USA HIGLIGHTS SUMMER 24

About the destination: San Francisco is a major, lively and cosmopolitan city in California. In San Francisco, history and modernity combine to give visitors an unforgettable experience. From Mission Dolores, the city's first stone building or the city’s legendary cable cars to the high-tech Financial District. A trip to San Francisco is bound to leave you with incredible memories. A boat trip is a great way to explore the “City by the Bay.” Explore Fisherman's Wharf, full of shops, galleries and restaurant offering delicious seafood. Stroll down the Golden Gate and admire the views over the bay and the Pacific Ocean, visit the various maritime museums, and , of course, no visit to San Francisco is complete without an excursion to Alcatraz, the island prison that once held some of the country’s most notorious criminals, such as Al Capone. If it’s a more relaxed environment you’re after, pass through the stately architecture and flowing lagoon of the Palace of Fine Arts. The Transamerica Pyramid has become the city's most famous landmark. The 260 metre high pyramid structure is situated in the heart of the Financial District. Located between three hills, San Francisco's Chinatown is the largest Chinese settlement outside Asia with pagodas, colourful bunting, decorated balconies and Chinese characters combining with the sounds and exotic aromas of this fascinating area. The Painted Ladies are charming Victorian wooden houses situated on the fringe of Alamo Square and the Haas-Lilienthal House is a well-maintained jewel of a bygone era. San Francisco thrives on variety and has a contagious energy. This city is magical and everyone should come here at least once.

About the destination: Yosemite National Park is an UNESCO World Heritage Site that is located in the Sierra Nevada mountains in east-central California. The majestic sights of Yosemite National Park delight and inspire visitors of all generations. Take a quick tour of some of our popular attractions, amazing natural features, and the plants and animals that make the park their home.

About the destination: Welcome to Three Rivers, California, an enchanting gateway to the Sierra Nevada mountains and the majestic Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. Nestled in the foothills of one of America's most scenic ranges, Three Rivers is the perfect starting point for travelers looking to immerse themselves in nature's grandeur while enjoying the comforts of a charming, close-knit community. As you plan your visit, consider timing your trip to coincide with one of the seasonal highlights. Spring brings a flourish of wildflowers and the powerful roar of snowmelt-fed waterfalls, while autumn drapes the landscape in warm hues and offers pleasant temperatures for hiking and exploring. Regardless of when you come, make sure to visit the nearby Sequoia National Park, home to the world-famous General Sherman Tree, the largest tree by volume on the planet. Take a stroll on the Congress Trail to see the magnificent sequoias, or drive up to Moro Rock for a panoramic view of the Great Western Divide. Three Rivers itself offers a tranquil respite from the hustle of daily life. The town boasts a variety of lodging options, ranging from cozy bed and breakfasts to riverfront vacation rentals. Art enthusiasts will be delighted by the local arts scene, which includes galleries and studios where you can witness the work of talented artists inspired by the area's natural beauty. After a day of adventure, unwind with a meal at one of the town's delightful eateries, offering everything from casual bites to gourmet dining experiences. Outdoor activities in Three Rivers are plentiful. The Kaweah River provides opportunities for white-water rafting and kayaking, while the surrounding trails invite hikers and horseback riders of all skill levels. For the fisherman, the river and nearby lakes are teeming with trout. If you're seeking a more leisurely pace, take a scenic drive through the Sierra foothills, stopping at lookouts for picturesque views and maybe even catching a glimpse of the local wildlife, which includes black bears, deer, and a variety of bird species. Three Rivers is not just a destination; it's an experience that connects you with the wilderness and rejuvenates the spirit. Whether you're an avid adventurer or simply seeking solace in nature, this serene community welcomes you with open arms and promises an unforgettable visit.

About the destination: Las Vegas is the largest city in the U.S. state of Nevada. Nicknamed the Entertainment Capital of the World or Sin City, it is situated in the Mojave Desert and is surrounded by dry mountains. Las Vegas is famous worldwide for its consolidated casino–hotels and associated entertainment. The city houses many mega-hotel complexes decorated with lavish care and attention to detail creating a fantasy-like environment. All hotels have a unique style, there are special sights everywhere, and every hotel has its own casino. Most of the hotel casinos are in the city's downtown area, along The Las Vegas Strip. The Strip is a world of its own. Where else can you go to visit Egypt, New York, Venice, Disneyland, Hollywood, and much more all on one street? The fact is that all the action that Las Vegas is famous for is happening on this one and only street. Bellagio could be considered unofficial centre of the Strip, one of the reasons being the free displays of musical fountains which go off at every half an hour with different choreography accompanied by different music. Bellagio is one of the more stylish venues with a superb flower garden and for those with gourmet inclinations, it offers arguably one of the best buffets in town. The Venetian is another point where one might linger longer due to its fabulous attempt of recreating Venice in the desert. The main square of Venice is filled with gondolas ply the waters channels and opera singers entertain their captive audience on board. The opposite end of the Strip is closest to the airport starting with the funny rendition of Egypt with its Luxor casino despite the fact that there are no pyramids in Luxor, but everything is possible in Las Vegas.

About the destination: Bryce Canyon National Park is one of the most important parks in Utah's Canyon Country. Every year, Bryce Canyon National Park awes visitors with spectacular geological formations and brilliant colors. The towering hoodoos, narrow fins, and natural bridges seem to deny all reason or explanation, leaving hikers gazing around with jaws agape in wondrous incredulity. This surreal landscape is what brings people from around the world to visit Bryce Canyon National Park.

About the destination: Page is a city in Coconino County, Arizona, United States, near the Glen Canyon Dam and Lake Powell. MAIN TOURIST ATTRACTIONS - Horseshoe Bend - Antelope Lower Canyon - Rainbow Bridge National Monument - Glen Canyon Dam Overlook

About the destination: Monument Valley is perhaps the most famous example of the classic American West landscape. It is one of the grandest and most photographed landmarks in the United States. Dominated by crimson mesas and surreal sandstone towers – some as tall as 1,000 feet – the area is also known for dramatic, mesmerizing lighting, with the sun illuminating the towers and casting long shadows on the valley floor.

About the destination: Tusayan is a town located in Coconino County, Arizona. This village offers a number of accommodations and campgrounds to the many hikers, bikers and tourists that visit the area. The Grand Canyon is one of the seven wonders of the world and lies close to the borders of the states of Utah and Nevada. Mountain bikers and horseback riders alike can access the Arizona Trail in the Tusayan Unit of Kaibab National Forest.

About the destination: Lake Havasu City is a city in Mohave County, Arizona, United States. According to 2010 census, the population of the city was 52,527 people. It is served by Lake Havasu City Airport. Lake Havasu City is geographically isolated from the other cities in Mohave County[4] and is the southernmost community of the Las Vegas–Henderson, NV–AZ combined statistical area.

About the destination: Nicknamed the City of Angels, Los Angeles is a leading world centre of business, international trade, entertainment, culture, media, fashion, science, sports, technology, and education. Los Angeles is architecturally diverse and its attractions are spread over a large area. Downtown is a thriving urban centre, a business district and home to the Grand Avenue cultural corridor. Everyone knows about Hollywood and you have got to visit the Hollywood sign, when in Los Angeles, as well as the Hollywood Walk of Fame, where Hollywood celebrates its contribution to entertainment through these celebrity stars. Experience the colourful lifestyle of the West Coast on the Venice Beach Boardwalk. Here, you will find a festive atmosphere, eclectic entertainers and funky shops. By the scene at Santa Monica Beach, is the famous Pier with a perennial carnival like setting. Draws locals, as well as visitors from around the world. Located in Griffith Park on Mt. Hollywood is the Griffith Observatory. This great public observatory has state of the art facilities and excellent views of Los Angeles. If you are a shopping buff, you will love Rodeo Drive. A glamorous shopping District, Rodeo Drive is full of upscale and fashionable shops. Take a walk around Beverly Hills, you might even spot a celebrity in this neighbourhood. This city offers great weather, good shopping, lots of diversity, great cultural events, excellent dining, and friendly people. Los Angeles is cool, fake, stylized, vast and never boring.

About the destination: Washington, D.C., formally the District of Columbia and commonly referred to as Washington, "the District", or simply D.C., is the capital of the United States. Located along the Potomac River on the country's East Coast, the District is under the exclusive jurisdiction of the United States Congress and is therefore not a part of any U.S. state. The White House, symbolically the most important building of the country, is where US Presidents have lived and worked for more than 200 years. Dominating the Washington DC skyline stands the Washington Monument. It is dedicated to the first US President George Washington. Recognized around the world and a remarkable neoclassical landmark, The Capitol is where the US Senate and House of Representatives meet. The National Cathedral is the most well-known US cathedral. This beautiful building has been the site for many national memorial services. Among the country's most important institutions, the Supreme Court offers tours to learn about its history and inner workings. Dedicated to Abraham Lincoln, the Lincoln Memorial was completed in 1922 and it is modelled after Greek temples. The magnificent Library of Congress is the largest library in the world and houses approximately 90 million archives materials. The Jefferson Memorial is modelled after Rome's Pantheon and is dedicated to Thomas Jefferson, third US President and one of the Founding Fathers. D.C. shed its former reputation as a boring and dangerous city and it now has shopping, dining, and nightlife befitting a world-class metropolis. Travellers will find the city new, exciting, and decidedly cosmopolitan and international.

About the destination: New York City is an international metropolis built on the shoulders of immigrants and their descendants. New York City is home to eight million people, and the city receives more than 50 million visitors per year. Your New York City tour should include sampling the food of hundreds of different cultures, and you can explore it easily on foot, by taxi, or via the famous subway system. A gift from the French people to the American people, the Statue of Liberty is a universal symbol of freedom and the city’s most famous landmark. Wall Street acts as the heart of big business being the home of the New York Stock Exchange. The Empire State Building looms over the Big Apple as the second-tallest building in the city, with the nearby Chrysler Building also dominates the landscape. Nearby is the headquarters of United Nations overlooking the East River and Grand Central Terminal, one of the busiest train stations in the world. No New York sightseeing is complete without a visit to Times Square. Take in its billboards, its many people, and its food, then cross over to Central Park, which comprises 850 acres of lakes and meadows, where to get away from the city buzz. You also have your pick of art and history museums, as well as the Reflecting Absence Memorial and Museum, where you can pay your respects to the victims of 9/11. Even though Manhattan houses most of the city’s landmarks, each of the districts of the city has its unique and distinctive personality worth exploring. From the historic streets of Brooklyn to Queens’s international cuisine, there is something for every type of person in the city. Most of all, New York is a city to have fun and indulge oneself. So, enjoy yourself, and get ready to take a bite out of the Big Apple. New York City has everything for everyone: architecture, art, cuisine, entertainment, shopping. It's all here.