Western Wonders with San Francisco Extension

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Detailed Trip Description

This wondrous 13-day vacation begins in Los Angeles with a sightseeing tour that includes glamorous Hollywood. Next, head west and stop in Palm Springs, home to 90 golf courses, before reaching Scottsdale, where you'll learn about the delicate ecosystem of the Arizona desert. Other highlights along the way include Sedona, Oak Creek Canyon, and the Grand Canyon. After a stay in Williams, look for Joshua trees, some of which are 300 years old. Spend two wild nights in Las Vegas and let loose before traveling through Fresno, Yosemite National Park, Sonora, and Sacramento. And finally, arrive in San Francisco for a fabulous night illumination tour of the city—along with two days of leisure to explore on your own.

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Trip Itinerary

Day 1 - Los Angeles, California, United States

 
Relaxation

Enjoy some time at leisure to relax or do some independent exploring. Your Tour Director is on hand this evening to answer any questions.

Hotels

Stay at Marriott (MD).


Day 2 - Los Angeles, California, United States

 
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. Then take a stop in the desert oasis of Palm Springs with its distinctive wind farms, 5,000 swimming pools, and 90 golf courses! This afternoon, head to the mountainous desert resort of Scottsdale.

Hotels

Stay at Hospitality Suites (MF)


Day 3 - United States

 
Sightseeing

Your Tour Director will suggest an optional guided 4-wheel-drive tour into the Arizona desert to discover the cacti and other plants and animals that make up the desert’s delicate ecosystem.

Optional Outing
Adventure

Early this evening join our optional outing to relive the days of the Wild West.


Day 4 - Sedona, Arizona, United States

 
Scottsdale–Sedona–Grand Canyon–Williams.
Sightseeing

Travel to Sedona, a thriving center for New Age arts set in canyon country. On to the weather-sculptured rock formations of Oak Creek Canyon. 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.

Hotels

Stay at Days Inn (T).


Day 5 - Las Vegas, Nevada, United States

 
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. Watch for Joshua trees, a species of the lily family that grows more than 40 feet in height and can live up to 300 years. By late afternoon reach Las Vegas, the fantastic city of feverish gambling, neon lights, bars, and glamorous shows. Be sure to explore some of the many-themed casino resorts along the colorful “Strip.”

Nightlife

This evening, we highly recommend a night out to a dazzling stage show featuring top Vegas entertainment.

Hotels

Stay at Imperial Palace (MF).


Day 6 - Las Vegas, Nevada, United States

 
Sightseeing

The morning and afternoon are free for you to swim and sunbathe at the hotel pool or explore the varied casinos, shopping plazas, and amusement parks. Your Tour Director will have more suggestions to fill your day.

Rafting

Consider a river rafting trip through the Black Canyon.


Day 7 - Fresno, California, United States

 
Las Vegas–Fresno.
Sightseeing

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

Hotels

Overnight in Fresno, located in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley and often referred to as the great “Garden of the Sun.” Hotel : Best Western Village Inn (ST)


Day 8 - Fresno, California, United States

 
Fresno–Yosemite National Park–Sonora.
National Parks

Cross high Tioga Pass and enter Yosemite National Park, a wonderland of spectacular lakes, giant granite domes, towering pinnacles, cascading waterfalls, and lush forests. It’s a beautiful drive from the park to Sonora, once a thriving center in the gold rush era.

Hotels

Stay at Inns of California (ST).


Day 9 - San Francisco, California, United States

 
Sonora–Sacramento–San Francisco.
Sightseeing

Head toward Sacramento, capital of California, with time to explore Old Sacramento. “Old Town,” as the locals call it, features a Wild West ambiance. During your free time, see the country’s largest collection of Gold Rush-era buildings, a Wells Fargo museum, and a historic Railroad Museum. From Old Town, continue west to reach San Francisco by early afternoon. Cross the splendid bay with vistas of the San Francisco skyline and its magnificent harbor. On your city tour, see the main sights, including the Old Spanish Mission Dolores, renowned Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman’s Wharf, and Nob Hill.

Food and Dining

In the evening, how about dinner at a popular Fisherman’s Wharf restaurant followed by a cocktail at the world-famous Fairmont Hotel?

Hotels

You’ll end the night with an illumination tour of San Francisco. Hotel : Cathedral Hill (MF)


Day 10 - San Francisco, California, United States

 
Optional Excursions
Sightseeing

A full program of optional excursions is available, including a cruise on San Francisco Bay with a visit to Alcatraz and a helicopter ride over the city.

Shopping

Your Tour Director will suggest more sightseeing attractions as well as other favorite places to shop and dine.


Day 11-12 - San Francisco, California, United States

 
Relaxation

Two days at leisure for independent activities or choose from a variety of optional excursions.

Food and Dining

Your Local Host will have plenty of activities to choose from and will recommend restaurants and shopping areas.


Day 13 - San Francisco, California, United States

 
Airport Transfers

The trip ends today with guests departing on individual schedules. Transfers are provided to San Francisco International Airport.


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