Today, the time has come for you fly to the US. After collecting your luggage, you’ll go through immigration and then follow the signs in the arrivals hall to the car rental company located nearby (details on your voucher).

After picking up the car, which will be your companion for the next few weeks, you just have a short drive to the hotel. You’re probably tired after the long journey, and your bed may be calling, but you should try as far as possible to resist the temptation. The best cure for jet lag is fresh air and water, so consider taking a short drive to the coast at the nearby Manhattan Beach to feel the sea breeze, have a bite to eat, and perhaps even take a dip. You can also choose to stay at the hotel and treat your body to a swim in the pool. Regardless of what you have the energy for, you can’t help but be happy at the sight of palm trees and blue sky, which you will most likely be greeted by here in sunny California.

The day’s mileage: approx. 10 km

There is an option to upgrade your rental car. Get in touch with your travel specialist if you want more information.

You’ll probably be saying good morning earlier than you had hoped. Waking up very early with jet lag on the first day is quite typical. But that doesn’t matter one jot, because today your road trip begins in earnest.

You’ll already be seeing the landscape change today as you leave the coastal area behind and head for the desert. You’ll also often feel a hike in temperature, so be sure to make time for a stop at a supermarket to stock up on water and snacks for the trip.

You’re now ready to set out on today’s route, part of which you get to decide. You can either drive via Palm Springs and Joshua Tree National Park or via Barstow on the way to Lake Havasu.

In Palm Springs, you’ll drive through the city in the desert with its palm tree-lined streets and alleys. The city is a true paradise for wealthy Americans, who have their holiday homes here. Celebrities such as Elvis, Marilyn Monroe, Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin are just some of those who have had a house in the city. The properties can still be seen (from the outside) to this day. From Palm Springs, you can choose to continue to Joshua Tree National Park. The national park offers beautiful views of the desert landscape stretching far into the horizon. The rugged landscape stands as a beautiful contrast to the green cacti and blue sky.

If, on the other hand, you choose to drive the route via Barstow, you’ll have long stretches through small towns in the middle of nowhere in the Mojave Desert. Barstow is not much more than fast food chains, gas stations and a giant outlet centre. But right on the edge of Barstow is the former silver mining town of Calico, where the largest ever discovery of silver in California’s history was made in 1881. Since then, the town has been abandoned and become a ghost town. Here, you can gain a fascinating insight into a bygone era and even come in and see a silver mine. Remain in the time warp with a stop at the iconic Peggy Sue’s Diner, located nearby. Try the all-American menu with a cheeseburger and milkshake.

At some point in the day, you’ll arrive at Lake Havasu, located on the border between the states of California and Arizona. The city is not intended as a highlight of your tour, but a good place for a night’s rest. The city is known as the place where the original London Bridge from the 1830s stands today. The bridge was quite simply taken apart brick-by-brick and shipped across the Atlantic, before being rebuilt and reopened in 1971 in Lake Havasu.

After a drive in the desert, a dip in either the pool or Lake Havasu is hard to resist.

The day’s mileage: approx. 500 km

If you choose to drive through Joshua Tree National Park, it’s a good idea to buy a national park pass. Read more about this in our practical information.

After breakfast, you’ll drive at your own pace towards the South Rim of the Grand Canyon itself in Arizona. But the route here is one of the most special routes if you choose to drive the part of historic Route 66 that exists between Kingman and Seligman. On your way, you’ll come across everything from gas stations, diners and motels from back in the day.

If you’d like to spend more time in the Grand Canyon, you can also choose to drive straight here. As you approach the Grand Canyon, you might have a clear idea in your head of what awaits you. But absolutely nothing beats the feeling you get when you’re actually standing here yourself.

This part of the Grand Canyon – the South Rim – is owned by the US government, which has invested in building paths and erecting fences at many of the major vantage points. Fence or not, the feeling of standing at the edge of the Grand Canyon is incomparable. You’re immediately struck by an overwhelming lurch in your stomach from standing on the edge of one of the seven natural wonders of the world. Be sure to catch a truly amazing sunset with a veritable explosion of colour unfolding in front of you at Mather Point, among other places.

The accommodation included enjoys a central location, but if you wish to stay right inside the park, you can choose to upgrade.

The day’s mileage: approx. 360 km

If you’re an early riser, you should most definitely experience the sun rise over the terracotta-coloured rock walls and feel the silence around you. Both Mather and Yaki Point are popular places to experience the sunrise.

No matter how early you start the day, you have ample opportunity to explore the area today. There are countless possibilities!

You could, for example, purchase a return train ride on the historic 1901 railroad that runs from the town of Williams.

At the Grand Canyon Visitor Center, you have the opportunity to watch the thrilling films about the Grand Canyon in an IMAX cinema (booked locally).

You can also choose to lace up your shoes and set off on one of the many hiking trails in the area. The most popular route is called the Bright Angel Trail, and in addition to the scenic views, it’s common to see mules, mountain goats, and birds of prey on your way. However, many only walk the first part of the 15-kilometre-long trail. You’ll experience relatively large temperature fluctuations when you move down into the canyon, where it is significantly warmer than at the top.

Today, you’ll be leaving the Grand Canyon and heading for the state of Nevada, best known for gambling city No. 1: Las Vegas

Around a 45-minute drive before you arrive in Las Vegas, you should make a detour to the enormous Hoover Dam. The dam, which cuts across the Colorado River, is an impressive construction with a height of 221 metres and a length of 379 metres. It is located right on the state line between Arizona and Nevada, which have a 1-hour time difference, as a giant clock there illustrates.

As you approach Las Vegas, the desert haze is replaced by gigantic themed hotels lining the almost 7-km long Las Vegas Blvd. – also known as The Strip.

If you arrive in the evening, you’ll be able to see the bright column of light from the Luxor Hotel shooting into the air from a long distance away. The light is said to be visible more than 440 km away – and even from space.

On arrival at your hotel, you’ll be struck by the sounds of slot machines flashing and beeping as the hopeful players strive for a win.

Welcome to Vegas!

The day’s mileage: approx. 440 km

Las Vegas is the epitome of excess. Where there’s a need, there’s a solution, and in Vegas this is especially evident in the gastronomic corner.

Vegas is known for its extreme buffets serving pretty much anything the heart could desire, which is why many people start the day with a feast at one of the city’s breakfast buffets, serving everything from sushi to fried onion rings, croissants and chocolate-covered strawberries.

Before the desert sun takes hold, you should go hotel-hopping. A true Vegas phenomenon, where one “hotel world” after another bowls you over with architecture in its most voluminous sense. At The Venetian, the sight of gondolas sailing along the canals awaits you, and Paris impresses with its 160-metre high replica of the Eiffel Tower. You might like to make use of the modern version of a tram (Las Vegas Monorail) which runs behind The Strip and which stops at many of the big themed hotels.

If you’re into shopping, you’ll soon discover that you’ve arrived at a veritable shopping mecca, with several shopping malls within a short distance.

And be sure to enjoy a nice dip in the pool, so you get a break from being on the road.

Dinner can be anything from Michelin restaurants (book well in advance) to cosy little eateries serving BBQ pizza and delicious pasta. If you’d like to enjoy an extra special dinner, you might like to book a table in the famous, 350-metre-high tower at the STRAT hotel. The restaurant here gently rotates, ensuring fabulous views of the Mojave Desert and the lights of The Strip, which sparkle beautifully in the dark at the end of the day.

After breakfast, you’ll leave Las Vegas and drive back to the state of California.

The main part of today’s drive is through the desert, so it’s a good idea to fill up with both fuel and supplies before leaving the casino city.

You can choose to take the slightly longer route, which takes you through Death Valley, one of the largest national parks in the United States and known for its extreme temperatures of over 50°C. Here, you’ll discover that there’s more to a desert than endless rows of sandbanks. At Badwater Basin, there’s a huge salt flat which, at 86 metres below sea level, is also the lowest point in the US.

At the iconic vantage point, Zabriskie Point, you can see the scenic erosion landscape in the foreground and snow-capped mountains in the background.

Today, regardless of whether you drive through Death Valley or around it, you’ll arrive in the cosy mountain town of Mammoth Lakes, located on the eastern side of the Sierra Nevada mountain range.

The town is incredibly charming with its many log cabins and turquoise-green lakes, where there are lots of activities, both summer and winter.

Enjoy the fresh mountain air, go mountain biking or hop in the nearby gondola to enjoy the most beautiful views.

The day’s mileage: approx. 510 km

Note that the route from Mammoth Lakes to Yosemite National Park is shortest during the summer months when the mountain snow has melted. When the snow is gone, it is possible to drive through the Tioga Pass, which is typically open from July to October. If you travel in months when the mountain pass is usually closed, your overnight stay will automatically be changed to Bakersfield, so you drive south of Sierra Nevada.

Mountains, mirror-like lakes and conifers are yours surroundings for the next many days. Today, you’ll be leaving Mammoth Lakes, and ahead you lies an encounter with nature of a very special kind when you arrive at the more than 3,000 km2 Yosemite National Park. If you drive the route in the summer, you can take the Tioga mountain pass, which is typically closed due to snow from November to June.

On the last stretch of the way into Yosemite Valley, you follow the roaring Merced River while enjoying views of the massive, glacier-formed mountains, waterfalls and meadows.

There are many hiking trails from Yosemite Valley that accommodate most levels of ability. You’ll find information at the Visitor Center about trails to suit your level. You can also rent bicycles and book guided tours here.

Your accommodation is close to the west entrance, so you can make the most of your time in the park over the next few days.

The day’s mileage: approx. 170 km

Reservations are required to enter Yosemite National Park on selected dates – especially during high season. As places are limited, you should make a reservation as soon as possible. Follow the instructions here.

Yosemite is the epitome of magnificent nature, and is guaranteed to impress the young and old alike.

During the summer, you should visit the popular vantage point, Glacier Point, from where you can enjoy panoramic views of the park’s mountains and waterfalls. Come here before sunset and see the huge Half Dome mountain, being hit by the red colours of the sun. Shortly after sunset, you’ll also be rewarded with a starry sky that comes out right above your head – or what feels like it at any rate – here at an altitude of 2,200 metres. If you come up here on a one-way bus ticket during the day (booked at the Visitor Center), you can walk the scenic Four-Mile Trail that leads you back to the base of the park.

You can also drive in the car past Tunnel View, from which you get a beautiful view of the valley, waterfalls and famous mountains such as El Capitan and Half Dome.

Today, it’s time to set course for the Pacific coast, with exciting days in San Francisco ahead of you.

Instead of taking the fastest route to the big city, you should make a detour via Mariposa Grove, which has some of the world’s largest trees, Giant Sequoias. The grove has easily accessible paths that, among other things, take you past the California Tunnel Tree, which you can walk through.

We recommend that you get to San Francisco during the afternoon so that you can park the car, check into the hotel and still make it to dinner in the charming streets of San Francisco. There are several car parks in the area where you’re staying, so you can park relatively close to the hotel.

The day’s mileage: approx. 320 km

From the moment you step out of your hotel, you’ll be captivated by the cosy vibe that the city exudes. Victorian townhouses, trams, pavement cafés and the steep hills. Welcome to San Fran.

Today includes a visit to the famous prison island, Alcatraz, which from 1934–1963 housed some of America’s most hardened criminals such as the gangster Al Capone (details of the excursion can be found on your voucher).

On the island, the well-preserved prison is one of the city’s most visited landmarks, and you can look forward to hearing the stories about the time here through the earphones provided, while you explore the prison at your own pace. It’s up to you how long you want to spend on the island, but we recommend that you set aside 3–4 hours including the ferry ride to and from the island.

Transport around the city has also been arranged for today and tomorrow, ensuring optimal use of your time. The Hop-on Hop-off bus makes stops at the most popular places, so you can take it all in. You activate the ticket at the starting point at 99 Jefferson Street, and the bus operates from morning to late afternoon.

You decide the content and pace of the day yourself. If you have not yet ventured over to the other side of the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, you should do so today. Your Hop-on Hop-off bus can certainly take you there, but you might also consider a bike ride over the bridge, and possibly take the ferry back from Sausalito.

San Francisco offers a wealth of gems worth visiting: the pastel-coloured houses of Alamo Square, vintage shops and record shops in Haight Ashbury, the botany and tranquillity of Golden Gate Park, and the colourful Chinatown.

San Francisco’s Chinatown is the oldest of its kind in North America, and one of the largest Chinese communities outside Asia. Here you will experience coloured lamps, beautiful kimonos, dragons and the aromas from the small restaurants that serve dumplings and sushi continuously.

You could also spice up the day with one of the optional extra excursions below.

Today, you’ll be leaving the steep streets of San Francisco and driving to cosy Monterey. On your way out of the city, you can drive via the famous Lombard Street, known as the world’s most winding street.

As with most driving in the US, it’s the little detours along the way that add that something special to your trip. And today is no different, as you can choose to drive past the many small towns and viewpoints along the coast on the way to Monterey.

Grab a coffee and take a break somewhere by the sea, or be entertained on the boardwalk in Santa Cruz, which has an amusement park right on the beach.

When you arrive in Monterey, you should head towards the city centre, which is located in the harbour area. This is where you’ll find Cannery Row with its old sardine factories dating back to the early 20th century. The factories were the lifeblood of the city’s then enormous sardine industry, which collapsed after World War II as a result of the disappearance of the sardines. The street has since become famous after the publication of a book of the same name by the author John Steinbeck. There’s a cosy lifestyle here with restaurants, cafés and speciality shops.

You have the opportunity to book an afternoon whale-watching excursion from Monterey, as there are good chances of spotting the giants of the ocean along the Pacific coast.

Round off the day with a lovely dinner at one of the many restaurants located in or around Old Fisherman’s Wharf, where it’s common to spot sea lions, pelicans and other birds.

During the summer months, you can take the free shuttle bus that runs between Fisherman’s Wharf, Cannery Row and the Monterey Bay Aquarium.

The day’s mileage: approx. 190 km

Get off to an early start to make the most of the day, which will undoubtedly feature many stops along the way. The viewpoints just keep coming on today’s drive along the popular coastal road, Highway 1, which blends beautifully into the landscape along the Pacific Ocean.

Before driving on Highway 1, you might like to drive into the incredibly charming town of Carmel-by-the-Sea, where the houses on the pedestrian street look like something out of a fairy tale.

Look forward to discovering the rugged coast, which offers abundant wildlife, diverse nature and iconic bridges. Expansive views to the horizon and waves lapping against the rocky shore. It’s not uncommon to spot birds of prey, elephant seals and dolphins through the window. Perhaps make a stop at San Simeon, where where heaps of elephant seals lie roaring on a small stretch of beach.

Stretch your legs in the small towns along the way to really get a feel for the local atmosphere and the quiet life on the coast. Morro Bay is a great place to stop, where you can admire the city’s landmark, Morro Rock, beautifully situated in the bay, while sea lions peek out from the water every now and then.

Shortly before Santa Barbara you come to the Santa Ynez Valley. The area is known for its wine production, many vineyards and for the town of Solvang, which has Danish roots. Today, people visit Solvang to experience a piece of Denmark. There are windmills, bakeries with Danish pastries and cream cakes on the menu, a replica of The Little Mermaid and shops selling clogs.

As you get closer to the more southern part of California, you’ll notice that the sand on the beaches becomes lighter and the number of palm trees increases. This is precisely what you’ll see in Santa Barbara. The city is characterised by its Spanish-inspired houses, its cosy town centre, marina, sandy beaches and not least by the Santa Ynez mountains, which can be seen from almost every corner.

End the day with a nice dinner in Santa Barbara – and did you perhaps buy some locally produced wine in the Santa Ynez Valley to taste tonight?

If you want a shorter day of driving, you can spend the night in Morro Bay or Pismo Beach instead. Have a chat with your travel specialist to enquire about your options.

The day’s mileage: approx. 380 km

It’s not a long drive today, so you can easily spend much of the day in Santa Barbara if you wish. Do as the locals do and start the morning with a walk along the seafront or a guided kayaking tour in the charming marina.

When you feel ready for it, it’s time to set course for Los Angeles. On your way here, you might like to include a visit to the beach. Zuma, Carpinteria and Malibu Beach are some of the popular beaches, and if you’re driving this way, you should enjoy a late lunch or snack at the cosy Paradise Cove Beach Café, located right on the beach in a small bay at Paradise Cove.

If you choose to drive straight to Los Angeles, there is also plenty of opportunity to enjoy the sea here. You can also drive to Griffith Observatory, from which you’ll enjoy panoramic views of the city. As the day draws to a close, standing up at the observatory and watching the sun set behind the huge city, which slowly lights up as darkness falls, is nothing short of fantastic.

The day’s mileage: approx. 160km

The day starts in an entertaining way when, from the back seat of an open minibus, you’re given a guided tour past the most iconic places in Hollywood and Beverly Hills. Look forward to feeling the wind in your hair and hearing all the good stories from Hollywood, which really found itself on the map with the boom of the film industry at the beginning of the 20th century. Among other things, you’ll pass the Hollywood sign, the Walk of Fame, Sunset Boulevard and not least Mulholland Drive, which is often used in films. In Beverly Hills, you might be lucky enough to spot a celebrity when you visit neighbourhoods where several of the big stars live.

After the tour, it’s up to you how the day will pan out. But what could be better than driving to the sea and taking a dip, followed by a nice lunch? Venice and Santa Monica Beach are the obvious choices, and the beaches are the epitome of local life. At the Venice Beach Boardwalk, you’re very likely to acquire some unique art from the locals who sell their works here daily.

You can also explore the city’s art scene, which has a number of interesting museums to offer, including the Getty Center, which has an impressive collection from the Middle Ages to contemporary art. The museum’s architecture and scenic views of the city are also outstanding.

It’s up to you how you want to spend the day. But now that you’re actually here in the heart of the film industry, it makes sense to visit one of the city’s film studios, where you will gain an insight into the making of films and all the special effects that go with it. You can read more about what a few of the studios have to offer below. If you choose Universal Studios, you should set aside the whole day for it.

If you prefer the idea of exploring the city, you can rent a bike and enjoy the view of the beach, sea and the Santa Monica mountains on a section of the 35-km paved bike path, which takes you past Muscle Beach and the Venice canals at Marina del Rey.

Today, you’ll be saying goodbye to Los Angeles. You’ll drive to the airport and follow the signs to the car rental company, where you drop off your car. On your voucher, it tells you exactly where and when the car must be returned by the latest. It’s an easy process, after which you can take your luggage into the airport. You then fly from Los Angeles to Europe.

If you’ve opted to extend your stay to include a beach holiday or a visit to an American city, you continue to the chosen destination.

You land at the selected airport after an adventure-filled holiday.