Western Discoverer 2009
Day 1 - Arrive Los Angeles Welcome to Los Angeles! A complimentary transfer is provided to the Trafalgar hotel. Your Tour Director is at the hotel this afternoon to greet you and answer questions. Join us at 6:00pm for a Welcome Reception at the hotel. (Welcome Reception)
Day 2 - Los Angeles - San Diego This morning, we leave Los Angeles and travel south to reach the coastal city of San Diego. On arrival, our sightseeing tour includes Old Town, the Gaslamp Quarter and Balboa Park. The rest of your afternoon is at leisure. This evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. (Full Breakfast / Highlight Dinner)
Day 3 - San Diego — Scottsdale Today's journey takes us east as we travel through the changing desert into Arizona and the cactus-dotted landscape of the foreboding Sonoran Desert. We arrive this afternoon in Scottsdale, a popular desert playground. The balance of the day and evening is at leisure. (Full Breakfast)
Day 4 - Scottsdale — Sedona — Grand Canyon National Park After breakfast we stop to visit the cliff dwellings of Montezuma Castle before arriving in Red Rock Country and the artists' town of Sedona. From here our journey continues as we climb through Oak Creek Canyon and arrive at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon where we spend the night inside the park. (Full Breakfast)
Day 5 - Grand Canyon - Lake Powell - Bryce Canyon National Park Take in the ever changing views of the Grand Canyon as we travel the scenic South Rim into the Navajo Indian Reservation. As we travel into Utah, we see the white shoreline of Lake Powell before reaching the pink and orange spires- called "hoodoos" at Bryce Canyon National Park. (Full Breakfast / Dinner)
Day 6 - Bryce Canyon - Zion National Park - Las Vegas (2 nights) Traveling through the incredible scenery of Southern Utah, crossing Red Canyons and the Checkerboard Mesa, we arrive in the lush valley of Zion National Park. Explore this dramatic landscape of sculptured canyons and soaring cliffs. From here, we travel into Nevada to the neon oasis of Las Vegas. We spend two nights in this man-made wonder, home to world-class casinos, top-rated shows and trendy gourmet restaurants. (Full Breakfast)
Day 7 - Las Vegas at leisure Enjoy a full day at leisure in this exciting city. Maybe relax by the pool, play golf or head to the exclusive shops at the many malls. (Full Breakfast)
Day 8 - Las Vegas - Mammoth Lakes Today's drive takes us through the Mojave Desert and into the eastern slopes of California's Sierra Nevada. We arrive in Mammoth Lakes, a popular ski resort. Your evening is at leisure. (Full Breakfast)
Day 9 - Mammoth Lakes - Yosemite National Park This morning, we drive over the scenic Tioga Pass (weather permitting) into beautiful Yosemite National Park. Here we will see some of the park's most famous sights such as El Capitan, Half Dome and Yosemite Falls. Later we make our way to our hotel. Dinner is served at our hotel tonight. (Full Breakfast / Dinner)
Day 10 - Yosemite — Napa/Sonoma — San Francisco (2) Heading down the slopes of the Sierra Nevada we head for the bucolic landscape of the famous Napa and Sonoma Valleys, home to world renowned wineries. Enjoy the drive along the spectacular Carneros Highway, including a stop at a winery for a guided visit and tasting. We arrive in San Francisco later this afternoon. This evening, join us for dinner at a popular restaurant on Fisherman's Wharf. (Full Breakfast / Highlight Dinner)
Day 11 - San Francisco sightseeing & at leisure This morning we explore the main highlights of San Francisco, including Golden Gate Park, Telegraph Hill, North Beach and Fisherman's Wharf. The afternoon and evening are free for you to explore on your own.(Full Breakfast)
Day 12 - San Francisco — Carmel — Monterey After breakfast, we venture south and visit the historic Mission San Juan Bautista. From here we make our way to Carmel, a retreat frequented by celebrities, writers and artists. Next we travel the stunning coastline of 17 Mile Drive, home to the Lone Cypress and the Pebble Beach Golf Course. In the afternoon, we arrive at the seaside township of Monterey for the night. This evening is at leisure in Monterey. (Full Breakfast)
Day 13 - Monterey — Hearst Castle — Santa Barbara We drive south through California's coastal mountains, as we make our way to San Simeon. Here we tour the decadent Hearst Castle and its amazing treasures before continuing south to Santa Barbara, a beautiful Spanish-style resort on the shores of the Pacific. Tonight, join your fellow travelers for a farewell dinner at the hotel. (Full Breakfast / Dinner)
Day 14 - Santa Barbara — Depart Los Angeles Enjoy an orientation tour of Santa Barbara before heading south to Hollywood. Spot the Hollywood Sign, view the famous Grauman's Chinese Theatre and the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Drive along Sunset Boulevard to Beverly Hills. A complimentary transfer is provided to Los Angeles International Airport and the Trafalgar Airport hotel in Los Angeles for passengers extending their stay.(Full Breakfast)
Please do not schedule flights before 5.00pm
Please note: Weather conditions may cause the Tioga Pass to be closed to traffic (typically mid Oct-end of May). In this case, we overnight on Day 8 in Fresno, at the Four Points by Sheraton Fresno
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