Grand American - Coast to Coast

Day 1 London - Los Angeles (Anaheim) Titan’s VIP door-to-door travel service collects you from home, for your journey to London Heathrow Airport and our direct, scheduled Virgin Atlantic flight to Los Angeles. On arrival our coach transfers us to Anaheim and our hotel for two nights, the Hilton Garden Inn Anaheim/Garden Grove (3T). Day 2 Los Angeles This morning we have included a guided tour of Los Angeles. Known as the ‘City of Angels’, Los Angeles, and more specifically Hollywood, was, and still is, recognised as the home of film-making, iconic film stars and high society. Our tour includes the TCL Chinese Theatre (formerly Grauman’s) where the handprints of the stars are famously immortalised, as well as Sunset Boulevard and Rodeo Drive. This afternoon you are at leisure, you may choose to relax at the hotel or perhaps stroll in Downtown Disney. Day 3 Los Angeles (Anaheim) - Las Vegas This morning our journey from coast to coast really begins. It will be a further 17 days before we reach Savannah by the Atlantic - and what incredible sights along the way! The forested hills that surround Los Angeles give way to the stark yet beautiful landscapes of the Mojave Desert. We make a stop at Calico Ghost Town, an enjoyable reminder of the days when cowboys roamed its streets. Our destination is incomparable Las Vegas, where our chosen hotel for two nights is the Luxor Las Vegas (4T), located right on The Strip. Day 4 Las Vegas A day at leisure to enjoy the hotel facilities, visit one of the many shopping malls or take in a world-class show. The hotels here are attractions in themselves with elaborate designs and themes, such as the canal complex at The Venetian or the Bellagio lobby ceiling spectacularly adorned with a huge piece of artwork by renowned glass sculptor Dale Chihuly. We recommend a stroll along The Strip at sunset as its dazzling lights come to life; and be sure to see the impressive ‘dancing’ fountains that perform regularly outside the Bellagio Hotel. Day 5 Las Vegas - Grand Canyon - Williams An early start today but well worth it as we journey to see one of the world’s most inspiring natural wonders - the Grand Canyon. We arrive at the South Rim Visitor Center where you have free time to explore and take the views from several vantage points; or for those that wish, take an optional flight over the canyon. We continue to Williams and the historic Grand Canyon Railway Hotel (3T). Day 6 Williams - Albuquerque We stop at the Petrified Forest National Park - where fossils of trees, reptiles and dinosaurs provide clues to life 225 million years ago. We cross into New Mexico passing through numerous native Indian Reservations to reach Albuquerque and our hotel, the Best Western Rio Grande (3T) where we stay for two nights. Day 7 Albuquerque Join a morning walking tour of the historic district followed by free time to enjoy the Old Town Plaza with over 150 stores and galleries. This afternoon is at leisure. Day 8 Albuquerque - Amarillo Tony Christie sang ‘Is this the way to Amarillo’, and today is just that, as we cross the state border into Texas. Here you will encounter the bizarre sight of ten half-buried cars at the much-photographed ‘Cadillac Ranch’ and also visit the spectacular Palo Duro Canyon State Park. Overnight at the Embassy Suites Amarillo Downtown (3T+). Day 9 Amarillo - Dallas/Fort Worth Travel to Dallas, a city offering a unique blend of south-western charm and cosmopolitan flair. We stay at the Courtyard Fort Worth Downtown-Blackstone (3T+) for the next two nights. Day 10 Dallas/Fort Worth This morning our included visit is the JFK Sixth Floor Museum which includes films, photographs and artefacts that chronicle the life, assassination and legacy of President John F. Kennedy. The museum is so-named as it was here that a sniper’s rifle was found. Time at leisure this afternoon to explore further. Day 11 Dallas/Fort Worth - Houston This afternoon we visit Space Center Houston where your entrance includes Building 30, the mission control room that monitored all Apollo missions including the historic Apollo 11 trip to the moon, and the International Space Station Gallery, to learn more about this incredible orbiting laboratory. We continue to our hotel, the Sheraton Suites Galleria (4T). Day 12 Houston - New Orleans From the cowboy state of Texas we reach Louisiana. Our base for the next two nights is the inimitable New Orleans. The ‘Big Easy‘, as its known, is loved by so many for its colourful mix of cultures and bohemian atmosphere. We stay at the Sheraton New Orleans (4T), occupying a fantastic location just a few minutes from the French Quarter, filled with sounds of jazz from its countless bars and restaurants. Day 13 New Orleans Our included tour this morning, in the company of a local guide, will show you some of the highlights including the French Quarter and Bourbon Street. The afternoon is yours to do as you please - why not take a ride on the St James streetcar, explore one of several excellent museums, or simply while away the hours enjoying fabulous Creole and Cajun cuisine with a bourbon or cocktail, accompanied by the unique flavour of New Orleans jazz. Day 14 New Orleans - Natchez We follow Ol’ Man River to Natchez, a central port for the cotton trade in the early 18th century whose many grand mansions and estates bear witness to the wealth of those days. We visit one of these mansions; reminiscent of a film set from ‘Gone with the Wind’ they indicate the sumptuous scale of society life. Our hotel is the Hotel Vue (4T). Day 15 Natchez - Memphis Our journey today takes us north through Mississippi. Our destination is Memphis - home of Elvis Presley and W.C. Handy, known as ‘Father of the Blues’. We stay for two nights at the Holiday Inn (3T+). Day 16 Memphis A visit to legendary Graceland, home of Elvis Presley, is a highlight for many. Explore the mansion and grounds of his estate on a well-presented audio walking tour which has an emotional conclusion at his final resting place. Your entrance also includes the Automobile Museum. This afternoon is free to explore. Day 17 Memphis - Nashville The musical theme continues as we travel to Nashville, New Orleans’ natural rival as Southern America’s great city of music. On arrival we visit the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, containing a vast collection of exhibits to illustrate country music’s story through the turn of two centuries. Our afternoon also includes a privately-guided tour of Studio B, one of the world’s most important recording studios where more than 35,000 songs were brought to life, including over 200 by Elvis Presley - there may even be the chance to participate in a group recording session. We stay two nights at the incredible Gaylord Opryland Resort (4T), centred beneath huge atriums that house botanical gardens, and remarkable indoor water features. A wide range of dining options are available. Day 18 Nashville Today is at leisure to enjoy Nashville’s legendary culture. Maybe see the city’s very own Parthenon and find some music on Lower Broadway. Day 19 Nashville - Chattanooga - Atlanta This morning we turn south once again, passing through Chattanooga, of Glenn Miller fame, on our way to Atlanta, the city forever associated with ‘Gone with the Wind’. We stay at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Atlanta Downtown (3T). Day 20 Atlanta - Savannah An expert local guide will join us to provide an orientation tour including a visit to the Martin Luther King Memorial. Departing Atlanta our route takes us to Macon, redolent of old America and a charming town to explore. Later today we reach Savannah, located just a few miles from the Atlantic coast. Our journey from coast to coast is complete, yet many more highlights are still to come. Our hotel for two nights is the DoubleTree by Hilton Historic District (3T) or Hilton Garden Inn Savannah Historic District (3T). Day 21 Savannah The best way to acquaint oneself with the historic district is on a guided trolley tour which will take us through old Savannah and to the waterfront. Preserved as a gift to President Lincoln, it is one of the largest ‘old world’ areas in the country and its shady streets, green squares and historic buildings carry one back effortlessly to the great days of the South. Day 22 Savannah - Charleston A leisurely start this morning before we depart Savannah. After a short stop in Beaufort, with its scenic waterfront and quaint shops, we continue to Charleston and our hotel, the Courtyard Marriott (3T+). Day 23 Charleston Built by the privileged upper section of society at a time of hugely profitable plantations, Charleston today is a beautifully preserved architectural and historical treasure with its fantastic antebellum mansions, elegant streets and passageways leading to the lovely gardens. We have arranged a visit to the magnificent Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, the oldest public gardens in America which opened its doors to visitors in 1872. You cannot fail to love Charleston, and the rest of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure. Day 24 Charleston - Raleigh Cross from South to North Carolina today, and our destination is Raleigh, the state capital city. Overnight at the Holiday Inn Raleigh Downtown (3T+). Day 25 Raleigh - Washington DC This morning we travel to the capital of the USA, and the penultimate city on our epic journey. On arrival, check in to the Marriott Washington Georgetown (3T+) for two nights. Day 26 Washington DC This morning we take a city tour in the company of a local guide which includes its many famous monuments. View the imposing Capitol Building, with its distinctive white dome, the White House, home to every US President after George Washington, and the Lincoln Memorial where Martin Luther King delivered his famous ‘I have a dream’ speech. This afternoon is yours to explore; the city is designed for the stroller, its famous Mall flanked by the buildings of the Smithsonian Institute - a complex of marvellous museums, where admission is free. Day 27 Washington DC - New York So to the final leg of a truly memorable travel experience, as we enter Pennsylvania, passing the ‘City of Brotherly Love’, Philadelphia, before reaching our final destination - and what a way to finish, in iconic New York. We should arrive early afternoon and the remainder of the day is at leisure. We stay two nights at the New York Marriott East Side (4T), perfectly located in downtown Manhattan. Day 28 New York This morning we are joined by an expert local guide to show us some of the many sights including Times Square, the Empire State Building, Central Park and Wall Street. Spend the afternoon as you wish. Visit the ‘Top of the Rock’, a viewing gallery atop the Rockefeller Center where you can enjoy an amazing panorama over Manhattan. Or take the Staten Island ferry for great photographs of the Statue of Liberty. Tonight, why not take in the lights of Times Square or dine out at one of the many fabulous restaurants. Day 29 New York - In flight Enjoy some final time this morning exploring the city before we transfer to the airport for our direct, scheduled Virgin Atlantic flight to London. Day 30 London Arrival at London Heathrow Airport where you will be met and guided to your Titan vehicle, for the journey home.