Tour: 8505 - 2012 (8505) - 2012 / 2013

Itinerary

Day 1Los Angeles

Enjoy time at leisure to relax or to do some independent exploring. Your Tour Director is on hand this evening to answer any questions.

Day 2Los Angeles–Palm Springs–Scottsdale

Begin the day with a sightseeing tour of the world’s “Capital of Glamour,” including a drive through Hollywood and famous Grauman’s Chinese Theatre. Stop in the desert oasis of Palm Springs with its distinctive wind farms, 5,000 swimming pools, and 90 golf courses. Ocotillo and cholla cacti dot the desert landscape as you cross the great Colorado River and continue into Arizona, where the unmistakable saguaro stands sentinel. Arrive in the mountain-ringed desert resort of Scottsdale in the late afternoon.

Day 3Scottsdale–Sedona–Grand Canyon–Flagstaff

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 flightseeing excursion for incomparable views of flame-colored walls plunging 6,000 feet into the Colorado River. Overnight in Flagstaff.

Day 4Flagstaff–Las Vegas

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 in one of the only theaters in Las Vegas that recreates the authentic dinner and show that was common with some of the city’s most famous entertainers back in their heyday. Finish the evening with a stop at Glitter Gulch for the “Freemont Street Experience” light show. (Breakfast)

Day 5Las Vegas

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.

Day 6Las Vegas

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

Day 7Las Vegas–Mammoth Lakes

A day of striking contrast 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 Fresno 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 Fresno during these times.

Day 8Mammoth Lakes–Yosemite National Park–Sonora

Cross the high Tioga Pass and enter YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK, a wonderland of spectacular lakes, cascading water-falls, lush forests, giant granite domes, pinnacles, and mountains soaring as much as 1,219 meters (4,000 feet) above the valley floor. On to Sonora, once a thriving center in the Gold Rush era and well known for its collection of Victorian homes.

Day 9Sonora–Sacramento–San Francisco

This morning we visit Sacramento, California’s historic state capital, home to more than 40 art galleries and dozens of museums. There’s 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 hills and cable cars. Our included sightseeing tour takes in the spectacular Golden Gate Bridge and bustling Fisherman’s Wharf. (Continental Breakfast)

Day 10San Francisco–Wine Country Excursion

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.

Day 11San Francisco

This morning, visit the famous and 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 do some more exploring in the “City by the Bay.” Choose from a variety of optional excursions.

Note:
The National Park Service requires we disclose the value of the Alcatraz Prison visit is US$26

Day 12San Francisco -17-Mile Drive-Carmel-Monterey

This morning, visit Fisherman’s Wharf in Monterey, known for its historic waterfront, delicious seafood, and unique shopping. Next, we take the spectacular 17-Mile Drive and 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. During your free time, why not visit Carmel village, where you can relax, unwind, and enjoy the peaceful, European ambience as you stroll through winding streets and explore secluded alleyways and courtyards. This afternoon, return to Monterey and 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.

Day 13Monterey–Solvang–Lompoc

This morning 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 streets and to enjoy the quaint “Old World” architecture. Tasty bakery treats and perhaps a Danish smorgasbord for dinner all add to the unique experience of Solvang. Overnight in the town of Lompoc. (Continental Breakfast)

Day 14Lompoc–Santa Barbara–Los Angeles

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. Follow the Pacific coastline past the fine sandy beaches of Malibu and Santa Monica to Los Angeles. Check into your Los Angeles hotel, the Los Angeles Marriot, for the next two nights.

Day 15Los Angeles

The capital of glamour, which epitomizes the American Dream, is where the fantasy worlds of Hollywood come to life. A full day at leisure with plenty of activities to choose from.

Day 16Los Angeles

The trip ends today with guests departing on individual schedules. Airport transfers are provided to Los Angeles International Airport.