Western Explorer

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Detailed Trip Description

Experience the best of the West on this grand adventure. Begin with sightseeing in Los Angeles before crossing the Mohave Desert to Lake Havasu, a water sports paradise and home to the historic London Bridge. On to the natural wonders of the Grand Canyon, Lake Powell, Bryce Canyon, and Zion National Park. Continue to Las Vegas for an orientation tour and leisure time, then journey across Nevada's desert landscape to Fresno and Yosemite National Park. Next up: California wine country and guided sightseeing in San Francisco. In your free time, be sure to ride one of the historic cable cars! Opulent Heart Castle is the highlight in San Simeon, then continue to Solvang and Santa Barbara to see the inspiring 200-year-old mission. Pass Malibu and Santa Monica on the way back to L.A., the final point of your Western adventure.

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Trip Itinerary

Day 1 - Los Angeles

 
Hotels

Welcome to the Golden State! This evening, mix and mingle with your traveling companions at the 6:30 p.m. WELCOME RECEPTION. Your Tour Director will prepare you for your upcoming adventure. (WR). Hotel : Los Angeles Marriott (D)

Los Angeles Hotels picture

Day 2 - Los Angeles

 
Sightseeing

Morning sightseeing of this gigantic metropolis takes you from Olvera Street—the oldest thoroughfare in the city—to Hollywood. Take the opportunity to step into the shoeprints of famous movie stars at Mann’s Chinese Theater, and also see Sunset Strip and Rodeo Drive.

Optional Excursion
Relaxation

Spend an afternoon at leisure on an optional excursion to Universal Studios or Historic Hollywood. (B)


Day 3 - Lake Havasu City

 
Los Angeles–Lake Havasu.
Sightseeing

Leave the “City of Angels” and travel across the Mohave Desert to Lake Havasu on the Colorado River. This lake is a playground for all sorts of water sports, and is the home to the historic London Bridge.

River Cruises

This evening you may opt to take an evening sound and light cruise on the Colorado River through the canyons of Topock Gorge. (B). Hotel : London Bridge Resort (F)


Day 4 - Grand Canyon

 
Lake Havasu–Grand Canyon.
Sightseeing

Depart from Lake Havasu and travel northeast through desert landscapes to Williams, which sits astride historic Route 66. Arrive this afternoon at the GRAND CANYON, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. The breathtaking beauty of this famous attraction draws more than 5-million visitors a year from around the globe. This evening, be sure to watch the dramatic sunset. (B,D)

Grand Canyon Lodges (NP)
Hotels

Special Feature: Your hotel is located on the rim of the Grand Canyon, a rare opportunity for great views and a significant extra when traveling with us!


Day 5 - Grand Canyon

 
Grand Canyon–Lake Powell.
Sightseeing

This morning, enjoy vistas of the Grand Canyon as you drive along the rim before entering the Navajo Reservation. Arrive in Lake Powell, where sparkling blue water laps against towering, red-rock canyon walls and sandy beaches. The majestic beauty of this vast man made lake can be truly appreciated while on your afternoon CRUISE. See gigantic Glen Canyon Dam and the “tapestry” walls of Antelope Canyon. There’s free time later for a leisurely stroll along the Wahweap Marina, located on the shores of Lake Powell. (B,D).

Hotels

Stay at Lake Powell Resort (F).


Day 6 - United States

 
Sightseeing

Today is at leisure. Consider joining the optional float trip on the Colorado River through Glen Canyon, or perhaps take a flightseeing trip over Lake Powell where you can see the famous Rainbow Bridge and Glen Canyon Dam.

Relaxation

As the balance of the day is free, sit back and relax in this magnificent setting, or pursue your favorite activities and interests. (B)


Day 7 - United States

 
Lake Powell–Bryce Canyon–Zion National Park.
National Parks

Leave the splendid views of Lake Powell and head for Utah’s Bryce Canyon. Drive through the park, with photo stops to capture the magnificent contrasts of bright red, yellow, and pink pillars called “hoodoos.” Years of erosion have carved colorful sandstone into thousands of spires, arches, and mazes for an unforgettable sight. Next, see nearby Zion National Park, a spectacle of massive stone formations whose colors change with the light of the day and the season. To Mormon pioneers, it was a haven of beauty that resembled natural temples and cathedrals, prompting their name for it: “Little Zion.” (B,D).

Hotels

Stay at Zion Park Inn (F).


Day 8 - Las Vegas

 
Zion Canyon–Las Vegas.
Sightseeing

Tour Zion this morning before continuing to Las Vegas for an orientation tour of one of America’s most popular vacation destinations.

Hotels

Your resort hotel is located in the heart of the “Strip” for easy access to the mega-casinos and plentiful restaurants. (B).

Hotels

Stay at Treasure Island (MD).


Day 9 - Las Vegas

 
Sightseeing

A full day on your own to explore the glitz and glamour of Las Vegas. Your Tour Director will have tips and suggestions to make the most of your stay as well as a range of optional excursions, from scenic helicopter flights to elaborate shows. (B)


Day 10 - Fresno

 
Las Vegas–Fresno.
Sightseeing

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

Hotels

Overnight in Fresno, located in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley, often referred to as the great “Garden of the Sun.” (B,D) Hotel : Ramada University (MF)


Day 11 - Yosemite Ntl Park

 
Fresno–Yosemite National Park.
National Parks

Leave Fresno for Yosemite National Park. Inside the park you’ll descend to the valley floor for sightseeing of this wonderland of lakes, cascading waterfalls, lush forest, giant granite domes, pinnacles, and mountains. (B,D).

Hotels

Stay at Yosemite View Lodge (F).


Day 12 - San Francisco

 
Yosemite–Wine Country–San Francisco.
Sightseeing

This morning’s journey takes you from California’s mountainous beauty to the gentle slopes of California wine country.

Wine

Today’s highlight is an unforgettable hilltop picnic lunch and Wine Tasting under olive trees and grape trellises at Viansa Winery.

Food and Dining

Tonight, why not join us for an optional dinner outing including cocktails and dancing? (B,L).

Hotels

Stay at Renaissance Stanford Court (SF).


Day 13 - San Francisco

 
Sightseeing

Our included sightseeing tour takes in Golden Gate Park, Twin Peaks, Fisherman’s Wharf, and much more. The afternoon is at your leisure. Options of interest may be a visit to the Museum of Modern Art, the Asian Art Museum, or the Aquarium of the Bay. Or, discover the hippy-era bookstores and shops in the Haight-Ashbury district, ride San Francisco’s historic cable cars, or visit fascinating Alcatraz Prison. (B)


Day 14 - San Luis Obispo

 
San Francisco–San Simeon–San Luis Obispo.
Sightseeing

Heading south this morning, stop in San Simeon and visit HEARST CASTLE, the opulent mansion of the wealthy newspaper tycoon William Randolph Hearst. Here you’ll see splendid antiques, art treasures, and exotic possessions purchased at an estimated $50 million. The tour shows off the highlights of the impressive 123-acre estate. Continue to San Luis Obispo.

Food and Dining

This evening, your Tour Director hosts a special farewell dinner celebration. (B,D).

Hotels

Stay at Royal Oak (MF).


Day 15 - Los Angeles

 
San Luis Obispo–Santa Barbara–Los Angeles.
Sightseeing

From San Luis Obispo drive south to coastal Santa Barbara. Sightseeing includes a stop at the impressive 200-year-old MISSION, with its world-famous twin bell towers, and a visit to the pier.

Airport Transfers

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. (B)


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