Western Discovery

Overview

Visit the vibrant cities of Los Angeles, San Diego and San Francisco; discover the plentiful national parks with spectacular scenery including Yosemite, Bryce Canyon and the Grand Canyon and see the seaside hideouts of Carmel and Monterey on the beautiful coast.

Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrive Los Angeles

Upon arrival into Los Angeles International Airport transfer independently to the hotel where you will meet your Tour Director.

Hotelfor 2 nights: Holiday Inn Anaheim

Day 2 – San Diego

Travel south through San Juan Capistrano and San Clemente to San Diego, the second largest city in California, renowned for its year round mild weather. Following a city tour, visit picturesque Seaport Village and San Diegos relaxing Bayfront marketplace. Perhaps enjoy the opportunity for shopping. Return to Los Angeles for the evening.

11 Day Tour begins in Los Angeles today.

Day 3 – Los Angeles Phoenix/Scottsdale

Today your journey takes you through Palm Springs, the winter playground for Hollywood royalty, with its lively downtown and immaculately kept golf courses at the base of the rugged San Jacinto Mountains. A sea of wind turbines mark the entrance to this desert oasis. Afterwards you will pass through Indio, home to the Intl Date Festival in the Coachella Valley.

Hotel: We Ko Pa Resort

Day 4 – Phoenix/Scottsdale Grand Canyon

Travel through the Sonoran Desert, the richest, most biologically diverse desert ecosystem in the Americas. Continue to Sedona, a city situated in a unique geological area and encircled by distinctive red-rock monoliths with such names as Cathedral and Coffee Pot. Then drive through the breath-taking Oak Creek Canyon before arriving at Grand Canyon National Park. Majestic Grand Canyon National Park is one of the 7 great natural wonders of the world. Stop at the rim to fully experience this mile-deep colourful canyons plunging gorges, and rising spires formed by the mighty Colorado River.

Hotel: Yavapai West

Day 5 – Grand Canyon Page/Lake Powell

As you journey further today, you will enter the Navajo Indian Reservation, passing the trading post of Cameron. Continue through the Painted Desert and the region of Monument Valley, an area that embodies perhaps the most iconic images of the American West. In the afternoon, enter the town of Page, situated on a mesa above the Colorado River. Evening at leisure.

Hotel: Best Western Lake Powell

Day 6 – Page/Lake Powell Bryce Canyon

Visit the mighty Glen Canyon Dam, the second highest concrete-arch dam in America. From here youll enjoy views of stunning Lake Powell, where crystal blue water laps against towering red-rock canyon walls. Enter Utah, known for the Mormon Community, pass through the town of Kanab before visiting spectacular Bryce Canyon, where a tour through a multi-coloured world of sandstone spires and pinnacles will dazzle the eye. This evening, weather permitting, be sure to gaze upon the spectacular night sky filled with sparkling stars and brilliant constellations.

Hotel: Rubys Inn

Day 7 – Bryce Canyon Las Vegas

Travel today to Zion National Park and see the massive rock formations carved by wind, time, and the Virgin River. This afternoon experience the contrast of Las Vegas, the dazzling Entertainment Capital of the World, where round-the-clock shopping, nightly shows, and of course gambling are available. As we stop at the iconic Las Vegas Welcome sign, you may wish to capture a photo memory there.

Hotelfor 2 nights: Luxor Las Vegas

Day 8 – Las Vegas

Today is at leisure for you to enjoy the many attractions that Las Vegas has to offer. In addition to world-class shopping, bustling casinos, and Broadway-calibre shows, you might simply stroll the famous Strip to take in its amazing sights, or shop til you drop at designer outlets.

Day 9 – Las Vegas Mammoth Lakes

Having enjoyed glamorous Las Vegas, it will be a sharp contrast this afternoon to enter the quiet and extreme environment of Death Valley. Stop at Zabriskie Point and Furnace Creek Ranch/ Visitors Centre before continuing across the valley and ascending the Sierra Nevada Mountains to the alpine resort town of Mammoth Lakes. The area gained prominence as a gold mining town in the 19th century and today is renowned for the superior skiing terrain and staggeringly beautiful mountain vistas.

Hotel: Mammoth Mountain Inn

Day 10 – Mammoth Lakes – Yosemite

Arise with the morning sun and join us for an optional seasonal scenic gondola ride to the summit of Mammoth and enjoy a well-balanced continental breakfast as you survey a most stunning view of California from its desert floor to its lofty peaks. Next, your journey today brings you to the Tioga Pass** into the scenic wonderland of Yosemite National Park. Here, you will experience the valley floor and its splendours including the glacialshaped granite formations of El Capitan, Half Dome, the magnificent Bridal Falls and Yosemite Falls. Overnight in nearby Modesto.

Hotel: Best Western Plus Heritage Inn

Day 11 – Yosemite San Francisco

Depart early this morning to arrive in San Francisco, one of the most beloved cities in America. Enjoy a comprehensive sightseeing tour before arriving at your hotel. This evening take a memorable City by Night Tour (optional).

Hotelfor 2 nights: Hilton San Francisco Union Square

Day 12 – San Francisco

Day at leisure! Your Tour Director is on hand to assist with making your plans for the day: perhaps a cable car ride to Fishermans Wharf where you may enjoy a Taste of San Francisco: local seafood, famous sourdough breads or decadent Ghiradellis Chocolate. Or take a stroll by Sea Lions Marina to watch them frolic. Be sure to gaze across the bay to Alcatraz island where Americas Most Wanted such as Al Capone and Machine Gun Kelly were incarcerated. Or visit Union Square for a shopping stop at Macys Department Store. You also may choose to embark on a wine tasting tour to Napa Valley, world renowned for its fine wineries and beautiful scenery (optional).

11 daytour ends on check out today

Day 13 – San Francisco Central Coast

Depart San Francisco this morning for the drive to the Monterey Peninsula, known for its magnificent homes and lovely beaches. In Monterey, visit Fishermans Wharf and famous Cannery Row. Then tour charming Carmel-by-the- Sea, noted for its quaint houses, upscale art galleries and unique stores. In the afternoon your tour continues through Paso Robles, home of fine wineries. Overnight in a quaint Central California Coast town.

Hotel: Holiday Inn Express

Day 14: Central Coast Los Angeles

Journey south through the Santa Ynez Valley into Santa Barbara, where palm-lined walkways border white sandy beaches. Upon arrival in Los Angeles, youll stop in Santa Monica, home to the Finish Line of Historic Route 66, where you may enjoy an optional lunch on the pier or a beach bike ride. Your afternoon tour of The City of Angels continues with Beverly Hills and Hollywood before arriving at your hotel.

Hotel: Hilton Los Angeles Airport

Day 15: Depart Los Angeles

Your tour ends upon check out from your hotel, make your way to the airport for your onward flight.