You will receive details of pre-bookable excursions around 15 weeks before you travel and also details of any other optional trips around two weeks before you travel. In 2011 some excursions could be pre-booked but not all.

I don't have 2012 details yet but I have copied 2011 information below as a guide. Bear in mind this may change in 2012.

Kind regards,

Olly, your editor

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Our optional excursions programme has been carefully selected to enhance your tour experience whilst still allowing free time to relax

The optional excursions are listed in no particular order. The list below includes all of the optional excursions that we offer. Please don't worry if you see any optional excursions listed that you've already booked with us.

USA - Aerial Tramway - Palm Springs 2011

Enjoy the breathtaking views of the Coachella valley as you rise to the San Jacinto Mountain Station, 8516 feet above sea-level. Rise up from the hot desert floor to a cool alpine region where you can walk through pine-scented forests or just sit back and enjoy the view. One of just three “Rotair” circular cable cars in the world, this tramway allows for spectacular 360 degree views on your way up as you gently “rotate” inside the circular cabin. Acclaimed as one of the greatest scenic experiences in southern California!

This Optional excursion is only available to book through your Tour Guide in resort ( approx £22.00

USA - Canyon Country 3 in 1 GBW-5 2011

40 Minute airplane flight from Boulder City to Grand Canyon West Airport. After landing experience a spectacular 4,000 foot descent by helicopter to the floor of the Grand Canyon and board your boat to cruise the Colorado River. Re-board your helicopter and ascend the Canyon walls. You will land on the rim of the Canyon and take a bus excursion of the Hualapai Rim plateau to enjoy unique views of the Canyon’s edge. A rustic buffet meal is included.

This Optional excursion is only available to book through your Tour Guide in resort ( approx £290.00

USA - Grand Canyon National Park Airplane/Ground Tour GBG-4 2011

Deluxe Grand Canyon Tour - This fabulous tour takes in the best of the Grand Canyon by air whilst also allowing you time on the ground to further explore the magnificent sights and vistas of this truly amazing natural World Wonder. You will depart following the flight path of the Classic Air Tour (details above), but will experience so much more when you continue to, and actually land at, the South Rim to enjoy a scenic bus tour of the National Park. En route you will be given an informative commentary by a local driver/guide and stop at various viewing points along the Canyon’s rim including Mather Point (the widest and deepest section) and Bright Angel Lodge. You will be provided with a box breakfast or lunch depending on your flight time. Return airport transfers included. Please note that your Grand Canyon flights are subject to weather conditions and generally depart in the early morning.

This Optional excursion is only available to book through your Tour Guide in resort ( approx £214.00

USA - Indian Adventure & Skywalk GBW-4K 2011

Soar over the Grand Canyon, Lake Mead and the Hoover Dam following the same flight path as the Classic Canyon flight (details above) before discovering Native American history at the Hualapai Village, where you can see an exhibition of Native American dwelling buildings and techniques. Later, visit Guano Point with its fabulous scenic vistas over the Canyon and enjoy a light meal. On this tour you will also have the chance to experience the spectacular Skywalk, a horseshoe-shaped viewing platform which extends 70 feet (20 metres) out across the void of the canyon, which was constructed at Eagle Point within the Hualapai Reservation. The Skywalk is a unique engineering first, in that the floor is glass, allowing the brave to walk out over…well, nothing…..and look down 1000’s of feet to the canyon floor - literally beneath your feet!

This Optional excursion is only available to book through your Tour Guide in resort ( approx £227.00

USA - Prebookable Palm Springs Tour 2011

Palm Springs is a place of contrasts – a man-made city in one of nature’s harshest and most beautiful natural environments. For this favoured emerald-green retreat for the rich and famous actually lies in the midst of an arid desert! On this tour a knowledgeable local guide will show you the stars’ individually-designed retreats and regale you with tales of the Hollywood Set. A fascinating insight into how the other half lived back in the heydays of the Silver Screen. Yet beside the sprinkler-fed greens of the golf courses is the totally different, and equally fascinating, golden desert habitat that surrounds this playground oasis, which we will explore when we visit the Living Desert, a world-famous wildlife sanctuary for desert animals.

Half Day – Moderate Walking – Living Desert and Vintage Hollywood Glamour!

(£23.00)

USA - Prebookable Rat Pack 2011

Acclaimed the world over, the continuing success of this long-running show is due to its talented performers paying tribute to the music and routines of those legendary American musicians - Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jr. Don’t miss what has now become a permanent part of the Las Vegas experience. Return to the era of those truly great performers and enjoy a quality show and truly fitting tribute to The Rat Pack. Transfers and three-course dinner included.

(£70.00)

USA - San Francisco Bay Cruise 2011

Sit back and view the “City on the Bay” from the Bay! Your relaxing cruise will depart from bustling Fisherman’s Wharf and head out under one of the world’s most famous bridges, the Golden Gate. You will also get magnificent views of the city skyline, Oakland Bay Bridge and circle the infamous Alcatraz Island. A superb commentary will make this a wonderfully informative addition to your San Francisco experience, which we believe offers excellent value for money.

This Optional excursion is only available to book through your Tour Guide in resort ( approx £16.00

USA - San Francisco Helicopter Flight 2011

– Board a Bell Jet helicopter for an exciting adventure above San Francisco. Take in the renowned hills of San Francisco and its striking cityscape, see famous landmarks such as Alcatraz Island and enjoy a bird’s eye view of the spectacular bridges spanning the Bay. You will even soar underneath the famous Golden Gate Bridge itself – a once-in-a-lifetime experience! (Weather permitting). The flight will be made memorable and informative with a spontaneous narration from your professionally trained pilot. Return transportation included.

This Optional excursion is only available to book through your Tour Guide in resort ( approx £104.00

USA - Visionary Air Tour GBW-1 2011

Classic Grand Canyon Air Tour

This is the original classic Grand Canyon flight, still offering great value and a compact time-frame. Soar over the Grand Canyon itself; view the shimmering blue expanse of Lake Mead, the Grand Wash Cliffs and the mighty Hoover Dam which tamed the floodwaters of the treacherous Colorado River. Lasting just under an hour this fully narrated flight tour departs from Boulder City Airport on a specially designed aircraft with panoramic windows. Return airport transfers included. Please note that your Grand Canyon flights are subject to weather conditions and generally depart in the early morning.

Four Hours - Minimal Walking – Panoramic Flight

This Optional excursion is only available to book through your Tour Guide in resort ( approx £133.00

USA Prebookable Package - Rat Pack / Palm Springs Tour 2011

YOU CAN SAVE 5% ON THE REGULAR PRICES BY PREBOOKING THESE EXCURSIONS TOGETHER.

Please note, unless otherwise stated, excursions need to be prebooked at least 5 days prior to departure (£88.35)

Unless specified above all Optional excursions are available to pre-book in the UK (no later than 5 days prior to departure), on the following number: 0844 567 4326. Prices maybe subject to change.