13 Days West Coast and Desert Adventures

About the destination: Nicknamed the City of Angels, Los Angeles is a leading world centre of business, international trade, entertainment, culture, media, fashion, science, sports, technology, and education. Los Angeles is architecturally diverse and its attractions are spread over a large area. Downtown is a thriving urban centre, a business district and home to the Grand Avenue cultural corridor. Everyone knows about Hollywood and you have got to visit the Hollywood sign, when in Los Angeles, as well as the Hollywood Walk of Fame, where Hollywood celebrates its contribution to entertainment through these celebrity stars. Experience the colourful lifestyle of the West Coast on the Venice Beach Boardwalk. Here, you will find a festive atmosphere, eclectic entertainers and funky shops. By the scene at Santa Monica Beach, is the famous Pier with a perennial carnival like setting. Draws locals, as well as visitors from around the world. Located in Griffith Park on Mt. Hollywood is the Griffith Observatory. This great public observatory has state of the art facilities and excellent views of Los Angeles. If you are a shopping buff, you will love Rodeo Drive. A glamorous shopping District, Rodeo Drive is full of upscale and fashionable shops. Take a walk around Beverly Hills, you might even spot a celebrity in this neighbourhood. This city offers great weather, good shopping, lots of diversity, great cultural events, excellent dining, and friendly people. Los Angeles is cool, fake, stylized, vast and never boring.

About the destination: Palm Springs is a resort city in the desert region of Southern California. It became a destination during the 1950s and 1960s when Hollywood movie stars flocked there for nearby relaxation and vacations. Nowadays, the entire Palm Springs metro area is growing and offers entertainment for all ages, although the most common demographics still consists of retirees. Palm Springs offers indoor and outdoor activities. Biking, golf, hiking, horseback riding, swimming, and tennis in the nearby desert and mountain areas are major forms of recreation in Palm Springs. This is a relaxing place of holidays, the colors are saturated by the warm desert light, and the living is easy. Nestled at the base of the majestic San Jacinto Mountains, the City of Palm Springs is the ancestral home of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians. The streets, lined with palm trees, are perfect for exploring boutique shops, art galleries and museums while soaking up the warm sunshine.

About the destination: Las Vegas, New Mexico, is a charming historic town nestled in the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Known as the "Original Las Vegas" or "Old Town," it boasts a rich cultural heritage and vibrant atmosphere. Stroll along the picturesque streets lined with beautifully preserved Victorian-era buildings, quaint shops, and cozy cafes. Immerse yourself in the town's storied past by visiting historic landmarks such as the Plaza Park, the Montezuma Castle, and the historic Railroad District. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore nearby natural attractions like the scenic Gallinas River and nearby hiking trails. With its unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, Las Vegas, New Mexico, offers a delightful retreat for travelers seeking an authentic Southwestern experience.

About the destination: San Francisco is a major, lively and cosmopolitan city in California. In San Francisco, history and modernity combine to give visitors an unforgettable experience. From Mission Dolores, the city's first stone building or the city’s legendary cable cars to the high-tech Financial District. A trip to San Francisco is bound to leave you with incredible memories. A boat trip is a great way to explore the “City by the Bay.” Explore Fisherman's Wharf, full of shops, galleries and restaurant offering delicious seafood. Stroll down the Golden Gate and admire the views over the bay and the Pacific Ocean, visit the various maritime museums, and , of course, no visit to San Francisco is complete without an excursion to Alcatraz, the island prison that once held some of the country’s most notorious criminals, such as Al Capone. If it’s a more relaxed environment you’re after, pass through the stately architecture and flowing lagoon of the Palace of Fine Arts. The Transamerica Pyramid has become the city's most famous landmark. The 260 metre high pyramid structure is situated in the heart of the Financial District. Located between three hills, San Francisco's Chinatown is the largest Chinese settlement outside Asia with pagodas, colourful bunting, decorated balconies and Chinese characters combining with the sounds and exotic aromas of this fascinating area. The Painted Ladies are charming Victorian wooden houses situated on the fringe of Alamo Square and the Haas-Lilienthal House is a well-maintained jewel of a bygone era. San Francisco thrives on variety and has a contagious energy. This city is magical and everyone should come here at least once.