I was fortunate enough to win the trip and although I have visited the West Coast many times previously, I have never experienced a Land Tour by Coach. We met up at LHR as a group of 12 (including our hosts Casey and Mikaela from Newmarket) Our flight was with Virgin Atlantic,11 hours non stop to Los Angeles!! A full flight but despite that it was good and the Virgin Crew worked hard to look after everyone! Even down to the Ice Creams offered mid flight!
On arrival in LA we were met and transferred to our Hotel in Buena Park which is a very good location for exploring everything LA has to offer! We were all tired after the long flight but managed to get together for a quick drink and chat about our upcoming days together! With an 8 hour time change it was hard to adjust to the local time but we were off for a fantastic American Cuban style breakfast at Portos, an Institution to the locals. Started by a Cuban family, now with eateries all around LA and serving Breakfasts to die for.
We then set forth on our exploration of everything LA, we started at the Griffiths Observatory with a fantastic view of the iconic ’Hollywood’ Sign there is lots to see and do here with lovely views across LA to the coast. We then went on to Hollywood on a mission to find Dolly Parton’s Star! Think we were a little disappointed here.
Our next stop was Rodeo Drive for a quick look and then on To Santa Monica, the Pier and the end of the famous Route 66. A long busy day and very very hot reaching 95f. A steak dinner followed at Gouchos that is well known for its delicious beef and much more.
Day 3 .. an early start with a hosted breakfast before we set off on our 4 hour coach journey to Las Vegas! I wasn’t sure about travelling long distances by coach but it was very comfortable, air conditioned, plenty of space and our lovely driver Kenny looked after us all and our luggage the whole trip.
After a stop at the landmark Las Vegas sign we checked in to our hotel The Golden Nugget in the Downtown Area, Fremont street. After a quick rest we were off for dinner and The Rat Pack Show, we even dined with the stars of the Show! Sadly our nighttime helicopter flight was cancelled but we were all awaiting our Grand Canyon helicopter flight with much anticipation!
Next morning we set off for Flagstaff which was to be our next stop. We stopped at Lake Mead, a lovely tourist area very near the Hoover Dam. Our journey taking about 4 hours, Flagstaff is a more traditional smaller town with quaint little streets. We enjoyed a lovely dinner at the LumberYard, great food and atmosphere.
Day 5 was our day for the Grand Canyon and there was a lot of excitement in the group and our day in prospect, a beautiful clear blue sky looking very promising for our helicopter flight over the Canyon. It took a couple of hours to drive and we arrived at the Heliport around lunchtime. This had all been prebooked for us which was essential because it’s very busy! We split into 3 groups of 4, we had to be weighed and no bags’ allowed. We were also allocated our seats on board with no changes permitted due to weight and balance.
What an incredible experience …. Wow wow … a 25 minute flight over the Canyon! Just stunning. If you have the opportunity you must do it. We then had photo stops along the way to a tiny place called Williams, Arizona. Only 9 blocks wide and our home for the night on the way to Palm Springs.
Arizona and Nevada was beautiful, long straight roads, gorgeous views and hardly any traffic. After our very long drive 5/6 hours, we arrived in Palm Springs where it was 108F about 20 degrees hotter than average! Too intense to sit out in, although the Hyatt Hotel had a very inviting pool and its own golf course. A delightful, relaxed vibe here and a great winter destination.
There was a local festival going on with a street fair and entertainment. We were entertained to a fabulous last night mezze style dinner st the Lola Rose Restaurant at the Thompson Hotel, with a Tour of the superb rooms and hosted by the Visit Palm Springs Team. A fabulous end to a brilliant week.
Our last day we were hosted to a wonderful breakfast at FARM in downtown Palm Springs before a Trip on the Tramway/Cable Car to 8,000 ft for the view and then departing for Los Angeles Airport (2 hours drive) We made a stop on the way at an Outlet Mall for last minute shopping! Halloween and Christmas being the theme.
Our flight home on Virgin was again a full flight. We were on time and we arrived back at Heathrow exhausted but with fantastic memories of a brilliant week all courtesy of Newmarket Holidays! Beautifully organised and absolutely according to the grand plan!
Want to know more? For further information or help planning your next adventure, speak to Sue at Miles Morgan Travel in Yeovil, who will be delighted to help. You can contact on 01935 577 293 or email [email protected]
