USA Brochure 2017
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1<br />
<strong>USA</strong>
Welcome.<br />
At House of Travel, we strive to create the best holiday for you at the best value<br />
– that’s our service guarantee. We understand everyone has different<br />
travel needs and that’s why we love it when you bring your ideas to us<br />
because together, with our experience and local knowledge, we can<br />
create the perfect holiday at the perfect time for you.<br />
We use the same travel sites you do, like Expedia, and many more<br />
that you can’t access. Plus, we have direct relationships with airlines<br />
and hotels around the world, which gives us extra buying power. We<br />
combine this with our expertise and negotiating skills to deliver some<br />
of the best deals and bonuses on offer that you might miss if you booked<br />
yourself. So, we promise to truly deliver the best of both worlds and<br />
that’s our guarantee.<br />
We’ve helped create enriching travel experiences for 1.8 million New<br />
Zealanders over the last thirty years. We understand that travel isn’t just about<br />
the place you go, it’s where that place takes you.<br />
The best holiday for you.<br />
What this means: We’ll combine your ideas with<br />
our experience and expertise to deliver you the best<br />
holiday possible.<br />
We’ve got your back 24/7 from the moment you contact<br />
us until you’re home again.<br />
We value your feedback on your last HOT holiday, so<br />
we can make your next trip even better.<br />
At the best value.<br />
What this means: We’re committed to providing the<br />
holiday you want at the very best value possible.<br />
We promise to utilise all our buying power to search<br />
out a great price for your holiday.<br />
We know value means different things to different<br />
people, so we take the time to understand what’s<br />
important to you.<br />
The best holidays are created together. Let’s chat.<br />
2<br />
The House of Travel App I Your holiday at your fingertips.<br />
Text ‘APP’ to 595 to download<br />
(standard text charges apply) or available from the App Store & Google Play.
<strong>USA</strong> Map<br />
MEXICO<br />
CANADA<br />
Seattle<br />
Olympia<br />
WASHINGTON<br />
Portland<br />
MONTANA<br />
Salem<br />
NORTH DAKOTA<br />
MAINE<br />
Helena<br />
Lake Superior<br />
Bismarck MINNESOTA<br />
VERMONT<br />
OREGON<br />
IDAHO<br />
Lake Huron<br />
Portland<br />
NEW<br />
Boise<br />
YELLOWSTONE<br />
SOUTH DAKOTA<br />
Lake<br />
HAMPSHIRE<br />
NATIONAL<br />
Rapid<br />
WISCONSIN<br />
Michigan<br />
Lake NEW<br />
REDWOOD<br />
PARK<br />
Pierre Minneapolis<br />
Ontario YORK Boston<br />
City<br />
NATIONAL<br />
Milwaukee<br />
MASSACHUSETTS<br />
WYOMING<br />
MICHIGAN<br />
Buffalo<br />
RHODE ISLAND<br />
PARK<br />
MT RUSHMORE<br />
Detroit<br />
Lake<br />
CONNECTICUT<br />
NEVADA<br />
CALIFORNIA<br />
IOWA<br />
Erie<br />
PENNSYLVANIA NEW New York<br />
Reno<br />
Cheyenne NEBRASKA<br />
Chicago<br />
Sacramento<br />
Salt Lake City<br />
Omaha<br />
Des Moines<br />
Cleveland<br />
JERSEY<br />
Pittsburgh<br />
INDIANA OHIO<br />
Philadelphia<br />
San Francisco<br />
Baltimore<br />
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA<br />
UTAH<br />
Indianapolis Columbus<br />
YOSEMITE<br />
Denver<br />
WEST<br />
WASHINGTON,D.C.<br />
Cincinnati<br />
ILLINOIS<br />
Fresno<br />
NATIONAL<br />
PARK<br />
COLORADO<br />
Kansas<br />
VIRGINIA<br />
Topeka City St Louis<br />
Frankfort<br />
Richmond<br />
Charleston<br />
Las Vegas<br />
KANSAS<br />
VIRGINIA<br />
DEATH<br />
GRAND<br />
MISSOURI<br />
KENTUCKY<br />
VALLEY<br />
CANYON<br />
Los Angeles<br />
NORTH Raleigh<br />
Flastaff<br />
Santa Fe<br />
Oklahoma<br />
Nashville CAROLINA<br />
City<br />
TENNESSEE<br />
Palm Springs ARIZONA<br />
Albuquerque<br />
ARKANSAS Memphis<br />
San Diego<br />
Phoenix NEW MEXICO<br />
OKLAHOMA<br />
Columbia<br />
Little<br />
Spaceport America<br />
Rock<br />
ALABAMA<br />
Atlanta SOUTH<br />
Tucson<br />
Las Cuces<br />
MISSISSIPPI<br />
CAROLINA<br />
ATLANTIC<br />
Dallas<br />
GEORGIA Savannah<br />
Jackson<br />
OCEAN<br />
El Paso<br />
LOUISIANA<br />
Montgomery<br />
TEXAS<br />
Jacksonville<br />
PACIFIC<br />
OCEAN<br />
Houston<br />
San Antonio<br />
Baton<br />
Rouge<br />
New Orleans<br />
GULF OF MEXICO<br />
Orlando<br />
Tampa<br />
FLORIDA<br />
Fort Lauderdale<br />
Miami<br />
Florida Keys<br />
The Climate<br />
Monthly Average Temperatures in ˚C<br />
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec<br />
Boston -2 -1 4 9 14 20 23 22 18 13 7 1<br />
Chicago -4 -2 4 10 16 22 24 23 20 13 7 -1<br />
Houston 17 19 23 26 30 33 34 35 32 28 23 18<br />
Las Vegas 8 11 13 18 23 29 33 32 27 20 7 8<br />
Los Angeles 14 16 16 17 19 21 23 24 23 21 13 14<br />
Nashville 9 11 17 22 26 30 32 32 28 23 16 10<br />
New Orleans 12 13 17 21 24 27 28 28 26 22 17 13<br />
New York 0 1 6 12 17 22 25 24 20 14 8 2<br />
Orlando 16 16 19 22 25 27 28 28 27 24 20 17<br />
Portland 8 11 14 17 20 23 27 27 25 18 12 8<br />
San Diego 14 15 16 17 18 19 22 23 22 20 17 14<br />
San Francisco 9 11 12 13 14 17 17 18 18 16 13 9<br />
Seattle 5 7 8 10 13 16 18 19 16 12 8 6<br />
Washington, D.C. 2 3 8 14 19 24 27 26 22 16 10 4<br />
Front Cover: New York ©Aleks Ivic Visuals
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is being reimagined with extraordinary architecture, world-class<br />
shopping, top L.A. chef owned restaurants, and passenger amenities with the traveller in mind—like free<br />
WiFi and charging stations throughout the airport.<br />
Upon arrival at LAX Airport, electronic immigration kiosks now allow you to self-process your entry into<br />
the <strong>USA</strong>, so you can start enjoying your L.A. holiday even sooner!<br />
For more information on booking a trip to Los Angeles, contact House Of Travel.
General Information 1<br />
Accommodation Ratings<br />
6 Tips for your <strong>USA</strong> Holiday<br />
Experience West Coast 4<br />
Los Angeles Accommodation & Sightseeing<br />
Disneyland Resort<br />
Anaheim Accommodation & Sightseeing<br />
San Francisco Accommodation &<br />
Sightseeing<br />
Yosemite National Park<br />
Sonoma Wine Country<br />
Napa Valley<br />
San Diego Accommodation & Sightseeing<br />
Palm Springs<br />
Portland<br />
Oregon<br />
Seattle<br />
Las Vegas Accommodation & Sightseeing<br />
Las Vegas to Utah<br />
Experience East Coast 36<br />
New York Accommodation & Sightseeing<br />
Boston<br />
New England<br />
Washington, D.C.<br />
Chicago<br />
Walt Disney World Resort<br />
Orlando Accommodation & Sightseeing<br />
Miami<br />
Florida Keys<br />
Experience The South 53<br />
New Orleans<br />
Louisiana<br />
Memphis<br />
Nashville<br />
The Southern Music Journey<br />
Take to the River<br />
Texas<br />
Georgia<br />
Take to the Road 64<br />
Touring by Rental Car<br />
Self-Drive <strong>USA</strong><br />
Touring by Motorcycle<br />
Touring by Motorhome<br />
Touring <strong>USA</strong> 70<br />
Touring by Coach<br />
Small Group & Rail Tours<br />
Contents<br />
Rodeo Drive, Los Angeles<br />
Grand Canyon, Arizona<br />
Oak Alley, New Orleans<br />
General Information<br />
Accommodation Ratings<br />
To assist with the selection of your accommodation we have created our own rating system allowing you to compare each property. These are personal ratings offered<br />
by our people from their own experience and should therefore be used as a guide only. These ratings may alter throughout the year due to a change of circumstances.<br />
A standard level of accommodation with a limited range of rooms and facilities. Rooms are clean and comfortable with basic<br />
furnishings.<br />
Moderate accommodation with a reasonable range of rooms and facilities, with rooms furnished to a comfortable standard.<br />
Superior standard of accommodation with a wide range of rooms and facilities, and a higher standard of service.<br />
First Class accommodation with an excellent range of facilities and services. Accommodation in this rating is considered among<br />
the best in the country.<br />
When selecting your accommodation please note that the standard bedding configuration in the United States is two double beds, with a maximum of two<br />
children free using existing bedding. This can vary.<br />
Child Policy: Please note bedding configuration varies between properties and in some cases with different room types within a property. Some hotels also offer<br />
family bonuses and specials. Your Travel consultant will help you choose the hotel to best suit you and your family’s needs.<br />
Price Indicator: The price is provided as a guide only. The actual price may differ to that indicated in this brochure due to currency fluctuations, special events,<br />
trade shows or peak periods. Your travel consultant will quote you the actual price at the time of booking. Per person pricing is based in New Zealand dollars.<br />
1
6 TIPS<br />
for your<br />
<strong>USA</strong><br />
Holiday<br />
Get outdoors, the<br />
great outdoors<br />
For all its sparkly cities and wowfactor<br />
skylines, North America<br />
is as much about nature as it is<br />
urban aesthetics.<br />
You’ll already know the acclaimed<br />
national parks, but there’s also<br />
lesser-known Bryce and Zion, Great<br />
Smoky Mountains, Everglades<br />
and Olympic. For thermal activity,<br />
Yellowstone echoes with the<br />
sound of volcanic belches, while<br />
in California, Yosemite and its<br />
waterfalls provide more Kodak<br />
moments than it does water. Just.<br />
The Grand Canyon – arguably the<br />
mother of all national parks – has<br />
inspired many, while Everglades is<br />
your one stop shop for wildlife.<br />
Away from the country’s national<br />
parks, there are ample coastlines<br />
to explore, glaciers to admire and<br />
rivers with rapids so bewitching,<br />
you’ll be compelled to don a paddle<br />
and go canoeing.<br />
What’s your flavour?<br />
Take your bib because we guarantee<br />
the <strong>USA</strong> will have you drooling. The<br />
food here is phenomenal, mostly<br />
because it’s so diverse.<br />
From San Francisco’s seafood<br />
chowder served in its own<br />
sourdough bowl, to the classic<br />
Texas barbecue, complete with ribs<br />
dripping in special sauce, you won’t<br />
go unsatisfied in the states.<br />
The Deep South will awaken your<br />
taste buds with Cajun spices and<br />
ancient recipes, while California<br />
won’t disappoint with its extensive<br />
wine varietals and farm-to-table<br />
dining experiences which showcase<br />
a rich harvest sought from<br />
vineyards and ranches.<br />
And heaven forbid we forget the<br />
drink! From a cup of Joe sipped<br />
at a roadside diner, to Kentucky<br />
Bourbon and beer made from<br />
smooth Oregon hops, you won’t go<br />
thirsty either.<br />
For the love of sport<br />
Sport. It’s the five letter word<br />
Americans utter more than any<br />
other, and if you’ve ever witnessed<br />
the media storm of the Super<br />
Bowl, you’ll know ‘the game’ is a<br />
pretty big deal. From basketball to<br />
football, baseball and hockey,<br />
if there’s a point to be scored,<br />
they’re playing.<br />
World class basketball teams such<br />
as the Chicago Bulls and Los<br />
Angeles Lakers are a must-see if<br />
you’re in town (and they are too).<br />
You might not get an A-list courtside<br />
seat, but it’s worth it for the<br />
merchandise alone – baseball caps<br />
make the best souvenirs.<br />
The ferocity of American football<br />
will have you gritting your teeth,<br />
while the atmosphere inside a<br />
baseball stadium is spine-tingling<br />
electric. Don’t forget to buy a corn<br />
dog, it’s not a genuine American<br />
experience unless a hot<br />
dog’s consumed.<br />
2
What’s life without<br />
music?<br />
Toe tapping is a widespread habit<br />
in the <strong>USA</strong> and that’s because<br />
there’s always an addictive beat<br />
to be bopping to. We’re talking<br />
blues, jazz and rock ‘n’ roll, not to<br />
mention Broadway musicals and<br />
Las Vegas shows.<br />
New Orleans is well known as the<br />
birthplace of jazz, and even today,<br />
there are dimly lit bars busting with<br />
improvised melodies and trumpet<br />
swinging performers.<br />
In Memphis, musicians tear the<br />
roof off with melancholic blues and<br />
it’s also home to Graceland, Elvis<br />
Presley’s former estate.<br />
In the <strong>USA</strong>, every city has a song<br />
to sell. Grunge was born in Seattle<br />
and still resides there today, it is<br />
of course the final resting place<br />
of grunge kingpin, Kurt Cobain.<br />
Whereas New York is all about<br />
Broadway’s razzle dazzle; the<br />
epitome of time-worn glamour.<br />
History in all its<br />
glory<br />
A country that’s seen its fair share<br />
of transition, the <strong>USA</strong>’s history is<br />
fascinating. From assassinations<br />
to abolitions, the centuries have<br />
delivered some truly remarkable<br />
periods since it first appeared in<br />
Colombus’ telescope back in 1492.<br />
Many people endeavour to find<br />
out more about America’s slavery<br />
years and as one of the nation’s<br />
top museums of African-American<br />
history, the DuSable Museum in<br />
Chicago will no doubt enthrall.<br />
For an insight into the <strong>USA</strong>’s bloody<br />
civil war, visit one of the nation’s<br />
many battlefields. The Antietam<br />
National Battlefield is particularly<br />
impressive, with immaculately<br />
preserved historic buildings and<br />
commentary. And if you love a<br />
good conspiracy, visit The Sixth<br />
Floor Museum in Dallas, which<br />
details all things JFK, including<br />
his assassination.<br />
Here’s a tip – tip!<br />
The <strong>USA</strong> is the realm of the one<br />
dollar bill, and with good reason,<br />
they’re perfect for quick tipping.<br />
As a relatively alien concept to the<br />
average Kiwi, in the states, tipping<br />
for almost any customer-facing<br />
service is commonplace. That’s<br />
because for certain jobs, U.S.<br />
salaries are far lower than their NZ<br />
equivalent and gratuities help to<br />
bump up the wages, most notably<br />
in hospitality.<br />
It’s customary to tip your taxi driver<br />
at least 10% of the entire fare, even<br />
if you book a complimentary shuttle<br />
transfer, aim to tip the driver a<br />
few dollars. Also tip the bell staff,<br />
cleaning staff and valet attendants,<br />
again a couple of dollars is normal.<br />
In restaurants, add 15-20% of the<br />
total bill and in bars, leave two<br />
dollars per drink for the bar staff.<br />
See what we mean about useful one<br />
dollar bills!<br />
3
Experience<br />
West Coast<br />
You’ve screamed your way around the Anaheim theme parks, learned to surf at<br />
iconic Huntington Beach, applauded clever sea mammals in San Diego and you<br />
played ‘spot the movie star’ on Sunset Strip. It’s been the holiday of a lifetime, but<br />
you know that the West Coast still has so much more to offer.<br />
San Diego, San Francisco, Los Angeles: three great cities, each with their own<br />
unique appeal. You could easily spend a week in each one, but it’s only when you<br />
get beyond the cities that you realise just how vast and diverse this region is. The<br />
towering Sierra Nevada mountains and eerie Death Valley are at opposite ends of the<br />
spectrum, but you’ve also got the dramatic Pacific Coast, the fabulous wine regions<br />
of Sonoma and Napa and some seriously impressive national parks. And that’s just<br />
California – it’s only a five hour drive from Los Angeles to the man-made wonder<br />
that is Las Vegas, which is a great base to see one of the Seven Natural Wonders of<br />
the World; the Grand Canyon. Not forgetting north of California, the ‘Beaver State’<br />
of Oregon and the ‘Evergreen State’ of Washington, with a diversity of landscapes<br />
from the picturesque Pacific coastline to the arid deserts east of the Cascade Range.<br />
But it’s one thing to run through the near-endless list of highlights: far better that<br />
you start planning a visit.<br />
4
Los Angeles<br />
If feet could talk, yours would be complaining right now. They’ve traipsed up<br />
and down the boulevards of Hollywood and through the exclusive boutiques of<br />
Rodeo Drive, taken you on scary roller coasters at Universal Studios, and the day<br />
before that they hit Santa Monica’s Third Street Promenade for some serious retail<br />
therapy and the famous pier to shop for tacky souvenirs. Tomorrow? Exploring<br />
the majestic Queen Mary, once the pride of the Cunard Line but now a hotel based<br />
at Long Beach. Then off to Orange County’s Newport Beach for a little relaxation<br />
and some window shopping at Fashion Island with brands like Juicy Couture and<br />
Victoria’s Secret. But your feet will get a break while you sample a famous fish taco<br />
from Wahoo’s. What a trip – poor feet, lucky you.<br />
Our favourite things to see and do<br />
Shopping – Spend a day in West Hollywood at the Farmer’s<br />
Market and in Beverly Hills at the Beverly Centre. Shop with<br />
the stars on Rodeo Drive or take a wander down Third Street<br />
Promenade in Santa Monica.<br />
Santa Monica – People watch, visit the local weekend<br />
markets, explore the wooden pier, hire bikes and cycle the<br />
35 kilometre oceanfront boardwalk from Santa Monica to<br />
Redondo. Have your picture taken at the end of the famous<br />
Route 66.<br />
Getty Museum – Is free to enter and has a priceless<br />
collection of art. It’s bursting with an extensive collection of<br />
antiquities, paintings, drawings, sculpture and 19th and 20th<br />
century American and European photographs.<br />
Hit the Beach – Check out the famous beach spots of<br />
Santa Monica, Malibu, Venice and Marina Del Rey. Explore<br />
the shops, cafés and restaurants while soaking up some sun.<br />
Hiking Runyon Canyon – For some amazing views<br />
over the city of Los Angeles head to where the celebs love to<br />
hike – Runyon Canyon. It’s a 160 acre park with a number of<br />
different hiking trails available.<br />
Olympia<br />
Portland<br />
Salem<br />
Seattle<br />
©Santa Monica Tourism<br />
MT. RAINIER<br />
NATIONAL<br />
PARK<br />
WASHINGTON<br />
OREGON<br />
Downtown Los Angeles – Dotted with museums,<br />
beautiful historic buildings and plenty of bars and<br />
restaurants. Some things to check out are a basketball game<br />
at the Staples Centre, the historic Bradbury Building, the<br />
ultra modern Walt Disney Concert Hall and the tasty treats<br />
at the Grand Central Market.<br />
The Broad – This brand new downtown LA gallery opened<br />
in 2016 and is home to nearly 2,000 works of art from Eli &<br />
Edith Broad’s personal collection and is the most prominent<br />
collection of post-war art in the world.<br />
PACIFIC<br />
OCEAN<br />
REDWOOD<br />
NATIONAL<br />
PARK<br />
CALIFORNIA<br />
Sacramento<br />
San Francisco<br />
Fresno<br />
CRATER LAKE<br />
NATIONAL PARK<br />
Reno<br />
NEVADA<br />
Lake Tahoe<br />
GREAT BASIN<br />
YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK<br />
NATIONAL<br />
PARK<br />
Las Vegas<br />
Santa Barbara<br />
DEATH<br />
VALLEY<br />
Los Angeles<br />
Anaheim<br />
Palm<br />
San Diego Springs<br />
GRAND<br />
CANYON<br />
ARIZONA<br />
5
Los Angeles Accommodation<br />
PACIFIC<br />
PALISADES<br />
SAN FERNANDO<br />
VALLEY<br />
Sunset Blvd<br />
SANTA MONICA<br />
4<br />
VENICE BEACH<br />
MARINA DEL REY<br />
LOS ANGELES INTERNATIONAL<br />
AIRPORT (LAX)<br />
1<br />
3<br />
San Diego<br />
Hwy<br />
2<br />
BEVERLY<br />
HILLS<br />
Santa Monica<br />
Santa<br />
Lincoln Blvd<br />
10<br />
MANHATTAN BEACH<br />
8<br />
Blvd<br />
Hollywood<br />
9<br />
HOLLYWOOD<br />
11<br />
Monica Fwy<br />
Sepulveda Blvd<br />
Universal<br />
Studios<br />
Fwy<br />
7<br />
12<br />
Century Blvd<br />
San Diego Hwy<br />
5<br />
6<br />
Century Fwy<br />
GARDENA<br />
DOWNTOWN<br />
LOS ANGELES<br />
Imperial Hwy<br />
Pasadena Fwy<br />
Long Beach Fwy<br />
Huntington Dr<br />
Artesia Blvd<br />
ONTARIO MILLS<br />
San Bernadino Fwy<br />
Pomonda<br />
Santa Ana Fwy<br />
Fwy<br />
San Gabriel River Fwy<br />
NORWALK<br />
PACIFIC OCEAN<br />
REDONDO BEACH<br />
TORRANCE<br />
Pacific Coast Hwy<br />
PALOS<br />
VERDES<br />
Harbor Fwy<br />
SAN PEDRO<br />
HARBOUR<br />
LONG BEACH<br />
Garden<br />
Knott’s ANAHEIM<br />
Theme Park<br />
Disneyland<br />
Katella Ave<br />
Grove Fwy<br />
Hotel Carmel, Santa Monica<br />
1 Best Western Plus Gateway 2 Wyndham Santa Monica at 3<br />
Hotel, Santa Monica<br />
the Pier<br />
For location and old world charm look no<br />
further. You can’t help but get involved with<br />
the urban village atmosphere with Third<br />
Street Promenade, cafés, shops, and nightlife<br />
all at your doorstep. For a seafood meal with a<br />
difference, try Bubba Gumps on the pier.<br />
This hotel is a bit further away from the<br />
beach, but there is plenty of public transport<br />
that will have you strolling the Third Street<br />
Promenade and enjoying the pier in around<br />
15 minutes or you could stroll down Santa<br />
Monica Boulevard and be at the beach in<br />
35 minutes. When you’re ready for the big<br />
smoke, you can jump on the new Metro line to<br />
Downtown LA.<br />
A great spot with the beach and pier just<br />
down the road. The kids (both big and little)<br />
will enjoy the famous amusement park on<br />
the pier. Or why not catch a wave? From the<br />
hotel you can hire a bicycle and cycle the bike<br />
path to Venice Beach, which is only about 10<br />
minutes away.<br />
Hotel Erwin, Venice Beach<br />
4 The LA Hotel Downtown 5 Sheraton Grand Los Angeles<br />
6<br />
Located in the heart of Venice Beach, where<br />
seaside charm and the vibrant boardwalk<br />
combine to create an unforgettable<br />
experience. You’re only a short walk from the<br />
ocean and bike paths and only minutes away<br />
from the shopping and fine dining in Santa<br />
Monica.<br />
A modern hotel that is in the absolute heart<br />
of downtown LA. The amazing Broad Art<br />
Gallery, futuristic looking Walt Disney Concert<br />
Hall and the tasty treats at the Grand Central<br />
Market are all an easy walk away. If you’re<br />
wanting to catch a game, the Staples Centre is<br />
a 25 minute stroll or a quick taxi ride away.<br />
Located in the heart of the revitalised<br />
downtown area, this hotel is actually in ‘The<br />
Bloc’ a cool new office, shopping, dining and<br />
nightlife precinct. You’re on the 7th Street<br />
corridor that links the financial, fashion,<br />
jewellery and theatre districts, so great for<br />
wandering. And when you want to get further<br />
afield the metro is just on the corner.<br />
6
Los Angeles Accommodation<br />
Hilton Garden Inn Hollywood<br />
7 Best Western Plus Sunset Plaza<br />
8<br />
This boutique style hotel has a relaxed and comfortable setting. Located<br />
by the Hollywood Hills you just have to venture out the front door and<br />
you’re within a 10 minute walk to the Hollywood Bowl, Hollywood<br />
Boulevard and the Highland Centre, which includes the Kodak Theatre<br />
and Grauman’s Chinese Theatre.<br />
Step outside and find yourself opposite the Comedy Store and Saddle<br />
Ranch Chop House, so you don’t have to go far for entertainment. After<br />
a long day exploring Beverly Hills and Hollywood (which are both a 10<br />
minute drive away), retreat to the Mediterranean pool for a dip before<br />
hitting the nightspots.<br />
The Garland<br />
9<br />
Andaz West Hollywood<br />
10<br />
Hop on the courtesy hotel trolley shuttle and in no time you are at<br />
Universal Studios and Citywalk. From here you can catch the metro<br />
where it’s just one stop to ‘Hollywood/Highland’ and the Walk of Fame.<br />
When the sightseeing is done, sit and relax by the pool among seven<br />
acres of gardens here in North Hollywood.<br />
For over 50 years, this legendary ‘Rock and Roll Hotel’ has hosted<br />
musical talent and entertainers from around the world. Located in the<br />
heart of the world-famous Sunset Strip, it features a stunning rooftop<br />
pool deck, views over Los Angeles, spacious, modern rooms and an<br />
amazing art collection.<br />
Beverly Hills Marriott<br />
11<br />
Loews Hollywood Hotel<br />
12<br />
Conveniently positioned in the heart of Beverly Hills, this hotel offers a<br />
great central location from which you can explore. Be part of the buzz<br />
while you enjoy the high end shops of Rodeo Drive, just a five minute<br />
drive away. Enjoy the chic dining and sizzling nightspots of Beverly Hills<br />
and, who knows, you may even find yourself doing a bit of celebrity<br />
spotting!<br />
Head out from the ultra-stylish lobby and in no time at all you are seeing<br />
stars on the pavement as you stroll along the Walk of Fame and past<br />
the Kodak Theatre, home of the Academy Awards. Highland Hollywood<br />
Centre shops with dining and night life are at your doorstep. Make sure<br />
you allow some time to relax by the pool.<br />
7
Los Angeles Sightseeing<br />
Hop On Hop<br />
Off Double<br />
Decker Bus<br />
Learn where<br />
all the magic is<br />
created, where<br />
to find the stars,<br />
and where to<br />
have the real fun<br />
in LA. Hop on<br />
and off a double<br />
decker bus all<br />
day long taking<br />
in Hollywood,<br />
Beverly Hills,<br />
Downtown LA,<br />
Chinatown, Santa<br />
Monica and more.<br />
Hollywood<br />
Bike and Hike<br />
Adventure<br />
Jump on your<br />
bike and head off<br />
on an easy bike<br />
adventure from<br />
Beverly Hills down<br />
to the beach towns<br />
of Santa Monica<br />
and Venice Beach<br />
and everything in<br />
between. Enjoy a walking tour of Greystone<br />
Mansion’s gardens and grounds.<br />
Deluxe Grand City Tour<br />
Discover the capital of the entertainment<br />
industry, architectural gems and playgrounds of<br />
the rich and famous on this guided tour of Los<br />
Angeles. Have your photo taken with the famous<br />
Hollywood sign, cruise Sunset Strip and see<br />
whose names you can spot on the Walk of Fame.<br />
Six Flags Magic Mountain<br />
Looking for a thrill? Six Flags has some of the<br />
fastest, tallest, wildest, gut-wrenchingest rides<br />
in the U.S. including a few record-breakers.<br />
They have everything from pulse-pounding<br />
roller coasters to options for tots.<br />
Universal Studios Hollywood SM<br />
Go behind the scenes on the world-famous Studio<br />
Tour to explore real film sets where Hollywood<br />
movies are made. Then face action head-on in<br />
heart pounding rides, shows and attractions,<br />
including Despicable Me Minion Mayhem, Fast &<br />
Furious Supercharged and The Wizarding World<br />
of Harry Potter.<br />
Warner<br />
Bros. Studio,<br />
48 hour Hop<br />
On Hop Off<br />
and Stars<br />
Homes Tour<br />
See ‘behindthe-scenes’<br />
of<br />
your favourite<br />
shows and<br />
movies at<br />
the world’s busiest working motion picture and<br />
television studio. Enjoy hopping on and off a<br />
double decker bus to check out all the ‘must sees’<br />
in LA before seeing where the celebrities live.<br />
8
Bike Tour of Santa Monica & Venice Beach<br />
Pedal by the famous beach and mellow streets of<br />
Santa Monica, past the iconic pier and then on<br />
to cruise the canals of Venice Beach. You can go<br />
by pedal power or flick the switch to get a boost<br />
from your electric bike. Enjoy the beautiful sun<br />
and cool breeze as your guide shares fascinating<br />
details about the neighbourhoods along the way.<br />
Catalina Island – A Day in Paradise<br />
Located just 35 kilometres off the coast of southern<br />
California, Catalina Island is picture perfect<br />
and a world away from the hustle and bustle of<br />
the mainland. The air and water are clear, the<br />
community is laid back and friendly and there’s not<br />
one traffic light on the whole island.<br />
Movie Locations and Stars Homes Tour<br />
The ultimate combination for movie fans. See<br />
where many famous movies have been filmed<br />
in and around Hollywood and Downtown LA,<br />
and then visit the residential neighbourhoods<br />
of Beverly Hills and the Hollywood Hills where<br />
many movie celebrities live.<br />
©Santa Monica Tourism<br />
Helicopter Tour<br />
Ascend into the<br />
sun-drenched skies<br />
of Los Angeles<br />
choosing between<br />
a bird’s-eye view<br />
of Tinseltown<br />
soaring above the<br />
famous Hollywood<br />
Strip, admiring the<br />
gorgeous coastline<br />
or flying above<br />
celebrity mansions<br />
in Beverly Hills and<br />
Brentwood and the<br />
Hollywood sign.<br />
Neighbourhood Food & Culture Tour<br />
Follow your taste buds ‘off the beaten path’<br />
during this food exploration of the incredible<br />
ethnic eats in Los Angeles. Snack your way<br />
through a mix of casual restaurants, bakeries,<br />
ethnic markets and more, learning about<br />
some of LA’s lesser-known cultures as you eat.<br />
Hollywood<br />
– Behind the<br />
Scenes Walking<br />
Tour<br />
Discover some of<br />
the lesser-known<br />
movie theatres,<br />
ground breaking<br />
architecture and fascinating history of Hollywood.<br />
Along the way you’ll gain a newfound appreciation<br />
for the buildings, people and places that give this<br />
filmmaking mecca its distinctive charm.<br />
9
Anaheim<br />
Anaheim is one of those funny, rare places where<br />
it’s almost impossible to keep from grinning<br />
from dawn ‘til dusk. Discover the magic that<br />
awaits. With two Disney Theme Parks – Disney<br />
California Adventure Park and Disneyland<br />
Park – and an energetic entertainment, dining<br />
and shopping district, the Disneyland Resort<br />
is one of the favourite holiday destinations on<br />
the U.S. West Coast. For a taste of Americana,<br />
be sure to take in a baseball or hockey game,<br />
but be warned, even here the happiness is<br />
infectious – where else but Anaheim could an<br />
ice hockey team called the Mighty Ducks be<br />
taken seriously!? If sports aren’t your thing, get<br />
lost at the Outlet at Orange – a giant shopping<br />
and entertainment complex that’s guaranteed<br />
to keep that smile in place a little longer or<br />
cruise out to Huntington, Newport and Laguna<br />
Beaches for that Californian beach vibe.<br />
Our favourite things to see and do<br />
Shopping – Outlets at Orange, Mainplace at Anaheim and South Coast Plaza have<br />
great shopping and entertainment for the whole family.<br />
ART – Anaheim Resort Transit System allows you to get around and explore the<br />
Anaheim Resort area – it will get you to the Disneyland Resort, Amtrak and the<br />
Outlets at Orange Mall.<br />
Rainforest Café – A thunder and lightning show, monkeys, lions and birds – this is<br />
a unique dining experience in Downtown Disney District.<br />
Angel Stadium – Grab a hot dog and popcorn and join the locals to watch a<br />
baseball game.<br />
Anaheim GardenWalk – There are a variety of stores and you can dine at some<br />
favourites like Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., PF Changs and The Cheesecake Factory.<br />
Interactive Dinner Experiences – At Medieval Times or Pirates Adventure.<br />
With sword fights and duels and plenty of crowd interaction, head along to one of<br />
these unique dining experiences kids of all ages are sure to love.<br />
Catalina Island – Enjoy a day out, only an hour’s ferry ride away from Long Beach.<br />
Explore the island by golf cart or foot. Try zip lining, rock climbing or take one of the<br />
scenic tours on offer around the island.<br />
Anaheim Packing District – For over 20 artisan eateries and live music, head to<br />
the Anaheim Packing District, about a 10 minute drive north of the Disneyland Resort<br />
and easily accessible by the ART.<br />
Downtown Santa Ana – Jump on the ART shuttle and head to the emerging<br />
centre for arts, farm-to-table restaurants and craft beer at downtown Santa Ana. Just<br />
a 15 minute drive from the Anaheim Resort area.<br />
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Disneyland Resort<br />
Discover the Happiest Place on Earth. Two<br />
amazing Theme Parks. Three incredible hotels.<br />
And endless ways to shop, dine and play!<br />
Turn an incredible vacation into your family’s<br />
unforgettable escape! Plan enough time to<br />
enjoy everything the wondrous world of Disney<br />
storytelling has to offer.<br />
Disneyland Park<br />
The one-and-only original! Wonders and memories abound in magical<br />
lands brimming with timeless attractions, outstanding entertainment,<br />
beloved Disney Characters and astonishing thrills galore!<br />
Must-See: Indiana Jones Adventure, Matterhorn Bobsleds, Haunted<br />
Mansion, Pirates of the Caribbean, ‘it’s a small world’, Big Thunder<br />
Mountain Railroad, Fantasy Faire.<br />
Disney California Adventure Park<br />
More stories! More adventures! Explore seven exciting lands overflowing<br />
with immersive Disney and Pixar attractions, entertainment and<br />
dining! Sensational surroundings, spectacular shows and pure Disney<br />
imagination offer thrills and adventure for everyone.<br />
Must-See: Toy Story Mania!, Soarin’ Around the World, California<br />
Screamin’, Frozen-Live at the Hyperion, Radiator Springs Racers.<br />
Disneyland Resort Park Hopper Tickets<br />
The multi-day Disneyland Resort Park Hopper Ticket entitles admittance<br />
to both Theme Parks – Disney California Adventure Park and Disneyland<br />
Park – for the validity of your Park Hopper Ticket. The ticket allows you to<br />
visit both parks on the same day. Three day or more tickets include Magic<br />
Morning* early entry on one day. *All tickets, offers, events, age ranges,<br />
attractions and entertainment may be seasonal and are subject to change.<br />
Southern California CityPASS<br />
Experience more of Southern California with the only ticket that<br />
provides access to four famous, can’t-miss area attractions for one great<br />
price! Each ticket includes a three day Disneyland Resort Park Hopper<br />
Ticket, one day admission ticket to Legoland California Resort and one<br />
day admission ticket to SeaWorld San Diego. First use of CityPASS must<br />
be at Disneyland Resort. Does not include transportation.<br />
Duration: 2-5, 10 Day Disneyland Resort Park Hopper Tickets available<br />
Ticket expires 13 days after first use<br />
As to Disney artwork, logos, and properties: ©Disney. ©Disney/Pixar. ©Disney/Lucasfilm Ltd.<br />
11
Disneyland Resort<br />
Disneyland Hotel<br />
Downtown Disney<br />
District<br />
Disneyland Park<br />
Disney's Grand Californian<br />
Hotel & Spa<br />
Disney's Paradise Pier Hotel<br />
Disney California Adventure Park<br />
©Disney<br />
©Disney/Pixar<br />
The Twilight Zone ® is a registered trademark of CBS, Inc. and is used with permission pursuant to a license from CBS, Inc. ©Disney/CBS, Inc.<br />
CS-14-34889<br />
Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel<br />
1 2<br />
Disneyland Hotel<br />
Relax and take a trip through time to discover the fun of the ultimate<br />
California beach boardwalk… with a distinctively Disney touch. From the<br />
surfing Goofy statue in the lobby to the roller coaster inspired water slide<br />
at the rooftop pool, everything about this hotel tells you that you’re in for<br />
a totally unique, totally Disney experience!<br />
Be surrounded in the spirit and wonder of Disneyland! Staying in the<br />
Adventure, Fantasy or Frontier towers you’ll love the hotel’s whimsical<br />
rooms. The special Disney furnishings, including light-up Sleeping<br />
Beauty Castle headboards, will make for a stay that your family will<br />
treasure. Enjoy monorail inspired waterslides across an amazing,<br />
immersive pool area, two delightful restaurants and more.<br />
Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa<br />
3<br />
Disneyland Resort Hotel Guests Benefits<br />
The rich history and natural beauty of California welcomes guests to an<br />
elegant escape inspired by the 19th-century Arts & Crafts movement.<br />
Enjoy the lush Mandara Spa, the award-winning Napa Rose restaurant<br />
and the special hotel guest entrance to Disney California Adventure Park.<br />
This hotel offers enough luxuries to keep all of your senses indulged for<br />
the duration of your stay.<br />
Right Next Door – Disneyland Park, Disney California Adventure Park<br />
and the Downtown Disney District, are just steps from your door.<br />
Extra Magic Hour – Early Admission to the parks every day of your hotel<br />
stay. Allows registered Disneyland Resort hotel guests’ admission into<br />
select attractions on select days before the applicable park opens to the<br />
general public. Valid theme park ticket and active hotel room key required.<br />
Special Entrance – into Disney California Adventure Park through<br />
Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa.<br />
“Key to the Magic” – Charge meals and merchandise right to your room.<br />
12<br />
As to Disney artwork, logos, and properties: ©Disney. ©Disney/Pixar. ©Disney/Lucasfilm Ltd.
Disneyland Resort Experiences<br />
Frozen – Live at the Hyperion<br />
Downtown Disney District<br />
Get swept up in the magic of Frozen – Live at the Hyperion at Disney<br />
California Adventure Park. This dazzling theatrical spectacular brings<br />
some of your favourite Frozen Characters to life on stage through<br />
elaborate costumes and sets, stunning special effects and show-stopping<br />
production numbers. It’s truly an unforgettable experience that will<br />
captivate the whole family.<br />
For a change of pace, the Downtown Disney District transforms after<br />
dark into a lively promenade offering the latest first-run movies, live<br />
concerts from world-renowned musical artists, dance and jazz clubs,<br />
major sporting event broadcasts, outdoor entertainment venues,<br />
shopping, and an eclectic mix of lounges, bars and casual to exquisite<br />
dining options not to be missed.<br />
Disney Character Dining<br />
Disney FASTPASS Service<br />
Share a delicious meal along with some hearty laughs and great photo<br />
opportunities with your favourite Disney Character friends at a fun-filled<br />
Character dining experience, offered at various locations throughout<br />
the Disneyland Resort. Be sure to pre-book your Character dining<br />
experience to ensure you don’t miss out.<br />
Included in your Disneyland Resort Park ticket is the ability to save your<br />
place in line for some of your favourite attractions, while you enjoy the<br />
rest of the park! Look out for the FASTPASS sign near the entrance of<br />
selected attractions, and check to make sure the return time works for<br />
you. Then insert your park ticket into the FASTPASS machine and it will<br />
generate a FASTPASS ticket printed with your return time. Simply return<br />
to ride at your FASTPASS return time and enjoy the attraction with<br />
minimal wait!<br />
As to Disney artwork, logos, and properties: ©Disney. ©Disney/Pixar. ©Disney/Lucasfilm Ltd.<br />
13
S 9th St<br />
Walnut St<br />
West St<br />
Harbor Blvd<br />
Haster St<br />
S Lewis St<br />
Lewis St<br />
State College Blvd<br />
Anaheim Accommodation<br />
W Ball Rd<br />
10<br />
11<br />
Ave<br />
2<br />
1<br />
3<br />
DISNEYLAND<br />
RESORT<br />
Disney Way<br />
W Katella Ave<br />
P<br />
6 7<br />
13<br />
Convention<br />
Centre<br />
8<br />
15<br />
Convention Way<br />
GardenWalk<br />
GARDEN<br />
4 WALK<br />
P<br />
Santa Ana Freeway 5<br />
E Katella Ave<br />
ARTIC Metrolink<br />
Angel Stadium<br />
12 5 12<br />
9<br />
14<br />
Orangewood Ave<br />
Wal<br />
Chapman Ave<br />
Target Department<br />
Store<br />
Castle Inn & Suites<br />
4 Cortona Inn & Suites<br />
5 Best Western Plus Pavilions 6<br />
Enjoy family fun at this castle themed<br />
hotel, only a 10 minute short walk from<br />
Disneyland Resort and Downtown Disney<br />
District. Offering recently renovated spacious<br />
accommodation from hotel rooms to family<br />
suites, you’ll find something to suit the whole<br />
family.<br />
For a peaceful stay after a busy day at<br />
Disneyland Resort you can’t go past this hotel<br />
with really comfortable rooms and kids suites.<br />
It’s only a 15 mintue walk to the Disneyland<br />
Resort Parks and Anaheim GardenWalk or<br />
1.5 blocks in the other direction to the Target<br />
department store.<br />
With just a two block walk to the Disneyland<br />
Resort and Downtown Disney District<br />
you’ll have plenty of choices for eating and<br />
entertainment. Start your day with the<br />
complimentary grab and go snacks and after<br />
a busy day of adventure, head to the outdoor<br />
heated pool and hot tub, the perfect way to<br />
relax and unwind.<br />
Best Western Plus Stovalls<br />
Inn<br />
7 Desert Palms Hotel & Suites 8 Homewood Suites by Hilton 9<br />
Convention Center<br />
Beyond the pool with its famous topiary<br />
shrubs you can see the Disneyland Resort<br />
opposite. The main entrance to Disneyland<br />
Park is about a 15 minute walk away, but<br />
getting around Anaheim from this hotel is a<br />
breeze. The Anaheim Resort Transit shuttle<br />
stops right in front of the hotel.<br />
A great choice for families with plenty of<br />
family friendly rooms and complimentary<br />
breakfast. The kids will feel really welcome<br />
with their own registration desk, a family<br />
photo station and a ‘find Mickey’ game in the<br />
lobby. PLUS you’re just a seven minute walk<br />
from Disneyland Resort and only a five minute<br />
walk to Anaheim GardenWalk with plenty of<br />
restaurant options.<br />
This suite property is in a great location<br />
just a 10 minute walk from the restaurants<br />
of GardenWalk and a 15 minute walk to the<br />
main gates of Disneyland. Start your day with<br />
complimentary breakfast and after a busy day<br />
at the parks relax around the fire pit and enjoy<br />
the complimentary evening social and drinks<br />
Monday through Thursday. The spacious suites<br />
will have everyone feeling right at home.<br />
14
Anaheim Accommodation<br />
Hotel Ménage<br />
10<br />
Howard Johnson Hotel &<br />
11<br />
Water Playground<br />
Hyatt Place at Anaheim<br />
Resort<br />
12<br />
Just a 10 minute walk from Disneyland Resort<br />
or you can hop on the ART bus and be there<br />
in a couple of minutes to save the feet. This<br />
hotel has a laid back atmosphere with a<br />
great 24 hour heated pool and hot tub, in a<br />
tropical setting with its own palm trees and<br />
a thatched roof Hawaiian Palapa Bar. There’s<br />
also a casual gastropub on-site with lots of<br />
tasty Americana style food, craft beers and<br />
boutique wines. At night, you can relax<br />
poolside with a cocktail and take in the view<br />
of the Disneyland Park firework display.<br />
Enjoy a resort feel over three hectares of<br />
gardens and walkways at this Kiwi favourite<br />
hotel. The pirate themed water park, Castaway<br />
Cove, will keep the kids happy when not at<br />
Disneyland. Not to worry adults, there is<br />
another pool amongst the gardens in a quieter<br />
area. Don’t miss a delicious breakfast, lunch<br />
or dinner at Mimi’s Café adjacent to the hotel.<br />
A 10 minute walk lands you at the Disneyland<br />
Resort.<br />
This hotel is centrally located in the Anaheim<br />
Resort area, an easy 15 minute walk from<br />
Disneyland. Featuring stylish rooms, there’s<br />
something on offer for every size family here,<br />
including family friendly suites with bunk<br />
beds. After a long day at Disneyland relax and<br />
recover in the heated outdoor swimming pool<br />
and spa.<br />
13 14 15<br />
Anabella Hotel Doubletree Suites by Hilton Sheraton Park Hotel<br />
It’s all about relaxation and location. Situated<br />
on seven acres of lush grounds, this California<br />
Mission Style hotel offers the perfect getaway<br />
to relax, and only a short, flat walk to and<br />
from the Disney theme parks and Downtown<br />
Disney District. After a busy day relax in<br />
one of the two pools (including one just for<br />
adults) or wind down with a great meal and<br />
happy hour at the Tangerine Grill & Patio. A<br />
great location whether you are travelling with<br />
the family or not.<br />
That morning coffee from the lobby café is<br />
heavenly before you set out for the day. Hop<br />
on the Anaheim Resort Transit shuttle service<br />
outside the hotel and save the walking for<br />
the theme parks. Your stylish, contemporary<br />
designed suite provides a separate lounge and<br />
bedroom, for families of up to six, and also<br />
features a fridge and microwave, which makes<br />
staying in for breakfast ideal for families.<br />
At the end of your busy day chill out in the<br />
whirlpool spa and heated pool.<br />
When you can pull yourself out of your ‘Sweet<br />
Sleeper’ bed, Disneyland Resort is just under<br />
a 15 minute walk away. For some upmarket<br />
retail therapy, hop on the South Coast Plaza<br />
shuttle that leaves from outside the hotel three<br />
times a day. After a hectic day of shopping<br />
relax around the resort style pool, before<br />
dining at one of the four restaurants on-site.<br />
Or take a seven minute stroll to the Anaheim<br />
GardenWalk for even more dining choices.<br />
15
Anaheim Sightseeing<br />
San Diego Zoo<br />
An urban paradise<br />
for all ages, this<br />
is a must-see in<br />
Southern California.<br />
With more than<br />
4000 animals and<br />
lots of things to see<br />
and do, it’s a great<br />
place for families.<br />
Excitement is the<br />
mood for the day<br />
as you encounter<br />
Chinese wildlife<br />
at Panda Trek and<br />
meet animals<br />
up close.<br />
Citadel Outlet<br />
Shuttle<br />
Just 25 minutes<br />
from Anaheim is<br />
the Citadel Outlet,<br />
offering around<br />
115 shops featuring<br />
clothing, accessories,<br />
handbags, shoes,<br />
home furnishings &<br />
specialty gifts. Jump<br />
on the shuttle which operates 7 days a week,<br />
multiple times a day and you’ll also get a VIP<br />
savings card and a shopping bag.<br />
Universal Studios Hollywood SM with<br />
Transfers<br />
Go behind the scenes on the world-famous<br />
Studio Tour to explore real film sets where<br />
Hollywood movies are made. Then face action<br />
head-on in heart-pounding rides, shows and<br />
attractions, including Despicable Me Minion<br />
Mayhem, Fast & Furious Supercharged and The<br />
Wizarding World of Harry Potter.<br />
LEGOLAND ®<br />
Just an hour from Anaheim, with more than<br />
60 rides, shows and attractions you’ll find<br />
the fun and interactive LEGOLAND ® . Head to<br />
the Imagination Zone where you can let your<br />
creativity run free or hop over to Miniland to<br />
see parts of the <strong>USA</strong> recreated all in LEGO ® .<br />
LEGO ® lovers will not want to miss this!<br />
Knott’s Berry Farm Theme Park<br />
Family fun never stops when you visit America’s<br />
original theme park, Knott’s Berry Farm. Experience<br />
world-famous thrill rides and live shows. Make sure you<br />
don’t miss Camp Snoopy, home of the PEANUTS gang.<br />
* Option to buy entry ticket only, or with transportation<br />
Best of<br />
LA Tour<br />
Enjoy a tour<br />
of downtown<br />
LA before<br />
stopping in<br />
Hollywood<br />
where you<br />
have free time<br />
to explore<br />
the sights or you can get the shuttle to the LA<br />
Farmers Market and The Grove. Then it’s off to<br />
the coast via Beverly Hills where you can spend<br />
time in either Santa Monica or Venice Beach.<br />
16
San Francisco<br />
This vibrant city has much to offer, and no visit<br />
would be complete without a cable car ride<br />
from Union Square to Fisherman’s Wharf and<br />
Pier 39, where you can see the popular sea lion<br />
colony. A visit to Alcatraz is a must. Explore the<br />
federal prison where some of America’s most<br />
famous gangsters did their time, but to avoid<br />
disappointment pre-book tickets as they sell<br />
out fast. Explore San Francisco’s diverse and<br />
colourful neighborhoods by foot, wandering<br />
the narrow alleys of Chinatown, stopping<br />
for coffee in North Beach, and finally Union<br />
Square for a spot of shopping. After a long<br />
day of sightseeing, sit and watch one of San<br />
Francisco’s sunsets over the bay.<br />
Our favourite things to see and do<br />
Cable Cars – A ride on a cable car is compulsory in San Francisco. Grab one from<br />
Market Street to Fisherman’s Wharf on Powell-Hyde and Powell-Mason lines or the<br />
California line runs from the Financial District through Nob Hill to Van Ness Ave.<br />
Golden Gate Bridge – Decisions, decisions – walk, cycle, drive or take a helicopter<br />
flight over the bridge.<br />
Union Square – Great shopping! Enjoy the hustle and bustle of Union Square.<br />
Alcatraz – Prison for the first half of the 20th century, now a fab tourist attraction.<br />
Ferry across to this un-missable landmark. Tickets are definitely recommended to be<br />
pre-purchased before you go – these sell out months in advance in high season (May-Sep).<br />
Sausalito – Spend an afternoon in this seaside town browsing the cafés, restaurants,<br />
shops and galleries.<br />
Fisherman’s Wharf/Ghirardelli Square – Take a walk along Pier 39 and see the<br />
sea lions that have made the wharf their home. Also a great place for souvenir shopping.<br />
Chocolate lovers – Ghirardelli Square is home of chocolate by the same name and have<br />
fabulous sundaes and chocolate treats to die for!<br />
Ferry Building – Shop at the Farmers’ Market with the locals for great food and crafts.<br />
Lombard Street – Drive or walk down the most crooked part of the street between<br />
Hyde and Leavenworth streets – beware, it’s steep!<br />
Alamo Square – See the six sisters and other ‘painted ladies’ – the famous row of<br />
Victorian houses.<br />
Mission District – San Francisco’s oldest neighbourhood has some of its hottest new<br />
restaurants and galleries.<br />
17
San Francisco Accommodation<br />
Alcatraz<br />
Island<br />
Hotel Carlton<br />
1<br />
FISHERMAN’S<br />
WHARF<br />
The<br />
Cannery<br />
San Francisco<br />
Bay<br />
Mix with the locals in the residential area of lower Nob Hill. A welcoming<br />
feeling awaits you as you step into the lobby with its fireplace and<br />
comfy seating. You’re away from the hustle and bustle of Union Square<br />
and yet still within walking distance just five blocks away. Put on your<br />
walking shoes and in 10 to 15 minutes you will arrive at the gateway into<br />
Chinatown.<br />
Hotel Vertigo<br />
A bright and funky backdrop to your San Francisco stay. On your arrival<br />
the friendly and helpful staff will greet you as an old friend and that’s<br />
exactly what you’ll feel like during your stay. It’s only a 15 minute stroll<br />
to bustling Union Square and there are plenty of neighbourhood cafés<br />
and diners nearby where you can meet an interesting mix of locals.<br />
2<br />
Ghirardelli<br />
Square<br />
Gough St<br />
Franklin St<br />
Van Ness Ave<br />
Mission<br />
Dolores<br />
Lombard St<br />
RUSSIAN<br />
HILL<br />
NOB<br />
HILL<br />
California St<br />
Pine St<br />
Bush St<br />
1 2<br />
City Hall<br />
Mission St<br />
9<br />
Taylor St<br />
10<br />
THE<br />
MISSION<br />
Broadway<br />
4<br />
3<br />
5<br />
7<br />
TELEGRAPH<br />
HILL<br />
NORTH<br />
BEACH<br />
CHINATOWN<br />
MUNI/BART<br />
Mission St<br />
Tenth St<br />
Eighth St<br />
16th St<br />
6<br />
8<br />
Union<br />
Square<br />
The Embarcadero<br />
FINANCIAL<br />
DISTRICT<br />
Market St<br />
Third St<br />
SOMA<br />
Moscone<br />
Convention Centre<br />
Bryant St<br />
Mariposa St<br />
Ferry building<br />
Beale St<br />
MISSION<br />
ROCK<br />
The Embarcadero<br />
Bay Bridge<br />
Holiday Inn Fisherman’s Wharf<br />
3 Handlery Union Square<br />
4<br />
A superb location just two blocks away from Fisherman’s Wharf, where<br />
you can soak up the atmosphere and grab some delicious chowder, and<br />
only three blocks from where the cable car departs to Union Square.<br />
Dining out is a breeze with plenty of options around this area, or you<br />
can stroll to North Beach, the Italian precinct, which has plenty of great<br />
restaurants and cafés.<br />
Location plus! Walk out the front door and you’re a quick walk from<br />
Macy’s and Bloomingdales to get your retail therapy fix, or hop on the<br />
cable car at the corner and take a ride up the hill to Fisherman’s Wharf.<br />
In the evening you don’t have to go far for a good meal whilst mixing<br />
with locals at The Grill located adjacent to the lobby. To round off your<br />
stay try and get to see some live theatre as the theatre district is a short<br />
walk away.<br />
18
San Francisco Accommodation<br />
Hotel Fusion San Francisco<br />
5 6 7<br />
Hotel Zephyr<br />
Parc 55<br />
Situated in the very heart of San Francisco,<br />
this is a superb location to base yourself.<br />
Union Square, which is surrounded by great<br />
shops and the stop for the hop on hop off<br />
tours, is less than a five minute walk away.<br />
Then in the other direction is the massive<br />
Westfield Shopping Centre, the main cable car<br />
stop at Market St and the Powell Metro Station<br />
– all less than two minutes walk away. It is<br />
super easy to get out and about and explore,<br />
whether it be on foot or by the great local<br />
transport.<br />
This hotel is funky and fun and all about<br />
great service. The location is hard to beat,<br />
waterfront at Fisherman’s Wharf and the<br />
closest hotel to Pier 39 with its great shopping<br />
and dining – join the locals for some clam<br />
chowder at one of the seafood eateries. You’re<br />
also an easy walk to the Alcatraz ferries,<br />
Ghirardelli Square and the famous cable cars<br />
and historic streetcars – so getting around the<br />
city is a breeze.<br />
Nestled in the heart of San Francisco just a<br />
short walk from the historic cable cars and<br />
fantastic shopping in Union Square and<br />
Westfield Mall. Your sophisticated room<br />
features a bay window with views out over<br />
the city. After a busy day sightseeing why not<br />
enjoy dinner in the hip Thai restaurant Kin<br />
Khao or wind down with a cocktail at Cable<br />
55 bar. This downtown location provides<br />
effortless convenience to everything this<br />
amazing city has to offer.<br />
Sheraton Fisherman’s Wharf<br />
Hotel<br />
8 9 10<br />
Hotel Adagio<br />
Westin St. Francis<br />
In the heart of Fisherman’s Wharf and close to<br />
Pier 39 you’ll find this bright, modern hotel.<br />
Buy some delicious chocolates at Ghirardelli<br />
Square and jump on the nearby cable car to<br />
Union Square where you can shop, shop, shop!<br />
At the end of your busy day enjoy a swim in<br />
the outdoor, heated pool and relax around<br />
the fire pits in the outdoor living room before<br />
heading to your spacious guest room and<br />
falling into your ‘Sweet Sleeper’ bed.<br />
San Francisco is all about style and so is this<br />
hotel. Elegant surroundings located in the<br />
theatre district with cafés and delis all around,<br />
you will have no trouble finding somewhere to<br />
eat day or night. Meet up with fellow travellers<br />
in the hotel’s Bar Adagio, a perfect spot for a<br />
quick bite to eat and a cocktail before a night<br />
out on the town. Its a great location for that<br />
retail therapy fix too.<br />
This historic hotel is a landmark among the<br />
city’s hotels. Conveniently located in the<br />
heart of San Francisco and the only hotel on<br />
Union Square, unwind and be pampered at<br />
this iconic hotel. Featuring sophisticated, yet<br />
classic guest rooms and world class dining, the<br />
historic Westin St. Francis is renowned for its<br />
legendary service.<br />
19
San Francisco Sightseeing<br />
Deluxe Wine<br />
Country<br />
Calling all wine<br />
lovers! Drive<br />
through California’s<br />
famous premium<br />
wine producing<br />
region before<br />
visiting wineries<br />
in both Sonoma<br />
and Napa Valleys.<br />
Time to stroll, shop<br />
and relax and let<br />
someone else do<br />
the driving.<br />
Hop On Hop Off<br />
Double Decker Bus<br />
See the sights from the<br />
top deck of an original<br />
London Bus or open<br />
top sightseeing<br />
bus. The view is<br />
unbeatable as you<br />
explore this beautiful<br />
city. Hop on and off as<br />
you please with your<br />
1, 2 or 3 day pass. Ask us about adding a trip out to<br />
Alcatraz – a must-see in San Francisco.<br />
Bridge to Bridge Cruise<br />
See both of San Francisco’s famous bridges,<br />
the Golden Gate and Oakland Bay Bridge, on<br />
one tour. Explore stunning San Francisco by<br />
boat and learn about the city’s rich history,<br />
architecture and much more.<br />
San Francisco City Tour<br />
Photo opportunities are aplenty on this fabulous<br />
tour. San Francisco is a city of spectacular views,<br />
a variety of cultures, quaint neighbourhoods and<br />
of course the famous Golden Gate Bridge. Your<br />
tour will be both informative and fun.<br />
Muir Woods, Giant Redwoods and Sausalito<br />
Muir Woods is a great destination to view ancient<br />
redwood trees and the gorgeous coastal forests<br />
of Northern California. Follow a lovely creek trail<br />
through a cathedral of tall trees and lush landscape.<br />
Bike the<br />
Bay –<br />
Golden Gate<br />
Bridge to<br />
Sausalito<br />
Enjoy a<br />
spectacular<br />
guided bike<br />
tour from<br />
Fisherman’s<br />
Wharf, across<br />
the famous Golden gate Bridge to Sausalito. You<br />
are then free to explores quaint Sausalito on<br />
your own before catching the ferry back to San<br />
Francisco.<br />
20
San Francisco Fogcutter City Tour<br />
Enjoy an unforgettable experience of San Francisco<br />
travelling classic California style in a vintage surfinspired<br />
‘woody’. You’ll enjoy well known areas of<br />
San Francisco like the Golden Gate Bridge, Golden<br />
Gate Park and much more!<br />
Ask us about adding on Alcatraz.<br />
Monterey and Carmel Tour<br />
Travel down the stunning Coastal Highway 1. See<br />
gorgeous vistas and wildlife along the scenic 17<br />
Mile Drive, drive by the famous Pebble Beach Golf<br />
Course and visit the lovely coastal towns of Carmel<br />
by the Sea and Monterey.<br />
Yosemite National Park<br />
This is a spectacular guided day tour that travels<br />
through the Great Central Valley. You’ll see<br />
Yosemite’s amazing rock formations, expansive<br />
skylines and lovely waterfalls and have some free<br />
time to explore the park at your own pace – rent a<br />
bike, take a hike, or check out the visitor’s centre.<br />
©San Francisco<br />
Travel Association<br />
Little Italy &<br />
North Beach<br />
Walking Tour<br />
If you fancy yourself<br />
a foodie or culture<br />
enthusiast then<br />
you can’t miss<br />
this walking tour.<br />
Soak up the lively<br />
atmosphere of one<br />
of the city’s most<br />
popular districts and<br />
experience a slice of<br />
the top things to do<br />
in North Beach, such<br />
as tasting coffee<br />
and watching bread<br />
being freshly made.<br />
Taste the Mission<br />
The Mission District is bursting with so many<br />
flavours and culinary favourites, as well as a<br />
rapidly changing food landscape, even the<br />
locals can’t keep up with what’s new! You’ll<br />
have a chance to talk with chefs who eagerly<br />
share stories about their creations.<br />
Yosemite<br />
National Park<br />
Overnight Tour<br />
This small group<br />
tour takes in the<br />
highlights of the<br />
Yosemite Valley<br />
as well as the<br />
surrounding High Country that many visitors don’t<br />
get to experience. You’ll see a giant grove of Sequoia<br />
trees, Glacier Point, Yosemite Falls and El Capitan,<br />
with the option of a hike or a free day to explore.<br />
21
Yosemite National Park<br />
A perfect day in Yosemite National Park<br />
Just like millions of others you’ll no doubt be drawn to the dramatic<br />
waterfalls, giant sequoias, abundant wildlife and awe-inspiring cliffs of<br />
Yosemite National Park. One of your first ports of call has to be for that<br />
iconic Yosemite photo, looking down across this awe-inspiring valley.<br />
Feeling active? Head for Yosemite Falls trail which will lead you to the<br />
top of El Capitan – one of the largest rock formations in Yosemite. The<br />
hike to the top is well rewarded with close-up views of Upper Yosemite<br />
Fall and distant views of Half Dome and other Sierra mountain peaks.<br />
Along the hike, enjoy a bird’s-eye view of Yosemite Valley’s meadows<br />
and the meandering Merced River. The most popular way to scale El<br />
Capitan though is rock climbing – see if you can spot the coloured dots<br />
of people on the side as they scale the side of this enormous rock. Of<br />
course, you can always stay with your feet planted on the ground and<br />
take a photo from below.<br />
Yosemite has many hikes from short to strenuous. Mirror Lake is a<br />
popular hike that takes about an hour, however this lake is seasonal and<br />
is at its fullest in spring/early summer. When the water is calm the lake<br />
offers beautiful reflections of surrounding cliffs.<br />
Don’t feel like hiking? With over 20 kilometres of paved bike paths<br />
throughout the valley you can explore by bike, which are available for<br />
rent at the visitor’s centre.<br />
But there’s no need to rush. Why not spend the night in the park or<br />
in one of the nearby villages. With nearly 2,000 square kilometres of<br />
national park to explore you’ll find one day is simply not enough.<br />
Our tips and highlights<br />
Always start at the Visitor’s Centre. The staff there are extremely<br />
knowledgeable and helpful especially if you are short on time and can’t<br />
decide what you must really see.<br />
Over the summer months it can be very popular. If driving, leave your car<br />
in one of the parking lots and take the free shuttle around the park. Just<br />
remember which parking lot your car is in!<br />
The U.S. spring and autumn seasons are the best time for visiting as they<br />
offer the best balance between longer days and less crowds.<br />
Bear viewing? Unfortunately they’ve learnt where the humans are in the<br />
park so don’t tend to come to the more popular tourist areas. There’s<br />
plenty of other wildlife to see such as squirrels, deer and birdlife. The<br />
deer love the twilight hour and are out in abundance then.<br />
The best time to see the waterfalls are from April to June with them<br />
reaching their peak flow around mid-May.<br />
The park is open year round, however there are a number of road<br />
closures over the winter/fall months due to the heavy snow.<br />
There is little to no internet service in the park – it’s all about the nature!<br />
Younger kids (and the elderly) may not be able to handle the heat in<br />
the summer. Make sure you check the temperatures before you start<br />
planning.<br />
When hiking make sure you have plenty of water and check conditions<br />
before you start out.<br />
If staying at the park over the peak summer months make sure you book<br />
early as accommodation can sell out. It is often more affordable to stay<br />
just outside the park in one of the small villages.<br />
If heading to Glacier Point for an impressive view over Yosemite Valley,<br />
Half Dome and High Sierra – watch out as the road is closed from<br />
November through to mid-late May.<br />
Our favourite places to stay:<br />
• Yosemite View Lodge, Oakhurst<br />
• Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite<br />
• The Majestic Yosemite Hotel<br />
22
Sonoma Wine Country<br />
Just an easy 49 kilometres drive north of San<br />
Francisco but a world away, you’ll find yourself in<br />
the midst of a genuine wine country experience.<br />
With more than 425 friendly wineries, 40 plus spas,<br />
89 kilometres of stunning Pacific Coast, farm-totable<br />
restaurants, rivers to kayak, redwood forests<br />
to explore, boutiques and galleries to peruse and<br />
meandering hiking and biking trails – Sonoma Wine<br />
Country should not be missed.<br />
3 days/2 nights Suggested Self-Drive<br />
Day 1: Sonoma & Sonoma Valley (70km)<br />
Check out the downtown plaza of Sonoma, with its collection of cafés,<br />
restaurants, wine tasting rooms, olive oil tasting and galleries, before<br />
heading to Buena Vista Winery, founded in 1857, it is the birthplace of<br />
California wine.<br />
Next, head to Cornerstone, a cute country marketplace which has<br />
boutique wine rooms, boutiques, yummy food and gorgeous gardens.<br />
It’s a good place to stock up on picnic supplies.<br />
Day 2: Guerneville, Bodega Bay & Sebastopol – Santa Rosa (158km)<br />
Make your way to the eclectic town of Guerneville, home to the Giant<br />
Redwoods at Armstrong State Preserve, before heading on the famous<br />
Highway 1 where you’ll have the crashing waves of the Pacific Ocean next<br />
to you. There’s lots of small beaches and spectacular views along here,<br />
and from Nov-Apr it is whale watching season, so keep your eyes peeled.<br />
Sebastopol, is worth a stop, especially for “The Barlow” a cool open-air<br />
marketplace, covering 12.5 acres, where some great chefs, vintners and<br />
artisans have come to work side-by-side.<br />
Day 3: Santa Rosa, Healdsburg, Petaluma – San Francisco (195km)<br />
Santa Rosa is home to some good shopping and a thriving culinary<br />
scene. Check out the California Welcome Center, they’ll have lots of<br />
great tips on where to eat and what to see.<br />
Next stop is Healdsburg, a charming small town well worth a wander.<br />
The town plaza is lined with shops, restaurants, tasting rooms, galleries,<br />
and bars.<br />
Rental car: Hertz (Group B) from $89 per day<br />
Our favourite places to stay:<br />
• The Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa, Sonoma<br />
• Hyatt Vineyard Creek, Santa Rosa<br />
• Flamingo Resort & Spa, Santa Rosa<br />
PACIFIC<br />
OCEAN<br />
Armstrong Redwoods<br />
State Natural Reserve<br />
Guerneville<br />
Bodega Bay<br />
Sebastopol<br />
Petaluma<br />
Healdsburg<br />
San Francisco<br />
Santa Rosa<br />
Sonoma<br />
Buena Vista Winery<br />
Cornerstone Sonoma<br />
Highlights worth seeing along the way<br />
CALIFORNIA<br />
Jack London Historic Park, Glen Ellen – Visit the houses and<br />
gravestone of author Jack London, the property is a national historic<br />
landmark and the on-site museum is worth a visit.<br />
Sonoma Marin Cheese Trail – There are plenty of cheese makers<br />
around and this trail is a great way to see some of the most popular.<br />
Bodega Bay – A quaint fishing village with lots of walking trails and water<br />
sports in the area.<br />
Bodega – Famous for being the location of Alfred Hitchcock’s classic<br />
movie ‘The Birds’. Stop at the general store which has a wall of original<br />
pictures & memorabilia from the filming.<br />
Charles M Schulz – Santa Rosa is home to the museum that celebrates<br />
cartoonist Charles M. Schulz, you’ll also see colourful street sculptures of<br />
Snoopy & Peanuts characters throughout the city.<br />
Wine Road – A picturesque trip taking you past wineries in the<br />
Alexander, Dry Creek, and Russian River Valleys of Northwest Sonoma<br />
County.<br />
Petaluma – Home to craft breweries, port distillers and antique shops.<br />
The price guide shown is per car hire based on fully inclusive, 1-4 day hire rate. Price does not include Earlybird or other offers. Specials and surcharges may apply depending on travel date.<br />
23
Napa Valley<br />
Head to the Napa Valley for unforgettable experiences<br />
that nourish the body and soul. The Napa Valley<br />
has been endowed with the perfect environment to<br />
cultivate some amazing wines, but that is just the<br />
beginning. With more than 1200 square kilometres<br />
of friendly faces, breath-taking views, an array of<br />
accommodation options and lovely spas, incredible<br />
art and some of the world’s best food, it’s the perfect<br />
destination to relax, savour and restore.<br />
©Visit Napa Valley<br />
3 days/3 nights Suggested Self-Drive<br />
Day 1: Napa Valley<br />
Start the day with breakfast at the Oxbow Public Market, a bustling<br />
food hall with everything from bakeries to restaurants. Then drive to<br />
di Rosa, an art preserve on the Carneros Highway that houses the most<br />
significant holding of Bay Area contemporary art.<br />
Driving back toward Napa, you’ll see the brightly coloured Carneros Inn<br />
on your left. A perfect spot to stop for lunch at the Boonfly Café or FARM<br />
restaurant.<br />
PACIFIC<br />
OCEAN<br />
Calistoga<br />
Saint Helena<br />
Yountville<br />
Napa<br />
CALIFORNIA<br />
Day 2: Napa Valley – Yountville – St. Helena (20km)<br />
You’re going to need to rise early, but it’ll be well worth it. Get<br />
yourself to Napa Valley Aloft for a sunrise hot air balloon ride over the<br />
valley, followed by a Champagne breakfast. It’s one of those lifetime<br />
experiences you’ll never forget.<br />
By now you’re probably eager to do a little walking, after all that eating,<br />
drinking, and being merry. Spend the afternoon wandering around the<br />
charming town of St. Helena, stopping for a coffee in one of many cafés.<br />
Day 3: St. Helena – Calistoga (15km)<br />
Calistoga is the northernmost town in the valley but before you arrive<br />
make sure you stop at Castello di Amorosa, an authentic recreation of a<br />
Tuscan medieval castle.<br />
For lunch why not treat yourself at Solbar, the Michelin star restaurant<br />
at Solage Resort and Spa. Why not head to Indian Springs, a historic hotsprings<br />
resort for a spa treatment then head out for dinner at one of the<br />
many restaurants on Lincoln Avenue. Calistoga has plenty on offer.<br />
Rental car: Hertz (Group B) from $89 per day<br />
Our favourite places to stay:<br />
• Doubletree Hotel & Spa Napa Valley, American Canyon<br />
• The Westin Verasa Napa<br />
• Best Western Plus Stevenson Manor, Calistoga<br />
San Francisco<br />
Highlights worth seeing along the way<br />
Domaine Carneros – Sample the sparkling wine at this French château<br />
founded by the noble French family behind the Champagne Taittinger.<br />
Napa Valley Wine Train – Take a tour of the wineries in the area by train<br />
or for something special enjoy a three hour dining excursion.<br />
Silo’s Music Room – Premier Music Room and Wine Bar features the best<br />
in live rock, motown, reggae, and jazz alongside Napa’s finest wines and<br />
draft beers. Right in Downtown Napa at the Historic Napa Mill.<br />
The Culinary Institute of America – If you have a passion for food and<br />
wine and a craving to learn, you can’t miss a stop at the Culinary Institute<br />
of America. They have cooking and wine classes, demonstrations,<br />
tastings, an award-winning restaurant and tours.<br />
Napa Premium Outlets – Take advantage of massive savings on branded<br />
clothing like Banana Republic, Tommy Hilfiger and many more.<br />
Oakville – Try wine tasting at one of the most iconic wine estates in the<br />
valley – Opus One.<br />
Round Pond Olive Mill – For a change of pace from wine-tasting, try<br />
olive tasting instead, then stay and enjoy a lunch of cheese, bread and<br />
fresh produce.<br />
©Visit Napa Valley<br />
©Andrew Zarivny<br />
24<br />
The price guide shown is per car hire based on fully inclusive, 1-4 day hire rate. Price does not include Earlybird or other offers. Specials and surcharges may apply depending on travel date.
San Diego<br />
California’s second largest city still manages to<br />
retain the feel of a seaside resort town. It will<br />
always garner hoards of visitors with its worldfamous<br />
SeaWorld and the San Diego Zoo and<br />
Safari Park. It’s an easy 1.5 hour drive from<br />
that other great family institution of Southern<br />
California: Anaheim. But there are plenty of<br />
other reasons to extend your San Diego stay<br />
for a few extra days. For an authentic Mexican<br />
experience, there’s no need to cross the<br />
border, just head for Old Town San Diego and<br />
sample to your heart’s content. Add beautiful<br />
beaches like Mission Beach, great museums<br />
and fabulous shopping, and you’ve got a<br />
destination that’s muy caliente! And for a great<br />
city combo, Palm Springs is a 2 hour drive to<br />
desert landscapes, golf and shopping.<br />
Handlery Hotel San Diego<br />
Wyndham San Diego Bayside<br />
The hotel is set within lush tropical gardens, with a great pool. You’re<br />
just a 10 minute walk from some great shopping at the Fashion Valley<br />
Mall and when you want to head a bit further afield the hotel offers a<br />
free shuttle service to local attractions within a eight kilometre radius,<br />
this takes in San Diego Zoo, Balboa Park, SeaWorld and the Old Town.<br />
A short walk finds you in the Gaslamp Quarter, a vibrant place by day for<br />
shopping and at night for its dining and entertainment options. Hop on<br />
the free shuttle to Seaport Village or take the kids to the zoo. When you<br />
return feeling hungry, you don’t need to go far with a great steak house<br />
at the hotel.<br />
Dana on Mission Bay<br />
Best Western Plus Bayside Inn<br />
The perfect option for families. Located on 10 tropically landscaped<br />
acres next to Mission Beach, it is the closest San Diego hotel to SeaWorld<br />
and offers complimentary transfers for guests. It is also less than two<br />
kilometres from the beach and Belmont Park, both family favourites. Sit<br />
back, relax and enjoy your aquatic surroundings.<br />
Conveniently located in downtown San Diego and just three blocks<br />
from San Diego Bay it offers easy access to nearby attractions such as<br />
SeaWorld, San Diego Zoo, Little Italy, the Gaslamp District and miles<br />
of sandy beaches. After a busy day exploring enjoy unwinding on your<br />
balcony with views over beautiful San Diego Bay or the San Diego<br />
skyline.<br />
25
San Diego Sightseeing<br />
USS Midway<br />
Take a trip<br />
through<br />
American naval<br />
history with a<br />
visit to the USS<br />
Midway Museum.<br />
This enormous<br />
ship, known<br />
as the longestserving<br />
aircraft<br />
carrier of the<br />
20th century,<br />
offers a range<br />
of interactive<br />
exhibits and<br />
numerous<br />
restored aircraft.<br />
San Diego Trolley<br />
Tour<br />
A great way to explore<br />
at your own pace. You<br />
can get off at any of<br />
their convenient stops<br />
close to all popular<br />
attractions, shops and<br />
restaurants. When<br />
you’re ready, just reboard<br />
the trolley and<br />
it’s on with the tour. Spend as much time as you<br />
like in any of the locations.<br />
San Diego Zoo<br />
An urban paradise for all ages, the San Diego<br />
Zoo is a must-see in Southern California, with<br />
more than 4,000 rare and fascinating animals.<br />
See giant pandas, gorillas, tigers, flamingos,<br />
polar bears, koalas, and many more. The<br />
perfect place for family fun!<br />
SeaWorld California<br />
Enjoy a one-of-a-kind family experience at<br />
SeaWorld ® California, with awe inspiring animal<br />
encounters, thrilling rides and amazing shows.<br />
Plus, all new in <strong>2017</strong> experience Orca Encounter<br />
with live presentations on killer whales’<br />
natural behaviours and Ocean Explorer, an<br />
extraordinary new interactive realm that will<br />
immerse you in the wonders of the seven seas.<br />
LEGOLAND ® California Resort<br />
The Resort features more than 60 rides, shows and<br />
attractions. Train like a ninja on LEGO ® NINJAGO<br />
The Ride and experience The LEGO ® Movie 4D<br />
A New Adventure. Conquer the Dragon Coaster,<br />
get a Driver’s License in Fun Town and marvel<br />
at cities built entirely out of millions of LEGO ®<br />
bricks in Miniland <strong>USA</strong>. The Resort is also home to<br />
LEGOLAND Water Park and SEA LIFE ® Aquarium.<br />
Tequila &<br />
Tacos and<br />
Walking<br />
Tour<br />
Stroll through<br />
the Old Town<br />
visiting some<br />
great Mexican<br />
restaurants<br />
to taste some<br />
delicious<br />
dishes, sip some tequila cocktails and hear<br />
some mariachi music. You’ll also learn about<br />
the history of California, the Native Americans,<br />
Spanish, Mexicans and gold rush prospectors<br />
that all called San Diego home.<br />
26
Palm Springs<br />
A perfect day in Palm Springs<br />
With over 350 days of sunshine and blue skies, Palm Springs offers<br />
the perfect blend of outdoor adventure and casual relaxation. With<br />
everything from old Hollywood history, Native American heritage to a<br />
stellar collection of mid-century modern architecture you’ll find things<br />
are a bit different here.<br />
Start your day by learning about the masters of mid-century modern<br />
architecture by taking a tour of some of the most notable architecture in<br />
Palm Springs before heading to the Palm Springs Art Museum which has<br />
over 28 galleries.<br />
Outdoor action more your thing? Climb aboard the world’s largest<br />
rotating tramcar at The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway to experience a 10<br />
minute breath-taking journey up the sheer cliffs of Chino Canyon. Pack a<br />
picnic and hike the majestic Indian Canyons or join a ranger interpretive<br />
guided tour to learn about the Agua Caliente Cahuilla (pronounced Kawwe-ah)<br />
Indians who settled in the Palm, Murray, Andreas, Tahquitz and<br />
Chino Canyons. Once you arrive to the top, you’ll enjoy panoramic views<br />
of Palm Springs and the entire Coachella Valley.<br />
How about some golf? Palm Springs has over 120 golf courses. Enjoy a<br />
morning round of golf at Tahquitz Creek Golf Resort or Indian Canyons<br />
Golf Resort, both offer courses of unparalleled desert beauty and<br />
challenging terrain for all levels.<br />
Palm Springs is also known as Hollywood’s favourite playground so<br />
while playing golf, enjoying the architecture or hitting the shops – keep<br />
your eyes open, you never know who you might spot!<br />
Our favourite things to see and do<br />
Buzz – An easy way to cruise the Palm Springs area. The city’s free<br />
trolley service operates Thursday-Sunday and makes it easy to get around<br />
downtown and uptown Palm Springs with over 30 stops.<br />
Mid-Century Modern Architecture – Palm Springs has one of the<br />
largest concentrations of mid-century modern architecture in the country.<br />
Learn about the masters of modern architecture and take a tour of the<br />
desert’s most notable architecture in downtown Palm Springs.<br />
Palm Springs Air Museum – The Palm Springs Air Museum houses<br />
one of the nation’s largest collection of World War II aircraft. The Buddy<br />
Rodgers Theatre shows daily documentaries about aviation in the military<br />
with an emphasis on World War II.<br />
Indian Canyons and Tahquitz Canyon – These canyons have more than<br />
160 kilometres of trails along streams, ancient palm groves and stunning<br />
canyons with lovely views and outdoor adventure.<br />
VillageFest – A free downtown festival held every Thursday evening.<br />
Browse more than 180 vendors offering beautiful art, handcrafted items<br />
and tasty food.<br />
Hollywood in Palm Springs – Discover the secluded retreats and<br />
exclusive estates of Frank Sinatra, Marilyn Monroe or Elvis Presley by<br />
taking a celebrity tour or follow Palm Springs’ own ‘Walk of Stars’ through<br />
downtown Palm Springs. Did you know Sonny Bono was once mayor<br />
here?<br />
Coachella – This annual music and arts festival is held every April over<br />
two weekends and attracts some of the biggest names in the music<br />
industry.<br />
Joshua Tree National Park – In about an hours drive you’ll be at the<br />
rugged rock formations and stark desert landscapes of Joshua Tree<br />
National Park. Named for the region’s twisted, bristled Joshua trees, the<br />
park straddles the cactus-dotted Colorado Desert and the Mojave Desert.<br />
Our favourite places to stay:<br />
• The Saguaro Palm Springs<br />
• Palm Mountain Resort and Spa<br />
• Hyatt Regency Indian Wells<br />
27
Portland<br />
A perfect day in Portland<br />
Portland is a great walking city with tons of public transport, an<br />
atmosphere that celebrates the arts, a culture of great food, artisan<br />
coffee, craft beer, wine and neighbourhoods full of shops with<br />
handmade clothes and crafts.<br />
And as fantastic as Portland is to spend time in, it’s one of the easiest<br />
cities to spend time outside. The mountains, waterfalls, wine country<br />
and other assorted outdoor goodies Oregon is famous for are all a short<br />
drive away.<br />
The Portland Saturday Market (Mar-Dec, Sat-Sun) is alongside the river<br />
and is full of local artisans, it is a perfect starting point for a leisurely<br />
walk of the city. While you’re in the downtown area, the Portland Art<br />
Museum has a large collection of northwest art from the 19th century to<br />
the present day.<br />
The Pearl District is a trendy part of town which was formerly an<br />
industrial area, and is now home to boutiques, galleries, restaurants<br />
and bars. Many of which are housed in refurbished warehouses. It’s<br />
also home to Portland’s oldest brewery – with over 70 in the city, this<br />
of course means plenty of beer tastings are available at some fantastic<br />
breweries.<br />
Next, you may want to savour the sights and scents of the oldest public<br />
rose test gardens in the <strong>USA</strong>. There are more than 8,000 roses, with<br />
the peak of the rose season late spring, but the gardens are lovely year<br />
round and have spectacular views over the city.<br />
Our favourite places to stay:<br />
• Hotel Rose<br />
• Jupiter Hotel<br />
• The Benson Hotel<br />
Our favourite things to see and do<br />
Breweries – Portland is home to more than 70 breweries and has been<br />
a hub for the <strong>USA</strong> craft beer scene since the 1980s. They say it’s the fresh<br />
ingredients like Willamette Valley hops, barley and Bull Run water that<br />
makes their beer so good. There are plenty of brewpubs, beer themed<br />
events and brewery tours – you’re bound to find a brew you love.<br />
Bikes & Segways – There’s around 400 kilometres of bike lanes and<br />
many of them run through downtown and past popular attractions, shops<br />
and restaurants. You can hire bikes and Segways or do a guided tour<br />
that will take you around the bridges, breweries, food carts and parks<br />
of Portland as well as further afield to explore the wine country and<br />
Columbia River Gorge.<br />
Food Trucks – Portland’s food truck scene is massive with over 600 in<br />
the city. They are generally grouped together in ‘pods’ around the city.<br />
Alder Street, Tidbit and Mississippi are a couple of great pods to visit.<br />
There are also food cart tours if you fancy a few hours sampling some<br />
delicious treats.<br />
Powell’s City of Books – This is the world’s largest independent<br />
bookstore that takes up a whole city block. It has new releases and second<br />
hand books sharing the shelves and is a must for book worms.<br />
Nob Hill – This is a fun area with some of the city’s trendiest shops and<br />
eateries. Don’t forget there is no sales tax in Oregon, so shopping is<br />
definitely worth considering.<br />
Columbia River Gorge – Starting around 50 kilometres from Portland<br />
this scenic area has amazing views, more than 90 waterfalls and heaps of<br />
hiking trails.<br />
Wine Country – Less than an hour’s drive is the gorgeous Willamette<br />
Valley, home to more than 250 wineries, quaint towns, rolling farmland<br />
and delicious pinot noir.<br />
Voodoo Doughnut – There are lots of crazy (and delicious) doughnuts –<br />
like bacon maple walnut, Captain My Captain, Memphis Mafia and Apple<br />
Fritter. But be prepared to wait, there is often a queue just to get in the<br />
door.<br />
28
Oregon<br />
Oregon has amazing natural wonders and some<br />
incredibly diverse scenery, along with a great food,<br />
wine and beer scene and really friendly locals. It is<br />
the perfect state for a Self-Drive holiday and you are<br />
sure to have many ‘wow’ moments.<br />
6 days/5 nights Suggested Self-Drive<br />
Day 1: Portland – Cannon Beach – Newport (300km)<br />
One of Oregon’s most visited attractions with 580 kilometres of beautiful<br />
coastline, the scenery is dramatic with pristine sand beaches in some areas<br />
and rugged cliffs in others.<br />
Day 2: Newport – Florence – Eugene – Grants Pass (400km)<br />
Carry on to Florence with its historic Old Town and 65 square kilometres of<br />
sand dunes. Passing through the mystical Siuslaw National Forest will take<br />
you to Eugene.<br />
Day 3: Grants Pass – Crater Lake – Bend (333km)<br />
A highlight of your trip will be the majestic Crater Lake. Its pristine water is<br />
surrounded by cliffs that reflect in the lake, it is absolutely beautiful. Next it<br />
is Bend, a mecca for outdoor adventures and only 35 minutes from the Mt<br />
Batchelor ski resort.<br />
Day 4: Bend – Smith Rock – Painted Hills – Bend (290km)<br />
Today you’ll see two stunning sights – Smith Rock with its sheer cliffs and<br />
deep river canyons and The Painted Hills whose rolling hills with stripes of<br />
yellows, golds, browns and reds are amazing.<br />
Day 5: Bend – Columbia River Gorge – Hood River via the Historic<br />
Highway (248km)<br />
Take the Historic Columbia River Highway, which has some lovely scenic<br />
viewpoints, to Hood River, a cute town by the river.<br />
Day 6: Hood River – Mt Hood – Columbia River Gorge & Waterfalls –<br />
Portland (254km)<br />
Mt Hood is as popular in the winter as it is in the summer, you can ski year<br />
round here. Along the Columbia River Gorge there is a huge concentration<br />
of around 90 stunning waterfalls.<br />
Rental car: Hertz (Group B) from $84 per day<br />
Our favourite places to stay:<br />
• Elizabeth Street Inn, Newport<br />
• Weasku Inn, Grants Pass<br />
• Shilo Suites, Bend<br />
• Hampton Inn & Suites Hood River<br />
Cannon Beach<br />
Highlights worth seeing along the way<br />
Haystack Rock, Cannon Beach – Stop for some great photos of this rock<br />
rising 71 metres out from the sand.<br />
Newport – The Bayfront area is home to Oregon’s biggest fishing fleet and<br />
there are some great places to get crab cakes.<br />
Springfield – Said to be the inspiration for Springfield in the Simpsons its<br />
CALIFORNIA<br />
Simpsons’ mural is a great photo op.<br />
Covered Bridges – Cottage Grove, by Eugene, has a few within close<br />
proximity. Built in the mid 1800s they’re very scenic and worth a look.<br />
Jacksonville – A really cute town where the main street is full of historic<br />
buildings dating back to the 1850s when it was a thriving gold mining<br />
town.<br />
Columbia Gorge Discovery Centre and Museum – This is a great place<br />
to get a great overview and history of the area.<br />
Mt Hood Area – In the spring there’s plenty of lavender, wildflowers and<br />
blossoms, it is very pretty.<br />
Multnomah Falls – At 189 metres these falls are a photographer’s delight,<br />
with a lodge at the bottom and a bridge across the lower cascade. If you’re<br />
there in the autumn the foliage colours are beautiful.<br />
Eureka<br />
Newport<br />
Florence<br />
Grants Pass<br />
Portland<br />
Hood River<br />
Columbia Gorge<br />
MT Discovery Centre<br />
Hood<br />
Eugene<br />
Bend<br />
Crater Lake<br />
Painted Hills<br />
Smith Rock<br />
OREGON<br />
The price guide shown is per car hire based on fully inclusive, 5-7 day hire rate. Price does not include Earlybird or other offers. Specials and surcharges may apply depending on travel date.<br />
29
Seattle<br />
©Howard Frisk<br />
A perfect day in Seattle<br />
Orcas swimming next to a ferry, salmon swimming upstream in the<br />
middle of town, and cheese making at Pike Place Market are just some of<br />
the experiences you may not expect to find on a visit to Seattle.<br />
Why not join a walking tour of the hottest places to eat in Seattle or<br />
a chef-led tour where you cook your own meal. Food in the Pacific<br />
Northwest is mouth-watering; from tasty crab, salmon and other seafood<br />
pulled straight from local waters and nearby shores to the fresh meat<br />
and vegetables.<br />
At Pike Place Market there are many fantastic eateries so when you’re<br />
not sure what kind of food you’re in the mood to eat, just head to<br />
Pike Place Market and sample a little of everything or hop on one of<br />
several market tours that focus on food, history, or a little of both. For<br />
something a bit different make sure you’re around when the famous fishthrowing<br />
happens – something you need to see to believe.<br />
Now it’s time to hit the pavement as Seattle is a great walking city.<br />
Wander the bustling waterfront, a unique area of the city with dozens of<br />
paths and public spaces. Or just sit and simply enjoy a little bit of people<br />
watching as you absorb the local scene.<br />
End your day with some awe-inspiring views and fine dining up the<br />
iconic Space Needle. At a height of 185 metres, the Space Needle boasts<br />
fabulous 360 degree views that include Mt. Rainier, Puget Sound,<br />
the Olympic and Cascade Mountains, the beautiful city of Seattle and<br />
beyond.<br />
Our favourite things to see and do<br />
Boeing Factory – Go behind the hangar doors to discover Boeing’s inner<br />
workings on a tour of the Boeing Factory. Starting at Future of Flight<br />
where you’ll be able to discover 8500 square kilometres of interactive<br />
aviation exhibits. View the flight line and aeroplanes in various stages of<br />
assembly.<br />
Space Needle – A bucket list item for many, the Space Needle is certainly<br />
Seattle’s most iconic structure.<br />
Chihuly Garden and Glass – Located just beneath the Space Needle,<br />
Chihuly Garden and Glass traces the art and career of world-renowned<br />
glass artist Dale Chihuly.<br />
The Museum of Flight – More than 150 historic artefacts are on display<br />
here, including the legendary SR-71 Blackbird, an original Concorde<br />
jetliner and the actual 707 jet used as Air Force One during the ’50s, ’60s<br />
and early ’70s. Many of the exhibits are hands-on and perfect for kids.<br />
Pike Place Market – This is Seattle’s most iconic attraction — and it’s<br />
filled with tasty treats. There are aisles of fruits and vegetables, tables<br />
overflowing with fresh floral bouquets, and booth after booth selling all<br />
manner of locally made jewellery, clothing and gifts.<br />
Smith Tower – Once the tallest building west of the Mississippi, the Smith<br />
Tower has offered Seattle’s best views to the public for over 100 years.<br />
Elevator operators whisk visitors in an old-fashioned copper and brass<br />
elevator car to the 35th floor where you’ll step into the past as you enter<br />
the historic observatory.<br />
Seattle Aquarium – Featuring a stunning viewing window that looks into<br />
a 454,00 litre aquarium filled with salmon, colourful rockfish, vibrant sea<br />
anemones, and other native Washington marine life.<br />
Seattle Underground Tour – Seattle was rebuilt on top of itself after the<br />
Great Fire of 1889. This has left underground footpaths and storefronts<br />
which are absolutely fascinating.<br />
Our favourite places to stay:<br />
• Executive Hotel Pacific<br />
• Mayflower Park Hotel Seattle<br />
• Fairmont Olympic Hotel<br />
©Howard Frisk<br />
30
Las Vegas<br />
It’s one of the most famous cities in the world,<br />
and certainly one of the most provocative. You<br />
probably think you know what it’s all about,<br />
but spend a little time getting to know this fun<br />
city and you’ll discover its many surprises. To<br />
begin with, as fabulous as the casinos are, you<br />
don’t actually need to throw your money into<br />
a slot machine to have a good time. Check out<br />
one of the amazing live shows, from Cirque<br />
du Soleil to Penn and Teller, or go window<br />
shopping (and celebrity spotting) in the many<br />
luxury brand boutiques. Just 50 kilometres out<br />
of town you’ll find the Hoover Dam, a massive<br />
piece of engineering that seeks to control the<br />
Colorado River. Be sure to add on a trip to the<br />
Grand Canyon to see what this mighty river is<br />
capable of.<br />
Our favourite things to see and do<br />
Shopping – With outlet malls at either end of the Strip and designer stores aplenty<br />
there’s something on offer for any shopping budget.<br />
Fremont Street – Dating back to 1905 when Las Vegas was founded, this is the<br />
home of old casinos such as the Golden Nugget. Try zip lining across Fremont Street<br />
with the neon lights dazzling around you.<br />
See a show – From the huge selection of Cirque du Soleil shows to comedians,<br />
musicians and famous acts in residence there is something for everyone.<br />
The Highroller – This 168 metre observation wheel dominates the landscape and<br />
gives you amazing views over Las Vegas.<br />
Neon Museum – Explore the history of Vegas through these unique neon signs<br />
when you take a tour of the Boneyard where more than 150 classic neon signs rest.<br />
Get married by Elvis – The ultimate American wedding. Or maybe a drivethrough<br />
is more your style?<br />
Play the tables – Of course you couldn’t really go to Vegas without trying your luck<br />
at any of the hundreds of casinos.<br />
Fun for free – Watch the beautiful fountain show outside the Bellagio, watch the<br />
Volcano erupt outside the Mirage and see the light and laser show downtown at the<br />
Fremont Street Experience.<br />
Travel round the world in one night – Visit Paris, Venice, New York, ancient<br />
Egypt and ancient Rome all in the same day at some incredible hotels.<br />
Exotics Car Racing – This is the ultimate driving experience. Drive cars like Ferrari,<br />
Lamborghini, Porsche and more around a race track on the outskirts of Las Vegas.<br />
31
Koval Ln<br />
Las Vegas Accommodation<br />
Circus Circus<br />
Riviera<br />
Las Vegas Hilton<br />
Dean Martin Dr<br />
The Mirage<br />
E Desert Inn Rd<br />
Fashion<br />
Show Mall<br />
Treasure<br />
Island<br />
10<br />
Wynn<br />
Las Vegas<br />
Las Vegas Blvd“The Strip”<br />
Sands Expo &<br />
Convention Centre<br />
The Wynn<br />
Golf Club<br />
Las Vegas<br />
Convention<br />
Centre<br />
Luxor Hotel and Casino<br />
Enter the imposing façade of an Egyptian sphinx, into the pyramid with<br />
its elevators rising on a 39° angle and you are in another world. One level<br />
above the casino is the world’s largest Atrium for great shopping and<br />
dining. See shows such as Blue Man Group, CRISS ANGEL ® MINDFREAK<br />
LIVE! or own the night at LAX Nightclub.<br />
1<br />
2<br />
ites<br />
Caesars Palace<br />
9<br />
4<br />
3<br />
E Flamingo Rd<br />
6<br />
Bally’s<br />
The Linq &<br />
HighRoller<br />
Hard<br />
Rock<br />
7<br />
8<br />
Monte Carlo<br />
Valley Tower Room<br />
Dean Martin Dr<br />
NY NY<br />
MGM Grand<br />
W Tropicana Ave E Tropicana Ave<br />
1<br />
Mandalay<br />
Bay<br />
5<br />
McCarran<br />
Int’l Airport<br />
Harrah’s Las Vegas<br />
This resort is right at the heart of the fabulous Las Vegas Strip and you<br />
won’t be short of things to do without even stepping foot out of the<br />
resort. There is a huge on-site casino, live shows, multiple bars and even<br />
a nightclub under a big top. If you’re hungry, there’s live country music<br />
and down-home Southern favourites at Toby Keith’s along with a steak<br />
house, food court, burger joint, buffet restaurant, oyster bar and dessert<br />
restaurant. You might want to consider one of the recently refurbished<br />
rooms in the Valley Tower.<br />
2<br />
FAB Room<br />
Deluxe High Roller View Room<br />
Flamingo Las Vegas<br />
3<br />
The LINQ Hotel & Casino<br />
4<br />
In a central location, this is a true oasis with everything you could want<br />
and more. Take a stroll through the Tropical Wildlife Habitat, nestled<br />
in the hotel’s lush 15 acre grounds where there are exotic birds, fish and<br />
turtles and of course a huge flock of flamingos. There’s also the great<br />
family friendly Beach Club Pool or the adult only Go Pool with a lively<br />
pool party vibe. When the sun goes down there are a couple of bars, a<br />
nightclub and the on-site Margaritaville Casino.<br />
Located right in the centre of the Las Vegas Strip, this is the social hub<br />
for trend-setters and partiers alike. Spend your days lounging around<br />
the chic pool deck before experiencing one of the three bars at the<br />
hotel. Step outside and you’re in the heart of the LINQ Promenade<br />
with numerous eating and drinking opportunities as well as the LINQ<br />
Highroller where you can see across the whole of Las Vegas.<br />
32
Las Vegas Accommodation<br />
Studio Room<br />
Tropicana Las Vegas<br />
A Doubletree by Hilton<br />
5<br />
Paris Las Vegas<br />
6<br />
The Cosmopolitan of Las<br />
7<br />
Vegas<br />
A casually elegant resort experience on<br />
the Strip, this South Beach inspired hotel<br />
is a superb place for a break, evoking the<br />
sentiment of a breezy beach house. Try your<br />
luck in the casino, dine at one of their own<br />
restaurants or wander across the overbridge<br />
to a great selection of dining options. If you’re<br />
after some entertainment there’s a comedy<br />
club, a magic show and an Americana rock<br />
musical all on-site. During the day, chill out<br />
on a lounger by the pool, surrounded by palm<br />
trees and tropical gardens or check out the<br />
scene at the seasonal poolside Sky Beach Club.<br />
The Eiffel Tower and crystal chandeliers<br />
set the mood of romance. At dusk, ride the<br />
elevator up the Eiffel Tower to the top-floor<br />
observation deck for a breath-taking view of<br />
Las Vegas, or visit the French restaurant on the<br />
11th floor boasting views of the glittering Strip.<br />
Take in a show, enjoy the cabaret, unwind at<br />
the Mandara Spa, or just relax beside the Eiffel<br />
Tower at the two acre rooftop pool.<br />
Exciting, hip and modern with one of a kind<br />
private terrace rooms where you can sit and<br />
look out over the Strip. Get lost in the 30,000<br />
square kilometre casino, enjoy the boutique<br />
shopping and try the amazing selection of<br />
restaurants within the resort. With so much<br />
action a retreat to an oasis of pampering at the<br />
Spa needs to be on your ‘must-do’ list.<br />
The Signature at MGM Grand<br />
8 9 10<br />
Bellagio<br />
The Venetian<br />
With the best of Las Vegas at your doorstep,<br />
enjoy the convenience of having a kitchenette<br />
and space to relax in your all suite, nongaming<br />
hotel. By day relax under a poolside<br />
cabana at one of the three pools, then grab<br />
lunch at Delights. When the evening nears<br />
head down to The Lounge for your favourite<br />
cocktail before stepping next door for some<br />
high energy nightlife and gaming at the MGM<br />
Grand Hotel.<br />
This is one of the ultimate Las Vegas hotel<br />
experiences. Inspired by the Lake Como town<br />
of Bellagio in Italy, it is famed for its elegance<br />
and opulence. Why not treat yourself to a<br />
room with a view of the famous dancing<br />
Fountains of Bellagio? Wander through the<br />
stunning conservatory and botanical gardens<br />
or take in an art exhibit at the Bellagio Gallery<br />
of Fine Arts. Spend the day relaxing by one<br />
of the five swimming pools before heading to<br />
see a show like the stunning ‘O’ by Cirque du<br />
Soleil.<br />
Sit and watch the gondolas go by or even<br />
experience a romantic ride on one. Add to<br />
this the winding canals, the marble floors and<br />
hand painted frescoes and you are surrounded<br />
by the grandeur and romance of Venice. Stroll<br />
along the cobblestone walkways, shop in<br />
boutiques amongst beautiful buildings, or a<br />
walk in St Marks Square without the pigeons is<br />
an experience in itself. Don’t forget to stop for<br />
a delicious Italian espresso.<br />
33
Las Vegas Sightseeing<br />
Las Vegas Shows<br />
It’s compulsory<br />
to see at least one<br />
show when going<br />
to Vegas. Whether<br />
you are interested<br />
in headline acts,<br />
or musicians,<br />
comedians,<br />
magicians or<br />
showgirls – there<br />
truly is something<br />
for everyone.<br />
The selection and<br />
calibre of shows is<br />
amazing!<br />
Hoover Dam<br />
Classic Tour<br />
Travel to one of<br />
the architectural<br />
wonders of the<br />
world. Enjoy a<br />
comprehensive<br />
tour of the dam<br />
which includes<br />
live presentations,<br />
a fascinating film,<br />
the observation deck and generator room with<br />
your expert guide.<br />
Grand Voyager with Helicopter Flight<br />
and Boat<br />
A tour of the Grand Canyon isn’t complete<br />
until you see it from the air, ground and water.<br />
Enjoy an airplane flight out to the West Rim<br />
where you’ll hop on a helicopter for your trip<br />
to the bottom of the canyon and take a cruise<br />
along the Colorado River. Ask about adding on<br />
the Skywalk.<br />
Grand Canyon West Rim Classic Tour<br />
Board your tour trekker Pink Jeep vehicle and<br />
prepare yourself for the awe-inspiring beauty<br />
of the Grand Canyon. The Canyon’s magnificent<br />
vastness awaits you. Observe the Colorado River<br />
running through this mile-deep chasm.<br />
Grand Celebration<br />
Descend, land and walk the canyon floor. Travel<br />
in a state of the art helicopter and touch down by<br />
the banks of the Colorado River where you’ll enjoy<br />
a picnic. Ask about adding on the Skywalk or tour<br />
over the Strip on your return to Las Vegas.<br />
Bryce<br />
Canyon<br />
& Zion<br />
National<br />
Park Tour<br />
Enjoy an<br />
awesome one<br />
day guided<br />
tour of Zion<br />
©Matt Morgan<br />
and Bryce<br />
Canyon National Parks, two of Utah’s most<br />
stunning landscapes. Gaze at the wonders<br />
from the Canyon Overlook in Zion and the<br />
magical section of Bryce Canyon known as<br />
Sunset Point.<br />
34
Las Vegas to Utah<br />
Think of it as seven days in heaven. All of Utah’s<br />
Mighty 5 ® national parks plus a few more incredible<br />
stops along the way. It’s hard to imagine so much<br />
inspiring beauty and outdoor adventure in one place<br />
until you see it for yourself.<br />
Arches National Park, Utah ©Matt Morgan<br />
7 days/6 nights Suggested Self-Drive<br />
Salt Lake City<br />
Day 1: Las Vegas – Zion National Park (260km)<br />
Zion translates to “The Promised Land,” and that means some of the most<br />
spectacular hiking of your lifetime and impossible landscapes you will<br />
never forget.<br />
NEVADA<br />
UTAH<br />
Canyonlands National Park<br />
Arches National Park<br />
Day 2: Zion National Park – Bryce Canyon National Park (134km)<br />
Bryce Canyon’s view from 2,743 metres is unlike any else in the world.<br />
Day 3: Bryce Canyon National Park – Capitol Reef National Park<br />
(204km)<br />
Bryce Canyon National Park<br />
Zion National Park<br />
Natural Bridges<br />
National Monument<br />
Oljato-Monument Valley<br />
Day 4: Capitol Reef National Park – Bridges National Monument –<br />
Monument Valley (299km)<br />
Monument Valley, an iconic symbol of the American West, is the sacred<br />
heart of the Navajo Nation.<br />
Day 5: Monument Valley – Canyonlands National Park (222km)<br />
Imagine wave after wave of deep canyons, formed by the currents and<br />
tributaries of Utah’s Green and Colorado rivers, divided with towering<br />
pinnacles, cliffs and spires and spread out over tens of thousands of acres<br />
of some of the world’s most breath-taking red rock country. Don’t miss<br />
Island in the Sky, the park’s most accessible and visited district of the<br />
park, offering a bird’s eye view of this vast and awesome landscape.<br />
Day 6: Canyonlands National Park – Arches National Park (124km)<br />
Adventure in Arches National Park picks up where 300 million years of<br />
patient erosion has resulted in unbelievably dramatic landscapes that look<br />
more sculpted by giant mythological beings than the processes of time.<br />
Day 7: Arches National Park – Salt Lake City (370km)<br />
Rental car: Hertz (Group B) from $72 per day<br />
Our favourite places to stay:<br />
• Best Western Plus Ruby’s Inn, Bryce Canyon<br />
• La Quinta Inn & Suites, Zion National Park<br />
• Capitol Reef Resort, Torrey<br />
Las Vegas<br />
Highlights worth seeing along the way<br />
Zion National Park – The easy walk to the Emerald Pools is just one<br />
among many hikes in this stunning national park.<br />
Mount Carmel Scenic Byway – Travel through amazing scenery on your<br />
way between Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon National Park.<br />
Bryce Canyon National Park – Walk along the rim and behold the rich<br />
colours of the famous spires, called ‘hoodoos’.<br />
Capitol Reef National Park – Enjoy the contrasts of the red and white<br />
sandstone that create surreal landscapes.<br />
Natural Bridges Monument – Home to three of the world’s five largest<br />
sandstone bridges.<br />
Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park – See the rugged, disruptive<br />
landscapes of this park which are hauntingly familiar thanks to<br />
Hollywood’s love affair with this area.<br />
Canyonlands – Explore canyons and buttes carved by the Colorado River.<br />
Don’t miss a walk to Mesa Arch, it’s especially beautiful at sunrise.<br />
Arches National Park – Take a 2.5 kilometre hike to Delicate Arch and<br />
you’ll be rewarded with a view of Utah’s most famous landmark.<br />
Monument Valley, Utah<br />
© Utah Office of Tourism<br />
The price guide shown is per car hire based on fully inclusive, 5-7 day hire rate. Price does not include Earlybird or other offers. Specials and surcharges may apply depending on travel date.<br />
35
Experience<br />
East Coast<br />
The Eastern side of the <strong>USA</strong> is a blended symphony of culture. From the highest<br />
concentration of states in the upper North East, to the long and lazy states further<br />
South, the East has something for everyone. Let’s start up the top with the likes<br />
of New York City, Washington, D.C., Boston and Philadelphia. These are the cities<br />
we’ve heard so much about and seen so many times in the movies we love. Boston<br />
with its amazing history, Washington, D.C. with its monuments and culture and the<br />
big city buzz of ‘The Big Apple’. You can see some of the most famous spots in the<br />
world here, and you quickly realise that there’s nothing quite like actually being<br />
there yourself.<br />
Pierre<br />
The great lakes that line the border with Canada will take your breath away no<br />
matter what time of the year you visit, and the countryside that surrounds them is<br />
absolutely worth exploring. The cities that line these lakes are also high points of<br />
interest, there’s the buzzing blues and jazz hub of Chicago and Detroit; the home of<br />
Motown just to name two.<br />
Once you head down south you’re in for a change of scenery. Launch yourself into<br />
relaxation mode on the beaches of Florida – with 1250 kilometres of coastline you’re<br />
sure to find a spot that takes your fancy, or get into the huge Everglades National<br />
Park, a massive network of forests and prairies and wetlands.<br />
This is only the surface of the awesome nature of the East Coast of the <strong>USA</strong>. It’s all<br />
there, and it’s all begging to be explored.<br />
36
New York<br />
New York City is an amazing melting pot that you’ll fall in love with again and again.<br />
Every time you go back, you find yourself wanting more, and you discover new<br />
experiences. After you feel the emotion of the 9/11 Memorial, hit the unbelievable<br />
shopping districts of Central Manhattan. Finishing the day at a restaurant in Little<br />
Italy with a huge glass of red wine has never felt so rewarding. Amongst the concrete<br />
giants that make up New York City’s amazing skyline are the street vendors; hot<br />
dogs, bagels, pizza or roasting chestnuts in the winter are all quintessentially New<br />
York. The list of things to do never ends. You absolutely have to go, just to see and<br />
believe the vibe of this extreme metropolis.<br />
Our favourite things to see and do<br />
9/11 Memorial – A place for quiet reflection, the Memorial<br />
Plaza features more than 400 trees with waterfalls flowing<br />
into two large pools. The names of the people who lost their<br />
lives are inscribed in bronze parapets that surround the pools.<br />
One World Observatory – At the top of the tallest building<br />
in the Western Hemisphere, the One World Trade Centre, this<br />
observatory provides unique views of NYC.<br />
Central Park – Explore the 843 acres by foot, bike, horsedrawn<br />
carriage or tuk tuk.<br />
©Marley White<br />
Times Square – Vibrant theatre district with neon lights<br />
and big billboards. Visit the discount ticket booths for show<br />
tickets.<br />
Museums – There are 150 museums in Manhattan, including<br />
the American Museum of Natural History, Museum of Modern<br />
Art and the Metropolitan Museum of Art.<br />
Empire State Building – Take an elevator ride to the top<br />
for spectacular views of the city and beyond.<br />
Brooklyn Bridge – Walk or bike over the spectacular<br />
bridge for breath-taking views of NYC.<br />
The Highline – Take a wander in this public park built<br />
on a historic freight rail line elevated above the streets on<br />
Manhattan’s West Side.<br />
©Marley White<br />
MINNESOTA<br />
Minneapolis<br />
IOWA<br />
Kansas<br />
City<br />
MISSOURI<br />
ARKANSAS<br />
WISCONSIN<br />
St Louis<br />
Lake Superior<br />
Milwaukee<br />
Chicago<br />
Des Moines<br />
ILLINOIS<br />
MICHIGAN<br />
INDIANA OHIO<br />
TENNESSEE<br />
KENTUCKY<br />
CANADA<br />
Lake Huron<br />
Lake<br />
Michigan Lake<br />
Ontario<br />
Detroit<br />
Lake<br />
Erie<br />
Cleveland<br />
Indianapolis Columbus<br />
Cincinnati<br />
WEST<br />
VIRGINIA<br />
Frankfort Charleston<br />
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA<br />
NORTH<br />
CAROLINA<br />
VIRGINA<br />
MAINE<br />
VERMONT<br />
NEW<br />
NEW<br />
HAMPSHIRE<br />
YORK<br />
MASSACHUSETTES<br />
RHODE ISLAND<br />
CONNECTICUT<br />
PENNSYLVANIA NEW<br />
JERSEY<br />
Buffalo<br />
Pittsburgh<br />
Baltimore<br />
WASHINGTON, D.C.<br />
Richmond<br />
New York<br />
Philadelphia<br />
Portland<br />
Boston<br />
Staten Island Ferry – The free 25 minute ride on the<br />
Staten Island Ferry is not only a convenient way to get from<br />
Manhattan to Staten Island, but it’s also one of the best (and<br />
most affordable!) ways of seeing the Statue of Liberty.<br />
Sport – Get along to a game with passionate supporters.<br />
The Knicks, Nets, Rangers, Jets, Giants, Yankees and Mets are<br />
favourite home teams.<br />
Little<br />
Rock<br />
LOUISIANA<br />
Baton<br />
Rouge<br />
ALABAMA<br />
MISSISSIPPI<br />
Jackson Montgomery<br />
New Orleans<br />
GULF OF MEXICO<br />
Atlanta<br />
GEORGIA<br />
SOUTH<br />
CAROLINA<br />
Savannah<br />
Jacksonville<br />
Orlando<br />
Tampa<br />
FLORIDA<br />
Florida Keys<br />
ATLANTIC<br />
OCEAN<br />
Fort Lauderdale<br />
Miami<br />
37
New York Accommodation<br />
Amsterdam Ave<br />
W 96th<br />
Columbus Ave<br />
Central Park West<br />
E 96th<br />
Guggenheim<br />
Museum<br />
W 86th<br />
E 86th<br />
UPPER WEST SIDE<br />
Metropolitan UPPER EAST SIDE<br />
Museum of Art<br />
W 79th<br />
American Museum<br />
of Natural History E 79th<br />
10<br />
W 75th<br />
E 75th<br />
3<br />
W 72nd<br />
E 72nd<br />
Central Park<br />
Fifth Ave<br />
Madison Ave<br />
Park Ave<br />
Lexington Ave<br />
Third Ave<br />
Second Ave<br />
Lincoln Centre<br />
6<br />
Columbus Circle Central Park South E 59th<br />
W 57th<br />
Carnegie<br />
E 57th<br />
Hall<br />
MIDTOWN EAST<br />
MIDTOWN WEST 7 Radio City St Patrick’s<br />
W 50th<br />
Music Hall Cathedral<br />
E 50th<br />
2 9 Rockefeller<br />
Centre<br />
1<br />
Grand<br />
Central<br />
Station<br />
W 42nd TIMES SQUARE E 42nd<br />
8<br />
GARMENT DISCTRICT<br />
Pier 78, 38th & 12th<br />
Empire State MURRAY HILL<br />
4<br />
Building<br />
W 34th Macy’s<br />
Penn<br />
E 34th<br />
Station<br />
Madison Square 5<br />
Gardens<br />
broadway<br />
Fifth Ave<br />
Madison Ave<br />
Park Ave<br />
Lexington Ave<br />
Third Ave<br />
Second Ave<br />
Roosevelt<br />
Island<br />
Ed Koch<br />
Queensboro Bridge<br />
JFK & La Guardia Airports<br />
Edison Hotel<br />
For location and Art Deco flavour look no further. The buzz of Times<br />
Square and famous icons, Rockefeller Centre and Radio City Music Hall<br />
are just a short walk away. It’s no drama getting to your favourite show<br />
as you are in the theatre district of midtown Manhattan. And for dining,<br />
you are only one block away from the famous Restaurant Row on West<br />
46th Street.<br />
1<br />
W 23rd<br />
W 14th<br />
CHELSEA<br />
Tenth Ave<br />
Ninth Ave<br />
Eighth Ave<br />
Seventh Ave<br />
Avenue of Americas<br />
GREENWICH VILLAGE<br />
E 23rd<br />
GRAMERCY<br />
E 14th<br />
Christopher St<br />
Hudson<br />
W 8th<br />
WEST VILLAGE EAST VILLAGE<br />
W Gouston<br />
SOHO<br />
Broadway<br />
Lafayette St<br />
E Houston<br />
Deluxe Room<br />
Canal<br />
Broom St<br />
LITTLE ITALY<br />
Skyline Hotel<br />
2<br />
Hudson River<br />
TRIBECCA<br />
West Side Hwy<br />
Vesey St<br />
World Trade<br />
Centre site<br />
City<br />
Hall<br />
Park<br />
CHINATOWN<br />
City Hall<br />
Park Row<br />
Wall St<br />
Brooklyn<br />
Bridge<br />
BROOKLYN<br />
Enjoy great service and a warm atmosphere at the Skyline Hotel. Take<br />
time to indulge in the world-famous restaurants that surround this hotel,<br />
in the desired location of Clinton/Hell’s Kitchen district. Right in the<br />
thick of it, you are also only a few blocks away from the theatre district<br />
and Times Square.<br />
FINANCIAL<br />
DISTRICT<br />
Statue of<br />
Liberty<br />
Ellis<br />
Island<br />
Battery<br />
Park<br />
Hotel Beacon<br />
3 The New Yorker a Wyndham Hotel<br />
4<br />
Experience life by the park, Central Park that is, just two blocks away.<br />
With a local grocery store right opposite the hotel and your room<br />
equipped with kitchenette and microwave, having a picnic with the<br />
locals in the park is a must during the summer. If it’s winter, the picnic<br />
will be out, but there is always the ice skating rink to experience.<br />
Theatres, shopping and iconic sights all come to mind when you think<br />
of New York. Staying in midtown Manhattan is another. From the New<br />
Yorker you are just a few minutes walk away to the theatre district,<br />
the Empire State Building, Madison Square Garden and bustling Times<br />
Square. Don’t miss the Tik Tok Diner by the hotel, open 24 hours a day<br />
serving the true all day breakfast.<br />
38
New York Accommodation<br />
Manhattan NYC, an Affinia<br />
Hotel<br />
5<br />
Empire Hotel<br />
6<br />
Novotel New York Times<br />
7<br />
Square<br />
A great midtown location that has you at<br />
the crossroads of the city’s most iconic<br />
neighbourhoods. You’ve heard of Macy’s<br />
Department Store, Madison Square Gardens<br />
and the Empire State Building, well there they<br />
are right on your doorstep and Penn Station is<br />
across the road, so getting around New York<br />
is a breeze. Whether you’re hitting the shops,<br />
going to a show or just exploring this vibrant<br />
city, you’re perfectly situated to do it all.<br />
Nestled in a prime location, sitting on a quiet<br />
corner along West 63rd Street between the<br />
Lincoln Centre and Central Park, this boutique<br />
hotel is at the gateway to the very local Upper<br />
West Side. Take in the panoramic views of<br />
the city skyline from the hotel’s rooftop sun<br />
deck area and in the evening enjoy a meal at<br />
Moore Food & Drink featuring contemporary<br />
American brasserie style cooking.<br />
With sleek styling, dramatic ambiance, and<br />
captivating views throughout the hotel, the<br />
Novotel New York Times Square is ready and<br />
waiting for you. Unique to hotels in the Times<br />
Square area is the Terrace Bar and Restaurant<br />
where you can enjoy a cocktail or two<br />
watching the sights and sounds of New York<br />
City below.<br />
The Westin New York Grand<br />
Central<br />
8<br />
Crowne Plaza Times Square<br />
9<br />
The Surrey<br />
10<br />
Manhattan<br />
You are on East 42nd Street – just the address<br />
alone conjures up images of the famous<br />
musical. Step in through the front door and<br />
you will notice the attention to detail, from<br />
the level of service to the comfortable guest<br />
rooms. The fashionable East Side has you<br />
close to Fifth Avenue shopping, dining and the<br />
iconic Grand Central Station.<br />
You literally won’t believe your eyes with this<br />
amazing spot right in the middle of Broadway<br />
and Times Square. The shopping is to die for,<br />
especially in the little boutiques around West<br />
42nd Street. After you’ve done that you’ve got<br />
to get that famous photo standing on the traffic<br />
island in the middle of Times Square, and then<br />
hit a show.<br />
Built pre-war, the historic Surrey Hotel has<br />
been lovingly restored and is reflective of its<br />
Upper East Side neighbourhood. This gem<br />
is one of the classiest buildings in town. And<br />
even though it is just minutes from shopping<br />
and cultural hotspots like Fifth Avenue and<br />
the Whitney Museum, it is still away from the<br />
hustle and bustle. The seasonal rooftop garden<br />
is a stunning place to sit back and reflect on<br />
your day exploring this incredible city.<br />
39
New York Sightseeing<br />
Central Park by<br />
Bike Tour<br />
Explore the sites<br />
of world-famous<br />
Central Park. From<br />
Bethesda Fountain<br />
to Strawberry<br />
Fields and the<br />
Jackie Kennedy<br />
Onassis Reservoir,<br />
you’ll see it all.<br />
You’ll also visit<br />
lesser-known sights<br />
like Cleopatra’s<br />
Needle and the<br />
Shakespeare<br />
Garden. A fun day<br />
out for all.<br />
All Around Town Double Decker Bus Tour<br />
Board a double decker bus and discover the<br />
best sights in Manhattan. Hop on and off at up<br />
to 50 stops, including the Empire State Building,<br />
Greenwich Village, Chinatown, Times Square<br />
and Metropolitan Museum of Art. Upgrade to<br />
include a Statue of Liberty/Ellis Island Ferry<br />
ticket to get up close to this famous icon.<br />
Local Flavours of<br />
Brooklyn Walking<br />
Tour<br />
Get a taste for the<br />
local food and<br />
culture of Brooklyn<br />
as you visit some<br />
of its many eateries<br />
and small food<br />
shops. During your<br />
©Christopher Postlewaite<br />
walk you’ll have<br />
the chance to sample everything from artisanal<br />
cooking spots to longstanding Middle Eastern<br />
markets so make sure you come hungry.<br />
Manhattan Experience<br />
Enjoy a full day guided tour of the Big Apple.<br />
See the sights of lower and upper Manhattan,<br />
from Harlem all the way through to Battery<br />
Park. Enjoy lunch in Little Italy and a 90 minute<br />
harbour cruise. Finish your day at the Top of the<br />
Rock Observation deck.<br />
New York Shows<br />
One of the must do’s when visiting New York<br />
is a Broadway show. Long running shows such<br />
as The Phantom of the Opera and The Lion<br />
King continue to please audiences. Smash hit<br />
musicals such as Beautiful: The Carole King<br />
Musical, Wicked and Chicago are even more<br />
special on the Broadway stage. Don’t miss out,<br />
pre-book before you leave.<br />
Highline<br />
& Chelsea<br />
Walking<br />
Tour<br />
Enjoy a walk<br />
through the<br />
High Line,<br />
a former<br />
railway<br />
line on the<br />
west side of<br />
Manhattan<br />
©Julienne Schaer<br />
that has been<br />
converted into a dynamic park. The Chelsea<br />
walking tour reveals amazing architecture and<br />
art in this cosmopolitan neighbourhood.<br />
40
Niagara by Air<br />
This a great option for those who don’t have much time<br />
up their sleeves. After flying to upstate New York you’ll<br />
be transferred to Niagara Falls, just minutes away. Here<br />
you’ll enjoy a half day guided tour of Niagara Falls from<br />
both the American and Canadian sides.<br />
New York CityPASS<br />
Visit six attractions for one low price – Empire<br />
State Building Experience, American Museum of<br />
Natural History, Metropolitan Museum of Art and a<br />
choice of Guggenheim Museum OR Top of the Rock<br />
Observation Deck, a choice between the Statue of<br />
Liberty and Ellis Island OR a Circle Line Sightseeing<br />
Cruise and a choice between 9/11 Memorial Museum<br />
OR Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum.<br />
Washington by Bus<br />
The no-hassle way to see Washington, D.C. in a<br />
day. Pass through New Jersey and Maryland before<br />
arriving at the nation’s capital. See the White<br />
House before continuing to the Smithsonian’s<br />
Air and Space Museum. Late afternoon enjoy a<br />
panoramic city tour before departing for New<br />
York. Ask about doing this tour by train.<br />
Woodbury<br />
Common<br />
Premium Outlet<br />
Shopping<br />
Shop till you drop<br />
at over 220 designer<br />
stores. About an<br />
hours drive from<br />
Manhattan you’ll<br />
find stores such as<br />
Burberry, Coach, Ed<br />
Hardy, Toys ‘R’ Us<br />
and many more.<br />
And with your<br />
complimentary VIP<br />
Savings coupon<br />
book, you’ll save<br />
even more!<br />
New York Helicopter Tour<br />
As you soar above the famous Hudson River you<br />
will fly right by the magnificent Statue of Liberty<br />
in all of her glory. View Governors’ and Ellis Island<br />
and see Manhattan’s Financial District before<br />
cruising past the NYC skyline including the Empire<br />
State Building and One World Trade Centre.<br />
Philadelphia and<br />
Amish Country<br />
Head to Philadelphia<br />
where you’ll visit<br />
the Liberty Bell,<br />
Constitution Square<br />
and Independence<br />
Hall, some of the<br />
symbols of freedom<br />
in America. Next<br />
stop is Lancaster County home of the Amish<br />
people. You’ll tour an Amish farmhouse and<br />
learn how they live without modern technology,<br />
no electricity or running water.<br />
41
Boston<br />
A perfect day in Boston<br />
Pack your walking shoes, because this compact city, home of the<br />
American Revolution is perfect to explore on foot.<br />
Delve into the <strong>USA</strong>’s history on the Freedom Trail and visit landmarks of<br />
the Revolutionary Era, including the site of the Boston Massacre, Faneuil<br />
Hall and Paul Revere’s House. Step off the trail and visit the Boston Tea<br />
Party Ships & Museum to learn about the most important event leading<br />
up to the Revolutionary War. A cherished treasure on display is one of the<br />
original chests of tea thrown into Boston Harbor on December 16, 1773.<br />
Boston is full of distinctive architectural styles of the Colonial Era,<br />
Federalist Era and Victorian brownstones. You can’t miss a visit to Beacon<br />
Hill where you can see the most photographed street in America. Take a<br />
tour of the nation’s oldest professional ballpark, Fenway Park or visit the<br />
oldest college in America, Harvard University.<br />
All this walking must be working up an appetite and Boston is a worldclass<br />
culinary destination. Boston and seafood are peas in a pod, and here<br />
you will find all the staples – like delicious lobster rolls, clam chowder<br />
and fried clams. Boston’s diverse neighbourhoods offer plenty of delights.<br />
Explore the North End, Boston’s oldest neighbourhood, where authentic<br />
Italian restaurants and cafés line every street.<br />
A gorgeous harbour walk takes you along the shoreline of Boston Harbour.<br />
Why not rent a bicycle and enjoy the public art along the Rose Kennedy<br />
Greenway or shop at the craft markets along the waterfront.<br />
With so much history, culture and amazing food you’ve only just begun to<br />
touch all this city has on offer.<br />
Our favourite places to stay:<br />
• The Midtown Hotel<br />
• The Boston Park Plaza Hotel<br />
• Boston Marriott Copley Place<br />
Our favourite things to see and do<br />
Freedom Trail – A one-of-a-kind American experience. With so many<br />
historically significant buildings and locations in the downtown area<br />
a walk on this trail will take you into the backbone of the American<br />
Revolution story. Visit sites such as Boston Common, Massachusetts<br />
State House, Park Street Church, Granary Burying Ground and Old North<br />
Church.<br />
Boston Common and the Public Garden – The oldest park in the<br />
country, established in 1634, Boston Common is a local landmark. The<br />
Public Garden was founded in 1837 as a botanical garden and the Swan<br />
Boats of the garden have become an icon of the city since they started<br />
operating in 1877.<br />
Bunker Hill Monument – Climb the steps and remember one of the<br />
most important battles of the Revolutionary War.<br />
Fall Foliage – One of the most beautiful times to visit Boston is during the<br />
fall when the spectacular colours come out in the city.<br />
New England Seacoast – Admire the unique scenery of New England’s<br />
spectacular coast. Stop for views of the famous ‘Nubble Light’ lighthouse<br />
in York and visit the Kennebunkport Village on Maine’s coast.<br />
Cape Cod – Head out of the city for the day and down to Cape Cod – a<br />
world of sand dunes and beaches. Spend time exploring the area’s quaint<br />
seaside villages.<br />
Salem – History of the 1692 witch trials is in abundance in Salem. A visit<br />
to The Witch House, the only structure in Salem with direct ties to the<br />
Salem Witch Trials is a must. There are also homes dating back to the<br />
mid-1660s as well as Burying Point Cemetery, the second oldest burying<br />
ground in the United States.<br />
Plymouth & the Mayflower II – Explore another world in another time.<br />
Take a journey south to historic Plimoth Plantation, a living re-creation of<br />
the small farming and maritime community built by the Pilgrims along the<br />
shore of Plymouth Harbour.<br />
Sports – Stop by for a tour of Fenway Park, home to the Red Sox.<br />
Bostonians love sports, and The Sports Museum of New England has<br />
artefacts and exhibits relating to all types of sports from football to figure<br />
skating.<br />
42
New England<br />
From charming harbour towns famous for the birth<br />
of American liberty and infamous for witch trials, to<br />
beloved New England holiday islands and a fjord on<br />
the Atlantic, this trip explores some of the best of<br />
America’s early history.<br />
12 days/11 nights Suggested Self-Drive<br />
Days 1-2: Boston<br />
Explore one of the oldest cities in the <strong>USA</strong>, founded by Puritan colonists<br />
in 1630.<br />
Day 3: Boston – Salem – Portsmouth – Kennebunkport (150km)<br />
Along the route north lies almost four centuries of history, as well as<br />
some of the coast’s finest beaches. First stop is Salem, the location of the<br />
infamous witch trials.<br />
Day 4: Kennebunkport – Wiscasset – Bar Harbor (340km)<br />
Travel along the Maine Coast to Bar Harbor where you’ll see quaint<br />
fishing villages along the way.<br />
Day 5: Bar Harbor – Acadia National Park – Bar Harbor (564km)<br />
A full day to explore this lovely national park.<br />
Day 6: Bar Harbor – White Mountains (370km)<br />
Enjoy the spectacular scenery of the White Mountains.<br />
Day 7: White Mountains – Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom – Stowe<br />
(200km)<br />
Day 8: Stowe – Green Mountains – The Berkshires (260km)<br />
Day 9: The Berkshires – Lenox – Newport (290km)<br />
Day 10: Newport – Cape Cod (160km)<br />
Day 11: Cape Cod<br />
Discover magnificent Cape Cod with its high cliffs, rolling dunes, broad<br />
beaches, kilometres of walking trails and picturesque villages.<br />
Day 12: Cape Cod – Boston (130km)<br />
Rental car: Hertz (Group B) from $81 per day<br />
Our favourite places to stay:<br />
• Colonial Inn, Bar Harbor<br />
• Town & Country Inn, White Mountains<br />
• Golden Eagle Resort, Stowe<br />
• ShoreWay Acres Inn, Cape Cod<br />
VERMONT<br />
Stowe<br />
Lenox<br />
White Mountains<br />
NEW HAMPSHIRE<br />
Green Mountains<br />
MASSACHUSETTS<br />
MAINE<br />
Bar Harbor/<br />
Acadia National Park<br />
Wiscasset<br />
Kennebunkport<br />
Portsmouth<br />
Salem<br />
Boston<br />
The Berkshires RHODE<br />
ISLAND<br />
Newport<br />
Cape Cod<br />
Highlights worth seeing along the way<br />
ATLANTIC<br />
OCEAN<br />
Boston – Walk the Historic Freedom Trail and explore famous Harvard<br />
University.<br />
Acadia National Park – Discover soaring peaks, dramatic glacier-carved<br />
valleys, lakes and the rugged shoreline with the only fjord on the U.S.<br />
Atlantic coast.<br />
White Mountains – A landscape dotted with historic villages and<br />
enchanting covered bridges.<br />
Mount Washington – Drive to the summit for some amazing views.<br />
Or take a trip on the Mount Washington Cog Railway – the world’s first<br />
mountain-climbing cog railway.<br />
Green Mountains – With their dense forests, these mountains are home<br />
to bears, moose and deer. You’ll also see picture-perfect villages and some<br />
of Vermont’s famous covered bridges.<br />
Newport – Visit the iconic mansions where some of American’s most<br />
prominent families – from the Astors to the Vanderbilts – used to summer.<br />
Cape Cod – Check out the quaint seaside villages, visit the memorial to<br />
President John F. Kennedy and enjoy a harbour cruise.<br />
©Maine Office of Tourism<br />
©Massachusetts Office of Travel<br />
The price guide shown is per car hire based on fully inclusive, 5-7 day hire rate. Price does not include Earlybird or other offers. Specials and surcharges may apply depending on travel date.<br />
43
Washington, D.C.<br />
A perfect day in Washington, D.C.<br />
Monuments, memorials, museums, impressive government buildings<br />
and home of the President of the <strong>USA</strong>, Washington, D.C. is full of iconic<br />
landmarks and steeped in history and culture. The city is really easy to get<br />
around because it’s flat and easy to navigate with its streets laid out in a grid<br />
system, but if your feet need a rest there is a clean and safe Metro system.<br />
A great way to get a good fix of the famous sites is to take a leisurely stroll<br />
from the Lincoln Memorial and reflection pool, past the Martin Luther<br />
King Jr. Memorial and around the edge of the tidal basin. This will have<br />
you meandering through the FDR Roosevelt Memorial to the impressive<br />
Jefferson Memorial, if you are here in the spring the cherry blossoms are<br />
gorgeous. From here it is a 15 minute walk to the Washington Monument<br />
and the National Mall which is lined with Smithsonian Institute Museums.<br />
These incredible museums are free to enter – with 15 in total it would<br />
be virtually impossible to see them all in one visit, so it pays to do some<br />
research. Some of the most popular are the Air and Space Museum,<br />
the Natural History Museum, the American History Museum and the<br />
National Museum of African American History & Culture, which opened in<br />
September 2016.<br />
Just near the National Mall is the Newseum – this is an incredible museum<br />
that portrays historical events through the media. There are newspaper<br />
stories, TV footage and interactive areas covering significant historical<br />
events such as the Berlin Wall, 9/11 and the Vietnam War.<br />
By now you’ll have worked up an appetite, so head for Dupont Circle where<br />
there are plenty of bistros, bars and boutiques and some great people<br />
watching.<br />
Our favourite places to stay:<br />
• Washington Plaza<br />
• Omni Shoreham<br />
• The Mayflower Hotel<br />
Our favourite things to see and do<br />
White House – No visit to D.C. is complete without getting a selfie outside<br />
the White House.<br />
Vietnam Veteran Memorial – Next to the Lincoln Memorial, this is<br />
a simple, but moving memorial contains more than 58,000 names of<br />
Americans that died in the Vietnam War.<br />
Bike Tour – The National Mall area is quite large, so a bike tour is a great<br />
way to get to the main monuments and memorials. The biking is easy as<br />
it is all flat, and you will get some great insights from your guide. There is<br />
also an evening tour where the crowds are less dense, the summer weather<br />
is cooler and the views of illuminated monuments are magnificent.<br />
Cherry Blossoms – They generally bloom between mid March and mid<br />
April and are absolutely gorgeous. The Cherry Blossom Festival will run<br />
from 20 March-16 April <strong>2017</strong> and has lots of events during this time.<br />
Hop on Hop Off Tours – This is a great way to get your bearings and to<br />
learn about the city with a guided tour. You can stay on the bus or trolley<br />
for the full circuit or get on and off at the designated stops.<br />
14 th Street & U Street – U Street used to be famous for its incredible jazz<br />
scene, and there are still some great jazz bars. From here if you walk down<br />
14 th St towards Logan Circle you’ll be spoilt for dinner choices as this is a<br />
vibrant area with loads of eateries.<br />
Martin Luther King Jr Memorial – This powerful memorial opened in<br />
October 2011 to recognise the history-making civil rights leader and serves<br />
as a lasting tribute to the freedom, opportunity and justice for which he<br />
stood.<br />
Arlington Cemetery – This is the final resting place of more than<br />
400,000 fallen heroes from Iraq, Afghanistan and veterans from WW1,<br />
WWII, Korea, Vietnam, the Cold War and America’s Civil War. Established<br />
in 1864, the cemetery is still fully operational today, conducting an average<br />
of 27 funerals each day.<br />
Georgetown – This idyllic, tree lined suburb is one of the city’s most<br />
upmarket. There are plenty of beautiful mansions, high-end shops,<br />
riverfront restaurants and the picturesque Georgetown University.<br />
Washington Monument – Built to honour George Washington, the 169<br />
metre marble obelisk towers over the city and there are some pretty<br />
amazing views. You do need tickets, you can either queue up on the day<br />
on a first-come, first-served basis, or book online in advance.<br />
©Sean Pavone<br />
44
Chicago<br />
©City of Chicago<br />
A perfect day in Chicago<br />
Is Chicago your kind of town? Jazz and blues bars, towering skyscrapers<br />
and one HUGE lake – Chicago has a vibrant energy that reflects its diverse<br />
culture. By day the shopping is superb and at night the music scene comes<br />
alive. Not to mention the architecture that Chicago is famous for, which<br />
has a lot to do with the rebuilding of the city after the great fire of 1871.<br />
In contrast to the towering skyscrapers are the Art Deco gems and the<br />
parklands on the banks of Lake Michigan where you can join the locals on<br />
the water or take a stroll in the park.<br />
The morning is the best time of the day to head to Millennium Park to see<br />
the famous ‘bean’. This silver sculpture, known officially as Cloud Gate,<br />
makes for some great photos as the city buildings reflect onto the sculpture.<br />
From here the Art Institute of Chicago is just a 5 minute stroll through the<br />
park and has one of the world’s largest collections of French impressionist<br />
paintings, along with the cool designed modern wing with its contemporary<br />
art collection.<br />
Take a stroll along the Chicago Riverwalk where there is a string of little<br />
parks, dining areas and many excellent photo opportunities. You will<br />
definitely want to take in the city’s diverse architecture. This is where the<br />
first skyscraper was built and today you’ll see modern mirrored skyscrapers<br />
standing alongside beautiful historic gems. A great way to see the highlights<br />
and learn the history is on an architecture river cruise.<br />
When you’re ready for dinner you’ll be spoilt for choice as Chicago has an<br />
amazing culinary scene with celebrity chefs, more than 20 Michelin star<br />
restaurants, rooftop bars, ethnic dining from around the globe and lots of<br />
local favourites.<br />
Our favourite places to stay:<br />
• Holiday Inn & Suites<br />
• DoubleTree Chicago Magnicifent Mile<br />
• Palmer House Hilton<br />
Our favourite things to see and do<br />
Sport – Depending on the time of year, you’ll be able to join the sports mad<br />
locals at a Bears, Bulls, White Sox, Cubs or Blackhawks game.<br />
Navy Pier – Ride on the ferris wheel that’s modelled after the very first<br />
ferris wheel ever built for Chicago’s 1893 World Expo. You can also take lake<br />
cruises from here.<br />
Great Views – Get up high and see for miles from either the Willis Tower’s<br />
Skydeck (the second tallest building in America) or if you’re feeling<br />
brave you can ‘tilt’ over the city at 360 Chicago – where the moving glass<br />
enclosure leans you over the edge of the John Hancock Centre.<br />
Deep Dish Pizza – Indulge in some cheesy goodness at the famous<br />
pizzerias that serve up the huge and delicious deep dish pizza. Uno Pizzeria<br />
& Grill (a mainstay since 1943) and Giordano’s are two good pizza spots.<br />
Hot Dogs – The Chicago way is with seven toppings; mustard, onions,<br />
bright green sweet relish, a dill pickle, tomato slices, spicy pickled peppers<br />
and a dash of celery salt. And absolutely no ketchup.<br />
Music – They say the term ‘jazz’ was first coined in Chicago back in 1914,<br />
and there are still many great live jazz clubs around the city, Andy’s is<br />
a good one to check out. If blues is more your style then Buddy Guy’s<br />
Legends is a great place to start. The man himself still plays there quite<br />
often and has a residency in January.<br />
Music Festivals – Hear living legends at the Chicago Jazz Festival, which<br />
occurs over the U.S. Labour Day weekend. Or if you’re more rock ‘n’ roll<br />
than jazz the famous Lollapalooza Music Festival is 03-06 August <strong>2017</strong>.<br />
Theatre – There is an amazing theatre scene with five Tony award-winning<br />
theatre companies, and over 200 theatres in total. You can find anything<br />
from a Broadway show to an edgy original play, along with a symphony<br />
orchestra, dance companies and a world-class opera company.<br />
Public Art – In the heart of the downtown ‘Loop’ area there is some great<br />
public art including a massive Picasso sculpture and a Chagall mosaic.<br />
Dinosaurs – Pay a visit to The Field Museum to see the largest, most<br />
complete, best preserved T.Rex ever discovered. They call her Sue!<br />
Shopping – The Magnificent Mile is a history packed section of Michigan<br />
Ave and has loads of shopping and dining. And State Street is another good<br />
spot to hit the shops, check out the Macy’s here, it’s in a lovely historic<br />
building.<br />
©A Alexander Photography<br />
45
Experience<br />
Orlando<br />
There are smiles, and then there are heart-racing, taste-bud tempting,<br />
once-in-a-lifetime smiles; those are the kinds of smiles waiting for you<br />
in Orlando. There’s Walt Disney World Resort that has to be seen to be<br />
believed – four theme parks and two water parks cover 69 square kilometres<br />
wrapped up with shopping at Disney Springs. Then there is Universal Studios<br />
Florida with two theme parks, including two exciting Harry Potter lands –<br />
Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley – as well as their own water park. There’s also<br />
entertainment at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex and in contrast to<br />
the theme parks, Cape Canaveral is nearby on the coast, so put aside a day<br />
to visit Kennedy Space Centre. There is so much diversity, so much to do –<br />
you’ll need to come back again!<br />
46
Walt Disney World Resort Parks & Tickets<br />
Magic Kingdom Park<br />
5<br />
Disney’s Animal Kingdom<br />
ThemePark<br />
Epcot<br />
4<br />
1<br />
Disney’s Blizzard<br />
Beach Water Park<br />
Disney’s Hollywood Studios<br />
3<br />
Disney Springs<br />
ESPN Wide World of<br />
Sports Complex<br />
2<br />
Disney’s Typhoon<br />
Lagoon Water Park<br />
Walt Disney World Resort Park<br />
Tickets<br />
Magic Kingdom Park<br />
Epcot<br />
A Magic Your Way Base Ticket provides entry<br />
to one of the four Walt Disney World Resort<br />
Theme Parks for each ticket day (3-10 day<br />
options). You can also include options like the<br />
Park Hopper – where you visit multiple Disney<br />
Theme Parks on the same day or the Water<br />
Park Fun & More Option – where you add<br />
visits to Disney Water Parks.<br />
Live the fantasy as Disney stories come to life<br />
– from voyages with pirates to timeless tales<br />
with princesses. Catch the newest stage show,<br />
Mickey’s Royal Friendship Faire, at Cinderella<br />
Castle. Zoom to the furthest reaches of the<br />
galaxy. And meet some favourite Disney<br />
Characters in person!<br />
Must-See: Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Disney<br />
Festival of Fantasy Parade, Splash Mountain,<br />
Space Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain<br />
Railroad, Nighttime Fireworks Spectacular.<br />
Sail into Arendelle with Anna, Elsa and<br />
friends on the Frozen Ever After attraction.<br />
Fly over spectacular scenic wonders on every<br />
continent on the re-imagined Soarin’ Around<br />
the World. Explore the cultures, cuisine and<br />
fun of 11 great nations and cap it off with<br />
fireworks and lasers!<br />
Must-See: Soarin’, Mission: SPACE Presented<br />
by HP, Test Track Presented by Chevrolet ® ,<br />
World Showcase, IllumiNations: Reflections<br />
of Earth<br />
Disney’s Hollywood Studios<br />
The Force is stronger than ever! Inside Star<br />
Wars Launch Bay, come face-to-face with<br />
some favourite Characters. Experience the<br />
soaring music and nighttime fireworks of Star<br />
Wars: A Galactic Spectacular. Plus, play games<br />
with Toy Story pals, drop down a haunted<br />
elevator shaft and rock on a wild coaster ride!<br />
Must-See: The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror,<br />
Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith,<br />
Star Tours – The Adventures Continue, Toy<br />
Story Mania!, Fantasmic!<br />
Disney’s Animal Kingdom<br />
Theme Park<br />
The magic of nature now comes alive<br />
both day and night! Take a picturesque<br />
safari expedition. Brave a Yeti and twisting<br />
mountain passes. Enjoy festive dance parties.<br />
Even sing and clap along with some special<br />
Disney friends on stage!<br />
Must-See: Expedition Everest, Finding<br />
Nemo – The Musical, Festival of the Lion King,<br />
DINOSAUR, Kali River Rapids, Pandora – The<br />
World of AVATAR (opening <strong>2017</strong>)<br />
Disney’s Water Parks<br />
Drop in, chill out and cool off at two<br />
splashtacular Water Parks – overflowing with<br />
thrill rides, chill rides, relaxing lounge areas,<br />
wave pools, snorkelling adventures and much<br />
more.<br />
Must-See: Humunga Kowabunga at Disney’s<br />
Typhoon Lagoon Water Park, Crush ‘n’<br />
Gusher at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water<br />
Park, Cross Country Creek at Disney’s Blizzard<br />
Beach Water Park, Summit Plummet at<br />
Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park<br />
As to Disney artwork, logos, and properties: ©Disney. ©Disney/Pixar. ©Disney/Lucasfilm Ltd.<br />
47
Walt Disney World Resort Hotels<br />
Disney’s All Star Movies Resort<br />
1<br />
Disney’s Art of Animation Resort<br />
2<br />
This great value resort showcases some neat Disney films with themed<br />
courtyard areas, like the dotted pups of 101 Dalmatians and the playful<br />
toys of Andy’s room with larger-than-life décor. There is a big Fantasiathemed<br />
pool where sorcerer Mickey sprays water and for the little ones<br />
there’s a kiddie pool and water play area. On selected nights they even<br />
show Disney films poolside.<br />
Explore the storybook landscapes seen in such classics as Finding Nemo,<br />
Cars, The Lion King and The Little Mermaid with delightfully themed<br />
family suites and amazing courtyards and pools. There are three pools,<br />
the main is the largest at Walt Disney World, and is inspired by Finding<br />
Nemo, with a cool interactive water play area. The kids will feel like they<br />
are part of their favourite movies.<br />
Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort<br />
3<br />
Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter<br />
4<br />
Relax as lush gardens, warm breezes and the distant sound of steel<br />
drums beckon. Six brightly coloured ‘island’ villages surround a<br />
sparkling lake with sand beaches, heated pools, a marina, bike rentals<br />
and a nature trail. A food court, shopping bazaar, restaurant and two<br />
lounges give this resort the colour of the Caribbean. A limited number of<br />
specially themed Pirate Rooms provide added adventure with pirate ship<br />
beds and swashbuckling décor.<br />
Get caught up in the romance and fun of New Orleans’s historic French<br />
Quarter at this amazingly themed resort. There are cobblestone streets,<br />
gas lamps, wrought-iron balconies and fragrant magnolia blossoms<br />
evoking the Antebellum era and colourful Mardi Gras characters and jazz<br />
keep things lively. There’s a Mardi Gras themed pool area with a water<br />
slide, hot tub and a pool bar close by.<br />
Disney’s Wilderness Lodge<br />
5<br />
Walt Disney World Resort Hotel Guest Benefits<br />
Inspired by American turn-of-the-century National Park lodges, this<br />
resort is something else! Discover towering totem poles, headdresses<br />
or sink into a plush leather armchair in front of the roaring fireplace.<br />
Outside, sit in a rocking chair overlooking a creek, wander along a nature<br />
trail through a pine forest, or whiz down the waterslide into the pool<br />
surrounded by trees and boulders.<br />
Complimentary Airport Service – Disney’s Magical Express transports<br />
hotel guests and their bags between Orlando International Airport and their<br />
Disney Resort hotel.<br />
Complimentary Transportation – Motor coaches, ferryboats and<br />
monorails provide convenient guest access across Walt Disney World Resort.<br />
Complimentary Disney Merchandise Delivery – Arrange to have your<br />
Theme Park purchases delivered directly to your hotel.<br />
Extended Theme Park Hours – Enjoy Extra Magic Hours, with access<br />
to select attractions at one Theme Park each day beyond the standard<br />
operating schedule.<br />
48<br />
As to Disney artwork, logos, and properties: ©Disney. ©Disney/Pixar. ©Disney/Lucasfilm Ltd.
Orlando Accommodation<br />
Vineland Rd<br />
Crowne Plaza Universal<br />
This is a great spot just off International Drive which means you are in<br />
strolling distance to a great array of restaurants, shops and attractions.<br />
There’s also a free shuttle that takes you to Universal Studios, SeaWorld<br />
and Walt Disney World’s main transport centre, so getting out and about<br />
is hassle free. There’s a pool and games arcade at the hotel to keep the<br />
kids entertained too.<br />
1<br />
Universal<br />
Orlando<br />
Resort<br />
Universal’s<br />
Islands of<br />
Adventure<br />
Turkey Lake Rd<br />
3<br />
Wet 'n Wild<br />
Kirkman Rd<br />
Major Blvd<br />
Oakridge Rd<br />
International Drive<br />
to Orlando<br />
International<br />
Airport<br />
International Dr<br />
1<br />
Universal Blvd<br />
Sand Lake Rd<br />
Westwoo<br />
Turkey Lake Rd<br />
Pointe Plaza Ave<br />
Universal Blvd<br />
4<br />
Doubletree by Hilton Orlando at SeaWorld<br />
Relax in a tropical setting or put on the walking shoes and head next<br />
door to SeaWorld. The next day hop on a shuttle to Walt Disney World<br />
Resort or Universal Studios. Round off the day with miniature golf for the<br />
family or a spa treatment for mum.<br />
2<br />
Big Sand<br />
Lake<br />
Palm Parkway<br />
Westwood Blvd<br />
2<br />
SeaWorld<br />
Central Florida Parkway<br />
Discovery<br />
Cove<br />
Martin Anderson Beachline Expy<br />
Aquatica<br />
Orangewood Blvd<br />
Walt Disney World Resort<br />
(18 kms)<br />
Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort<br />
3 Hilton Orlando<br />
4<br />
This is a fun, bright, retro themed resort right in the heart of Universal’s<br />
theme parks. It’s also great if you need some time to chill out with two<br />
massive pools, with a water slide and a lazy river, a bowling alley and<br />
a games arcade. There are free shuttles to both of the Universal Theme<br />
Parks and you even get in to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter one<br />
hour before the park opens.<br />
A great spot with lots of Orlando’s attractions a stone’s throw away.<br />
It’s about a 15 minute drive to the entrance of Walt Disney World, five<br />
minutes from SeaWorld, 10 to Universal Orlando and the dining and<br />
shopping precinct of International Drive is a quick walk away. There are<br />
two great pools, a lazy river, water slide, whirl pool and cabanas or a<br />
putting green and jogging track for the more energetic.<br />
49
Orlando Sightseeing<br />
Orlando City Tour<br />
Discover the city<br />
of Orlando and the<br />
surrounding region<br />
on this full-day<br />
sightseeing bus tour<br />
and boat cruise. Learn<br />
about the history of<br />
Orlando and enjoy<br />
a scenic boat ride<br />
through the lakes<br />
and canals of historic<br />
Winter Park. Then<br />
head south to the<br />
City of Celebration,<br />
Walt Disney World’s<br />
vision of the perfect<br />
community created<br />
in 1994.<br />
SeaWorld<br />
Orlando<br />
With 200 acres of<br />
world-class shows,<br />
thrilling rides and<br />
unforgettable<br />
animal<br />
encounters you<br />
won’t be short<br />
of things to do!<br />
State-of-the-art<br />
rides such as Kraken and Journey to Atlantis<br />
twist, turn, and drench you, while there are<br />
also amazing animal encounters.<br />
St. Augustine Day Trip<br />
Head north east to the <strong>USA</strong>’s oldest city St.<br />
Augustine. This charming waterfront city<br />
has an old world feel with history abundant.<br />
Wander the cobble streets, enjoy the<br />
excellent food in one of the many promenade<br />
cafés, take a tour of the waterfront Fort or<br />
just relax and enjoy the ambience.<br />
Airboat Ride<br />
Take a closer look at alligators and exotic<br />
wildlife as you glide through 4200 acres of<br />
untouched nature reserve, the swamp is free<br />
of any development and is 100% pure Florida<br />
wilderness. After your 30 minute airboat ride<br />
you’ll have time to explore at Wild Florida a<br />
wildlife park with plenty of exotic animals.<br />
Universal Orlando ® Resort<br />
Experience the fun of two amazing theme parks<br />
– Universal Studios ® and Universal’s Islands of<br />
Adventure ® – spectacular on-site hotels, the<br />
unique dining and entertainment of Universal<br />
CityWalk ® , plus more. It’s a universe of action,<br />
thrills and excitement for the whole family.<br />
Kennedy<br />
Space<br />
Centre<br />
Explore<br />
space<br />
travel and<br />
experience<br />
history<br />
in the<br />
making. An<br />
incredible<br />
glimpse<br />
of what goes on at the <strong>USA</strong>’s government<br />
installation that manages and operates<br />
America’s astronaut launch facilities. If you<br />
want to take this a step further, there is an<br />
option to have lunch with an astronaut.<br />
50
Miami<br />
A perfect day in Miami<br />
Travel down the east coast of the United States and eventually you’ll<br />
find yourself in Miami, on a finger of land that pokes between the<br />
Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. You’re only a few degrees shy of<br />
the tropics, and that sultry atmosphere is enhanced by the rich variety of<br />
cultural influences.<br />
Head across the bridge from Miami Beach, passing plenty of cruise<br />
ships in dock on the way, to the heart of the downtown area. It is in a<br />
picturesque setting with the skyscrapers of the city alongside Biscayne<br />
Bay. Between the water and the city sits Bayfront Park, overlooking the<br />
marina. It’s a nice park which also has shopping and dining options.<br />
You’ll definitely want to check out Calle Ocho in Little Havana, the<br />
vibrant Cuban neighbourhood. Calle Ocho is the main street in Little<br />
Havana where fruit stands, art galleries, Cuban restaurants and cigar<br />
shops line the avenue. The famous domino park is an open air area with<br />
tables where locals while away the afternoon playing dominoes.<br />
Next, it’s back to buzzing Miami Beach for a wander along the boardwalk<br />
where you can gaze over the white sand and crystal blue waters or to<br />
admire the beautiful Art Deco architecture. In 1926 South Beach was<br />
flattened by a huge hurricane and the subsequent building boom meant<br />
a concentration of Art Deco buildings. They really are gorgeous and if<br />
you stroll south between Ocean Drive and Collins Avenue, you will see<br />
many of the most impressive examples.<br />
Our favourite places to stay:<br />
• Holiday Inn Miami Beach Oceanfront<br />
• Surfcomber Hotel South Beach<br />
• Royal Palm South Beach<br />
• Loews Miami Beach Hotel<br />
Our favourite things to see and do<br />
Hop on Hop off Tour – This is a great way to get to the different areas of<br />
Miami and to learn about the city along the way.<br />
Ocean Drive – Fronting the beach in South Beach there are lots of cafés<br />
and bars along here. It is the place to be and be seen.<br />
Art Deco Museum – This small exhibit will teach you all about the major<br />
historic design styles in Miami Beach (Mediterranean Revival, Art Deco<br />
and Miami Modern). They also take walking tours from here.<br />
Lifeguard Towers – All along the beach are the funky, brightly painted<br />
lifeguard towers that the area is famous for, they are dotted along the<br />
beach and all are different – great for photo ops.<br />
Española Way – This is a cute little pedestrian street in South Beach<br />
that has a good selection of restaurants including a traditional Cuban<br />
restaurant.<br />
South Pointe Park – A nice park at the southern end of South Beach with<br />
great views up Miami Beach and into the port. You can also see across to<br />
Fisher Island which is an exclusive private island community.<br />
Bike Tours – Miami is very flat, so bike tours are a great way to explore.<br />
Some of the most popular are the Little Havana Bike Tour, Art Deco<br />
Segway Tour and the Miami Beach Bike Tour.<br />
Everglades – This preserved ecological system is just an hour’s drive<br />
and is the third largest National Park in the U.S. These lush subtropical<br />
wetlands occupy 1.5 million acres of sawgrass prairies, saltwater marshes<br />
and a diverse population of wildlife that includes bald eagles, white-tailed<br />
deer, and of course the alligators.<br />
Key West Tour – If you don’t have time to spend in the Florida Keys this<br />
is a great way to get a taste. You will head down to Key West and once<br />
there you’ll have free time to do your own thing.<br />
Museum Park – This park in the central city holds lots of outdoor<br />
events and is home to two excellent museums. The Perez Art Museum,<br />
housed in an impressive state of the art building, and the Patricia &<br />
Phillip Frost Museum of Science that reopened in 2016 after an extensive<br />
refurbishment.<br />
Vizcaya Museum & Gardens – This is a very grand European style<br />
mansion with lovely gardens that were built in the early 1900s. They<br />
retain much of their original character and you’ll be forgiven for thinking<br />
you’ve just popped to Italy.<br />
51
Florida Keys<br />
A perfect day in the Florida Keys<br />
Florida Keys is one of the most unique places on earth. Calm. Serene.<br />
Laid back. Just the right setting to recharge your batteries and rejuvenate<br />
your spirits.<br />
Start your Keys experience on your drive south from Miami to Key Largo<br />
– the gateway to the Keys, about an hour’s drive from Miami.<br />
Once in Key Largo, kick off your shoes and put on your togs. This is the<br />
perfect place to explore dazzling underwater parks and reef.<br />
The real fun begins at mile marker 113, where the Florida Keys Scenic<br />
Highway begins. From Key Largo to Key West you’ll cross 42 bridges over<br />
bright blue water, including the engineering marvel that is the Seven<br />
Mile Bridge.<br />
Next you’ll hit Islamorada – why not have a go at game-fishing before<br />
heading further south to Marathon, right in the heart of the Keys<br />
and a place where pirates once roamed. Here you can check out the<br />
archaeological digs at Crane Point Hammock which have revealed over<br />
seven centuries of natural treasures.<br />
Last but not least, you’ll arrive in Key West – the end of the line and the<br />
southernmost point in the United States. An island city of palm-lined<br />
streets boasting Victorian homes and gingerbread conch houses, head to<br />
Duval Street in Old Town Key West where you’ll find the best restaurants<br />
and shops.<br />
Finish up your day by enjoying a cocktail watching a spectacular sunset<br />
and mixing with the fun-loving locals.<br />
Our favourite places to stay:<br />
• Key West Marriott Beachside Hotel<br />
• Orchid Key Inn, Key West<br />
• The Marker Waterfront Resort<br />
Our favourite things to see and do<br />
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park – A perfect introduction to<br />
the Florida Keys, this nature reserve offers snorkelling, diving, camping<br />
and kayaking. An underwater highlight is the massive Christ of the Deep<br />
statue.<br />
Under the Sea – Whether you scuba dive, snorkel, or ride a glass-bottom<br />
boat, don’t miss gazing at the coral reef.<br />
Sunset at Mallory Square – Witness the circus-like atmosphere of this<br />
nightly celebration, it might seem touristy but it’s a must for all first time<br />
visitors.<br />
Duval Crawl – Shop, eat and drink. Key West’s Duval Street and the<br />
nearby streets make a good day’s worth of window-shopping and peoplewatching.<br />
On the Water – From angling for trophy-size fish to zipping out to the<br />
Dry Tortugas, you just have to get out on the water.<br />
Key Largo – The best place for first time divers and one of the best<br />
places to learn is at the Key Largo National Maritime Sanctuary which has<br />
kilometres of coral reefs.<br />
Islamorda – This is one of the world’s top game-fishing destinations. For<br />
nearly 100 years, seasoned anglers have fished the clear, warm waters<br />
teeming with trophy-worthy fish.<br />
Marathon – Boasting some of the best boating activities anywhere,<br />
including deep-sea, reef or flats fishing, plus a local sand bar, waterfront<br />
restaurants, Jet-ski tours, kayaking, paddle-boarding, or just cruise the<br />
turquoise waters.<br />
Key West – A beautiful tropical island, where the moonflowers bloom at<br />
night and the classical Caribbean homes give off an air of romanticism.<br />
Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory – Walk through a magical<br />
environment filled with hundreds of the most beautiful butterflies, an<br />
impressive collection of flowering plants, colourful birds and cascading<br />
waterfalls.<br />
The Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum – Right in Old Town Key<br />
West, this unique property was home to one of America’s most respected<br />
authors. Ernest Hemingway lived and wrote here for more than 10 years.<br />
Step back in time and visit the rooms and gardens that witnessed the most<br />
prolific period of this Nobel Prize winner’s writing career.<br />
52
Experience<br />
The South<br />
It’s all about soul... smell the cornbread, hear the blues in Tennessee and the<br />
sound of jazz in Louisiana. Enjoy music, food and culture in exciting cities all<br />
across Texas.<br />
The ole Mississippi River flows down to New Orleans, Louisiana. A city that<br />
has gone through tragedies but the soul is still there. Jazz and the blues bring<br />
the French Quarter to life along the famous Bourbon Street and oh that Creole<br />
and Cajun cuisine thrills the senses. The city celebrates food and fun during<br />
the world-famous ‘Mardi Gras’ held every year just before the 40 days of Lent.<br />
Memphis, Tennessee, known more these days as the home of Elvis Presley, is<br />
where the sound of blues began when W.C. Handy penned the first blues song.<br />
Graceland and Beale Street are two famous addresses in the heart of the south.<br />
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA<br />
TEXAS<br />
KANSAS<br />
San Antonio<br />
Topeka<br />
Oklahoma<br />
City<br />
OKLAHOMA<br />
Dallas<br />
Houston<br />
ILLINOIS<br />
Kansas<br />
City St Louis<br />
MISSOURI<br />
ARKANSAS<br />
Little<br />
Rock<br />
LOUISIANA<br />
Baton<br />
Rouge<br />
Nashville<br />
TENNESSEE<br />
Memphis<br />
ALABAMA<br />
MISSISSIPPI<br />
Jackson<br />
WEST<br />
VIRGINIA<br />
Frankfort<br />
Charleston Richmond<br />
New Orleans<br />
KENTUCKY<br />
Atlanta<br />
GEORGIA<br />
Montgomery<br />
VIRGINIA<br />
Raleigh<br />
NORTH<br />
CAROLINA<br />
Columbia<br />
SOUTH<br />
CAROLINA<br />
Savannah<br />
Jacksonville<br />
FLORIDA<br />
Orlando<br />
Tampa<br />
Discover the capital of country music – Nashville, Tennessee. Live music can<br />
be seen and heard every day and night of the week. With more than 130 music<br />
venues, featuring nearly every genre of music, it’s easy to see why this is the<br />
city that ‘music calls home’.<br />
Texas cities beat with a pulse all of their own. They’re richly historic and<br />
cutting-edge modern, full of unique culture, iconic architecture and music<br />
that’s second to none. Steeped in cowboy lore, Texas proudly holds onto<br />
its heritage. Delve into the history by visiting the Alamo in San Antonio and<br />
museums in Houston, or live out cowboy dreams on a dude ranch. When you<br />
get hungry, grab a bite of Tex-Mex cuisine or world-famous Texas barbecue. No<br />
matter what kind of adventure you’re looking for, you’ll find it in Texas.<br />
MEXICO<br />
GULF OF MEXICO<br />
Fort Lauderdale<br />
Miami<br />
Florida Keys<br />
53
New Orleans<br />
A perfect day in New Orleans<br />
Home to scores of jazz music, a plethora of history and piles of mouthwatering<br />
treats. New Orleans is a true melting pot of cultures and has<br />
an enchanting atmosphere. Try all the classic New Orleans flavours –<br />
beignets, po boys, gumbo and jambalaya all whilst listening to some toe<br />
tapping jazz or blues. New Orleans is a vibrant, buzzing, history laden<br />
city and is a fantastic place to spend some time.<br />
Start the day by wandering through the French Quarter, it is only a 13<br />
block by seven block area and the buildings are just gorgeous. There are<br />
many different styles of architecture blending Spanish, French, Creole<br />
and American styles together with walled courtyards, intricate cast iron<br />
balconies, cottages, mansions and lots of bright colours.<br />
Jackson Square is the central point of the French Quarter, and has plenty<br />
of buskers and artists selling their works all around the square and just<br />
across the street is the famous Café du Monde. Opened in 1862 it is famous<br />
for its beignets and chickory coffee, this is all they sell and there is often a<br />
queue, even though it is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.<br />
You will also want to explore the Garden District, this is a gorgeous part<br />
of town, full of beautiful old mansions, with lovely gardens. You can<br />
easily get to the Garden District by street car, it’s a fun way to get around<br />
the city.<br />
In the evening you will be ready to hear some music! Bourbon Street is<br />
the famous central street that has many bars and music venues and this<br />
is party central. If you prefer something a bit more low key, then head<br />
to Frenchmen Street. Just a 10 minute walk from the heart of French<br />
Quarter, there are two blocks of great live music venues.<br />
Our favourite places to stay:<br />
• Wyndham French Quarter<br />
• Maison Dupuy Hotel<br />
• Hotel Monteleone<br />
Our favourite things to see and do<br />
Cooking Schools – If you’re interested in the local food then this is a<br />
great way to not only learn how to make the local delicacies but to also<br />
learn about the history of the food and culture.<br />
Royal Street – Running parallel to Bourbon Street it’s bursting with<br />
boutiques, art galleries, antique stores and restaurants.<br />
Walking or Biking Tours – These are a great way to learn about the<br />
fascinating history of the city and to see some little hidden gems you may<br />
not find on your own.<br />
Cemeteries – Some of the cemeteries in New Orleans are also tourist<br />
attractions with their elaborate crypts and mausoleums. St Louis<br />
Cemetery #1 and Lafayette Cemetery #1 are the most popular.<br />
World War II Museum – This museum is consistently rated as the top<br />
thing to do in New Orleans and is an incredible interactive museum.<br />
Mardi Gras World – This gives you a great history of the Mardi Gras, you<br />
can even watch artisans making the floats.<br />
Preservation Hall – This is an amazing 45 minute acoustic show in an<br />
historic, intimate venue in the French Quarter. It’s been around since 1961<br />
and has three shows most nights, you need to queue as it’s first-in-firstserved<br />
or there are very limited seats on a pre-sale basis.<br />
Swamp Tours – Head out to the nearby swampland (bayou) where<br />
you’ll go by boat into the bayou. Cruise along checking out the wildlife<br />
(including alligators) and flora and hear about the Cajun history.<br />
Plantation Home Tours – Within an hour’s drive of the city you can see<br />
a number of beautiful plantation homes. Some of the most famous ones<br />
are Laura Plantation, a creole style home with a fascinating family history<br />
and Oak Alley Plantation. This stunning mansion is in a very picturesque<br />
location at the end of an oak liked drive.<br />
Local Delicacies – Food in Louisiana is different to anywhere else in<br />
the U.S. The Creole and Cajun food is prevalent on menus in all levels<br />
of restaurants and you will see things such as crawfish etouffee, gumbo,<br />
jambalaya, mufulettas and po-boys.<br />
54
A<br />
Louisiana<br />
Louisiana’s cultural bounty is endless – whether<br />
you’re a music lover, history enthusiast, foodie or<br />
outdoor adventurer you are going to be spoilt for<br />
choice. Louisiana has an unparalleled diversity of<br />
cultures which contributing to the food, architecture<br />
and history of this fascinating place.<br />
6 days/5 nights Suggested Self-Drive<br />
Day 1-2: New Orleans<br />
You’ll love exploring New Orleans!<br />
Day 3: New Orleans – Baton Rouge (130km)<br />
You can visit one of the largest plantation homes in the South, Nottoway<br />
Plantation and relive the fascinating history. Then hit Baton Rouge, the<br />
capital of Louisiana, check out the cute downtown Main Street and then<br />
take a free guided tour of the “New” State Capitol, which is the largest<br />
state capitol building in the United States.<br />
LOUISIANA<br />
Lafayette<br />
Baton Rouge<br />
Houma<br />
New Orleans<br />
Day 4: Baton Rouge – Lafayette (93km)<br />
Get your taste buds ready as Lafayette is the heart of the Cajun country<br />
so you will be feasting on some amazing food as they have a bustling<br />
culinary scene along with rich cultural heritage.<br />
Day 5: Lafayette – Houma (164km)<br />
Venture into Houma’s swamps and wetlands with exotic birds, brilliant<br />
flora, raccoons and a wide assortment of reptiles, including of course<br />
alligators. The historical downtown district of Houma has centuries-old<br />
architecture.<br />
Day 6: Houma – New Orleans (90km)<br />
Head back to New Orleans via plantation country where you could see<br />
Evergreen Plantation, Laura Plantation and Oak Alley just to name a few.<br />
Rental car: Hertz (Group B) from $81 per day<br />
Our favourite places to stay:<br />
• Maison Dupuy Hotel, New Orleans<br />
• Butler Greenwood Plantation & Bed and Breakfast, St Francisville<br />
• T’Frere’s House, Lafayette<br />
• The Inn at Houmas House Plantation and Gardens, Darrow<br />
GULF OF MEXICO<br />
Highlights worth seeing along the way<br />
Rural Life Museum, Baton Rouge – This open air museum shows how<br />
life was in 18 th and 19 th century rural Louisiana. It’s a great way to see the<br />
lifestyle and ways in which people lived.<br />
St. Francisville – This quaint small town has a historic main street,<br />
plantation homes, antique shops, boutiques, art galleries and museums.<br />
Acadian Village, Lafayette – An authentic showcase of historic homes<br />
alongside winding bayous depicting the unique Acadian architecture of<br />
the time.<br />
Whitney Plantation – This plantation museum focusses on slavery<br />
through art, exhibits, restored buildings and hundreds of first-hand<br />
accounts of life as a slave. It gives a unique perspective of the lives of<br />
Louisiana’s enslaved people.<br />
Greenwood Gator Farm – Learn all about alligators up close… and we<br />
mean REAL CLOSE! You will see these large creatures and may even see<br />
them hatch from eggs.<br />
Tabasco – Avery Island is the home of world-famous Tabasco sauce and is<br />
surrounded by swamps and marshes where pepper fields grow. There is<br />
a self-guided, 10-stop Tabasco tour that will take you through the Tabasco<br />
Museum, the greenhouse, the barrel warehouse and the factory building.<br />
©Sandy Sulivan<br />
©Ashley Bischoff<br />
The price guide shown is per car hire based on 5-7 day hire rate. Price shown does not include Earlybird or other discounted offers. Specials and surcharges may apply depending on travel date<br />
55
Memphis<br />
A perfect day in Memphis<br />
Memphis, Tennessee, is where the sound of blues began when W.C.<br />
Handy penned the first blues song and where rock ‘n’ roll was born. The<br />
music is still alive and well today and Beale Street throbs with music at<br />
any time of the day or night.<br />
The Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum is definitely the first place to visit, created<br />
by the Smithsonian Institute it is an excellent museum. It begins with a<br />
short film about the history of music in the south you then continue on<br />
with an audio tour that takes you on a chronological journey through<br />
Memphis’ music milestones. There is plenty of memorabilia and a great<br />
selection of tunes to listen to.<br />
From here there is a free shuttle that takes you to Graceland about a<br />
15 minute drive away. Starting from the main ticket where you pick up<br />
your audio/iPad tour you then bus across the street to the Graceland<br />
mansion. You wander through at your own pace with the audio tour<br />
giving some fascinating insights into Elvis and his time living here. The<br />
rest of the Graceland complex has Elvis’ car collection, private plane and<br />
memorabilia.<br />
Next it’s back on the free shuttle to Sun Studios, where you’ll hear more<br />
about Elvis’ career as it was here that he cut his first demo. There is a<br />
guided tour of a small museum and then you head into the actual studio<br />
where Elvis along with other greats such as Jerry Lee Lewis and Johnny<br />
Cash recorded.<br />
By now you’ll be ready for some refreshments so it’s time to hit Beale<br />
Street, the downtown street with two blocks of live music venues – BB<br />
Kings Blues club is a great place to start.<br />
Our favourite places to stay:<br />
• Comfort Inn Downtown<br />
• DoubleTree by Hilton Memphis<br />
• The Peabody Hotel<br />
Our favourite things to see and do<br />
Stax Museum of American Soul – As churches were the birthplace<br />
of soul the tour starts in a church that has been reassembled inside the<br />
museum. There’s a great video that gives insights into how things were<br />
when Stax Studios was formed and the huge impact Stax had on soul<br />
music.<br />
National Civil Rights Museum – Memphis has a very rich history in<br />
the civil rights movement and is where Dr Martin Luther King Jr. was<br />
assassinated. The actual motel where this happened is now part of this<br />
excellent museum. It takes you on a historical journey through slavery,<br />
the civil war and into more modern history such as the Rosa Parks bus<br />
boycott, the freedom rides in 1961 and the student sit ins of the 1960s.<br />
Peabody Ducks – These ducks live at the Peabody Hotel and every day at<br />
11 am they come down the elevator and head to the fountain in the lobby<br />
where they spend the day. Then at 5pm, off they go again and march<br />
through the lobby and back into the lift to head upstairs for the night. This<br />
has been going on since the 1930s. Get there early to get a good vantage<br />
point.<br />
BBQ – Memphis is home to more than 100 BBQ restaurants so finding the<br />
local delicacy will not be an issue. The question is whether you like your<br />
BBQ wet or dry, slab or pulled, hot, mild, tangy or sweet? Charlie Vergos<br />
Restaurant has been making their BBQ since 1948 and are still going<br />
strong, it’s a great place to try.<br />
Cooper & Young – This is where the locals hang out, at the intersection<br />
of Cooper Street and Young Avenue. Grab a cab here and then within a<br />
few steps in any direction, you can hear some great music and find some<br />
great restaurants.<br />
Gibson Guitars – Take a tour of Gibson’s Memphis guitar factory and see<br />
Gibson’s skilled Luthiers craft some of the finest guitars in the world. See<br />
and hear how Gibson has helped shape the world of music for over 100<br />
years.<br />
Memphis Music Hall of Fame – Showcasing some of the greatest<br />
musicians of all time, each were responsible for shaping modern music<br />
and changing the world forever right from Memphis.<br />
©Tenessee Department of Tourism<br />
56
Nashville<br />
©Nashville Convention & Visitors Corpoation<br />
A perfect day in Nashville<br />
Discover the capital of country music – Nashville, Tennessee. Live<br />
music can be seen and heard every day and night of the week. With<br />
more than 130 music venues, featuring nearly every genre of music and<br />
a rich history of music since its very beginnings it’s easy to see why they<br />
call themselves ‘Music City’.<br />
A great place to start your stay is the Country Music Hall of Fame. It<br />
has more than 2.5 million artefacts, including countless recordings and<br />
photographs, costumes, instruments, and more. There is also the hall<br />
of fame, a rotunda where you’ll see brass plaques to those who have<br />
received the highest honour in country music.<br />
From here you can get the shuttle to RCA Studio B to do a guided tour.<br />
Here, from 1957-1977, there was some amazing country and pop music<br />
recorded, they are referred to as the studio of 1000 hits and say that<br />
very few other studios can claim as many hits as them. Some of the<br />
artists who recorded here were The Everly Brothers, Dolly Parton, Elvis<br />
Presley, Roy Orbison & Charley Pride.<br />
After you get the shuttle back to the heart of the city you’re just a block<br />
to Lower Broadway or ‘Honky Tonk Row’. A honky tonk is basically a bar<br />
that has a stage and live music and Honky Tonk Row is jam packed with<br />
them. They have live music day and night and don’t cost a thing, there<br />
are no cover charges to get in, but there are tip jars for the band so you<br />
can show your appreciation that way. Many a famous country music star<br />
started their careers on this amazing street – so you may see the next star<br />
in the making.<br />
Our favourite places to stay:<br />
• Clarion Hotel Nashvillle Downtown<br />
• Hotel Indigo Nashville<br />
• Sheraton Downtown<br />
Our favourite things to see and do<br />
Hop on Hop off Tours – A great way to see the highlights of the city and<br />
to learn about the history of Nashville.<br />
Grand Ole Opry – This famous country music venue has concerts that<br />
are broadcast as a live radio show and is a must! The radio show has been<br />
going for 90 years and each show consists of an Opry member and guest<br />
artists performing – they play about three to four songs each. You can<br />
even do backstage tours.<br />
Johnny Cash Museum – Full of memorabilia and the story of Johnny<br />
Cash’s life.<br />
Musicians Hall of Fame – This gives a great overview of the history of<br />
music in the southern <strong>USA</strong>. There is also a whole area on the Grammys<br />
and an interactive area where you can play instruments and sing your<br />
heart out (with the privacy of headphones).<br />
BlueBird Café – You’ll know about this place if you watch the TV show<br />
Nashville. It’s a venue in the suburbs where they have up and coming<br />
artists from all around the U.S. perform their own songs. This is where<br />
Taylor Swift was discovered as a 15 year old. Check their website for<br />
tickets.<br />
Ryman Auditorium – This lovely historic building is where the Grand<br />
Ole Opry started its life. The self-guided tour here includes a movie which<br />
gives you the history of the Ryman which is still a popular venue today.<br />
Puckett’s – A great place to get your fix of southern food with live music<br />
most nights.<br />
Honky Tonks – Tootsies Orchid Lounge and Layla’s are two great ones to<br />
try for live music. If you want to try some line dancing then Wild Horse<br />
Saloon is the place for you.<br />
Jack Daniels – About 1.5 hours from Nashville is the Jack Daniels<br />
Distillery. Here you can do a guided tour and hear the complete story of<br />
their whiskey and their founder Mr Jack.<br />
Bi Centennial Park – This 19 acre park is worth a wander to check out<br />
the 60 metre granite map of the state, the World War II Memorial and the<br />
Pathway of History.<br />
Nashville TV Show – If you’re a fan of the TV show there is a guided<br />
tour, on selected days, taking you to filming locations and the homes of<br />
characters on the show.<br />
©Tenessee Department of Tourism<br />
57
The Southern Music Journey<br />
Taking this journey through Louisiana, Mississippi<br />
and Tennessee will have you learning about some<br />
significant U.S. history, experiencing amazing live<br />
music, feasting on superb local cuisine and retracing<br />
the steps of some of your musical heroes.<br />
7 days/6 nights Suggested Self-Drive<br />
Day 1: New Orleans – Baton Rouge – Natchez (315km)<br />
Head along the Great River Road, alongside the Mississippi River between<br />
New Orleans and Baton Rouge to see a number of plantation homes such<br />
as Oak Alley and Laura Plantation. Check out the new and old capitol<br />
buildings of Baton Rouge.<br />
Day 2: Natchez – Vicksburg (116km)<br />
Natchez is perched on a high bluff above the Mississippi River and has<br />
over 430 antebellum homes. Leave Natchez and get onto the beginning of<br />
Highway 61, or the Blues Highway, which takes you through the Mississippi<br />
Delta, the birthplace of the blues. Take a self-guided driving tour of the<br />
Vicksburg National Military Park.<br />
Day 3: Vicksburg – Clarksdale (250km)<br />
Detour via Indianola to visit the BB King Museum before arriving in<br />
Clarksdale, in the Mississippi Delta, which is a great place to see the blues!<br />
Day 4: Clarksdale – Memphis (125km)<br />
Stop at the Gateway to the Blues Museum, housed in an old train depot,<br />
which gives a great overview of the blues in the area.<br />
Day 5: Memphis<br />
Check out the attractions such as the Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum, Graceland<br />
and the Civil Rights Museum as well as enjoying live music on Beale Street.<br />
Day: 6 Memphis – Nashville (340km)<br />
Day 7: Nashville<br />
From the home of the blues to the home of country music you’ll enjoy<br />
checking out the County Music Hall of Fame, RCA Studio B, Grand Ole<br />
Opry and of course the honky tonks on Lower Broadway.<br />
Rental car: Hertz (Group B) from $81 per day<br />
Our favourite places to stay:<br />
• Hampton Inn & Suites Natchez<br />
• Best Western Vicksburg<br />
• Comfort Inn Clarksdale<br />
• Comfort Inn Downtown Memphis<br />
LOUISIANA<br />
Memphis<br />
Baton Rouge<br />
Clarksdale<br />
MISSISSIPPI<br />
Vicksburg<br />
Natchez<br />
New Orleans<br />
Nashville<br />
TENNESSEE<br />
GULF OF MEXICO<br />
Highlights worth seeing along the way<br />
Laura Plantation – This creole style home, is a more modest, brightly<br />
coloured home with a fascinating family history.<br />
Frogmore Plantation – This cotton plantation provides a fascinating<br />
history of cotton in the region and is still a working cotton operation today.<br />
Mississippi Blues Highway – Along the highway there are many blue<br />
markers where you can read about famous musicians who have an<br />
association to this area.<br />
Vicksburg National Military Park – With 1,800 acres and a 25 kilometre<br />
driving route with over 1300 markers, monuments and plaques honouring<br />
the lives lost during the battle of Vicksburg during the Civil War.<br />
Delta Blues Museum, Clarksdale – This local museum gives you a good<br />
understanding on how blues was shaped in this area.<br />
Ground Zero Blues Club – This music venue, partly owned by Morgan<br />
Freeman, is a great spot to grab a bite and a beer and listen to some great<br />
local blues musicians.<br />
BB King Blues Museum, Indianola – From the cotton fields, street<br />
corners and juke joints of the Mississippi Delta came the blues. Here you<br />
will see exhibits, artefacts, award-winning films and hear an amazing story.<br />
58<br />
The price guide shown is per car hire based on 5-7 day hire rate. Price shown does not include Earlybird or other discounted offers. Specials and surcharges may apply depending on travel date
Take to the River<br />
The lower stretch of the Mississippi, from<br />
carefree New Orleans to vibrant Memphis,<br />
is the river of legends. Control of the Mighty<br />
Mississippi was the key strategic goal of the<br />
Civil War and even today it is still the lifeblood<br />
of commerce in the Old South. This is the river<br />
of centuries-old shaded oak trees, elegant<br />
antebellum plantations, cobblestone streets<br />
and Victorian mansions. Hear the river’s music<br />
in blues, jazz, zydeco and rock and roll and<br />
savour its diversity with a host of distinctive<br />
Creole and Cajun culinary delights. The<br />
world of Mark Twain’s revered book Life on<br />
the Mississippi is best experienced from the<br />
vantage point of the graceful American Queen,<br />
the most opulent riverboat in the world. There<br />
is always plenty of activity onboard and ashore<br />
for the adventurer in all of us.<br />
Antebellum South<br />
9 days/8 nights<br />
The romance of the antebellum era and lively Cajun culture are firmly rooted<br />
in the fertile cotton fields, vast sugar cane plantations and pillared mansions.<br />
Onboard, all it takes is a rocking chair, a cold beverage, good company and<br />
the gentle breeze as the paddlewheel churns to forget all your worries.<br />
Day 1: Memphis, Tennessee<br />
Day 2: Embark Memphis, Tennessee<br />
Enjoy the sights and sounds of Memphis. Begin your voyage this afternoon.<br />
Day 3: Greenville, Mississippi<br />
Day 4: Vicksburg, Mississippi<br />
Discover a unique blend of old and new in Vicksburg. Billed as the ‘Red<br />
Carpet City of the South’, Southern hospitality is alive and well and<br />
awaiting your arrival.<br />
Day 5: Natchez, Mississippi<br />
Step into the plantation lifestyle of the antebellum south in Natchez, site<br />
of numerous restored mansions. Visit historic Jefferson College or amble<br />
down the Natchez Trace.<br />
Day 6: St. Francisville, Louisiana<br />
This quaint town located on the bluffs of the Mississippi River is your<br />
window to the past, with over 140 buildings on the National Register,<br />
beautiful plantation homes nestled in the rolling countryside, and bustling<br />
Main Street shops.<br />
Day 7: Baton Rouge, Louisiana<br />
The capital of Louisiana, Baton Rouge, is the centre of all the great things<br />
the state has to offer and is one of the South’s fastest growing cities.<br />
Day 8: Nottoway, Louisiana<br />
Explore the South’s largest remaining Antebellum mansion on the grounds<br />
of Nottoway Plantation.<br />
Day 9: New Orleans, Louisiana<br />
Tie up in New Orleans near historic Jackson Square and bid your riverboat<br />
adieu.<br />
Memphis<br />
Arkansas River<br />
Mississippi River<br />
Mississippi Delta<br />
National Heritage Area<br />
Greenville<br />
Vicksburg<br />
Departures: Set departures (Mar-Dec) Some departures are reverse<br />
itinerary<br />
Inclusions: 7 night River Cruise aboard American Queen, one night precruise<br />
deluxe hotel stay in Memphis with breakfast, taxes, porterage and<br />
transfers to American Queen, wine and beer with dinner, cappuccino,<br />
espresso, speciality coffee, bottled water and soft drinks, shore excursions<br />
Price Guide From: $3143<br />
Intercoastal Waterway<br />
Natchez<br />
St Francisville<br />
Baton Rouge<br />
Plantation Road<br />
New Orleans<br />
The price guide shown is per adult twin share based on low season travel. Specials or surcharges may apply depending on travel date.<br />
59
Texas<br />
This is one big and very diverse state. You<br />
can stroll on sandy beaches, explore majestic<br />
canyons, play cowboy and enjoy world-famous<br />
music and food. These three cities will give<br />
you a taste of Texas – there’s down to earth yet<br />
sophisticated Austin, a small university town<br />
that over the past few decades has grown into<br />
a bustling city. Dallas has the country’s largest<br />
urban arts district, a huge sports scene and<br />
heaps of attractions. Then Houston, America’s<br />
fourth-largest city, is very cosmopolitan, filled<br />
with world-class dining, arts, shopping and<br />
nightlife.<br />
Houston<br />
Whether you’re spending a day, a weekend or<br />
a week in Houston, it has something to keep<br />
everyone entertained.<br />
The Houston Museum District is one of the<br />
top cultural districts in the <strong>USA</strong>. With over<br />
19 museums to explore from The Children’s<br />
Museum of Houston and the Contemporary<br />
Arts Museum to the Museum of Natural<br />
Science and the Health Museum.<br />
Shopping is a must do in Texas – it’s tax<br />
free for international shoppers. And there’s<br />
no better place than in Houston which is<br />
arguably the style capital of the South. From<br />
the Galleria to bargain hunting at the Premium<br />
Outlets, you’ll find it all.<br />
A trip to Houston wouldn’t be complete<br />
without seeing the number one attraction –<br />
Space Centre Houston. Discover the future<br />
and remarkable past of America’s spaceflight<br />
programme set among the largest collection<br />
of space artefacts in the southwestern United<br />
States.<br />
Dallas<br />
Dallas is a sports fans’ dream. Called the<br />
‘Best Sport City in America’, it’s the only city<br />
in the Southwest U.S. where you can find all<br />
major American sports leagues. Cheer on the<br />
world-renowned Dallas Cowboys. Head to the<br />
American Airlines Center to root for the NBA’s<br />
Dallas Mavericks or the NHL’s Dallas Stars.<br />
Or visit the Rangers Ballpark in Arlington, to<br />
catch major league baseball’s Texas Rangers.<br />
Celebrate Texas history by visiting the historic<br />
Fair Park, a complex with many museums<br />
featuring the largest collection of beautifully<br />
preserved 1930s Art Deco architecture in the<br />
U.S. Spend time at the Sixth Floor Museum at<br />
Dealey Plaza to learn more about the life and<br />
legacy of JFK.<br />
And don’t forget the Western heritage, from<br />
Bonnie and Clyde to J.R. Ewing. Visit Pioneer<br />
Plaza and take your picture with the massive<br />
bronze monument of cattle drives and<br />
cowboys or check out Dallas Heritage Village<br />
to see what Dallas used to look like.<br />
Austin<br />
Austin is not only the state capital but also the<br />
Live Music Capital of the World ® . Live music<br />
can be enjoyed in more than 250 venues<br />
throughout Austin. Annual music festivals<br />
such as South by Southwest (SXSW) in the<br />
spring and ACL (Austin City Limits) in the<br />
autumn are two of the most notable.<br />
Austin is also a foodie paradise. Home to<br />
Texas’ best barbecue joints, craft beer and<br />
farm-to-table-cuisine. Looking for something<br />
a bit different? Look out for one of the many<br />
Food Trailers around the city and if you’re in<br />
town in April head along to the Austin Food<br />
and Wine Festival.<br />
With over 250 parks you’ll have plenty of<br />
outdoor space to explore. The Hike and Bike<br />
trail follows the edge of downtown Lady Bird<br />
Lake for more than 16 kilometres. Kayak,<br />
canoe or paddle board on the clear, calm<br />
waters of Lady Bird Lake which also offers a<br />
great view of the downtown Austin skyline.<br />
Our favourite places to stay:<br />
• DoubleTree by Hilton by the Galleria<br />
• The Westin Galleria<br />
• The Lancaster Hotel Houston<br />
Downtown<br />
Our favourite places to stay:<br />
• Homewood Suites by Hilton Dallas<br />
Downtown<br />
• Magnolia Hotel Dallas Downtown<br />
• Hotel ZaZa Dallas<br />
Our favourite places to stay:<br />
• Radisson Hotel & Suites Austin<br />
Downtown<br />
• Hyatt Place Austin Downtown<br />
• Omni Austin Hotel Downtown<br />
60
Texas<br />
10 days/9 nights Suggested Self-Drive<br />
Fort Worth<br />
Dallas<br />
Day 1-2: Houston<br />
Experience the best of Texas’ largest city. Begin with the Museum of<br />
Natural Science in the Houston Museum District and experience the<br />
world’s finest collection of gems and minerals, dinosaur fossils and<br />
more.<br />
Day 3: Houston – Dallas (385km)<br />
Day 4: Dallas<br />
Visit The Sixth Floor Museum to walk through a timeline of John F.<br />
Kennedy’s life, presidency and assassination.<br />
TEXAS<br />
Austin<br />
San Antonio<br />
Houston<br />
Day 5: Dallas – Fort Worth (52km)<br />
Here America’s Western heritage is showcased everywhere you go<br />
especially at the Stockyards National Historic District. Here you’ll see<br />
real cowboys in the daily Longhorn cattle drive.<br />
Day 6: Fort Worth – Austin (305km)<br />
Day 7: Austin<br />
Austin is known as the gateway to the Texas Hill Country and site of The<br />
Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum, the pride of Texas. Austin is<br />
also an arts and cultural hub with an amazing music scene.<br />
Day 8: Austin – San Antonio (128km)<br />
Day 9: San Antonio<br />
A land of epic battles, flowing rivers and a flourishing culture.<br />
Day 10: San Antonio – Houston (318km)<br />
Rental car: Hertz (Group B) from $81 per day<br />
Our favourite places to stay:<br />
• Comfort Suites – Near the Galleria, Houston<br />
• Sheraton Dallas Hotel<br />
• The Worthington Renaissance Fort Worth Hotel<br />
• El Tropicano Riverwalk Hotel<br />
Highlights worth seeing along the way<br />
Space Center Houston – 45 minutes from downtown Houston this is<br />
a fascinating day out. Known around the world as the home of NASA<br />
Mission Control, International Space Station Mission Control and<br />
astronaut training, it’s amazing to see behind the scenes.<br />
Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame, Fort Worth – Honouring excellence in<br />
rodeo and the Western lifestyle in Texas<br />
Austin – Catch a live performance at one of Austin’s nearly 200 music<br />
venues, all within walking distance of the downtown area. Discover some<br />
amazing food with everything from barbecue & Tex-Mex to award-winning<br />
cuisine.<br />
San Antonio Missions – In the 18th century, Spanish priests established<br />
five Catholic missions along the San Antonio River. Today, these missions<br />
represent the largest concentration of Spanish colonial missions in North<br />
America and are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.<br />
George W. Bush Library and Museum – Featuring a replica of the Oval<br />
Office, beams from the World Trade Center twisted from the events of<br />
9/11, a Texas Rose Garden and a number of interactive exhibits. You can<br />
even experience the presidential decision-making process first-hand.<br />
©Thomas Fikar<br />
The price guide shown is per car hire based on 5-7 day hire rate. Price shown does not include Earlybird or other discounted offers. Specials and surcharges may apply depending on travel date<br />
61
Georgia<br />
You won’t have trouble finding things to<br />
see and do in this charming Southern State.<br />
There’s the buzzing state capital Atlanta for<br />
your big city fix. Then there’s scenic farmland<br />
and forests taking you to incredibly historic<br />
towns and villages. There is Augusta, the home<br />
of the famous Masters golf tournament and<br />
the beaches, quaint seaside towns and barrier<br />
islands along the Atlantic Coast.<br />
©Evangelio Gonzalez<br />
Atlanta<br />
Famous for being the home of Martin Luther<br />
King Jr, Coca-Cola and CNN this city continues to<br />
grow and grow and is a big, bustling city. These<br />
three famous Atlanta things all have popular<br />
attractions associated with them – The Martin<br />
Luther King Jr historic site commemorating the<br />
life, work and legacy of the civil rights leader,<br />
the World of Coca Cola showcasing the brand’s<br />
history, bottling and global products and you<br />
can also do an ‘Inside CNN” studio tour. It also<br />
has a thriving arts scene with museums, music<br />
venues, theatre and galleries – including the<br />
acclaimed High Museum of Art. Sports also very<br />
popular so depending on the season you could<br />
catch a Braves baseball game, a Falcons NFL<br />
game or Hawkes basketball game.<br />
Aside from these famous sites there is<br />
the Centennial Olympic Park, where art<br />
instalments, including a five-ringed fountain,<br />
commemorate Atlanta’s hosting of the Olympics<br />
in 1996. The Margaret Mitchell House where<br />
Gone With the Wind was written and the 33<br />
acres of exhibitions, historic houses and gardens<br />
at the Atlanta History Centre.<br />
Savannah<br />
Established in 1733, this is one off Georgia’s<br />
oldest and prettiest cities, there are parks<br />
full of oaks dripping in moss, antebellum<br />
mansions, intricate ironwork and of course<br />
plenty of Southern charm and hospitality.<br />
Along with quaint cobblestoned streets,<br />
fountains and squares, the historic district<br />
has around 1000 restored buildings. They’ve<br />
used the original colours; pinks, reds, blues<br />
and greens and this is now the largest National<br />
Historic Landmark District in the U.S., it<br />
is just gorgeous. You’ll definitely want to<br />
wander down River Street, with its old cotton<br />
warehouses now housing antique shops,<br />
boutiques, galleries and restaurants and check<br />
out some of the museums, historic homes and<br />
art galleries to learn about the city’s history<br />
and culture. If you’ve had your fill of history,<br />
then check out the vibrant City Market, a great<br />
place to head, in the evening for dinner and<br />
nightlife.<br />
Golden Isles<br />
This area, nestled along stretches of sand<br />
dunes and salt marshes, is made up of the<br />
mainland city of Brunswick and four barrier<br />
islands, each are quite distinct, but all have<br />
impressive landscapes and plenty to see and<br />
do.<br />
St Simons Island is the largest and has moss<br />
draped, oak-lined streets, sandy beaches,<br />
historic sites and some great dining. Sea Island<br />
is just a short drive away and home to some<br />
very swanky resorts. Little St Simons Island<br />
is only accessible by boat and is a big nature<br />
sanctuary, there is limited accommodation<br />
options, and if you’re not staying there then<br />
you’ll need to do a guided tour to visit. Jekyll<br />
Island has a 15 kilometre white sand beach,<br />
four golf courses and a historic district. The<br />
mainland town of Brunswick has a great<br />
Old Town lined with Victorian homes and<br />
a bustling waterfront where you can watch<br />
the shrimp boats unload, and then sample<br />
the catch of the day at one of the many<br />
restaurants.<br />
Our favourite places to stay:<br />
• Hyatt Place Atlanta Downtown<br />
• Sheraton Atlanta Hotel<br />
• Omni Atlanta Hotel at CNN Center<br />
Our favourite places to stay:<br />
• Holiday Inn Express Historic District<br />
• Hilton Garden Inn Historic District<br />
• Hotel Indigo Historic District<br />
Our favourite places to stay:<br />
• Hampton Inn & Suites Brunswick<br />
• Hampton Inn & Suites Jekyll Island<br />
• The King and Prince Beach,<br />
St Simon Island<br />
62
Georgia<br />
8 days/7 nights Suggested Self-Drive<br />
Day 1: Atlanta – Athens (116km)<br />
Home of the University of Georgia and nestled just below the foothills of<br />
the Blue Ridge Mountains. There’s a vibrant, restored Victorian downtown<br />
with plenty of impressive gardens and historic architecture to check out.<br />
Day 2: Athens – Watkinsville – Madison – Eatonton – Milledgeville –<br />
Macon (165km)<br />
This journey takes you on the Antebellum Trail, where you will pass<br />
through historic communities that escaped General Sherman’s Burning<br />
March. If you’re a history buff you may want to spend a couple of days<br />
exploring this area.<br />
Atlanta<br />
Madison<br />
Athens/Watkinsville<br />
Eatonton Milledgeville<br />
Macon<br />
Savannah<br />
GEORGIA<br />
Brunswick/<br />
Golden Isles<br />
ATLANTIC<br />
OCEAN<br />
Day 3: Macon – Savannah (267km)<br />
Macon has picturesque architecture and a rich history the best sights are<br />
the city itself.<br />
Day 4-5: Savannah<br />
Known for its natural beauty, magnificent architecture, quaint squares and<br />
rich history a great way to explore is by the hop on hop off trolley tour.<br />
Day 6: Savannah – Brunswick (185km)<br />
On the way check Hofwyl-Broadfield Plantation, walk beneath old Oak<br />
trees, explore the out-buildings and take a lantern tour of the house you<br />
will hear tales of the tragic history of the rice fields.<br />
Day 7-8: Golden Isles<br />
Drive to Jekyll Island, which has over 30 kilometres of paved trails through<br />
beaches, marshes, forests and historic sites if you wanted to stretch the<br />
legs and hire a bike. Drive to St. Simons Island and climb to the top of St.<br />
Simons Lighthouse for some great views.<br />
Rental car: Hertz (Group B) from $72 per day<br />
Our favourite places to stay:<br />
• Hilton Garden Inn Downtown, Athens<br />
• Homewood Suites by Hilton Macon North<br />
• Hotel Indigo Historic District, Savannah<br />
• Hampton Inn & Suites Brunswick<br />
Highlights worth seeing along the way<br />
Visitor Centres – These are a great first port of call in Georgian towns as<br />
they have great info and often self-guided tour maps.<br />
Botanical Garden of Georgia, Athens – Tour the three-story tropical<br />
conservatory, miles of nature Trails, and beautiful outdoor gardens.<br />
Eagle Tavern Museum, Watkinsville – Built in 1801, this Historic Stage<br />
Coach stop & Tavern has artifacts from Antebellum Georgia.<br />
Elder Mill Covered Bridge, Watkinsville – Visit this lovely 1860s<br />
covered bridge overlooking the mill and creek.<br />
Eatonton – Pick up a self-guided walking tour brochure which features 75<br />
historic homes including Antebellum and Victorian era structures.<br />
Milledgeville – Take a guided trolley tour through the historical district<br />
and hear fascinating stories of the spirited Old South.<br />
Otis Redding, Macon – Check out the ‘Sittin’ on the Dock of the Bay’<br />
life-size bronze statue of the local soul music icon located on the banks of<br />
the Ocmulgee River.<br />
Georgia Sea Turtle Center, Jekyll Island – See where rehabilitation<br />
efforts aim to save all five threatened or endangered sea turtles that nest<br />
in Georgia.<br />
©Golden Isles<br />
©Golden Isles Georgia<br />
The price guide shown is per car hire based on 5-7 day hire rate. Price shown does not include Earlybird or other discounted offers. Specials and surcharges may apply depending on travel date<br />
63
Take to the Road<br />
©Utah Office of Tourism<br />
CANADA<br />
Seattle<br />
Portland<br />
Helena<br />
Minneapolis<br />
Boise<br />
Buffalo<br />
Detroit<br />
Sacramento<br />
San Francisco<br />
Salt Lake<br />
Cheyenne Omaha Chicago<br />
Columbus Cleveland<br />
City Denver Kansas<br />
Fresno<br />
Topeka City Indianapolis<br />
Las Vegas<br />
St Louis Charleston<br />
Los Angeles<br />
Santa Fe Oklahoma City<br />
Nashville<br />
Memphis<br />
Phoenix Albuquerque<br />
San Diego<br />
Little Rock<br />
Atlanta<br />
Jackson<br />
Montgomery<br />
Baton<br />
Jacksonville<br />
Rouge<br />
Houston<br />
New Orleans<br />
Orlando<br />
MEXICO<br />
GULF OF MEXICO<br />
Forida Keys<br />
Portland<br />
Boston<br />
New York<br />
Philadelphia<br />
Baltimore<br />
WASHINGTON, D.C.<br />
ATLANTIC<br />
OCEAN<br />
Fort Lauderdale<br />
Miami<br />
There’s a lot to be said for having your own wheels on holiday. Tours are<br />
great, but often you’ll glimpse an interesting side road or a quaint town, only<br />
to discover that your itinerary doesn’t go there. Driving in a foreign country<br />
can seem intimidating at first especially driving on the right hand side of the<br />
road. However, the roads are excellent, well signposted and you will find<br />
mainly courteous drivers on the road. If the freeways seem daunting, opt<br />
for the minor roads, you never know what you will come across – a unique<br />
shop or a hidden gem that only the locals know about. Out in the country,<br />
the roads are similar to what you find at home. There’s a range of car types<br />
on offer, and if you’re worried about your carbon footprint you can even opt<br />
for a more eco-friendly hybrid model available in the Hertz Green Collection<br />
at specific locations across America. And for those who want to live the<br />
American dream of driving a convertible along the open road, the Hertz Fun<br />
Collection has a unique line of fun, sporty vehicles. Or if you prefer to take<br />
your home with you, a motorhome might be the option. For those adventure<br />
enthusiasts why not live the dream on the back of a Harley? Once all that’s<br />
sorted, you’re ready to hit the road!<br />
64
Touring by Rental Car<br />
Driving in the <strong>USA</strong><br />
Exploring America by car is easy. Driving<br />
on the right hand side of the road may be<br />
different, however the roads are excellent, well<br />
sign-posted and spacious. Just remember the<br />
centre line should be by the driver!<br />
Choosing your Rental Car<br />
Take into consideration the size of the vehicle<br />
you require. If the vehicle is to be used for<br />
day touring from a central base, then a<br />
smaller vehicle may be adequate and easier<br />
for parking. If doing longer travel, remember<br />
you will have luggage to transport around as<br />
well as the shopping, so a midsize to larger<br />
vehicle should be considered. We suggest you<br />
book before leaving home, as this will save you<br />
money and ensure that you get the vehicle of<br />
your choice.<br />
Emergency Roadside Assistance<br />
While each vehicle is serviced and cared for individually there may be<br />
an instance that you need some assistance. You can rest assured that in<br />
the <strong>USA</strong>, Hertz provides Emergency Roadside Assistance 24 hours a day,<br />
365 days a year.<br />
Hertz NeverLost<br />
Hertz NeverLost satellite navigation system is available at a surcharge,<br />
in certain vehicle types at selected airport and downtown locations<br />
across the country. The system has extensive detailed mapping, a wide<br />
easy-to-use full-colour touch-screen that provides access to turn-by-turn<br />
directions to points of interest including hotels and petrol stations,<br />
simply by touching an icon. Ideal for the independent traveller as you<br />
get to see and enjoy your surroundings instead of trying to read a map.<br />
Things to think about:<br />
••<br />
Driving licence requirements<br />
••<br />
Minimum age restrictions and driving restrictions<br />
••<br />
Additional driver conditions<br />
••<br />
Deposits<br />
••<br />
One way rental fees<br />
••<br />
Optional equipment eg child seats, roof racks<br />
••<br />
Fuel policy<br />
••<br />
When you collect your car, Hertz will take an imprint of your<br />
credit card as security. The credit card must be in the renter’s<br />
name. Depending on rate type booked, additional taxes, fees and<br />
insurances may also apply at this time<br />
65
Self-Drive <strong>USA</strong><br />
Parks and Nature in Nevada<br />
7 days/6 nights<br />
From extraordinary landscapes and historic<br />
locations, Nevada offers limitless destinations<br />
for you to experience. Explore ghost towns,<br />
national and state parks and discover a state that<br />
will have you telling some unforgettable stories.<br />
Day 1: Las Vegas – Death Valley National<br />
Park (228km)<br />
Head into Death Valley National Park and stop<br />
at Zabriskie Point for a scenic view across<br />
the park. After lunch head to Badwater – the<br />
lowest point in the Western Hemisphere.<br />
Day 2: Death Valley National Park –<br />
Rhyolite – Tonopah (221km)<br />
Day 3: Tonopah – Lake Tahoe (373km)<br />
Enjoy your afternoon in the Lake Tahoe area<br />
with a ride up the Heavenly Gondola or end<br />
your day with a sunset cruise to stunning<br />
Emerald Cove.<br />
Day 4: Lake Tahoe – Virginia City – Reno<br />
(107km)<br />
After leaving Lake Tahoe stop at Genoa,<br />
Nevada’s oldest town before heading to<br />
historic Virginia City and take a tour of one of<br />
the oldest mines in Nevada.<br />
Day 5: Reno – Ely (514km)<br />
See quirky characters, charming towns and<br />
hidden treasures along the ‘Loneliest Road in<br />
America’.<br />
Day 6: Ely – Great Basin National Park –<br />
Ely (244km)<br />
Day 7: Ely – Cathedral Gorge State Park –<br />
Las Vegas (491km)<br />
Eastern Values<br />
9 days/8 nights<br />
History, culture and the sense of wonder of<br />
Niagara Falls await you. Go back in time as you<br />
travel through Amish country and Gettysburg<br />
to the powerhouse of <strong>USA</strong> – Washington, D.C. In<br />
Boston wander along the historic Freedom Trail.<br />
Day 1-2: New York<br />
Day 3: New York – Finger Lakes – Buffalo<br />
(613km)<br />
Travel across New York state through the<br />
Finger Lakes Country towards the Canadian<br />
border.<br />
Day 4: Buffalo – Niagara Falls (64km)<br />
Take a short drive to Niagara Falls to view the<br />
thundering waters of the Horseshoe Falls.<br />
Day 5: Buffalo – Amish Country (241km)<br />
Travel into Pennsylvania Dutch Amish country<br />
and explore this region and lifestyle.<br />
Day 6: Amish Country – Gettysburg –<br />
Washington, D.C. (431km)<br />
Head through the Appalachian Mountains<br />
along the Susquehanna River. Visit the historic<br />
Gettysburg Civil War National Battleground.<br />
Day 7: Washington, D.C.<br />
Explore the capital and its many historical<br />
landmarks.<br />
Day 8: Washington, D.C. – Philadelphia<br />
(223km)<br />
Drive to Philadelphia, home to the Liberty Bell<br />
and Independence Hall.<br />
Day 9: Philadelphia – New York (154km)<br />
Pacific Coast Explorer<br />
9 days/8 nights<br />
Travelling from Seattle, see the rich landscape of<br />
Mount Rainier, a Washington state icon. Enjoy<br />
coastal scenery along Oregon’s Pacific Coast<br />
Scenic Byway and see some of the world’s tallest<br />
trees in Redwood National Forest.<br />
Day 1: Seattle<br />
Enjoy the sights of Seattle.<br />
Day 2: Seattle – Mt. Rainier National Park –<br />
Mt. St.Helens – Portland (430km)<br />
Check out the views of the two big peaks in<br />
Washington.<br />
Day 3: Portland – Oregon Dunes – Redwood<br />
National Park (560km)<br />
The dramatic coastline of Oregon has panoramic<br />
vistas and picturesque images for you to enjoy.<br />
Day 4: Redwood National Park – Eureka<br />
(380km)<br />
Pass former Russian fishing settlements as you<br />
continue your drive today.<br />
Day 5: Eureka – San Francisco (280km)<br />
Day 6: San Francisco<br />
Enjoy exploring San Francisco, Alcatraz is a<br />
must!<br />
Day 7: San Francisco – Monterey/Carmel<br />
(200km)<br />
Head down the stunning landscape of 17-Mile<br />
Drive en route to the village of Carmel.<br />
Day 8: Monterey/Carmel – Big Sur – Central<br />
Coast (390km)<br />
Day 9: Central Coast – Santa Barbara –<br />
Malibu – Los Angeles (376km)<br />
Note: Rental car, road tolls, fuel, national park<br />
entrance fees, admission fees and surcharges<br />
not included<br />
Departures: Daily (Apr-Oct)<br />
Inclusion: 6 nights accommodation<br />
Price Guide From: $589<br />
Reno<br />
Lake Tahoe<br />
Virginia City<br />
CALIFORNIA<br />
Death Valley<br />
National Park<br />
NEVADA<br />
Tonopah<br />
Rhyolite<br />
Ely<br />
Las Vegas<br />
UTAH<br />
Great Basin<br />
National Park<br />
Cathedral Gorge<br />
State Park<br />
ARIZONA<br />
Note: Rental car, road tolls, fuel, national park<br />
entrance fees, admission fees and surcharges<br />
not included<br />
Departures: Daily (Apr-Oct)<br />
Inclusion: 8 nights accommodation and<br />
welcome kit with detailed day to day itinerary<br />
Price Guide From: $1290<br />
Lake NEW YORK<br />
Ontario<br />
Niagara Falls Finger Lakes<br />
Buffalo<br />
Lake<br />
Erie<br />
Amish Country<br />
PENNSYLVANIA<br />
Gettysburg<br />
WASHINGTON, D.C.<br />
New York<br />
Philadelphia<br />
ATLANTIC<br />
OCEAN<br />
Note: Rental car, road tolls, fuel, national park<br />
entrance fees, admission fees and surcharges<br />
not included<br />
Departures: Daily (Apr-Oct)<br />
Inclusion: 8 nights accommodation and<br />
welcome kit with detailed day to day itinerary<br />
Price Guide From: $1312<br />
Seattle<br />
Portland<br />
Redwood<br />
National Park<br />
OREGON<br />
PACIFIC<br />
OCEAN<br />
Eureka CALIFORNIA<br />
San Francisco<br />
WASHINGTON<br />
Mt.Rainer<br />
Mt.St.Helens<br />
Monterey<br />
Big Sur<br />
Central Coast<br />
Santa Barbara Los Angeles<br />
66<br />
The price guide shown is per adult twin share based on low season travel. Specials or surcharges may apply depending on travel date.
Self-Drive <strong>USA</strong><br />
©Nashville Convention & Visitors Corpoation<br />
©Maciej Błędowski<br />
Golden California<br />
12 days/11 nights<br />
Marvel at 17-Mile Drive’s ‘The Lone Cypress’<br />
before joining Highway 1 to experience the<br />
stunning coastline. Discover a different<br />
perspective than what’s seen in the big cities as<br />
you enjoy Danish-style hospitality in Solvang.<br />
Day 1: San Francisco<br />
Day 2-3: San Francisco<br />
Explore this fascinating city.<br />
Day 4: San Francisco – Monterey/Carmel<br />
(202km)<br />
Day 5: Monterey/Carmel – California<br />
Central Coast – San Simeon (394km)<br />
Day 6: San Simeon – Solvang – Malibu –<br />
Los Angeles (334km)<br />
Day 7: Los Angeles<br />
Day 8: Los Angeles – Las Vegas (450km)<br />
Day 9: Las Vegas (Grand Canyon Optional)<br />
Take a short drive to Lake Mead and Hoover<br />
Dam, or see one of the great natural wonders<br />
of the world, the Grand Canyon.<br />
Day 10: Las Vegas – San Diego (538km)<br />
Day 11: San Diego<br />
A full day to discover San Diego.<br />
Day 12: San Diego – Los Angeles (195km)<br />
American Music and Movie Trails<br />
14 days/13 nights<br />
Relive great music and movie moments. For<br />
jazz lovers, immerse yourself in the jazz sound<br />
along Bourbon Street, New Orleans and then<br />
on to the highlight, the Alabama Jazz Hall of<br />
Fame in Birmingham.<br />
Day 1-2: Chicago<br />
Spend time exploring the city.<br />
Day 3: Chicago – St. Louis (460km)<br />
Day 4: St. Louis – Memphis (451km)<br />
Graceland, home of the late Elvis Presley is a<br />
must.<br />
Day 5: Memphis<br />
Day 6: Memphis – Vicksburg (234km)<br />
Day 7: Vicksburg – New Orleans (470km)<br />
Day 8: New Orleans<br />
Day 9: New Orleans – Birmingham<br />
(544km)<br />
Day 10: Birmingham – Chattanooga<br />
(238km)<br />
Day 11: Chattanooga – Nashville (213km)<br />
Music City <strong>USA</strong> and home to the Country<br />
Music Hall of Fame.<br />
Day 12: Nashville – Louisville (280km)<br />
Day 13: Louisville – Chicago (480km)<br />
Day 14: Chicago<br />
Historic Route 66<br />
16 days/15 nights<br />
Get your kicks on Route 66! This is your<br />
chance to do the ultimate American road trip<br />
– passing through some amazing and diverse<br />
scenery. Highlights include the Mississippi<br />
River and the Petrified Forest National Park.<br />
Day 1-2: Chicago<br />
Day 3: Chicago – St. Louis (480km)<br />
Day 4: St. Louis – Springfield (340km)<br />
Day 5: Springfield – Tulsa – Oklahoma City<br />
(520km)<br />
Day 6: Oklahoma City – Amarillo (420km)<br />
Day 7: Amarillo – Albuquerque (450km)<br />
Day 8: Albuquerque<br />
Day 9: Albuquerque – Santa Fe –<br />
Albuquerque (186km)<br />
Day 10: Albuquerque – Holbrook (420km)<br />
Day 11: Holbrook – Grand Canyon National<br />
Park (290km)<br />
Day 12: Grand Canyon National Park – Las<br />
Vegas (480km)<br />
Day 13-14: Las Vegas – Santa Monica/Los<br />
Angeles (470km)<br />
Day 15-16: Los Angeles/Santa Monica – Los<br />
Angeles<br />
Note: Rental car, road tolls, fuel, national park<br />
entrance fees, admission fees and surcharges<br />
not included<br />
Departures: Daily<br />
Inclusion: 11 nights accommodation and<br />
welcome kit with detailed day to day itinerary<br />
Price Guide From: $1092<br />
Note: Rental car, road tolls, fuel, national park<br />
entrance fees, admission fees and surcharges<br />
not included<br />
Departures: Daily (Apr-Oct)<br />
Inclusion: 13 nights accommodation and<br />
welcome kit with detailed day to day itinerary<br />
Price Guide From: $1514<br />
Note: Rental car, road tolls, fuel, national park<br />
entrance fees, admission fees and surcharges<br />
not included<br />
Departures: Daily (Apr-Oct)<br />
Inclusion: 15 nights accommodation and<br />
welcome kit with detailed day to day itinerary<br />
Price Guide From: $1591<br />
San Francisco<br />
Monterey/<br />
Carmel<br />
Central Coast<br />
CALIFORNIA<br />
Malibu<br />
Los Angeles<br />
San Diego<br />
NEVADA<br />
Las Vegas<br />
Chicago<br />
ILLINOIS<br />
St. Louis<br />
MISSOURI<br />
TENNESSEE<br />
Memphis<br />
KENTUCKY<br />
Louisville<br />
Nashville<br />
Chattanooga<br />
Birmingham<br />
Vicksburg ALABAMA<br />
LOUISIANA<br />
New Orleans<br />
ATLANTIC<br />
OCEAN<br />
Las Vegas<br />
Calico<br />
Grand<br />
Canyon<br />
Santa Fe<br />
Holbrook<br />
Amarillo<br />
Los Angeles Gallup Albuquerque<br />
Tulsa<br />
Oklahoma<br />
City<br />
St. Louis<br />
Chicago<br />
Springfield<br />
The price guide shown is per adult twin share based on low season travel. Specials or surcharges may apply depending on travel date.<br />
67
EagleRider<br />
Have you ever dreamed of climbing on the<br />
back of a Harley and cruising Route 66 from<br />
Chicago to Los Angeles? How about jumping<br />
on a Honda Goldwing and touring the<br />
famous national parks? Now is the time to<br />
experience your ‘American Dream’ holiday<br />
with EagleRider on a pre-packaged guided<br />
or self-drive motorcycle tour. These amazing<br />
motorcycle holidays give you a chance to<br />
explore and discover the country as it was<br />
meant to be seen – on the back of your favorite<br />
Harley-Davidson, Honda, Triumph, BMW or<br />
Indian motorcycle. EagleRider guided and selfdrive<br />
tours provide a meticulously planned<br />
route itinerary, all hotel accommodation, as<br />
well as full motorcycle rental for your trip.<br />
Whether you are looking to experience the<br />
open roads of America with a group of fellow<br />
biker enthusiasts on a guided tour, or blaze<br />
your own trails on a self-drive tour, EagleRider<br />
has the perfect ride.<br />
Discover Baja Tour<br />
4 days/3 nights<br />
Explore the beaches and nightlife of<br />
Ensenada, the wine country in Valle De<br />
Guadalupe, and soak in warm sun of the high<br />
desert landscape outside Tecate.<br />
Day 1: San Diego<br />
Day 2: San Diego – Ensenada<br />
Beautiful photo stops abound, but the most<br />
spectacular overlook on today’s ride is at<br />
Salsipuedes Bay, with stunning views of the<br />
cliffs, coast, and surf.<br />
Day 3: Ensenada – Valle de Guadalupe<br />
Enjoy a scenic trip inland taking you to<br />
the Valle de Guadalupe, which has over 30<br />
wineries offering wine tastings.<br />
Day 4: Valle de Guadalupe – San Diego<br />
Departures: Set departures (Oct-Apr)<br />
Inclusion: 3 nights accommodation, daily<br />
breakfast, bike and fuel, helmet, custom riding<br />
jacket, tour leader, support vehicle, transport<br />
from hotel to EagleRider location<br />
Price Guide From: $1346<br />
Route 66<br />
15 days/14 nights<br />
Cross eight states and 3900 kilometres from<br />
Chicago to Los Angeles on the original Route<br />
66, also known as the ‘Mainstreet of America’.<br />
Day 1-2: Chicago – Springfield<br />
Day 3: Springfield – St. Louis<br />
Day 4: St. Louis – Joplin<br />
Day 5: Joplin – Oklahoma City<br />
Day 6: Oklahoma City – Amarillo<br />
Day 7-8: Amarillo – Santa Fe<br />
Day 9: Santa Fe – Gallup<br />
Day 10-11: Gallup – Grand Canyon –<br />
Laughlin<br />
Day 12-13: Laughlin – Las Vegas –<br />
Victorville<br />
Day 14-15: Victorville – Los Angeles<br />
Departures: Set departures (Apr-Oct)<br />
Inclusion: 14 nights accommodation, daily<br />
breakfast, 2 dinners, bike and fuel, helmet,<br />
custom riding jacket, tour leader, support vehicle,<br />
transport from hotel to EagleRider location<br />
Price Guide From: $6870<br />
Wild West<br />
16 days/15 nights<br />
Solitary deserts, vibrant cities, deep canyons<br />
and high mountains – this guided motorcycle<br />
vacation has everything.<br />
Day 1-2: Los Angeles – Palm Springs<br />
Day 3-4: Palm Springs – Laughlin – Grand<br />
Canyon<br />
Day 5: Grand Canyon – Monument Valley<br />
Day 6: Monument Valley – Bryce Canyon<br />
Day 7-8: Bryce Canyon – Las Vegas<br />
Day 9-10: Las Vegas – Mammoth Lakes –<br />
Yosemite<br />
Day 11-12: Yosemite – San Francisco<br />
Day 13: San Francisco – Monterey<br />
Day 14: Monterey – Pismo Beach<br />
Day 15-16: Pismo Beach – Los Angeles<br />
Departures: Set departures (May-Oct)<br />
Inclusion: 15 nights accommodation, daily<br />
breakfast, 2 dinners, bike and fuel, helmet,<br />
custom riding jacket, tour leader, support vehicle,<br />
transport from hotel to EagleRider location<br />
Price Guide From: $7257<br />
San Diego<br />
<strong>USA</strong><br />
Chicago<br />
San El Portal<br />
Francisco Mammoth Lakes<br />
Yosemite<br />
Bryce<br />
Canyon<br />
PACIFIC<br />
OCEAN<br />
Ensenada<br />
Valle de Guadalupe<br />
MEXICO<br />
Las Vegas<br />
Calico<br />
Grand<br />
Canyon<br />
Santa Fe<br />
Tulsa<br />
St. Louis<br />
Holbrook<br />
Amarillo<br />
Springfield<br />
Los Angeles Gallup Albuquerque<br />
Oklahoma<br />
City<br />
Monterey<br />
Pismo Beach<br />
Los Angeles<br />
Palm Springs<br />
Las Vegas<br />
Laughlin<br />
Monument Valley<br />
Grand<br />
Canyon<br />
68<br />
The price guide shown is per adult twin share based on low season travel. Specials or surcharges may apply depending on travel date.
Guided Touring by Touring Motorcycle with Cruise with EagleRider America<br />
One of the best self-drive destinations, the <strong>USA</strong><br />
is the perfect country to hire a motorhome.<br />
Easily drive between big cities and small towns<br />
thanks to the great roads and highways in the<br />
U.S. With a motorhome in the <strong>USA</strong>, forget the<br />
worries of trying to find accommodation, giving<br />
you more time to explore this vast country. In<br />
an RV you have the freedom and flexibility<br />
to explore the popular states of California,<br />
Nevada or Florida or go further afield to North<br />
Carolina, Dakota or Oklahoma. Don’t limit your<br />
trip to the larger cities, the smaller locations<br />
provide just as much enjoyment, you never<br />
know what’s waiting around the corner!<br />
Cruise America Motorhome Rates<br />
Flex Rates Include: Statutory Liability Coverage, Supplemental Liability<br />
Insurance and VIP Coverage<br />
Flex rates Exclude: Mileage charges, taxes, fuel, optional extras & one<br />
way fees<br />
Group Seat belts Sleeps up to<br />
C19<br />
Compact<br />
Motorhome<br />
C25<br />
Standard<br />
Motorhome<br />
C30<br />
Large<br />
Motorhome<br />
3 3<br />
Suggested<br />
occupancy<br />
2 adults +<br />
1 child<br />
Engine<br />
Transmission<br />
Rates are based on Flex rates which are updated on a weekly basis.<br />
Vehicle pick up time is between 1pm to 4pm. Vehicle return time is<br />
between 9am to 11am. Please note times may change on Saturdays.<br />
Vehicles cannot be collected on same day as arrival. Rates vary<br />
depending on locations of pick up depot. Drivers licence and<br />
experience restrictions apply. All rental centres are closed on Sundays<br />
and Holidays. Minimum hire of 1 week (7 nights).<br />
V8<br />
Automatic<br />
5 5 5 adults V8 Automatic<br />
7 7 7 adults V8 Automatic<br />
Things to think about:<br />
••<br />
Check driving licence and minimum age requirements before<br />
planning to book.<br />
••<br />
When you leave your vehicles don’t leave any valuables in sight –<br />
always take your passport with you.<br />
••<br />
Don’t be tempted to rent a vehicle larger than you require because<br />
when it comes to manoeuvring, the smaller the better!<br />
••<br />
Take a GPS because Google maps on a smart phone may be out of<br />
range when off the beaten track.<br />
••<br />
Stay off the beaten track – motorhomes are much more suited to the<br />
countryside than congested cities.<br />
••<br />
All locations are located at downtown/city locations<br />
••<br />
You will require a credit card for collection<br />
••<br />
One way hires are available<br />
69
Touring<br />
<strong>USA</strong>
Coach Tours<br />
Western Trails<br />
7 days/6 nights<br />
Heading inland from Los Angeles you’ll enjoy the best of the west. From<br />
the glamorous Palm Springs to a Navajo Indian reservation and from<br />
national parks to amazing shopping you won’t be disappointed.<br />
Romantic Trails of the South<br />
7 days/6 nights<br />
The South has long been romanticised. Explore the beautiful<br />
architecture of New Orleans. Visit Jonesboro, the official “Gone with the<br />
Wind” town and see plantation homes that were the inspiration for the<br />
film. Why not treat yourselves to a Steamboat Dinner Jazz Cruise along<br />
the Mississippi?<br />
Day 1: Los Angeles – Palm Springs – Phoenix<br />
Check out Palm Spring’s lively downtown and golf courses at the base of<br />
the San Jacinto Mountains.<br />
Day 2: Phoenix – Sedona – Grand Canyon<br />
Travel through the Sonoran Desert to Sedona, a city situated encircled<br />
by distinctive red-rock monoliths before arriving at Grand Canyon<br />
National Park.<br />
Day 3: Grand Canyon – Monument Valley – Page<br />
Enter a Navajo Indian reservation and pass through the Painted Desert<br />
to visit Monument Valley, an area that embodies perhaps the most iconic<br />
images of the American West.<br />
Day 4: Page – Kanab – Bryce Canyon<br />
You’ll love visiting spectacular Bryce Canyon.<br />
Day 5: Bryce Canyon – Zion – Las Vegas<br />
See the massive rock formations at Zion before arriving in dazzling Las<br />
Vegas.<br />
Day 6: Las Vegas<br />
Day 7: Las Vegas – Mojave Desert – Los Angeles<br />
Travel to Los Angeles via the Mojave Desert, home to clusters of unique<br />
Joshua Trees<br />
Day 1: New Orleans<br />
Day 2: New Orleans<br />
Immerse yourself in the charm and excitement of one of America’s most<br />
unique cities.<br />
Day 3: New Orleans – Baton Rouge – Natchez<br />
Today head into Mississippi and on to Natchez where every year the<br />
citizens open their lovingly restored antebellum homes so you can have<br />
a glimpse into southern life.<br />
Day 4: Natchez – Mississippi River Valley – Memphis<br />
Leave Natchez and drive on to Memphis, also known as the ‘Home of the<br />
Blues’. No visit to Memphis is complete without a visit to Graceland, the<br />
home of Elvis Presley.<br />
Day 5: Memphis – Nashville<br />
Continue on to Nashville, the capital of country music.<br />
Day 6: Nashville – Cattanooga – Atlanta<br />
On your journey to Atlanta enjoy a stop at Bulloch Hall, one of the<br />
outstanding plantation homes of the area.<br />
Day 7: Atlanta<br />
SOUTH<br />
DAKOTA<br />
Departures: Set departures (Apr-Dec)<br />
Inclusion: 6 nights accommodation, some sightseeing and admissions,<br />
services of an American Tours International Tour Director, transportation<br />
by deluxe coach, all taxes and porterage of one bag per person.<br />
Price Guide From: $1371<br />
Departures: Set departures (May-Oct)<br />
Inclusion: 6 nights accommodation, some sightseeing and admissions,<br />
services of an American Tours International Tour Director, transportation<br />
by deluxe coach, all taxes and porterage of one bag per person<br />
Price Guide From: $1533<br />
CALIFORNIA<br />
Los Angeles<br />
PACIFC<br />
OCEAN<br />
NEVADA<br />
Las Vegas<br />
Palm Springs<br />
Zion<br />
Mojave Desert<br />
Kanab<br />
Page<br />
UTAH<br />
Bryce<br />
ARIZONA<br />
Monument<br />
Valley<br />
Grand Canyon<br />
Sedona<br />
Phoenix<br />
Nashville<br />
TENNESSEE<br />
Chattanooga<br />
Memphis<br />
Atlanta<br />
Jackson GEORGIA<br />
Natchez<br />
MISSISSIPPI<br />
Baton Rouge<br />
LOUISIANA New Orleans<br />
ATLANTIC<br />
OCEAN<br />
The price guide shown is per adult twin share based on low season travel. Specials or surcharges may apply depending on travel date.<br />
71
Coach Tours<br />
©Matt Morgan<br />
Eastern Discovery<br />
10 days/9 nights<br />
Discover the best of the east coast of the <strong>USA</strong> and Canada. Travel along<br />
Long Island Sound to Boston where you can explore the Freedom Trail.<br />
Tour Gettysburg National Military Park and enjoy a comprehensive tour<br />
of Washington, D.C. With so much to see you’ll enjoy this trip around<br />
some of America and Canada’s famous landmarks.<br />
National Park Explorer<br />
14 days/13 nights<br />
Pass through some of the most diverse and beautiful scenery in the <strong>USA</strong>.<br />
Enjoy a tour of San Francisco, witness the eruptions of stunning geysers<br />
in Yellowstone National Park. Take a guided tour of Temple Square in<br />
Salt Lake City, walk through Arches National Park and travel along part<br />
of historic Route 66 before ending in the ‘City of Angels’ – LA.<br />
Day 1: New York<br />
Day 2: New York – Boston<br />
Day 3: Boston – New England – Quebec City<br />
Explore the rural New England states of New Hampshire and Vermont<br />
before crossing into Canada.<br />
Day 4: Quebec City – Montreal<br />
Take a tour of Quebec City by coach and by foot before departing for<br />
Montreal.<br />
Day 5: Montreal – Ottawa – Toronto<br />
This morning you’ll see Ottawa which boasts one of the most impressive<br />
parliament buildings in the world. Then continue along the 1,000 Islands<br />
Parkway to Toronto where you can enjoy an optional excursion on the<br />
St. Lawrence River.<br />
Day 6: Toronto – Niagara Falls<br />
Day 7: Niagara Falls – Gettysburg – Amish Country<br />
Day 8: Amish Country – Washington, D.C.<br />
Travel through rural countryside to Pennsylvania Dutch Country where<br />
you can visit an Amish Museum before departing for Washington, D.C.<br />
Day 1-2: San Francisco<br />
Day 3: San Francisco – Lake Tahoe – Sierra Nevada Mountains –<br />
Reno<br />
Day 4: Reno – Black Rock Desert – Twin Falls<br />
Day 5: Twin Falls – Craters of the Moon – Yellowstone<br />
Day 6: Yellowstone<br />
Day 7: Yellowstone – Grand Tetons – Jackson – Salt Lake City<br />
Day 8: Salt Lake City – Moab<br />
Day 9: Moab – Arches National Park – Canyonlands – Moab<br />
Day 10: Moab – Capitol Reef – Bryce Canyon<br />
Day 11: Bryce Canyon – Lake Powell – Grand Canyon – Flagstaff<br />
Day 12: Flagstaff – Seligman/Route 66 – Las Vegas<br />
Day 13: Las Vegas (Death Valley Optional)<br />
Day 14: Las Vegas – Mojave Desert – Beverly Hills – Los Angeles<br />
Day 9: Washington, D.C.<br />
Day 10: Washington, D.C. – Philadelphia – New York<br />
Visit Philadelphia where you can see the Liberty Bell.<br />
Departures: Set departures (Apr-Sep)<br />
Inclusion: 9 nights accommodation, some sightseeing and admissions,<br />
services of an American Tours International Tour Director, transportation<br />
by deluxe coach, all taxes and porterage of one bag per person<br />
Price Guide From: $2103<br />
Departures: Set departures (May-Sep)<br />
Inclusion: 13 nights accommodation, some sightseeing and admissions,<br />
services of an American Tours International Tour Director, transportation<br />
by deluxe coach, all taxes and porterage of one bag per person<br />
Price Guide From: $3379<br />
<strong>USA</strong><br />
CANADA<br />
Montreal<br />
Ottawa<br />
Stowe<br />
Thousand Islands<br />
Toronto Lake<br />
Ontario<br />
Boston<br />
Niagara Falls<br />
Lake<br />
Erie<br />
New York<br />
Lancaster<br />
Philadelphia<br />
Amish Country<br />
Washington, D.C.<br />
Québec City<br />
ATLANTIC<br />
OCEAN<br />
CALIFORNIA<br />
Yellowstone<br />
National Park<br />
Grand Teton/Jackson<br />
Elko<br />
Reno<br />
Salt Lake City<br />
San Francisco NEVADA<br />
Lake Tahoe<br />
Arches NP<br />
UTAH<br />
Moab<br />
Bryce<br />
Capitol Reef<br />
Death Valley Las Vegas<br />
Lake Powell<br />
PACIFIC<br />
OCEAN<br />
Los Angeles<br />
IDAHO<br />
Craters of the Moon<br />
Twin Falls<br />
ARIZONA<br />
Grand Canyon<br />
National Park<br />
WYOMING<br />
SOUTH<br />
DAKOTA<br />
72<br />
The price guide shown is per adult twin share based on low season travel. Specials or surcharges may apply depending on travel date.
Small Group & Rail Tours<br />
©Matt Morgan<br />
California Coast Ride<br />
3 days/2 nights<br />
From ‘Tinsel Town’ to the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, you’ll<br />
enjoy this independent tour that includes must-see places along the way.<br />
Along the Big Sur to Hearst Castle and from Monterey to San Francisco<br />
you’ll have a knowledgeable guide on tour and for the rest of your trip,<br />
sit back and relax on the AMTRAK Coast Starlight train.<br />
Mighty 5 Utah Tour<br />
6 days/5 nights<br />
Arches, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, Bryce Canyon and Zion. These are<br />
the five breath-taking national parks that make up the Utah Mighty 5 ® .<br />
Experience them all on the guided tour across southern Utah. Enjoy<br />
hiking amongst stunning natural monuments and don’t forget your<br />
camera for once in a lifetime photos.<br />
Day 1: Anaheim or Los Angeles – San Luis Obispo<br />
See Simi Valley, orange groves and green houses before reaching the<br />
Pacific Coast. As the train hugs the shore see the most magnificent vistas<br />
west through Santa Barbara. Turning north at Point Arguello fields of<br />
strawberries and miles of new vines are all around you on the way to<br />
Pismo Beach and San Luis Obispo.<br />
Day 2: San Luis Obispo – Hearst Castle – Monterey<br />
Join your guide and head west to the coast and then on to San Simeon.<br />
Tour Hearst Castle built during the 1920s and 1930s for the art collection<br />
of world-famous newspaper tycoon William Randolph Hearst. Enjoy<br />
a lunch stop, shop or visit a winery before heading back to San Luis<br />
Obispo and boarding your afternoon train. You’ll pass the horse ranches<br />
of Templeton and green pastures and vineyards of Paso Robles, and by<br />
early evening you reach Salinas.<br />
Day 3: Monterey – San Francisco<br />
Enjoy the day in historic Monterey, Cannery Row, Pacific Grove,<br />
mansions and scenic vistas. See the Pacific crashing on the rocks and<br />
swirling around on 17 Mile Drive, where the Lone Cypress stands guard.<br />
Brush with luxury at the resorts of Pebble Beach and spend time in<br />
Carmel by the Sea for shopping before departing late afternoon by coach<br />
for San Francisco.<br />
Day 1: Salt Lake City – Arches National Park<br />
Explore Park Avenue, Balanced Rock and other areas on the front south<br />
side of the park. Delicate Arch and Landscape Arch are all on the list of<br />
must-see formations.<br />
Day 2: Arches National Park<br />
An-early morning hike brings you to Delicate Arch and then it’s on to<br />
Landscape Arch, one of the longest natural arches in the world.<br />
Day 3: Canyonlands National Park – Capitol Reef National Park<br />
Hike to Mesa Arch for an up-close view of one of the most photographed<br />
arches in Canyonlands National Park.<br />
Day 4: Capitol Reef National Park – Bryce Canyon National Park<br />
Enjoy a beautiful sunrise from your balcony before heading off for a<br />
morning of exploring places such as Hickman Bridge. On arrival at Bryce<br />
Canyon enjoy a short hike to Mossy Cave.<br />
Day 5: Bryce Canyon National Park – Zion National Park<br />
Rise early to watch the sun rise over Bryce Canyon and the incredible<br />
hoodoos. This afternoon arrive at Zion and hike up to Canyon Overlook.<br />
Day 6: Zion National Park – Salt Lake City<br />
Wake up early and explore the canyon. Traverse Angels Landing or hike<br />
to Observation Point before departing for Salt Lake City.<br />
Departures: Set departures<br />
Inclusion: 2 nights accommodation, 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner, Amtrak<br />
tickets, some sightseeing and admissions<br />
Price Guide From: $932<br />
Departures: Set departures<br />
Inclusion: 5 nights accommodation, 5 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 2 dinners,<br />
tour guide, comfortable transportation, park entrance fees, water and<br />
snacks, taxes and fees<br />
Price Guide From: $2897<br />
San Francisco<br />
17 Mile Drive<br />
Carmel-by-the-Sea<br />
Monterey<br />
Hearst Castle/<br />
San Simeon<br />
Pismo Beach<br />
San Luis Obispo<br />
Santa Barbara<br />
Los Angeles/<br />
Anaheim<br />
CALIFORNIA<br />
UTAH<br />
Zion<br />
National Park<br />
Bryce Canyon<br />
National Park<br />
Salt Lake City<br />
Canyonlands<br />
National Park<br />
Capitol Reef<br />
National Park<br />
Arches<br />
National Park<br />
Moab<br />
The price guide shown is per adult twin share based on low season travel. Specials or surcharges may apply depending on travel date.<br />
73
Trafalgar - Simply the best...<br />
way to holiday<br />
Trafalgar infuses every trip with the best<br />
moments, like their exclusive Insider<br />
experiences, VIP treatment and relaxing<br />
free time. Every element of their holidays is<br />
carefully crafted to take you to the heart of a<br />
destination, bringing local cultures to life with<br />
the perfect balance of the right experiences,<br />
sights, inclusions, hotels, even the locals you<br />
meet.<br />
They’re committed to doing everything to give<br />
you the best holiday. And that means you’re<br />
guaranteed the best memories.<br />
©Danilo Forcellini<br />
Tastes and Sounds of the South<br />
10 days/9 nights<br />
This trip gives you time to enjoy the South’s music and food – from<br />
Elvis’s Graceland to Creole cooking in New Orleans and grand<br />
antebellum hospitality in Natchez.<br />
Tour Highlights:<br />
--<br />
Meet a member of Johnny Cash’s family and learn about his life and<br />
iconic music<br />
--<br />
Visit the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis before joining a<br />
Local Specialist who shares stories about Beale Street and Sun Studios<br />
--<br />
Make the pilgrimage to Graceland – dedicated to the late, great Elvis<br />
Presley<br />
--<br />
Marvel at Oak Alley Plantation, a classic antebellum home that sits on<br />
the Mississippi River<br />
--<br />
Join a tour with a Local Specialist and see New Orleans’ atmospheric<br />
French Quarter and Jackson Square<br />
Route 66<br />
15 days/14 nights<br />
It’s all about the journey as we hit this famous highway from Chicago to<br />
LA. Known as the Main Street of America, the stops on this ‘bucket list’<br />
experience reveal classic Americana.<br />
Tour Highlights:<br />
--<br />
City tour of Chicago<br />
--<br />
Explore a classic collection of Route 66 history, memorabilia and culture<br />
--<br />
Go underground in Meramec Caverns, a former hideout of Jesse James,<br />
for a glimpse of some outstanding subterranean formations<br />
--<br />
Crossing into Arizona, watch the sun play over the changing colours of<br />
the Painted Desert and Petrified Forest National Park<br />
--<br />
Drive through Hackberry, a Route 66 ghost town along the original route<br />
--<br />
Take in all that Las Vegas has to offer; hit the casinos, do some shopping,<br />
take in a show<br />
Departures: Set departures (Feb-Nov)<br />
Inclusion: 9 nights accommodation, 9 full breakfast, 5 dinners,<br />
experienced Travel Director, sightseeing & transport as per Trafalgar<br />
brochure<br />
Price Guide From: $4075<br />
Departures: Set departures (May-Sep)<br />
Inclusion: 14 nights accommodation, daily full breakfast, 5 dinners,<br />
experienced Travel Director, sightseeing & transport as per Trafalgar<br />
brochure<br />
Price Guide From: $5650<br />
Frogmore<br />
Plantation<br />
Memphis<br />
LOUISIANA<br />
Oak Valley<br />
Plantation<br />
Natchez<br />
Graceland<br />
MISSISSIPPI<br />
New Orleans<br />
Nashville<br />
TENNESSEE<br />
NEVADA<br />
Grand Canyon<br />
National Park<br />
Cameron<br />
Trading Post<br />
Petrified Forest<br />
National Park<br />
Route 66<br />
Museum<br />
Las Vegas<br />
Albuquerque<br />
CALIFORNIA<br />
Kingman Flagstaff<br />
Amarillo<br />
Los Angeles<br />
Seligman<br />
NEW MEXICO<br />
ARIZONA<br />
TEXAS<br />
PACIFIC<br />
OCEAN<br />
Chicago<br />
ILLINIOS<br />
Springfield<br />
Meramec Caverns St Louis<br />
MISSOURI<br />
Branson<br />
Tulsa<br />
Oklahoma City<br />
OKLAHOMA<br />
74<br />
GULF OF MEXICO<br />
The price guide shown is per adult twin share based on low season travel. Specials or surcharges may apply depending on travel date.<br />
MEXICO
Touring with Insight<br />
Vacations<br />
Insight is renowned for small group sizes,<br />
luxury coaches with business class legroom<br />
and well located hotels in desirable locations.<br />
Their tours include must-see attractions so you<br />
don’t have to constantly dip into your pocket<br />
as you go. They’ve already done the research<br />
and taken care of all the hard work. Insight’s<br />
Tour Directors are the best in the business.<br />
They accompany you and enjoy sharing the<br />
best places to dine, drink, shop and the best<br />
vantage point for the perfect holiday snaps.<br />
With more two and three night stops than<br />
other coach tours, you can truly absorb the<br />
essence of a destination, and when cities come<br />
alive at night – you’re right there. It is the finest,<br />
most hassle free way to explore the depth and<br />
breadth of the <strong>USA</strong>.<br />
©Yosemite Tourism<br />
©Maine Office Tourism<br />
New England’s Spectacular Fall Foliage<br />
8 days/7 nights<br />
Embark on the quintessential autumn holiday in this truly picturesque<br />
corner of North America, brimming with Americana and alive with the<br />
spectacular colours of an Indian Summer.<br />
Tour Highlights:<br />
--<br />
Boston: Follow part of the Freedom Trail that brings to life the story of<br />
the American Revolution<br />
--<br />
Billings Farm and Museum: Explore one of America’s finest operating<br />
dairy farms<br />
--<br />
Vermont: Taste fresh cider and sample the flavours on a guided tour of<br />
Ben and Jerry’s Ice-Cream Factory<br />
--<br />
Franconia Notch: Enjoy superb panoramic views aboard the aerial<br />
tramway<br />
--<br />
North Conway: From black bears to bobcats and beavers, learn about<br />
the wildlife of the North Woods from an expert<br />
Great Western American Adventure<br />
15 days/14 nights<br />
Glorious cities, wine country, dramatic canyons and coastal towns… this<br />
is truly a marvellous composition of the American West. This strikes the<br />
perfect balance between vibrant cities and spectacular natural wonders<br />
Tour Highlights:<br />
--<br />
Visit Benziger Winery for a private tram tour including the barrel aging<br />
caves and an exclusive tasting<br />
--<br />
Enjoy a presentation about the array of fish, animal and plant exhibits<br />
of the Monterey Bay Aquarium<br />
--<br />
Step beyond the red carpet. A behind-the-scenes look at the Oscars on<br />
a private tour of the Dolby Theatre<br />
--<br />
Stroll along the Third Street Promenade in Santa Monica<br />
--<br />
A testament to the power of water over rock, glide through the narrow<br />
sandstone turns of Antelope Canyon during your cruise<br />
--<br />
Walk to Sunset Point to see the hoodoos in Bryce Canyon National Park<br />
Departures: Set departures (Sep-Oct)<br />
Inclusion: 7 nights premium accommodation with full breakfasts daily,<br />
5 evening meals, experienced Tour Director, luxury coach with extra leg<br />
room, sightseeing as per itinerary<br />
Price Guide From: $4095<br />
Stowe<br />
Stockbridge<br />
Franconia<br />
Notch<br />
Tastes of<br />
Vermont<br />
Excursion Montpelier<br />
VERMONT<br />
Woodstock<br />
Quechee<br />
Gorge<br />
Mount<br />
Washington<br />
NEW HAMPSHIRE<br />
North Conway<br />
MASSACHUSETTS<br />
Williamstown<br />
MAINE<br />
Kennebunkport<br />
Portsmouth<br />
Rockport<br />
Boston<br />
ATLANTIC OCEAN<br />
Departures: Set departures ( Jan-Oct)<br />
Inclusion: 14 nights premium accommodation with full breakfasts daily,<br />
7 evening meals, experienced Tour Director, luxury coach with extra leg<br />
room, sightseeing as per itinerary<br />
Price Guide From: $7595<br />
Sonoma<br />
NEVADA<br />
San Francisco<br />
Yosemite National Park<br />
Monterey<br />
Carmel<br />
Zion National Park<br />
San Simeon CALIFORNIA<br />
Las Vegas<br />
Santa Barbara Malibu<br />
Grand Canyon<br />
Los Angeles National Park<br />
Santa Monica<br />
PACFIC<br />
OCEAN<br />
UTAH<br />
Bryce Canyon National Park<br />
Lake Powell<br />
Monument Valley<br />
Glen Canyon Dam<br />
Cameron<br />
Oak Creek Canyon<br />
Sedona<br />
ARIZONA<br />
Scottsdale<br />
The price guide shown is per adult twin share based on low season travel. Specials or surcharges may apply depending on travel date.<br />
75
It’s Time to Tour with Globus<br />
& Cosmos<br />
Time checking timetables. Time getting lost &<br />
missing attractions. Time finding a hotel. Or…<br />
time to enjoy your stress-free holiday? Globus<br />
& Cosmos have been introducing travellers to<br />
the world’s most awe-inspiring places for over<br />
88 years so by booking a coach tour with them,<br />
you can rest assured that your time will be well<br />
spent. Time to explore your destination with<br />
included sightseeing; time to rest and connect<br />
onboard their air-conditioned coaches (with<br />
free WiFi); and time to take your mind off the<br />
nitty-gritty – hotels are pre-selected and prebooked.<br />
So take a look at what they can offer<br />
you for your dream holiday!<br />
Western Explorer<br />
15 days/14 nights<br />
Experience the best of the west on this adventure, with its vibrant cities,<br />
spectacular mountains, unique rock formations and beautiful lakes.<br />
Tour Highlights:<br />
--<br />
Light show at the Freemont Street Experience in Las Vegas<br />
--<br />
Private tour of Las Vegas’ Mob Museum<br />
--<br />
Sightseeing tour through Yosemite National Park<br />
--<br />
Guided sightseeing in San Francisco, including a visit to the Japanese<br />
Tea Garden<br />
--<br />
Visit Solvang, the quaint Denmark-inspired village to enjoy a coffee and<br />
Danish specialty at a local bakery<br />
--<br />
Guided sightseeing in Los Angeles, San Diego & Grand Canyon National<br />
Park<br />
The Old South & Florida<br />
13 days/12 nights<br />
Explore the best of the Southern States of the <strong>USA</strong> – from New Orleans &<br />
Memphis, to Atlanta & Orlando; this tour will go from one spectrum to<br />
the other!<br />
Tour Highlights:<br />
--<br />
Guided sightseeing in New Orleans and Nashville<br />
--<br />
Full day at leisure in New Orleans to explore this legendary city<br />
--<br />
Visit Graceland, the home of Elvis Presley<br />
--<br />
Visit Studio B, Nashville’s oldest surviving recording studio<br />
--<br />
Reserved seats at the world-famous Grand Ole Opry<br />
--<br />
Savannah trolley tour<br />
--<br />
Orientation tours in Atlanta, Baton Rouge, St Augustine & Memphis<br />
Departures: Set departures (May-Sep)<br />
Inclusion: 14 nights superior hotel accommodation, breakfast daily,<br />
6 three-course dinners, expert Tour Director, sightseeing & VIP access to<br />
the key sights, deluxe coach with extra legroom<br />
Price Guide From: $5629<br />
Departures: Set departures (Mar-Nov)<br />
Inclusion: 12 nights hotel accommodation, 4 breakfasts, expert Tour<br />
Director, selected sightseeing with Local Guides, first-class coach with<br />
air-conditioning<br />
Price Guide From: $2929<br />
San Francisco<br />
Monterey<br />
NEVADA<br />
Yosemite National Park<br />
Carmel Mammoth Lakes<br />
Cambria<br />
Las Vegas<br />
Grand Canyon<br />
Solvang<br />
CALIFORNIA<br />
Santa Barbara<br />
Sedona<br />
Los Angeles<br />
San Diego<br />
Scottsdale<br />
PACIFIC<br />
OCEAN<br />
Yuma<br />
ARIZONA<br />
TENNESSEE<br />
Memphis<br />
Graceland<br />
Nashville<br />
Chattanooga<br />
Atlanta<br />
ALABAMA<br />
LOUISIANA<br />
GEORGIA<br />
Natchez MISSISSIPPI<br />
Baton Rouge New Orleans<br />
GULF OF MEXICO<br />
Savannah<br />
ATLANTIC<br />
OCEAN<br />
St. Agustine<br />
Orlando<br />
FLORIDA<br />
76<br />
The price guide shown is per adult twin share based on low season travel. Specials or surcharges may apply depending on travel date.
Terms & Conditions<br />
Please read these booking conditions carefully<br />
CONSUMER GUARANTEES ACT<br />
The guarantees under the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 will apply to<br />
services supplied by us except where they are acquired, or held out as being<br />
acquired for business purposes.<br />
1. OUR SERVICES AND OBLIGATIONS<br />
1.1 House of Travel Ltd (‘we” or “us” as the case may be) supply services<br />
consisting of arranging and co-ordinating travel facilities and services, and<br />
making bookings and issuing vouchers to be redeemed by suppliers of travel,<br />
entertainment, and accommodation facilities or services (“Suppliers”). House<br />
of Travel Ltd is part of the House of Travel group.<br />
1.2 We undertake to perform these services with reasonable care and skill.<br />
We will not be liable for any loss or damage which results from the act, default<br />
or omission of any person other than ourselves, our employees or agents, or<br />
any cause independent of human control. This includes (but is not limited to),<br />
loss or damage which arises directly or indirectly from any act of God, weather<br />
disruptions, dangers incidental to the sea, fire, breakdown in machinery or<br />
equipment, acts of Governments or other authorities de jure or de facto, wars<br />
whether declared or not, hostilities, civil disturbances, strikes, riots, deaths,<br />
pilferage, epidemics, quarantines or medical or customs regulations.<br />
1.3 We are not able to exercise control over services we do not supply<br />
directly, therefore we will not be responsible for any loss or damage arising<br />
from:<br />
• Any booking made directly with a service Supplier by your travel agent, or<br />
• Any services which are not directly provided by us and which are additional<br />
to those recorded in clause 1.1 above.<br />
1.4 We will endeavour to provide the most suitable travel arrangements to<br />
meet the particular requirements you make known to us. However, travel is<br />
an individual experience, and your preferences and opinions may vary from<br />
our own. For this reason, we cannot take responsibility for your individual<br />
satisfaction.<br />
2. SUPPLY OF TRAVEL, ENTERTAINMENT AND ACCOMMODATION<br />
SERVICES AND FACILITIES<br />
2.1 When we make bookings with Suppliers, we are acting as a booking<br />
agent for such Supplier.<br />
2.2 All travel, entertainment, and accommodation facilities or services are<br />
supplied directly to you by the Suppliers. We have no control over the facilities<br />
or services themselves, or the manner in which they are provided by the<br />
Suppliers. Therefore you should be aware of the following conditions:<br />
• We will not be liable for any loss or damage of any kind which may arise<br />
from your use or consumption of, or inability to use or consume those facilities<br />
or services.<br />
• The provision of those facilities or services is subject to the terms and<br />
conditions of your contract with each Supplier.<br />
• Where for any reason, a Supplier is unable to provide particular facilities or<br />
services, then that Supplier may be entitled, under its contract with you, to<br />
substitute those services or facilities with comparable or equivalent facilities or<br />
services without incurring any liability to you. You should check your contract<br />
with each Supplier.<br />
• All facilities or services described by us are subject to availability from the<br />
Supplier.<br />
• We will not be liable or responsible for any loss or damage relating to<br />
your baggage, personal possessions, health or welfare, or delays or travel<br />
disruptions unless these arise directly from the service we provide to you.<br />
3. BUSINESS PURPOSES<br />
You agree that where our services are acquired for business purposes, or<br />
where you hold yourself out as acquiring our services for business purposes,<br />
the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 will not apply to any supply of goods or<br />
services made under these conditions, and we will not be liable or responsible<br />
for any loss or damage of any kind to you, including any consequential loss or<br />
damage however it may be caused.<br />
4. INFORMATION IN THIS BROCHURE<br />
4.1 While we attempt to ensure that the contents of this brochure are<br />
correct, accurate, and up to date at the time of printing, the contents of this<br />
brochure are drawn from information supplied to us by Suppliers. We do not<br />
have, and cannot be reasonably expected to have, personal knowledge about<br />
all of the facilities or services provided by each Supplier.<br />
4.2 Facilities or services may change after the date of printing. We<br />
endeavour to keep travel agents informed of any changes to information in this<br />
brochure which are brought to our attention. Prior to completing your booking,<br />
you should ask your travel agent whether they are aware of any changes to<br />
the published information. You should also make sure that if your travel agent<br />
is advised of changes which occur after booking, your travel agent is able to<br />
contact you.<br />
4.3 Maps and Photographs: Maps are shown for general information and<br />
may not necessarily reflect actual routings, locations or services provided.<br />
Photographs may show places in the geographic area which are not included<br />
in your booking. Hotel room photographs may not be the actual room occupied.<br />
4.4 Property Information: Descriptions featured in this brochure are drawn<br />
from information provided by our Suppliers. Any facilities or services shown are<br />
subject to change at any time. Please advise your travel agent if you have any<br />
special requirements.<br />
4.5 Room Bedding: Prices in this brochure are based on existing bedding<br />
in the room. Requests for specific bedding arrangements must be made at<br />
the time of booking but can not be guaranteed. For example, twin share may<br />
consist of single beds or a shared double bed.<br />
4.6 Rental Cars: We cannot guarantee to provide a particular model or colour<br />
within the car category. Availability of car categories is subject to confirmation<br />
at the time of booking. We reserve the right to substitute different models. If a<br />
vehicle is returned prior to the end of the reserved rental period or if the vehicle<br />
is picked up later than the reserved date, NO REFUND will be made for unused<br />
rental days<br />
5. PRICES<br />
5.1 The price indicator is provided as a guide only. It is based on low season,<br />
per adult share twin pricing and is correct at the time of printing. The actual<br />
price may differ to that indicated due to currency fluctuations, seasonal<br />
specials, special events, trade shows or peak periods. Price indicators for<br />
hotels are per person per night for share twin in a standard room (except for<br />
apartments or if specified). Price indicators for tours are based on per adult<br />
for share twin based on low season travel. Price indicators for cruises are per<br />
person for the complete cruise based on the lead-in cabin category on a low<br />
season sailing. Per person pricing is based in New Zealand dollars.<br />
5.2 We will guarantee the price of the portion of the booking as processed<br />
by us, against currency fluctuation for a period of seven (7) days from the<br />
time of confirmation of the booking; note: special conditions apply for cruise<br />
bookings. It is the responsibility of your travel agent to advise you of the date of<br />
confirmation. If your booking remains unpaid after the seven (7) day guarantee<br />
period it will be subject to currency fluctuation, up to the time full payment is<br />
received by us.<br />
5.3 Events beyond our control, such as changes to the prices of aviation fuel<br />
or changes to the cost of services or facilities may result in the prices charged<br />
to you being different from those shown in the brochure. You should check all<br />
prices with your travel agent before making reservations, and before ticketing.<br />
5.4 Prices may also be liable to variation between the time of booking and<br />
the date of departure due to events beyond our control. Due to unforeseen<br />
events we reserve the right to vary the price up to the time of your departure.<br />
6. HOUSE OF TRAVEL ACCOMMODATION RATINGS<br />
To assist you with the selection of your accommodation, we have created our<br />
own rating system allowing you to compare each property. Please note that<br />
these gradings are to be used as a guide only and may alter throughout the<br />
year due to a change of circumstances. In general the room sizes in the <strong>USA</strong><br />
can vary, even within one property. Please check with your House of Travel<br />
consultant to ensure you get the property that best suits your needs.<br />
7. PAYMENT<br />
7.1 A non-refundable deposit will be required by your travel agent and must<br />
be paid at the time of booking. This is in addition to any deposits imposed by<br />
Suppliers.<br />
7.2 A communication charge may be made for bookings requested less than<br />
72 hours prior to departure.<br />
7.3 Final payment must be made in full before we can release travel<br />
documents (including tickets).<br />
8. CANCELLATION<br />
8.1 If you wish to cancel your booking for any reason, you must advise us in<br />
writing through your travel agent as soon as possible.<br />
8.2 If you cancel your booking or any part of your booking, we will impose<br />
a cancellation fee in respect of each person travelling under that booking. You<br />
must also pay all cancellation fees imposed by Suppliers and your travel agent.<br />
These cancellation fees are required to offset booking, communication, and<br />
administrative charges which have already been incurred by us, Suppliers and<br />
your travel agent. Cancellation fees imposed by Suppliers and travel agents are<br />
beyond our control and you should check with your travel agent regarding what<br />
cancellation fees may be applicable.<br />
8.3 We strongly recommend that you insure yourself fully against<br />
cancellation due to unforeseen circumstances. See Section 10.<br />
9. RESERVATION AMENDMENTS<br />
We are happy to incorporate any reasonable amendments you request. An<br />
amendment constitutes a change to an existing booking and will attract a<br />
$25 fee per amendment prior to final payment and the issuing of the travel<br />
documents, and a $50 fee per amendment after travel documents have been<br />
issued. These fees are to cover administration and communication costs. You<br />
may also be required to pay any Supplier imposed fees.<br />
10. INSURANCE<br />
We strongly recommend that you insure yourself fully against cancellation, loss<br />
of luggage and personal property, and medical expenses. Your travel agent will<br />
be able to provide you with further information.<br />
11. ITEMS NOT COVERED<br />
Unless otherwise specified, the cost of airfares, meals, drinks, laundry,<br />
insurance, sightseeing, transfers, local taxes, airport departure taxes, Airline<br />
imposed insurance levies, passenger service charges and Passport or Visa<br />
application fees are not included.<br />
12. VISAS/PASSPORTS<br />
For all holidays in this brochure you will require a valid passport. You are<br />
responsible for arranging your own passport, visa and health requirements<br />
including inoculation. You should check with your travel agent who will be able<br />
to provide you with the necessary information.<br />
13. NON-USE OF SERVICES OR FACILITIES<br />
If, of your own choice, you decide not to use part or parts of the arranged<br />
services or facilities, you will not be entitled to a refund from us (provided<br />
we have carried out our service with reasonable skill and care and to your<br />
requirements) and you may not be entitled to a refund from any Supplier.<br />
14. HEALTH OR DISABILITY<br />
Some Suppliers may reserve the right to refuse to carry or accommodate<br />
people who because of a health condition or disability may require services<br />
or facilities to be provided in a special manner. You should check this with<br />
your travel agent.<br />
15. SERVICE SATISFACTION<br />
During your holiday, if you encounter any situation where the service supplied<br />
to you does not meet your satisfaction, please take the matter up with the<br />
Supplier immediately. Your contract for each service is with the Supplier. If this<br />
is not possible immediately, or if you are still dissatisfied, please contact your<br />
travel agent. Both we and your travel agent will endeavour to investigate on<br />
your behalf and to negotiate with the Supplier to resolve the matter as soon as<br />
possible, so that you continue to enjoy your journey.<br />
16. LEGAL CLAIMS<br />
Any claims or legal action in connection with the provision of our services to<br />
you will be governed by the laws of New Zealand. Any claim or legal action<br />
against the Suppliers is likely to be subject to the terms of your contract with<br />
them, and may be governed by the laws of other countries.
“They knew the way to get closer to myself,<br />
was to send me far from home.”<br />
Bring in your ideas and we’ll help you get there.<br />
1<br />
The best holidays are created together.<br />
0800 838 747 I 76 STORES NATIONWIDE I HOT.CO.NZ