Welcome to Las Vegas! 

On arrival into Harry Reid International Airport, you will be met by your private transfer and driven to your hotel.

This evening you will have a welcome meeting with your Tour Leader and your fellow travellers.

Today we will head to the Grand Canyon - one of the 7 Natural Wonders of the World.

En route, we will stop at Seligman along the iconic Route 66.

Located 2124 metres above sea level, the Grand Canyon is the spectacular result of millions of years of wind and water erosion. Surrounded by a magnificent forest, the canyon seems to be protected by a lush screen of greenery. This will certainly be one of the highlights of your trip. 

We suggest a 2.7 km hike (1-2 hours) to Ooh Aah Point.

Driving distance: 450 km / 4 hours 15 mins

We depart the Grand Canyon with a scenic drive along Desert View Drive where we will stop at Desert View Watchtower. Modelled after ancient Puebloan watchtowers, the Watchtower at Desert View features murals by Hopi artist Frank Kabotie. Time permitting, you may have a chance to climb the stairs to the top for an outstanding view of the Canyon and the surrounding area.

Continuing onto Monument Valley, where you will find yourself surrounded by imposing, crimson monoliths. This 40 km-long and 25 km-wide desert plain has served as the backdrop to numerous westerns including five John Ford classics. Enjoy an included lunch of Navajo specialties followed by a jeep tour of the valley with a local Navajo guide.

We will arrive at Page in the afternoon, should time and weather permit, you can enjoy a dip in Lake Powell.

Driving Distance: 535 km / 5 hours 30 mins

To start the day you will visit Horseshoe Bend (2 km roundtrip hike): a geologic masterpiece sculpted by the Colorado River. Horseshoe Bend is an example of what happens when water takes the path of least resistance. With the help of gravity, the Colorado River began cutting through rock layers deep and fast. The result is the 270° bend in the river. 

Discovered by Mormons at the end of the 19th century, Bryce Canyon is considered one of the jewels of the National Parks system. The shapes, colours and shades of the stone and the famous Pink Cliffs are constantly changing from dawn to dusk. Hike down the canyon to get closer to the hoodoos (thin spires of rock). 

SPend the remainder of your day exploring Bryce at your own pace.

Please note: the mentioned hike to the hoodoos is not recommended for people with heart conditions due to the significant elevation change

Driving distance: 400 km / 2 hours 40 mins

Today we will explore Zion National Park. Follow the paths where ancient native people and pioneers walked. Gaze up at massive sandstone cliffs of cream, pink, and red that soar into a brilliant blue sky. Experience wilderness in a narrow slot canyon. Zion’s unique array of plants and animals will enchant you as you absorb the rich history of the past and enjoy the excitement of present day adventures.

This afternoon will be at your leisure upon returning to Las Vegas. 

Driving distance: 400 km / 4 hours 45 mins

Today you will drive through the Nevada Desert and cross the border to California where you will descend into famous Death Valley. At 86 metres below sea level, Death Valley is one of the hottest places on earth. The landscape is so deserted that the first cowboys to have crossed it said of it: "Not a stream to drink from, not a tree to hang on". You will discover Furnace Creek, and the sand dunes of Stovepipe Wells.

In the afternoon, we will drive high into the Sierra Nevada range as we make our way to Mammoth Lakes where will be overnight.

Driving distance: 560 km / 6 hours

Please note: should the Tioga Pass be closed, the group will be routed to overnight in Bakersfield.

Please note: in case of extreme heat (temperatures +40 degrees celsius), the visit to Death Valley will not be possible and will be replaced by a visit to Calico Ghost Town or Tonopah Historic Mining Park.

This morning we take a scenic drive on the Tioga pass as we enter Yosemite National Park.  Yosemite will delight you with its Alpine landscape, with pine forests, waterfalls, and rivers, all dominated by the silhouette of great white monoliths. Marvel at the giant redwoods, Half Dome, Yosemite Valley, and a few famous waterfalls such as Bridalveil Falls and Yosemite Falls (often dry in the summer).

From here, we will continue onto San Francisco for the next 3 nights.

Driving distance: 480 km / 6 hours 30 mins

Today we will have a guided tour of San Francisco, one of the most photographed, filmed, and documented cities in the world. The city is a tantalising mix of history, modern sophistication, and stunning natural beauty. Start with (weather permitting) a panoramic view from the top of Twin Peaks, you will have an unrivalled perspective of the city from the bay to the Golden Gate strait.  Next you will discover Golden Gate Park. Continue our tour with a stop at Alamo Square, where you will see the best examples of San Francisco's iconic Victorian homes, the “Painted Ladies.” Make a stop at the world famous Golden Gate Bridge. 

Lunch will be at your own expense, somewhere along Fisherman’s Wharf.

End the day with stops at Chinatown, Union Square and the Civic Center, with its Beaux-Arts City Hall.

Today we will head north, across the Golden Gate Bridge to Muir Beach. The Muir Beach Overlook provides expansive views of the Pacific Coast, including the Point Reyes Peninsula. Relax on the beach or explore the several historic base-end stations, observation posts that were part of the San Francisco Bay coastal defence system. 

Next you will visit Sausalito, famous for its waterfront cafés, art galleries, and charming house boats. Here you will have some time at leisure for lunch.

Return to San Francisco by taking a scenic ferry ride across the bay. 

Spend this afternoon at leisure to do some shopping, visit one of the city’s world-class museums, or perhaps rent a bike for a ride along the waterfront.

Bidding farewell to San Fran’, bound for Santa Maria via the coastal town of Monterey. Tour the town of Monterey, particularly the fishing port and Cannery Row, made famous by the writer John Steinbeck. 

Visit nearby Carmel, one the most charming coastal towns of California, with pristine beaches and trendy boutiques. 

You will then drive along the superb Big Sur coastline: the majestic Santa Lucia range gives way to dramatic cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Stops will be made along the way to snap some pictures and enjoy a few short hikes to soak up the scenery.

Arriving into Santa Maria in the late afternoon.

Driving distance: 240 km / 4 hours 15 mins

This morning, we will drive to lovely Santa Barbara, known for its golden beaches, palm-lined bay, red-tiled roofs and Spanish architecture. Visit the beautiful Mission Santa Barbara, the largest Franciscan convent in California today, considered to be the queen of the California missions. 

As we continue onto Los Angeles, stop in luxurious Malibu for a visit of the Adamson House, a National Historic Site and California Historic Landmark. The Spanish Colonial Revival style home occupies one of the most idyllic oceanfront spots in all of Southern California. Situated near the  Malibu Lagoon, the house boasts an exotic mix of Spanish and Moorish influences with dazzling displays of decorative tiles and one-of-a-kind craftsmanship including hand-carved doors, hand-painted frescoes, moulded ceilings, distinctive cast ironwork and lead-framed bottle glass windows. 

Finally, we end the day with a stop at the Griffith Observatory to get some of the best views of Downtown Los Angeles as well as the famous Hollywood Sign, a landmark and American cultural icon.

Today you will be transferred to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) in time for your departure flight.