La Explorer (4 nights)

Company : Contiki
Duration: < 1 week to 1 week
Approx Costs: 250 to 500 £ Pound (UK)

Go local & explore LA on your own time with this 4 night package. Hit Hollywood Boulevard, visit Universal Studios or shop Rodeo Drive as you live it up in the City of Angels.

With delicious restaurants & a rooftop garden that overlooks the stunning city skyline, it’s got easy access to Hollywood & Universal Studios & a short stroll from LA’s iconic attractions & evening hot spots & the metro.

Itinerary

1 ARRIVE LOS ANGELES

Get into the city that mixes up glamour, grit and the American Dream: Los Angeles. It’s packed with legends, full of energy and there are loads of things to do. Head to mythical Hollywood and walk across the holy ground for stars. Check out the Dolby Theatre, where the Oscars are held every year and Mann's Chinese Theatre, where so many greats have pressed their hands into the cement.

Cruise down the hottest shopping street in LA, Melrose Avenue, and one of the best areas for nightlife, the Strip (Sunset Boulevard), with its billboards, clubs and eateries, before getting a glimpse at one of the world’s wealthiest suburbs in Beverly Hills. A little further west discover Santa Monica, LA’s oldest beach resort. Known for its liberal vibes, art galleries and wide sand beaches, Santa Monica is all about the California coast lifestyle. See the famous pier, which serves as a permanent amusement park, complete with a solar powered Ferris wheel.

Maybe later travel out to LA’s quirkiest suburb where anything goes: Venice Beach. A favourite hang out spot for locals, colourful Venice Beach attracts all sorts of people. Get a feel for street life when you hit the buzzing boadwalk, where performers, tattoo artists, hair braiders, musicians and roller bladders gather. Make sure you check out the markets and stalls, as well as the greased-up body builders pumping iron at the famous open air gym, Muscle Beach. Later head out and hit the town's hottest bars and clubs.

2-4 LOS ANGELES

In your free time, explore more of this colourful metropolis. LA has it all when it comes to shopping. Hit the boutiques of Melrose Ave or window-shop the epic designer stores of Rodeo Drive. This is the place to spot celebs! Visit the Fashion Museum for inspiration and see famous outfits from movies on display, then hunt down some funky threads and interesting materials in the Garment District, which is just a few steps from your hotel.

Or visit the interactive Grammy Museum where you can record your own song or get up close to some award-show celebrity dresses. This city has food as diverse as its residents – you can find anything from burgers or tacos at a pavement stand to sushi in Little Tokyo, so make sure you make the most of this cultural melting pot. For some all-American sports, check to see if any basketball, baseball, soccer or football games are on while you’re in town.

5 DEPART LOS ANGELES

For your last day spend a fun day exploring the world-famous theme parks. Get inside Walt Disney’s magical imagination at Disneyland, where you can experience different theme zones and rides like Indiana Jones or Pirates of the Caribbean. For a behind-the-scenes look at movie making, head to Universal Studios and enjoy the thrills of this park’s film theme.