Travel with America’s award-winning carrier, United Airlines, to the airline’s dedicated terminal at New York’s Newark Airport. You can choose to fly direct from London Heathrow, Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh or Glasgow at no extra supplement. On arrival in New York, transfer to the Waldorf Astoria or The JW Marriott Essex House (formerly known as Jumeriah Essex House)* for a three night Special Stay . Located on Park Avenue in Manhattan’s Midtown, the Art Deco style Waldorf Astoria is world-renowned, while the JW Marriott Essex House (formerly known as Jumeriah Essex House) is situated perfectly between Central Park and bustling Broadway. The remainder of the day is yours to explore the ‘Big Apple’ at leisure. This evening meet your fellow guests and Tour Director for a tour briefing.
Three Night Special Stay: New York
After breakfast, begin a New York City tour on the 70th Floor of the Rockerfeller Centre. The ‘Top of the Rock’ boasts amazing 360° views of Manhattan, a great vantage point from which to view the city’s magnificent skyline and the Empire State Building. From there, visit St Patrick’s Cathedral and Harlem before heading to Fifth Avenue, known as one of the most expensive shopping streets in the world and home to many sophisticated retailers. See the world-famous Times Square and Broadway Theatre district before continuing downtown, where you’ll pass by the Empire State Building before visiting the quirky neighbourhoods of Greenwich Village and SoHo. Stop at the legendary 129 year old Brooklyn Bridge and stroll down Wall Street, the epicentre of the US Financial System. Finally, visit the 9/11 viewing area to understand what happened on that fateful day and to learn what will now stand at the World Trade Centre site. This afternoon is yours free to explore New York at leisure. SCENIC ENRICH: The highlight of this evening is a Welcome Dinner aboard a luxury ship, sailing New York Harbour. Upon arrival, you’ll be treated to a glass of sparkling wine before enjoying a three course dinner with wine, beer and soft drinks included. Then, you can dance the night away to music performed by a live band or simply admire the stunning lights of New York as night falls, including Manhattan’s famous skyline, Brooklyn Bridge and of course the Statue of Liberty.
Today choose from the following included SCENIC FREE CHOICE activities: (1) a tour of more than sixty iconic New York TV and Movie locations (2) follow in the footsteps of Carrie and the girls on a tour of locations featured in the popular TV show, Sex and the City (3) a guided bicycle tour of Central Park, visiting some of the most famous attractions including Strawberry Fields and Shakespeare Garden (4) entry to New York’s Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum, where you can wander at you own pace and explore the exhibits including the Space Shuttle Enterprise, Concorde and the former USS Growler submarine.
Today, you travel to Washington DC onboard Amtrak.^ The relaxing journey from New York’s Penn Station to Washington’s wonderful Union Station is the ideal way to enjoy the fantastic views on show along the ‘Northeast Corridor’. Upon arrival, pass by Embassy Row en-route to Georgetown for a guided walking tour. One of the oldest neighbourhoods in Washington, Georgetown is renowned for its charming cobblestone streets and 18th and 19th century architecture. The area has been home to many famous residents, including former U.S. Presidents Thomas Jefferson and John F. Kennedy and has many fashionable shops, bars and restaurants. Later, check in to the Park Hyatt Hotel for a two night Special Stay . This ultra-luxurious hotel is located in Washington’s fashionable West End neighbourhood, a great base from which to explore the nation’s capital. Plus, with an indoor heated pool, whirlpool and spa room, there are plenty of ways to relax and recharge your batteries. This evening, enjoy dinner at the multi award-winning Blue Duck Tavern, located at the Park Hyatt Hotel and regarded as one of the best restaurants in Washington. Tonight’s dinner is a sharing menu, prepared using the region’s freshest seasonal produce and ingredients.
Two Night Special Stay: Washington DC
This morning you’ll discover Washington during a guided tour of the city, with stops at many of its famous landmarks. Beginning with an overview of the city at the Kennedy Centre roof terrace, we then visit the Lincoln and Vietnam memorials before heading to Lafayette Park for views of the White House, the West Wing and Blair House. Later, follow the President’s inauguration route up to the US Capitol, one of the most symbolically significant buildings in the world and the meeting place of US legislature for over 200 years. Visit the Library of Congress and take the opportunity for a photograph at the majestic Supreme Court building. This afternoon is free to continue exploring this fascinating city.
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Chicago where you’ll enjoy a two night stay at the luxurious Hyatt Regency on Chicago Riverwalk. Located on the shores of Lake Michigan, the ‘Windy City’ has an instantly recognisable skyline of impressive skyscrapers. Upon arrival you’ll take a short orientation tour of the city, including downtown and the shoreline of the Lake. This afternoon is yours at leisure, with your hotel providing the perfect base to explore the city’s many attractions, including the Magnificent Mile and Navy Pier.
Two Night Stay: Chicago
Today choose one of the following included SCENIC FREE CHOICE activities: (1) architectural cruise of Chicago, the birthplace of the skyscraper. Sail past the famous Willis Tower, formerly known as the Sears Tower (2) Lake Michigan lunch cruise with great views of the city skyline (3) an escorted bike tour of Chicago and the amazing lakefront (4) a Bikes, Bites & Brews tour of Chicago, where you’ll sample four of the city’s specialities - pizza, hot dogs, cupcakes and beer (5) a Hop-On Hop-Off bus tour of the city, with stops including the Art Institute and Navy Pier.
Today, transfer to Chicago airport for a flight across the States to Phoenix, Arizona. Arizona is renowned for its wonderful desert climate and you will notice the difference in temperature from Chicago as soon as you step off the plane. From Phoenix you travel to Scottsdale for an overnight Special Stay at the wonderful Fairmont Scottsdale Princess resort. Here you’ll get time for some well-deserved rest and relaxation. With a choice of swimming pools, two golf courses, seven tennis courts and a premier spa, this resort provides the perfect retreat. It’s also a great place to sample a speciality tequila, although with a choice of over 200 varieties available at the resort’s Tequila Bar, you might be spoilt for choice! This evening, choose one of the following included SCENIC FREE CHOICE dining options: (1) sample fresh, vibrant Mexican cuisine at La Hacienda (2) dine at the charming Ironwood American Kitchen (3) enjoy dinner at Scottsdale’s famous Bourbon Steak restaurant.
Overnight Special Stay: Scottsdale
Today, set off from Scottsdale and journey to the quaint town of Sedona, home to one of Arizona’s most photographed backdrops - Red Rock Crossing - where immense sandstone cliffs are reflected in the waters of Oak Creek. Continue through Oak Creek Canyon, with its amazing Red Rock vistas, and onwards to the Grand Canyon for an overnight stay at either Maswik Lodge North or Yavapai Lodge East*. For many guests, the Grand Canyon will be one of the most eagerly anticipated parts of the tour. You will be among the few to enjoy accommodation inside the boundaries of the Grand Canyon National Park. The hotels offer simple lodge-style accommodation with unbeatable access to the Canyon. This evening take a sunset tour of the South Rim; there will be some stunning views, so get your cameras at the ready!
Overnight Stay: Grand Canyon
For those who are up early today, join us on the edge for sunrise views. It’s well worth the early start! Then, join the rest of the group for breakfast in a restaurant overlooking the Canyon. SCENIC ENRICH: One of the highlights of today will be an included scenic flight over the magnificent Grand Canyon. This 45 minute flight will give you a spectacular bird’s eye view of one of the ‘Seven Natural Wonders of the World’. Take in the incredible views of the eastern Grand Canyon and make the most of the fantastic photo opportunities as you fly over the Painted Desert, Zuni Corridor, and Imperial Point. After the flight leave the Grand Canyon National Park and travel onwards towards Las Vegas, upon arrival in Vegas, the glittering oasis in the desert, you’ll transfer for a three night stay at the Aria Resort or Mandalay Bay Resort.*
Three Night Stay: Las Vegas
The next two days will be yours to explore ‘The Entertainment Capital of the World’. Las Vegas is a city like no other. It is bigger, brighter, more energetic, more colourful and more glitzy than anywhere else on the planet. Your hotel is conveniently located on ‘The Strip’, from which you can explore the city’s casinos, hotels, shopping and incredible array of shows. SCENIC ENRICH: Tonight, enjoy a champagne toast before taking a spectacular included helicopter tour over the glittering Las Vegas Strip, passing the Stratosphere Tower, Fremont Street and historic Downtown Vegas. Watch out for the city’s many legendary hotels such as Treasure Island, Paris and the MGM Grand and then admire the Sky Beam of the Luxor Pyramid - the strongest beam of light in the world.
Today is free to explore Vegas. Perhaps head to the Fremont Street Experience to see the Las Vegas of yesteryear, visit the famous ‘Welcome to Las Vegas’ sign, see a show, have a flutter in one the many casinos or watch the spectacular Fountains of Bellagio. Instead, you may prefer to spend the day relaxing in your resort. Both the Aria and Mandalay Bay offer a whole host of things to do, with a selection of pools, dining venues, relaxing spas and a wide choice of shops. Plus, in true Vegas style, each has its very own casino.
Today, journey through the Mojave Desert en route to Los Angeles for a two night Special Stay at the world famous Beverly Hilton hotel. The iconic hotel has played host to presidents and royalty alike - William and Kate paid a visit during their tour of California in 2011 - and is a meeting place of the stars, with The Golden Globe Awards being hosted there each year. Ideally situated on the corner of Wilshire and Santa Monica Boulevards, it is only a short stroll to Rodeo Drive and the centre of Beverly Hills.
Two Night Special Stay: Los Angeles
Discover Los Angeles by open-top bus on today’s included Hop-On Hop-Off tour. Take a photo of the famous Hollywood sign, look out for your favourite stars on the Walk of Fame and browse the boutiques, restaurants and bars on Hollywood’s Sunset Strip. Pass the Spanish Renaissance style City Hall, which has featured in several films, and stop near the famous Rodeo Drive and Melrose Avenue. It’s also worth a visit to the famous Los Angeles Farmers Market, which has been running since 1934.
Today you transfer to LA’s Union Station to board Amtrak’s Surfliner service to San Diego^. Travel south from Los Angeles, through Orange County, witnessing wonderful views of canyons, lagoons and the glorious Pacific Ocean. On arrival in San Diego, transfer to the Manchester Grand Hyatt Hotel for a three night stay. The hotel is ideally located near Seaport Village and the Gaslamp Quarter, the heart of San Diego’s dining and entertainment district.
Three Night Stay: San Diego
This morning you take an Old Town Trolley Tour of San Diego, taking in the city’s most exciting locations. Enjoy views of the Big Bay and city skyline from the Coronado Bridge, see the historic Gaslamp Quarter, visit Old Town - the birthplace of California, and then travel onwards to Embarcadero and Little Italy. Later, take a Champagne Brunch Cruise on San Diego harbour. Enjoy a full brunch buffet, free-flowing champagne and a narrated tour of the city landmarks whilst taking in the wonderful views. After the cruise, you could take advantage of your all-day Trolley Tour ticket and head to Balboa Park - home to fifteen museums, several beautiful gardens, The Old Globe Theatre and the world famous San Diego Zoo.
Today is a SCENIC FREE CHOICE day, where you choose from the following inclusions: (1) visit San Diego Zoo, one of the very best in the world. Be sure to stop in at the Giant Panda Research Station to see the zoo’s world famous black-and-white bears (2) discover Dolphin Point, Turtle Reef and meet Shamu the Killer Whale during a trip to SeaWorld (3) explore the USS Midway Museum and see San Diego by land and sea during a Seal Tour - the only amphibious tour of the city.
After breakfast fly to San Francisco - the City by the Bay. On arrival, take a short orientation tour of the city’s key sights to prepare you for the next couple of days. San Francisco’s extensive public transport system is the best way to explore the city’s many attractions, so we have included a three day complimentary travel pass, which includes the city’s famous cable cars, trams and buses. We then transfer to the historic Fairmont Hotel for a three night Special Stay. The hotel has been the San Francisco residence for every U.S. president since the early 1900’s and has garnered a reputation for offering first-class hospitality. Located opposite magnificent Grace Cathedral in the exclusive Nob Hill area, the hotel is just a short cable car ride away from Union Square and Fisherman’s Wharf.
Three Night Special Stay: San Francisco
Today choose from the following included SCENIC FREE CHOICE activities: (1) visit the legendary Alcatraz prison, once home to some of America’s most infamous criminals including Al Capone and the ‘Birdman of Alcatraz’† (2) a guided bicycle tour of the Waterfront, Golden Gate Bridge and Sausalito, including a ferry trip to return to the city† (3) learn about San Francisco’s unique history as you travel through the city on a Hop-On Hop-Off bus tour†.
SCENIC ENRICH: This morning we transfer to San Francisco Bay to board a scenic seaplane flight (weather dependent). You’ll soar over the beautiful bay, take in views of the cityscape and Alcatraz and fly over the Golden Gate Bridge. It’s simply a stunning way to see San Francisco. After your flight we return to the city. Or instead, why not take a picturesque walk along the bay, or even hop on our shuttle to Sausalito where you can spend time browsing the shops and galleries and then make your own way back to the city? SCENIC ENRICH: Tonight, take the iconic San Francisco Cable Car to the bustling Fisherman’s Wharf. Admire the panoramic views of Alcatraz and Angel Island before heading to an award-winning restaurant for a wonderful three course farewell dinner with a selection of drinks.
Your tour concludes today and you’ll be transferred to the airport for your flight home.
Welcome home!
* Hotel is dependent on departure date. Please call for details.
^Please note, we are unable to provide a full porterage service at Amtrak stations
† Your complimentary San Francisco Three Day Travel Pass will be used to reach the starting point of your Scenic FreeChoice activity and your farewell dinner at Fisherman’s Wharf.
Included in the cost of the tour is the SCENIC FREE CHOICE option of Alcatraz at a value of $28.00 per person.Tipping is not included on your Scenic Free Choice Activities.
Check transfer entitlements with your Scenic Tours travel advisor. For guests who have already received documentation - refer to your booking summary