anni
  • (Member) (Topic Starter)
(Member) (Topic Starter)
Hi Olly

Booked for the Golden West, travelling on 28th May and was wondering how many have booked so far? last count, it was only 17 people, but that was back in February. Also, I am travelling direct from Manchester via Atlanta, do you know how many others are doing it this way and will there be a rep to meet us at Atlanta? as I know that we have to collect our luggage there and check in again.

Many thanks ~ Anni :thumbup:

Olly
  • (Member)
(Member)
Hi Anni

Numbers are now up to 19 but don't worry - that will be a good number to travel with.

I don't have any information on how many are flying from Manchester but you might be able to get in touch with anyone else on your flight here on the Community - or just look out for our luggage tags.

There won't be a rep at Atlanta I'm afraid - we only have these at UK airports - but if you are at all unsure about where to go, don't hesitate to ask for help. Americans are very friendly - especially in the south!

Have a great holiday.

Kind regards,

Olly, your editor

anni
  • (Member) (Topic Starter)
(Member) (Topic Starter)
'Olly' wrote:

Hi Anni

Numbers are now up to 19 but don't worry - that will be a good number to travel with.

I don't have any information on how many are flying from Manchester but you might be able to get in touch with anyone else on your flight here on the Community - or just look out for our luggage tags.

There won't be a rep at Atlanta I'm afraid - we only have these at UK airports - but if you are at all unsure about where to go, don't hesitate to ask for help. Americans are very friendly - especially in the south!

Have a great holiday.

Kind regards,

Olly, your editor

Thanks for the info Olly, just over 6 weeks to go now, am getting very excited!!!

Anni

RJS2468
(Member)
Hi Olly,

I'm going on this same tour (28th May) and I have a few questions:

1) What's the age range of the people going? (I'm 25)

2) Is there a recommended amount of money to bring?

3) The harbour cruise in San Francisco - is that booked when we get there? How much is it?

Thanks,

Richard

Olly
  • (Member)
(Member)
Hi Richard,

1. Ages for this holiday range from mid 20s to late 70s. There are four or five people in their 30s and 40s too, so you won't be the youngest by much.

2. It's hard to recommend how much to take but bear in mind you will need to pay for most of your lunches and dinners. American food isn't particularly cheap but portions are gigantic, so you might not need two big meals a day! Most of the excursions can be paid for in advance, so if you do that you won't need to take much money for excursions. We will send you a confirmed list of excursions two weeks before you travel but I've copied a recent list for you below as a guide. You will also need cash for drinks, tips, souvenirs and so on. Personally I would allow about $50-60 a day, plus extra for excursions.

3. The bay cruise costs around £16, payable in US$ to your tour managers in resort.

Have a great holiday.

Kind regards

Olly, your editor

***



Excursions - Available

If you would like to pre book the following excursions, please call us on the following number: 01858 581024

Prebookable Canyon Country 3 in 1 GBW-5 ( £287.00)

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.

Please note that departures for the Grand Canyon flights are early morning and are subject to weather conditions.

How to book : Pre-Bookable and Bookable In Resort

Prebookable Grand Canyon National Park Airplane/Ground Tour GBG-4 ( £206.00)

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

How to book : Pre-Bookable and Bookable In Resort

Prebookable Indian Adventure and Skywalk GBW-4K ( £220.00)

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!

Please note that departures for the Grand Canyon flights are early morning and are subject to weather conditions.

How to book : Pre-Bookable and Bookable In Resort

Prebookable Visionary Air Tour GBW-1 ( £125.00)

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

How to book : Pre-Bookable and Bookable In Resort

USA - Aerial Tramway - Palm Springs (£ 22.00)

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!

How to book : This Optional excursion is only available to book through your Tour Manager in resort

USA - Prebookable Palm Springs Tour ( £24.00)

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!

How to book : Pre-Bookable and Bookable In Resort

USA - Prebookable Rat Pack ( £60.00)

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!

How to book : Pre-Bookable and Bookable In Resort

USA - Prebookable Universal Studios ( £58.00)

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!

How to book : Pre-Bookable and Bookable In Resort

USA - San Francisco Bay Cruise (£ 16.00)

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!

How to book : This Optional excursion is only available to book through your Tour Manager in resort

USA - San Francisco Helicopter Flight (£ 110.00)

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.

How to book : This Optional excursion is only available to book through your Tour Manager in resort

USA Prebookable Package - Rat Pack / Palm Springs Tour / Universal Studios ( £132.00)

You can save money and enhance your holiday with this prebookable excursion package.

How to book : Please note, unless otherwise stated, excursions need to be prebooked at least 5 days prior to departure

RJS2468
(Member)
Cheers Olly, that's a great help!
Mick W
  • (Member)
(Member)
Richard,

I've been to america quite a few times now and tend to work on £50 ($75ish) per day for food and drink as a guide, some days less some more depending on whether its restaurants or bars. Saying that i think your breakfasts are included so could knock $10-$15 off that.

Oviously you'll need more if intend buying souveniers, presents, etc.

Also 3 nights in vegas you may need some cash for a little flutter.

Mick.

RJS2468
(Member)
'Mick wrote:

Richard,

I've been to america quite a few times now and tend to work on £50 ($75ish) per day for food and drink as a guide, some days less some more depending on whether its restaurants or bars. Saying that i think your breakfasts are included so could knock $10-$15 off that.

Oviously you'll need more if intend buying souveniers, presents, etc.

Also 3 nights in vegas you may need some cash for a little flutter.

Mick.

Thanks, Mick. I've looked at a few menus for the places we'll be and the amount you and Olly have recommended does seem about right.