Western Explorer

You will stay at hotels such as the Best Western Carriage Inn in Los Angeles, the Sheraton in San Diego, the Hospitality San Francisco Yosemite National Park Venice Beach Suite Resort in Scottsdale, the Radisson Woodlands Hotel in Flagstaff, the Stratosphere Hotel in Las Vegas, the Swan Court Hotel in Selma and the Radisson Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco. All rooms feature private facilities, air conditioning where appropriate, TV and telephone. There is a restaurant and bar in most locations, and often extra facilities, such as a swimming pool and shop. The Stratosphere Hotel in Las Vegas features its own cabaret, casino, restaurants, bars, shops and its ‘Top of the World’ restaurant 800ft above the Strip. Hotels will be confirmed in your final documents.

Day 1: UK/Los Angeles

Depart on your scheduled flight to Los Angeles. On arrival transfer to your hotel for a two-night stay. Your hotel is ideally situated for visiting the attractions of Hollywood, Beverly Hills and Universal Studios.

Day 2: Los Angeles

Free in Los Angeles, one of America’s most exciting cities; an outrageous amalgam of almost a hundred townships sprawling over 4,000 square miles. It is, of course, the home of the Hollywood movie industry. You can take a morning tour through luxurious Beverly Hills on to the main Los Angeles downtown area and visit the famous Farmers’ Market. Afternoon is at leisure or join an optional visit to Santa Monica and Venice Beach.

Day 3: San Diego

This morning you may join the optional visit to Universal Studios, where movies are brought to life. Visit film sets and enjoy thrilling rides and attractions in this exciting theme park in LA, the entertainment capital of America. This afternoon we drive to the seaport of San Diego, where two nights’ accommodation has been arranged.

Day 4: San Diego

A morning sightseeing tour of San Diego is included. The rest of the day is free to enjoy the splendours of San this vibrant city – a delightful seaport with a marked Spanish influence. You could take a boat trip around the fine natural harbour or visit the zoo, which is one of the finest in the world. Other attractions include Balboa Park, Old San Diego and the renowned Sea World – home of Shamu, the performing killer whale. Alternatively, the Pacific Ocean with its beautiful sandy beaches is close by.

Day 5: Scottsdale

A drive through the spectacular desert countryside, crossing the border at Yuma into the state of Arizona. Continue to the ‘Valley of the Sun’ and Scottsdale, a fashionable resort on the outskirts of Phoenix, where overnight accommodation has been arranged.

Day 6: Flagstaff

Depart Scottsdale to drive northwards into Northern Arizona. First stop is at the fashionable artists’ township of Sedona, beautifully situated against a backdrop of dazzling pink wind-carved outcrops of rock. You will then drive through spectacular Oak Creek Canyon before arriving in the former wild west town of Flagstaff for a two night stay.

Day 7: Grand Canyon

We include a trip to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon today, where you will be able to absorb the majestic beauty of one of the greatest natural wonders of the world. The Colorado River took seven million years to cut this spectacular 14 mile-wide gorge, with a panorama of staggering depths, strange rock forms and brilliant colours that change with the sun. There will be the option to take a scenic flight over the canyon, a unique experience which gives you a close-up view of the unbelievable workings of nature over millions of years.

Day 8: Las Vegas

Depart Flagstaff for the drive westwards to Las Vegas for a two night stay. Join an optional Las Vegas by night tour this evening.

Day 9: Las Vegas

Free in Las Vegas. Set in the vast Nevada Desert, Las Vegas is an oasis of fun and sparkling nightlife. It is renowned the world over for its gambling casinos and spectacular cabaret shows. The famous Strip is a glittering neon wonderland of lavish hotels and casinos offering 24 hoursa- day entertainment. It has to be seen – and experienced – to be believed!

The casinos never close and you will have plenty of opportunity to watch the gambling or perhaps have a go yourself! The evening cabaret shows, featuring world famous stars, are relatively inexpensive and reservations are easy to obtain.

Day 10: Selma

Drive through the Mojave Desert, the arid, hot unforgiving desert where so many early settlers perished. Now, of course, you can enjoy the scenery from the comfort of your air-conditioned coach! You cross the state border back into California for an overnight stop in Selma.

Day 11: Yosemite National Park

Drive north into Yosemite National Park, a captivating 1,200 square mile paradise of waterfalls, trails, lakes, dramatic mountain peaks and the famous half-dome mountain. After a tour of its main attractions, you will leave the park and continue to San Francisco. Accommodation for the next two nights will be at Fisherman’s Wharf.

Day 12: San Francisco

San Francisco, the ‘City by the Bay’, is one of the world’s most beautiful cities. Home of the Golden Gate Bridge, street cable cars and Fisherman’s Wharf, it is a cosmopolitan city with a distinctly European flavour. Our holiday price includes a morning sightseeing tour which will give you an excellent perspective of this quite unique and beautiful city. You will cross the Golden Gate Bridge and also visit Twin Peaks (the view is breathtaking), Golden Gate Park, the Civic Centre, Chinatown and finally, the unique Fisherman’s Wharf. Shopping in San Francisco is excellent. There is a branch of Macy’s that is a whole block in size. And, of course, the famous cable cars are a truly exciting and inexpensive way of exploring the city.

Day 13: San Francisco

Transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK.

Day 14: UK

Arrival in the UK.