| DAY 1 |
|
MONDAY
NEW YORK CITY - NIAGARA FALLS
(372 M / 595 KM) |
Discover the beautiful and varied scenery of "the other New
York" on a leisurely drive through the legendary Catskill
Mountains. Stop in Corning, where our visit includes the
famous Corning Museum of Glass and Steuben Glass Factory.
Early evening arrival at Niagara Falls.
| DAY 2 |
|
TUESDAY
NIAGARA FALLS - TORONTO - NIAGARA FALLS
(212 M / 339 KM) |
This morning depart for Toronto, where our orientation highlights
this modern city with glass skyscrapers, the Skydome
and City Hall. Free time to visit the acclaimed Eaton Centre.
Then return to Niagara to experience the exhilarating Maid of
the Mist cruise to the foot of Niagara's Horseshoe Falls (in
winter months, explore the Scenic Tunnels behind the Falls
instead). This evening, enjoy an optional dinner with a
panoramic view of the falls beneath the evening sky.
| DAY 3 |
|
WEDNESDAY
NIAGARA FALLS - WASHINGTON, D.C.
(432 M / 691 KM) |
Early morning departure through Pennsylvania en route to
Washington, DC. Time permitting, a stop will be made at an
Amish market. The Amish preserve the elements of late 17thcentury
European rural culture. Arrive in Washington, D.C.,
the nation's capital, in the early evening.
| DAY 4 |
|
THURSDAY
WASHINGTON, D.C. |
Our morning panoramic sightseeing tour is devoted to the
landmarks and monuments of this great city: the White
House, the Washington Monument, Arlington Cemetery, the
Supreme Court and the Capitol. Afternoon is free to explore
one of the Smithsonian museums, such as the National Air
and Space Museum.
| DAY 5 |
|
FRIDAY
WASHINGTON, D.C. – LOS ANGELES |
Transfer from your hotel for your flight to Los Angeles (flight
is not included in the tour price.) Upon arrival in Los Angeles,
transfer from the airport to your hotel via the hotel’s shuttle.
| DAY 6 |
|
SATURDAY
LOS ANGELES |
Welcome to Los Angeles, capital of the film and television
industry; a booming cultural mecca with over 300 museums
and perpetual pleasant weather! Free day to relax at your
hotel or explore the city on your own.
| DAY 7 |
|
SUNDAY
LOS ANGELES - PHOENIX / SCOTTSDALE
(400 M / 644 KM) |
Board your motorcoach in Los Angeles, settle back and enjoy
the scenery while traveling through the Mojave Desert across
the majestic Colorado River into Arizona. Discover the unique
charm of our desert oasis: Phoenix/Scottsdale, a blend of
southwestern architecture and magnificent saguaro cactus.
This is your introduction to the American West!
| DAY 8 |
|
MONDAY
PHOENIX / SCOTTSDALE – SEDONA -
GRAND CANYON (237 M / 381 KM) |
Morning departure through the garden desert of Arizona,
visiting Montezuma's Castle, the ancient Indian cliff dwellings
of the Sinaguas tribe. The journey continues to the lovely city
of Sedona and then through Oak Creek Canyon. The area,
known for its spectacular landscapes, has been the setting of
many movies. The day ends with a visit of the Grand Canyon,
one of the seven natural wonders of the world.
| DAY 9 |
|
TUESDAY
GRAND CANYON - MONUMENT VALLEY -
PAGE / LAKE POWELL – KANAB (380 M / 612 KM) |
This morning continue along the south rim of the Grand
Canyon to the Painted Desert and Monument Valley, land of
the Navajo Indian. The valley’s unforgettable landscapes
include mesas, buttes and rock spires. After Monument
Valley, continue along to Page and Lake Powell, one of the
largest man-made lakes. Later in the afternoon, cross the
Colorado River and travel on to your final destination: Kanab,
known as Utah’s “Little Hollywood”.
|
| DAY 10 |
|
WEDNESDAY
KANAB - BRYCE CANYON - ZION - LAS VEGAS
(323 M / 519 KM) |
Early morning departure for the visit of yet another spectacular national park:
Bryce Canyon. The canyon has a symphony of colors and shapes that will leave
you breathless. Continue on to Zion National Park, a popular destination with
rock climbers for its unique landscapes and majestic plateaus. The wonders
continue at our final destination Las Vegas, the city of lights and entertainment.
| DAY 11 |
|
THURSDAY
LAS VEGAS |
Enjoy a day of leisure in Las Vegas. You have the choice to visit some of the
spectacular hotels, take one of the many optional excursions offered, or simply
relax by the pool. Las Vegas has something for everyone and you have the
whole day to explore this world famous city.
| DAY 12 |
|
FRIDAY
LAS VEGAS – YOSEMITE (477 M /
768 KM) |
Today you will journey via the Mojave Desert and through the dusty, picturesque
town of Bakersfield. A scenic ride follows through the San Joaquin Valley’s traditional
towns like Fresno, Merced and the Yosemite gateway town of Mariposa
before your arrival at Yosemite National Park, the second national park in the
nation and the most popular natural tourist destination for California.
Enjoy the highlights of the park including Yosemite Valley, and its high cliffs and
waterfalls; The Yosemite Museum and Gallery, Wawona's history center and historic hotel;
the Mariposa Grove,
which contains hundreds of ancient giant sequoias; and Inspiration
Point, a spectacular view of Yosemite Valley and the high country;
The park is also known
for its wildlife: mule deer, coyotes, chipmunks, blue jays and
occasionally even bears.
.
| DAY 14 |
|
SUNDAY
YOSEMITE / MARIPOSA - SAN FRANCISCO (166 M /
268 KM) |
Leaving Mariposa you will travel through the area of the
foothills of the
Sierra Nevada mountains, California’s gold country, on the way to
“The
City by the Bay”. Upon arrival, city sightseeing of one of the most
beautiful
cities in America: Union Square, Chinatown, Golden Gate Park and
Fisherman’s Wharf with a view of infamous Alcatraz island across the
bay.
| DAY 15 |
|
MONDAY
SAN FRANCISCO |
Day at leisure to enjoy San Francisco with its beautiful views,
famous
cable cars, parks and museums. You have the possibility of an
optional tour to the quaint village of Sausalito in the morning.
| DAY 16 |
|
TUESDAY
SAN FRANCISCO - MONTEREY / CARMEL – SANTA MARIA
AREA
(305 M/ 490 KM) |
Leave San Francisco and travel to Monterey, California’s fi rst
capital. After
a stop in this beautiful seaside town, travel along stunning 17-Mile
Drive
known for its exclusive golf courses, beautiful views and
distinctive fauna.
After seeing the beauty of the 17-Mile Drive, visit the quaint and
charming
village of Carmel. Continue southward to the Santa Maria area.
| DAY 17 |
|
WEDNESDAY
SANTA MARIA AREA - LOS ANGELES (159 M / 255 KM) |
En route to Los Angeles you will have a chance to explore Santa Barbara, often
referred to as the pearl of the “American Riviera”. The city is known for its
Spanish Colonial style architecture, lush vegetation and laid back lifestyle. We
return to Los Angeles in the afternoon.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
During the summer months, some itineraries
may operate as follows:
Day 12: Las Vegas - Mammoth Mountain
Day 13: Mammoth Mountain - Yosemite area
|