USA adventure: City-hopping from east to west

'I want to be part of it, New York, New York' – is it Frank Sinatra who provides your soundtrack for today? Or is it Alicia Keys, who sings 'New York, concrete jungle where dreams are made of'? Goodbye, home and hello, United States! You head for adventure, and before you know it, your feet are on American soil! Then you hail a taxi or take the metro and arrive at your hotel.
You check in but can't stay inside for long. You're just way too curious about the megacity outside your door! And what better way to get a better look at the metropolis than from above? The Edge offers you a breathtaking view of New York's unmistakable skyline (optional, payable on site) with the chance to venture out onto a sky deck and take a heart-stopping look through its glass floor at a dizzying height of 1,131 feet. Your last destination for today: Times Square, the pulsing heart of the city that's flashy, colourful, hectic and loud at any time of day or night. Neon signs and video walls vie for your attention, and you have no idea where to look first!

Ready to explore the urban jungle? Start your trip through the city early in the morning at the famous Brooklyn Bridge. There's something magical about the view of Manhattan in the light of the rising sun. Want some breakfast? Try the bagel creations at Ess-a-Bagel! And when you're good and full, drift through Manhattan – literally! Hop aboard the free ferry to Staten Island, which will bring you to the city's most famous landmark, Lady Liberty. It's truly an incredible feeling to stand right in front of the iconic US symbol of freedom, inspiration and hope. From the ferry, you'll also have a fantastic view of the New York skyline – a sea of skyscrapers shimmering in the sun. And when you're back on land, you can visit another must-see: the 9/11 Memorial (optional, payable on site), which commemorates the terror attack of 11 September 2001. At Ground Zero, where the Twin Towers once stood, there are now two fountains that make the grounds of the old World Trade Center clearly visible. After your solemn visit, Greenwich Village makes perhaps the best place to end the afternoon. When you arrive, you'll find it teeming with lovely boutiques, vintage shops and cosy cafés.

While you're here, you've got to visit a diner. Start the day with a hearty breakfast at Ellen's Stardust. When you're done, head around the corner and you'll find the famous Broadway, where you might even meet your favourite movie star – nothing's impossible in New York! If you're interested in one of the many musicals on offer, be sure to stop by the ticket office and check if tickets are still available. With a bit of luck, you can even get a good bargain. And one big highlight's still missing: Central Park! New York's green lung is a must on every trip, and luckily, it's not far away. Grab a coffee, head over and escape the urban jungle for a while. Make yourself comfortable on a park bench and observe life away from the hustle and bustle before taking a closer look at Midtown Manhattan. In addition to the famous Empire State Building and the Flatiron Building, you'll also find plenty of food trucks that'll make your foodie heart beat faster.

'If you're going to San Francisco, be sure to wear some flowers in your hair'. With or without flowers in your hair, but guaranteed to be humming a catchy tune, you're boarding the plane that's taking you to sunny California. And you'll be there before you know it! Once in San Fran, you drop your bags and start exploring immediately. The best starting point is Market Street in the city centre, at the famous cable car junction. Why not hop aboard and explore the hilly town on its historic rails (optional, payable on site)? The Powell-Hyde line, which runs from Powell Street to the northern Hyde Street, is highly recommended. And a stop at Union Square, where you'll find all kinds of restaurants, cafés, boutiques and other shops, is a must. No wonder it's one of the city's main meeting points! When you're done, continue on to one of the most famous photo spots and probably the curviest street in the world: Lombard Street. The red brick-paved street winds downhill around eight curves through a sea of flowers. And of course there's still another must-see on your list: the Golden Gate Bridge! So make your way to the end station in Hyde, where you'll find the iconic bridge shining in all its glory. And don't forget your camera!