Western Wonders

This wondrous 12-day holiday begins in Los Angeles with a sightseeing tour that includes glamorous Hollywood. Next, head west for an overnight in Palm Springs, home to 90 golf courses, before reaching Scottsdale, where you’ll learn about the delicate ecosystem of the Arizona desert. Other highlights along the way include Sedona, Oak Creek Canyon, and Grand Canyon. After a stay in Flagstaff, spend two-nights in Las Vegas and let loose before traveling through Mammoth Lakes, Yosemite National Park, Modesto, and Sacramento. Arrive in San Francisco for a fabulous night illumination tour of the city-a perfect ending to a well-rounded holiday!

01: Los Angeles.
Welcome to Los Angeles! Your Tour Director is on hand late this afternoon to answer any questions.

02: Los Angeles.
Begin the day with a sightseeing tour of the world’s “Capital of Glamour,” including a drive through Hollywood and the famous TCL Chinese Theatre. The remainder of your day is at leisure, and your Tour Director will have suggestions for your further exploration of the city. Stroll down Olvera Street, or the heart of the original Spanish Mission.

03: Los Angeles-Palm Springs-Scottsdale.
Stop in the desert oasis of Palm Springs, an area sprinkled with Hollywood stardust. This afternoon, head to the mountain-ringed desert resort of Scottsdale. Later tonight, join the optional excursion to one of Arizona’s cowboy steakhouses, which, according to legend, was once a hideout for cattle rustlers.

04: Scottsdale.
This morning begins with a Phoenix sightseeing tour that includes downtown and Old Town Scottsdale. Afterward, free time to explore the Old West, with restaurants, shopping, and Western bars. With wooden beams, wagon wheels, and cowboy hats, you’re sure to feel like you’ve travelled back in time to the era of outlaws and swing-door saloons. (CB)

05: Scottsdale-Sedona-Grand Canyon National Park-Williams.
Travel to Sedona, a thriving centre for New Age arts set in Canyon Country. On to the weather-sculptured rock formations of Oak Creek Canyon. Travel alongside the San Francisco Mountains and beautiful pine forests to the South Rim of the GRAND CANYON. Time to stroll the canyon rim, or, for a once-in-a-lifetime experience, take an optional helicopter flightseeing excursion for incomparable views of flame-coloured walls plunging 2,134 metres (7,000 feet) into the Colorado River. Overnight in Williams, a picturesque mountain town with Route 66 as the Main Street and the gateway to the Grand Canyon. (CB)

06: Williams-Las Vegas.
Cross the old Mojave gold-strike country, which still has traces of century-old ghost towns set in natural desert beauty. Watch for Joshua trees, a species of the lily family that grows to more than 12 metres (40 feet) in height and can live up to 300 years. By late afternoon, reach Las Vegas, the fantastic city of feverish gambling, neon lights, bars, and glamorous shows. Be sure to explore some of the many themed casino resorts along the colourful “Strip.” This evening, we highly recommend a night out to a dazzling stage show featuring top Vegas entertainment.

07: Las Vegas.
The day is free to swim and sunbathe at the hotel pool or to explore the varied casinos and shopping plazas. Your Tour Director will have more suggestions. Consider a river float trip through the Black Canyon.

08: Las Vegas-Tulare.
Departing the neon lights of Las Vegas, we continue across the desert landscape of Nevada before crossing into California. You’ll see the vast Mojave Desert, which covers one-fifth of California. Pass through the agricultural land and overnight in Tulare in the central San Joaquin Valley.

09: Tulare-Yosemite National Park-Modesto.
This morning we enter YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK, a wonderland of spectacular lakes, giant granite domes, towering pinnacles, cascading waterfalls, and lush forests. Afterward, drive to Modesto. (B)

10: Modesto-San Francisco.
This morning, head for San Francisco, crossing the splendid bay with vistas of the San Francisco skyline and its magnificent harbour. On your city tour, see the main sights, including the renowned Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman’s Wharf, and Nob Hill. Tonight you may choose to join your travelling companions for an optional evening in Chinatown. Explore this vibrant historic section of San Francisco that houses the largest Chinese community outside of Asia. Enjoy a lavish 4-course dinner at an authentic Chinese restaurant. End with a short walking tour of Chinatown, plus a ride on one of San Francisco’s famous cable cars. (CB)

11: San Francisco.
This morning, visit the famous and fascinating ALCATRAZ PRISON. Get a close-up look at the infamous federal penitentiary that was off limits to the public for years. Afterward, the day is yours to do some more exploring in the “City by the Bay.” Ride San Francisco’s historic cable cars or take a walking tour of one of the city’s diverse neighbourhoods. NOTE: The National Park Service requires we disclose that the value of the Alcatraz Prison visit is US$35.50.

12: San Francisco.
The trip ends today with guests departing on individual schedules. Transfers to San Francisco International Airport are included.

• Sightseeing

In Los Angeles, Phoenix, San Francisco, and Alcatraz.

• Scenic Highlights

Palm Springs, Scottsdale, Old Town Scottsdale, Sedona, Oak Creek Canyon, Grand Canyon National Park, Historic Route 66, Las Vegas, Mojave Desert, and Yosemite National Park.

• Guides

Services of a professional Tour Director.

• Transportation

Private, deluxe air-conditioned motorcoach while touring.

• Hotels

Twin-bedded rooms with private bath or shower, hotel taxes, service charges, and tips for baggage handling.
INSIDE VISITS as shown in UPPERCASE in the tour description, including admission charges where applicable.