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South Africa → USA & Canada Christmas & New Year Adventure (Dec 20 2025 – Jan 7 2026)

Viewed by 164 travelers

Day 1: Arrival in Los Angeles

Morning: Fly from Johannesburg to LAX, arriving mid‑morning and transfer to your hotel in downtown LA. Refresh and enjoy a light brunch at a local café.

Afternoon: Stroll along the iconic Hollywood Walk of Fame, spotting celebrity stars and the TCL Chinese Theatre. Then head to the Griffith Observatory for panoramic city views.

Evening: Dine at a rooftop restaurant in Los Angeles Downtown and catch a sunset over the city skyline.

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Day 2: Los Angeles Highlights

Morning: Explore the artistic collections at the Getty Center, wandering its gardens and galleries.

Afternoon: Spend time at the lively Santa Monica Pier, riding the Ferris wheel and strolling the boardwalk.

Evening: Enjoy dinner on Venice Beach while watching street performers and the sunset over the Pacific.

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Day 3: Theme Park Fun

Morning: Arrive early at Universal Studios Hollywood to beat the crowds and experience the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

Afternoon: Continue with thrilling rides and a studio tour, then grab a quick bite at the CityWalk.

Evening: Return to the hotel, relax, and perhaps catch a late‑night movie at a classic Hollywood theatre.

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Day 4: Road Trip to Las Vegas

Morning: Rent a car and drive the scenic route to Las Vegas, stopping at the desert oasis of Calico Ghost Town.

Afternoon: Check into your hotel on the famous Las Vegas Strip and explore the dazzling casino resorts.

Evening: Watch the spectacular Bellagio Fountains show, followed by dinner at a celebrity chef restaurant.

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Day 5: Las Vegas – Christmas Eve

Morning: Take a guided tour of Red Rock Canyon, marveling at the towering sandstone formations.

Afternoon: Return to the Strip for a leisurely lunch and some souvenir shopping at the Forum Shops.

Evening: Attend a festive Christmas Eve performance of Cirque du Soleil, then stroll through the glittering streets.

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Day 6: Christmas Day in Las Vegas

Morning: Enjoy a relaxed brunch at the hotel buffet, then visit the historic Fremont Street Experience for vintage Vegas vibes.

Afternoon: Relax by the pool or treat yourself to a spa session to unwind after the holiday festivities.

Evening: Dine at a rooftop lounge with views of the Strip, celebrating Christmas night with live music.

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Day 7: Travel to New Mexico – Guru Ramdas Ashram

Morning: Fly from Las Vegas to Albuquerque, then drive to the serene Guru Ramdas Ashram in the high desert.

Afternoon: Participate in introductory meditation sessions and explore the ashram’s peaceful gardens.

Evening: Join a communal dinner and evening chant, immersing yourself in the spiritual ambiance.

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Day 8: Ashram Retreat & Return

Morning: Attend sunrise yoga and a guided talk on the teachings of Guru Ramdas.

Afternoon: Take a short hike to nearby scenic overlooks before returning to Albuquerque for a flight back to the U.S. West Coast.

Evening: Arrive in San Francisco, relax at the hotel, and prepare for the next leg of the journey.

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Day 9: Fly to Vancouver, Canada

Morning: Board a direct flight from San Francisco to Vancouver, arriving by early afternoon.

Afternoon: Check into a downtown hotel and wander through Granville Island’s public market and artisan shops.

Evening: Dine on fresh Pacific seafood at a waterfront restaurant with views of the harbor.

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Day 10: Vancouver City Exploration

Morning: Visit the lush Stanley Park, cycling the seawall and spotting totem poles.

Afternoon: Explore the vibrant neighborhoods of Gastown and Chinatown, snapping photos of the Steam Clock.

Evening: Enjoy a performance at the historic Orpheum Theatre or a nightcap in Yaletown.

**Day 11: Whistler Day Trip**

Morning: Take a scenic drive to Whistler for breathtaking mountain views and a gondola ride.

Afternoon: Try winter activities such as snowshoeing or a gentle ski session on the slopes.

Evening: Return to Vancouver for a relaxed dinner and early night.

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Day 12: Travel to Toronto

Morning: Fly from Vancouver to Toronto, checking into a hotel near the waterfront.

Afternoon: Visit the iconic CN Tower, taking the glass‑floor experience and revolving restaurant view.

Evening: Stroll along the lively Harbourfront Centre and enjoy a winter festival atmosphere.

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Day 13: Toronto & Niagara Falls

Morning: Depart early for a day trip to Niagara Falls, crossing the border into Canada’s natural wonder.

Afternoon: Experience the Maid of the Mist boat tour and explore the illuminated falls.

Evening: Return to Toronto, dine in the Distillery District, and admire the holiday lights.

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Day 14: Flight to Montreal

Morning: Take a short flight to Montreal, checking into a boutique hotel in Old Montreal.

Afternoon: Wander the cobblestone streets of Old Montreal, visiting the Notre‑Dame Basilica.

Evening: Celebrate with a festive dinner at a French‑Canadian bistro and watch the city’s New Year decorations.

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Day 15: Montreal Cultural Day

Morning: Explore the contemporary art at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts.

Afternoon: Relax in the winter garden of Mount Royal Park, enjoying panoramic city views.

Evening: Attend a live jazz performance in a historic venue on Rue Saint‑Paul.

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Day 16: Travel to Quebec City

Morning: Take a scenic train ride to Quebec City, arriving by midday.

Afternoon: Check into a charming inn within the Old Quebec UNESCO district and explore the fortified walls.

Evening: Dine on classic Québécois cuisine at a restaurant overlooking the St. Lawrence River.

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Day 17: Quebec City Exploration

Morning: Visit the historic Château Frontenac and the nearby Plains of Abraham museum.

Afternoon: Take a guided walking tour of the Petit‑Champlain district, admiring the festive lights.

Evening: Enjoy a cozy evening with a cup of hot chocolate in a local café, preparing for New Year’s Eve.

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Day 18: New Year’s Eve in Quebec City

Morning: Relax with a leisurely breakfast and optional ice‑skating on the outdoor rink at Place D’Youville.

Afternoon: Explore the Citadelle of Quebec and learn about the city’s military history.

Evening: Join the city’s spectacular New Year’s Eve celebration on the Dufferin Terrace, featuring fireworks over the river.

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Day 19: Departure

Morning: Pack and enjoy a final stroll through the snowy streets of Old Quebec.

Afternoon: Transfer to Quebec City Airport for your flight home, carrying memories of a festive North‑American adventure.

Evening: Arrive back in South Africa, concluding a vibrant holiday journey.

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Time and Cost Estimates

  • Griffith Observatory – 2 hrs – $12 entrance
  • Getty Center – 3 hrs – Free (parking $20)
  • Santa Monica Pier – 2 hrs – Free
  • Universal Studios Hollywood – 5 hrs – $120 ticket
  • Red Rock Canyon – 3 hrs – $15 entry
  • Bellagio Fountains – 30 min – Free
  • Guru Ramdas Ashram – 2 days – $50 donation
  • Stanley Park – 4 hrs – Free
  • Granville Island – 3 hrs – Free (meals $30)
  • CN Tower – 2 hrs – $38
  • Niagara Falls Maid of the Mist – 1 hr – $25
  • Old Montreal – 3 hrs – Free
  • Mount Royal Park – 2 hrs – Free
  • Château Frontenac – 2 hrs – $20 tour
  • Citadelle of Quebec – 2 hrs – $15
  • New Year’s Eve celebration (Quebec City) – 4 hrs – $30 (food & drink)
  • Transportation (flights, car rental, train) – 19 days – $2 200
  • Accommodation (mid‑range hotels/inns) – 19 nights – $3 000
  • Meals (average $45/day) – 19 days – $855
  • Miscellaneous (souvenirs, tips) – – $300
  • Total Estimated Cost$6 843

Tips

To extend the trip, consider adding a few days in the Canadian Rockies (Banff & Lake Louise) for stunning winter scenery, or a coastal drive along the Pacific Highway before heading to the U.S. West Coast. If you need to shorten the itinerary, you can combine Los Angeles and Las Vegas into a single “West Coast” segment (5 days) and skip the New Mexico ashram, focusing instead on the major Canadian cities for a more relaxed pace.

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