Overview
The best of the West. From the glamour of Hollywood to the wonders of the National Parks, this spectacular tour visits the cities of Los Angeles, San Francisco and Las Vegas, plus canyons, mountains and the scenic California coast.
Itinerary
DAY 1: UK - Los Angeles.
Fly to Los Angeles where you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel for the next two nights.
DAY 2: Los Angeles.
Begin the day with a sightseeing tour of the world's 'Capital of Glamour', including a drive through Hollywood. The rest of the day is yours to explore the attractions of this famous city. Visit the cultural sights of Los Angeles such as Olvera Street, the heart of the original Spanish Mission or visit the Getty Centre with its magnificent art collection.
DAY 3: Los Angeles - Palm Springs - Scottsdale.
Journey to the desert oasis of Palm Springs, just 120 miles east of Los Angeles. Ever since Hollywood stars first came here in the 1930's laying claim to ranch-style estates and holding up in elite hotels, the clean dry air and sunshine have made Palm Springs irresistible. Ocotillo and cholla cacti dot the desert landscape as you cross the great Colorado River and continue into Arizona, where the unmistakable saguaro cacti stand sentinel. Late this afternoon we arrive in the mountain-ringed desert resort of Scottsdale.
DAY 4: Scottsdale - Sedona - Grand Canyon - Flagstaff.
Your first stop is Sedona, a thriving centre for New Age arts set in canyon country. Next, pass through the weather-sculptured rock formations of Oak Creek Canyon, the San Francisco mountains and beautiful pine forests to the Grand Canyon, where there is time to stroll the canyon rim. For a once-in-a-lifetime experience you may choose to take a helicopter 'flightseeing' excursion for incomparable views of flame-coloured walls plunging 6,000 feet into the Colorado River. Overnight stay in Flagstaff.
DAY 5: Flagstaff - Las Vegas.
Leave the mountain town of Flagstaff on historic Route 66 and cross the old Mohave gold strike country, which still bears traces of century-old ghost towns set in natural desert beauty. By late afternoon reach Las Vegas, fantastic city of feverish gambling, neon lights, and glamorous shows. This evening, don't miss the optional Fremont Street experience, where a glass atrium enclosing five city blocks comes alive with dazzling sounds and lights - or enjoy an outing to a glittering Vegas stage show.
DAY 6 to 7: Las Vegas.
Las Vegas offers a variety of spectacular attractions and activities for visitors of all ages. You have two full days for swimming and sunbathing at the hotel pool or exploring the 'Strip', with its varied casinos and resorts, shopping plazas, and amusements. You may also wish to take an optional excursion, including river rafting through the Black Canyon on the Colorado River or a visit to Boulder City and the Hoover Dam.
DAY 8: Las Vegas - Mammoth Lakes.
A day of striking natural contrasts as the journey continues across the desert landscape of Nevada, before crossing into California and ascending into the snow-capped Sierra Nevada Mountains. Overnight in Mammoth Lakes, a popular alpine resort area surrounded by beauty and majesty, and within easy reach of Yosemite National Park. Note: Tioga Pass is closed typically from November to the end of May due to snow. When Tioga pass is closed, this tour is re-routed to stay overnight in Fresno instead of Mammoth Lakes. Departures from the end of May through mid-October are expected to overnight in Mammoth Lakes, however, weather may affect the routing of tours to Fresno during these times.
DAY 9: Mammoth Lakes - Yosemite National Park - Sonora.
Cross the high Tioga Pass and enter Yosemite National Park, a wonderland of spectacular lakes, cascading waterfalls, lush forests, giant granite domes, pinnacles and mountains rising more than 4,000 feet above the valley floor. Afterwards, drive to Sonora, once a thriving centre in the gold-rush era and well-known for its collection of Victorian homes.
DAY 10: Sonora - Sacramento - San Francisco.
This morning we visit Sacramento
