Day 1
Hello Los Angeles
Welcome to Los Angeles! Meet your Tour Director and fellow travelers this evening for dinner with wine at your hotel.
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Accommodation
Beverly Hills Marriott, Los Angeles
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Meals
Dinner
Your epic Western Discoverer begins in glitzy Los Angeles where you’ll walk along the Hollywood Walk of Fame, take in breath-taking views of the Grand Canyon, see the splendor of Yosemite National Park and bet your luck in the desert oasis of Las Vegas, all before heading to world-famous San Francisco and descending upon coastal towns along the California coast.
Locations Visited
Los Angeles, San Diego, Scottsdale, Sedona, Grand Canyon, Tusayan (AZ), Las Vegas, Mammoth Lakes, Yosemite National Park, Oakhurst, San Francisco, Monterey, Paso Robles
Countries Visited
United States
Travel Style
Regional Explorer
Accommodations
13 nights included
Age Requirements
Minimum Age 5
Day 1
Welcome to Los Angeles! Meet your Tour Director and fellow travelers this evening for dinner with wine at your hotel.
Accommodation
Beverly Hills Marriott, Los Angeles
Meals
Dinner
Day 2
Enjoy the icons of LA as you cruise around Beverly Hills, Hollywood, and see the TCL Chinese Theater, Walk of Fame and the Dolby Theater. This afternoon Dive into Culture exploring the vibrant murals of Downtown LA followed by a private workshop with a graffiti artist.
Accommodation
Embassy Suites, San Diego
Meals
Breakfast
Unlock all the glitz and glam that Los Angeles has to offer. Cruise around Beverly Hills, known for its mansions, high end shopping and celebrity sightings. Snap a picture of the iconic Beverly Hills sign as we drive down Santa Monica Blvd. Your next stop is Hollywood, a larger-than-life symbol of the entertainment business that beckons tourists with landmarks like the TCL Chinese Theater and star-studded Walk of Fame, historic music venues like the Hollywood Bowl, and the Dolby Theater, which is home of the Oscars.
Day 3
Explore San Diego, California's second largest city, with your Travel Director. Travel through the city's historic Gaslamp Quarter and learn about its past, present, and local secrets. Move on to Balboa Park, one of America's most famous urban cultural parks and home to the world-famous San Diego Zoo. Finish up at historic Old Town, the first European settlement in present-day California, with free time for lunch. The afternoon is yours to relax or enjoy an optional experience of touring the USS Midway or taking a San Diego Harbor cruise.
Accommodation
Embassy Suites, San Diego
Meals
Breakfast
Dinner
Embark on a sightseeing tour with your Travel Director, taking in some of the key sights of San Diego, California's second largest city. Travel through the city's historic Gaslamp Quarter and learn about its past, present, and local secrets. Move on to Balboa Park, one of America's most famous urban cultural parks and home to the world-famous San Diego Zoo. Finish up at historic Old Town, the first European settlement in present-day California
Day 4
Cross large swathes of the desert Southwest on your way through California and Arizona. Spot the iconic saguaros as you traverse the great Sonoran Desert stopping in Yuma and Gila Bend en route to the trendy Arizona town of Scottsdale. This evening, the Valley of the Sun shines brightly as you enjoy free time to explore its galleries, boutiques, and chic eateries. Perhaps dine on Southwest cuisine or sip on a cool margarita as the sun sets.
Accommodation
Sonesta Suites Scottsdale Gainey Ranch
Meals
Breakfast
Spot the iconic saguaros as you traverse the great Sonoran Desert stopping in Yuma and Gila Bend.
Day 5
Explore the iconic red rocks of Sedona, awestruck by the majestic crimson rock formations. Spend the morning ambling through the various shops along the main road or opt for one of our jeep tours into the backcountry. Continue north along Oak Creek Canyon Scenic Drive, one of the Top 5 Most Scenic Drives in America, climbing 4,500 feet from Sedona to the top of the Mogollon Rim where the canyon opens to the foliage of oaks interspersed with evergreen pines, and the incredible backdrop of red-faced rocks and cliffs. Arrive at the UNESCO-listed Grand Canyon National Park where you’ll meet your Local Specialist, Canyon Tim on the Rim, for an informative talk about the origins of the five-million-year-old canyon and its rock formations. Continue to Tusayan for an evening at leisure.
Accommodation
Holiday Inn Resort The Squire At Grand Canyon By Ihg
Meals
Breakfast
Take the scenic route down into the serene, artistic town of Sedona to take in the surrounding red rock and pine forests.
One of the seven natural wonders of the world and the second most visited national park in the United States. Explore the Visitor Center and get familiar with the history of the Grand Canyon, grab a coffee at a local café and take a walk along the Rim Trail. Keep your camera on-hand as you explore some of the 278 miles of the Colorado River and adjacent canyonlands at one of the most spectacular examples of erosion anywhere in the world with unmatched vistas along its rim.
Meet Tim on the Rim, who shares fascinating stories about this extraordinary feat of nature and its development over millions of years.
Day 6
Early risers, seize the morning on an optional helicopter flight over the heart of the Grand Canyon where incredible views of the south rim, north rim and Colorado River await. This morning, pack your bags and head to buzzy Las Vegas. Stop by Seligman and Kingman, two iconic outposts for a taste of all things Americana, complete with classic motels, kitsch petrol pumps and steaming slices of Apple pie. As if by magic, spot the neon lights of Las Vegas looming in the distance; an entertainment oasis surrounded by dry desert with a reputation almost as big as the fortunes many have made (and lost) there. Choose to join a Sights and Lights Sightseeing Tour or rest up for another big day.
Meals
Breakfast
Route 66, home to many Americana landmarks, museums and icons from the bygone days. On your journey along this historic route, stop at Kingman and Seligman - noteworthy towns on Route 66. Learn how although it only existed between 1926 and 1985, Route 66 has become a symbol of the American dream of adventurers and migrants who sought opportunities out west.
Day 7
Today is all about you. Spend it as you wish and perhaps join one of our many optional experiences in Sin City. Delve into an engineering marvel on the Hoover Dam Tour. View the dam from the newly completed Mike O'Callaghan–Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge, the largest concrete arch bridge in the Western Hemisphere standing 900 feet above the Colorado River and gaze in amazement at the largest dam of its time.
Meals
Breakfast
Day 8
We leave Sin City behind as we head towards the mountains of Mammoth Lakes. To get there, we’ll travel through the vast arid landscapes of the Mojave Desert. Keep your eyes peeled for photo ops as we journey through this otherworldly terrain. When we arrive in Mammoth Lakes, you’ll have an evening at leisure to enjoy this outdoor adventure playground amidst the rolling peaks of the Sierra Nevada Mountains.
Tioga Pass: weather conditions may cause Tioga Pass to be closed to traffic, typically from mid-October to the end of May. In this case, an alternate entry point to Yosemite will be used entering through the west side of the park and Mammoth Lakes overnight will be replaced with Bakersfield or similar. This overnight change will affect sightseeing for this day.
Accommodation
Mammoth Mountain Inn, Mammoth Lakes
Meals
Breakfast
Dinner
Travel through the vast arid landscapes of the Mojave Desert. Keep your eyes peeled for photo ops as we journey through this otherworldly terrain.
Day 9
Travel through stunning Tioga Pass (seasonal) in the Sierra Nevada mountain range and enter UNESCO-listed Yosemite National Park. We journey through Yosemite Valley, admiring the natural wonders of Bridalveil Fall, Yosemite Falls, and the imposing granite cliffs of El Capitan. Spend the rest of the day learning about the natural history, flora, and fauna of one of the world's oldest national parks. Yosemite is much more than just a spectacular valley. It is a shrine to human foresight, the strength of granite, the power of glaciers, the persistence of life, and the tranquility of the High Sierra. Yosemite National Park is best known for its waterfalls, but within its nearly 1,200 square miles, you can find deep valleys, grand meadows, ancient giant sequoias, a vast wilderness area and much more.
* Please note that the Tioga Pass visit will be subject to weather conditions.*
Accommodation
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Oakhurst Yosemite
Meals
Breakfast
Day 10
Today we travel through the Central Valley of California en route to San Francisco. Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER ® Experience in Oakland for a Black Foodie Walking Tour where you’ll learn about the rich culinary offerings and growing business scene of the African-American community here. Tonight, enjoy a free evening to explore San Francisco or join your fellow travelers for an optional walking tour of Chinatown followed by a delicious feast and an Illumination Tour of the 'City by the Bay.'
Accommodation
Hilton Union Square (CA)
Meals
Breakfast
Lunch
Join a guided walking exploration of the rich culinary history and foods of the Black community in Oakland. As the home of the original Black Panther Party, Oakland is home to diverse tastes and infused foods including African American and Caribbean fusion. On this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER ® Experience, learn about the development of the Black Foodie and business scene in Oakland as you taste your way through downtown and Old Oakland, a growing hub of an array of Black businesses. You'll sample fare from two or three Black-owned eateries while strolling past historic landmarks in the diverse communities of Oakland, California.
This experience supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 10 & 11: Reduced Inequalities & Sustainable Cities and Communities.
Day 11
San Francisco is your playground today with several optional experiences to choose from. Get acquainted with the must-see sights of the city on a San Francisco Sightseeing Tour led by your Travel Director. Admire the eclectic mix of architecture (Victorian and Modern), culture and cuisines. Stroll through the lively hotspot of Fisherman's Wharf to Union Square, a historical landmark linked to the American Civil War, lined with interesting shops. This afternoon, choose to join a walking tour across the iconic Golden Gate Bridge.
Accommodation
Hilton Union Square (CA)
Meals
Breakfast
Discover the best of San Francisco as you admire the mix of Victorian and modern architecture at Alamo Square, take in the historic grandeur of City Hall, and explore the natural beauty of Golden Gate Park. Then head to the waterfront to soak up the lively atmosphere of Pier 39, all while enjoying the city’s vibrant culture and unforgettable views.
Day 12
Start your day with a Be My Guest experience at Terra Amico Farms, a thriving organic heirloom tomato farm. Then, arrive in Monterey. Later, cruise the scenic 17-Mile Drive through Pebble Beach and Pacific Grove passing the Lone Cypress tree.
Accommodation
Paso Robles Inn
Meals
Breakfast
Lunch
Established in 1889, the same year that El Paso de Robles was founded as a city, the Paso Robles Inn hotel has been at the heart of Paso Robles history for over a century. Having hosted US president Theodore Roosevelt and actors John Wayne and Clark Gable, the Inn is a downtown landmark representing the hospitality the town has come to be known and loved for.
Meet owners Lisa and Joe of Terra Amico Farms for a guided tour of their five-acre property followed by a farm-to-table lunch.
The stunning California coast passes by you, cruising scenic 17-Mile Drive. This drive is full of dramatic coastal cliffs, snow-white beaches, mystical forests and iconic golf courses.
Day 13
The morning is yours to do as you please. We’ll start with a visit the quaint seaside town of Morro Bay before exploring the rest of California's central coast. This evening, say goodbye to your fellow travelers and enjoy one final three-course dinner together.
Accommodation
Paso Robles Inn
Meals
Breakfast
Dinner
Day 14
Kick off your final day with a visit to Santa Barbara, known as the 'American Riviera'. Located on a pristine stretch of California’s central coastline, Santa Barbara brings together the Golden State’s Spanish influence, laid-back vibe, and upscale sensibility in a way few places can. You’ll have some time to explore State Street, the Old Mission Santa Barbara, the Museum of Natural History, or the Museum of Art. You’ll also have time to get lunch on your own today before we head to Los Angeles International Airport.
Meals
Breakfast
Title
Explore Grand Canyon with a Local Specialist, Los Angeles, and Oakland
Discover Los Angeles, San Diego, Las Vegas and San Francisco
Visit Grand Canyon National Park, Mammoth Lakes, Yosemite National Park, Monterey, Morro Bay, Santa Barbara
View Hollywood Sign in Los Angeles, El Capitan in Yosemite, Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco
Scenic Drive Oak Creek Canyon and 17-Mile Drive
All porterage and restaurant gratuities
Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized
Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
All transport and transfers shown
Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
Optional Experiences and free time
Trip Notes:
Terms & Conditions:
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