2008
Heart Of The National Parks
A flexible self drive holiday with ample time to sightsee, with comfortable driving distances.
Our opinion
Exclusive to Kuoni, this flydrive tour is based on hotels in the centre of the most important national parks of the American south-west.
Escorted
Independent travelling with local assistance given.
Itinerary
- San Francisco: 2 nights
- Yosemite National Park: 2 nights
- Death Valley National Park: 1 night
- Las Vegas: 2 nights
- Zion National Park: 1 night
- Bryce Canyon National Park: 1 night
- Lake Powell: 1 night
- Monument Valley: 1 night
- Grand Canyon National Park: 2 nights
- Scottsdale: 1 night
Day 1 London/San Fransisco
Depart United Airlines from Heathrow for your direct flight to San Francisco arriving later the same day. Transfer on your own tothe Holiday Inn Golden Gateway (Standard) or the Sheraton Fisherman’s Wharf (Superior), or you may choose to pick up your car from Alamo upon arrival. Enjoy the rest of your evening and following day at leisure to explore the ‘City by the Bay’.
Day 3 San Fransisco/Yosemite National Park
Today your drive will take you through the lush California valleys to Yosemite for an overnight stay at the Yosemite View Lodge (Standard) or Tenaya Lodge (Superior) or similar. Time to enjoy the beautiful scenery of Yosemite with its wonderful cascading waterfalls and lakes, massive granite domes and fragrant pine trees. Approx. 206 miles
Day 5 Yosemite National Park/Death Valley National Park
Depart via the Tioga Pass for Death Valley and the Furnace Creek Ranch (Standard or Superior) or similar, an informal resort spread out in expansive grounds in the heart of Death Valley with spectacular scenic views. Approx. 350 miles. NB In the event of the Tioga Pass being closed due to weather or road conditions (generally from early November through to late May), travel will be via Fresno with overnight in Fresno, and your second night in Yosemite will not be included.
Day 6 Death Valley National Park/Las Vegas
Enjoy the morning discovering Death Valley before departing for Las Vegas the entertainment capital of the world, stay in the Circus Circus (Standard) or Luxor (Superior) hotels for two nights of non stop fun! Approx. 140 miles.
Day 8 Las Vegas/Zion National Park
Depart for Zion National Park and the Zion Lodge (Standard or Superior) or similar, a rustic lodge within the park offering views of canyon walls and easy access to walking trails. Approx. 170 miles.
Day 9 Zion National Park/Bryce Canyon National Park
Depart for the short drive to Bryce Canyon and the Bryce Canyon Lodge (Standard or Superior) or similar, a western-style lodge and a national historic landmark which is situated in the centre of the national park. Approx. 105 miles.
Day 10 Bryce Canyon National Park/Lake Powell
Arrive in Lake Powell and the Lake Powell Resort or similar (Standard or Superior) located directly on the shore of Lake Powell with spectacular views. You might wish to take an optional boat cruise on the lake. All boat tours depart from the marina at the lodge. Approx. 125 miles.
Day 11 Lake Powell/Monument Valley
Backtrack slightly today to the awe inspiring Monument Valley and Gouldings Lodge (Standard or Superior) or similar, the only lodge offering views of Monument Valley Tribal Park. Situated on a hill, this rustic lodge overlooks the spectacular rock monuments in the valley below, simply an unforgettable view! Approx. 125 miles.
Day 12 Monument Valley/Grand Canyon National Park
Leave the monuments for the stunning Grand Canyon and a two night stay at the Yavapai Lodge (Standard) or Maswik Lodge North (Superior) or similar. Enjoy a full day exploring the Canyon, take a short hike or perhaps an optional helicopter flight over this stunning national park. Approx. 200 miles.
Day 14 Grand Canyon National Park/Scottsdale
Take a slow drive to Scottsdale, visiting Sedona, or Montezuma’s Castle on the way into the arid Arizona valley. Arrive at the first class Renaissance Scottsdale Resort (Standard or Superior), relax by the pool or visit the interesting Desert Botanical Gardens or book a balloon flight for amazing views of the desert landscapes. Approx. 229 miles.
Day 15 Scottsdale/Washington/London
Drop your car at Phoenix airport, about 25 minutes drive from the hotel for your United Airlines flight via Washington DC to Heathrow arriving the next day. Approx. 13 miles.
Hawaii Extension
Day 15 Scottsdale/Los Angeles/Honolulu
Fly United Airlines via Los Angeles to Honolulu where you will be met and transferred to the Ohana Waikiki West (Standard) Alternatively stay in a Gardenview room at the Hilton Hawaiian Village (Superior) , for five nights or more.
Day 20 Hawaii/Los Angeles/London
Depart on your United Airlines flight via Los Angeles arriving Heathrow the following day.
San Diego Extension
Day 15 Scottsdale/Los Angeles/San Diego
Transfer to the airport for your United Airlines flight to San Diego via Los Angeles. Upon arrival transfer on your own to the Handlery Resort & Hotel (Standard) . Alternatively you may choose a Gardenview room at Paradise Point Resort for three nights. Relax on the beach or visit the world famous SeaWorld Adventure Park or San Diego Zoo.
Day 18 San Diego/Los Angeles/London
Transfer on your own to the airport for your United Airlines flight to Heathrow via Los Angeles arriving the following day.
