DAY 1: SUNDAY OR THURSDAY
LOS ANGELES – PHOENIX / SCOTTSDALE (400m/644 km)
Board your motorcoach in Los Angeles, settle back and enjoy the scenery while traveling through the Mojave Desert across the majestic Colorado River into Arizona. Discover the unique charm of our desert oasis: Phoenix/Scottsdale, a blend of southwestern architecture and magnificent saguaro cactus. This is your introduction to the American West!
DAY 2: MONDAY OR FRIDAY
PHOENIX / SCOTTSDALE – SEDONA – GRAND CANYON (237m / 381km)
Morning departure through the garden desert of Arizona, visiting Montezuma's Castle, the ancient Indian cliff dwellings of the Sinaguas tribe. The journey continues to the lovely city of Sedona and then through Oak Creek Canyon. The area, known for its spectacular landscapes, has been the setting of many movies. The day ends with a visit of the Grand Canyon, one of the seven natural wonders of the world.
DAY 3: TUESDAY OR SATURDAY
GRAND CANYON – MONUMENT VALLEY – PAGE / LAKE POWELL – KANAB (380m / 612km)
This morning continue along the south rim of the Grand Canyon to the Painted Desert and Monument Valley, land of the Navajo Indian. The valley’s unforgettable landscapes include mesas, buttes and rock spires. After Monument Valley, continue along to Page and Lake Powell, one of the largest man-made lakes. Later in the afternoon, cross the Colorado River and travel on to your final destination: Kanab, known as Utah’s “Little Hollywood”.
DAY 4: WEDNESDAY OR SUNDAY
KANAB – BRYCE CANYON – ZION – LAS VEGAS (323m / 519km)
Early morning departure for the visit of yet another spectacular national park: Bryce Canyon. The canyon has a symphony of colors and shapes that will leave you breathless. Continue on to Zion
National Park, a popular destination with rock climbers for its unique landscapes and majestic plateaus. The wonders continue at our final destination Las Vegas, the city of lights and entertainment.
DAY 5: THURSDAY OR MONDAY
LAS VEGAS
Enjoy a day of leisure in Las Vegas. You have the choice to visit some of the spectacular hotels, take one of the many optional excursions offered, or simply relax by the pool. Las Vegas has something for everyone and you have the whole day to explore this world famous city.
DAY 6: FRIDAY OR TUESDAY
LAS VEGAS – YOSEMITE / MARIPOSA (477m / 768km)
Today you will journey via the Mojave Desert and through the dusty, picturesque town of Bakersfield. A scenic ride follows through the San Joaquin Valley’s traditional towns like Fresno, Merced and the Yosemite gateway town of Mariposa before your arrival at Yosemite National Park, the second national park in the nation and the most popular natural tourist destination for California.
DAY 7: SATURDAY OR WEDNESDAY
YOSEMITE
Enjoy the highlights of the park including Yosemite Valley, and its high cliffs and waterfalls; the Yosemite Museum and Gallery and historic Wawona hotel; Mariposa Grove and its giant sequoias, and Inspiration Point, a spectacular view of Yosemite Valley and the high country.The park is also known for its wildlife: mule deer, coyotes, chipmunks, blue jays and occasionally even bears.
DAY 8: SUNDAY OR THURSDAY
YOSEMITE/MARIPOSA - SAN FRANCISCO (166m / 268km)
Leaving Mariposa you will travel through the area of the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains, California’s gold country, on the way to “The City by the Bay”. Upon arrival, city sightseeing of one of the most beautiful cities in America: Union Square, Chinatown, Golden Gate Park and Fisherman’s Wharf with a view of infamous Alcatraz island across the bay.
DAY 9: MONDAY OR FRIDAY
SAN FRANCISCO
Day at leisure to enjoy San Francisco with its beautiful views, famous cable cars, parks and museums. You have the possibility of an optional tour to the quaint village of Sausalito in the morning.
DAY 10: TUESDAY OR SATURDAY
SAN FRANCISCO – MONTEREY / CARMEL – SANTA MARIA AREA (305m / 490km)
Leave San Francisco and travel to Monterey, California’s first capital. After a stop in this beautiful seaside town travel along stunning 17-Mile Drive known for its exclusive golf courses, beautiful views and distinctive fauna. After seeing the beauty of the 17-Mile Drive, visit the quaint and charming village of Carmel. Continue southward to Santa Maria in the heart of California.
DAY 11: WEDNESDAY OR SUNDAY
SANTA MARIA AREA – LOS ANGELES (159m / 255km)
En route to Los Angeles you will have a chance to explore Santa Barbara, often referred to as the pearl of the “American Riviera”. The city is known for its Spanish Colonial style architecture, lush vegetation and laid back lifestyle. We return to Los Angeles in the afternoon.
Overnight stays
Day 1: Phoenix/Scottsdale
Day 2: Grand Canyon
Day 3: Kanab
Day 4: Las Vegas
Day 5: Las Vegas
Day 6: Yosemite
Day 7: Yosemite
Day 8: San Francisco
Day 9: San Francisco
Day 10: Santa Maria
