LA to the Bay

Get into the city that mixes up glamour, grit and the American Dream: Los Angeles. It's packed with legends, full of energy and there are loads of things to do. Head to mythical Hollywood and walk across the holy ground for stars. Check out the Kodak Theatre, where the Oscars are held every year and Mann's Chinese Theatre, where so many greats have pressed their hands into the cement.

Cruise down the hottest shopping street in LA, Melrose Avenue, and one of the best areas for nightlife, the Strip (Sunset Boulevard), with its billboards, clubs and eateries, before getting a glimpse at one of the world's wealthiest suburbs in Beverly Hills. A little further west discover Santa Monica, LA's oldest beach resort. Known for its liberal vibes, art galleries and wide sand beaches, Santa Monica is all about the California coast lifestyle. See the famous pier, which serves as a permanent amusement park, complete with a solar powered Ferris wheel.

Maybe later travel out to LA's quirkiest suburb where anything goes: Venice Beach. A favourite hang out spot for locals, colourful Venice Beach attracts all sorts of people. Get a feel for street life when you hit the buzzing broadwalk, where performers, tattoo artists, hair braiders, musicians and roller bladders gather. Make sure you check out the markets and stalls, as well as the greased-up body builders pumping iron at the famous open air gym, Muscle Beach. Later head out and hit the town's hottest bars and clubs. (D) Stay: Kawada Hotel (or similar)

Today You'll join the crew and find yourselves cruising on the Surfliner Train as it cruises across the Pacific coastline 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 after disembarking the Surfliner, 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 and spend the afternoon in Scottsdale Old Town – the Most Western Town in Arizona! (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. The thrill of the desert continues and the next stop will make any nature lover weak at the knees. This location is one of the world's most recognizable natural wonders and the pride of Arizona.

The thrill of the desert continues and the next stop will make any nature lover weak at the knees. This location is one of the world's most recognizable natural wonders and the pride of Arizona. We'll settle in for the night at our comfy Under Canvas accommodation in the heart of the National Park before the great Grand Canyon reveals itself tomorrow. Take a step outside and take a peep at the endless starry skies, tomorrow will be a day to remember. (B) Stay: Under Canvas 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, there's also the option of a bike ride, then the day will end with a spine-tingling sunset. Incredibly, there's also the option to view this wonder from the best and most thrill-seeking seat in the house – a helicopter. (B)

With the majestic Grand Canyon left behind for now, we stop off at several spots along the famous Route 66, but most notably, Seligman, a town steeped in history for some rustic old school Americana vibes. 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. A nighttime 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: Tropicana Hotel (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. This afternoon you'll become enamored with the tranquility of Bass Lake. Wind down in your chalet after a long day of travel, taking in your picturesque surroundings.

Later on, kick back and enjoy the view from the chalet deck - it is nothing short of spectacular. Take a dip in the pool, warm up in the jacuzzi and breathe in the fresh mountain air while getting some much needed R & R after fast and furious Vegas. (B) Stay: The Pines Resort (or similar)

This beautiful mountain paradise is perfect for relaxation and recuperation. 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 Bass Lake base, there'll no doubt be a need for that jacuzzi and a night of staring up at the starry skies. This is what we call living. (B)

Today we bid farewell to this achingly picturesque spot full of nature and tranquility and look forward to a very different experience as we prepare to be a crew of city slickers once more... After getting a dose of San Fran exploring on an orientation tour, admiring the street art and fog emerging over the Golden Gate Bridge,  as skateboards zig zag past. You could opt for a spot of sunset sailing tonight to end things on a high - and then there's no better way to reminisce than over one final 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.