Contrasts of the West

Itinerary 2013

Day 1 - Las Vegas

On arrival in Las Vegas, transfer to your hotel for the first night of your western America escorted tour. In this city that never sleeps, walk down the Las Vegas Strip stopping in one of many hotels for a late night snack and a nightcap.

Accommodation - Bally's

Days 2 & 3 - Las Vegas

Take in the sights of this fabulous city, with its themed hotels, glitzy casinos and glamorous shows. Don't miss the dancing fountains outside the Bellagio and if your are feeling daring why not join our optional Grand Canyon Skywalk excursion?* Take a short flight to the west rim of the Grand Canyon then venture across the glass surface of the Skywalk for a unique view of the canyon 4,00 feet below.

Accommodation - Bally's

Day 4 - Las Vegas to Fresno

Cross the state line into California, stopping at the ghost town of Calico, named after the colour of its surrounding mountains. A booming silver mining town from 1881 to 1896, Calico's mines produced over $13 million in ore. When the price of silver dropped, it became a ghost town, which was restored in 1954. Continue through farmlands to Fresno, just south of Yosemite for an overnight stay.

Accommodation - Best Western Village Inn

Day 5 - Fresno to Sonora

Created by glaciers,  Yosemite is a seven-mile long glacial valley, with waterfalls cascading down the steep cliff walls. We have plenty of time to take in the park's natural beauty and see the sights like Bridal Veil Falls or join an optional tram tour of the valley floor,* before heading for the gold-rush town of Sonora in the afternoon. Enjoy your evening at leisure.

Accommodation - Inns of California.

Day 6 - Sonora to Lake Tahoe

Leave Sonora's gold country behind for the shores of Lake Tahoe, with its watersports and casinos, stopping at the living gold rush era museum of Columbia State Historic Park on the way.
Relax and take in the cool mountain air by the 'Lake in the Sky'. Join us on our optional dinner cruise* where you can enjoy dinner and dancing under the stars.

Accommodation - Quality Inn and Suites.

Day 7 - Lake Tahoe to San Francisco

Set off from Lake Tahoe this morning via California's capital city, Sacramento. We'll stop at Old Sacramento, a National Historic Landmark of museums, attractions, shopping and dining, all themed around the California Gold Rush and Transcontinental Railroad. We'll then drive through Napa and Sonoma Valleys' wine country, before arriving in San Francisco for a three night stay.

Accommodation - Holiday Inn Fisherman's Wharf.

Day 8 & 9 - San Francisco

Spend two days at leisure in this fascinating city. Hike through Redwood parks, stroll along sandy beaches, cycle over Golden Gate Bridge and see crooked Lombard Street. Movie fans should take the ferry to Alcatraz Island, where 'The Rock' was filmed and you can hear tales of famous former inmates Al Capone and the Birdman of Alcatraz.

Accommodation - Holiday Inn Fisherman's Wharf

Day 10 - San Francisco

Make the most of your free morning with last-minute shopping and sightseeing. Then we'll transfer you back to the airport for your flight.