| DAY 1 |
|
TUESDAY OR SATURDAY
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 2 |
|
WEDNESDAY OR SUNDAY
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 3 |
|
THURSDAY OR MONDAY
GRAND CANYON – MONUMENT VALLEY –
CANYONLANDS – MOAB (322 M / 515 KM) |
Morning departure along the south rim of the Grand Canyon into the
Painted Desert. Your trip continues on to spectacular Monument
Valley, home of the Navajo Indian, an enchanted land of buttes
and spires. On the way to Moab you will have the opportunity
to catch a glimpse of another wonderful national park in
southern Utah: Canyonlands. Its rugged beauty is only a prelude to
your next day’s journey.
| DAY 4 |
|
FRIDAY OR TUESDAY
MOAB – ARCHES – FLAMING GORGE –
ROCK SPRINGS (290 M / 462 KM) |
Continue your tour with yet another magnificent national park:
Arches, a symphony of colors and shapes, created by the forces of
nature. True to its name, Flaming Gorge will enchant you with
unforgettable sights. You will reach Rock Springs in the afternoon.
| DAY 5 |
|
SATURDAY OR WEDNESDAY
ROCK SPRINGS – GRAND TETON – JACKSON HOLE
(239 M / 382 KM) |
Early morning departure for the visit of Grand Teton National Park,
with its jagged granite peaks reflecting into a myriad of alpine lakes.
Its lush forests are home to antelope, mule deer, chipmunks and
colorful blue jays. You continue to picturesque Jackson Hole,
Wyoming, the town that epitomizes the true Wild West.
| DAY
6 |
|
SUNDAY OR THURSDAY
JACKSON HOLE – YELLOWSTONE
(107 M / 172 KM) |
Enjoy a day of discovery in America’s first national park: Yellowstone.
The park has many special features such as Geysers, mud volcanoes,
bald eagles, and herds of bison roaming freely on the prairies. You
have a whole day to explore this natural wonder. With some luck you
might even catch a glimpse of a bear!
| DAY 7 |
|
MONDAY OR FRIDAY
YELLOWSTONE – SALT LAKE CITY
(323 M / 517 KM) |
Travel south to Utah’s state Capital, Salt Lake City, host of the 2004
Winter Olympic Games. Visit Temple Square, the Mormon
Tabernacle and the State Capitol before your arrival at the hotel.
| DAY 8 |
|
TUESDAY OR SATURDAY
SALT LAKE CITY – BRYCE (284 M / 454 KM)
|
Depart Salt Lake City for Bryce Canyon. Spend some time enjoying
the unforgettable landscape: an intricate design of sandstone pinnacles
and grottos. This park has a stunning array of colors and shapes
that even the most talented artist would have difficulties capturing.
|
| DAY 9 |
|
WEDNESDAY OR SUNDAY
BRYCE – ZION – LAS VEGAS (238 M / 381 KM)
|
Morning sightseeing of another impressive national park: Zion. The
park’s plateaus and stunning landscapes will leave you breathless.
The park is a popular attraction for rock climbers. Continue along
the Virgin River to the Mojave Desert and the state of Nevada. In
the afternoon, arrive in Las Vegas, the city of lights.
| DAY 10 |
|
THURSDAY OR MONDAY
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 11 |
|
FRIDAY OR TUESDAY
LAS VEGAS – YOSEMITE AREA (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.
| DAY 12 |
|
SATURDAY OR WEDNESDAY
YOSEMITE |
Enjoy the highlights of the park including Yosemite Valley, and its high cliffs
and waterfalls; the Yosemite Museum and Gallery, Wawona's historic
hotel;
a spectacular view of Yosemite
Valley and the high country; Mariposa Grove
and its giant sequoias and Inspiration Point. The park is also known
for its wildlife:
mule deer, coyotes, chipmunks, blue jays and occasionally even
bears.
| DAY 13 |
|
SUNDAY OR THURSDAY
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 "The City by
the Bay".
Upon arrival, city sightseeing of the one of the most beautiful
cities in America:
Union Square, Chinatown, Golden Gate Park and Fisherman's Wharf with
view
of infamous Alcatraz island across the bay.
| DAY 14 |
|
MONDAY OR FRIDAY
SAN FRANCISCO |
Day at leisure to enjoy San Francisco wit 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 15 |
|
TUESDAY OR SATURDAY
SAN FRANCISCO - MONTEREY / CARMEL –
SANTA MARIA (292 M/ 467 KM) |
Leave San Francisco and travel to Monterey, California’s first 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 Santa Maria in the
heart of California.
| DAY 16 |
|
WEDNESDAY OR SUNDAY
SANTA MARIA AREA- LOS ANGELES (169 M / 270 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 11: Las Vegas - Mammoth Mountain
Day 12: Mammoth Mountain - Yosemite area
|
