Day 1: LOS ANGELES - PALM SPRINGS - PHOENIX

Today your journey begins and takes you through Palm Springs, the winter playground for Hollywood royalty, with its lively downtown and immaculately kept golf courses at the base of the rugged San Jacinto Mountains. A sea of wind turbines mark the entrance to this desert oasis. Afterwards you will pass through Indio, home to the Int'l Date Festival in the Coachella Valley.

 

Day 2: PHOENIX - SEDONA - GRAND CANYON

Travel through the Sonoran Desert, the richest, most biologically diverse desert ecosystem in the Americas. Continue to Sedona and see the spectacular red rock scenery. Situated in a unique geological area, Sedona is encircled by distinctive red-rock monoliths with such names as Cathedral and Coffee Pot. Drive through the breathtaking Oak Creek Canyon before arriving at Grand Canyon National Park. Majestic Grand Canyon National Park is one of the 7 great natural wonders of the world. Stop at the rim to fully experience this mile-deep colorful canyon's plunging gorges, and rising spires formed by the mighty Colorado River.

 

Day 3: GRAND CANYON - MONUMENT VALLEY - PAGE/LAKE POWELL

As you journey further today, you will enter the Navajo Indian Reservation, passing the trading post of Cameron. Continue through the Painted Desert to visit Monument Valley, an area that embodies perhaps the iconic images of the American West. In the late afternoon, enter the town of Page, situated on a mesa above the Colorado River, and we welcome you to enjoy an evening at leisure.

 

Day 4: PAGE/LAKE POWELL - KANAB - BRYCE CANYON

Visit the mighty Glen Canyon Dam, the second highest concrete-arch dam in America. From here you'll enjoy views of stunning Lake Powell, where crystal blue water laps against towering red-rock canyon walls. Enter the Mormon state of Utah this morning, pass through the town of Kanab before visiting spectacular Bryce Canyon, where a tour through a multi-colored world of sandstone spires and pinnacles will dazzle the eye. This evening, weather permitting, be sure to gaze upon the spectacular night sky filled with sparkling stars and brilliant constellations and take in the aroma of pinewood campfire.

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Day 5: BRYCE CANYON - ZION - LAS VEGAS

Travel today to Zion National Park and see the massive rock formations carved by wind, time, and the Virgin River. This afternoon experience the contrast of Las Vegas, the dazzling "Entertainment Capital of the World," where round-the-clock shopping, nightly shows, and of course gambling are available.

 

Day 6: LAS VEGAS

Today is at leisure for you to enjoy the many attractions that Las Vegas has to offer. In addition to world-class shopping, bustling casinos, and Broadway-caliber shows, you might simply stroll the famous Strip to take in its amazing sights, or "shop 'til you drop" at designer outlets.

 

Day 7: LAS VEGAS - DEATH VALLEY - MAMMOTH LAKES**

Your tour stops at the iconic Las Vegas Welcome Sign where you may wish to capture your photo memory of Las Vegas. Having enjoyed glamorous Las Vegas, it will be a sharp contrast this afternoon to enter the quiet and extreme environment of Death Valley. Stop at Zabriskie Point and Furnace Creek Ranch before continuing across the valley and ascending the Sierra Nevada Mountains to the alpine resort town of Mammoth Lakes**. The area gained prominence as a gold mining town in the 19th century and today is renowned for the superior skiing terrain and staggeringly beautiful mountain vistas. **Winter Routing: The Tioga Pass may be closed due to weather or road conditions, in which case you will overnight in Fresno or Visalia and a visit to Mammoth Lakes will not be possible (winter routing applies to all departures between October and May under normal snow conditions).

 

Day 8: MAMMOTH LAKES** - YOSEMITE

Arise with the morning sun and join us for an optional seasonal scenic gondola ride to the summit of Mammoth and enjoy a tasty breakfast as you survey a most stunning view of California from its desert floor to its lofty peaks. Next, your journey today brings you to the Tioga Pass** into the scenic wonderland of Yosemite National Park. Here, you will experience the valley floor and its splendors including the glacial-shaped granite formations of El Capitan, Half Dome, the magnificent Bridal Falls and Yosemite Falls. Overnight in the Yosemite Gateway.

 

Day 9: YOSEMITE - SAN FRANCISCO

Depart early this morning to arrive in San Francisco, one of the most beloved cities in America. "Be sure to wear some flowers in your hair." Enjoy a comprehensive sightseeing tour before arriving at your hotel. This evening to take a memorable City by Night Tour (optional).

 

Day 10: SAN FRANCISCO (NAPA VALLEY OPTIONAL)

Day at leisure! Your  Tour Director is on hand to assist with making plans for the day: perhaps a cable car ride to Fisherman's Wharf where one may enjoy a "Taste of San Francisco": local seafood, famous sourdough breads or decadent Ghiradelli's Chocolate. Or take a stroll by Sea Lions' Marina to watch them frolic. Be sure to gaze across the bay to Alcatraz island where "America's Most Wanted" such as Al Capone and "Machine Gun" Kelly were incarcerated. You also have the option to take a wine tasting tour to Napa Valley, world renowned for its fine wineries and beautiful scenery (optional).

 

Day 11: SAN FRANCISCO - MONTEREY/CARMEL - SHELL/PISMO BEACH

Depart San Francisco this morning and drive to the Monterey Peninsula, known for its magnificent homes and lovely beaches. In Monterey, visit Fisherman's Wharf and famous Cannery Row. Tour charming Carmel-by-the-Sea, noted for its quaint houses, upscale art galleries and unique stores. Your tour continues through Paso Robles, home of fine wineries. Overnight in a quaint Central California Coast town.

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Day 12: SHELL/PISMO BEACH - SANTA BARBARA - MALIBU - BEVERLY HILLS - LOS ANGELES

Journey south through the Santa Ynez Valley into Santa Barbara, where palm-lined walkways border white sandy beaches. See an iconic California lifeguard tower as made famous in "Baywatch". Upon arrival in Los Angeles, you'll stop in Santa Monica, home to the "Finish Line" of Historic Route 66. Where you may enjoy an optional lunch on the pier or a beach bike ride. Your afternoon tour of "The City of Angels" continues with visits to Beverly Hills and Hollywood before arriving at your hotel. Tour ends upon arrival at hotel at approximately 18.30 hours.