Western Discoverer

Visit North America

HIGHLIGHTS:

Hello Los Angeles - Explore Los Angeles - Balboa Park and Sightseeing - Travel Across the Desert - Scottsdale - Admire the Incredible Grand Canyon - Voyage - Las Vegas - Enjoy the Neon Lights of Las Vegas - Travel Through the Mojave Desert - Mammoth Lakes - Explore Yosemite National Park - On - San Francisco - Wander the Iconic Streets of San Francisco - Experience Monterey - Californias Central Coast - Depart Los Angeles

Day 1 Hello Los Angeles.

Welcome to Los Angeles We begin our two-week trip uncovering the must-sees of the American West at our Welcome Reception in your hotel. Meet your Tour Director and fellow travellers this evening for dinner with wine at your hotel.

Day 2 Explore Los Angeles.

Enjoy the icons of LA as you cruise around Beverly Hills, Hollywood, and see the TCL Chinese Theatre, Walk of Fame and the Dolby Theatre. This afternoon Dive Into Culture exploring the vibrant murals of Downtown LA followed by a private workshop with a graffiti artist.

Day 3 Balboa Park and Sightseeing.

Explore San Diego, California's second largest city, with your Travel Director. Travel through the city's historic Gaslamp Quarter and learn about its past, present, and local secrets. Move on to Balboa Park, one of America's most famous urban cultural parks and home to the world-famous San Diego Zoo. Finish up at historic Old Town, the first European settlement in present-day California, with free time for lunch. The afternoon is yours to relax or enjoy an optional experience of touring the USS Midway or taking a San Diego Harbor cruise.

Day 4 Travel Across the Desert to Scottsdale.

Cross large swathes of the desert southwest on your way through California and Arizona. Spot the iconic saguaros as you traverse the great Sonoran Desert stopping in Yuma and Gila Bend en route to the trendy Arizona town of Scottsdale. This evening, the Valley of the Sun shines brightly as you enjoy free time to explore its galleries, boutiques, and chic eateries. Perhaps dine on Southwest cuisine or sip on a cool margarita as the sun sets.

Day 5 Admire the Incredible Grand Canyon.

Explore the iconic red rocks of Sedona, awestruck by the majestic crimson rock formations. Spend the morning ambling through the various shops along the main road or opt for one of our jeep tours into the backcountry. Continue north along Oak Creek Canyon Scenic Drive, one of the Top 5 Most Scenic Drives in America, climbing 4,500 feet from Sedona to the top of the Mogollon Rim where the canyon opens to the foliage of oaks interspersed with evergreen pines, and the incredible backdrop of red-faced rocks and cliffs. Arrive at the UNESCO-listed Grand Canyon National Park where you'll meet your Local Specialist, Canyon Tim, for an informative talk about the origins of the five-million-year-old canyon, its rock formations and impact now.

Day 6 Voyage to Las Vegas.

Early risers, seize the morning on an optional helicopter flight over the heart of the Grand Canyon where incredible views of the south rim, north rim and Colorado River await. This morning, pack your bags and head to buzzy Las Vegas. Stop by Seligman and Kingman, two iconic outposts for a taste of all things Americana, complete with classic motels, kitsch petrol pumps and steaming slices of Apple pie. As if by magic, spot the neon lights of Las Vegas looming in the distance; an entertainment oasis surrounded by dry desert with a reputation almost as big as the fortunes many have made (and lost) there. Choose to join a Sights and Lights Sightseeing Tour or rest up for another big day.

Day 7 Enjoy the Neon Lights of Las Vegas.

Today is all about you. Spend it as you wish and perhaps join one of our many optional experiences in Sin City. Delve into an engineering marvel on the Hoover Dam Tour. View the dam from the newly completed Mike O'Callaghan-Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge, the largest concrete arch bridge in the Western Hemisphere standing 900 feet above the Colorado River and gaze in amazement at the largest dam of its time. Or, go back in time to experience the iconic stars and personalities that helped define the soul of Sin City at "Vegas The Show".

Day 8 Travel Through the Mojave Desert to Mammoth Lakes.

We leave Sin City behind as we head towards the mountains of Mammoth Lakes. To get there, we'll travel through the vast arid landscapes of the Mojave Desert. Keep your eyes peeled for photo ops as we journey through this otherworldly terrain. When we arrive in Mammoth Lakes, you'll have an evening at leisure to enjoy this outdoor adventure playground amidst the rolling peaks of the Sierra Nevada Mountains.

Day 9 Explore Yosemite National Park.

Descend from the Sierra Nevada Mountains through stunning Tioga Pass and enter UNESCO-listed Yosemite National Park. We journey through Yosemite Valley, admiring the natural wonders of Bridalveil Fall, Yosemite Falls, and El Capitan's imposing granite cliffs. Spend the rest of the day learning about the natural history, flora, and fauna of one of the world's oldest national parks. Not just a great valley, but a shrine to human foresight, the strength of granite, the power of glaciers, the persistence of life, and the tranquility of the High Sierra. Yosemite National Park is best known for its waterfalls, but within its nearly 1,200 square miles, you can find deep valleys, grand meadows, ancient giant sequoias, a vast wilderness area and much more. * Please note that the Tioga Pass visit will be subject to weather conditions.*

Day 10 On to San Francisco.

Today we leave California's Central Valley en route to Northern California. Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER Experience in Oakland for a Black Foodie Walking Tour where you'll learn about the rich culinary offerings and growing business scene of the Black community here. Then, it's off to see the Golden Gate Bridge, Embarcadero, and the infamous trolleys. Continue your discovery of the local cuisine or dine on dim-sum joining an optional Chinatown Illuminations Tour in the evening.

Day 11 Wander the Iconic Streets of San Francisco.

San Francisco is your playground today with several optional experiences to choose from. Get acquainted with the must-see sights of the city on a San Francisco Sightseeing Tour led by your Travel Director. Admire the eclectic mix of architecture (Victorian and Modern), culture and cuisines. Stroll through the lively hotspot of Fisherman's Wharf to Union Square, a historical landmark linked to the American Civil War, lined with interesting shops. This afternoon, choose to join a walking tour across the iconic Golden Gate Bridge before making the short drive down to quaint seaside Sausalito for some free time before we take a ferry on the Bay back to San Francisco passing famous Alcatraz Island.

Day 12 Experience Monterey.

Start your day with a Be My Guest experience at Terra Amico Farms. Then, arrive in Monterey. Later, cruise the scenic 17-Mile Drive through Pebble Beach and Pacific Grove passing the Lone Cypress tree.

Day 13 Californias Central Coast.

The morning is yours to do as you please. We'll start with a visit the quaint seaside town of Morro Bay before exploring the rest of California's central coast. This evening, say goodbye to your fellow travellers and enjoy one final three-course dinner together.

Day 14 Depart Los Angeles.

Kick off your final day in the American Riviera of Santa Barbara. Located on a pristine stretch of California's central coastline, Santa Barbara brings together the Golden State's Spanish influence, laid-back vibe, and upscale sensibility in a way few places can. You'll have some time to explore State Street, the Old Mission Santa Barbara, the Museum of Natural History, or the Museum of Art. You'll also have time to get lunch on your own today before we head to Los Angeles International Airport arriving at approximately 3:30 PM.

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