WESTERN USA – HAWAII – SUMMER & WINTER (OCTOBER 28 & CHRISTMAS) 2025-2026

Meeting at the airport and flight to San Francisco. Arrival, transfer and check-in at the hotel. The city is located right at the "tip" of a peninsula, with the Pacific Ocean to the west and the San Francisco Bay to the east, a position that offers an exceptional view from every point, as we will see. Progressive and bohemian, extroverted and unpredictable, like its weather. In the American metropolis of the West Coast, anything is possible. From the beat culture of North Beach, the Zen tranquility of Japantown and the Latin extroversion of the Mission, to the legendary views from Russian Hill and Pacific Heights, San Francisco has many different aspects. Its identity is shaped by its urban topography with the famous Bay and the hills, islands, marinas and beaches loved by surfers. But it is also defined by other things, such as the characteristic haze of the sea front and the blinding clarity of the windswept sky.

In 1776, the Spanish were the first Europeans to settle in this place, which they named after Saint Francis. After the discovery of gold deposits in California in 1848 and the Comstock Lode silver deposits in 1859, the city grew rapidly. After its destruction by the 1906 earthquake, it was quickly rebuilt and today it is one of the most recognizable cities in the United States. Today, a modern metropolis with huge skyscrapers, which nevertheless offers an excellent quality of life to its residents. The city is located right at the "nose" of a peninsula, with the Pacific Ocean to the west and the San Francisco Bay to the east, a position that gives every point, as we will see, an excellent view. We begin our tour from the city center, where we will see the Civic Center complex with City Hall, the Opera House, the Museum and the United Nations Avenue. We stop for photos at Alamo Square and pass through Golden Gate Park, a jewel of the city, which has many interesting attractions: Japanese Gardens, Botanical Gardens, golf courses, lakes, aquariums, a park with buffalo and reindeer, as well as the Science Museum and the characteristic Windmill. We proceed to Cliff House and continue towards the Golden Gate, the Golden Bridge-symbol of the city, from where we will see Alcatraz and the famous Pier 39, with its shops and aquatic permanent residents, the elephant seals. For the evening, we recommend a TRAM/CABLE CAR ride to Fisherman's Wharf. At Pier 39 with its picturesque restaurants and shops, you can enjoy a seafood dinner, especially with giant Pacific crabs.

Optional: Monterey-Carmel or Muir Woods-Sausalito Free day to further explore the city. Those who wish can take part in the optional excursion we suggest to two extremely charming cities: Monterey and Carmel. We pass outside Silicon Valley and San Jose. We arrive in historic Monterey, the old capital of Alta California. Monterey was the "sardine capital" of the Western Hemisphere when the first packing plant was established there in 1900. Today, the old sardine factories have been transformed into quaint restaurants, small souvenir shops, galleries, cafes and boutiques. This area is called "Cannery Row" and was made famous by the author John Steinbeck. The Monterey Fairgrounds area hosted the "Monterey Pop Festival", the first major outdoor festival in the history of rock music (16-18/06/1967), which served as the model for the famous Woodstock Festival two years later (Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, Animals, etc.). Then, with special permission, via the private 17-Mile Drive (between Pebble Beach and Pacific Grove), admiring the wonderful route with its lush vegetation, ocean views, golf courses and luxurious mansions reminiscent of Hollywood productions, we will reach picturesque Carmel, a small town of artists, teachers and retirees, who choose to maintain the provincial atmosphere and enjoy their involvement in the arts. Carmel is a cosmopolitan seaside resort full of expensive, luxurious restaurants, galleries, stone villas and paved paths, all carefully and tastefully decorated down to the smallest detail. Alternatively, we also recommend visiting the popular Muir Woods National Park to walk through the impressive forested landscape, on its deeply shaded paths and among the giant Sequoias/Redwoods (Sequoia sempervirens) that are often covered in fog coming from the coast. Next is the cosmopolitan seaside Sausalito, a small, quiet, beautiful town reminiscent of a Mediterranean mountain village, with just 7,500 residents, whose houses are built amphitheatrically on a steep, wooded hillside above the coastline. This town is full of restaurants, art galleries, and picturesque pedestrian walkways, and offers a respite from the hustle and bustle of San Francisco, giving visitors a chance to escape its fog and enjoy the sunshine in a slightly warmer climate, just across the bridge. From Sausalito’s waterfront, you can see Alcatraz, the Bay Bridge, and stunning views of San Francisco and its waterfront. At night, San Francisco sparkles, as you’ll see from across the Bay.

Transfer to the airport and flight to the capital of Hawaii and its most populous city, Honolulu, located on the exotic island of Oahu, the third largest island in Hawaii. In the local dialect, "honolulu" means "protected bay". The island's particularly beautiful natural landscape consists of volcanic peaks, rugged green cliffs, coral seabed and lush vegetation with rare species of plants and flowers. The idyllic beaches of Hawaii have been an ideal backdrop for popular film scenes. Oahu is the third largest island of the Hawaiian Islands and the most densely populated in the American state of Hawaii. The state capital, Honolulu, is on the southeast coast of Oahu. A short distance away is the famous Waikiki Beach, with some of the best hotels in the world, boutiques, museums and nightlife. It is worth a visit to neighboring Pearl Harbor, known for the destruction of the US fleet by the Japanese (starting point of World War II). The island has beautiful beaches with crystal clear waters that one can visit such as Waikiki Beach, Ala Moana, Kailua and Lanikai, Sunset as well as Hanauma, Kaneohe and Waimea Bays. The historic Iolani Palace is also located there. Due to its beauty, easy access from Hollywood and local and state governments, it has been featured in many films and television shows. There is a large financial incentive from the state to promote filming in Hawaii. Oahu is a fundamental contrast between the ancient and the modern which makes exploring it so interesting and fun. Arrival and transfer to our luxury hotel on the famous Waikiki Beach, which has been described as the "capital of surfing" - the national sport of the Hawaiians.

This is followed by a tour of the capital Honolulu with the impressive traditional architectural style of the Hawaiian Parliament, the paradisiacal beaches with the Sheffers, the mountainous location of Naunanu Pali, the Iolani Palace, built by King Kalokaawa, the building that will remind us of the television series "Hawaii 5-0", as well as the statue of King Kamehameha. We will also get to know the wider Waikiki area and return to our hotel, where you will have the opportunity to take a walk in the surrounding area and its bars or to relax with a tropical drink at the hotel. We continue with Pearl Harbor, the Naval Station of the American Pacific Fleet, where the great Japanese air raid took place on December 7, 1941 and the ensuing tragedy. From the coast, you can see the USS Arizona National Monument, the US warship that remains at the bottom of the ocean. We will visit the legendary giant battleship USS Missouri, one of the largest of its class, with a length of 271 meters! On this ship, the Japanese surrender was signed in 1945 and is now a "floating museum" in the Battleship Row area. Pearl Harbor has been declared a National Historic Landmark District and an Official National Register of Historic Places by the USA. Return to the hotel and free time to enjoy the clear blue waters of the Pacific and the idyllic beaches, to indulge in various types of water activities - swimming, snorkeling, skiing, surfing, underwater tour, etc. and why not, a dinner cruise, enjoying the colors of a tropical sunset.

Free time in the morning. (optional) At noon we will depart for the Polynesian Cultural Center, where on an area of ​​approximately 42 acres between canals and canoes, we will see representative buildings of the Pacific islands (Samoa, Fiji, Hawaii, Tahiti, Tonga, etc.). It is an outdoor theme park at the same time, located on the north coast of Oahu. The Polynesian Cultural Center is one of the most popular tourist spots in Hawaii. On its territory, a competition is held every year, in which participants demonstrate their skills in fire knives. There is an IMAX cinema in the park, where you will see a 15-minute film about Hawaii. There is also a lagoon where visitors can go canoeing. On the territory of the Polynesian Cultural Center, villages of the peoples of Polynesia were built, including traditional houses of Hawaii, Samoa, Aotearoa (now New Zealand), Fiji, Tahiti, Tonga and the Marquesas Islands. In addition to the villages, the Polynesian Cultural Center has a special exhibition dedicated to Rapa Nui (Easter Island). Each village puts on a performance at certain times of the day. We highly recommend that you familiarize yourself with the characteristics of each Polynesian culture. Visitors are offered to participate in the luau (traditional Hawaiian party). In addition, you will find shops with products of these islands and learn a lot about the language, songs, dances, customs and traditions of their inhabitants. Dinner with traditional Polynesian dishes and Polynesian dances. Return to the hotel. Alternatively, the nature, beaches and relaxing atmosphere of the place will help you decompress and fully rejuvenate.

Flight to Los Angeles and the landscape changes: there is greenery all around, the roads widen to 10-12 lanes and skyscrapers can be seen from afar. Los Angeles, the "City of Angels", is located in the state of California, on the southwestern coast of the country, in a vast valley between high mountains and the Pacific Ocean. The city was founded in 1781 by Spanish monks of the San Gabriel mission under the name El Pueblo de Nuestra Senora la Reina de Los Angeles de Porciuncula (Settlement of Our Lady Queen of the Angels of Porciuncula). It was annexed to the United States in 1850 after their victory in the war with Mexico and has experienced rapid growth since then. Today it is the second most populous city in the US after New York and has nothing to envy from the rich social geography of the North American metropolis.

A great day, full of images, information and activity. We start with the historic center of the "City of Angels". We see the mission building of the Spanish priest Junipero Serra, from the 17th century, which today functions as a church and recalls the history of the founding of cities and local communities in California. Next, another part of the historic center, Olvera Street. Next is the Walt Disney Concert Hall, with its dazzling stainless steel surfaces and peculiar curves, a work by Frank Gehry, which hosts classical music concerts, operas and theatrical performances. Passing through the center, we see the Courthouse, City Hall, the Police Department, and Union Square. Through Sunset Boulevard we proceed to Rodeo Drive, the famous street with luxury stores, one next to the other, ready to welcome their - mainly - famous (and well-off) clientele. Beverly Hills in its opulence, West Hollywood and a stop to admire the famous "Avenue of Stars" (Hollywood Boulevard), with the famous protagonists having taken their legendary place on the sidewalk. Dolby Theatre and red carpet remind us of moments from the Oscars and give us the opportunity to photograph the "Hollywood" sign on the opposite hill from a certain point. We continue with Man's Chinese Theatre with its ornate Chinese gate and its concrete enclosure, where the footprints of the stars are housed. The scenery is complemented by shopping malls (such as Hollywood & Highland), restaurants, impressively illuminated cinemas (such as the art deco El Capitan Theater) and historic hotels (such as the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel). We continue for a visit-walk in Santa Monica (about 1.30 hours), known from countless films, with a unique view of the beach on the Pacific coast. In its center, the busy pedestrian Third Street Promenade, where wonderful shopping stores, cafes and ethnic restaurants await you, two opposite dinosaur bushes, the music of street musicians, but also the impressive numbers of street performers, who break dance better than professionals. Free time at the Santa Monica Pier, which is an entertainment zone and an amusement park, with the famous "Wheel" and the sign of the end of "Route 66". Late in the afternoon we depart for the hotel.

One of the first things that comes to mind when we hear the word America is definitely Hollywood! All of us have more or less seen and loved Hollywood productions, series and shows! A huge film production industry, countless stars, huge amounts of money, glamour and decadence, abuses, scandals and awards, are just some of the elements that make up what we call the Hollywood industry! And where exactly are all these productions filmed? In huge filming facilities, such as Universal Studios! A basic, unbreakable rule and now known to everyone! Start early!!! So today our day is dedicated to the Universal Studios, which are located on the outskirts of Hollywood and occupy an entire "city" in area. Guided by our tour guide we will visit the various attractions of the park. With special trains we will tour the studio area, which has been operating since the 1930s and has been the setting for numerous films. We will see sets from famous films ("Jurassic Park", "Transformers", "Mummy", etc.), the "Underwater World" studios, the various effects and the way in which films are shot. Free time to buy souvenirs and return to the hotel. (Entrance ticket & Metro ticket NOT included) In the evening, a visit to the Farmers Market is a must. Two areas, one more luxurious and the other more simple, both of which offer you fun, flavors, souvenirs and images to take with you. In the simpler one, you walk among shops from the 60s-70s with a more traditional and simple setup. As soon as you cross a vertical street in the Farmers Market, you are transported to our time. Everything is more impressive and more expensive. Return to the hotel late in the afternoon.

Today, a full-day optional "circular" excursion. We start at a major international port, San Pedro. San Pedro Bay has been used by Spanish ships since the 1540s. The cargo entering this port represents approximately 23% of all cargo arriving in the United States. A little further down is Long Beach, a coastal city in the United States with great importance in the country's economy. It is the second largest port in the United States based on the number of containers, after the neighboring port of Los Angeles, and one of the largest in the world. There is also a significant oil industry in this area, as oil exists both offshore and underground. The manufacturing sector includes the manufacture of aircraft, automotive parts, electrical and audiovisual equipment. We continue our journey with the Pacific Ocean on our right and some of the most beautiful beaches in Southern California, such as Huntington Beach, the "surf capital" of the country. The International Surfing Museum is also located here. The beach is wide, flat and continues for almost 10 uninterrupted miles on each side of the city's large pier. During the golden age of Hollywood, this coastal city in Southern California was a magnet for the stars of the big screen. They loved its large ballrooms and smoke-filled bars. Most of all, however, they loved its waters and especially its beautiful marina, where they tied up their yachts and sailboats. "These people protected their private lives." Below is Laguna Beach with surfers, marinas, luxury villas, oil wells and expensive cars. From Dana Point we take the highway to San Diego. Arrival and stop for lunch. Visit the city center, where we will see the Gas Lamp District, where the streets are lit by gas. Through the impressive, 3,000-meter-long Coronado Bridge, we reach Del Coronado Island, where we will visit the 5-star hotel of the same name. A little further away is one of the bases of the 6th Fleet. After the Japanese air attack on Pearl Harbor, the Sixth Fleet was redesigned. The 6th US Fleet has more than 40 ships, 175 aircraft and a personnel of 21,000 people. It is the largest in the United States. Return to the hotel.

Sunny and bright, Los Angeles is a city of discovery for everyone, a bustling mix of cultures and nationalities, business districts and resorts, beaches and museums, sparkling alleys and endless streams of luxury cars. The city simply impresses its visitors. It is worth noting that Los Angeles is a completely decentralized city, without a clear geographical center and is actually made up of 88 small cities and neighborhoods, each of which has its own unique character. Transfer to the airport and boarding the flight to Athens with a stopover. Arrival the next day.