USA - California - San Francisco/Los Angeles, San Diego &
Las Vegas
Proven California, San Francisco, Los Angeles, San Diego & Las Vegas Destination Management Company: DMC and Planner for Specialist Incentive, Conference, Event and Convention Travel Organisers Worldwide
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AGENTOURS(IATAN, TIA, NTA, RSA, SF CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU) |
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General Information
| Government |
Constitution-based Federal Republic; strong Democratic tradition |
| Capital |
Washington, DC |
| GMT |
- 8 hours, daylight saving time is observed |
| Online Weekly Weather |
www.bbc.co.uk/weather/5day/sanfrancisco |
| Yearly Weather Climate |
www.weather.uk.msn.com/sanfrancisco |
| Airport |
Los Angeles International (LAX), San Francisco International (SFO), Oakland International (OAK) |
| Average Flying Time from London |
10 hours 30 minutes |
| Currency |
US dollar (US$) |
| Currency Converter |
www.oanda.com/convert/classic |
| Language |
English, Spanish (spoken by a sizable minority) |
| Electricity |
110 volts |
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Population |
303,824,646 (July 2008 est.) |
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Total Land Area |
9,161,923 sq km |
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Coastline |
19,924 km |
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Driving |
On the right |
| Public Holidays |
Jan 1 2003 New Year’s Day. Jan 20 Martin Luther King Day. Feb 17 Presidents’ Day. May 31 Memorial Day. Jun 14 Flag Day. Jul 4 Independence Day. Sep 1 Labor Day. Oct 13 Columbus Day. Nov 11 Veterans’ Day. Nov 27 Thanksgiving Day. Dec 25 Christmas Day. Jan 1 2004 New Year’s Day. Jan 19 Martin Luther King Day. Feb 16 Presidents’ Day. May 24 Memorial Day. Jun 14 Flag Day. Jul 4 Independence Day. Sep 6 Labor Day. Oct 11 Columbus Day. Nov 11 Veterans’ Day. Nov 25 Thanksgiving Day. Dec 25 Christmas Day |
Company
AGENTOURS
Founded in 1961 and based in San Francisco, California, AgenTours Inc. is a Receptive Tour Operator and Destination Management Company specialising in Incentive, Ad-Hoc, Professional and Leisure Travel Programs. Focusing on the Western U.S.A., we create tailor-made itineraries to suit your requirements and budgets.
AgenTours is ideally located in one of the world’s favorite cities, in close proximity to a wide variety of venues, ranging from the urban sophistication of San Francisco, the glitz and glamour of Los Angeles, the stunning natural scenery of the Pacific Northwest to the rugged terrain of the southwestern desert regions.
By visiting the areas we specialise in on a regular basis, we maintain excellent contacts with our suppliers and educate them about our clients’ tastes and needs, thereby enabling us to guarantee high quality service.
Let us be the planner for your next meeting or event.
Destination
CALIFORNIA
San Francisco
The city of trends and ideas, San Francisco is also a city which exalts the senses. Fine restaurants, elegant mansions and rich museums make it attractive to everyone. Its natural beauty charmed the original inhabitants and Spanish conquerors and its vitality seduced the settlers who arrived later. Today's visitor will marvel at its superb views, its colourful architecture and its exotic scents. Glistening one day, mysteriously cool and grey the next, the city is never the same, but always San Francisco.
Los Angeles
Mystical city of dreams, schemes, fame and fortune, many people still come to Los Angeles today, with hopes of becoming stars; anything can happen there, as we have seen, from the ridiculous to the tragic. To the visitor, the city offers a kaleidoscope of cultures and lifestyles, cutting-edge architecture and those warm and sandy beaches unequaled anywhere else in California.
San Diego
Second largest city and the birthplace of California, San Diego dates back to the 16th century when the first Europeans landed and claimed the area for the Spanish Crown. The first settlers came two centuries later, with the establishment of a military outpost. Today, while geologically considered a coastal desert, the city and surroundings bustle with life. Fine restaurants, museums, world class attractions such as the San Diego Zoo and the Wild Animal Park, and miles of coastal beaches, make the city attractive to visitors all year long.
Las Vegas
It is a city which comes alive at dusk and which with the advent of the 'theme' hotels, has become one of the favourite vacation destinations. Las Vegas has many facets and people either love it or hate it. It claims to be home to nine of the ten largest resort hotels in the world, offers top quality entertainment and world class restaurants owned by the most famous chefs in the country. Scenic desert treks, water recreation and the nearby Grand Canyon offer a refreshing contrast to show girls or wedding chapels and will satisfy nature lovers as well.
Seattle
Seattle is also called the "Emerald City" due to the frequent rains and mists which keep its surroundings cleaner than most other cities of similar size. It was settled only in the middle of the 19th century due to its remote geographical location and the modern Seattle began in 1962, with the last profitable U.S. World's Fair, which gave the city its famous Space Needle, the Seattle Center and the Coliseum, which are the main city landmarks today. As the closest US port to the Orient, Seattle is a lively, busy metropolis, open to the East.
Example Programme - California Adventure
Created for a group of 20:
Day 1 - San Francisco
Meet & Greet outside the customs area at SF International Terminal. Transfer by limousine to the St Regis Hotel. Each limousine will fly a 'logo flag'.
Check in and Welcome Reception at the hotel.
Short orientation walk around Union Square, considered the Center Point of the city, and on to dinner at Michael Mina Restaurant (one of the best in the city). Return to hotel (6 minutes walking distance).
Day 2 - Wine Country
American breakfast at the hotel before departing by coach to the Airport where they will board helicopters.
Helicopter flight over San Francisco - around Alcatraz Island and under the Golden Gate Bridge continuing north towards the Napa Valley Wine Country. Landing at Infineon Race Way for HOT LAPS around the race track with professional race car drivers.
Transfer with hummer limousines through the lush Carneros Wine Region to Napa for visit, tasting and dinner on the terrace at Race Cars Driver Mario Andretti's Winery.
Optional: Mario Andretti's appearance during dinner with autograph session.
After Dinner return by Hummer to SF.
Day 3 - Pacific Coast
American breakfast at Ventana Inn before leaving San Francisco on Harleys Davidsons.
Leisurely ride along the Pacific Ocean on Highway 1- considered one of the most scenic roads, "The Dream Road of the World" to the Monterey Peninsula. A support vehicle follows with the luggage.
The first stop is Point Lobos which inspired Robert Louis Stevenson in his novel Treasure Island. Often called the Crown Jewel of the California Coast, (its name means Point of the Sea Wolves, where the sound of the sea lions carries inland).
" Walk gently. Breathe deeply. Reflect. Discover its spirit for yourself".
Catered picnic luncheon in the park, then south via Big Sur Waterfall to the Ventana Inn. A most popular wilderness outpost located on 243 mountainous oceanfront acres of land, the rustic Ventana Inn is about unpretentious elegance and quiet sophistication and has seen many illustrious guests since its opening in 1975.
Day 4 - Yosemite
Wawona Lodge Yosemite.
American breakfast at hotel.
After riding through the " California Central Valley" (richest farmland in the country), arrival in Yosemite Park, one of the first wilderness parks in the United States.
Best known for its waterfalls Yosemite is also about the strength of granite, the power of glaciers and the persistence of life. Time to explore the wilderness with a hike though the century old Redwood Trees.
Day 5 -Yosemite Valley
American breakfast at the Ahwahnee hotel.
Early this morning guided hike to Glacier Point / Taft Point. This will be an unforgettable adventure with incredible views of the Valley formed by the last ice age.
Day 6 - Yosemite Valley
American breakfast at the Ahwahnee hotel.
Today the group will be picked up by a professional Rock climbing team. This is an all-day adventure.
Yosemite with its massive Granite walls is a climber's paradise. The guides are very experienced and will supply all equipment needed.
Day 7 - California Gold Country
River Rafting - Camping.
American breakfast at hotel.
Fun Harley ride through the Gold Country to the American River camp site and on the water for an 11 mile long white-water rafting trip.
Evening dinner at the nearby café / saloon, with typical California Country atmosphere. Bands playing on weekends.
Day 8 - Lake Tahoe Area
Adventure Hike - Camping.
Breakfast can be at the campsite or at the nearby café before moving on. Today will be the CROWN POINT of this Californian adventure.
Leisurely ride to Echo Lake, just south of Lake Tahoe and a 30-min boat ride in a small aluminum boat to reach across the two Echo Lakes, where the adventure hike into the Desolation Wilderness will begin.
Each guest will be handed a backpack with first quality sleeping bag (given to each guest as gift), sleeping mat, cooking utensils, tent, all food and water, and firewood / coals.
Desolation Wilderness is a 63,475-acre wilderness area located just south and west of Lake Tahoe. It is a little-known secret of the Tahoe area - with great views of South Lake Tahoe, excellent hiking trails (the Pacific Crest Trail runs through it), beautiful secluded lakes, some of the highest peaks in the Tahoe area (Pyramid Peak at 9,983'), rock climbing, fishing, and awesome glacier-carved granite formations.
Dinner around the campfire - prepared and served by the group. (Group will receive bear warning with the permit!!)
Sunny Side Resort
Morning breakfast at the campfire - all-day hike.
Late afternoon - return boat ride on Echo Lake - descend to Lake Tahoe and re-enter civilization.
Overnight in South Lake Tahoe (Nevada). Evening show in one of the casinos.
Day 10 - San Francisco
American breakfast at the St. Regis Hotel.
Ride over Donner Pass (2160 m) towards San Francisco with stops along the way at discount outlet stores in Vacaville if desired.
Welcome reception at the hotel on arrival with hors d'oeuvres & welcome drinks. Then, transfer with minibus to the shimmering San Francisco Bay for a Grand Finale -
A Full Moon Kayaking excursion with Dinner & "Champagne Toast" served at moonrise on the San Francisco Bay (7h30 -10pm ) (Sparkling wine - from Francis Coppola (!) is served with dinner)
Day 11 - Departure
American breakfast at hotel.
Departure transfer to SFO for flight to Europe; guide assistance provided… Good Bye!
Suggested Sightseeing
Las Vegas
Grand Canyon just minutes away by air, flights all include spectacular views. Helicopters go to the West Rim of the Canyon where tours can include the new “Skywalk”.
El Dorado Canyon offering privatised events in the near-wilderness: ATV off-roading, kayaking, tomahawking, horse-back riding, and a tour of a gold mine.
Red Rock Canyon / Bonnie Springs, only 25 minutes from the Strip, a half-day visit with beautiful geologic and natural attractions, as well as a genuine Old West mining town now restored
Excursion to Hoover Dam with technical tour and lunch aboard a Mississippi River boat on Lake Mead.
Mount Charleston, 56 kilometres from Las Vegas with its highest elevation at 3,615 metres, a sharp contrast from the desert heat of the city, an average of 10 to 20ºC degrees cooler. Pine forests, skiing in winter
Las Vegas city tour, most impressive when starting at dusk when the lights come on, includes many of the fantasy, themed hotel-resorts. Downtown LAS has a pedestrian zone domed over with millions of lights which offer evening light shows.
Los Angeles
Visit to Malibu (beach houses of the stars) and the Getty Villa Museum with its antiquities.
Full day excursion (from Long Beach) to Catalina Island.
Universal Studios, part productive Hollywood studio, part theme park, welcoming visitors to back lots and sound stages.
Los Angeles city tour, depending on the famous traffic, might include: Olvera Street, Disney Concert Hall, L.A. Music Center, Griffith Park, Hollywood Blvd. and Kodac Theatre (site of annual Academy Awards presentation), Grauman’s Chinese Theatre (stars foot prints and hand prints embedded in cement of the courtyard), Farmers Market, Sunset Blvd., parts of Beverly Hills and Rodeo Drive, Santa Monica beach.
San Francisco
Muir Woods National Monument, just minutes from city bustle, an unspoiled natural grove of magnificent Coast Redwood trees, some of which are over 80 metres tall and over 800 years old.
Wine Country of Napa and Sonoma Valleys, famed regions for the production of world-class wines, elegant countryside reminiscent of Provence, extraordinary light. Sonoma, historic small town as it is the site of the last of the California missions established in the Spanish colonial period; also site of Bear Flag Revolt in 1846 which declared California an independent republic for a few weeks; also site of the oldest commercial winery in the state (founded 1856).
Sausalito, with a hint of Porto Fino, former 19th Century fishing village, a bootleg centre during Prohibition, now an artists’ colony with distinctive shops and spectacular views of the Bay and City.
Monterey / Carmel, full day excursion to Monterey (early capital of California) with its exemplary Aquarium of Monterey Bay and Carmel, a town of enduring charm with art galleries and boutiques and (debatably) the most beautiful of the California missions.
San Francisco city tour normally includes: Civic Centre, Twin Peaks views, Golden Gate Park, Ocean Beach and Cliff House, the Palace of the Legion of Honor, the Presidio, Golden Gate Bridge, the Palace of Fine Arts, Fisherman’s Wharf, Lombard (crooked) Street, North Beach, Chinatown, Financial District, Union Square.
Theme Party Ideas for Incentives
Las Vegas
Caribbean night at Margaritaville Restaurant.
Playboy party at the Hugh Hefner Sky Villa with 'go-go' and exotic dancers, shadow boxes and band.
The Rat Pack - An evening with the likes of Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr, and Dean Martin, who all made entertainment history.
Private Poker Evening.
Los Angeles
Hollywood Cruise - A boat from of Marina del Rey with red carpet, paparazzi, live music, centrepieces made from film reels, and of course, look-a-likes.
Private VIP Party at Warner Brothers - Imaginative Hollywood themes, studio tour, dinner in the executive dining room.
San Francisco
60's summer of Love - Hippie party in a private venue with colour, sounds, and that 60's music that everyone is still fond of 40 years on.
Halloween Party - Complete with an arrayof autumnal flowers and masks.
A Few Extra Touches
- Cheerleaders - At San Francisco International Terminal
- Logo Flags - On each limousine on arrival
- Appearance of Mario Andretti during dinner in Napa Valley
- Appearance of John Steinbeck's son - Thomas Steinbeck as guest speaker in Point Lobos Reserve to read excerpts from his dad's novels and answer questions.
- Horseback Riding - In Yosemite Park
- Shows - Shows à la carte in the many casinos around Lake Tahoe
Convention Centres
Moscone Centre (San Francisco) - 20 minute shuttle ride from the airport.
700,000 square feet of exhibit space, 106 meeting rooms, nearly 123,000 square feet of prefunction lobbies.
San Diego Convention Centre (San Diego)- 5 minute ride from the airport.
615,701 sq. ft. of exhibit space; 204,114 sq. ft. of meeting space including two 40,000-sq.-ft. ballrooms; and 284,494 sq. ft. of pre-function, lobby and registration areas. areas.
Los Angeles Convention Centre (Los Angeles)
720,000 square feet of exhibition and 147,000 square feet of meeting room space.
Welcome Gifts
- Chocolate cable cars
- Illustrated book on San Francisco or California
- Bottle of California Wine
- Giant Sequoia Seedling (suited for export)
- Keychain with Compass and Miniature Torch
- Water bottle
- Hat and Sunscreen
Specialist Groups
- Architecture
- Cultural
- Educational
- Technical