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Hi Ben, Is there any chance that you could let me know the luggage allowance for this holiday (hold and hand). I need to buy some new luggage so it would be good to know a bit sooner than when I receive the final documents. To anyone else reading this, I was going to book Alcatraz myself via their website but all their online purchasing guidelines/watch-outs put me off! I've decided to book the JY SF Bay Cruise instead and just take my chances with Alcatraz when I get to SF - if I can't get on the island it won't spoil my holiday. So now I'm booked for Grand Canyon 3-in-1, Universal Studios and SanFrancisco Bay Cruise - anything else offered by the Tour Manager during the holiday will add to the thrill of it all! I would love to have the chance of eating at the 'Waterfront' restaurant in SF, as I've always understood (from American colleagues) that it was the place to go - mind you, that was in the 1970s, things might have changed a lot since then 🙂 - just thought I'd mention it in case anyone else has the same idea! Sue
Hi Ben,

Thank you for your help

Rosina

Ben 11 years ago
Hi Rosina,

I am very sorry, I was having a moment! I was looking at the Travelsphere brochure yesterday, not Just You!

You are quite right, they are included excursions, if you wait till your on holiday to book them you are guaranteed a space so it would be fine,

I hope this helps this time!

Kindest,

Ben

Hi Ben,

I am very confused, you say the San Francisco by night and Las Vegas by night are now optional excursions. However it does say in the latest brochure I have recieved which is dated January 2013 that these two excursions are included.

I would also like to know if I wait until I arrive on holiday before I book any tours would there be a space available

Regards

Rosina

Hi both tours are worth doing, especially the Vegas by night - seeing the plasma screens light up at Fremont Street and the dancing fountains outside the Bellagio are two memories I will never forget! Hope you have a great tour!

Bob

Ben 11 years ago
Hi Ruth,

Thanks for getting in touch. These two excursions were included last year, but are optional this year. Do you have a copy of the new brochure?

Kindest,

Ben

'Ben' wrote:

Good afternoon Sue,

Please find details of the excursions that will be available to you. There is always plenty of room on the excursions.

I hope this helps,

Kindest,

Ben

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Rat Pack - Prebookable and Bookable in resort- £65

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.

Evening Tour - Minimal Walking - Nostalgic Tribute Show!

Las Vegas by Night - Prebookable and Bookable in resort- £23

A must-see! Prepare to be absolutely dazzled by the city whose lights beat them all! Get into the mood of this unashamedly brash neon city as we “Cruise” the world-famous ‘Strip’ and downtown area. Soak up the razzle-dazzle from your comfortable air-conditioned coach as we show you the lights and stop for some fascinating sights along the way, all with fascinating facts about this glamorous modern oasis in the desert.

Evening Tour - Minimal Walking - Must See!

Palm Springs Tour - Prebookable and Bookable in resort - £24

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!

Universal Studios - Prebookable and Bookable in resort - £58

Universal Studios, California is the original movie set experience and ranked one of the world’s top theme parks. You will tour the original studio lots following all the stages of film production from wardrobe and props to editing and music recording. There are special shows throughout the day where stuntmen perform some of the death-defying action sequences we are more used to seeing on screen, plus some world-class movie-orientated rides and experiences. The shows and rides may change depending on the latest blockbusters, but rest assured it will always be an action-packed visit of drama with famous movie “legends” popping up from time to time!

Half Day - Moderate Walking - Action Packed Entertainment!

San Francisco Bay Cruise - Bookable In resort only - £16

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.

1 Hour - Minimal Walking - Relaxing Cruise!

Grand Canyon National Park Airplane/Ground Tour GBG-4 - Prebookable and bookable in resort - £206

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.

Departures for the Grand Canyon flights are early morning and are subject to weather conditions.

Please Note : You will only be able to take one of the Grand Canyon flights due to time restrictions.

Visionary Air Tour GBW - 1 - Prebookable and bookable in resort - £125

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.

Departures for the Grand Canyon flights are early morning and are subject to weather conditions.

Please Note : You will only be able to take one of the Grand Canyon flights due to time restrictions.

Indian Adventure and Skywalk GBW-4K - Prebookable and bookable in resort - £220

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!

Departures for the Grand Canyon flights are early morning and are subject to weather conditions.

Please Note : You will only be able to take one of the Grand Canyon flights due to time restrictions.

Canyon Country 3 in 1 GBW - 5 - Prebookable and bookable in resort - £287

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.

Helicopter Flight - Scenic

Departures for the Grand Canyon flights are early morning and are subject to weather conditions.

Ariel Tramway Palm Springs - Bookable in resort only - £22

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!

Half Day - Moderate Walking - Spectacular Views!

San Francisco Helicopter Flight - Bookable in resort only - £110

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.

San Francisco Evening Tour including dinner - Bookable in resort only - £44

San Francisco is fun, multi-cultural, artistic and business-like, all rolled into one – it offers something for everyone. We just love it, especially at night when it offers a sparkling and cosmopolitan nightlife. So come and join us, as your expert tour Manager hosts an evening of fun and camaraderie over a three-course dinner with wine at one of the city’s fabulous eateries (included) and a tour of the city’s illuminated landmarks.

Evening Tour - Minimal Walking - Not To Be Missed

Hi Ben,

Now I'm even more confused. According to the brochure, San Francisco by night and Las Vegas by night are included excusions. I'd be grateful for clarification.

Ruth

Hi I did this tour two years ago and loved it! All the excursions were great, it didn't bother me one bit that Alcatraz wasn't included as I did the Bay tour and we went close to the island and got a good commentary on it. Some of the tour booked Alcatraz separately for the free afternoon and enjoyed it. I went for a wander around the city with four other JY folks; we went on a cable car, walked around Chinatown and Little Italy and really enjoyed it. Had a nice meal and a few drinks - better than wandering around a former prison!!

Regarding the Grand Canyon, I also did the 3 in 1 tour and if it's your first time seeing it, I recommend you do this one as it gives you the best perspective. The helicopter flights were short, but exhilarating. The boat trip was also short, but interesting as it gave a very different perspective. After the bus tour, we had plenty of time to stand at the South Rim and take photos. I could have done the Skywalk as well, as I had the time but didn't bother, as I got very good photos without the extra expense! Hope this helps and have a great hol.

Bob

Hi Sue, I am also on this trip in April, Looking forward to meeting everyone. I am travelling from Manchester to Heathrow. Thanks for sorting the mystery of the Las Vegas Show. I am sure we will all have a great holiday, looking at all the reveiws on the forum
Hi Ruth,

This is my first JY holiday, always wanted to do West Coast of America so can't wait for April! I'm travelling from Newcastle and staying in the Comfort Hotel on Sunday night. I'm assuming we'll need to be at the airport around 8.30am on the Monday. Re. excursions, I've never been in a helicopter before so decided to do the 3-in-1 Grand Canyon trip - also liked the idea of the boat ride down the Colorado river! I decided not do book the JY SFran bay trip but going to book Alkatraz myself for the 17th at 1pm via their website - you can only book 90 days in advance I think. Re. Las Vegas, you can't pre-book it now via JY. However, I understand the tour manager will have tickets available for us to purchase during the holiday - Ben was going to check out which show had been booked by the tour manager. I believe it used to be the Rat Pack but that may have changed this year. Some people on this site have commented that the hotel may be able to get tickets for a show too. I'm just going to wait until I get there and see what's available. Looking forward to meeting everyone at the airport, it all sounds so exciting! Sue