Golden West Adventure Tour

Upon arrival, you will be greeted by our local representative and transferred to your hotel. Enjoy time at leisure to relax or to do some independent exploring. Your Tour Director is on hand this evening to answer any questions.

Begin the day with a sightseeing tour of the world’s “Capital of Glamour,” including a drive through Hollywood and the famous TCL Chinese Theatre. The remainder of your day is at leisure, and your Tour Director will have suggestions for your further exploration of the city. Perhaps visit Hollywood again and the Hollywood History Museum, located in the old Max Factor Building. Stroll down Olvera Street, the heart of the original Spanish Mission, or visit the Getty Center with its wonderful art collection. For the evening, plenty of suggestions for dining and shopping will be available.

Stop in the desert oasis of Palm Springs with its distinctive wind farms, 5,000 swimming pools, and 90 golf courses! Afterward, we make our way to Scottsdale, where the evening has been set aside for independent time.

Your first stop is Sedona, a thriving center for New Age arts set in canyon country. Next, we pass through the weather-sculptured rock formations of stunning Oak Creek Canyon and up onto the Mogollon Rim, passing the San Francisco Peaks and arriving at one of the Natural Wonders of the World—the Grand Canyon. There is time to stroll the canyon rim. For a once-in-a lifetime experience, take our optional helicopter flights eeing excursion for incomparable views of flame-colored walls plunging 6,000 feet into the Colorado River. Overnight in Flagstaff.

Leave the mountain town of Flagstaff on historic Route 66 and cross the old Mojave gold-strike country, which still bears traces of century-old ghost towns set in natural desert beauty. By late afternoon, reach Las Vegas, a fantastic city of feverish gambling, neon lights, and glamorous shows. This evening, enjoy our optional outing to relive the revelry and timeless music of the Rat Pack. Finish the evening with a stop at Glitter Gulch for the “Fremont Street Experience” light show.

The morning and afternoon are free for you to swim and sunbathe at the hotel pool or explore the varied casinos. Try an optional river float trip through the Black Canyon.

Another full day at leisure. Your Tour Director will have plenty of activities to choose from and will recommend favorite restaurants and shopping areas.

A day of striking contrasts as you journey across the desert landscape of Nevada before crossing into California and ascending into the snowcapped Sierra Nevadas. Overnight in Mammoth, a popular alpine resort area surrounded by beauty and majesty—and within easy reach of Yosemite National Park. NOTE: Tioga Pass is typically closed from November to the end of May due to snow. When Tioga Pass is closed, this tour is rerouted to overnight in Tulare instead of Mammoth Lakes. Departures from the end of May through mid-October are expected to overnight in Mammoth Lakes;however, weather may affect the routing of tours to Tulare during these times.

Cross high Tioga Pass and enter YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK, a wonderland of spectacular lakes, cascading waterfalls, lush forests, giant granite domes, pinnacles, and mountains soaring as high as 4,000 feet above the valley floor. Afterward, drive to Modesto.

This morning we visit Sacramento, California’s historic state capital. Time to visit historic Old Town, the nation’s largest collection of Gold Rush-era buildings. We continue west to the “Golden Gate City” of San Francisco, famous for its cable cars. Our included sightseeing tour takes in the spectacular Golden Gate Bridge.

This morning, cross the famous Golden Gate Bridge to Wine Country for a guided tour and WINE TASTING at one of the many wineries. Next up: Sonoma, a picturesque valley known for its wine grapes. Afterward, visit the pristine waterfront community of Sausalito. Free time to explore this quaint, Mediterranean-style village’s shops, galleries, and breathtaking views.

This morning, visit fascinating ALCATRAZ PRISON. Get a close-up look at the infamous federal penitentiary that was off limits to the public for years. Afterward, the day is yours to explore the “City by the Bay.” Choose from a variety of optional excursions. NOTE: The National Park Service requires we disclose that the value of the Alcatraz Prison visit is US$30.

This morning, visit Fisherman’s Wharf in Monterey, known for its historic waterfront, delicious seafood, and unique shopping. Then, visit Cannery Row, made famous by John Steinbeck’s novel. During your free time this afternoon, consider a visit to Monterey Bay Aquarium, known for its interactive exhibits and teeming sea life.

Today takes in spectacular 17-Mile Drive. Watch the waves of the Pacific Ocean en route to Carmel. Situated on Carmel Bay and nestled in a pine forest, the one-square-mile village of Carmel is incredibly dynamic, yet still quaint and picturesque. Afterward, we pick up the Old Spanish Mission Trail to Solvang, where Denmark has been recreated with picturesque buildings and windmills. There’s time to walk the flower-lined village streets and enjoy the quaint “Old World” architecture. Tasty bakery treats and perhaps a Danish smorgasbord for dinner all add to the unique experience of Solvang.

From Solvang, it’s a short drive south to coastal Santa Barbara. Sightseeing includes a photo stop at the historic mission and a visit to the pier. Once the original Hollywood in the glamorous ‘20s, this is still a favorite to movie producers and home to numerous celebrities. There’s time to wander along the bustling waterfront or do some shopping in some of the most talked about boutiques in downtown Santa Barbara. Next, we make our way to the Santa Monica Pier and the ultimate Southern California beach. Afterward, return to Los Angeles.

The trip ends today with guests departing on individual schedules. Transfers to Los Angeles International Airport are included. You can extend your vacation with extra nights and explore Los Angeles further with a variety of exciting optional activities.