Day 1: Arrive Washington DC

On arrival at Washington D.C., you will be met & greeted by our professional local representative, who will assist you with your transfer to your hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 2: Washington DC

Today, there will be a tour of Washington with a local expert guide. You’ll see several key sights including the White House, the Capitol Building, Washington Mall and the Lincoln Memorial. This afternoon, continue to the Arlington Cemetery, the burial place of John F. Kennedy and home to the iconic Battle of Iwo Jima war memorial.

Day 3: Washington DC

Enjoy a free day in Washington today. We recommend a visit to the Smithsonian Museum. Alternatively, you could choose to explore Georgetown or Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello in the leafy hills of Virginia.

Day 4: Washington DC to New Orleans

This morning, you will fly to the Deep South and the city of New Orleans, Louisiana, which is known for its French history, unique culture and distinctive cuisine. This evening is at leisure to explore at your own pace.

Day 5: New Orleans

See the famous sights of the Big Easy, with an expert local guide who will introduce the colourful history of the city visiting the French quarter. See the 19th Century mansions that line Bourbon Street and the Garden District before continuing on to the somewhat eerie cemetery where politicians are buried next to pirates. The rest of the day and evening are free with the option to enjoy a pre-bookable dinner cruise on a traditional Mississippi steamboat in the evening.

Days 6: New Orleans

A full day at leisure can be spent wandering the streets of the old town

Day 7: New Orleans to Natchez

Travelling north, you will follow the course of the Mississippi River, visit the Oak Alley Plantation to witness the graceful main house and the thought provoking slave quarters exhibit. You will also visit the civil war encampment where you can enjoy a talk by a civil war expert. Before checking into your beautiful Mississippi mansion in Natchez, you’ll visit the precivil war Rosalie Antebellum Mansion.

Day 8: Natchez to Memphis

Travel north through the ‘Land of Dixie’ to the Mississippi Delta lands which were the birth place of the blues. En route, you will visit the town of Clarksdale and enjoy lunch at Ground Zero Blues Club, which is owned by the actor Morgan Freeman. Cross into the state of Tennessee and continue on to the city of Memphis.

Day 9: Memphis

Today, take a tour of Graceland, Elvis’ former home and see a variety of exhibits such as collections of memorabilia, custom jets and the car museum as well as the Meditation Garden, which is the ‘King of Rock n Roll’s’ resting place. Later, visit the world famous Sun Studio where early rock n roll hits were recorded not only by Elvis, but also Johnny Cash, Roy Orbison, Jerry Lee Lewis and many other blues legends. This evening you can join an optional visit to the original B.B. King’s Blues Club.

Day 10: Memphis to Los Angeles

Today, you will fly west to the City of Angels – Los Angeles. Head to the beachfront city of Santa Monica to wander along its famous boardwalk and pier. Continue on to your hotel which is located in Beverly Hills.

Day 11: Los Angeles

Take in Los Angeles’ most famous sights during a guided city tour beginning in Beverly Hills and continuing on to Hollywood, Sunset Boulevard and downtown Los Angeles. This afternoon is at leisure.

Day 12: Los Angeles to Santa Ynez

Today, you will head north along the Pacific Coast Highway, stopping in beautiful Santa Barbara, en route to Santa Ynez. From Santa Barbara continue on to Solvang, a picturesque town hidden away in the hills of California which was settled by Danish immigrants.

Day 13: Santa Ynez

Enjoy a morning at leisure relaxing amongst the spectacular scenery of the Santa Ynez Valley. With a climate that is ideal for wine production, Santa Ynez is one of the USA’s best wine producing regions and this afternoon you will visit one of the small and welcoming wineries for a vineyard tour and wine tasting.

Day 14: Santa Ynez to San Francisco

Today, you will continue your journey along the Pacific Coast Highway and witness the magnificent scenery of the region of Big Sur. Pass over the iconic Bixby Bridge and along the winding road that follows the cliffs of the central Californian coast, stopping in the exclusive seaside town of Carmel on your way to San Francisco.

Day 15: San Francisco

Take a morning tour of the city with a local San Francisco guide who will lead you through the famous sights of the city including Alamo Square, Chinatown, and North Beach suburb of Little Italy. Stop for views of the coastline and bay, including the famed island of Alcatraz and the most photographed bridge in the world – the Golden Gate Bridge. The afternoon is free to explore the city’s melting pot of different cultures and neighbourhoods. A cruise on the bay or an optional trip across the bay to the charming waterfront town of Sausalito is recommended.

Day 16: San Francisco

On a free day of exciting San Francisco, you can take your time and enjoy the lively atmosphere at Pier 59, hire a bike and head across the Golden Gate Bridge or take an optional tour to the infamous island of Alcatraz. For those wishing to visit Alacatraz should book tickets independently and in advance as tickets are limited and often sold out up to a month in advance.

Day 17: San Francisco

After a leisurely morning, transfer to the airport for your overnight flight. Alternatively, choose to extend your stay.