Western Discovery

Explore the heart of the southwest on this 14 night coach tour through cities, canyons, mountains, deserts and along the dramatic Pacific Coast Highway. This captivating journey is an unforgettable introduction to the highlights of America’s west coast.

Tour overview
•   Two nights in Los Angeles

•   City tour of San Diego

•   Travel through the San Jacinto Mountains and the desert resort of Palm Springs

•   Cross the desert to Phoenix

•   Drive through the Sonara Desert to Sedona and Old Creek Canyon

•   Drive along the South Rim of the Grand Canyon

•   Optional flight over the Grand Canyon

•   See the awe-inspiring Monument Valley

•   Enjoy views of Lake Powell
•   Tour the Bryce Canyon National Park
•   See the rock formations of Zion National Park
•   Two nights in glitzy Las Vegas
•   Discover the ghost towns and rugged canyons of Death Valley
•   One night in the alpine resort of Mammoth Lakes
•   Explore the breathtaking Yosemite National Park
•   City tour of San Francisco
•   Optional wine tour to the Napa Valley
•   One night at Pismo Beach
•   City tour of Los Angeles
Extend your stay - by 5 or more nights
•   Fly to Honolulu for five or more nights in the island paradise of Oahu

Guide

ESCORTED TOUR

The Western Discovery tour is escorted by a tour manager from Day 2 to arrival in Los Angeles on Day 14.

MEAL PLAN
• No meals are included.

ACCOMMODATION
• Is in three star hotels, but in remote areas such as National Parks or small towns this standard may not exist and accommodation may be more simple and rustic. Hotels will be confirmed with final itineraries.

GRATUITIES
• Tipping is common practice in North America. We recommend between 10-15% for waiting staff and bar staff and smaller amounts for doormen and porters. For your guide and driver, tip at the end of your holiday.

TRAVEL TIPS
• Sunhats, sun cream and sunglasses are all recommended and are essential for the summer months when temperatures can get extremely hot, especially in the National Parks.

NB
• Children under 7 years old are not permitted on this tour. Tours are subject to minimum numbers, please call for details. During the winter months (generally Oct through to late May), the drive on Day 10 will be from Fresno or Visalia to Yosemite instead of from Mammoth Lakes.

DAY 1 - LONDON TO LOS ANGELES
On arrival in Los Angeles transfer to your hotel, where you will stay for two nights.

DAY 2 - LOS ANGELES
Today travel south through San Juan Capistrano and San Clemente to San Diego, the second largest city in California. Upon arrival, a city tour of San Diego including a visit to the picturesque Seaport Village, San Diego’s relaxing bayfront market and entertainment area is included. Return to Los Angeles late afternoon.

DAY 3 - LOS ANGELES TO PHOENIX
Leave Los Angeles behind and travel towards the rugged San Jacinto Mountains and the pristine desert resort of Palm Springs, an upmarket resort with world class hotels, shopping and golf. Continue across the desert to Arizona’s state capital Phoenix.

DAY 4 - PHOENIX TO GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK
Prepare for some spectacular views as you drive through the Sonora Desert. Continue to Sedona and see spectacular red rock scenery. Drive through breathtaking Oak Creek Canyon before arriving at the Grand Canyon, one of the world’s natural wonders. Weather and time permitting, optional Grand Canyon flights are available and bookable locally.

DAY 5 - GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK TO PAGE/LAKE POWELL
This morning drive along the South Rim of the Canyon and witness amazing views as you see the canyon bathed in early sunlight, truly an unforgettable sight. Continue to the Navajo Indian reservation, passing through the trading post of Cameron. Then it’s on to awe-inspiring Monument Valley, an area that embodies perhaps the most definitive and iconic images of America’s West. Finally enter the town of Page, from where you will enjoy stunning views of Lake Powell.

DAY 6 - PAGE/LAKE POWELL TO BRYCE CANYON NATIONAL PARK
Leave this colourful setting behind and continue into the Mormon State of Utah passing through Kanab to Bryce Canyon. Time is included to tour the park and marvel at the multi-coloured world of sandstone spires and pinnacles.

DAY 7 - BRYCE CANYON NATIONAL PARK TO LAS VEGAS
This morning travel to Zion National Park and see the massive rock formations carved by wind, time and the Virgin River. Then, in contrast, it’s on to one of the world’s most jaw dropping cities, Las Vegas, open 24-hours a day for non-stop fun and gambling. Enjoy your two nights stay visiting the world class themed hotels, relaxing poolside or take in one of the highly acclaimed shows or concerts.

DAY 9 - LAS VEGAS TO MAMMOTH LAKES
Witness the ever changing landscape as you drive through the quiet and extreme environment of Death Valley. A mesmerising medley of rugged canyons, sand dunes, ghost towns and colourful mountains will greet you in Death Valley, which has one of America’s hottest climates. A stop will be made at Zabriskie Point and Furnace Creek Ranch. Continue on to the alpine resort town of Mammoth Lakes for an overnight stay.

DAY 10 - MAMMOTH LAKES TO YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK
Drive via the Tioga Pass to one of America’s most beautiful National Parks, Yosemite, high in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. It’s a wonderland of cascading waterfalls and lakes, massive granite domes, green valleys and fragrant pine trees and its beauty will surely take your breath away. Stay overnight in the Yosemite area.

DAY 11 - YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK TO SAN FRANCISCO
This morning depart for San Francisco and a two night stay. Upon arrival enjoy a city tour including Union Square, The Golden Gate Bridge and Fisherman’s Wharf. San Francisco is one of America’s most beautiful cities and offers so many diverse neighbourhoods and many must-see attractions. Take an optional wine tour to the Napa Valley or a day at leisure in San Francisco. Visit the giant redwoods, Alcatraz Island, pretty Sausalito or sample the oriental cuisine of Chinatown.

DAY 13 - SAN FRANCSICO TO PISMO BEACH
This morning travel south and visit the Monterey Peninsula. Drive along historic Cannery Row and take a stroll around charming Carmel. With its quaint shops, art galleries, white sandy beach and its welcoming and quirky atmosphere, Carmel is a worthwhile stop. Continue through San Luis Obispo to Pismo Beach for an overnight stay.

DAY 14 - PISMO BEACH TO LOS ANGELES
Drive through Santa Barbara via the Santa Ynez Mountains to nearby Los Angeles where a city tour is included to Mann’s Chinese Theatre, Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica and Venice Beach. Stay overnight in Los Angeles.

DAY 15 - LOS ANGELES TO LONDON
Time for last minute sightseeing or lunch in nearby Santa Monica before making your own way to the airport or choosing to extend your stay.

YOUR CHOICE OF EXTENSIONS

HAWAII

DAY 15
Fly to Honolulu on United Airlines to the paradise island of Oahu. You will be met and transferred to the Hilton Hawaiian Village for five nights or more staying in a Resortview room. Enjoy the next few days relaxing on Waikiki beach or visit Pearl Harbour or shop at the nearby Ala Moana shopping centre.

DAY 20
A transfer to the airport is included today for your return United Airlines flight via San Francisco to Heathrow arriving the following day.