Around the World in Four Cities: New York, LA, Honolulu and Tokyo

You probably already have a list of things you want to experience in New York, whether taking in the view from the iconic Empire State Building or heading to Central Park for a morning jog. Luckily, you’ll have two full days to spend doing all these things and more: head to Katz’s Deli to taste one of their famous pastrami sandwiches (and perhaps re-enact the equally famous scene from When Harry Met Sally…); sip tea in the MoMa garden after a morning of spectacular art; treat yourself to a martini-manicure in the East Village; cycle over the beautiful Brooklyn Bridge; hunt for antiques at the Brooklyn Flea Market; take part in a gospel mass in Harlem; and round off the day with a nightcap at The Mercer or The Standard to take in that glittering skyline. If you like, we can even arrange for you to see New York from the sky by helicopter.

From one iconic city to another, today you’ll take a six-hour flight to Los Angeles. When you arrive, you’ll pick up your rental car and drive to the bustling Koreatown district where you’ll find your trendy hotel with a view of Hollywood Hills ¬– it doesn’t get more LA than this. Both the restaurant and the bar are always teeming with stylish Angelenos, while the rooftop pool is one of the most popular in the city.

There’s so much to experience LA, from spotting your favourite stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame to heading up the Griffith Observatory for a 360° view of the City of Angels. If you want to live that Californian dream, take a surf lesson in Malibu, a yoga class in Santa Monica or a jog in Laurel's Canyon. If you’re interested in both art and architecture, The Getty Center is a must, a gigantic museum complex that you can reach by tram. If you like, we can get you queue-jumping tickets for Universal or Warner Studios.

Today you’ll return your car to the airport and board your six-hour flight to Honolulu. When you arrive, pick up your rental car and drive to your accommodation for the next three nights: a hotel overlooking the marina. This stylish space strikes the right balance between contemporary furnishings and décor that reflects its Hawaiian spirit. Located just a few minutes from the bustling city centre, it’s a real haven of peace.

The next two days are all about enjoying the Hawaiian capital and its surroundings: take a hike up Diamond Head; stroll through Haleiwa, the world capital of surfing; visit the Pearl Harbor National Memorial; attend a traditional show at the Polynesian Cultural Center; bask on more than 124 miles of beaches. Because you have a rental car, you’re not limited to the city centre, so take this opportunity to get behind the wheel and explore O‘ahu – we recommend a visit to Hanauma Bay, hailed as one of the world’s most beautiful beaches. If you’d like to really immerse yourself in the Hawaiian lifestyle, we can arrange for you to take a surfing lesson in Waikiki.

Today you’ll return your rental car before your flight to Tokyo, the final city on your tour of the Northern Hemisphere. The flight takes around nine hours, and you’ll arrive in Tokyo the following day. Because you’ll be tired after the long flight, we’ll greet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel where you’ll stay for three nights. When you’ve settled in, head to the onsite teppanyaki restaurant for some spectacular food. This evening, a cocktail in the lounge bar is a must to enjoy the view.

This morning we’ll arrange for you to spend some time with a guide who has lived in Tokyo for years. They’re perfectly placed to reveal the city’s lesser-known side, whether that means a walk through residential neighbourhoods or a chat about daily life in Japan. They’ll tailor this half-day tour to suit you, so if you have any specific requests, all you have to do is ask.

You’ll have the rest of your time in Tokyo to spend at your leisure. To soak up the Tokyo of the 21st century, head to the Tower of Wind, the Spiral building, the Edo-Tokyo Museum, the Tokyo International Forum, the Odaiba district or Roppongi Hills. For a look at the city’s more traditional side, Asakusa temple is the city’s oldest, while the Meiji-jingu Shinto shrine and its garden are as beautiful as they are spiritual. If you’re interested in museums, there are plenty to choose from: the Nezu Institute of Fine Arts; the Mori Art Museum; the Hara Museum of Contemporary Art. For a real taste of Japanese local life, head to the Ameyoko Shopping District or the Tsukiji fish market (best at around 5.30am). While you’re here, we’ll arm you with a public transport pass so you can roam the city with ease. If you like, we can also arrange for you to experience a traditional Japanese tea ceremony.