Wonders of the Golden West

Itinerary 2013

Day 1 - Los Angeles

We'll meet you on arrival at Los Angeles International airport and transfer you to your hotel for the begining of your western America escorted tour.

Accommodation - Beverly Garland Holiday Inn.

Day 2 - Los Angeles

Begin your stay in tinsel town with our sightseeing tour, taking in Beverly Hills, Sunset Boulevard, the magnificent Hollywood Bowl and the famous Farmers Market at Third and Fairfax, ideal for getting your bearings in this sprawling city. In the afternoon, you can choose to join one of our optional excursions,* such as a tour past movie stars' homes or simply explore the city at your own speed.

Accommodation - Beverly Garland Holiday Inn.

Day 3 - Los Angeles to Scottsdale

Journey through rural America to Scottsdale, a modern city set in the year-round sunshine and oasis greenery of Arizona's Valley of the Sun. Enjoy your evening at leisure or join our optional dinner.*

Accommodation - Hospitality Suite Resort.

Day 4 - Scottsdale to Grand Canyon

Travel through the red Sedona deserts and Oak Creek Canyon, stopping briefly at Bell Rock before arriving at the south rim of the spectacular Grand Canyon. Stay overnight at a lodge in the National Park, just a short walk from the Canyon's south rim where you can watch the sun set.

Accommodation - Grand Canyon National Park Lodges.

Day 5 - Grand Canyon to Las Vegas

Get up early and you could catch the sunrise over the Canyon before we leave canyon country and head for the bright lights of Las Vegas; stopping on the way at the historic town of Seligman, a homage to the glory days of Route 66.

Accommodation - Bally's.

Days 6 & 7 - Las Vegas

With two full days at leisure to explore Las Vegas take some time to stroll along the Vegas 'Strip' and see the unforgettable themed hotels, call in at a casino or join us for something a bit quieter on our optional excursion* to raft through the Black Canyon. Visit the new city centre with its luxury shops or spend some time in Fremont Street taking in the 'Old Las Vegas'.

Accommodation - Bally's.

Day 8 - Las Vegas to Fresno

Cross back over the state line into California and stop off at the ghost town of Calico. Founded on the fortunes of the biggest silver strike in California's history, this place is haunted by the spirit of the Old West. Continue through green farmlands to Fresno, just south of Yosemite, for an overnight stay.

Accommodation - Best Western Village Inn.

Day 9 - Fresno to Sonora

Take in the unforgettable scenery at Yosemite National Park. Forested sloped look out over alpine meadows, sparkling lakes and rushing waterfalls at the valley floor. Soaring granite mountains create the perfect backdrop. Mid-afternoon, we leave for the gold rush town, Sonora. Enjoy your evening at leisure.

Accommodation - Inns of California.

Day 10 - Sonora to Lake Tahoe

Leave Sonora's Victorian houses behind and head to Columbia State Historic Park, a living restored gold rush town, where you have time to visit the museum. We'll continue to Jackson, where you'll have time for lunch and shopping. Then on to the crystal clear water of Lake Tahoe. Breath in the cool mountain air as you stay overnight by the 'Lake in the Sky'.

Accommodation - Quality Inn and Suites.

Day 11 - Lake Tahoe to San Francisco

Set off from Lake Tahoe this morning, travelling via Sacramento, with a stop in California Gold Rush themed Old Sacramento. Be sure to stop by the Candy Barrel and try some of their famous Salt Water Taffy. We'll then drive through Napa and stop for lunch in Sonoma Valley's wine country. Here, you will have time to visit the Mission and the Sonoma Cheese Factory.
Continue to San Francisco for a three night stay, with a photo stop at Golden Gate Bridge. Get to know the 'City by the Bay' on our sightseeing tour, taking you through China Town, Union Square and iconic Lombard Street.

Accommodation - Holiday Inn Fisherman?s Wharf

Days 12 & 13 - San Francisco

Spend two days at leisure in this friendly city. Take in the sights of Chinatown, with its bustling market stalls, relax in a tea room in Japan town and hop on a cable car back to Fisherman's Wharf to check out the latest catch and try clam chowder on lively Pier 39.

Accommodation - Holiday Inn Fisherman's Wharf

Day 14 - San Francisco to Solvang Area

Go south to Monterey, a colourful town with a rich Spanish heritage and setting for Steinbeck's novel, Cannery Row. Your journey is along the spellbinding 17 Mile Drive, which parallels the Pacific, by long beaches and little coves. Stop off at Bird and Seal Rock and the Lone Cypress. Then for shopping and lunch in arty Carmel, where you can put your feet in the Pacific Ocean, before continuing to Lompoc for your overnight stay.

Accommodation - Comfort Inn Lompoc

Day 15 - Solvang Area to Los Angeles

A visit this morning in Scandinavian Solvang, with its windmills and Danish pastry shops, then on to Santa Barbara's busy waterfront and historic Mission. From here, we follow the coast to Los Angeles Airport for your flight.