Tripology

An Exciting Interview with Arthur Frommer

Golden West Adventure

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Detailed Trip Description

Spend 14 days visiting hot spots throughout California, Arizona, and Nevada. Overnights include Los Angeles, Scottsdale, Williams, Fresno, Sonora, Carmel, and Lompac—with three overnights in Las Vegas and San Francisco. There's plenty of time to get to know these two spectacular cities without feeling rushed. Other stops along the way include Palm Springs, home to 90 golf courses, Yosemite National Park, El Capitan (a 3,000-foot vertical rock formation and a mecca for climbers), Sacramento, California's historic capital, and wine country, home to many well-known wineries.

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Trip Itinerary

Day 1 - Los Angeles

 
Hotel

Enjoy some time at leisure to relax or do some independent exploring. Your Tour Director is on hand this evening to answer any questions. Hotel : Westin Bonaventure (MD)


Day 2 - Los Angeles

 
Los Angeles–Palm Springs–Scottsdale.
Sightseeing

Begin the day with a sightseeing tour of the world’s “Capital of Glamour,” including a drive through Hollywood and famous Mann’s Chinese Theatre. A stop in the desert oasis of Palm Springs with its distinctive wind farms, 5,000 swimming pools, and 90 golf courses. Ocotillo and cholla cacti dot the desert landscape as you cross the great Colorado River and continue into Arizona, where the unmistakable saguaro stands sentinel.

Hotel

Arrive in the mountain-ringed desert resort of Scottsdale in the late afternoon.


Day 3 - Sedona

 
Scottsdale–Sedona–Grand Canyon–Williams.
Sightseeing

First stop is Sedona, athriving center for New Age arts set in canyon country. On to the weather-sculptured rock formations of Oak Creek Canyon and up through the San Francisco Mountains and beautiful pine forests to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. Time to stroll the canyon rim. For a once-in-a-lifetime experience, take our optional helicopter flightseeing excursion for incomparable views of flame-colored walls plunging 6,000 feet into the Colorado River.

Hotel

Overnight in Williams. Hotel : Days Inn (T)


Day 4 - Las Vegas

 
Williams–Las Vegas.
Sightseeing

Leave the mountain town of Williams on historic Route 66 and cross the old Mohave gold strike country, which still bears traces of century-old ghost towns set in natural desert beauty. By late afternoon, reach Las Vegas, a fantastic city of feverish gambling, neon lights, and glamorous shows.

Optional Outing
Nightlife

This evening, enjoy our optional outing to a glittering Vegas show—or, if you prefer, explore some of the many-themed casino resorts along the colorful “Strip.”

Hotel

Stat at Imperial Palace (Mf).


Day 5 - Las Vegas

 
Sunbathing

The morning and afternoon are free for you to swim and sunbathe at the hotel pool or explore the varied casinos.

Optional River Rafting Trip
Rafting

Try an optional river rafting trip through the Black Canyon.


Day 6 - Las Vegas

 
Shopping

Another full day at leisure. Your Tour Director will have plenty of activities to choose from and will recommend favorite restaurants and shopping areas.


Day 7 - Fresno

 
Las Vegas–Fresno.
Sightseeing

A day of striking contrast as you journey northwest across the desert landscape of Nevada before crossing into California.

Hotel

Overnight in Fresno, located in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley, often referred to as the great “Garden of the Sun.” Stay at Best Western Village Inn (St).


Day 8 - Fresno

 
Fresno–Yosemite National Park–Sonora.
National Parks

Leave Fresno for Yosemite National Park, a wonderland of spectacular lakes, cascading waterfalls, lush forest, giant granite domes, pinnacles, and mountains rising as much as 4,000 feet above the valley floor. We then drive to Sonora, once a thriving center in the gold rush era and well known for its collection of Victorian homes.

Hotel

Stay at Inns Of California (St).


Day 9 - San Francisco

 
Sonora–Sacramento–San Francisco.
Sightseeing

This morning we visit Sacramento, California’s historic state capital, home to more than 40 art galleries and dozens of museums. There’s time to visit historic Old Town, the nation’s largest collection of gold rush era buildings. We continue west to the Golden Gate City of San Francisco, famous for its hills and cable cars. Our included sightseeing tour takes in the Old Spanish Mission Dolores, the spectacular Golden Gate Bridge, and bustling Fisherman’s Wharf.

Hotel

Stay at Hotel Carlton (St).


Day 10 - San Francisco

 
San Francisco–Wine Country Excursion.
Sightseeing

This morning, cross the famous Golden Gate Bridge and visit the pristine waterfront community of Sausalito. Free time to explore this quaint, Mediterranean-style village’s shops, galleries, and breathtaking views.

Wine

Next, Sonoma, a picturesque valley known for its wine grapes. A guided tour and Wine Tasting at one of the many wineries are included.


Day 11 - San Francisco

 
Relaxation

A full day at leisure in the “City by the Bay.”


Day 12 - Monterey

 
San Francisco–Monterey.
Sightseeing

Today, we travel south to picturesque Monterey, made famous by John Steinbeck’s novel Cannery Row. Your sightseeing tour will include visits to historic Fisherman’s Wharf and Cannery Row. During your free time this afternoon, why not visit Monterey Bay Aquarium, known throughout the world for its interactive exhibits and ability to present marine life on a truly grand scale. Old Fisherman’s Wharf in downtown Monterey is a “must-do.” This is a great place to take in the sights and sounds.

Food and Dining

Stroll down the wharf with a cup of hot clam chowder, or stop by one of several restaurants featuring fresh Monterey Bay seafood. You can photograph sea lions and otters in the calm inner harbor waters.


Day 13 - Lompoc

 
Monterey–Carmel–Solvang–Lompoc.
Sightseeing

This morning, we take spectacular 17-Mile Drive and watch the ocean rolling in on the wide Pacific beaches en route to Carmel, the popular West Coast retreat for artists and celebrities, before picking up the Old Spanish Mission Trail to Solvang, the Danish Capital of America. There’s time to walk the flower-lined village streets and enjoy the quaint old world architecture.

Hotel

Overnight in the town of Lompoc. Hotel : Quality Inn And Suites (St).


Day 14 - Los Angeles

 
Lompoc–Santa Barbara–Los Angeles.
Sightseeing

It’s a short drive south to coastal Santa Barbara. Sightseeing includes a stop for photos at the historic mission and a visit to the pier.

Airport Transfer

Follow the Pacific coastline past the fine sandy beaches of Malibu and Santa Monica to Los Angeles International Airport for guests with homebound flights. Please schedule flights after 5 p.m.


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