13 days from £799 per person
Travel to the desert resort of Scottsdale where indigo skies beckon and desert trails await exploration. Take in the wonders of the national parks and their awe-inspiring landscapes and discover the sparkling cities of San Francisco and Los Angeles. This captivating journey is an unforgettable introduction to the highlights of USA west coast.
Day 1 : Arrive Los Angeles
Arrive in Los Angeles and make your way to your hotel by the hotel’s complimentary shuttle. Remainder of day is spent exploring this ocean side city.
Overnight: Crowne Plaza Los Angeles airport or similar
Day 2 : Los Angeles - Phoenix/Scottsdale
Board your coach early this morning in Los Angeles, settle back and enjoy the scenery while travelling through the Mojave Desert across the Colorado River into Arizona. Discover the unique charm of the desert oasis, Phoenix/Scottsdale, a blend of Southwestern architecture and magnificent saguaro cactus. This is your introduction to the American West!
Overnight: Scottsdale Marriott at McDowell Mountains or similar
Day 3 : Phoenix/Scottsdale - Sedona - Grand Canyon
Depart this morning and travel through the garden desert of Arizona, visiting Montezuma’s Castle, the ancient Indian cliff dwellings of the Sinagua tribe. The journey continues to the lovely city of Sedona and then through Oak Creek Canyon. The area, known for its spectacular landscapes, has been the setting of many movies. The day ends with a visit of the Grand Canyon, one of the seven natural wonders of the world.
Overnight: Canyon Plaza or similar
Day 4 : Grand Canyon - Monument Valley - Page/Lake Powell - Kanab area
Continue along the south rim of the Grand Canyon to the Painted Desert and Monument Valley, land of the Navajo Indian. The valley’s unforgettable landscapes include mesas, buttes and rock spires. After Monument Valley, continue along to Page and Lake Powell, one of the world’s largest man-made lakes. Later in the afternoon, cross the Colorado River and travel on to your destination, Kanab.
Overnight: Best Western Red Hills or similar.
Day 5 : Kanab - Bryce Canyon - Zion - Las Vegas
An early start this morning for a visit to spectacular Bryce Canyon that has a symphony of colours and shapes that will leave you breathless. Continue on to Zion National Park, a popular destination famous for its unique landscapes and majestic plateaus. The wonders continue today, at our final destination Las Vegas, the city of lights and entertainment.
2 nights: Circus Circus or similar
Day 6 : Las Vegas
A city that needs no introduction, Las Vegas offers more than meets the eye. With round the clock fun, there is also something fun to do. Take in a spectacular show at Aria or at Ceasars Palace, relax poolside, shop until you drop or just spend your day walking in and out of the jaw-dropping hotels.
Day 7 : Las Vegas - Yosemite
Today’s journey will go via the Mojave Desert and through the dusty, picturesque town of Bakersfield. A scenic ride follows through the San Joaquin Valley’s traditional towns such as Fresno and the Yosemite gateway town of Mariposa before your arrival at Yosemite National Park, the most popular natural tourist destination in California.
2 nights: Comfort Inn Oakhurst or similar.
Day 8 : Yosemite National Park
Spend today enjoying the park’s many highlights including Yosemite Valley and its high cliffs and waterfalls. You will also find a myriad of hiking trails, scenic views and wildlife including mule deer, coyotes, chipmunks, blue jays and occasionally even bears.
Day 9 : Yosemite - San Francisco
Leave Yosemite behind and travel through the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains, California’s gold country, on the way to ‘The City by the Bay’. Upon arrival, enjoy a sightseeing tour of one of the most beautiful cities in America. Highlights include Union Square, Chinatown, Golden Gate Park and Fisherman’s Wharf with a view of infamous Alcatraz island across the bay.
2 nights: Hotel Whitcomb or similar
Day 10 : San Francisco
Famous for the Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco has beautiful harbour views, fabulous parks and museums. Travel by cable car and ensure you visit Union Square for shopping, find your fortune in Chinatown or take the optional morning tour to the quaint village of Sausalito.
Day 11 : San Francisco - Monterey/Carmel - Santa Maria
Travel to Monterey, California’s first capital. After a stop in this beautiful seaside town, travel along stunning 17-Mile Drive known for its exclusive golf courses, beautiful views and distinctive fauna. Then visit the quaint and charming village of Carmel, which boasts an bohemian and artistic feel and a great beach. Continue your journey south towards the Santa Maria area, which has strong links with the wine industry.
Overnight: Santa Maria Inn or similar.
Day 12 : Santa Maria - Los Angeles
En route to Los Angeles you will have a chance to explore Santa Barbara, often referred to as the pearl of the ‘American Riviera’. The city is known for its Spanish Colonial style architecture, lush vegetation and laid back lifestyle. The tour returns to Los Angeles in the afternoon.
Overnight : Crowne Plaza Los Angeles airport or similar
Day 13 : Los Angeles
Make your way to Los Angeles Airport by the hotel’s complimentary shuttle bus, for your onward journey.
Holiday Includes:
• 12 nights accommodation, including taxes and porterage from Day 2.
• Travel on an air conditioned coach
• Tour manager from Day 2 to arrival in Los Angeles on Day 12
• Entrance fees to Montezuma’s Castle, 17-Mile Drive and all National Parks.
• All taxes
Holiday Excludes:
• Airfares and airport taxes
• Meals and sightseeing, unless otherwise stated.
• Transfers, unless otherwise stated.
• Gratuities.
Your Accommodation:
Alternative hotels of a similar standard may be substituted. This will be advised at the time of booking.
Departures:
Mar 31, Apr 07, 14, 21, 28,
May 02, 05, 12, 16, 19, 26
Jun 02, 06, 09,11,16,23,27, 30,
Jul 04, 07, 11, 14,18, 21, 25, 28
Aug 01, 04, 08, 11,15, 18, 22, 25, 29,
Sep 01, 05, 08, 12, 15,19,26,29
Oct 03,06,10,13,20,27,
Nov 03, 17,
Dec 01, 15, 29.
2013
Jan 12, 26,
Feb 09, 23,
Mar 09, 23, 30
N.B
Please note this tour is bi-lingual and is subject to minimum numbers.
Minimum age is 8 years.