Itinerary:
Day #1 Arrive San Diego, California - Tour Begins - Join us for an exciting journey through Southern California and Las Vegas. Tonight, join your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner in San Diego – a gem of the west coast, known for its ideal climate in every season.
Day #2 San Diego - Embark on a guided tour of San Diego, discovering the fascinating history of this unique California city. Travel through Balboa Park’s sprawling 1,150 acres graced with botanical gardens. Visit San Diego’s Old Town, taking in its reconstructed Mexican-style ambience and enjoy time to shop and sample one of its cafes. The remainder of your day is at leisure to explore the best San Diego has to offer!
Day #3 San Diego - Enjoy a leisurely morning in San Diego…perhaps taking a stroll through the nearby Gaslamp Quarter. This afternoon, set off for Coronado Island to visit the famous Hotel del Coronado, which blends modern luxury with a storybook charm. Built in 1888, and a National Historic Landmark, this Victorian hotel has been heralded as one of the world’s top 10 resorts. Relax over an elegant lunch before taking time to explore the shops and wander through the lovely gardens.
Day #4 San Diego - Palm Springs - Today, leave San Diego behind as you’re whisked off to the desert resort town of Palm Springs. En route, visit a local winery to soak in the stunning scenery and enjoy a wine tasting in the heart of one of California’s best wine-growing regions. After arriving in Palm Springs, set off on a sightseeing tour that showcases the best of this popular playground of the rich and famous. A local guide brings Palm Springs’ vast history and Native American heritage to life and tells stories of the celebrities who have lived in this area, including the legendary Bob Hope. Your afternoon is at leisure to stroll through town or simply relax by the beautiful pool at your resort.
Day #5 Palm Springs - Enjoy a leisurely morning in Palm Springs. This afternoon, visit the incredible Palm Springs Air Museum for a journey through history with a veteran of World War II. Knowledgeable docents, many of whom are veterans and former pilots, conduct tours through a remarkable tribute to World War II where you’ll find historic military vehicle collections; visit the library containing every issue of Life magazine ever published; and witness flight demonstrations from the collection of aircraft at the museum. The remainder of your day is at leisure.
Day #6 Palm Springs - Enjoy some time after breakfast to relax before heading out for a day of adventure at an old mining camp! Upon arrival, climb aboard a big red Jeep and head into the desert to explore the steep-walled canyons carved by water and the San Andreas Fault. Try your hand at the Old Time Shooting Gallery or pan for gold! Feast on a Big Willies BBQ for dinner and then listen to a performance by a country rock singer who takes you on a nostalgic journey through this genre, as well as classic tunes from the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s.
Day #7 Palm Springs - Las Vegas, Nevada - After breakfast depart for the dynamic resort city of Las Vegas for an exciting two night stay. Enjoy delightful scenery during your journey, arriving in Las Vegas by lunch time. Vegas’ fabulous skyline welcomes you with its famous icons such as a pyramid and sphinx and the Statue of Liberty. Bright lights glitter at night in Vegas and an exhilarating energy saturates the city.
Day #8 Las Vegas - A full day at leisure in Las Vegas beckons and the opportunities for entertainment are endless. Enjoy a show, shop for souvenirs or relax by the pool at your hotel which overlooks the famous Strip. Of course, enjoying the city’s most well-known pastime at the casino is always an option as well! Join your fellow travelers this evening for a farewell dinner celebrating the end of a wonderful trip.
Day #9 Las Vegas - Tour Ends - Return home with countless memories of your west coast adventure.