The legacy of the California Gold Rush turned San Francisco into the main banking centre on the West Coast, with the financial district often being called the Wall Street of the West. Many multinational banks, venture capital firms and businesses have their headquarters in the region.

Take your school group to visit the south of San Francisco Bay for a tour of Silicon Valley, where the world’s global communications have been revolutionised. Students can investigate the processes of silicon chip production at the Intel Museum and have fun in the interactive galleries discovering how our homes, work and leisure time have been revolutionised in recent years.

Tour a traditional brewery or delve into the processes of olive oil production, from harvesting the fruit, to the milling room and finally on to the bottling process. Encourage your students to consider the particular challenges businesses face when dealing with foods. Or visit the home of the legendary Jelly Belly bean. Students can discover the diverse origins of the raw materials that go into the 150 varieties of sweet treats. Your students will be amazed by the complex manufacturing processes, finishing with a polish and logo for each individual bean. Free tastings are of course optional!

Our best value sample itinerary from £1589

10 Days to West Coast USA

Day 1:
Transatlantic flight to San Francisco, meet your transfer to take you to your accommodation and check in. In the evening possibly take a ride on the world-famous San Francisco cable cars.

Day 2:
In the morning take a four hour guided coach tour of San Francisco. One of the most exciting cities in the world, the city sightseeing tour includes Union Square, China Town, the Golden Gate Bridge and Fisherman's Wharf with a view of Alcatraz Island. Afternoon transfer to Oakhurst.

Day 3:
Full day in Yosemite National Park. This is one of the most magnificent parks in California. Take in its beautiful sights such as Mirror Lake, El Capitan and Granite domes, Sentinel Dome & Half Dome that rise 3,000 and 4,800 feet, respectively, above the valley floor. Overnight in Fresno/Visalia (seasonal).

Day 4:
Morning transfer to Las Vegas. Spend the full day and night in Vegas. With so much to see and do, rise early to fit in as many sights and spectacles as possible such as the lion habitat at MGM, the rollercoaster's at New York New York & Sahara and The Fremont Street Experience. We suggest a visit to the Bellagio Water Show featuring an outdoor music and light show with a dancing waterfall.

Day 5:
Morning transfer to Grand Canyon National Park. One of nature's most awe-inspiring sights, this geologic wonder carved over billions of years is a canyon of 277 miles long, 18 miles wide and nearly a mile deep. Late afternoon transfer to Williams/Flagstaff (subject to availability).

Day 6:
In morning depart for Anaheim. Visit on route Calico Ghost Town. Step back in time with a visit to this restored mining town, experience the gold rush days, and learn how people lived during this exciting time. The town has a museum, static displays and actors in period costumes, train and stagecoach rides plus much more including staged gunfight scenes. Overnight Anaheim.

Day 7:
Start the day early with a four hour guided coach tour of Los Angeles. See the world famous Kodak theatre and Walk of Fame in Hollywood, Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills and the beaches & pier of Santa Monica. Spend the afternoon in Universal Studios and the evening exploring City Walk. Take in the amazing rides and attractions based on household favourites from King Kong to Jurassic Park, from Shrek to The Simpsons. Overnight Anaheim.

Day 8:
Spend the full day in Disneyland. Visit the eight themed areas, inc. Frontierland, Adventureland, Mickey's Toontown, and Main Street, U.S.A. Stay for the evening and experience the magic of a Disney fireworks show. Overnight Anaheim.

Day 9:
Morning at leisure before meeting your transfer to the airport for your return overnight flight home.

Day 10:
Arrive back in the UK in the morning.