Experience the best of the West on this grand adventure—with its vibrant cities, spectacular mountains, unique rock formations, and serene lakes. Begin your trip with a sightseeing tour in Los Angeles before crossing the Mohave Desert to Lake Havasu, a water sports paradise. On to the natural wonders of the Grand Canyon, Lake Powell, Bryce Canyon National Park, Zion National Park, Mammoth Lakes, and Yosemite National Park. First stop is Grand Canyon National Park, where you can enjoy a majestic sunset and be awed by the stunning scenery. Continue to Lake Powell and enjoy an afternoon cruise and plenty of leisure time to relax in this beautiful setting. Then, head for Bryce Canyon National Park, where years of erosion have carved colorful sandstone into thousands of spires, arches, and mazes, and Zion National Park, a spectacle of massive stone formations.Leave Zion National Park and head to Las Vegas for an orientation tour and plenty of leisure time to enjoy the activities offered in Las Vegas. Then, journey across Nevada’s desert landscape to California’s Mammoth Lakes and Yosemite National Park. In Yosemite National Park, descend to the valley floor to see its wonderland of lakes, mountains, and waterfalls. Next up: California wine country, a wine tasting, and a guided sightseeing tour in San Francisco. You’ll have four nights in San Francisco, so be sure to ride one of the historic cable cars and enjoy the many exciting attractions!From the thrilling cities to the amazing scenery and from the desert landscapes to the sparkling lakes, this tour has it all. Grab your camera and get ready for a remarkable vacation!
Itinerary:
Day #1 Arrive in Los Angeles. Welcome to the Golden State! At 6:30 pm, meet your traveling companions for a welcome drink. Your Tour Director will prepare you for your upcoming adventure.
Day #2 Los Angeles. Morning sightseeing of this gigantic metropolis takes you from Olvera Street—the oldest thoroughfare in the city—to Hollywood. Take the opportunity to step into the shoeprints of famous movie stars at Grauman’s Chinese Theater, and also see Sunset Strip and Rodeo Drive. Spend an afternoon at leisure on an optional excursion to Universal Studios® or historic Hollywood. (B)
Day #3 Los Angeles–Lake Havasu. Leave the “City of Angels” and travel across the Mojave Desert to Lake Havasu on the Colorado River. This lake is a playground for all sorts of water sports, and is home to the historic London Bridge. (B)
Day #4 Lake Havasu–Grand Canyon National Park. Depart from Lake Havasu and travel northeast through desert landscapes to Williams on historic Route 66. Arrive this afternoon at the GRAND CANYON, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. The breathtaking beauty of this famous attraction draws more than 5 million visitors a year from around the globe. This evening, be sure to watch the dramatic sunset. (B,D)
Day #5 Grand Canyon National Park–Lake Powell. This morning, enjoy vistas of the Grand Canyon as you drive along the rim before entering the Navajo Reservation. Arrive in Lake Powell, where sparkling blue water laps against towering, red-rock canyon walls and sandy beaches. The majestic beauty of this vast man-made lake can be truly appreciated while on your afternoon CRUISE. See gigantic Glen Canyon Dam and the “tapestry” walls of Antelope Canyon. There’s free time later for a leisurely stroll along Wahweap Marina on the shores of Lake Powell. (B,D)
Day #6 Lake Powell. Today is at leisure. Consider joining the optional float trip on the Colorado River through Glen Canyon. Or perhaps take a flightseeing trip over Lake Powell, including famous Rainbow Bridge and Glen Canyon Dam. As the balance of the day is free, sit back and relax in this magnificent setting or pursue your favorite activities and interests. (B)
Day #7 Lake Powell–Bryce Canyon National Park–Zion National Park. Leave the splendid views of Lake Powell and head for Utah’s BRYCE CANYON. Drive through the park, with photo stops to capture the magnificent contrasts of bright red, yellow, and pink pillars called “hoodoos.” Years of erosion have carved colorful sandstone into thousands of spires, arches, and mazes for an unforgettable sight. Next, see nearby ZION NATIONAL PARK, a spectacle of massive stone formations whose colors change with the light of the day and the season. To Mormon pioneers, it was a haven of beauty that resembled natural temples and cathedrals, prompting their name for it: “Little Zion.” (B,D)
Day #8 Zion Canyon–Las Vegas. Tour Zion Canyon this morning before continuing to Las Vegas for an orientation tour of one of America’s most popular vacation destinations. Your resort hotel is located in the heart of the “Strip” for easy access to the mega-casinos and plentiful restaurants. (B)
Day #9 Las Vegas. Enjoy a full day on your own to explore the glitz and glamour of Las Vegas. Your Tour Director will have tips and suggestions to make the most of your stay as well as a range of optional excursions, from scenic helicopter flights to elaborate shows. (B)
Day #10 Las Vegas–Mammoth Lakes. A day of striking contrast as you journey across the desert landscape of Nevada before crossing into California. Overnight in Mammoth Lakes, just steps away from the base of Mammoth Mountain in the Eastern Sierra. (B,D)
Day #11 Mammoth Lakes–Yosemite National Park. Leave Mammoth Lakes for YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK. Inside the park you’ll descend to the valley floor for sightseeing of this wonderland of lakes, cascading waterfalls, lush forest, giant granite domes, pinnacles, and mountains. (B,D)
Day #12 Yosemite–Wine Country–San Francisco. This morning’s journey takes you from California’s mountainous beauty to the gentle slopes of California wine country. Visit the [LF] GLORIA FERRER CAVES & VINEYARD, where you’ll have a guided tour of their wine caves and a tasting of their acclaimed sparkling wine. Continue to San Francisco. Tonight, why not join us for an optional dinner outing? (B)
Day #13 San Francisco. Our included sightseeing tour takes in Golden Gate Park, Twin Peaks, Fisherman’s Wharf, and much more. The afternoon is at your leisure. Perhaps visit the Museum of Modern Art, the Asian Art Museum, or the Aquarium of the Bay. Or, discover the hippie-era bookstores and shops in the Haight-Ashbury district, ride San Francisco’s historic cable cars, or visit fascinating Alcatraz Prison. This evening your Tour Director hosts a special [LF] farewell dinner at Fisherman’s Wharf. (B,D)
Day #14 San Francisco. Two full days to explore more of exciting San Francisco. Learn the art of making sourdough bread or opt for some dim sum in bustling Chinatown. Travel across San Francisco Harbor and visit infamous Alcatraz Island or browse the many galleries at the Walt Disney Family Museum. Your extension package includes a one-day GO SAN FRANCISCO CARD, giving you access to over 50 top San Francisco attractions, including the hop-on/hop-off trolley tour. (B daily)
Day #15 San Francisco. Two full days to explore more of exciting San Francisco. Learn the art of making sourdough bread or opt for some dim sum in bustling Chinatown. Travel across San Francisco Harbor and visit infamous Alcatraz Island or browse the many galleries at the Walt Disney Family Museum. Your extension package includes a one-day GO SAN FRANCISCO CARD, giving you access to over 50 top San Francisco attractions, including the hop-on/hop-off trolley tour. (B daily)
Day #16 San Francisco. Your tour ends this morning with guests departing on individual schedules. Airport transfers are provided to San Francisco International Airport. (B)
Hotels:
LOS ANGELES The L.A. Hotel Downtown (SF)
LAKE HAVASU London Bridge Resort (F)
GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK Grand Canyon Lodges (NP)
LAKE POWELL Lake Powell Resort (F)
ZION NATIONAL PARK Best Western Zion Park Inn (F)
LAS VEGAS Treasure Island (SF)
MAMMOTH LAKES Mammoth Mountain Inn (MF)
YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK Yosemite View Lodge (F)
SAN FRANCISCO San Francisco Marriott Marquis (SF)