Western Discovery

Tour Information

Western Discovery is our most popular tour of the American west, taking in all the region’s higlights in a 14-night escorted coach tour.

Start with two nights in Los Angeles, with a day trip through Orange County to San Diego, California’s second-largest city. Then set off across the desert to Palm Springs and Phoenix, Arizona’s state capital. Travel through the Sonoran desert, with its huge red rock formations, to arrive at the Grand Canyon. Head onwards through the Navajo Indian Reservation and the Painted Desert to Monument Valley. You’ll get a sense of deja vu as the area’s massive weathered mesas and buttes are instantly recognisable from dozens of classic westerns.

Next it’s onwards to Lake Powell and the Glen Canyon Dam and into Utah to visit the otherworldly vistas of Bryce Canyon and Zion National Parks. Then it’s a complete change of scene for two nights as you stay in Las Vegas on the action-packed Strip, before moving onto the haunting landscape of Death Valley. Climb high into the Sierra Nevadas to stay in the mountain resort of Mammoth Lakes then cross California, with a stop at Yosemite National Park, to arrive in San Francisco. Finally, you’ll drive down the scenic Californian coastline to Los Angeles where this eventful tour of the American west will end.

Day 1

Transatlantic flight from the UK to Los Angeles.
Arrive Los Angeles International Airport and transfer via shuttle bus to the hotel where you will meet your Tour Escort.
Hotel: Hacienda for 2 nights

Day 2

Los Angeles – The O.C. – San Diego – Los Angeles
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.

Day 3

Los Angeles – Palm Springs – Phoenix
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.
Hotel: Holiday Inn

Day 4

Phoenix – Sedona – Grand Canyon National Park
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.
Hotel: Grand Hotel

Day 5

Grand Canyon National Park – Monument Valley–Page/Lake Powell
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.
Hotel: Courtyard by Marriott

Day 6

Page/Lake Powell – Bryce Canyon National Park
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.
Hotel: Ruby’s Inn

Day 7

Bryce Canyon National Park – Zion National Park – Las Vegas
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.
Hotel: Circus Circus for 2 nights

Day 8

Las Vegas
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.

Day 9

Las Vegas – Death Valley – Mammoth Lakes**
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.
Hotel: Mammoth Mountain Inn

Day 10

Mammoth Lakes** – Yosemite National Park
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 Yosemite Gateway Area.
Hotel: Four Points

Day 11

Yosemite Gateway Area – San Francisco
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).
Hotel: Holiday Inn Golden Gateway for 2 nights

Day 12

San Francisco
The whole day is at leisure in San Francisco. Your 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.

Day 13

San Francisco – Monterey/Carmel – Big Sur – Pismo Beach/Solvang
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. Next a highlight of the trip, we continue south along scenic Route 1 through Big Sur to see some of California’s most stunning coastline.
Hotel: Mission Inn

Day 14

Pismo Beach/Solvang – Santa Barbara – Los Angeles
Journey south through the Santa Ynez Valley into Santa Barbara, where palm-lined walkways border white sandy beaches. Stop for lunch here, and 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 Venice, before reaching your hotel.
Hotel: Hacienda

Day 15

Los Angeles. Your tour ends upon check out from your hotel. Transfer to the airport for your overnight flight back to the UK.

Day 16

Arrive at your chosen UK airport in the early afternoon.

What's Included

• 14 nights accommodation in hotels described above or similar standard
• Transportation in deluxe Motorcoach throughout the tour
• Service of a professional Tour Director from day 2 to 15
• Porterage: one bag per person
• Hollywood/Beverly Hills Tour
• San Diego Day Tour
• Palm Springs visit
• Oak Creek Canyon Tour
• Grand Canyon National Park
• Bryce Canyon National Park
• Zion National Park
• Las Vegas
• Death Valley National Park
• Yosemite National Park
• San Francisco City Tour
• Visit Carmel and Monterey
• Scenic Route 1 and Big Sur
• Santa Barbara