LA to the Bay

Welcome to LA, home to celeb-swamped suburbs, blistering beaches, open-air gyms and of course, all things Hollywood. We'll start our West Coast adventure with a visit to Beverly Hills, Mann's Chinese Theatre (the home of the Oscars), plus a wander around Santa Monica. Does it get more star-studded than this? We think not. (D) Stay: Kawada Hotel (or similar)

Today you'll join the crew to travel the Pacific Coast Highway before winding around to the super laid back locale of San Diego.

First up, we'll stop at one of the white sand beaches on the SoCal coast, then do San Diego by night hitting up the Gas Lamp District. Recline into relaxation mode and take in the laid back nature of San Diego. Stay: Days Hotel San Diego Hotel Circle (or similar)

Now you've had a taste of living the San Diego dream, it's time to crank up the heat as we enter the desert. We say farewell to our California love and delve a little deeper inland to see what Arizona has to offer. This impressive metropolis is situated right smack bang in the middle of the desert and is a sight you won't forget anytime soon. Uninterrupted sunshine is expected for approximately 300 days a year, making this place a super steamy urban mirage perfect for shopping and sporting events. We'll enjoy an Arizonan BBQ dinner at Rustler's Rooste. (D) Stay: Days Inn by Wyndham Mesa (or similar)

A hot air balloon ride over the "Valley of the Sun" – sounds like a bucket list kind of thing (because it is) and you have the chance to tick it off the list right here. There's a champagne breakfast provided in the deal too so try to keep breathing so you don't miss out.  And now for the one you've been dreaming about (even more than the rest).

The star of your USA itinerary. Yup, it's the Grand Canyon. It's about to get extra special too, because tonight we'll be marvelling at the sunset. Charge your phone, clear space on your camera, and prepare to weep. (B) Stay: Yavapai Lodge Grand Canyon (or similar)

You deserve a full day out here to truly appreciate the wilderness taking in its dramatic scenery. This day will be like no other; beginning with a hike through the UNESCO World Heritage listed site. Incredibly, there's also the option to view this wonder from the best and most thrill-seeking seat in the house – a helicopter. (B)

Get ready for a full-blown, non-stop assault on the senses. This is Las Vegas - sometimes known as Sin City - a place of dreams & epic debauchery. This huge man-made entertainment precinct in the middle of the desert is all about total excess. You'll be blinded by the bright lights and gob smacked at the thought of all that money running through more than 75 massive casinos.

On arrival, enjoy a tour of the famous ‘Strip', including  a stop for pics at the legendary Vegas sign will show you just what is on offer after dark in this absolutely outrageous city. Fremont Street is on tonight's agenda, where the main attraction is a super impressive light and laser show, before no doubt heading out and straight into what Vegas is all about. (B/D) Stay: The Strat Hotel & Casino (or similar)

You have today all to yourself but you'll need to run to a tight schedule to fit in all of Vegas' weird and wonderful charms. Travel the world in a day, taking in the famous Bellagio fountain, a Venetian gondola and even an Egyptian pyramid, all whilst staying firmly within the city's realm. Feeling romantic? Stop by and see one of the many Elvis impersonators for a shotgun wedding ceremony, and maybe even get hitched yourself...(joking).

Tonight you'll witness the 24-hour party scene first hand when you head out for a night with the crew.

From the ridiculously flashy Vegas ‘Strip' to the outdoor capital of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, this change of scenery will bring you and the crew back to nature again. Hungry for In n Out Burger? Dumb question. Get your fast food fix on this West Coast takeaway fave, then sit back and relax as we head to our next destination.

Welcome to Oakhurst, a tranquil little town close to the Yosemite entrance. It's been a long day of travel, so wind down at our hotel and take in the picturesque surroundings. Fancy a dip in the pool? You got it! Nothing like much needed R&R after fast and furious Vegas. (B) Stay: Holiday Inn Oakhurst (or similar)

Today's the day! We're hitting up the oh-so-lovely Yosemite. The breathtaking majesty of Yosemite National Park can only be truly appreciated in person. A land inundated with mountains, waterfalls, wildflowers & rock formations, you can stick to your trusty two feet or jump on a mountain bike to explore. Back at our Oakhurst base, you have the option to take a dip in the pool once again, if you like. Just make sure to get a good night's sleep, cuz tomorrow the Golden Gate City is gonna be all ours to explore. (B)

Oakhurst, it's time to go. Bid farewell to this achingly picturesque spot, and get ready for some city magic. After getting a dose of San Fran exploring, spend your final night with your Contiki fam with an included dinner. There's no better way to reminisce than over a delicious meal. (B/D) Stay: Hotel Zephyr (or similar)

And just like that, it's time for the journey to come to an end.  It's been more than real, & we sense more travels on the horizon.