Western Impressions - 15 Days

This two week trip takes in all the highlights of West Coast USA; from the big city sights of Los Angeles, San Francisco and Las Vegas to the stunning coastline of the Big Sur and Highway 1. Then scenery of a different kind with the grandeur and natural presence of the Grand Canyon, Death Valley and the Zion and Bryce Canyons National Parks; man-made Lake Powell and the stunning beauty of Yosemite National Park.

Tour Highlights

- Stay in the Grand Canyon and Bryce Canyon National Parks

- Yosemite National Park

- Spend two nights in San Francisco

- Drive the "Big Sur"

- Live it up in Las Vegas

- Drive through Death Valley

Day 1 Arrive Los Angeles

Arrive into Los Angeles airport, collect your rental car and drive to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to relax or explore. Overnight for two nights at the Sheraton Gateway Los Angeles.

Day 2 Los Angeles

A free day to explore the world-known areas of Los Angeles, from Downtown to glamorous Hollywood with its Walk of the Fame; Beverly Hills and the houses of the stars to Santa Monica, Venice and Malibu, located on the beaches of the Pacific Ocean.

Day 3 Los Angeles to Palm Springs (125 miles)

You leave the boisterous city of L.A. and drive through the San Bernardino National Forest and by Lake Arrowhead to Palm Springs, which stretches in a dry, hot desert valley. This pretty city, also famous for its golf courses, is a favorite weekend destination for wealthy Californians. A gondola ride up Mt. San Jacinto offers great views of the surrounding area. Overnight at the Renaissance Palm Springs

Day 4 Palm Springs to Grand Canyon (406 miles)

Leave Palm Springs behind and head for the Joshua Tree National Park, then on through Kingman and the Indian reservation of the Hualapai Nation to Williams and the Grand Canyon National Park. Perhaps you'll explore the rim, watch the sunset, or take a helicopter flight for a better view. Overnight in Grand Canyon National Park accommodation.

Day 5 Grand Canyon to Lake Powell (150 miles)

Take time this morning to discover the sunrise over the Grand Canyon's South Rim and then leave the canyon behind as you enter Navajo country and the Painted Desert. Take a popular route through sparsely populated Indian Country to Monument Valley, where isolated monoliths of red sandstone tower 1,000 ft. above the valley floor. Arrive in Page, site of massive man-made Lake Powell. The red rocks provide an impressive contrast to the blue water. Boat tours, house boats and water sports provide a lively atmosphere of the lake. Overnight at the Lake Powell Resort and Marina.

Day 6 Lake Powell to Bryce Canyon NP (162 miles)

Head north into Utah this morning and through scenic Kanab to the Bryce Canyon National Park. The park includes some of the Earth's most colorful rocks, which have been sculpted by erosion into pillars and other fantastic forms. A walk at sunset through this fantasy world of sandstone is particularly rewarding. Overnight in National Park accommodation

Day 7 Bryce Canyon NP to Zion National Park (134 miles)

A short drive to Zion NP offers you many hiking possibilities. See its desert terrain and huge sculpted rock formations, a monument of time carved by wind and water which coexist with hanging gardens. The bizarre sandstone formations and especially the view of the "Angels Landing" are breath-taking. Overnight at the Majestic View Lodge, Springdale.

Day 8 Springdale to Las Vegas (125 miles)

Depart this morning for Las Vegas. On the way perhaps take a short detour and visit Nevada's oldest State Park, Valley of Fire. The rough floor and jagged walls of the park contain brilliant formations of eroded sandstone and sand dunes that often appear to be on fire when reflecting the sun's rays. From the fantastic works of nature to the man-made miracle in the desert - welcome to Las Vegas! Explore the opulent hotels with their fantastic shows, enormous casinos and nonstop entertainment. Perhaps you'll take in a show tonight, or try your hand with lady luck at a game of chance. Whatever you do, don't stay up all night as tomorrow's a special drive! Overnight at the Hilton grand Vacations Club

Day 9 Las Vegas, Death Valley NP to Visalia (442 miles)

Leave early this morning before the sun gets too hot for the drive through Death Valley. With the lowest point of the Western Hemisphere at 282ft below sea level and mountains 11,000ft high it is quite an experience. This desert area offers a great variety of landscapes which you should not miss like Zabriskie Point with its impressive views and Badwater. Leaving Death Valley behind head towards the Sequoia National Forest and continue through fertile farmland to Visalia. Overnight at the Holiday Inn.

Day 10 Visalia to Yosemite National Park (146 miles)

Head north this morning through Fresno and across the Californian farmlands to the Yosemite National Park. The 13 km long Yosemite Valley with its steep, high granite rocks, Half Dome and El Capitan, spectacular waterfalls, quiet lakes, rushing streams and picturesque mountain areas is both beautiful and awe-inspiring. Overnight at the Cedar Lodge, El Portal.

Day 11 El Portal to San Francisco (197 miles)

Head west this morning through gold rush country and over the Oakland Bridge to the “City by the Bay”, said by many to be America's most beautiful city. Enjoy the rest of your day exploring on foot or using the cable cars, see Fisherman's Wharf and Union Square, and if you book in advance visit Alcatraz for an experience that you will never forget. Overnight at the Holiday Inn Civic Centre for two nights.

Day 12 San Francisco free day

A full day for sightseeing, shopping or just relaxing. Or will you cross over the Golden Gate Bridge to enjoy the art galleries of Sausalito and advance to the Muir Woods where you find some of the last giant redwood trees; or venture even further afield and spend the day tasting California-grown wines in Napa Valley.

Day 13 San Francisco to Pismo Beach (240 miles)

Head first to historic Monterey with its famous Cannery Row, then take the 17- Mile Drive to Carmel with its mission, art galleries, lovely boutiques and good restaurants. Time then to hit the "Big Sur", the iconic and most famous stretch of Highway 1 and as you are passing by, Hearst Castle at San Simeon is well worth a visit before you get to Pismo Beach, the "Clam Capital of California" . Overnight at the BW Plus Shelter Cove Lodge.

Day 14 Pismo Beach to Los Angeles (176 miles)

Head south through Solvang in the Ynez valley and often called "little Denmark" to Santa Barbara, a beautiful city with a strong Hispanic background. Make a stop and see the Mission, the Court House and State Street with its beautiful boutiques and inviting restaurants. Continue to Los Angeles for your final night at the Sheraton Gateway Hotel.

Day 15 Depart Los Angeles

Check out of your hotel this morning. Return your car to the rental counter by the time you collected it on day 1 and take your onward flight.

Flexible Itinerary: This tour can be amended to fit your exact requirements - just contact us with your preferred routing and we'll do the rest.

Price Includes:

- 14 nights accommodation

- 14 days Intermediate size, fully inclusive car hire

- Comprehensive documentation kit with driving instructions

Not included:

- Flights to / from Los Angeles (we can arrange these for you, please ask us for details)

- Meals

- Parking, tolls, fuel, admission charges

Optional Upgrades

Why not upgrade your car and / or package?

Supplements are per vehicle;

- Full size: £50

- Luxury: £166

- Convertible (2 passengers): £166

- Minivan (7 passengers): £139

- GPS SatNav unit: £87

- Alamo Gold (includes 1 tank of fueland additional driver): £78