March 27
We get an early start, heading first toward one of the most famous roads in the world — Mulholland Drive, which winds up into the Hollywood Hills. There is a scenic overlook here with the best view of the iconic 100-metre Hollywood sign, plus a sweeping panorama of Downtown LA. We take a short drive through the surrounding area to admire the stunning mansions, then make our way to the famous Walk of Fame with its stars along the boulevard. We start at the Roosevelt Hotel — built in Spanish style in 1927 and host to the very first Academy Awards ceremony in 1929 — and push through the crowds past the most famous movie palace in the world, Grauman's Chinese Theatre, the El Capitan Theatre in Spanish Colonial style, and more than a few colourful characters. Alongside countless shops you'll also find the Hollywood Wax Museum and Ripley's Believe It or Not.
After all that hustle and bustle we make a detour to Bel Air — though be aware that a guided tour of the celebrity homes is the way to go, since only residents are allowed to drive in. Having seen enough, we head for Venice Beach and its 3-kilometre Beach Boardwalk, where we settle in for a long coffee break and watch the beautiful people do their thing. We then enjoy the sunset a few kilometres further along at Santa Monica Beach. Dinner is on the Santa Monica Pier, which is also home to a large amusement park. On the way back to the hotel we cruise along the famous Sunset Strip, blazing with neon signs and waving parking attendants. We round off the night with a final stroll along the Walk of Fame — just as busy after dark as it is by day.