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We leave London and fly to New York, where we spend two nights at the Intercontinental New York Times Square, a luxurious base from which to explore the famous avenues of Manhattan. Spread over an impressive 36 stories, the hotel features guest rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows, perfect for soaking up the New York skyline, with views over the Hudson River and the Broadway Theatre District afforded by the hotel's enviable position in Hell's Kitchen, just minutes away from the iconic Times Square, for which the hotel is named. After time to settle in, this evening we head out to an Italian restaurant on Times Square, for an authentic Italian-American dinner - a great introduction to one of the famous sub-cultures of this multi-ethnic city.

On Day 2 we enjoy an authentic American diner breakfast to start our day, before setting out for a guided tour of the 'Big Apple', including Central Park, an open, leafy space set amongst the city's skyscrapers. Later we enjoy a cruise around Manhattan Harbour. We have lunch on board as we spot landmarks including Ellis Island and the torch-wielding icon, the Statue of Liberty.

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Today we take Amtrak's Acela Express south to Washington D.C., the nation's seat of government. On arrival we enjoy a sightseeing tour of the city's iconic buildings including the White House, the Pentagon and Capitol Hill. Later we transfer to The Mayflower Hotel for a two-night stay. Situated 900 yards away from the White House, The Mayflower Hotel has traditionally been known as 'the hotel of presidents', and indeed, 33rd President Harry S Truman referred to it as the city's 'Second Best Address', the first being the seat of government itself. Our stay here offers luxury with a hint of history, in an establishment that was previously frequented by many of the country's famous political figures since the hotel's opening in 1925.

Day 4 is free. Maybe visit the fantastic Smithsonian Institution - the world's largest museum complex, with 19 museums and even a National Zoo.

We leave Washington on the Capitol Limited sleeper service to Chicago. The journey takes us on the route of the historic Baltimore & Ohio Line, through the Potomac Valley and past the Allegheny Mountains before crossing into Ohio. Relax and enjoy the view from the Sightseer Lounge.

We arrive in Chicago after breakfast on board. Here we enjoy a tour of 'the Windy City', seeing the Levee area and the Little Italy neighbourhood. We then transfer to our hotel. This afternoon we embark on a fascinating cruise exploring Chicago's diverse architecture, before enjoying the superb city views at sunset over a glass of Champagne at 360 Chicago. Day 7 is at leisure, allowing you to explore the city further at your own pace. On Day 8 we join the overnight California Zephyr, travelling through the Great Plains of Nebraska to Denver.

Today we arrive in Denver, nicknamed the 'Mile High City' as it is exactly a mile above sea level. We take an orientation drive of the city centre, overlooked by majestic mountain peaks, before arriving at the Grand Hyatt Denver, where we spend the next two nights.

We travel to Cañon City today, to join the heritage Royal Gorge Route Railroad. Travelling in restored 1950s carriages, we embark on a marvellous journey through the stunning Royal Gorge. Our route also takes us under the Royal Gorge Bridge, the highest suspension bridge in the world.

This morning we join the train for a stunning daytime journey to Grand Junction. We follow more of the route of the Denver & Rio Grande Railroad - regarded as one of the USA's most scenic rail journeys - into the Rocky Mountains, past dramatic peaks and deep ravines. We arrive in Grand Junction and overnight at our hotel. This evening we enjoy dinner at the popular Rockslide Brewery.

On Day 12 we transfer to Silverton, to join the narrow-gauge Durango & Silverton Railroad for a journey through the National Forest and the pretty Aminas Valley to Durango. This evening be sure to visit the hotel's famous Diamond Belle Saloon, which recreates the turn of the 20th century with its honky-tonk musicians and 'gunfights'.

Today's journey takes us through Monument Valley into Arizona. The sandstone red buttes and seemingly endless expanse of red sand is not only the typical Wild West image, but is also one of the most legendary sights in the whole of the USA. Later we arrive in Flagstaff, for two nights at the Little America Hotel. Day 14 is free for you to relax in Flagstaff.

We travel by rail to the incredible Grand Canyon today. We transfer to Williams, and join the Grand Canyon Railroad for a wonderful journey in vintage carriages hauled by historic locomotives, to the Grand Canyon, one of the world's most awe-inspiring sights. We arrive at the South Rim and main viewpoint to take in the dramatic vistas, enjoying free time to observe this incredible landmark. Later we make our return journey on the heritage railway, enjoying dinner before we join the Southwest Chief sleeper service to Los Angeles.

Today we discover lively Los Angeles and the 'dream factory' of Hollywood on a guided tour, where we have time to see the footprints of the stars at Mann's Chinese Theatre or to take a stroll along the legendary Hollywood Boulevard. Experience the most luxurious shopping street in the world - Rodeo Drive. This evening, we board the RMS Queen Mary, a former U-boat dodging ocean liner, and a unique base from which to explore Los Angeles from her moorings in Long Beach.

Leaving Los Angeles, we travel on board the Coast Starlight for a journey along the stunning Pacific coast shoreline. On arrival in San Francisco we transfer to the hotel, located in the city's Downtown area. On Day 18 we take a tour of San Francisco, admiring landmarks such as the Golden Gate Bridge. Your afternoon is free. We then mark our final evening with a farewell dinner during a cruise around San Francisco Bay.

We transfer to the airport for our flight back to London, arriving on Day 20.

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