Hotels

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)

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

Sightseeing

First stop is Sedona, a thriving 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.

Hotels

Overnight in Williams. Hotel : Days Inn (T)

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.

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.”

Sunbathing

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

Rafting

Try an optional river rafting trip through the Black Canyon.

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.

Sightseeing

A day of striking contrast as you journey northwest across the desert landscape of Nevada before crossing into California. Overnight in Fresno, located in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley, often referred to as the great “Garden of the Sun.”

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.

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.

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 is included.

Relaxation

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

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.

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.

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. Overnight in the town of Lompoc.

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 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.