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Explore the USA "Wild West" with the whole family.
Welcome to the 'City of Angels', Los Angeles. Feel the California sunshine on your face as you have a free day to take a bus over to Venice Beach and enjoy some family time on the shore. Visit the Venice Skatepark to watch the skaters' tricks, then stroll to Santa Monica Pier to ride the giant ferris wheel. A welcome meeting will be held at 18:00 hrs, where you will meet your tour leader and fellow travelling companions. *La Quinta LAX (or similar)*
Today will bring out the child in everyone! Enjoy an included visit to Universal Studios where you can take a behind-the-scenes studio tour and ride the most exciting roller coasters on the planet. This is entertainment central for the whole family and the perfect way to experience Los Angeles after touring Hollywood. *La Quinta LAX (or similar)*
Our California tour continues with a visit to the golden sandy beaches of San Diego. If you're looking for the perfect place to relax, but with enough activities to keep the kids entertained, then make sure you visit Mission Beach. Rent bikes, or rollerblades to cruise around on. Alternatively, for the more adventurous, try your hand at surfing the Californian waves. Enjoy an included picnic dinner on the beach - the perfect end to a perfect day. *Optional Activities*: * Ocean Beach Surf and Skate - Surf Lessons: US$105 * Rollerblading US$7 * Bike rental US$7 *Participatory Camping * Campland on the Bay (or similar)
Home to the original London Bridge and designated as a recreational area, this desert oasis has become a mecca for water sports enthusiasts throughout the Southwest. With 300 days of sunshine a year and all the adventure you could possibly wish for, Lake Havasu is a great way to keep the kids entertained. Simply relax and go for a swim to cool off after a long day.* * *Optional Activities:* * Watersports - Prices Vary (US$) *Quality Inn and Suites Lake Havasu (or similar)*
Desert turns to pine covered plateaus as the earth opens to reveal one of the world's natural wonders, the Grand Canyon. This incredible spectacle is something truly special to witness, especially through the eyes of a child. Whether you decide to hike along the rim or take the more adventurous route into the canyon itself, you'll be amazed at the sheer beauty of the place. Carved over several millennia, this massive wonder of nature is 277 miles (445 kilometres) long, up to 18 miles (29 kilometres) wide and over a mile deep (1.6 kilometres). Snaking through the canyon floor is the mighty Colorado River, which runs 1450 miles (2330 kilometres) through seven American states and two Mexican states. You can explore the park at your own pace and we highly recommend a scenic helicopter flight over the canyon, which offers a unique bird's eye view that will amaze the whole family. Pop in to the Grand Canyon Visitor Centre to learn how the canyon was formed, then venture down the Bright Angel Trail to Plateau Point to let off some steam, or just stroll along the more leisurely West Rim Trail and catch the shuttle bus to Hermit's Rest. Finish off the day by enjoying a dinner with a view as you tuck into pizza and watch the sunset over the canyon, perfection! *Optional Activities:* * Helicopter flight US$289 * IMAX Theater US$10 *Participatory Camping* Campsite varies depending on departure
Before arriving to the ultimate desert show stopper, Las Vegas, you'll travel down a section of the original Route 66 and stop at the town of Seligman, filled to the brim with pure Americana. Why not try a super thick milkshake at the all-American Snow Cap Diner? Next, is the desert city of Las Vegas - the ultimate entertainment experience. With its roller coasters, thrill rides, magic shows, amazing swimming pools and all-you-can-eat buffets, there's plenty for the whole family to see and do. Family friendly recommendations include Circus Circus and Treasure Island which are guaranteed to be a hit. In the evening walk the Strip and enjoy the bright lights and fountain displays. *Alexis Park (or similar)*
Make your way across the desert towards Keough Hot Springs, one of the largest natural hot springs in the Eastern Sierras. After all the excitement and the hustle and bustle from the previous day, this is the perfect place to relax and cool off in the sunshine. *Participatory camping* Brown's Campground (or similar)
Yosemite is one of California's most treasured national parks and it's easy to see why. Nestled high in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, this is a natural playground of unspoilt forest and sheer granite walls rising thousands of feet over the valley floor. There's also plenty of wildlife to be spotted, including bears and coyotes. Whether inner-tubing down the meandering Merced River (in season) or hiking to the top of thundering Nevada Falls, Yosemite's towering cliffs, waterfalls and Giant Sequoias are sure to impress the entire family. Yosemite embodies the spirit of America's natural parks and its rugged, towering peaks and magnificent waterfalls have been immortalised by countless photographers. Trails throughout the park are as varied as the landscape and you'll no doubt find a trail that will appeal to you and your family. Take in the quintessential vistas of El Capitan, a 3,000 foot sheer rock face famous with rock climbers the world over. Other popular spots in the park are Bridalveil Falls, one of the most prominent waterfalls in Yosemite, and the famous granite Half Dome, a rock formation you will have seen before on countless postcards. At night, it's the ideal place to stargaze around the campfire as you toast marshmallows. *Optional Activities:* * Bike Rental US$12-$34 * Float Trip on the Merced River US$31 *Participartory camping* Yosemite Lakes RV Resort (or similar)
Continue on to San Francisco, or the 'City by the Bay', as it is commonly known. Why not stay on a few extra days and hop on a cable car, taking in Chinatown, before visiting the Aquarium of the Bay and the city's playful sea-lions at Pier 39? Head over to Golden Gate Park with a picnic and stroll across Golden Gate Bridge for inspired views of the city. A 'must do' in San Francisco is the offshore prison of Alcatraz, where you can learn all about the infamous inmates and their failed escape attempts. If you plan on doing this, you'll need to book in advance directly with the Alcatraz Cruises as it tends to book up fast. Your California family holiday ends at our gateway hotel at approximately 17:00 hrs. We can book you post-tour accommodation at our gateway hotel if required. If you are planning to fly tonight, please do not book a flight that departs before 21:00 hrs.
* Travel by private minibus with trailer for luggage and equipment
* Group normally 6 to 13, plus leader
* 7 nights participatory camping, 4 night hotel
9 breakfasts, 9 lunches and 7 dinners
Most of the meals are included whilst camping. Your tour leader will
coordinate local shopping and assist the group in preparing healthy, hearty
breakfasts, picnic lunches and delicious dinners. Occasionally, you will eat
out in local restaurants. To help you budget for these meals on average
hotel breakfasts cost from US$6-$12, lunches from US$8-$15 and dinners from
US$13-$30; this does not include alcoholic beverages. Wine costs
approximately US$5 per glass and beer US$4 per bottle. Please be aware that
a tip of approximately 17%-20% is added to group meals in North American
restaurants. Applicable taxes will also be added to all listed menu prices.
Please make sure we are aware of any special meal requirements before
travelling. We will do all we can to accommodate for various dietary
requirements but in certain parts of North America certain food types can be
limited.
* Travel by private minibus with trailer for luggage and equipment
* Group normally 6 to 13, plus leader
* 7 nights participatory camping, 4 night hotel
This trip is graded as Activity Level: 1 (Leisurely).
This is a busy tour aimed at families travelling with children aged 9 and
over. You will need to be reasonably fit to do some of the hikes, but all are
optional day walks and there are a variety of routes and trails for all
abilities.
Please note that due to federal laws in the Grand Canyon N.P your tour leader
can't hike with you. They will, however, prepare you for all available walks.
The leader will also advise those who do not wish to participate of the other
options available in the area. Some of the areas are remote and hiking or
relaxing will be the only possible entertainment, so you should be prepared
for this.
The trails vary a great deal - in the more developed parks they are well
maintained and defined, whilst in the remote parks we might be following a
sandy, rocky creek bed or hike cross country over open desert terrain.
Crossing shallow streams (Zion) can be expected. Most of the walking is at
moderate altitudes and therefore should not cause any altitude-related
problems. Hiking options in Yosemite are quite varied and can be strenuous.
This tour will visit many of the most famous National Parks. Driving
distances are considerable but we have tried to ensure a steady pace with
time for relaxing. On several of the days we will leave early. Please do note
that the West is a big place and the distances might seem long compared to
Europe!
While camping, members of the group are expected to fully participate,
including erecting and dismantling your own tent, and preparing meals and
washing up after meals.
Although each tour follows an itinerary, there is a certain amount of
flexibility and from time to time your tour leader may suggest changes. This
may be due to road conditions, weather or a visit to a special attraction or
event that happens to be in progress. Flexibility is key and often a side
diversion will be a highlight of the tour. Hikes and optional activities
cannot be guaranteed and may vary depending on ability, group interest, local
weather conditions and time of year. There are opportunities for optional
activities during your tour. Your tour leader will organise these on your
behalf and you will pay locally in cash. You’ll find the main optional
activities listed above under each itinerary day description, along with
guideline prices. It may not be possible to do all optional activities listed
on each tour.
Our tours are a unique holiday experience and much of your enjoyment will
come from the team spirit of your group and the fun you’ll have together,
as well as from the local setting. We cannot stress strongly enough the
importance of bringing a positive attitude with you on tour; a sure guarantee
to enjoying each and every moment, even in the adversity of the odd
rainstorm!
Camping
We use National and State Park campsites and also a wide assortment of
private campgrounds. Most will have flush toilets and hot showers, however
please be aware that some campgrounds may charge an additional fee of $1-$3
for showers. You will sleep in tents, which 2 people will share. Our camping
equipment also includes field kitchens, inflatable sleeping pads, food
storage and camp lanterns and chairs. Most campsites have a quiet time from
22:00 hrs to 07:00 hrs. Please respect your fellow campers who are there to
enjoy the peace and tranquillity of camping.
An essential part of a camping tour is helping out with the day to day camp
duties and everyone will assist with the setting up and packing up of the
campsite. Your tour leader will provide guidance on what to do, and typically
it will only take 15 minutes to set up or break down the tents and camp
kitchen. Before you know it you’ll be enjoying ‘home sweet home’ in the
great outdoors.
Your tour leader will also co-ordinate and assist the group with food
shopping, preparing meals and cleaning up. Sharing the camp duties is a great
way to bond with your fellow travellers and the group camaraderie is all part
of the experience.
Your tour leader will take care of all the planning and organisation
throughout your tour, they will drive the van taking you from A to B and make
sure everything runs smoothly. Your tour leader is there to make sure you get
the most out of your tour; organising activities, providing information and
answering any questions you may have as well as sorting out any queries or
problems. If you have any particular interests or things you would like to do
on your tour, then please let your tour leader know at the beginning of the
tour and they will do their best to help you.
Working hour regulations for Leaders - Please note that US Law regulates the
total number of hours your group leader is available to work. Tours are
designed to make the most of your time in the States, but please understand
that there will be certain times each day that your leader will need to be
off duty from work in order to rest and recuperate. Due to these
restrictions, particularly after the longer driving days, your leader may not
be able to join you for some of the daily activities or may need to tend to
other work duties.
9 breakfasts, 9 lunches and 7 dinners
Most of the meals are included whilst camping. Your tour leader will
coordinate local shopping and assist the group in preparing healthy, hearty
breakfasts, picnic lunches and delicious dinners. Occasionally, you will eat
out in local restaurants. To help you budget for these meals on average
hotel breakfasts cost from US$6-$12, lunches from US$8-$15 and dinners from
US$13-$30; this does not include alcoholic beverages. Wine costs
approximately US$5 per glass and beer US$4 per bottle. Please be aware that
a tip of approximately 17%-20% is added to group meals in North American
restaurants. Applicable taxes will also be added to all listed menu prices.
Please make sure we are aware of any special meal requirements before
travelling. We will do all we can to accommodate for various dietary
requirements but in certain parts of North America certain food types can be
limited.
You’ll travel in a private 15-Seater Ford vehicle which is driven by your
tour leader. All luggage, equipment and other necessities are stored in a
specially designed trailer or storage area to maximise space and comfort in
the vehicle. The size of our vehicles allows us to reach more remote
destinations not accessible to larger vehicles. All our vehicles are equipped
with CD stereo systems (often iPod compatible) and air-conditioning.
You will need to make your own way to the joining hotel for your tour.
You are free to arrive at any time on day one of your tour but please ensure
you leave plenty of time to reach your joining hotel and attend your welcome
meeting. Details on the time and specific location of your meeting will be
available early on the arrival day. During this evening meeting you will meet
your tour guide and fellow travellers and also spend a few minutes filling
out necessary paperwork, so please bring your insurance documents, passport
and tour documentation to the meeting.
ARRIVAL COMPLICATIONS
Sometimes the unexpected can happen; your plane may be delayed or you may
even miss it! If you have missed your tour departure, first check with the
hotel to see if your tour guide has left you a message. If not, call the
relevant emergency number and speak to our staff who will be happy to help
you catch up with the group. Please note that you are responsible for any
extra travelling expenses incurred due to you missing your tour’s
departure, so please be on time.
FINISHING POINT
SAN FRANCISCO - Ramada Limited SFO North
721 Airport Blvd, South San Francisco, CA
Your tour will end upon arrival at the above hotel, which will be around
17:00 hrs on the final day. Some tour activities scheduled for the last day
may preclude an earlier arrival at the end point hotel, so you should not
book a flight that leaves prior to 21:00 hrs. You will be responsible for any
transportation costs if you have to arrive for an earlier flight and you must
make us aware of this well in advance of your tour departing. If you require
accommodation for the last night, it is essential that you book this before
your tour departs.
Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to
you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at
least a week before departure, or require them earlier, please contact our
office or your travel agent.
The West is known for its very dry spring, summer and autumn weather and
outstanding blue, sunny skies. Being as far south as Southern Europe and
Northern Africa, temperatures are normally much warmer than in Northern
Europe. However, temperatures vary greatly depending on the elevation you are
at. Generally, the higher the elevation, the cooler the temperature. In
summer, Yosemite, Bryce and the Grand Canyon offer pleasant temperatures
ideal for hiking whereas some of the deserts might experience hotter
temperatures. On warmer days, the leader will opt for early morning and late
afternoon walks, leaving time for midday rest. The hottest time of day in the
desert is actually 3pm, and most nights will be mild to warm. Be prepared for
afternoon thunderstorms in the summer months, and look out for the plentiful
mountain wildflowers.
Please keep in mind that our dress tends to be informal. It is advised that
you take a practical selection of clothes for both warm and cool climates to
suit the season. Please see the temperature guide showing the highs and lows
that can be expected in key locations that your tour visits. However please
remember that this is just a guide and you may encounter a wide variety of
temperatures en route due to altitude and unforeseen weather conditions - so
it’s best to be prepared. Please note, we do not provide pillows. One can
be purchased locally in Walmart.
Besides your essential clothing, here’s a checklist of other items you
should take:
• Waterproof jacket
• Warm sweater / fleece
• Casual ‘evening out’ clothes
• Pillowcase (pillow optional) / Sleeping bag liner
• Hiking shoes / boots
• Comfortable day shoes
• Sandals or flip-flops
• Thick walking socks
• Blister packs and plasters
• Hiking poles
• Dry bag
• Small dap pack
• Water bottle
• SD memory card / spare camera batteries
• Swim wear
• Sun hat / sunglasses
• Camera / binoculars
• Small flashlight / head torch
• Sunscreen / insect repellent (20% DEET)
• Travel power adaptor
• Toiletries / personal medicine
• Towel
Please note the airlines have various rules on what can be carried in your
luggage - if in doubt check with your airline before travelling.
*FOOTWEAR*
As our family tours are quite active, we recommend comfortable shoes to make
walking and sightseeing more enjoyable. In National Parks, the trails tend
you be of a decent standard although there may be uneven surfaces so it is
best to wear covered shoes with ankle support. If you do not own a pair of
walking boots or trail shoes then sports trainers will suffice although this
is a personal choice. If you intend to do some walking, it is recommended to
bring thick walking socks for comfort.
*CLOTHES WASHING*
You will have the opportunity to wash your clothes whilst you are on tour,
and this can often be done at the campsite or in town. Ask your tour leader
for local information.
*BATTERY CHARGING*
Many of our travellers bring mobile phones, music devices and cameras that
require frequent battery charging during a tour. When camping it is often
difficult to find a safe and secure wall outlet to recharge these devices,
therefore we recommend that you bring a car charger. Every vehicle has two
outlets for your use, but please bear in mind that thirteen people travelling
with multiple devices can mean very little charge time per person per day, so
it may be useful bringing extra batteries. When you are staying in hotels,
your room will have an electrical outlet (just remember your international
adaptor!).
*WI-FI ON TOUR*
Whilst in the USA our vehicles are equipped with free Wi-Fi, so you can keep
in touch with friends and family from the road. Free Wi-Fi will also often be
available at campgrounds, hotels and hostels. In order for us to provide this
service, we operate a fair usage policy to ensure everyone has equal access
to Wi-Fi and is subject to a set data quota, sufficient for normal usage.
This means that you are not permitted to stream films, music or download
large files. If you do so, this will deplete the entire group’s data
allowance. For this reason, if you reach your data limit your tour leader may
need to turn off the Wi-Fi to ensure you do not run out of data in the latter
stages of your trip. Please note: In some remote areas you may not be able to
pick up the Wi-Fi in the van, and only five people can be connected to the
Wi-Fi at one time. Once you have finished using the Wi-Fi please disconnect
to prevent wastage.
*LUGGAGE ALLOWANCE*
One suitcase, soft holdall or rucksack (23kg maximum) per person, plus a
sleeping bag. A small daypack and camera can also be carried in the van.
Before you travel, please check the baggage allowance with the airline
you’re flying with as this may be less than 23kg.
We are unable to offer luggage storage facilities however, some of our pre
and post tour hotels will provide this service although there may be a
charge. Please contact the hotels directly for further information.
*SLEEPING BAGS*
You will need to bring your own sleeping bag for this tour, we will provide
you with a self-inflating mattress to sleep on. If you are travelling on an
early or late season tour or a winter tour, you might want to consider
bringing a mountain climate (four season) sleeping bag as the weather can be
much cooler.
Your spending money needs to cover meals not included in the tour, drinks,
personal expenses such as laundry, souvenirs and snacks along the way. For
camping tours we recommend you take at least US$30 dollars per person per
day, but it’s better to bring more than you need rather than run short on
tour. You will also need to budget for any optional activities you wish to
do.
Although it may not be customary in your country, it is normal and expected
in North America to tip local guides, waiters, bar staff, taxi drivers and
anyone who provides a service for you. Service workers are paid a low wage
and depend on tips for their livelihood. It can be embarrassing if you’re
confronted by a local who is expecting a tip and you are not aware of how
much to offer. For this reason we have listed guideline prices below.
A 15-17% tip is standard in restaurants and you should also expect to tip $1
per drink in bars, $1-2 per bag for porters as will 10% for taxi drivers.
It’s also typical to tip around 10% for local guides who provide optional
activities.
Your tour leader will work long and hard for you during your tour and we
recommend a discretionary tip of US$5-10 per passenger per day if your
leader’s performance meets or exceeds your expectations.
* Travel insurance
* Visas or vaccinations
* Single accommodation (available on request)
* Optional activities
Ved skriftlig aksept av vårt tilbud bekrefter du/dere at våre betingelser er både lest og forstått og at evt kansellerings gebyrer kan tilkomme ved en evt. avbestilling av reisen.
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