San Francisco, Los Angeles, Las Vegas

Day 1: San Francisco
Welcome to San Francisco. Enjoy time at leisure today. The Tour Director is on hand this evening to answer questions.

Day 2: San Francisco – Monterey
South to picturesque Monterey, made famous by John Steinbeck’s Cannery Row and once Spain’s California capital. Your sightseeing tour includes visits to historic Fisherman’s Wharf and Cannery Row. This afternoon, why not visit Monterey Bay Aquarium or stroll along Fisherman’s Wharf and watch the sea lions and otters.

Day 3: Monterey – Carmel – Solvang
This morning we take spectacular 17-MILE DRIVE en route to the popular West Coast retreat of Carmel before picking up the Old Spanish Mission Trail to Solvang, where Denmark has been recreated with picturesque buildings and windmills. There’s time to walk the flower-lined village streets and enjoy the quaint “Old World” architecture. Tasty bakery treats and perhaps a Danish smorgasbord for dinner all add to the unique experience of Solvang. (CB)

Day 4: Solvang–Santa Barbara–Los Angele
From Solvang, it’s a short drive south to coastal Santa Barbara, a charming city with handsome Spanish-inspired architecture. Once the original Hollywood in the glamorous ‘20s, it is still a favorite to movie producers and home to numerous celebrities. There’s time to wander along the bustling waterfront or do some shopping in some of the most talked about boutiques in downtown Santa Barbara before making our way to Los Angeles. (CB)

Day 5: Los Angeles
A full day to explore the “City of Angels,” home of star-studded Hollywood and glamorous Beverly Hills. Your day begins with included sightseeing of the world’s “Capital of Glamour,” featuring a drive through Hollywood and a visit to Grauman’s Chinese Theatre. The afternoon is free. Why not join the optional tour of Universal Studios Hollywood.

Day 6: Los Angeles–Palm Springs–Scottsdale
This morning, visit Palm Springs with its wind farms, 5,000 swimming pools, and 90 golf courses! Crossing the great Colorado River, we drive through vast desert landscapes surrounded by giant saguaro cacti. Late-afternoon arrival in the mountain-ringed desert resort of Scottsdale. The evening is yours to relax.

Day 7: Scottsdale–Sedona–Oak Creek Canyon–Grand Canyon National Park–Flagstaff
We journey to scenic Sedona in Canyon Country. Then, on through the weather-sculpted rock formations of Oak Creek Canyon and north through Kaibab National Forest to the South Rim of the GRAND CANYON. Marvel at one of the Natural Wonders of the World as you experience breathtaking views of the Grand Canyon. And for a once-in-a-lifetime experience, consider an optional helicopter flightseeing excursion. Overnight in Flagstaff.

Day 8: Flagstaff–Las Vegas
Travel across the old Mojave gold strike country to the neon desert oasis of Las Vegas. Your Tour Director can advise on the best shows to see and casinos to visit. (B)

Day 9 and 10: Las Vegas
Enjoy two full days of relaxing at the hotel pool or exploring the “Strip” with its casinos, resorts, and shopping plazas. Also consider a range of excursions, including a float trip through the Black Canyon on the Colorado River, a visit to Hoover Dam, or a dazzling Las Vegas show.

Day 11: Las Vegas – Mammoth Lakes
Departing the neon lights of Las Vegas, we continue across the desert landscape of Nevada before crossing into California and ascending into the snowcapped Sierra Nevadas. Overnight in Mammoth, a popular alpine resort area surrounded by beauty and majesty—and within easy reach of Yosemite National Park.
NOTE:
Tioga Pass is typically closed from November to the end of May due to snow. When Tioga Pass is closed, this tour is rerouted to overnight in Fresno instead of Mammoth Lakes. Departures from the end of May through mid-October are expected to overnight in Mammoth Lakes; however, weather may affect the routing of tours to Fresno during these times.

Day 12: Mammoth Lakes–Yosemite National Park–Sonora
Cross the high Tioga Pass and enter YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK, a wonderland of spectacular lakes, giant granite domes, and pinnacles rising more than 1,219 meters (4,000 feet) above the valley floor, cascading waterfalls, and lush forests. Explore Yosemite Valley or visit the Ansel Adams Gallery and see the works of this famous photographer who captured the beauty of Yosemite National Park so well. Then, on to Sonora, once a thriving center in the Gold Rush era and known today for its elegant Victorian homes. Evening is at leisure

Day 13: Sonora–Sacramento–San Francisco
A morning visit to Sacramento, California’s state capital and home to dozens of art galleries and museums. Time to visit historic Old Town, the nation’s largest collection of Gold Rush-era buildings. We continue west to San Francisco, famous for its hills and cable cars. Included sightseeing takes in the Golden Gate Bridge, Nob Hill, and bustling Fisherman’s Wharf. This evening, why not join an optional dinner outing in Chinatown? (CB)

Day 14: 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. Ride San Francisco’s historic cable cars or take a walking tour through the city’s diverse neighborhoods.
NOTE:
The National Park Service requires we disclose the value of the Alcatraz Prison visit is $27US

Day 15: San Francisco
The trip ends today with guests departing on individual schedules. Transfers to San Francisco International Airport are included. You can extend your vacation with extra nights and explore the “City by the Bay” further with a variety of exciting optional activities.

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