Compare Cities of the East by Audley Travel vs California Panorama by Omega Tours
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 13 days | 8 days |
| Price From | $ 3,927 | $ 2,127 |
| Price Per Day | $ 302 | $ 266 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Private guided tour | Group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Premium |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Ground transport included |
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| Meals Included | N/A | N/A |
| Description |
Oversized objects and other Americana along Route 66, the beaches and glitzy cities of California’s coast, steaming geysers in Yellowstone National Park… on a tailor-made holiday to the USA with Audley, you’ll see the highlights — and much more — your way. We’ll design your ideal trip with you, paying close attention to your interests, your travel style and your budget. Our USA specialists know the country inside out and can lead you to experiences you won’t find in a guidebook. |
Tick off all the Californian must-sees on this fantastic escorted tour as you experience Las Vegas in all its glittering glory, see the spectacular Yosemite National Park in awe and embrace San Francisco with its diverse and incredible surroundings including the Golden Gate Bridge, Union Square, and Fisherman’s Wharf. Discover all the glamour Los Angeles has to offer with stops at some of its most famous spots and much more |
Day 1 : Boston
Today you begin your journey by boarding your international outbound flight to Boston. On arrival in the USA, make your own way to your hotel in the heart of the city, where the remainder of the afternoon is free to relax. You could visit the New England Aquarium or take a tour of the Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum, where costumed guides will tell you about the lead up to the American Revolution in 18th-century Boston, when merchants famously dumped tonnes of English tea into Boston Harbor.
Day 2 : Boston
Begin your first full day in Boston with a guided tour of the city on board the city's old fashioned Trolley Tour network. This is a hop-on hop-off tour around key attractions in Boston and is a great way to learn more about Boston's history. The afternoon is free for you to enjoy time at leisure in the city, perhaps paying a visit to one of the country's most famous breweries, Samuel Adams.
Day 3 : Boston
Boston is a large city with many enticing attractions awaiting your discovery today and you have the full day at leisure to continue your exploration. Walk the Freedom Trail, shop at Quincy Market, take a whale watching cruise from the harbour, or take a student-led tour of Harvard University, located just over the Charles River in Cambridge. Sports fans may be able to catch a Red Sox baseball game at Fenway Park - your specialist can provide details of fixtures and book tickets for you.
Day 4 : New York
It's time to head out of Boston to your next iconic destination - New York City. Make your own way to the station this morning in time to board your train - your tickets will be included in your final travel documents pack. The journey will take around four hours and it's particularly picturesque as the train winds its way along the Atlantic coast and quaint New England towns and villages. As you approach the Big Apple you'll enjoy a fantastic view of the Manhattan skyline before pulling into Penn Station. Having disembarked, make your own way to your Manhattan hotel. Spend this afternoon exploring the city - you could take in views of the skyline while walking along the Highline; an unusual pedestrian pathway along a disused railway line that winds its way through Manhattan's skyscrapers.
Day 5 : New York
You have a full day to explore New York City under your own steam. You may wish to take a horse and carriage ride through Central Park, sample some tasty cuisine in Chinatown, or take a tour of the world-famous Radio City Music Hall. This evening we recommend heading to the top of the Empire State Building - try to be there for sunset for some spectacular views over the city. It's best to reserve tickets in advance - please speak to your specialist for more details.
Day 6 : New York
Enjoy another full day in New York City. Start the day by joining a sightseeing cruise around Manhattan, which takes in views of the Yankee Stadium, the United Nations HQ, the Brooklyn Bridge, the glorious skyline of the city, and of course, magnificent close-up views of the Statue of Liberty. You'll have the rest of the afternoon free to continue exploring at leisure; sample some delicious food in bustling Chelsea Market, wander down Wall Street, or enjoy spectacular views from the top of the One World Observatory.
Day 7 : Philadelphia
Make your way back to Penn Station this morning to board your onward train. Your journey today is relatively short, arriving around an hour and a half later into Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Upon arrival into 'Philly' take a taxi to your hotel in the downtown area of the city. You're then free to spend the afternoon relaxing in your hotel or exploring the city - you could stroll through the Museum District and learn about the city's past, or visit a food market such as Reading Terminal Market for your first taste of an authentic Philly steak sandwich.
Day 8 : Philadelphia
Spend a day exploring Philadelphia. You can walk through the memorial parks, visit the famous Liberty Bell in the informative Liberty Bell Centre or take a cruise on the river past Schuylkill River Park. Rocky film fans might like to strike a pose on the famous steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art before taking a look inside at its Renaissance and Modern artwork.
Day 9 : Washington DC
This morning make your way to 30th Street Station in time to board your two hour train ride to Washington D.C. Upon arrival into Washington D.C., take a short taxi ride to your hotel before spending the rest of the afternoon at leisure in the country's capital. The city is full of historic buildings and monuments to see and photograph, including the US Capitol Building. Old Alexandria Town is home to a number of well-preserved 18th and 19th-century buildings as well as the Alexandria Archaeological Museum, where you can learn about the area's past.
Day 10 : Washington DC
Enjoy your first full day in the nation's capital. One of the best ways to take in D.C.'s highlights is on two wheels, so this morning you'll join a small group bike tour, which will guide you around the many monuments and memorials that are dotted throughout the city. After your tour, the afternoon is free for you to explore on your own. You could browse the boutique shops in Georgetown, see the Declaration of Independence at the National Archives or visit the pandas at the National Zoological Park.
Day 11 : Washington DC
Continue to enjoy your time in Washington D.C. at your leisure. The Smithsonian Institution is made up of 17 separate buildings, housing some of the finest museum exhibitions in the world - entry to all museums is free. Alternatively, you might like to visit the iconic United States Congress Building - we can arrange for you to join a guided tour for further insight into the building. This evening, we recommend watching the sunset from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial - a perfect place to round off your journey through the USA.
Day 12 : International return flight
Finish off any last-minute sightseeing before you make your own way to the airport in time to board your onward flight.
Day 13 : International return flight
Arrive home today to complete your journey.
DAY 1: LOS ANGELES ARRIVAL
Arrive at Los Angeles International Airport and transfer independently to the hotel. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.
Accommodation at the Hilton Los Angeles Airport, Los Angeles, or similar
DAY 2: LOS ANGELES > MOJAVE DESERT > LAS VEGAS
Meet your Tour Director and depart for Las Vegas, the glittering “Entertainment Capital of the World,” for non-stop fun, gambling, and world-class entertainment. Your tour stops at the iconic Las Vegas Welcome Sign where you may wish to capture your photo memory of Las Vegas.
Accommodation at the Luxor Las Vegas, Las Vegas, or similar
DAY 3: LAS VEGAS > DEATH VALLEY > MAMMOTH LAKES/FRESNO
Having enjoyed glamorous Las Vegas, it will be a sharp contrast this afternoon to enter the quiet and extreme environment of Death Valley. Stop at Zabriskie Point and Furnace Creek Ranch/Visitors Center before continuing across the valley and ascending the Sierra Nevada Mountains to the alpine resort town of Mammoth Lakes. The area gained prominence as a gold mining town in the 19th century and today is renowned for its superior skiing terrain and staggeringly beautiful mountain vistas.
Important note: Winter Routing The Tioga Pass may be closed due to weather or road conditions, in which case you will overnight in Fresno or Visalia and a visit to Mammoth Lakes will not be possible (winter routing applies to all departures between October and May under normal snow conditions).
Accommodation at the Mammoth Mountain Inn, Mammoth Lakes, or Piccadilly Inn, Fresno
DAY 4: MAMMOTH/FRESNO > YOSEMITE > MODESTO
Your journey today brings you to the Tioga Pass (please see important note on day 3) into the scenic wonderland of Yosemite National Park. Here, you will experience the valley floor and its splendors including the glacial-shaped granite formations of El Capitan, Half Dome, the magnificent Bridal Falls, and Yosemite Falls. Overnight in Modesto.
Accommodation at the Doubletree by Hilton Modesto, Modesto, or similar
DAY 5: MODESTO > SAN FRANCISCO
Depart early this morning to arrive in San Francisco, one of the most beloved cities in America. Enjoy a comprehensive sightseeing tour before arriving at your hotel. This evening take a memorable City by Night Tour (optional).
Accommodation at the Hilton San Francisco Union Square, San Francisco, or similar
DAY 6: SAN FRANCISCO (NAPA VALLEY OPTIONAL)
Day at leisure! Your Tour Director is on hand to assist with making your plans for the day: perhaps a cable car ride to Fisherman’s Wharf where one may enjoy a “Taste of San Francisco”: local seafood, famous sourdough bread, or decadent Ghiradelli’s Chocolate. Or take a stroll by Sea Lions’ Marina to watch them frolic.
Be sure to gaze across the bay to Alcatraz Island where “America’s Most Wanted” such as Al Capone and ”Machine Gun” Kelly were incarcerated. Or visit Union Square for a shopping stop at Macy’s Department Store. You also may choose to embark on a wine-tasting tour to Napa Valley, world-renowned for its fine wineries and beautiful scenery (optional).
Accommodation at the Hilton San Francisco Union Square, San Francisco, or similar
DAY 7: SAN FRANCISCO > MONTEREY/ CARMEL > CENTRAL COAST
Depart San Francisco this morning for the drive to the Monterey Peninsula, known for its magnificent homes and lovely beaches. In Monterey, visit Fisherman’s Wharf and famous Cannery Row Then tour charming Carmel-by-the-Sea, noted for its quaint houses, upscale art galleries, and unique stores. In the afternoon your tour continues through Paso Robles, home of fine wineries. Overnight in a quaint Central California Coast town.
Accommodation at the Radisson Santa Maria, Central Coast, or similar
DAY 8: CENTRAL COAST > SANTA BARBARA > SANTA MONICA > LOS ANGELES DEPARTURE
Journey south through the Santa Ynez Valley into Santa Barbara where palm-lined walkways border white sandy beaches. Upon arrival in Los Angeles, an orientation tour commences to include Hollywood, portions of Beverly Hills, and Century City before arriving in Santa Monica, home to the finish line of Historic Route 66, where you may enjoy an optional lunch on the pier before departure or arriving at your hotel.
