WESTERN USA

Tour	Days	Brochure page	Full Itinerary
Splendours of the West	9	103
Western Discovery	15	105
Rocky Mountain Frontiers	16	112-113

Splendours of the West - 9 Days

Day 1 Los Angeles to Phoenix
Early this morning, meet in the lobby of the Hacienda Hotel (a pre-tour night is recommended). Leaving Los Angeles behind you will travel towards the rugged San Jacinto Mountains and Palm Springs, with it’s swaying palm trees, lively downtown area and immaculately kept golf courses. Continue across the desert to Arizona’s State Capital, Phoenix. Overnight at the Carefree Resort.

Day 2 Phoenix to Grand Canyon National Park
Travel through the Sonoran Desert, with it’s towering Saguaro cacti, a magnificent symbol of the Desert Southwest, capable of growing to 50 feet (15 metres) tall. Continue to Sedona and see the spectacular red rock monoliths encircling it. Then drive through the breathtaking Oak Creek Canyon before arriving at Grand Canyon National Park, one of the seven natural wonders of the world. You will visit lookout points along the South Rim to fully experience this mile-deep canyon with it’s plunging gorges, rising spires, extinct volcanoes and below the rim, the winding Colorado River. Overnight at the Canyon Plaza Quality Inn & Suites.

Day 3 Grand Canyon to Page/Lake Powell
Stop at Desert View this morning and see the Canyon bathed in the early light. Then journey towards the Navajo Indian Reservation, passing the trading post of Cameron. Then on through the Painted Desert to Monument Valley, one of the iconic images of the American West. In the afternoon, you will enter the town of Page in the Lake Powell Region. 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. Overnight in Page at the Best Western at Lake Powell.

Day 4 Page/Lake Powell to Bryce Canyon
This morning you will enter the state of Utah. Pass through the town of Kanab before visiting spectacular Bryce Canyon, with it’s multi-coloured sandstone spires and pinnacles set against the unusually blue sky. Enjoy the evening at leisure. Overnight at the Best Western Ruby’s Inn

Day 5 Bryce Canyon to Las Vegas
Today you will travel on to Zion National Park and see it’s massive rock formations carved over time by wind and the Virgin River. This afternoon experience the contrast of Las Vegas, the “Entertainment Capital of the World,” with it’s shopping, nightly shows, and of course gambling. Overnight at the Circus Circus Hotel & Casino.

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-style shows, you might take a stroll along the famous Strip taking in its amazing sights.

Day 7 Las Vegas to Mammoth Lakes*
Having enjoyed the fast pace of glamourous Las Vegas, this afternoon experience the contrast of the the quiet and extreme environment of Death Valley. Situated between high mountain ranges, this is by far the hottest spot on your journey! 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**. Mammoth Mountain was formed over 200,000 years ago as a series of volcanic eruptions. The area gained prominence as a gold mining town in the 19th century, but today it’s superior skiing terrain and staggeringly beautiful mountain vistas attract visitors from near and far. Overnight at the Mammoth Mountain Inn.
(*Winter routing differs slightly due to road closures - see brochure for details)

Day 8 Mammoth Lakes* to Yosemite Park
A short drive brings you over the Tioga Pass** high in the Sierras into the scenic wonderland of Yosemite National Park. The park is home to a truly spectacular collection of waterfalls, most famously Bridalveil Falls, as well as meadows and forests that include groves of giant sequoias. Within the park, you will see the majestic, glacial-shaped granite formations of El Capitan and Half Dome, which rise from the valley floor. Overnight in Yosemite Gateway Area at the Vagabond Inn. (*Winter routing differs slightly due to road closures - see brochure for details)

Day 9 Yosemite Gateway Area to San Francisco
Depart early this morning, crossing the Oakland Bay Bridge to arrive in San Francisco, one of the most beloved cities in America. Enjoy a full morning tour of the “City by the Bay.” Tour ends upon arrival at the Holiday Inn Civic Centre (overnight stay not included).

2008 Departure dates :

April 5, 12*, 19, 26*
May 3*, 10*, 17, 24*, 31
June 7*, 14, 21*, 28
July 5, 12*, 19, 26*
August 2, 9*, 16, 23, 30*
September 6*, 13, 20, 27*
October 4, 11*, 18, 25*
November 8*, 22*
December 6*, 27*

2009 Departure dates :

January 10*, 24*
February 7*, 21*
March 14*, 28*

* Dates marked with an asterisk may have
multi-language commentary. All other dates have English only commentary

Western Discovery - 15 Days

Day 1 Los Angeles
Arrive Los Angeles International Airport and transfer via shuttle bus to the hotel where you will meet your escort. Overnight at the Hacienda Hotel.

Day 2 San Diego excursion
Travel south through San Juan Capistrano and San Clemente to San Diego, California’s second largest city, renowned for its year-round mild weather. Following a city tour, visit picturesque Seaport Village, a relaxing bay-front marketplace. Return to Los Angeles in late afternoon.

Day 3 Los Angeles to Phoenix
Travel towards the rugged San Jacinto Mountains and Palm Springs, with it’s swaying palm trees, lively downtown area and immaculate golf courses. Continue across to Arizona’s Capital, Phoenix. Overnight at the Carefree Resort.

Day 4 Phoenix to Grand Canyon
Travel through the Sonoran Desert to to Sedona and it’s spectacular red rock scenery. Then drive through the breathtaking Oak Creek Canyon before arriving at the Grand Canyon National Park. You will visit lookout points on the South Rim to fully experience this mile-deep canyon. Overnight at the Canyon Plaza Quality Inn & Suites.

Day 5 Grand Canyon to Page/Lake Powell
This morning stop to see the Canyon bathed in early light, then enter the Navajo Indian Reservation, passing the trading post of Cameron. Continue through the Painted Desert to tour Monument Valley, one of the most iconic images of the American West. This afternoon, enter the town of Page, near Lake Powell and visit to the Glen Canyon Dam, the second highest concrete-arch dam in America. From here enjoy views of Lake Powell, where crystal blue water laps against red-rock canyon walls. Overnight at the Best Western Lake Powell.

Day 6 Page/Lake Powell to Bryce Canyon
Today you will enter Utah and pass through the town of Kanab before a spectacular tour of Bryce Canyon, with it’s multi-coloured sandstone spires and pinnacles set against the unusually deep blue sky. Enjoy the evening at leisure. Overnight at the Best Western Ruby’s Inn.

Day 7 Bryce Canyon to Las Vegas
Travel today to Zion National Park with it’s massive rock formations carved by wind and the Virgin River. This afternoon experience the contrast of Las Vegas, the “Entertainment Capital of the World,” with it’s shopping, nightly shows, and of course gambling. Overnight at the Circus Circus Hotel & Casino

Day 8 Las Vegas
Enjoy today at leisure in Las Vegas. Experience it’s world-class shopping, bustling casinos, and Broadway-caliber shows, or simply take a stroll along the famous Strip.

Day 9 Las Vegas to Mammoth Lakes**
After the fast pace of Las Vegas, experience the contrast of the quiet, extreme environment of Death Valley. Stop at Zabriskie Point and Furnace Creek Ranch before ascending the Sierra Nevada Mountains to the resort of Mammoth Lakes**. Originally a gold mining town, today the superior skiing terrain and beautiful mountain vistas attracts visitors from near and far. Overnight at the Mammoth Mountain Inn. (*Winter routing differs slightly due to road closures - see brochure for details)

Day 10 Mammoth Lakes** to Yosemite Park
Take the short drive over the Tioga Pass** to the scenic wonderland of Yosemite Park and see the majestic, glacial-shaped granite formations of El Capitan and Half Dome. Overnight in Yosemite Gateway Area at the Vagabond Inn. (*Winter routing differs slightly due to road closures - see brochure for details)

Day 11 Yosemite to San Francisco
This morning you will cross the Oakland Bay Bridge to arrive in San Francisco. Take a sightseeing tour before an afternoon at leisure. This evening you have the opportunity to take a memorable City by Night Tour (additional cost). Overnight at the Holiday Inn Civic Centre.

Day 12 San Francisco
Today day is at leisure in San Francisco. Your escort will be on hand to assist with your plans for the day such as a cable car ride to Fisherman’s Wharf, or shopping around Union Square. You also have the opportunity to take a wine tasting tour to world renowned Napa Valley (additional cost).

Day 13 San Francisco to Pismo Beach/Solvang
Leave San Francisco this morning and drive to the Monterey Peninsula, known for its magnificent homes and beaches. Visit Carmel, with it’s upscale art galleries and stores, then continue south along scenic Route 1 through Big Sur to see some of California’s most stunning coastline. Overnight at Mission Inn Pismo Beach.

Day 14 Pismo Beach/Solvang to Los Angeles
Travel through the Santa Ynez Valley to Santa Barbara and enjoy the Spanish heritage and architecture. Upon arrival in Los Angeles this afternoon, enjoy a sightseeing tour with highlights including Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, and Venice, before reaching your hotel, The Hacienda.

Day 15 Los Angeles
Your tour ends upon check out from your hotel.

 

Price Per Person - 2008	Twin	Single	Triple
05 Apr - 24 Apr '08	£889	£1275	£795
01 May - 28 Aug '08	£829	£1239	£759
04 Sept - 2235 Oct '08	£889	£1275	£795
05 Nov - 26 Mar '08	£829	£1239	£759
Child aged 11 years & under pays £380 when sharing existing bedding with two adults

2008 Departure dates :

April 3, 10*,17, 24*
May 1*, 8*, 15, 22*, 29
June 5*, 12, 19*, 26*
July 3, 10*, 17, 24*, 31
August 7*, 14, 21*, 28*
September 4*, 11, 18, 25*
October 2, 9*, 16, 23*
November 6*, 20*
December 4*, 25

2009 Departure dates :

January 8*, 22*
February 5*, 19*
March 12*, 26*

* Dates marked with an asterisk may have
multi-language commentary, all other dates have English only commentary

Rocky Mountain Frontiers - 16 Days

Day 1 Arrive Denver
Arrive at Denver International Airport and transfer independently to your hotel, the Red Lion Invesco Field where your escort will be available in the lobby.

Day 2 Denver to Cheyenne
Enjoy a short city tour of the “Mile High” city of Denver before beginning the ascent into the Rocky Mountain National Park. Take the Trail Ridge Road, known as the “highway to the sky” as it provides a grand view of the Rockies in all directions. Continue to Cheyenne, the rodeo and railroad capital of the Old West. Overnight at the Best Western Hitching Post.

Day 3 Cheyenne to Deadwood
Depart Cheyenne this morning for a visit to Fort Laramie. Then enter South Dakota and travel to the famous Mt. Rushmore National Memorial, where the faces of four American presidents are carved into the mountain. Overnight in Deadwood, Black Hills at the First Gold Hotel

Day 4 Deadwood to Cody
Return to Wyoming today and see the Big Horn Mountains, which stretch from the plains of Wyoming northward into Montana, en route to the town of Cody. Visit the Buffalo Bill Historic Centre (admission included) and see Old West memorabilia. The evening is at your leisure. Overnight at the Buffalo Bill Village Holiday Inn

Day 5 Cody to Yellowstone National Park
A short drive to the immense Yellowstone National Park where you will enjoy a detailed sightseeing tour of geysers, waterfalls, wildlife and canyons. Highlights include Yellowstone Lake, Old Faithful, Mammoth Hot Springs, Yellowstone Canyon’s majestic falls, and the beautiful Hayden Valley. Overnight at the Days Inn West Yellowstone.

Day 6 Yellowstone to Jackson Hole
This morning’s journey is through the rugged, snow-capped mountains which welcome you to Grand Teton National Park. The “towering Tetons” were formed by a series of earthquakes millions of years ago along a single fault line. Continue to the “Crown Jewel” of the Rocky Mountains, Jackson Hole. Overnight at the Days Inn Jackson Hole

Day 7 Jackson Hole to Salt Lake City
Travel through scenic southern Idaho to Salt Lake City, capital of Utah. See the State Capitol building and visit famed Temple Square and the Tabernacle before arriving at your hotel for the evening, the Best Western Garden Inn.

Day 8 Salt Lake City to Bryce Canyon
Today travel on to spectacular Bryce Canyon, with a spectacular tour through a multi-coloured world of sandstone spires and pinnacles. Enjoy the evening at leisure. Overnight at the Best Western Ruby’s Inn

Day 9 Bryce Canyon to the Grand Canyon
Dramatic rock formations carved by forces of water, wind and time make Zion National Park a must to visit during the morning. Continue to stunning Lake Powell, where blue water laps against towering red rock canyon walls. Lake Powell is the second largest man-made lake in America formed by the damming of the Colorado River. Next you will cross through the Navajo Indian Reservation on the way to the Grand Canyon National Park, stopping at the South Rim to fully experience this mile-deep canyon. Overnight at the Canyon Plaza Quality Inn & Suites

Day 10 Grand Canyon to Las Vegas
Descend the high Coconino Plateau into the Mojave Desert. On the way, pass through Seligman, a town built along the famed Route 66. Onward to Las Vegas, the glittering entertainment capital of the world. Overnight at Circus Circus Hotel & Casino

Day 11 Las Vegas to Mammoth Lakes*
Having enjoyed the fast pace of glamourous 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**. Overnight at Mammoth Mountain Inn. (*Winter routing differs slightly due to road closures - see brochure for details)

Day 12 Mammoth Lakes* to San Francisco
A short drive brings you over the Tioga Pass** high in the Sierras into the scenic wonderland of Yosemite National Park. Within the park, you will see the majestic, glacial-shaped granite formations of El Capitan and Half Dome, which rise from the valley floor. In the afternoon travel to San Francisco, the “City by the Bay.” Overnight at the Holiday Inn Civic Centre. (*Winter routing differs slightly due to road closures - see brochure for details)

Day 13 San Francisco
The whole day is at leisure in San Francisco. Your escort is on hand to assist with making your plans for the day; perhaps a cable car ride to Fisherman’s Wharf, or some shopping around Union Square. You also have the opportunity to take a day tour to Napa Valley, world-renowned for its many wineries and beautiful scenery (optional).

Day 14 San Francisco to Pismo Beach
Depart San Francisco this morning for the drive to the Monterey Peninsula, known for its enclave of magnificent homes and lovely beaches. In Monterey, visit Fisherman’s Wharf and Cannery Row of John Steinbeck fame. Then tour charming Carmel-by-the-Sea, noted for its quaint houses, art galleries and unique stores. In the afternoon continue the drive south on Route 1 passing along the Central California Coastal range with its scenic views, and Paso Robles, home of real cowboys and wineries. Overnight at the Mission Inn Pismo Beach.

Day 14 Pismo Beach to Los Angeles
Enjoy a beautiful drive down the Pacific coast into Santa Barbara know by many as the “American Riviera”, where palm-lined walkways border white sandy beaches. Continue to Ventura and Los Angeles where you will take a city tour which includes visits to Mann’s Chinese Theatre, Sunset Strip, Hollywood and parts of Beverly Hills and Santa Monica. For those not taking the Hawaii extension, your tour comes to an end on arrival a the Marriott Los Angeles Airport. If you are continuing to Hawaii, you will overnight here.

2008 Prices	Twin	Single	Triple
16 May - 25 June	£955	£1299	£839
01 August - 12 September	£999	£1349	£899
*Child aged 11 years & under pays £439 when sharing existing bedding with two adults

2008 Departure dates :

May 16, 30
June 6, 20
July 4, 11, 18, 25
August 1, 15, 29
September 5, 12

Please note that tours may have multi-language commentary