Compare Hawaiian Island Hopping Adventure by Audley Travel vs Southern California Dreaming by Tours of Distinction
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 20 days | 8 days |
| Price From | $ 8,328 | $ 3,199 |
| Price Per Day | $ 416 | $ 400 |
| Highlights |
N/A
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| Trip Style | Private guided tour | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Premium | Premium |
| Physical Level |
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| Travel Themes |
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| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Airfare included |
| Activities |
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| Meals Included | N/A |
7 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, 4 Dinners |
| Description |
A remarkable place to explore, the USA is a gargantuan country with a vast array of options when it comes to things to see and do. Experience New York's diverse dining scene on a walking food tour of the city or immerse yourself in the rich musical heritage of Nashville with a Grand Ole Opry Backstage Tour. Away from the country’s famous metropolises you can soak up Western culture with a ranch stay, take a private guided walking tour of California's Yosemite National Park or head to New England where you can track moose and whale. |
Celebrate California’s Hollywood vibe strolling down the Walk of Stars and shopping on Rodeo Drive…Chill Out cruising the sun-spangled Pacific coastline… Peace Out in the sophisticated serenity of Catalina Island… Fall in Love with wildlife at the San Diego Zoo… and, revel in the natural beauty and slick urban offerings of Palm Springs. This is California Dreaming. |
Day 1 : Kauai
Today you begin your journey by boarding your international outbound flight to Kauai. Today you will fly via Los Angeles to Kauai, the isle famed for filming Jurassic Park. On arrival pick up your car hire and drive to your traditional plantation cottage on the south coast of the island.
Day 2 : Kauai
A day to relax in the beautiful garden isle of Kauai after your long day of flying yesterday. You may wish to take a boat trip to the idyllic Na Pali Coast - an area of stunning natural beauty. Alternatively, you could choose to hike through Koke'e State park and the Waimea Canyon. The north shore in the summer time is idyllic with many pretty beaches and coastal roads to enjoy - Tunnels Beach and Ke'e Beach are amongst the local favourites.
Day 3 : Kauai
Today you will wake up early and make your way over to the Zip Lining area where you will spend hours zip-lining through the tropical rainforest!
Day 4 : Kauai
After some breakfast and snorkelling you will make your way over to the famous Na Pali coastline. The water is crystal blue and the mountains and waterfalls are so picture perfect they don't even look real! This part of Hawaii is only viewable by sea or air.
Day 5 : Kauai
An early start as you make your way to the meeting point and prepare to cycle down the Waimea Canyon - known as the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific". This will be a great photo opportunity, so do bring a camera!
Day 6 : Maui
After an early breakfast make your way to the airport for your flight to Maui. On arrival pick up your hire car and drive to the north shore where you will stay at the traditional Inn at Mama's Fish House. Relax on the beaches there or take a trip out to the local hot spot for windsurfing competitions.
Day 7 : Maui
Enjoy a day at leisure in Maui. Relax on sun-kissed beaches, wander through traditional towns or hike through the Iao Valley or Haleakala. Whatever you love doing on holiday Maui has it all.
Day 8 : Maui
Today you will take the Discover Molokini Turtle Snorkel tour to see the turtles swimming in the ocean off the coast of Makena Bay on the south western part of the island, and a chance to see the tropical fish and maybe even a black tip shark in the Molokini Crater. This afternoon you might like to take the car and drive up to the top of Haleakala Volcano where you can watch the sunset. Entrance is $10 and this is a self guided trip.
Day 9 : Maui
Early this morning you will be picked up from your hotel for your Short Waterfalls Walk. Hike through the rainforest with your guide, eating the local fruits of the forest and jumping into waterfalls.
Day 10 : Hawaii (Big Island)
Today you will take your flight from Maui over to the Big Island. On arrival, pick up your car and drive to your hotel in the heart of the National Park ($10 entrance fee). Relax in the lovely tropical eastern coast of the island for the rest of the day.Relax in the wonderful Big Island. The island is divided into many different micro climates. The eastern part is tropical with luscious rainforests, waterfalls and mountains. Try the eastern coastal roads, and some hiking in Volcano National Park.
Day 11 : Hawaii (Big Island)
Today you will be met by your private guide. He will take you around the park and you will be able to ask questions on the geology, landscape, culture and history which has shaped this National Park.
Day 12 : Hawaii (Big Island)
At your leisure move from the eastern side of the island to the west. Arrive on the coast and relax at your wonderful 4-Star hotel for the rest of the day.This evening enjoy a Manta Ray night snorkel - an amazing chance to swim with these amazing underwater creatures.
Day 13 : Hawaii (Big Island)
This afternoon you'll be picked up and driven to the top of Mauna Kea where you can enjoy some star gazing at one of the best places in the world and learning all about the history of this amazing island.
Day 14 : Hawaii (Big Island)
A day to relax on the beautiful Kohala Coast.
Day 15 : Honolulu
This afternoon you will take your flight from Kona to Oahu. On arrival pick up your car and drive north to the wonderful Turtle Bay Resort. Enjoy an evening watching the surfers and the sunset.
Day 16 : Honolulu
Relax on the north shore for the whole day today. You might like to visit the Polynesian Cultural centre or walk through the Waimea Valley.
Day 17 : Honolulu
Today you will drive south to your hotel in the heart of the famous Waikiki Beach. You might like to spend the afternoon walking around the city, explore China Town, the Bishop Museum, the Iolani Palace and of course the fabulous Waikiki Beach.
Day 18 : Honolulu
Enjoy a day trip out to see Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona Memorial (built over the sunken ship in the harbor). This is a wonderful commemorative museum and memorial collection in which guests can learn more about the naval base and its history.
Day 19 : International return flight
Make your own way to the airport today for your onward flight.
Day 20 : International return flight
Arrive home today to complete your journey.
Day 1 - Arrive Los Angeles, California
Transfer to the airport for the flight to Los Angeles. Upon arrival in Los Angeles, we transfer to our hotel in Santa Monica. After some down-time, we have dinner at a local restaurant.
LA is much more than Hollywood. It is America’s second oldest city and entertainment capital and has 75 miles of pristine coastline, the San Gabriel Mountain Range and an ideal climate to explore year-round. Plus, let’s not forget impressive Galleries, Museums and a thriving chef scene. Oh, and the shopping is second-to-none. Do not leave LA without making your own local purchase.
Our hotel for 2 nights is the DoubleTree in Santa Monica which is one of National Geographic’s Top 10 Beach Cities in the World. We are ideally situated to enjoy the iconic Santa Monica Pier and Third Street Promenade, numerous restaurants, shopping and cultural attractions that have attracted celebrities for decades. (D)
Day 2 - Los Angeles
After breakfast, we journey through the city of Los Angeles on a tour guided by a local. Sights include: Downtown, Olvera Street -Old Town, Hollywood & Mann’s Chinese Theater, Beverly Hills & Rodeo Drive, Farmer’s Market, Chinatown & Little Tokyo.… Look-out for the Hollywood Sign! This afternoon, have your own ”Red Carpet Moment” on the Hollywood Walk-of-Fame Tour. Afterwards, we will enjoy dinner in the area. (B,D)
Day 3 - Los Angeles
The second largest city in America offers so much! Today is at leisure to discover everything Los Angeles is know for. Your Tour Director can offer many great ideas for sightseeing. (B)
Day 4 - Los Angeles - Catalina Island - San Diego
This morning, a short ferry ride will take us to the town of Avalon on Catalina Island! The town surrounds beautiful Avalon Bay on the southeast end of Catalina Island. We will take a guided tour off-the-beaten-path along “Skyline Drive” which travels 10 miles into the Island’s lush and protected wilderness area. Keep an eye out for spectacular vistas, ocean views and the largest of their inhabitants –the Buffalo!
Enjoy some free time on Catalina before we ferry to Dana Point and transfer to San Diego. Upon arrival, we check in to our centrally located hotel for our 2 night stay.
With near perfect weather year-round, 70 miles of spectacular coastline, world-class attractions and a thriving urban core, complete with a sophisticated art, dining and nightlife scene, San Diego has earned the name of California’s Beach City. (B)
Day 5 - San Diego
After breakfast, we head to the San Diego Zoo. Our visit includes entrance to the Zoo (with bus tour). This100-acre (40-hectare) zoo is home to more than 3,500 rare and endangered animals representing more than 650 species and subspecies, and a prominent botanical collection with more than 700,000 exotic plants. The afternoon is at leisure to explore America’s Beach City. Some great sights to check out include:the Coronado, USS Midway & Maritime Museum to name a few. We have an Italian dinner tonight in the historic Gaslamp Quarter. (B,D)
Day 6 - Palm Springs, CA
This morning, say goodbye to San Diego & the Pacific Ocean as we journey inland to Palm Springs. The Aerial Tramway in Palm Springs is the world’s largest rotating tram car and travels over two-and-one-half miles along the breathtaking cliffs of Chino Canyon, transporting riders to the pristine wilderness of the Mt. San Jacinto State Park. Once at the top, we have lunch with spectacular views! After, we transfer to our hotel and check in for our 2 night stay. Tonight is at leisure for you to explore your hotel and the surrounding area on your own.
Palm Springs is a desert oasis set in the Coachella Valley. For more than half a century, Palm Springs has been a playground for Hollywood celebrities—Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Elizabeth Taylor all visited here often. Today, this trending and vibrant city has a unique food and drinks scene, a plethora of outdoor activities & great health escapes. (B,L)
Day 7 - Palm Springs
Discover Palm Springs on a 2.5 hour bus tour of the place that was once known as ‘Hollywood’s Playground.’ Your guide will provide commentary on stars who have lived in this exclusive California destination: including luminaries like Marilyn Monroe, Nat King Cole, and Elvis Presley. The remainder of the day is at leisure until our dinner this evening. Later, we embark on a Stargazing experience. (B,D)
Day 8 - Depart Palm Springs
This morning, we head to the airport and check in for our flight. Upon arrival, transfer home with memories of that California Sunshine.
