Day 1
Los Angeles
Fly to Los Angeles International Airport and take a complimentary airport-hotel shuttle to reach your start hotel where you will meet your Tour Manager for the start of your tour.
Overnight: Hilton Los Angeles Airport or similar
Day 2
Los Angeles – The O.C. – San Diego – Los Angeles
Today you’ll travel south, through the San Juan Capistrano and San Clemente areas to San Diego, the second largest city in California. Known for year-round mild weather and wonderful beaches, you’ll follow up a city tour with a visit to the picturesque Seaport Village and the relaxing bay-front marketplace. There may even be time for a spot of shopping. You’ll then return to Los Angeles for the evening.
Overnight: Hilton Los Angeles Airport or similar
Day 3
Los Angeles – Palm Springs – Phoenix
Journey through Palm Springs today, a winter playground for Hollywood royalty, where you’ll see the lively downtown regions and spectacular golf courses set at the base of the San Jacinto Mountains. Afterwards, pass through Indio, which is home to the International Date Festival in the Coachella Valley. Continue onto Phoenix and your overnight hotel
Overnight: Best Western Plus Executive Residency Phoenix North Happy Valley or similar, breakfast included
Day 4
Phoenix – Sedona – Grand Canyon National Park
Travel through the Sonoran Desert, possibly the most biologically diverse ecosystem in the Americas. Continue onwards to Sedona, which is a unique and fascinating geological area encircled by breath-taking red-rock monoliths which boast interesting names such as Coffee Pot and Cathedral. The majestic Grand Canyon National Park is one of the seven natural wonders of the world – be sure to stop at the rim of the canyon to really appreciate its depth and size, as well as the rising spires formed by the Colorado River.
Overnight: Squire Resort at Grand Canyon, Best Western Signature Collection or similar
Day 5
Grand Canyon National Park – Monument Valley – Page / Lake Powell
On your journey today you will enter the Navajo Indian Reservation, passing the trading post of Cameron. Onwards, you will pass through the Painted Desert to visit the striking Monument Valley, an area which captures the imagination and embodies the iconic images of the American West. In the afternoon, you will arrive in the town of Page which is located on a mesa above the Colorado River and where you’ll enjoy an evening of leisure.
Overnight: Hyatt Place Page Lake Powell or similar, breakfast included
Day 6
Page/Lake Powell – Kanab - Bryce Canyon National Park
Today sees you visit the mighty Glen Canyon Dam, the second highest concrete arch-dam in America. The views of Lake Powell from here are extraordinary, as you watch the crystal blue waters lap the towering red-rock walls. From here you will enter the Mormon state of Utah, passing through Kanab before you enter the beautiful Bryce Canyon and its world of multi-coloured sandstone spires and pinnacles. In the evening (weather permitting) you can enjoy stargazing around a pinewood campfire.
Overnight: Bryce View Lodge or similar, breakfast included
Day 7
Bryce Canyon National Park – Zion National Park – Las Vegas
Today you will travel to Zion National Park and take in the views of the massive rock formations carved by time, wind and the vast Virgin River. In the evening, you’ll be greeted by the bright lights of Las Vegas for around-the-clock shopping, entertainment and, of course, a spot of gambling.
Overnight: Luxor Hotel Las Vegas or similar
Day 8
Las Vegas
Today is yours to spend at your leisure, where you can explore the many attractions Las Vegas has to offer. In addition to the casinos, shops and Broadway-calibre shows, you may want to spend some time wandering the famous Strip and explore some of the sights along the way. How about taking in an optional iconic Las Vegas show and dinner?
Overnight: Luxor Hotel Las Vegas or similar
Day 9
Las Vegas – Death Valley – Mammoth Lakes **
You will begin today with a stop at the iconic Las Vegas ‘Welcome’ sign where you may wish to capture a memory of your time in Vegas with a photograph or two. In the afternoon, embark on a sharp contrast to the glitz and glamour of the city with a visit to Death Valley. Stop at Zabriskie Point and Furnace Creek Ranch before continuing through the valley and ascending the Sierra Nevada Mountains to the alpine resort of Mammoth Lakes**. The area was once a gold mining town in the 19th century and is now known for the fantastic skiing terrain and mountain views.
**Winter Routing: The Tioga Pass may be closed due to weather or road conditions, in which case you will overnight in Fresno or Visalia and a visit to Mammoth Lakes will not be possible (winter routing applies to all departures between October and May under normal snow conditions).
Overnight: Mammoth Mountain Inn or similar (Winter Routing – Hampton Inn Fresno Airport or similar, breakfast included)
Day 10
Mammoth Lakes** – Yosemite National Park
Rise with the sun this morning and join in on a (optional) seasonal scenic gondola ride to the summit of Mammoth and enjoy a delicious breakfast as you take in the beautiful views of California. From here you will journey to the Tioga Pass** into the scenic wonderland of the Yosemite National Park. Take in the splendid glacial-shaped granite formations of El Captain, Half Dome and the beautiful Bridal Falls. Overnight nearby Modesto.
**Winter Routing: The Tioga Pass may be closed due to weather or road conditions, in which case you will overnight in Fresno or Visalia and a visit to Mammoth Lakes will not be possible (winter routing applies to all departures between October and May under normal snow conditions).
Overnight: Doubletree by Hilton Modesto or similar
Day 11
Yosemite – San Francisco
Depart early this morning, crossing the Oakland Bay Bridge to arrive in San Francisco where you’ll commence on a sightseeing tour. In the evening, you have the opportunity to take in the city by night on a memorable tour (optional).
Overnight: Hilton San Francisco Union Square or similar
Day 12
San Francisco
Your day is yours to spend at your leisure, to give you chance to explore the city of San Francisco – perhaps take a cable car ride to Fisherman’s Wharf or go shopping in Union Square.
Overnight: Hilton San Francisco Union Square or similar
Day 13
San Francisco – Monterey/Carmel – Central Coast
Depart from San Francisco in the morning and drive to the Monterey Peninsula, known for its enclave of spectacular homes and beaches. In Monterey, visit Fisherman’s Wharf and the famous Cannery Row. You’ll then move on to tour the charming Carmel-by-the-Sea, popular for its quaint houses, upscale art galleries and unique stores. In the afternoon, drive south to Paso Robles, home to cowboys and wineries, before ending your day with an overnight stay in a Central California Coast Town.
Overnight: Historic Santa Maria Inn or similar
Day 14
Central Coast – Santa Barbara – Santa Monica - Los Angeles
Journey south through the Santa Ynez Valley and into Santa Barbara, where the palm-lined promenades border the sugary white sand beaches. Once you arrive in Los Angeles, you’ll will stop in Santa Monica for a spot of lunch on the pier or a beach bike ride (optional), then your afternoon will see you continue your ‘City of Angels’ tour with visits to Beverly Hills and Hollywood before arriving at your hotel.
Overnight: Hilton Los Angeles Airport or similar
Day 15
Los Angeles
Independent transfers back to the airport for your return flight. Or why not extend your stay in Los Angeles or perhaps add a Hawaii Extension for a couple of days.
