New York City & highlights from San Francisco to Las Vegas

The day has arrived to embark on your American adventure. Your first stop is the iconic metropolis, New York City.

No matter what time you arrive, there’s something magical about flying into this city. Even from the plane, you may glimpse the skyscrapers rising on the horizon, quickly sensing the city’s vast expanse.

Upon arrival, pass through immigration, collect your luggage, and follow the signs to the transport option that suits you best. It’s easy to catch a train, taxi, or Uber to central Manhattan, where you will be staying.

Perhaps tonight you’ll feel like exploring the neighbourhood, finding a cosy restaurant, or trying a classic New York style cheesecake.

Welcome to The Big Apple – the city that never sleeps!

Today marks the real beginning of your encounter with New York City. Start the day like a true New Yorker with breakfast at any of the charming cafés in the area. Afterwards, an unforgettable boat trip around southern Manhattan awaits. Your voucher will provide details on the meeting point and possible departure times, and you should arrive at the listed address at least 45 minutes before your chosen departure.

A boat trip around Manhattan is an absolute must when visiting New York. The sheer size of the city becomes apparent as the skyscrapers loom before you. The trip also takes you past the iconic Statue of Liberty, originally a gift from France in 1885 to honour the alliance between the two countries during the French Revolution and to recognise America as a champion of freedom. The trip continues past One World Trade Center and under the historic Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Williamsburg Bridges before returning to the starting point.

After the boat trip, you’ll likely be inspired to explore the city further. The rest of the day is yours! We recommend a visit to the green oasis, Central Park, where New Yorkers relax and enjoy nature amidst the city. Here, you can rent a rowboat at the Central Park Boathouse and paddle out onto The Lake, enjoying the tranquillity – and maybe spotting one of the many turtles. You can also find the beautiful mosaic memorial for John Lennon at Strawberry Fields in Central Park.

Alternatively, explore the city’s iconic bridges on foot. A walk or cycle over the Brooklyn Bridge is an experience in itself, with spectacular views of both Manhattan and Brooklyn. If you make it to Brooklyn, enjoy lunch in DUMBO, a charming area with a view of the Manhattan skyline.

The day can be fittingly concluded in the best cultural manner with a Broadway show (advanced booking is recommended).

Today, no excursions are planned, giving you complete freedom to decide how to spend your day. Just outside the hotel, the bustling city life awaits, with virtually limitless possibilities.

If you’re looking for inspiration, consider some of the experiences below or just take the day as it comes.

A trip to the Heights is a must-do, and don’t miss a visit to the observation deck at Rockefeller Center for a stunning view of the city. Alternatively, take a leisurely stroll along High Line Park – the old railway tracks transformed into a beautiful park filled with artwork and little green oases. When you get hungry, Chelsea Market is an excellent stop. This popular food market offers everything from crispy mozzarella sticks to freshly prepared noodles and other delights.

If you’re interested in art, history, or archaeology, the city’s museums are a perfect choice. Explore modern masterpieces at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), the unique architecture and art at the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, or delve into dinosaurs and starry skies at the Museum of Natural History – also known from the film ‘Night at the Museum’.

End the day with a touch of local flavour at a jazz or blues bar. The area around NOHO boasts several atmospheric venues where you can enjoy live music and a cosy ambience.

Today, your tour continues westward to San Francisco, located at the northern end of California. Get ready to experience the contrast between two of the USA’s most iconic cities as you leave one for the other.
After checking out from your hotel in New York, you can arrange for a taxi or Uber to the airport, or seek assistance from the hotel to organise a transfer. Your itinerary contains information on which airport, departure terminal, and departure time apply to your journey.

Later in the day, you will arrive in San Francisco. In the arrivals hall, follow the signs to choose the most suitable transport method for you. There are several convenient options to head into the city centre where your hotel is located. You can take a direct train from the terminal, book an Uber or Lyft, or hop into a classic taxi.

Upon arrival at the hotel, you will likely have already noticed San Francisco’s unique charm – the steep streets, the colourful Victorian townhouses, and the trams along the roads. You will be staying right here in the heart of the city for the next three nights. Take advantage of your central location by venturing out to grab a bite at one of the many local restaurants or cafés.

Over the next few days, you’ll awaken in central San Francisco, providing easy access to shopping, cafés, and not least the famous cable cars, which have been transporting the city’s people over steep hills since 1878.
You can purchase single or day tickets for the cable cars at the turnaround stations. The Hyde-Powell line easily takes you from Union Square to the famous Fisherman’s Wharf. For an authentic San Francisco experience, try getting a standing spot on the side of the carriage and feel the thrill, especially as the tram speeds down the city’s hills.

The days in San Francisco are without planned activities, allowing you to set the pace and itinerary. The city offers something for everyone – whether you prefer leisurely strolls through charming streets or are eager to explore historical sites.

From the area around Fisherman’s Wharf, you can enjoy a splendid view of the iconic red suspension bridge, the Golden Gate Bridge, which opened in 1937. However, nothing beats the feeling of driving over the bridge and seeing its immense structure pass overhead. Awaiting on the other side is a breathtaking view of the city’s rooftops and Alcatraz Island, which from 1934-1963 housed some of America’s most notorious criminals, including gangster Al Capone. Consider crossing the bridge by bicycle, available for hire in several places around Fisherman’s Wharf.

We also warmly recommend a visit to the Painted Ladies, the famous pastel-coloured Victorian houses at Alamo Square. From here, you can proceed to the city’s green oasis, Golden Gate Park, where you can enjoy the renowned botanical garden and several museums, such as the California Academy of Sciences.

If you want to meet some of the city’s biggest celebrities, head to Pier 39 – home to hundreds of sea lions that have been roaring and splashing around at this pier for decades. In the area, you’ll find a wealth of shops and restaurants, including the famous Boudin Bakery, renowned for its sourdough bread in various shapes. Here, you can order the classic dish, clam chowder, naturally served in a bread bowl.

San Francisco also boasts one of the world’s oldest and largest Chinatowns outside of Asia. Here, you can experience authentic Chinese culture through architecture, the aroma of dumplings and incense, and the many shops selling everything from kimonos and chopsticks to the popular ‘waving cats’.

Besides a cable car ride, it’s recommended to purchase an optional hop-on hop-off bus ticket, taking you to the city’s most popular attractions – including over (and back) the Golden Gate Bridge.

Today, it’s time to leave the big city behind. Your road trip truly begins, and today’s destination is one of the tour’s major highlights: Yosemite National Park, which spans over 3,000 km².

Collect your rental car in the morning from a nearby city office*. It’s a good idea to bring some supplies for the drive – snacks and drinks will certainly make the journey more enjoyable.

As you approach the park via the Arch Rock Entrance, you’ll notice San Francisco’s bustling city life gradually giving way to barren landscapes and finally, the majestic silhouettes of the Sierra Nevada mountains. This is where Yosemite National Park is located. The final hour’s drive into Yosemite Valley is breathtakingly beautiful, with sheer rock faces, dense pine forests, and the rushing Merced River that parallels the road.

You can either drive directly into Yosemite Valley or opt for a break at the hotel after the day’s drive.
In the park, you’re greeted by spectacular waterfalls cascading from dramatic cliffs. Yosemite has something for every level of difficulty and age, and you don’t need to venture far to witness popular natural attractions. A great place to start is at Lower Yosemite Falls, which is easily accessible, or Mirror Lake, reflecting the surrounding mountains on its water surface. You’re welcome to seek guidance on suitable routes at the Welcome Center.

Today’s driving distance: approx. 300 km

*You have the option to upgrade your rental car when booking your tour. Contact your travel specialist for more details.

Today holds even more breathtaking views and encounters with nature. You might be lucky enough to spot a black bear in the area, known for its diet of insects and berries.

One of the best ways to explore the park is by bike, which you can hire at various locations in the park. Alternatively, you can use one of the park’s free shuttle buses to get around the valley.

In the summer months, when the snow has melted, Glacier Point is an unmissable viewpoint situated at around 2200 metres. You can drive up there by car or book a bus tour (bookings are made directly in the park on a first-come, first-served basis or via a phone pre-book, which you can read more about here). If you’re up for a hike from Glacier Point, you can take the bus up and hike down the Four Mile Trail.

From Glacier Point, you will enjoy stunning views, especially at sunset when the sun casts an orange glow over the impressive mountain, Half Dome.

Another of the park’s unforgettable viewpoints is Tunnel View, where you get an amazing sight of Yosemite Valley, Bridalveil Fall, and the iconic mountains El Capitan and Half Dome.

Today, the tour takes you back to the Pacific coast to experience the charming fishing town of Monterey. On the way from Yosemite, you might take a small detour via the beautiful grove of Mariposa Grove (not possible in winter due to snow), where you can admire some of the world’s largest trees, the majestic Giant Sequoias, of which a small group can be found here. Look forward to wandering among these enormous giants of nature and feel smaller than ever as you stand before the enormous fallen tree root, “Fallen Monarch,” or walk through the “California Tunnel Tree.”

Later in the day, you arrive in Monterey, a picturesque coastal town known for its charm, historic significance, and relaxed pace.
Visit the popular waterfront area, where you’ll find old sardine factories on Cannery Row, a nod to Monterey’s heyday in the sardine industry until it collapsed after World War II. The street gained fame after author John Steinbeck published a book of the same name. Today, the area is filled with cosy restaurants, cafés, and speciality shops.

We recommend parking at “Old Fisherman’s Wharf Parking” and taking the short walk to the old fishing piers at Old Fisherman’s Wharf. Here, you can enjoy a bite to eat and stroll among the inviting shops. Do as the locals do and savour a “shrimp-dog,” or perhaps a crab sandwich might tempt you? For a sweet treat, you can buy homemade caramel in one of the famous sweet shops, a must-visit especially for the little ones. From Old Fisherman’s Wharf, you can follow the path along the waterfront to Monterey Harbour.

End the day with a dinner by the waterfront, enjoying the sight of pelicans diving for their supper in Monterey Bay.

In the summer months, you can use the free shuttle bus that runs between Fisherman’s Wharf, Cannery Row, and the Monterey Bay Aquarium.

Today’s driving distance: approximately 300 km.

Today, the journey continues south, and it’s a good idea to set off early from Monterey to allow time for stops along the way. Remember to fill up the car with both fuel and snacks, so you’re ready for the exciting day ahead. The trip takes you to Santa Barbara, and you can choose either the iconic Highway 1, known as one of the world’s most beautiful coastal roads, or Highway 101, which leads you inland through stunning mountainous landscapes. Whichever route you choose, there are plenty of picturesque views in store.

Taking Highway 1 promises views of the Pacific Ocean on one side and the changing Californian mountain landscape on the other. On this drive, you can witness the ocean waves crashing against dramatic cliffs, birds of prey, impressive bridges, and colonies of elephant seals. A must-see is McWay Falls in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, and you will continue to Ragged Point, where you can enjoy a coffee stop with views of the southern part of Big Sur.

Further south, you pass the charming coastal town of Morro Bay, where the pace is relaxed and sea lions frolic among kayaks and fishing boats. The town’s landmark, the massive rock Morro Rock, is an unavoidable sight as you arrive from the main road. You can drive right up to Morro Rock, stretch your legs and see if you can spot the many sea otters thriving here in the Morro bay.

Before reaching Santa Barbara, you might take a detour to the Santa Ynez Valley, famous for its vineyards and charming eateries where you can sample the area’s delicious Californian wines. You can also visit the small town of Solvang, founded by Danish immigrants in 1911. Here, you can experience a slice of “back then” Denmark with traditional half-timbered houses, windmills, a replica of The Little Mermaid, and buy classic Danish pastries. Here, you can also taste the traditional Danish Christmas dessert, the famous æbleskiver.

Upon arrival in Santa Barbara, relax by the hotel pool and enjoy a well-deserved break. When hunger strikes, you can find charming eateries in the area or explore Santa Barbara’s atmospheric and charming city centre with a pedestrian street full of restaurants and shops.

Today’s driving distance: approximately 370 km.

Minor sections of Highway 1 may be intermittently closed due to repairs. In these cases, you can still enjoy much of the coastal road, albeit with a detour inland. See the practical information section for more details.

As today’s drive to Los Angeles is relatively short, you have plenty of time to enjoy the morning in Santa Barbara.

Santa Barbara is a favourite destination among Californians, and it’s easy to see why. The city offers delightful sandy beaches, stunning views of the Santa Ynez Mountains, and a laid-back vibe. It’s particularly charming with its Spanish-inspired houses featuring light facades and orange tiles that adorn the city’s streets.
You might start the day with a guided kayak tour around the city’s marina, whilst enjoying fantastic views of the city’s rooftops and surrounding mountains. Or spend the morning in the city’s lovely shops and enjoy a good lunch.

When you’re ready to move on, continue the trip towards Los Angeles. Along the way, you can take a break and dip into the waves at one of the many famous beaches you pass by. If you choose to take the coastal route, you will pass by iconic beaches such as Malibu, Zuma, and Carpinteria Beach. Alternatively, you can opt for a scenic route through the Santa Monica Mountains, where you can enjoy views of both mountains and the ocean from the mountains’ heights.

Later in the day, you will arrive in Los Angeles. Perhaps it’s time for a relaxing moment with a book by the pool?

Today’s driving distance: approximately 160 km

Los Angeles sets the stage for the next few days of experiences – and there are plenty. There are no planned activities, so you can set your own pace and choose what you want to do. The city invites both relaxation and adventure.

We recommend starting your day with a visit to Hollywood. You can easily park in the Ovation Hollywood shopping centre and take a short walk to the famous star-studded Walk of Fame. From the centre’s viewing platform, you can spot the Hollywood sign in the nearby hills. Originally erected in 1923 as an advertisement for a housing development called “Hollywoodland”, today the Hollywood sign stands as a symbol of the film industry and the many hopefuls who flock to the city in pursuit of an acting dream.

However, nothing beats the view you’ll get at Griffith Observatory. From here, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of both the Hollywood sign and the vast city below. If you visit at dusk, you can watch the city lights and the stars in the sky start to twinkle as darkness falls.

From Hollywood, take a drive along the iconic Sunset Boulevard, passing the exclusive neighbourhood of Beverly Hills, and continue on to Santa Monica Beach. Here, you can take a dip in the Pacific Ocean or stroll the iconic pier with its Ferris wheel. Adjacent to Santa Monica is Venice Beach, a lively and colourful area known for its boardwalk with small stalls, performers, and people exercising at Muscle Beach – a scene where even Arnold Schwarzenegger made his mark in the 1970s.

Now that you’re in the heart of the film industry, why not complete your stay in Los Angeles with a day at one of the famous film studios? Here, you can gain insight into the production of major Hollywood films, from special effects to set designs.

If shopping is on your to-do list, visit the charming 3rd Street Promenade in Santa Monica, brimming with shops and cafés.
For more extensive shopping opportunities, the city boasts several outlet centres.

Today, the stark contrast unfolds as you leave California’s coastal area for the Mojave Desert and the gambling city of Las Vegas in the state of Nevada. You will go from the metropolis’s skyscrapers to small towns, sand dunes, and tumbleweeds lazily rolling across the road.

You’ll drive via Barstow, located roughly halfway along today’s route. Besides housing a massive outlet centre, Barstow is also home to the iconic Peggy Sue’s Diner from 1954. Make a quintessential American pit stop here and order a classic cheeseburger, crispy onion rings, and wash it down with a milkshake.

Nearby, you’ll also find the former silver mining town of Calico, where in 1881, the largest silver discovery in California’s history was made. Today, the town is a well-preserved ghost town, where you can visit the silver mine and gain insights into the miners’ harsh working conditions, as well as wander among the town’s historic buildings like saloons, a post office, and a small jail.

A couple more hours of driving from Barstow and you can begin to make out Las Vegas on the horizon. The quirky buildings emerging above the landscape reveal the iconic themed hotels lined along the nearly 7 km long Las Vegas Boulevard – better known as The Strip.

You’ll drop off your car at Las Vegas airport late in the day (details can be found on your voucher) and book a taxi to your hotel*. The journey from the airport to the hotel takes just 10 minutes. Once in the city, getting around is easiest on foot, by taxi, or by using Las Vegas’s modern version of a tram, the Monorail, which runs along The Strip.

After a day of driving, you might need a break: once settled in your room, a swim in the pool could be the ideal way to stretch out. If you feel like going out, finish your day with dinner at one of Las Vegas’s many restaurants and take in the famous fountain show outside the Bellagio Hotel. Since opening in 1998, this impressive water display, accompanied by classical music, has entertained passers-by.

Welcome to Vegas, Baby!

*It is possible to extend your car hire to coincide with your return journey. Ask your travel specialist for more information.

Today’s driving distance: approximately 435 km

Enjoy a day of leisure in the gambling city. It’s a place that demands to be experienced! It feels almost surreal to wander among the colossal themed hotels that elevate the concepts of decoration and entertainment to new heights. It’s highly recommended to spend part of your day “hotel-hopping” – a true Vegas activity, where you can explore the various themed hotels.
At the New York-New York Hotel, you can meander through the indoor setting of NYC’s Greenwich Village and even try the hotel’s roller coaster ride. Or visit the Paris Hotel, renowned for its 160-metre-high replica of the Eiffel Tower. At The Venetian, you can enjoy a gondola ride through the hotel while your gondolier serenades you.

Las Vegas is certainly not a bad place to feel hungry. This desert city is famed for being able to deliver whatever you fancy, whenever you crave it, and the dining options are endless. To truly experience a Vegas phenomenon, pay a visit to one of the city’s buffets, which offer almost anything on the menu.

For dinner, why not try a unique and memorable dining experience at the revolving restaurant atop The STRAT Hotel? Here, you can savour a meal with a panoramic view over the Mojave Desert, witnessing the millions of lights glittering from the city’s theme hotels.

If you dream of experiencing one of the seven wonders of the world, the Grand Canyon, a helicopter tour from Las Vegas comes highly recommended. If you’ve extended your car hire, you can embark on a day trip outside the city. Just a 2.5-hour drive takes you to Zion National Park, where breathtaking landscapes await. Alternatively, you can visit Valley of Fire State Park, which showcases fascinating red rock formations and is less than an hour’s drive from Las Vegas.

Today, you will begin your journey back to Europe.

Unless you’ve opted to purchase additional days of car hire in Las Vegas, you’ll take a taxi to the airport, situated at one end of Las Vegas Blvd. If you’ve had a car during your stay in Las Vegas, it needs to be returned at the airport (the details are on your voucher). From Las Vegas, you’ll fly towards your chosen airport with connecting flight(s) along the way.

If you wish to prolong your stay with a visit to an American metropolis, continue to your selected destination. You can also extend this tour with extra days in Arizona and Utah, where you can explore the Grand Canyon, Lake Powell, Horseshoe Bend, Bryce Canyon National Park, and Zion National Park, among other attractions. Speak to your travel specialist about your options.

You will arrive at your chosen airport after a travel-rich tour.