full of varied opportunities to fill your days, take a sightseeing boat, where you can observe the island rising out of the cobalt sea. Take a walk into virgin rainforest in the Makiki Valley, or venture to the North Shore to see the amazing sight of surfers flying off the top of waves that can rise to 30 feet - This is the premier surfing spot in the world, when you see surfers on television programs surfing under monster waves, it's usually filmed here. A hula performance is a popular way to get a taste of traditional Hawaiian culture, the best is performed every weekday at the Bishop Museum. A visit to Pearl Harbor is a sobering reminder of this island's place in America's history and we've included this tour in your package. Most people like to take in a bit of shopping on holiday, Oahu has posh European to locally made, avant-garde to unspeakably tacky, the offerings are wide-ranging. Among the designer boutiques on Waikiki's Kalakaua Avenue plenty of booths hawk airbrushed T-shirts, gold by the inch, and tasteless aloha shirts. Instead, surprise your friends with patterned aloha shirts and sarongs. Buy bowls and baskets made of pandanus leaves or stock up on local Kona coffee. No trip is complete without purchasing a lei, and on Maunakea Street, Hawaii's finest floral creations go for as little as $3.50.

Nightlife & Entertainment

Nightlife in Hawaii begins at sunset, and there are few more pleasing spots in Waikiki than the benches at the water's edge at the Diamond Head end of Kalakaua Avenue, where everyone stops to see the sinking sun. Afterward, revelers head for Waikiki and Honolulu, where clubs and bars are strung along the illuminated shoreline.

Restaurants & Dining

Choose among chef-owned restaurants, neighborhood eateries, fast-food joints, ethnic spots, and restaurants in shopping malls. Don't miss a traditional luau on the beach, a traditional Hawaiian feast often with entertainment. Savour succulent kalua pig (slow roasted underground) and fried rice, accompanied by cold lomi-lomi salmon(salad with salt-cured salmon). If you're up on the North Shore, visit a shrimp truck for the sweetest, juiciest shrimp.

Hotel - The Pacific Beach Hotel.

We'd say it's a pretty safe bet you wanted to come to Hawaii to relax a little and feel the sand between your toes.. well fear not, our choice of hotel means you are just steps away...with the added benefit of an ocean view room to retire to and breakfast included daily. The Pacific Beach Hotel also has a quite unique feature, a 280,000 gallon oceanarium with over 70 different species of Indo-Pacific marine life which you can admire from the Oceanarium restaurant. There is also the unique opportunity to snorkel and scuba dive in the Oceanarium. The hotel has everything you might expect and a bit more with a sundeck, swimming pool, whirlpool, spa, tennis courts and fitness club. We have access to great rates at many hotels across Waikiki but we chose this property for offering a great location at the beach and good mid range accommodation and facilities at great value for money. Our team are happy to provide advice and details along with costs for a package including other hotels on request.

Day 9 - 13 - 5 nights

Arrival Kaanapali Beach, Maui, Hawaii

You will be collected from your Waikiki hotel and taken the short 20 minute ride to Honolulu airport for your 30 minute flight to the Hawaiian island of Maui. Voted the 'Best Island' by Conde Nast Traveler readers for more than a dozen years you will start to appreciate why as you approach on your flight.

After your lei greeting you will be taken to you hotel for what we are sure will be 5 magical nights.

Things to do

The thought of lying on sun soaked beaches regularly named “the best” by travel magazines is enough to make any of your friends jealous and you will notice a real change in pace from your time in Waikiki Beach, this is the Hawaiian paradise that most people dream of visiting one day. Once you have settled in you will want to explore Maui.  The western, or leeward side, is the drier side of the island and features Maui’s world-famous beaches including your base, the beautiful Kaanapali Beach, home to a nightly sunset cliff diving ceremony. West Maui is also home to historic Lahaina, where you can find great shopping, dining and entertainment. The eastern, or windward side, of the island is the wetter side of the island, home to the lush Iao Valley and the scenic road to Hana. The cool, elevated slopes of Haleakala are where you can find the farms and gardens of Upcountry Maui and the soaring summit of Haleakala National Park. There is so much to see and do on Maui it’s best to plan ahead. 

Hotel - Kaanapali Beach Hotel

Nestled on eleven acres of tropical gardens along Maui’s renowned Kaanapali Beach, our hotel choice here was not difficult. Once again to compliment the exquisite location we've included a partial ocean view room and breakfast daily. We are sure during your stay here you will be absorbed into the Hawaiian Culture and appreciate what “Aloha” really feels like in the way that only locals can show you. Enjoy the little touches that you’d only find in any Hawaiian home, like bedspreads of Hawaiian quilt design and tropical furnishings and always, the warmth of a smile. Kaanapali Beach Hotel is true to it's word with a real family feel. With all the facilities you'd expect including a pool and spa we are confident we have once again found a hotel that strikes the balance between a good mid range beach side hotel and value for money. Maui is home to some of the worlds most luxurious hotels all of which the team here are familiar with. Whether you require information and prices on room upgrades at the Kaanapali Beach or would like to consider other hotels for your Maui stay they can offer you guidance and a tailored costing to meet your needs, this is all available on request.

Day 14 Arrival San Francisco

All too soon it's time to bid farewell to paradise. You will be collected from the hotel and taken to the International Airport for your 6 hour flight to San Francisco. Many people do not appreciate the distance between the Hawaiian Islands and the west coast of America. Flying from or home to the U.K. without breaking the journey on the west coast would involve around 17 hours of flying and usually a lot of waiting around in Los Angeles or San Francisco for connecting flights. It's for this reason we recommend a stop to appreciate the wonderful city of San Francisco but if you've been before or fancy something different as us about other options such as Los Angeles, Seattle or even Vancouver.

On arrival at San Francisco you might miss the lei Hawaiian greeting but at least we've got transport to your hotel sorted..

Hotel - Parc 55 Hotel

The Frank is a modern cosmopolitan styled boutique hotel in the heart of San Francisco at Union Square. Many people head for Fisherman's Wharf for hotels in San Francisco but we prefer Union Square. Feel the vibe of the city, enjoy the shopping board a cable car or one of the many bus tours. The hotel is a really neat little city hotel with nice touches such as iPod speaker docks in the rooms, complimentary wifi and flat screen TV's. It offers the perfect base from which to explore this fabulous city.

Day 15 San Francisco

Suggested activities (Not included in pre-paid cost)

Morning

This morning we suggest you take a city tour - especially if this is your first time to this fabulous city as it will allow you to get your bearings.

Afternoon 

Enjoy a quick 10-minute ferry ride to the centre of the San Francisco harbour to the infamous former prison island - Alcatraz. The visit includes a taped tour of the prison (once home to such famous criminals as gangster Al Capone and Machine Gun Kelly"). Note: We strongly suggest that you pre-book this very popular Alcatraz tour which in our opinion is not to be missed - let us know at time of booking.

Evening

Seafood dinner at one of many restaurants along the waterfront or at one of the trendy restaurants in the SoMa (South of Market) area! After dinner, enjoy a musical show, an American Conservatory Theatre performance or a comedy club, and a nightcap in one of the many rooftop cocktail lounges.

Hotel - Parc 55 Hotel

Morning 

Why not take a tour to Muir Woods, a forest of giant California redwood trees, which are some of the biggest trees in the world. On the way back it would be a great idea to stop for lunch and shopping in the beautiful little town of Sausalito. Return to San Francisco by ferry will give you some great photo opportunities of the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz and the San Francisco skyline. If time permits take your own little walking tour of Chinatown with a dim sum lunch, check out Lombard Street, the windiest road in the world, and a stop at the San Francisco Cable Car Museuem is well worth it in our opinion.

Afternoon 

Free afternoon to shop! Explore Union Square's department stores, small boutiques and art galleries; visit the neighbourhood shopping areas South of Market or Union Street; take a five-minute walk from downtown to the Embarcadero Centre, a three-level, four-building complex of 150 shops. Shop at the many complexes in the Fisherman's Wharf area such as PIER 39, Ghirardelli Square and The Cannery and enjoy the musicians and street performers. Take a jeep tour of the area, or rent a bike and ride across the Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito and ferry back to San Francisco.

Evening

San Francisco has over 3,000 restaurants! Take your choice: For instance, an authentic Chinese banquet in Chinatown - the largest Asian settlement outside of mainland China, an elaborate Korean barbecue or an Italian feast in The City's Italian section, called "North Beach" or how about a dinner cruise on San Francisco Bay. Enjoy dinner and dancing to a live band as you cruise past The City's famous skyline at sunset.

PLEASE NOTE:

San Francisco is one of our favorite cities in the whole of North America and we would not recommend you spending any less than 3 nights in the city if this is your first visit. None of the tours or attractions mentioned in our suggested itinerary are included in your tour price, however, we would be very happy to make these arrangements on your behalf. In particular, as we have mentioned above, your visit to Alcatraz - as the ferry to the island can often be booked up days in advance during the height of the season.

There are numerous festivals going on throughout the year in San Francisco, art, film and dance festivals and this is in addition to a packed sport scene, which includes the world famous San Francisco 49’ers. We are happy to help our customers with purchasing tickets and advising on events taking place during your stay, please ask for details.

Hotel - Parc 55 Hotel

Non-stop flights to London Heathrow are offered with optional connections to regional airports across the U.K. available on request. Flight time to London Heathrow is 10 hours and 20 minutes. Flight departs San Francisco in the afternoon or evening and arrives into the U.K. the following morning or afternoon local time.