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Arrival San Francisco

Depart London Heathrow - 10:40
Arrive San Francisco – 13:35
Journey time – 10hr 55mins

On arrival we recommend that you DO NOT collect your car but rather take one of the metered cabs from the airport to you the superb Hotel Adagio. We recommend this as you will be tired and will only pay high fees to park the vehicle during your 3 days in the city. Of course if you do prefer to collect it on arrival or would like us to arrange private transportation for you to your hotel, please just ask.

On arrival at the Hotel Adagio we will have a welcome pack waiting for you containing maps, brochures and suggestions on what to visit and things to do for each of your days during your 14-day fly-drive.

3 Nights – Hotel Adagio, San Francisco
Recently renovated the new Hotel Adagio features a fresh design that bridges its Spanish Colonial Revival architectural roots to a clean and contemporary design aesthetic. Located in the heart of San Francisco's theatre, dining and shopping districts, the Adagio is the perfect destination for exploring. Uniquely San Franciscan and clearly Californian, the new Hotel Adagio offers a pace and atmosphere that is luxuriant and aromatic.

San Francisco - Suggested activities.

Morning
Depart for a three-hour deluxe "I Left My Heart in San Francisco" city tour including a visit to the Golden Gate Bridge

Afternoon
Enjoy a quick 10-minute ferry ride to the centre of the San Francisco harbour to the infamous former prison island - Alcatraz. The visit includes a taped tour of the prison (once home to such famous criminals as gangster Al Capone and Machine Gun Kelly)

Evening
Seafood dinner at one of many restaurants along the waterfront or at one of the trendy restaurants in the SoMa (South of Market) area! After dinner, enjoy a musical show, an American Conservatory Theatre performance or a comedy club, and a nightcap in one of the many rooftop cocktail lounges.

San Francisco - Suggested activities.

Morning
Take a tour to Muir Woods, a forest of giant California redwood trees - some of the biggest trees in the world. On the way back, stop for lunch and shopping in the beautiful little town of Sausalito. Return to San Francisco by ferry or by bus; or take a walking tour of Chinatown with a dim sum lunch.

Afternoon
Free afternoon to shop! Explore Union Square's department stores, small boutiques and art galleries; visit the neighbourhood shopping areas South of Market or Union Street; take a five-minute walk from downtown to the Embarcadero Centre, a three-level, four-building complex of 150 shops. Shop at the many complexes in the Fisherman's Wharf area such as PIER 39, Ghirardelli Square and The Cannery and enjoy the musicians and street performers. Take a jeep tour of the area, or rent a bike and ride across the Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito and ferry back to San Francisco.

Evening
San Francisco has over 3,000 restaurants! Take your choice: For instance, an authentic Chinese banquet in Chinatown - the largest Asian settlement outside of mainland China, an elaborate Korean barbecue or an Italian feast in The City's Italian section, called "North Beach" or how about a dinner cruise on San Francisco Bay. Enjoy dinner and dancing to a live band as you cruise past The City's famous skyline at sunset.

San Francisco is one of our favourite cities in the whole of North America, we would not recommend you spending any less than 3 nights in the city if this is your first visit. None of the tours or attractions mentioned in our suggested itinerary are included in your tour price but we would be very happy to make these arrangements on your behalf, particularly your visit to Alcatraz as the ferry to the island can often be booked up days in advance during the height of the season.

There are numerous festivals going on throughout the year in San Francisco, art, film and dance festivals and this is in addition to a packed sport scene, which includes the world famous San Francisco 49’ers. We are happy to help our customers with purchasing tickets and advising on events taking place during your stay, please ask for details.

San Francisco - Carmel - 140 miles

Today you will collect your Hertz rental car. We have arranged for you to collect it from a convenient downtown location rather than having to go back out to the airport, as is the case with many rental companies. Please ask about the additional cost for Hertz ‘Neverlost’ the inc-car satellite navigation that will guide you along your route.

For the short journey to the south of San Francisco we suggest you travel across town to pick up route US-1 South as this will take you along the more scenic coastal areas of the Pacific Ocean. The route will pass many of the more popular California State Park and Beach areas as you travel to Santa Cruz. Here you may wish to pick up a local guidebook for touring among the historic district and Harbour. The route will now pass around the Monterey Bay to the community of Monterey. We suggest to park near to the Cannery Row and then walk around the shops. The Aquarium here is one of the top in the world and located right on the Monterey Bay. Proceed west through Monterey and watch for the signs for the 17-Mile Scenic Drive (fee area). Although there is a fee to drive along this route, the ocean views and opulent lifestyle of this region is worth paying to see. The route will bring you out into the heart of Carmel. Proceed back to the main highway of US-1 and the lodge for this night is located along this route near to two large shopping complexes. You will also wish to proceed back to the downtown area to look into the many “high end boutiques”.

Overnight Best Western Carmel Mission Inn
Our choice of overnight stop offers clean comfortable accommodation and is conveniently located to both the centre of Carmel and US-1. (Guestroom pictured right).

Carmel - Yosemite National Park - 290 miles (inc detour)

This morning we suggest a short detour to the south along US-1 to see one of the most famous bridges along the west coast near to the area of Big Sur. This will be about a 70 mile very scenic round trip drive as you will need to return to Carmel and Monterey to proceed across the state to Merced and following the Merced River you climb into the majestic Sierra Nevada mountain range as you close in on Yosemite National Park.

The lodge for this day will be right at the very entrance to the Yosemite Park and depending on your arrival time you may wish to drive into the main Valley Area (about 20 minutes from the lodge). We suggest stopping and hiking to Bridalvail Falls and then proceeding up the route to the south entrance to the overlook that will give you a good view back into the main Yosemite Valley. Return to the lodge at the park entrance and take a dip in the pool before enjoying dinner at the on-site restaurant.

2 nights - Yosemite View Lodge
The closest lodging outside of the park and boasts a lovely swimming pool, clean comfortable rooms and is very good value. We are quite prepared to try and book one of the lodges within the park but these do cost considerably more and availability is very often an issue.

It’s important to remember that all accommodation in and around the National Parks is of a basic but clean and comfortable nature, however with 2 restaurants and the swimming pools we feel Yosemite View Lodge would be our choice. Subject to availability and a supplement river view rooms (picture shown to right) are an option at this property.

Adverse weather condition during the winter and spring months mean that we will have to alter your route slightly as the Tioga Pass in Yosemite National Park remains closed from October - May/June dependant on the Spring Thaw. Areas around Yosemite National Park and the Grand Canyon are likely to be cold and snowfall is common during the winter months. Consult with a member of our team regarding a suggested alternative route during winter and spring for this part of the CNA Western fly drive package.

Yosemite Natl. Park - Suggested activities

A full day for exploring and sightseeing in the main valley of the Yosemite Park. We suggest to first stop at the park visitor centre to pick up the latest information on hiking and other activities for this day. You will find many short hikes, but do suggest you take along water and snacks as there is nothing available along the main trails.

Yosemite National Park is one of the best known parks in the world, consisting of huge waterfalls, granite domes and peaks, wildflowers, meadows and forests of centuries-old sequoias, glacier-carved canyon and massive monoliths, A pair of waterfall cascades into a 20-mile long, half-mile wide and 1,000-foot deep canyon of eroded yellow stone.

The Tioga Road, California 120, crosses the Tuolumne Meadows and High Country. The highway, originally built as a mining road in 1182-3, was realigned and modernized in 1961. The road passes through an area of sparkling lakes, fragile meadows, domes, and lofty peaks that only 10,000 years ago lay under glacial ice. Scenic turnouts along the road afford superb views. At Tioga Pass the road crosses the Sierras crest at 9,945 feet, the highest automobile pass in California.

Yosemite Valley has sheer walls and a flat floor formed by alpine glaciers. You will see such amazing sights as El Capitan and Cathedral Rocks. The most rugged section of Yosemite is Tuolumne Meadows and the High Country. Bridalveil Falls is a must it cascades 620 feet and Yosemite Falls is the tallest is the world. Visit Half-Dome, elevation 8, 842 feet, an 87 million-year-old rock dome and is Yosemite's most famous monument.

Yosemite National Park is also home to the largest stand of giant sequoias trees and home of the Grizzly Giant, one of the oldest giant sequoias in the world

Yosemite Natl. Park - Death Valley - 310 miles

Start early today, whilst 310 miles does not seem a lot the stunning drive will take time and today is a full day for sure. You will leave Yosemite View Lodge and re-enter the park once again this morning but take the route to the north (before the main valley) and then the drive over the Tioga Pass and across to the East Park Entrance. Here you will pick up the route of US-395 South heading towards your overnight stop in the heart of Death Valley.

Death Valley is a land of complete extremes. It is one of the hottest places on the surface of the earth with summer temperatures averaging well over 100 degrees Fahrenheit. It encompasses the lowest point in the Western Hemisphere and is the driest place in North America. The valley is also a land of subtle beauties, morning light creeping across the eroded badlands of Zabriskie Point to strike Manly Beacon, the setting sun and lengthening shadows of the sand dunes at Stovepipe Wells and the colours of the wildflowers on the golden hills above Harmony Borax, Death Valley is a truly unique place and a complete contrast to what you have left behind at Yosemite.

Overnight - Furnace Creek Ranch
Originally built as a working ranch in the 1880s and later the home of the famous twenty mule teams, the Furnace Creek Ranch today offers a complete resort complex in the heart of Death Valley National Park. The 224 guest units are complemented by three restaurants, a saloon, a general store, The Borax Museum and a 3,040-foot airstrip. Boundless recreational opportunities include a spring-fed swimming pool, the world's lowest golf course (214 feet below sea level), tennis, horseback riding, horse-drawn carriage rides, hiking and touring. The Ranch is located 120 miles northwest of Las Vegas and is open year 'round (some services listed vary seasonally). Pictures right.

Death Valley - Las Vegas - 160 miles

There is some sightseeing to do in the Death Valley area this morning, mainly to the south before heading east into the state of Nevada. Here you may take a more northern route into Lathrop Wells, or a southern route that will bring you into Pahrump. Either route will allow you to travel around the Taiyabe National Forest and into the city of Las Vegas.

There really is so much to do and see in Las Vegas that on leaving Death Valley we recommend you make a beeline for the bright lights to make the most out of your 2 nights there.

2 nights - Circus Circus Hotel
Circus Circus has been a family favorite for years. From the thrilling rides and midway games in the AdventureDome to gourmet dining at The Steak House, this hotel pleases everyone. A runaway hit since opening in 1968, The hotel truly is a classic hotel/casino, Circus Circus` has distinctive charm, unique not only to Las Vegas but to the world. Hotel services and facilities include the world-famous main casino floor, which is always jumping. Overhead, live circus acts - acrobats, trapeze artists, Clowns, jugglers - perform around the clock. A carnival midway offers games of skill and chance for all ages. Nearby, the largest space-frame dome in the United States houses Grand Slam Canyon, an indoor "theme park" featuring the Canyon Blaster, a double-loop double-corkscrew roller coaster guaranteed to put a scream on your face. Several restaurants, a celebrated poker room, a giant race and sports book, the unique rotating cocktail lounge and shopping promenade should serve to reinforce any desire to run away and join the circus.

Las Vegas - Suggested activities

A full day to enjoy the sights and attractions of this most exciting city.

During you day be sure to catch the Volcano Fountain eruption every 15 minutes, the fountain show on the lake at Bellagio, also every 15 minutes, take a gondola ride at the Venetian, take a ride up to the observation deck on the Eiffel Tower at the Paris Hotel, take the Big Shot ride atop the Stratosphere Tower, Bungy jump at Circus Circus Hotel, visit the amazing Fremont Street experience, take a trip out to see the Hoover Dam or maybe even book a helicopter trip to fly over the Grand Canyon.

As your day nears an end choose from the endless choices of places to eat before finishing the night off at one of the world class shows that entertain nightly across the city that never sleeps.

Departure Los Angeles.

Today sees the conclusion to your discovery tour of the western United States. As your flight does not depart until this evening you still have time to do some last minute shopping, visit Knots Berry Farm, Disneyland, Universal Studios or maybe just relax and soak up the last few rays in the California sunshine before you return your rental car to the airport and check-in for your flight back to the U.K.

Depart Los Angeles – 21:30
Arrive London Heathrow – 15:50*
Journey time – 10hr 20mins

* Arrival time into the U.K is the following day

Prices

The prices shown below are 'per person'.

Departure Date	Single	Double	Triple	Quad	Child (2 - 11)
11th July - 21st August 2005	2389	1609	1415	1299	529
22nd August - 31st August 2005	2299	1529	1339	1229	495
01st September - 31 October 2005	2119	1349	1159	1049	389
01st November - 16th December 2005	1969	1199	1019	899	299
17th December - 24th December 2005	2329	1549	1359	1239	495
25th December 2005 - 31st March 2006	1969	1199	1019	899	299
01st April - 11th April 2006	2389	1519	1309	1179	459
12th April - 30th April 2006	2239	1369	1159	1029	369
01st May - 30th June 2006	2389	1519	1309	1179	459
01st July - 10th July 2006	2579	1699	1499	1359	569
11th July - 21st August 2006	2669	1779	1569	1429	609
22nd August - 31st August 2006	2579	1699	1499	1359	569
01st September - 31st October 2006	2389	1519	1309	1179	459
01st November - 16th December 2006	2239	1369	1159	1029	369
17th December - 24th December 2006	2579	1699	1499	1359	569
25th December 2006 - 28th March 2007	2239	1369	1159	1029	369
29th March - 31st March 2007	2389	1519	1309	1179	459
The prices for future dates can be supplied on request. Contact us via the Fly Drive Enquiry Form.

Cost Includes ....

• United States Airways non-stop flights
  
• US & US Airport taxes
  
• 14 nights room only accommodation
  
• 14 days fully inclusive economy car rental (Intermediate size for Triple and Quad prices)
  

Adverse weather condition during the winter and spring months mean that we will have to alter your route slightly as the Tioga Pass in Yosemite National Park remains closed from October - May/June dependant on the Spring Thaw. Areas around Yosemite National Park and the Grand Canyon are likely to be cold and snowfall is common during the winter months. Consult with a member of our team regarding a suggested alternative route during winter and spring for this part of the CNA Western fly drive package.

Sometimes the hotels named in this itinerary are not available at the time of booking. Under these circumstances Travel Saigon Du Hoc will book alternative accommodation of a similar standard. Such changes will be confirmed in writing to you at the time of booking confirmation. If you are not completely happy with the alternative hotel we will happily discuss other possibilities with you in the same location.

We also provide driving directions, documentation and information for all hotels and car rental along with road maps.

We have discounted prices for all categories of vehicle so please ask about car upgrades. We also have exceptional deals on upgrades with United States Airways to World Traveller Plus, Club World and FIRST, please call for details.

The prices shown above are for the seasons that we feel are most appropriate for the destinations visited on this particular itinerary. We can provide costs for travel at other times of the year, please call for details.

To rent a vehicle with Hertz you must be at least 25 years old and hold a United States Driving License with no major driving offences, if you do have driving offences please speak to a member of our team to confirm if you can rent. Drivers between the ages of 21-25 can rent a car in the United States but please call us so we can quote this itinerary with an alternative rental company.

All travellers must hold a full 10 year machine readable United States Passport and have no criminal convictions to travel to the United States without the need for a visa. For more details on passport requirements please visit - http://www.vietnamembassy.org

All prices and timings are subject to change and availability. A deposit of $150 per person is required to confirm your booking and the balance is due 8 weeks prior to departure.

Deposits payments are non-refundable and subject to our standard booking conditions, a copy of which will be sent with your written holiday confirmation. Should you wish to see a copy of these conditions prior to paying your deposit please contact our office.