USA West Coast Cruise - from San Diego - 126142

San Diego, the second-largest city in California lies at the very South of the state and is heavily influenced by Spanish, Mexican and American culture. The climate, which is warm and sunny all year round, is what makes this trendy palm-lined beach so popular. To make the most of the weather, there is a total of 112 km of beaches in the area surrounding San Diego. Mission Bay has plenty of opportunities to do some fishing, sailing, go out on a motor boat, surf or swim. In addition, San Diego is framed by a beautiful landscape with mountains and large fruit and vegetable plantations. Sights include: the old town, San Diego zoo, the exclusive suburb of La Jolla, the Maritime Museum, Balboa Park, the Museum of Art and the Science Centre.

Sunny Santa Barbara in California is where Mediterranean flair, a wonderful climate and lively beach life meet. The city's architecture in the old Spanish style is a result of the earthquake of 1925, following which the city fathers decided to rebuild Santa Barbara in the old Spanish missionary style. The city has many sights, such as the Santa Barbara Mission founded in 1786 with its pretty facade and two bell towers. In the city centre there are many historic adobe houses dating from the Spanish and Mexican colonial era. Santa Barbara County Courthouse, built in the Spanish/Moorish style and the Santa Barbara Museum of Art are also well worth seeing. There are 18 beaches where visitors can take a dip and soak up the sun while the city centre and State Street have many shops, restaurants and pavement cafés.

The charming provincial capital of British Columbia is on Vancouver Island and has a very European feel to it with its narrow streets lined by stone buildings dating from the 19th century. Victorian architecture, red double-decker buses and nostalgic hackney cabs are a reminder of the colonial age of the British Empire. This is in sharp contrast to the many totem poles in the parks, which signify the amalgamation of the two cultures. Expansive parks with exotic and native plants are the perfect place to take a stroll. Sights include: Butchard Gardens, Government House, Beacon Hill Park, Craigdarroch Castle, Helmcken House, Royal British Columbia Museum.

With a population of almost 500,000 Vancouver in British Columbia is the most important port at the Pacific. It is considered to be one of the safest and cleanest cities in the world and, on account of its sheltered location, it has a mild climate all year round. A special attraction at the northern edge of the city is Vancouver's Hausberg Grouse Mountain, which can be reached by a cable-car and has excellent facilities for winter sports and hillwalking as well as a wonderful view of the city. Capilano Suspension Bridge, measuring 137 m in length and suspended 70 m above a river gorge, which visitors can cross, is also nearby. Sights include: Gastown, Stanley Park, Chinatown, Science World, Vancouver Aquarium, Harbour Centre with its viewing platform, the waterfront with a sea bus.