American Explorer


 

 

 

 

Day1-Begin Your Tour | Arrive Into Washington D.C.
Welcome to your 'Merair Travel & Tours American Splendours' tour ! On arrival into Washington D.C., your Merair Travel & Tours representative greets you at the 'meeting point' at the exit after immigration and customs and transfers you comfortably to your hotel (check in after 1400 hrs). This evening is at leisure to explore the city and do a bit of shopping at your own pace. (D)

Day2-Onto Niagara | Guided Orientation Tour of Washington D.C | Guided Tour of Gettysburg Battlefield
The capital of the U.S.A, Washington D.C, is a sightseeing treasure-trove. Visit the 'National Air and Space Museum' at the Smithsonian Institution, the world's largest museum complex. Later, proceed on a guided orientation city tour. Your first stop will be Capitol Hill (photo stop). Then on through Pennsylvania Avenue to the Lafayette park for a view of the White House (photo stop). Make stops at the Washington Monument, the World War II Memorial, a monument to the spirit, sacrifice, and commitment of the American people, the Lincoln Memorial located between Constitution and Independence Avenues, and the Jefferson Memorial. Continue onto Niagara. Enroute enjoy a guided tour of Gettysburg Battlefield. This is the battlefield on which 165,000 soldiers fought for their beliefs. This is the battlefield on which 51,000 soldiers became casualties in what remains the largest battle ever fought on the continent. This is the place where you can walk today and be inspired by the actions of the past and gain an understanding of how those actions impact your life today. After dinner a panoramic night view of the spectacularly lit Niagara Falls awaits you. (B, D)
Day3-Onto New York | Cruise On The Maid Of The Mist | Visit Corning Museum of Glass
This morning, proceed to one of the most visited natural wonders of the world, the Niagara Falls. Discover the beauty of the legendary whirlpool and rapids as you cruise past the base of the falls on the Maid of the Mist. (Due to weather conditions, the Maid of the Mist operates only after the last week of May. Prior to that date we will take you on a special View Mobile Tram ride). Later, depart to New York. Enroute, visit the Corning Museum of Glass, the largest glass museum in the world with more than 45,000 objects from over 3,500 years of glassmaking history. You will also see live, narrated glassmaking demonstrations. We stretch the night for you with an Illumination Tour, driving past spectacularly lit landmarks of New York. It's magnificent. Spend some free time at Times Square. (B, D)
Day4-In New York | Visit The Statue of Liberty | Guided Orientation City Tour of New York
This morning, start your day with a guided visit to the Statue of Liberty, in Liberty Island. Later, enjoy your guided orientation tour of the 'city that never sleeps' driving past some of New York's iconic landmarks like Wall Street, the New York Stock Exchange, World Trade Centre site (Ground Zero), Brooklyn Bridge, Manhattan Bridge, through Soho, Little Italy, Fifth Avenue,Broadway and Madison Square garden to Times Square, located at the intersection of Broadway and 42nd, popularly known as the 'Crossroads of the World' and the heart of the entertainment district. Stop at The United Nations headquarters, the Rockefeller Centre and the Trump Tower. Enjoy a short walk in Central Park, an oasis in the heart of the city. Hold onto your hats and get ready for the ride of your life aboard "The Beast" speedboat! Your comic captains, Mad Dog and Wild Thing, take you on an exciting, adrenaline-fueled race across New York Harbor at 45 mph (72 kph). Fast, loud and funny, "The Beast" delivers spectacular views and pumping music on a New York trip that's a rollercoaster, water ride and 30 fun-filled minutes of high-speed cruising, all in one. "The Beast" makes a quick stop at the Statue of Liberty for a close-up photo opportunity. Visit to the Empire State building where you will enjoy the New York Skyride - an action packed, big screen thrill ride. Continue to the the Observation Deck, from where you will enjoy unequalled panoramic views of Manhattan. Breathtaking vistas stretch for miles in every direction. See New York's famous landmarks, including the Rockefeller Center, the Chrysler Building, Times Square, the Hudson River, the East River, Brooklyn Bridge and the Statue of Liberty. Quite simply, it is the most spectacular view in New York City. (B, D)
Day5-Onto Miami
This morning, fly to Miami, one of Florida's original vacation hot spots. The rest of the evening is free for you to explore this fun city on your. (B, D)
Day6-Board the Carnival Cruise to Western Caribbean (4 Night)
Today, drive to the Miami Port, to board your Fantasy Class cruise liner 'Carnival Imagination' to sail to 'the Western Carribbean'.
Enjoy the exicting facilities onboard the CARNIVAL IMAGINATION cruise, including: a 9-hole mini golf course, Carnival WaterWorks water park, a tropical resort-style pool and Serenity- Adult only Retreat. And, that's on top of the delicious dining options, onboard activities, nightlife, casino games and relaxing spa treatments that have been part of this ship all along.
Day7-Key West
Good times need never end ! As you get ready for the airport and your flight back home, relive the high points of your '
The "Conch Republic" is a festive island of colorful bars and equally colorful characters in what may as well be the tropics. Visit Hemingway's house where you'll find his original manuscripts and many of his famed six-toed cats. And while you're on the island be sure to sample its culinary treasures, such as conch salad and world-famous Key Lime pie. Outdoors Lovers will find plenty to admire in Key West, an island with gorgeous goldensand beaches, and which supports its own Botanical Forest and Garden and Butterfly and Nature Conservatory. You can enjoy a vast array of water sports - from snorkeling to parasailing - just as easily as you can enjoy a fresh-air hike.
Day8-Cozumel
Long before Cancun became a popular destination, Cozumel was well-known as a diving spot and home to the world famous Palancar Reef, which gives divers the opportunity to view thousands of brilliantly colored fish. Non-divers can kick back on a sun-drenched beach, or enjoy any number of seaside activities, such as shopping in colorful marketplaces or dining in an open-air cafe.
Day9-Cruising
Spend this day at your own pace onboard the cruise. Choose from the range of activites offered on this wonderful cruise 'CARNIVAL IMAGINATION'
HIGHLIGHT Have a swinging good time on the Sun deck's new 9-hole mini-golf course. Head on over to the new Resort-Style Pool - Swim or just chill out.
HIGHLIGHT Relax, it's all in the technique. Feel the stress sail away as you pamper yourself with soothing treatments and massages for your body and soul at Spa Carnival.
HIGHLIGHT Browse the diverse and stunning array of fabulous artwork at the Art Gallery located on the Empress deck. HIGHLIGHT You'll love the music, moves and mood at the Carnival Dance Club. Shake it real good as you party with great people and groove to some of your favorite hits.
HIGHLIGHT Play like a pro - Try your hand at poker, blackjack, roulette, craps and more. This is just a sampling of the games at the El Dorado Casino.
HIGHLIGHT Music, video games, food, new friends and BIG fun, the Carnival Imagination Club O2's got it; the perfect 'round-the clock hangout full of the funnest things to do for teenagers.
Day10-Disembark Cruise | Miami Duck Tour | Onto Orlando
Today, after disembarkation, proceed on the Miami Duck Tour, most exciting way to tour the magic city of Miami. Tour the Famous Miami landmarks including including Ocean Drive and the Art Deco district, the mansion of fashion designer Gianni Versace, Collins & Washington Avenue, Lincoln Road Mall, the Port of Miami, American Airlines Arena, the Freedom Tower, Watson Island, the Flagler Memorial, some of Miami's most glamorous yachts and marinas, Millionaire's Row, and Star, Hibiscus, and Palm Islands. Later, proceed to Orlando (B, D)
Day11-In Orlando | Excursion to Magic Kingdom
'Magic Your Way', today at the most magical place on earth - Walt Disney's Magic Kingdom. A national shrine to which visitors flock by the millions. Encounter Mickey, Minnie and other Disney characters that come alive in this incredible fantasy world. Let your imagination take flight and your spirit soar ! This eventful day ends with 'SpectroMagic' where your dreams come true as your favourite Disney characters go by in dazzling, illuminated costumes, followed by the night time spectacular fireworks, 'Wishes'. (B, D)
Day12-In Orlando | Visit Epcot Centre
A full day of fun awaits you as you travel to the future and explore cultures from around the world, in one visit at Epcot. Incredible! In 'Future World' there is fantastic adventure and exploration with trips around the human body, journeys into space, voyages under the sea and quantum leaps back in time. Take a walk around 'World Showcase'. Eat, drink and dance along with the experiences of eleven nations showcased. The centuries of communication as it has evolved is recorded in 'Spaceship Earth'. End your day with the 'Illuminations: Reflections of Earth' , an extravaganza of lights, lasers, fireworks and music. (B, D)
Day13-Onto Las Vegas | Guided Orientation City Tour of Las Vegas | The Spectacular Freemont Street Light Show
Today, fly to Las Vegas, the 'Gambler's Paradise'. This evening, proceed on a guided orientation tour of 'The Strip'. Enjoy the sights and sounds of Las Vegas - the towering Stratosphere rising 1,149 feet into the air and the Downtown Glitter Gulch where Las Vegas began. Indulge in the pools, the health spas, and the casinos. After dinner, enjoy an illumination tour and a wonderful show in Las Vegas - the Freemont Street Light Show. A night of entertainment in Las Vegas is a lifetime experience. Enjoy a delightful jet helicopter flight over neon Las Vegas at night. Take to the skies over the dazzling Las Vegas Strip. Millions of lights will mesmerize you as you cruise on your own magic carpet past dancing waters at the Bellagio, legendary Caesar's Palace, electric Eiffel Tower at Paris or maybe see the pirate fight at Treasure Island. Fly around the Stratosphere Tower rising 1,000 feet in the air then flying at low altitude, breeze past the lights of downtown. On your way back, you will pass the powerful space beam of the Luxor. (B, D)
Day14-In Las Vegas | Optional Grand Canyon
The day is free to explore this exciting city on your own. Or we recommend that you treat yourself and your family to optional excursions of the Grand Canyon.
Optional: Tours of the Grand Canyon Grand Canyon a natural wonder of the world - where instead of 'Grand', more appropriate adjectives are 'Glorious', 'Exalted', 'Divinely Inspired'. One glimpse of its mighty majesty is all it takes to comprehend the name. You have 3 choices:
1. The 'Optional Bus Tour of Grand Canyon with Sky Walk' This is a breathtaking journey into the heart of the Grand Canyon. The highlight of the day is a walk on the 'Skywalk' - a glass bridge suspended 4000 ft above the Colorado River and protruding 20 meters beyond the edge of the canyon. OR
2. An 'Optional Air Tour of the Grand Canyon' Take a breathtaking flight over the Grand Canyon. Appreciate nature's largest masterpiece. See the Black Canyon, extinct volcanoes and Rainbow Gardens with some of the most colourful and unusual geological formations in the world. OR
3. The 'Optional Air Tour with Skywalk' if you want a little more excitement In this option you visit the latest attraction of Grand Canyon, the Skywalk, a glass bridge, which is suspended 4,000 feet above the Colorado River on the very edge of the Grand Canyon.
HIGHLIGHT Mystere Extravaganza Show Tonight, enjoy the Extravaganza Show that awaits you. Enthrall in the Mystere Show that combines powerful athleticism, highenergy acrobatics and inspiring imagery, as a grand finale to your memorable Las Vegas visit. (B.D).
Day15-Onto San Diego | Visit Sea World
Today, drive to San Diego. Visit Sea World, a beautifully landscaped marine park with killer whales and sharks. Participate in some of the fast paced action rides and witness some spectacular aquatic shows. (B, D)
Day16-Onto Los Angeles | 3rd Street Promenade | Santa Monica | Guided Orientation City Tour of Los Angeles
Today, drive to the 'entertainment capital of the world'. On arrival, proceed to 3rd Street Promenade and the Santa Monica Beach. Later, embark on a guided orientation city tour of Los Angeles, driving past Beverly Hills, the famous Sunset Boulevard, Mann's Chinese Theatre, Rodeo Drive and the well-known 'HOLLYWOOD' sign. (B, D)
Merair Travel & Tours Gala Evening
Revel at the Merair Travel & Tours Gala Evening with free flow of cold drinks, dinner and music to dance away in the night.
Day17- In Los Angeles | Visit Universal Studios
Spend the day at the largest movie studios in the world, Universal Studios. You will find yourself on location of movie sets like the chilling 'Psycho House', the 'Lost World-Jurassic Park' and experience the special effects on the earthquake ride. The cameras roll, the action is fast paced behind the scenes. Get an inside look at the sets and uncover the behind-the-scenes secrets of legendary films. (B, D)
Day18- Onto San Francisco | Santa Barbara & Pismo Beach
Today, drive to San Francisco, the city that will take you to new highs, leaving your minds spinning. Enroute, stop at Santa Barbara, the American Riviera...where life itself is a fine art and Pismo Beach, known for its long and wide spacious beach with its diamond shaped 1,200-foot historic pier. (B, D)
Day19- In San Francisco | Bay Cruise | Guided Orientation City Tour | Fishermans Wharf | Pier 39 | Union Square
Today, begin with a Bay Cruise in the largest inlet of the Californian Coast. Next proceed on a guided orientation city tour with a walk on Lombard Street, the crookedest street in U.S.A. Then drive past the Civic Centre. Stop for a photograph at the Twin Peaks from where you can view the Golden Gate Bridge, painted an 'International Orange'. This is the world's most famous bridge spanning the Golden Gate strait. Take a few steps on the Bridge, if you so wish. Later, drive to San Francisco's most popular destination, the Fisherman's Wharf through Ghiradelli square known for its historic waterfront and considered the city's most popular tourist destination with delicious seafood, spectacular sights and unique shopping. Spend a dollar or two at Pier 39, a festival marketplace with more than 110 stores, and numerous fun-filled attractions. Later, go shopping in Union Square. (B, D) Visit Sausalito With A Complimentary Bottle Of Wine Visit the unique and quaint Mediterraneanlike town of Sausalito. Here, stroll along the waterfront, shop at some of the town's many boutiques, and admire the fabulous mansions around. Take along a bottle of wine…absolutely free, courtesy Merair Trave & Tours.
Day20- Homeward Bound
Good times need never end! As you get ready for the airport and your flight back home, relive the high points of your 'Merair Travel & Tours American Splendours' tour. We are confident you will join us again, sometime soon…(B, either at the hotel or onboard your return flight)