Best of the West - 12 Days

Welcome to the land where it's usually 70F or 21C degrees and sunny, southern California. Arriving today, you'll meet up with your Travel Director to get a glimpse of what's to come on your West Coast USA tour, before getting to know Los Angeles, your home for the next two nights. You'll find plenty of dining and entertainment options in Koreatown, Silver Lake, and Hollywood, all just moments away from your hotel.

Ready to get stars in your eyes? This morning's tour with your Travel Director will show you the all-out glitz and glamour of L.A. Join your fellow travellers and see the wealthy streets of Beverly Hills, drive down the iconic Sunset Boulevard, walk along the stars of the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and see the Dolby Theater, home of the Academy Awards. Afterwards, we take you to beautiful Santa Monica where you'll have the afternoon free to explore your way.

We depart Los Angeles for Phoenix passing through San Gorgonio Wind Farm (one of the windiest places in the US). It features thousands of wind turbines that power the popular Coachella Valley resort towns. Passing through the resort town of Palm Springs, you will then cross the Arizona state line and catch your first glimpse of the Colorado River before entering the 'Valley of the Sun,' a region boasting 300 days of sunshine per year. Your final destination for today is Phoenix. This evening is yours to enjoy at your leisure.

Heading north out of Phoenix, today you will witness the impressive saguaro cactus in their desert habitat. As you make your way to the small town of Sedona you will notice the red rock landscape provides a stunning backdrop for artists and craftsmen alike. As one of America's best small cities for the arts and a haven for New Age enthusiasts, Sedona lives up to its reputation as an artist's hub. On your way from Sedona to Flagstaff, you will pass through the heart of Oak Creek Canyon. Located in the Coconino National Forest, it is one of the most scenic drives in all of Arizona. With red sandstone walls on one side of the road and the lush river gorge canyon on the other, you can expect an incredible panoramic view.

Optional Experiences: (Optional Experiences are enhancements to your tour and can be booked through your Travel Director while on tour).    

Afternoon - Easy on the Asphalt - $126 pp

A "Sedona snapshot" with great photo opportunities! Join us on this informative, relaxing, and breathtaking tour of some of Sedona's most magnificent overlooks and some of the most photographed sites in all of Arizona.

Afternoon - Canyons and Cowboys - $126 pp

Grab your cowboy hat and get ready for a true Wild West adventure with Red Rock Western Guide's scenic tour. Immerse yourself in the breath-taking beauty of majestic canyons and the expansive Dry Creek Basin.

Start today in style with your sights firmly set on one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, the magnificent UNESCO World Heritage-listed Grand Canyon National Park. You'll learn all about the geological formation of the Grand Canyon with your Travel Director, and then it’s up to you to choose how to explore it further. Stop at the Desert View Intertribal Cultural Heritage Site to learn about local Indigenous people on a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Perhaps view the Grand Canyon from above on an optional helicopter tour. Still flying high from an incredible day, you'll finish this evening in the Arizonan escape town of Flagstaff, a laid-back outpost on the historic Route 66.

Optional Experiences: (Optional Experiences are enhancements to your tour and can be booked through your Travel Director while on tour).    

Morning - Fly over the Grand Canyon and Kaibab Plateau - $199 pp

Buckle up for a sky-high adventure over the Grand Canyon's South Rim, where every view is a jaw-dropper. Feel the buzz as you glide over the vast Kaibab National Forest, swoop around the Kaibab Plateau, and cruise past the meeting points of the Colorado and Little Colorado Rivers. Peek down at Imperial Point and zip through the Zuni Corridor, all from the best seat in the house.

Morning - Grand Canyon by Helicopter, South to North Rim - $299 pp

Get ready for a Grand Canyon adventure that'll leave you speechless! Take off on a helicopter ride that covers both the southern and northern rims over 25 minutes. Cruise over the lush Kaibab National Forest before diving into the Dragon Corridor—the Grand Canyon's deepest and widest section. Gaze out of the oversized windows at the epic landscapes, from the vibrant stone walls to the vast Colorado River. Keep your camera at the ready for the ride over to the North Rim, where you'll be up close with iconic rock formations like the Tower of Ra and Vishnu Schist.

Morning - Grand Canyon Ecostar Helicopter Ride - $419 pp

Take off on Papillon’s longest Grand Canyon helicopter tour that'll have you flying high above the canyon for 40 minutes. Dive into the heart of the canyon, dropping over 5,000 feet to where the Little Colorado River snakes its way through. Glide by Imperial Point, a lone, rugged sentinel near the North Rim, feeling close enough to brush the canyon walls. Fly back via the Dragon Corridor, showcasing some of the most stunning views the Grand Canyon has to offer.

Ready to get your kicks on Route 66? Today is the day to do it. This iconic road is a symbol of the American dream and has been immortalised in books and movies for years. Still to this day, Route 66 represents the ultimate American road trip and you'll get to take an unforgettable journey down a stretch of it, stopping by Seligman and Kingman en route to Vegas, two iconic outposts that offer a real taste of all things Americana, complete with classic motels, kitsch petrol pumps and steaming slices of apple pie. Finally, as if by magic, you'll slowly spot the neon lights of Las Vegas looming in the distance. This entertainment oasis is surrounded by dry desert and has a reputation almost as big as the fortune's many have made (and lost) here.

Optional Experiences: (Optional Experiences are enhancements to your tour and can be booked through your Travel Director while on tour).    

Afternoon- High Roller Ferris Wheel - $43 pp

Vegas like you've never seen before – from the top of the High Roller! Bigger than the London Eye and Singapore Flyer, this giant wheel spins you around for 30 minutes of jaw-dropping views. With 28 cosy, glass-enclosed cabins, you'll get a panoramic peek at Las Vegas and the Strip, all while floating 520 feet above the ground. It's a whole new way to see the city lights, making every moment up there an unforgettable one.

Evening - Las Vegas Sights & Lights - $53 pp

Gear up for an unforgettable night in the "City That Never Sleeps!" Get ready to be dazzled by the electric Fremont Street Experience, cruise past quirky wedding chapels, and marvel at the world's most jaw-dropping casino hotels. You'll be making the stops at the wildest casinos and attractions, each one more over-the-top than the last. Brace yourself for a night packed with wow moments and unexpected delights.

With a full day in Sin City, it's entirely up to you how to explore the entertainment capital of the world. The casinos, the all you can eat buffets, the glittering rooftop pools, the biggest names in show business - they're all here for the taking. Or if you're up for it, to help tailor your Vegas experience, we've also got a whole suite of enticing Optional Experiences lined up to help you experience a different side of Las Vegas. Head over to Hoover Dam to stand over 200 metres above the Colorado River to admire Lake Mead, it holds back the biggest man-made reservoir in the United States. Perhaps a singalong at ‘Vegas! The Show' if a show is more your style. However you choose to explore, today will be one to remember.

Optional Experiences: (Optional Experiences are enhancements to your tour and can be booked through your Travel Director while on tour).    

Morning - Death Valley Discovery - $302 pp

Dive into the unique landscape of Death Valley for a day of exploration in this land of contrasts. Below sea level, it's a place where drought and record heat craft an extreme environment. Yet, it's also a place of beauty—snow-capped peaks, wildflower blooms after rare rains, and lush oases offering sanctuary to fish, wildlife, and even us humans. Death Valley, despite its name, is a vibrant testament to nature's resilience and diversity (September - May).

Morning - Red Rock Canyon Classic Pink Jeeps Tour - $122 pp

Hop on a thrilling Tour Trekker and discover the untamed beauty just minutes away from the Las Vegas Strip. As you journey through the impressive landscapes of Red Rock Canyon, marvel at its sheer natural beauty. Along the way, a Local Guide will share all you need to know about how this stunning landmark was formed.

Morning - Hoover Dam Visitor Centre - $54 pp

Hit the road from Vegas to check out the Hoover Dam, a true giant among modern marvels. First up, catch it from the Mike O'Callaghan–Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge – the mightiest concrete arch bridge in the Western Hemisphere. You'll be wowed by this colossal dam that tamed the Colorado River and created Lake Mead, the biggest reservoir made by man in the U.S. With a ticket to the visitor centre, you can see exhibits that spill the secrets of the area's history and how the Hoover Dam came about.

Morning - Grand Celebration Helicopter Tour - $594 pp

The Grand Celebration Helicopter Tour is one of our most popular tours to Grand Canyon West. Catch unbeatable views of Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, ancient volcanoes, the Colorado River, and the Mojave Desert's stunning landscapes. Flying over the West Rim, your chopper dives 3,200 feet down to the canyon's base. There, surrounded by towering cliffs and rock sculptures, you'll touch down on a private plateau by the Colorado River. Enjoy some exploration time on the canyon floor, savour a light picnic, and toast with champagne before your return flight.

Afternoon - Las Vegas Foodie Tour - $156 pp 

Step off the beaten Vegas track and into the heart of the action where downtown's buzzing revival reveals the city's new side. Far from the clang of slots, this area's the go-to for foodies, thanks to its explosive, trendy food scene. Dive into the world of visionary chefs and their farm-fresh, artisan eats, guided by locals who know every secret spot. Get the lowdown on downtown's transformation, its vibrant future, and hidden gems only insiders know. What to Wear: dress appropriately for the day's weather conditions and wear comfortable walking shoes with upscale restaurant attire.

Evening - Vegas!, The Show - $99 pp

Dive into "VEGAS! The Show," the ultimate performance that celebrates the heart and soul of Las Vegas. This journey through time brings the city's legendary stars and stories to life, from the Rat Pack's smooth tunes to the dynamic duos of Sonny & Cher and Elvis Presley's iconic presence. With stunning showgirls, top-notch vocalists, and hits from the biggest names, witness the moments that crowned Vegas as the Entertainment Capital of the World.

Leaving Las Vegas rich in memories, you'll head for the Mojave Desert this morning. As the driest desert in the United States you'd expect nothing more than barren landscape as you drive through, so prepare to be surprised as you pass lots of rare and beautiful flowers and wildlife. Admiring the dramatic Sierra Nevada mountain range and continuing into the San Joaquin Valley, you'll finish up today in the agricultural hub of Selma, CA. Often referred to as the "Raisin Capital of the World" due to its significant role in the raisin industry, Selma was founded in 1880 initially as a railroad town. You'll enjoy dinner on your own tonight where you'll certainly be chatting about what to expect from your exciting visit to Yosemite National Park tomorrow.

Awe-inspiring nature at its finest, Yosemite will challenge all other national parks you've previously visited to stake its claim as the most beautiful. The third oldest national park in the United States and a UNESCO World Heritage site, this patch of heaven is all emerald green valleys, cascading waterfalls, giant sequoia trees, and pine scented forests, framed by the iconic Half Dome and the striking peak of El Capitan. Take your time soaking it all in and exploring the various trails and picnic areas your way before heading on to Modesto, one of the greatest agricultural areas of the nation.

Feeling the ocean breeze moving ever closer you'll head back to the California coast today, crossing the Bay Bridge into one of the West Coast's best loved cities, San Francisco. A historical hub for progressive thinkers and creatives, San Fran's famously hilly landscape will instantly win you over as you spot the old-fashioned cable cars slowly rising and falling on the horizon. Explore the ‘City by the Bay' on a sightseeing tour that visits Fisherman's Wharf, the Palace of Fine Arts, the lush Presidio area and Italian influenced North Beach. This evening you could opt to join our Chinatown walking tour, exploring the markets, dim sum joints and herb shops of America's oldest Chinatown before dining family style at a decadent Chinese feast.

Optional Experiences: (Optional Experiences are enhancements to your tour and can be booked through your Travel Director while on tour).    

Afternoon - San Francisco by Night Guided Chinatown Walking Tour, Chinatown Dinner and City Illuminations Tour - $85 pp

Explore the vibrant heart of San Francisco's historic Chinese community, visiting bustling markets, traditional herb shops and a fortune cookie factory, weather permitting. Then, embark on a City Illuminations Tour aboard your motorcoach, witnessing the city's nightlife come alive. Marvel at North Beach's lively atmosphere, the Embarcadero's waterfront charm, Fisherman’s Wharf’s buzzing energy, Telegraph Hill, Coit Tower, the Broadway Strip, and the historic Ferry Building, all under the city's neon glow. The journey continues across the Oakland Bay Bridge to Treasure Island, where a breath-taking night panorama of San Francisco awaits, sparkling against the night.  

You'll head off this morning to a San Fran institution, Boudin Bakery, who have been producing their very special ‘Mother Dough' since 1849. With breakfast sorted, the rest of the day is then free for you to explore your way. If it's city icons you're after, why not join your fellow travellers for a walk along the Golden Gate Bridge, followed by a visit to the pretty seaside community of Sausalito. Alternatively, take a cruise around the bay, taking in Alcatraz Island en route, or venture out to Muir Woods to admire the towering, ancient redwood trees that grow here. However you choose to explore, you'll be sure to make the last day of your USA value tour an extra special one.

Optional Experiences: (Optional Experiences are enhancements to your tour and can be booked through your Travel Director while on tour).    

Morning - Muir Woods Tour of California Coastal Redwoods - $96 pp

Cross the iconic Golden Gate Bridge to discover a secluded canyon cradling ancient coastal redwoods at Muir Woods National Monument. Stroll among ancient giants reaching up to 260 feet high in the calm, foggy environment of Northern California. Wander through quiet paths under a vast canopy that awakens your senses, linking you to the ancient heritage of California. Your visit concludes with a scenic drive through Sausalito, a Mediterranean-esque enclave known for its panoramic views, refined charm, and inviting boutiques and cafes.

Morning - San Francisco Bay Cruise - $39 pp

Embark on a captivating 60-minute Bay Cruise Adventure, offering unparalleled photo ops from every angle. Glide past the iconic Pier 39 sea lions and journey along San Francisco's historic waterfront, showcasing the city's mesmerizing skyline. With both cozy indoor and scenic outdoor seating, this San Francisco Bay Cruise tour is fully narrated, bringing to life the stories behind major landmarks as they appear on the horizon. Sail under the Golden Gate Bridge, circle the enigmatic Alcatraz Island, and cruise by Angel Island State Park, all from the comfort of your seat. No reserved seating available.

Afternoon - Golden Gate Bridge Walk and Sausalito - $50 pp

Stroll the 1.7-mile expanse of the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, marveling at the engineering feats that brought this San Francisco symbol to life. Learn about the dedicated individuals behind its construction. Continue to the charming seaside town of Sausalito, where leisure awaits among quaint shops and waterfront dining. Your journey culminates with a scenic ferry cruise across the bay, offering unforgettable views of Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge itself.

Afternoon - Golden Gate Bridge Bike Tour - $135 pp 

Ride with our guides along San Francisco's stunning waterfront, across the Golden Gate Bridge and into Sausalito, and take the ferry back. This beginner-friendly bicycle tour is perfect for anyone seeking an up-close & personal look at our most famous landmark. Experience the stunning waterfront as you pedal across the Bridge, learning about its history, and enjoy the famously wonderful weather of Sausalito.

Evening - Dinner on Fisherman's Wharf - $98 pp

In 1978, Italian immigrant Louis introduced his iconic establishment, Swiss Louis, on Pier 39 near Fisherman’s Wharf, enchanting diners with a cozy, casually elegant ambiance. Today, Swiss Louis Restaurant honors its heritage under the stewardship of another Italian native, who joined the team nearly 40 years ago, upholding the tradition of crafting the finest Italian cuisine alongside the freshest seafood. Delight in a sumptuous 3-course dinner, marking a memorable first night in San Francisco.

Evening - California Sunset Cruise - $58 pp

You'll cruise slowly past Alcatraz, Angel Island and the Marin Headlands, then head directly for the bridge as the sun dips into the Pacific. On the way back up the waterfront the city skyline comes alive as day turns to night. Your photos will be amazing. Be sure to dress warmly to soak in the views from the outside decks. The Sunset Cruise is a casual, relaxed affair, so feel free to come as you are, whether you're rocking sneakers and jeans or your favourite dressier attire. Our full cash bar is stocked with a wide variety of beer, wine and cocktails, and our snack bar features light bites to purchase. And, if you want to bring your own food, you're more than welcome to grab a delicious meal from one of the many nearby restaurants in Fisherman's Wharf.

With fond memories of sunny Los Angeles, fun loving Vegas and peaceful Yosemite still fresh in your mind, today your adventure through the Golden West will come to an end. You've tasted, trekked and maybe even taken a helicopter ride over these lands, and we hope you've made a bunch of incredible memories along the way. Not ready to go home just yet? Why not extend your stay in San Francisco a little longer, and pay those cheeky Sea Lions down at Fisherman's Wharf an overdue visit. Departure will be at leisure.