Western Explorer

Tour Information

13nt Tour Begins Los Angeles, Ends San Francisco; 2nts Los Angeles; 1nt Lake Havasu, 1nt Grand Canyon; 2nts Lake Powell; 1nt Zion National Park; 2nts Las Vegas; 1nt Fresno; 1nt Yosemite National Park; 2nts San Francisco

Day 1

Fly from the UK – Los Angeles
Arrive in Los Angeles. (Mon.)
Welcome to the Golden State! At 6:30 pm, meet your traveling companions for a welcome drink. Your Tour Director will prepare you for your upcoming adventure.
Overnight Los Angeles Marriott

Day 2

Los Angeles. (Tue.)
Morning sightseeing of this gigantic metropolis takes you from Olvera Street—the oldest thoroughfare in the city—to Hollywood. Take the opportunity to step into the shoeprints of famous movie stars at Grauman’s Chinese Theater, and also see Sunset Strip and Rodeo Drive. Spend an afternoon at leisure on an optional excursion to Universal Studios or historic Hollywood. (B)
Overnight Los Angeles Marriott

Day 3

Los Angeles – Lake Havasu. (Wed.)
Leave the “City of Angels” and travel across the Mohave Desert to Lake Havasu on the Colorado River. This lake is a playground for all sorts of water sports, and is home to the historic London Bridge. (B)
Overnight London Bridge Resort

Day 4

Lake Havasu – Grand Canyon. (Thu.)
Depart from Lake Havasu and travel northeast through desert landscapes to Williams on historic Route 66. Arrive this afternoon at the GRAND CANYON, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. The breathtaking beauty of this famous attraction draws more than 5 million visitors a year from around the globe. This evening, be sure to watch the dramatic sunset. (B,D)
Overnight Grand Canyon Lodges

Day 5

Grand Canyon – Lake Powell. (Fri.)
This morning, enjoy vistas of the Grand Canyon as you drive along the rim before entering the Navajo Reservation. Arrive in Lake Powell, where sparkling blue water laps against towering, red-rock canyon walls and sandy beaches. The majestic beauty of this vast man-made lake can be truly appreciated while on your afternoon CRUISE. See gigantic Glen Canyon Dam and the “tapestry” walls of Antelope Canyon. There’s free time later for a leisurely stroll along Wahweap Marina on the shores of Lake Powell. (B,D)
Overnight Lake Powell Resort

Day 6

Lake Powell. (Sat.)
Today is at leisure. Consider joining the optional float trip on the Colorado River through Glen Canyon. Or perhaps take a flightseeing trip over Lake Powell, including famous Rainbow Bridge and Glen Canyon Dam. As the balance of the day is free, sit back and relax in this magnificent setting, or pursue your favorite activities and interests. (B)
Overnight Lake Powell Resort

Day 7

Lake Powell – Bryce Canyon – Zion National Park. (Sun.)
Leave the splendid views of Lake Powell and head for Utah’s BRYCE CANYON. Drive through the park, with photo stops to capture the magnificent contrasts of bright red, yellow, and pink pillars called “hoodoos.” Years of erosion have carved colorful sandstone into thousands of spires, arches, and mazes for an unforgettable sight. Next, see nearby ZION NATIONAL PARK, a spectacle of massive stone formations whose colors change with the light of the day and the season. To Mormon pioneers, it was a haven of beauty that resembled natural temples and cathedrals, prompting their name for it: “Little Zion.” (B,D)
Overnight Zion Park Inn

Day 8

Zion Canyon – Las Vegas. (Mon.)
Tour Zion Canyon this morning before continuing to Las Vegas for an orientation tour of one of America’s most popular vacation destinations. Your resort hotel is located in the heart of the “Strip” for easy access to the mega-casinos and plentiful restaurants. (B)
Overnight Treasure Island

Day 9

Las Vegas. (Tue.)
A full day on your own to explore the glitz and glamour of Las Vegas. Your Tour Director will have tips and suggestions to make the most of your stay as well as a range of optional excursions, from scenic helicopter flights to elaborate shows. (B)
Overnight Treasure Island

Day 10

Las Vegas – Fresno. (Wed.)
A day of striking contrast as you journey across the desert landscape of Nevada before crossing into California. Overnight in Fresno, located in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley often referred to as the great “Garden of the Sun.” (B,D)
Overnight Ramada University

Day 11

Fresno – Yosemite National Park. (Thu.)
Leave Fresno for YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK. Inside the park you’ll descend to the valley floor for sightseeing of this wonderland of lakes, cascading waterfalls, lush forest, giant granite domes, pinnacles, and mountains. (B,D)
Overnight Yosemite View Lodge

Day 12

Yosemite – Wine Country – San Francisco. (Fri.)
This morning’s journey takes you from California’s mountainous beauty to the gentle slopes of California wine country. Today’s highlight is an unforgettable hilltop picnic lunch and wine tasting under olive trees and grape trellises at VIANSA WINERY. Tonight, why not join us for an optional dinner outing? (B,L)
Overnight Grand Hyatt

Day 13

San Francisco. (Sat.)
Our included sightseeing tour takes in Golden Gate Park, Twin Peaks, Fisherman’s Wharf, and much more. The afternoon is at your leisure. Perhaps visit the Museum of Modern Art, the Asian Art Museum, or the Aquarium of the Bay. Or, discover the hippie-era bookstores and shops in the Haight-Ashbury district, ride San Francisco’s historic cable cars, or visit fascinating Alcatraz Prison. This evening your Tour Director hosts a special farewell dinner. (B,D)
Overnight Grand Hyatt

Day 14

San Francisco. (Sun.)
Your holiday ends this morning. Transfer back to the airport for your return flight. (B)

Day 15

Arrival back to the UK

What's Included

• Return transatlantic scheduled flights
• Professional Tour Director throughout the tour
• Airport transfers
• Superior hotel accommodation in hotels listed or of a similar standard
• Meals as detailed in itinerary

Actvities & Sights included in the price

• Los Angeles: City sightseeing
• Lake Havasu: Orientation tour
• Grand Canyon: Sightseeing
• Lake Powell: Cruise
• Bryce Canyon: Sightseeing
• Zion National Park: Sightseeing
• Las Vegas: Orientation tour
• Yosemite National Park: Sightseeing tour
• Sonoma/Napa Valley: Sonoma winery tasting and luncheon
• San Francisco: Sightseeing; farewell dinner