Western Explorer

2012 Season
Departs From: Los Angeles

From 2,097EUR

Length:  14 days from Los Angeles to San Francisco

Overview

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. In your free time, be sure to ride one of the historic cable cars!

From the exciting 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!

Duration:  14 Days

Schedule:

Start Date	End Date
11 June, 2012	24 June, 2012
25 June, 2012	08 July, 2012
23 July, 2012	05 August, 2012
06 August, 2012	19 August, 2012
03 September, 2012	16 September, 2012
10 September, 2012	23 September, 2012
17 September, 2012	30 September, 2012
24 September, 2012	07 October, 2012

City Highlights

Los Angeles
City sightseeing

Lake Havasu
Orientation tour

Grand Canyon National Park
Sightseeing

Lake Powell
Cruise

Bryce Canyon National Park
Sightseeing

Zion National Park
Sightseeing

Las Vegas
Orientation tour

Yosemite National Park
Sightseeing tour

Sonoma
Valley Cline Cellars tour & tasting; Olive Press tour & tasting

San Francisco
Sightseeing; farewell dinner

Note:

Maximum elevation on vacation: 8,000 ft.

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 Mohave 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 CLINE CELLARS in the Carneros region to tour their vineyards and taste their acclaimed wines. A short drive brings you to the OLIVE PRESS to learn how some of the best extra-virgin olive oil is produced from the first cold-crushing of the freshest olives. No visit is complete without sampling several olive oils and a vinegar, too. 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 farewell dinner. (B,D)

Day 14   San Francisco. Your vacation ends this morning with guests departing on individual transfers. Transfers are provided to San Francisco International Airport. (B)

Meals:  American breakfast daily (B), 6 three-course dinners (D) including a farewell dinner in San Francisco

Hotel Information:  LOS ANGELES Marriott Los Angeles 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)


Terms and Conditions

Note: Flights are NOT included with the Tour and unless otherwise stated above transfers are also NOT included.

Currently viewing: Arizona Tours - TravelToe Inclusive Tours - Western Explorer