USA trip Jean Luc Richard Dec.2024

About the destination: San Francisco is a major, vibrant and cosmopolitan city in California. In San Francisco, history and modernity merge to give visitors an unforgettable experience. From Mission Dolores, the city's first stone building or the city’s legendary cable cars to the high-tech Financial District. A trip to San Francisco is sure to leave you with incredible memories. A boat trip is a fantastic way to explore the “City by the Bay.” Explore Fisherman's Wharf, packed with shops, galleries and restaurants offering delicious seafood. Take a stroll down the Golden Gate and admire the views over the bay and the Pacific Ocean, visit the various maritime museums, and, of course, no visit to San Francisco is complete without a trip to Alcatraz, the island prison that once held some of the country’s most infamous criminals, such as Al Capone. If it’s a more relaxed atmosphere you’re after, pass through the grand architecture and flowing lagoon of the Palace of Fine Arts. The Transamerica Pyramid has become the city's most famous landmark. The 260 metre high pyramid structure is located in the heart of the Financial District. Situated between three hills, San Francisco's Chinatown is the largest Chinese settlement outside Asia with pagodas, colourful bunting, decorated balconies and Chinese characters combining with the sounds and exotic aromas of this fascinating area. The Painted Ladies are charming Victorian wooden houses located on the edge of Alamo Square and the Haas-Lilienthal House is a well-preserved gem of a bygone era. San Francisco thrives on diversity and has a contagious energy. This city is magical and everyone should visit here at least once.

About the destination: San Diego, California, is one of the most culturally diverse cities in the United States and, arguably, one of the most beautiful. The whitewashed stucco buildings give a Mediterranean-style flavour to the architecture while the culture has a decidedly Mexican influence to it. Despite this foreign-country look and feel, the city of San Diego is uniquely American and a truly memorable place to visit. Mission Beach, one of the city’s most iconic spots, is perfect for surfing and relaxation. Balboa Park is one of the greatest urban parks of the world. With museums and gardens inside the park, you can spend days there. The grand houses of the Coronado district exude luxury and are an historic national landmark. San Diego’s Old Town recreates traditional life from the past. Many fascinating buildings and artefacts bring the history alive in this area of the city. Everywhere there are blossoming flowers and spouting fountains and the magnificence of this colourful garden city makes it easy to forget the arid terrain of the nearby desert. With its many attractions and close proximity to Mexico, San Diego is an unforgettable city that's a very special kind of tourist metropolis.