Western Discovery

Arrive at Los Angeles International Airport and transfer via shuttle bus to your hotel, where you will meet your Tour Director.

Travel south through San Juan Capistrano and San Clemente to San Diego, the 2nd largest city in California, renowned for its all year round mild climate. Following a city tour, you can visit picturesque Seaport Village and San Diego’s relaxing bay front marketplace. Take the opportunity to shop for some gifts and souvenirs before returning to Las Angeles for the evening.

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

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

A highlight of the trip is to watch the sun rise as you enjoy a special (optional) breakfast served right on the rim of the Canyon. As you journey further today, you will enter the Navajo Indian Reservation, passing the trading post of Cameron. Continue through the Painted Desert to visit Monument Valley, an area which embodies perhaps the most iconic images of America’s West. In the late afternoon, enter the town of Page, situated in a mesa above the Colorado River where you will enjoy an evening at leisure.

Visit the mighty Glen Canyon Dam, the 2nd highest concrete-arch dam in America. From here, you can enjoy views of stunning Lake Powell where crystal blue water laps against towering red-rock canyon walls. Enter the Mormon State of Utah, passing through the town of Kanab before visiting the spectacular Bryce Canyon, where a tour through a multi-coloured world of sandstone spires and pinnacles will dazzle your eyes. This evening (weather permitting), be sure to gaze upon the spectacular night sky filled with sparking stars and brilliant constellations and the aroma of pinewood campfires.

Travel to Zion National Park and see the massive rock formations carved by wind, time and the Virgin River. This afternoon, ou will experience the contrast of Las Vegas, the dazzling ‘Entertainment Capital of the World’, where round-the-clock shopping, nightly shows and of course gambling and available.

A full day of leisure for you to enjoy many of the attractions Las Vegas has to offer. In addition to world class shopping, bustling casinos and Broadway calibre shows, you might simply want to stroll down the famous Strip to take in its amazing sights.

Today starts with a stop at the iconic Las Vegas Welcome Sign. Having enjoyed the glamour of Las Vegas, it will be a sharp contrast this afternoon as you enter the quiet and extreme environment of Death Valley. Stop at ZABRISKIE Point and Furnace Creek Ranch 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 is today renowned for the superior skiing terrain and staggeringly beautiful mountain vistas.

Wake up with the morning sun and join an optional seasonal scenic gondola ride to the summit of Mammoth and enjoy a tasty breakfast as you survey a most stunning view of California from its desert floors to its lofty peaks. Next, your journey, takes 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 glacial-shaped granite formations of El Capitan, Half Dome, the Magnificent Bridal Falls and Yosemite Falls. You will overnight in the Yosemite Gateway

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).

Day at leisure! Your Tour Director is on hand to assist with making your plans for the day. Perhaps a cable car ride to Fisherman’s Wharf to enjoy a ‘Taste of San Francisco’. Local seafood, famous sourdough breads or decadent Ghiradelli chocolate all await you. Take a stroll by the Sea Lion’s Marina to watch them frolic and play. See Alcatraz Island across the bay where ‘America’s Most Wanted’ such as Al Capone and ‘Machine Gun’ Kelly were incarcerated. Take in Union Square for a shopping stop at Macy’s department store. You may choose to embark on a wine tasting tour of Napa Valley, world renowned for its fine wineries and beautiful scenery (all optional).

Depart from San Francisco this morning for the drive to the Monterey Peninsula, known for its enclave of magnificent homes and lovely beaches. In Monterey, visit Fisherman’s Wharf and the famous Cannery Row. Next, tour the charming Carmel-by-the-Sea, noted for its quaint houses, upscale are galleries and unique boutique shops. In the afternoon your tour continue through Paso Robles, home of fine wineries. Overnight is in a quaint Central Californian Coast town.

Journey South through the Santa Ynez Valley into Santa Monica, where palm lined walkways border white sandy beaches. Upon arrival in Los Angeles, you will stop in Santa Monica, home of the ‘Finish Line’ of historic Route 66, where you can 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.

Your tour ends upon check out from your hotel If you wish to extend your stay, please let us know at the time of booking so we can add any additional hotels and sightseeing tours to your holiday.