Itinerary: Western Discovery Tour/14nts
Day 1: Los Angeles Arrival (Thu)
Arrive Los Angeles International Airport and transfer via shuttle bus to the hotel where you will meet your AmericanTours International escort.
Hacienda Hotel.
Day 2: Los Angeles - San Diego - Los Angeles (Fri)
Motorcoach tour commences. Travel south through San Juan Capistrano and San Clemente to San Diego, the second largest city in California, renowned for its year-round mild weather. Following a city tour, visit picturesque Seaport Village, San Diego"s relaxing bay-front marketplace. Return to Los Angeles in late afternoon. (Tour 0915 "Splendors of the West" starts this evening).
Hacienda Hotel.
Day 3: Los Angeles - Palm Springs - Phoenix (Sat)
Leaving Los Angeles behind we travel towards the rugged San Jacinto Mountains and Palm Springs, a pretty pastiche of swaying palm trees, a lively downtown area and immaculately kept golf courses. We continue across the desert to Arizona"s State Capital, Phoenix. Overnight in the suburb of Scottsdale.
The Carefree Resort.
Day 4: Phoenix - Sedona - Grand Canyon National Park (Sun)
Travel through the Sonoran Desert, the richest, most biologically diverse desert ecosystem in the Americas. Continue to Sedona and see the spectacular red rock scenery. Situated in a unique geological area, Sedona is encircled by distinctive red-rock monoliths with such names as Cathedral and Coffee Pot. Then drive through the breathtaking Oak Creek Canyon before arriving at Grand Canyon National Park. Visit lookout points along the South Rim to fully experience this mile-deep canyon.
Quality Inn & Suites Canyon Plaza.
Day 5: Grand Canyon National Park - Monument Valley-Page/Lake Powell (Mon)
Stop at Desert View this morning and see the Canyon bathed in the early light, truly an unforgettable sight. As you journey further today, you will enter the Navajo Indian Reservation, passing the trading post of Cameron. Continue through the Painted Desert to tour Monument Valley, an area that embodies perhaps the most definitive and iconic images of the American West. Indeed the isolated red mesas and sand swept buttes of Monument Valley have been photographed and filmed countless times for movies and advertisements. Because of this, many visitors often feel an instant familiarity with the landscape, a sense of déjà vu. In the afternoon, we will enter the town of Page, in the Lake Powell Region. Visit the mighty Glen Canyon Dam, the second highest concrete-arch dam in America. From here you"ll enjoy views of stunning Lake Powell, where crystal blue water laps against towering red-rock canyon walls. Overnight in Page.
Best Western at Lake Powell.
Day 6: Page/Lake Powell - Bryce Canyon National Park (Tue)
Enter the Mormon state of Utah this morning. Pass through the town of Kanab before visiting spectacular Bryce Canyon, where a tour through a multi-colored world of sandstone spires and pinnacles will dazzle the eye. Nature"s artistry has created rocks in thousands of shapes, sizes and colors, beautiful in their setting against the unusually deep blue sky.
Enjoy the evening at leisure.
Best Western Ruby"s Inn.
Day 7: Bryce Canyon National Park - Zion National Park - Las Vegas (Wed)
Travel today to Zion National Park and see the massive rock formations carved by wind, time, and the Virgin River. This afternoon experience the contrast of Las Vegas, the dazzling "Entertainment Capital of the World", where round-the-clock shopping, nightly shows, and of course gambling are available.
Circus Circus Hotel.
Day 8: Las Vegas (Thu)
Today is at leisure for you to enjoy the many attractions that Las Vegas has to offer. In addition to world-class shopping, bustling casinos, and Broadway-caliber shows, you might simply stroll the famous Strip to take in its amazing sights.
Circus Circus Hotel.
Day 9: Las Vegas - Death Valley - Mammoth Lakes (Fri)
Having enjoyed the fast pace of glamorous Las Vegas, it will be a sharp contrast this afternoon to enter the quiet and extreme environment of Death Valley. Stop at Zabriskie Point and Furnace Creek Ranch before continuing across the valley and ascending the Sierra Nevada Mountains to the alpine resort town of Mammoth Lakes. The area gained prominence as a gold mining town in the 19th century, but today it"s the superior skiing terrain and staggeringly beautiful mountain vistas that attract visitors from near and far.
Mammoth Mountain Inn.
Day 10: Mammoth Lakes - Yosemite National Park - Fresno (Sat)
A short drive brings you over the Tioga Pass high in the Sierras into the scenic wonderland of Yosemite National Park. Within the park, you will see the majestic, glacial-shaped granite formations of El Capitan and Half Dome, which rise from the valley floor. Overnight in Fresno.
Vagabond Inn.
Day 11: Fresno - San Francisco (Sun)
Depart early this morning, crossing the Oakland Bay Bridge to arrive in San Francisco, one of the most beloved cities in America. Commence a sightseeing tour before an afternoon at leisure. This evening you have the opportunity to take a memorable City by Night Tour (optional).
Holiday Inn Civic Center.
Day 12: San Francisco (Napa Valley) (Mon) (Tour 0915 finishes this morning).
The whole day is at leisure in San Francisco. Your ATI Escort is on hand to assist with making your plans for the day - perhaps a cable car ride to Fisherman"s Wharf, or a stroll and some shopping around Union Square. You also have the option to take a wine tasting tour to Napa Valley, world-renowned for its many wineries and beautiful scenery (optional).
Holiday Inn Civic Center.
Day 13: San Francisco - Monterey/Carmel - Pismo Beach (Tue)
Depart San Francisco this morning for the drive to the Monterey Peninsula, known for its enclave of magnificent homes and lovely beaches. In Monterey, visit Fisherman"s Wharf and famous Cannery Row. Then tour charming Carmel-by-the-Sea, noted for its quaint houses, upscale art galleries and unique stores. In the afternoon, we continue south along the Central California Coastal range to our overnight hotel.
Mission Inn.
Day 14: Pismo Beach - Santa Barbara - Los Angeles (Wed)
Journey south through the Santa Ynez Valley into Santa Barbara, where palm-lined walkways border white sandy beaches. Enjoy the Spanish heritage and architecture. Upon arrival in Los Angeles this afternoon, you will enjoy a comprehensive sightseeing tour through the "City of Angels", including Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, and Downtown, before reaching your hotel.
Hacienda Hotel.
Day 15: Los Angeles (Thu)
Your tour ends upon check out from your hotel.
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