Splendors of the West

Day 1  Los Angeles    
Arrive in Los Angeles and make your way to your hotel to meet your Tour Director and fellow travellers.            

Day 2  Los Angeles to Phoenix    
Today your journey begins and takes you through Palm Springs, the winter playground for Hollywood royalty, with its lively downtown and immaculately kept golf courses at the base of the rugged San Jacinto Mountains. Later, pass through Indio, home to the International Date Festival in the Coachella Valley before arriving in Phoenix.          
           
Day 3  Phoenix to Grand Canyon National Park        
Travel through the Sonoran Desert, the richest, most biologically diverse desert ecosystem in the Americas. Continue to Sedona, a city situated in a unique geological area and encircled by distinctive red-rock monoliths before driving through the breathtaking Oak Creek Canyon to Grand Canyon National Park, one of the seven great natural wonders of the world. Stop at the rim to fully experience this mile-deep colourful canyon’s plunging gorges, and rising spires formed by the mighty Colorado River.          
           
Day 4  Grand Canyon National Park to Lake Powell            
Today, head to the Navajo Indian Reservation, passing the trading post of Cameron. Continue through the Painted Desert to visit Monument Valley, an area that embodies perhaps the most iconic images of the American West. In the late afternoon, enter the town of Page, situated on a mesa above the Colorado River, and enjoy an evening at leisure.

Day 5 Lake Powell to Bryce Canyon National Park      
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. Enter the Mormon state of Utah, pass through the town of Kanab before visiting spectacular Bryce Canyon, where a tour through a multi-coloured world of sandstone spires and pinnacles will dazzle the eye. This evening, weather permitting, be sure to gaze upon the spectacular night sky filled with sparkling stars and brilliant constellations and take in the aroma of pinewood campfire.  

Day 6  Bryce Canyon to Las Vegas        
Today, travel to Zion National Park and see the massive rock formations carved by wind, time, and the Virgin River. This afternoon, experience the contrast of Las Vegas, the dazzling “Entertainment Capital of the World,” where round-the-clock shopping and nightly shows are available.      
           
Day 7  Las Vegas    
Spend today at leisure and enjoy the many attractions that Las Vegas has to offer. In addition to world-class shopping, bustling casinos, and Broadway-calibre shows, perhaps simply stroll the famous Strip to take in its amazing sights or "shop 'til you drop" at designer outlets.          
           
Day 8  Las Vegas to Mammoth Lakes    
Stop at the iconic Las Vegas welcome sign before journeying to 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. The area gained prominence as the gold mining town in the 19th Century and today is renowned for the superior skiing terrain and staggeringly beautiful mountain vistas.

Day 9  Mammoth Lakes to Yosemite National Park        
Arise with the morning sun and opt for a seasonal scenic gondola ride to the summit of Mammoth. Enjoy a tasty breakfast as you survey a most stunning view of California from its desert floor to its lofty peaks. Journey through the Tioga Pass (weather dependent) into the scenic wonderland of Yosemite National Park and experience the valley floor and its splendours including the glacial-shaped granite formations of El Capitan. Spend the night in nearby Modesto.  
           
Day 10  Yosemite to San Francisco      
This morning, depart early for San Francisco, one of the most beloved cities in America. Enjoy a comprehensive sightseeing tour before arriving at your hotel.    

Day 11  San Francisco            
Make your way to the airport in time for your flight home.