California and America’s Western Wonders
$4,359.00
From $4,359* pp | 13 Days • 17 Meals *Rate is per person, land only, double occupancy.
Experience the best of the American West, including San Francisco, Palm Springs, the Grand Canyon, and Las Vegas.
- Behold the Grand Canyon’s lovely South Rim.
- Spend two nights in energetic Las Vegas.
- Take a guided tour through one of the most exciting and diverse cities, San Francisco.
Journey through the Southwest
This journey takes you through the many wonders of the American West. See the unusual desert terrain of Scottsdale and Phoenix on a city tour. Stand in awe of the stunning Grand Canyon. Behold the famous Vegas Strip and take in its four miles of neon-lit resorts. Get acquainted with Los Angeles on a comprehensive tour led by a local expert featuring the iconic walk of fame in Hollywood. Explore the spectacular city of Santa Barbara, nicknamed the Riviera of the United States. Drive along Monterey’s 17-Mile Drive, one of the most breathtaking coastlines in the world. Join a local expert for a tour of San Francisco and discover its many distinctive neighbourhoods. Explore Yosemite National Park, famous for incredible granite cliffs. Uncover an array of unique, natural and modern wonders only found in the western United States.
Itinerary
Day 1. Scottsdale, Arizona – Tour Begins
Your tour begins in Scottsdale, set in the heart of the Sonoran Desert.
High 37 Low 19 
Courtyard By Marriott Scottsdale
Get to know the region on a tour of Scottsdale and Phoenix. See the unusual desert terrain and learn the unique ways in which the area has been receiving water over the years. From Camelback Mountain to the history of aqueducts and the Saguaro cactus, the area is full of fascinating stories. The afternoon is free to explore on your own.
Breakfast & Dinner 
High 37 Low 19 
Courtyard By Marriott Scottsdale
Day 3. Scottsdale – Sedona – Grand Canyony
Sit back and enjoy the drive from Scottsdale to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. Watch as the diverse terrain reveals itself at every turn. Stop along the way in the stunning town of Sedona where you are surrounded by the most incredible rust-red clay cliffs. Spend some time browsing its artisan shops, a mecca of southwestern jewellery and fashion. Then it’s off to the wonder of the stunning Grand Canyon. No photo can fully capture its beauty. You will have plenty of time to soak up the breathtaking views from several different vantage points.
Breakfast & Dinner High 29 Low 14 Grand Canyon National Park
Day 4. Grand Canyon – Las Vegas, Nevada
Take some time to gaze at the vast Grand Canyon in the morning light before travelling to Nevada. Welcome to exciting Las Vegas! Behold the famous Vegas Strip and take in its four miles of neon-lit resorts and bustling activity. Settle in for a two-night stay in this energetic city.
Breakfast High 34 Low 19 Paris Hotel Las Vegas
Enjoy a full day at leisure. Perhaps you will lounge by the pool sipping cool drinks, experience an amazing one-of-a-kind show, go hiking or try your luck in the casino.
Breakfast High 34 Low 19 Paris Hotel Las Vegas
Day 6. Las Vegas – Anaheim, California
Embark on an amazing journey across the thinly populated desert on your way to Los Angeles. Your drive begins along the fringes of the unusual Mojave National Preserve and continues through the mountainous San Bernardino Valley to the Los Angeles area, your first stop in the fabulous state of California.
Breakfast & Dinner High 28 Low 17 Red Lion
Day 7. Anaheim – Los Angeles – Anaheim
Get acquainted with Los Angeles on a wonderful tour led by a local expert. Make stops at the iconic walk of fame in Hollywood; the TLC (formerly Grauman’s) Chinese Theatre; and the Kodak Theatre, where the Oscars are held. Spend time browsing at The Farmer’s Market. Have time on your own to sample the farm fresh fare and do some shopping. Keep your eyes open for movie stars as they are frequently spotted milling about. The afternoon is free to further explore Hollywood on your own.
Breakfast High 28 Low 17 Red Lion
Day 8. Los Angeles – Santa Barbara
A very short drive takes you to Santa Barbara, nicknamed “The American Riviera.” Boasting a spectacular coastline, Santa Barbara is home to many of the rich and famous. You will hear stories about Santa Barbara’s history and the stars that reside here as you embark on a lovely day filled with local sightseeing.
Breakfast & Dinner High 24 Low 13 Best Western Plus Pepper Tree Inn
Day 9. Santa Barbara – San Simeon – Monterey
Discover the dramatic California scenery as you head up the Big Sur coastline, flanked by the Santa Lucia Mountains and Pacific Ocean…it will surely take your breath away. This afternoon, arrive in San Simeon and visit Hearst Castle, built by newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst. Tour the estate which Hearst simply called “the ranch” and explore some of its 165 rooms and 127 acres of gardens, terraces, pools and walkways. Later today, arrive in Monterey, famous for its breathtaking setting.
Breakfast High 22 Low 12 Best Western Plus Pepper Tree Inn
Day 10. Monterey
Drive along Monterey’s 17-Mile Drive, one of the most breathtaking coastlines in the world. Make a stop in Carmel, known for its natural scenery and rich artistic history. Clint Eastwood and Sonny Bono both held the office of mayor in Carmel. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy Monterey and the lively Cannery Row filled with unique shops and restaurants.
Breakfast & Dinner High 22 Low 12 Portola Hotel Spa At Monterey Bay
Day 11. Monterey – Yosemite – San Francisco
Journey to one of the oldest and most spectacular national parks in the United States, Yosemite. Established as a national park in 1864 by Abraham Lincoln, the park is famous for incredible granite cliffs and is now visited by almost 4 million people per year. Explore the park on a tram ride that takes you along the floor of Yosemite. Look up at the magnificent formations while a local expert gives a narration of the history and geology of this internationally famous park. Later, arrive in San Francisco, one of the most fascinating cities in the world.
Breakfast High 21 Low 13 San Francisco Marriott Union Square
Day 12. San Francisco
After breakfast, a local guide will take you on a sightseeing tour of the city. Hear stories of the city’s past and present as you drive past its famous landmarks including the Twin Peaks, Seal Rocks and the Golden Gate Bridge. Your afternoon is at leisure to explore the shops at either Fisherman’s Wharf or Union Square. Perhaps you’ll take a ride up and down the city’s thrilling hills on a classic cable car.
Breakfas & Dinner High 21 Low 13 San Francisco Marriott Union Square
Day 13. San Francisco – Tour Ends
Your tour comes to a close and we say goodbye.
INCLUSIONS
Accommodation
Meals as per itinerary
Tour guide
Activities as stated
Please note: Accommodation is subject to change.
EXCLUSIONS
Flights
Meals not indicated on the itinerary
Drinks
Optional activities
Visas
Comprehensive travel insurance
Items of a personal nature – laundry, telephone, room service
Tips and gratuities
- California is 18 hours and Arizona and Nevada are 17 hours behind Australian Eastern Standard Time.
- The highest elevation on this tour is 7,000 feet (2,134 meters) above sea level (the Grand Canyon’s South Rim).
- The currency in the United States is the United States Dollar.
- For electricity, the United States uses 120 Volts.
- Why not consider a pre and post tour extension. Start and end your holiday rested.
This tour requires average physical activity. You should be in good health, able to climb stairs and walk reasonable distances, possibly over uneven ground and cobblestoned streets.
March 2017.
Mar 18 – Mar 30. $4,359
April 2017.
Apr 22 – May 4. $4,359