Special offer self drive
 

 

This spectacular self drive has it all - impressive mountains, deep canyons, vast countryside and outstanding natural phenomena.

 

Enjoy stays in elegant towns and cities and visits to glittering Las Vegas, San Francisco and Los Angeles.  

 

Explore beautiful landscapes and stunning national parks such as Death Valley, Yosemite and Grand Canyon for true images of western USA.

 

Day 1: Los Angeles
Arrive in Los Angeles, the ‘City of Angels’. Make your way to your hotel, by the hotel’s courtesy shuttle bus and the remainder of the day is at leisure.

Overnight: Hilton Los Angeles airport or similar.

 

Day 2: Los Angeles - Palm Springs
Collect your car hire and take a short drive to Palm Springs, a great place for shopping, eating, or relaxing by the pool. Take a tram ride up to Mt. Jacinto or hike through the beautiful Indian Canyons with waterfalls and palm trees. Approx 175 miles.

Overnight: Renaissance Palm Springs or similar.

 

Day 3: Palm Springs - Scottsdale
On the way to Scottsdale, visit Joshua Tree National Park and then cross the Colorado River at Blythe and enter the ‘Grand Canyon’ State’ of Arizona and the desert town of Scottsdale. During your time here, visit one the of art galleries, or take a hot air balloon ride or dine in the many fine restaurants. Approx 330 miles.

Overnight: Scottsdale Cottonwoods Resort or similar.

 

Day 4: Scottsdale - Grand Canyon
Depart Scottsdale and time permitting visit Montezuma’s Castle to see the ancient Indian Cliff dwellings. Continue your journey via the picturesque artist community of Sedona and then on to the 13 mile Oak Creek Canyon with spectacular views of red rock canyon. Your journey ends at the Grand Canyon, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Cleaving a mile deep into the earth and averaging 10 miles across, it will take your breath away. Travel along the rim in the free shuttle buses or walk between the different viewpoints. Approx 250 miles.

Overnight: Maswik Lodge or similar. 

 

Day 5: Grand Canyon - Lake Powell
The short drive to Lake Powell gives you the opportunity to explore Grand Canyon. As you leave the canyon through the east entrance make a stop at historic Cameron Trading Post and try a Navajo Taco! Cross over the Glen Canyon Dam for a picture stop before arriving at Lake Powell, the second largest man-made lake in America. Approx 140 miles.
Overnight: Courtyard Page at Lake Powell or similar.

 

Day 6: Lake Powell - Bryce Canyon
Continue Lake Powell behind and continue into the Mormon State of Utah passing through Kanab to Bryce Canyon. Take time to marvel at this colourful park filled with multi-coloured sandstone spires and pinnacles. Approx 150 miles.
Overnight: Best Western Plus Ruby’s Inn or similar.

 

Day 7: Bryce Canyon - Las Vegas
This morning travel to Zion National Park and see the massive rock formations carved by wind, time and the Virgin River. Then, in contrast, it’s on to the glittering entertainment capital of the world, Las Vegas; open 24 hours a day for non stop fun.  Take in the dancing fountains at the Bellagio, see The Strip from a different view on the Stratosphere Tower and see the amazing acrobats at one of the Cirque du Soleil shows. Approx 245 miles.

2 nights: Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino or similar. 

 

Day 8: Las Vegas
Las Vegas has become the entertainment capital of the country, with casino gambling, fabulous shows, a great night-life scene, and world-class restaurants, housed in the themed mega-resorts on ‘ The Strip’ offering Las Vegas’ take on ancient Egypt, Paris, New York, Venice and so much more.

 

Day 9: Las Vegas – Death Valley
Leave the bright lights of Las Vegas and drive through Death Valley, a place of unexpected contrasts; sand dune formations, sculpted rocks, isolated valleys, volcanic craters which is the hottest and lowest place in North America. Approx 148 miles.

Overnight: Furnace Creek Ranch or similar.

 

Day 10: Death Valley – Yosemite
Today you’ll be driving to Yosemite National Park, a region of unusual beauty.  Drive along the Tioga Pass, the highest vehicle crossing in the Sierra Nevada Mountains providing instant access to spectacular Sierra high country (Tioga Pass is closed generally early November through to late May, therefore during this period, the drive will be through Bakersfield and Fresno to Yosemite). On arrival in Yosemite hike, climb or picnic in this prettiest of parks with the cool mountains as your backdrop. Approx 302 miles.

Overnight: Yosemite View Lodge or similar.

 

Day 11: Yosemite - San Francisco
Continue on to San Francisco, one of America’s favourite cities, where there is plenty of time to enjoy this beautiful city. Ensure that you take a ride on the famous cable cars, cycle across the Golden Gate Bridge and take in the sights at Union Square. Approx 200 miles.

2 nights: Park 55 Wyndham or similar.

 

Day 12: San Francisco
Explore Fisherman’s Wharf at Pier 39 where there is something for everyone with bay view restaurants, shops and fun filled attractions. Take a boat trip to the prison island of Alcatraz and stroll through the busy Chinatown.

 

Day 13: San Francisco - Morro Bay
Drive along the rugged Pacific Coast. On the way, there are many opportunities for sightseeing or hiking in several state parks. Visit the excellent Aquarium in Monterey, take the 17 Mile Drive with its wild headlands and beautiful mansions and stop at the enormous Hearst Castle. Approx 233 miles.

Overnight: Inn at Morro Bay or similar. 

 

Day 14: Moro Bay - Los Angeles
On the way back to Los Angeles, visit the Danish village of Solvang and stop in Santa Barbara, which offers delightful historic Spanish-colonial architecture, lots of shopping, restaurants before returning you hire car at Los Angeles airport. Approx 202 miles.

Overnight: Hilton Los Angeles airport or similar.

 

Day 15: Los Angeles
Enjoy some time exploring Los Angeles further. Why not take an optional tour to visit the Hollywood or hit Beverly Hills and Rodeo Drive or go to the beach and soak up some sun.

 

Holiday Includes
• 14 nights accommodation as detailed
• 13 days Alamo compact car with the fully inclusive rental package, pick up and drop off at Los Angeles airport.
• A personalised travel kit with full itinerary and vouchers.
• All taxes

 

Holiday Excludes
• Airfares and taxes.
• Meals and sightseeing, unless otherwise stated.
• Transfers (unless otherwise stated, petrol and parking charges and national park entrance fees.
• Gratuities