Day 1 & 2- The Mirage Resort and Casino, Las Vegas

The Mirage Resort & Casino welcomes you in style with a volcano erupting at the resort entrance and a 20,000 aquarium filled with tropical fish behind the front desk. Located on the northern end of the Las Vegas Strip, The Mirage is within a short walk of several famous Vegas attractions, entertainment, and casinos. On-site dining options include more than a dozen restaurants ranging from fine dining to quick meals. Waterfalls, palm trees, and tropical lagoons await you at the outdoor pools. In true Las Vegas fashion, you’ll find a 100,000 square foot casino with a wide range of slots and table games.

Day 3 & 4- The Garland, Los Angeles

A mere three blocks from the metro, this hotel offers direct access to Hollywood and the centre of Burbank. Guests will find themselves within easy access of a host of shops, restaurants and fine-dining options. A complimentary shuttle service to Universal studios and the CityWalk shopping street is provided. The hotel exterior blends minimalistic architecture with a theme of nature and sustainability. The guest rooms are spacious, designed with modern furnishings and boasting warm tones of chocolate and mahogany. Guests are invited to enjoy an energetic workout in the extensive gym, followed by a refreshing swim in the heated pool for a truly relaxing experience.

Day 5- Embark in Los Angeles

Home of the famous Hollywood sign and Walk of Fame, Los Angeles is the place to visit for anyone interested in film and television and hoping to get a glimpse at some famous actors and artists. Stroll down the Walk and enjoy the glamorous atmosphere and famous surroundings, or take a break on the Santa Monica pier and watch the sunset on the sea.

Day 6- Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara is known as the “American Riviera” thanks to its gorgeous weather clean air and beach-centred lifestyle. This attractive and historic coastal town is framed by the Pacific Ocean and San Ynez Mountains and is located just off Highway 1 80 miles (120km) north of Los Angeles. Santa Barbara has a character and laid-back energy all of its own and attracts both wealthy weekenders and tourists seeking respite from the busyness of the larger urban centres to the north and south.

Apart from relaxing on the fabulous beaches there is plenty else to see and do here. Surrounding the beach front are several popular bike trails including local favourite the Cabrillo Beach Boulevard Bike Trail. Santa Barbara Channel is rated one of the world’s best land-based whale watching sites with over 30 different species of whales and dolphin viewable at different times of the year. The scenic waterfront is another major draw card including Stearns Wharf the oldest working wharf on the west coast of America.

And if all that sightseeing and sun-tanning works up an appetite don’t miss the area’s highly regarded Mexican food which may be complemented by a tasting or two at one of over 100 local wineries.A tour of the town would ideally start at the beach front from where State Street stretches into the historical and attractive downtown area. A stroll here will take visitors past charming boutiques stores and eateries.

The Spanish colonial-style buildings of the area reflect its history although many are modern replicas built after the devastating 1935 earthquake. The surviving Santa Barbara Mission built in 1786 is a landmark building known for its twin bell towers and rolling green lawns (picnickers welcome); while the Santa Barbara Courthouse is renowned for its classical stately proportions.In many ways that earthquake was a great boon for the city which had grown into a dense and unattractive agglomeration of different building styles.

Once the dust had settled city planners were able to restore the red-roofed adobe structures that today grace so many tourist photographs.Santa Barbara attracts the rich and famous for both vacations and as residents. Oprah Winfrey has a 42-acre estate here and Steve Martin and chef Julia Child are in the vicinity. The town is also home to the highly regarded college University of California at Santa Barbara and four other colleges providing a youthful counterpoint to the reclusive celebrities retirees and yachting crowd that make up the area’s tax base.

Day 7- Cruising the Pacific Ocean

Day 8- San Francisco

With its myriad hills and spectacular bay, San Francisco beguiles with natural beauty, vibrant neighborhoods, and contagious energy. From the hipster Mission District to the sassy Castro, from bustling Union Square to enduring Chinatown, this dynamic town thrives on variety. The city makes it wonderfully easy to tap into the good life, too: between San Francisco’s hot arts scene, tempting boutiques, parks perfect for jogging or biking, and all those stellar locavore restaurants and cocktail bars, it’s the ultimate destination for relaxed self-indulgence.

Day 9- Cruising the Pacific Ocean

Day 10- Ensenada

Ensenada is a port city on the Pacific coast of Mexico’s Baja California peninsula. At its heart is the harbor and waterfront area with the Malecón promenade. Once a casino, the Riviera de Ensenada is now a cultural center. The nearby Museum of History and the Regional Historical Museum trace the area’s people and past. Migrating gray whales visit the waters offshore. Southwest of the city is La Bufadora blowhole.

Day 11- Departure