USA West Coast Cruise - from Los Angeles - 10749

Probably the most beautiful city in America lies on a peninsula bordered on the West by the Pacific and in the North by the Golden Gate Strait and in the East by the San Francisco Bay. Two famous bridges span the bay: the world-famous Golden Gate Bridge and the Oakland Bay Bridge. The city is built over 40 hills, so that almost every street has wonderful views of the bay. One of San Francisco's main attractions is the 130-year-old cable cars, which are still a popular means of transport even today. Other sights include the Fisherman's Wharf with its restaurants and views of the bay; the former high security prison of Alcatraz, which lies on an island before the city and is open to visitors; Chinatown, the largest Asian settlement outside Asia; the pagoda-topped Japan Centre; as well as Ocean Beach and North Beach. The main shopping area is located around Union Square in the town centre.

Seattle is also called the "Emerald City". The largest city in the state of Washington lies on the shores of Lake Washington and the Puget Sound, a sea inlet similar to a fjord with countless islands and arms of water. From here you can enjoy a fabulous view of the Cascades and Mount Rainier. The 'Seattle Center' with the city's trademark, the famous 'Space Needle' was built for the World's Fair of 1962. The coffee city is also the home of the popular 'Starbucks' chain and in Seattle there is a branch on almost every street corner. Those in the know meet at Pike Place Market for a stroll and to buy freshly-caught fish. The waterfront with its countless souvenir shops and fish restaurants is perfect for a leisurely walk. Sights include: the Pacific Science Center, the Space Needle, the University of Washington, the Japanese Gardens, Woodland Park Zoo, Seattle Aquarium, Chinatown, the Monorail and Smith Tower.

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.