Explore the American Southwest

On arrival in Las Vegas, make your way on your own from the airport to the hotel. Tonight is your night to explore the hustling streets of Las Vegas! Overnight: Tuscany Suites & Casino, 1 night

Meals:  Nil

Your tour leader will meet you in the hotel lobby at 8am for an orientation meeting before we begin our trip towards Zion National Park. Zion National Park is a breathtaking sanctuary of towering sandstone cliffs, deep canyons, and lush greenery. In the afternoon, we survey Zion by the National Park bus and drive through the famous canyon. Short walks bring us to a few iconic sights within the park. We’ll spend the evening in St. George, Utah, a charming district filled with historic buildings, boutique shops, art galleries, and various eateries. Overnight: Ramada by Wyndham - St George, 1 night Drive time: ~190 mi / 305 km, or 3 hrs

Meals:  B,L

In the morning, we drive back into the park where you will have time to explore the small town of Springdale. Or if you'd prefer to hike, we recommend the Emerald Pools trail within the canyon to experience one of the best canyon hikes available. In the afternoon, we drive two hours to Bryce just in time for a beautiful sunset over the hoodoos. Overnight: Bryce View Lodge, 1 night Drive time: 125 mi / 200 km, or 3 hrs Emerald Pools: 3 mi / 5 km, 2-3 hrs, +/-200 m

Meals:  B,L

For many, Bryce Canyon is the most beautiful of the American national parks. Hiking paths wind through radiant red and pink towers of stone, which contrast beautifully with the blue sky and green pines. We visit the excellent Visitor's Center, and those who wish to can take a horseback tour through Bryce's rock formations (not included, approx. $40-90). Others can hike through the Hoodoo's with the tour leader. In the afternoon we drive over Scenic Byway 12 towards Moab. Overnight: Moab Valley Inn, 2 nights Drive time: 270 mi / 430 km, or 5 hrs Queens Garden and Navajo Loop: 3 mi / 5 km, 3 hrs, +/-200 m

Meals:  B,L

This morning we explore Arches NP on foot where our eyes can feast on 2000 natural stone arches. Short walks will take us to Park Avenue, Balanced Rock, and the Windows. Based on the group's interest, we can make the hike to Delicate Arch. Similarly, as desired we may make time for an optional morning Jeep tour or for rafting on the Colorado River. Overnight: Moab Valley Inn Drive time: 40 mi / 65 km, 1.5 hrs Delicate Arch: 3 mi / 4.8 km, 2-3 hrs, +/-180 m

Meals:  B,L

We leave Moab and head southbound to reach Monument Valley in about three hours. This valley is famous for its Native American culture as well as its stunning scenery. You have the opportunity to take a Jeep tour led by Navajo Indians (not included, approx. $70). Toward evening we drive approximately two hours to the town of Page, by Lake Powell, where we lodge in a centrally located hotel. Overnight: Clarion Inn - Page, 1 night Drive time: 270 mi / 430 km, or 4.5 hrs

Meals:  B,L

Lake Powell was created by the damming of the Colorado River. Everywhere red sandstone walls are reflected in deep blue water offering unforgettable images. In the morning, we recommend a Jeep tour to Antelope or Corkscrew Canyons or hike the classic “Slot Canyon” (not included, approx. $50, pending availability). We also enjoy a walk to Horseshoe Bend, an amazing viewpoint above the Colorado River. A three-hour drive will take us to the next highlight: the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Grand Canyon. We enjoy a walk along the Canyon’s rim at sunset and be sure to have your camera ready! Overnight: The Red Feather Lodge, 2 nights Drive time: 140 mi / 225 km, or 2.5 hrs

Meals:  B,L

We have all day to spend at this amazing sight. We recommend an easy hike along the West Rim to the beautiful Hermit’s Rest overlook. If you are looking for a bit more action, there are some recommended hikes that will take you into the canyon itself. Note that you have to come up as far as you went down so keep that in mind to ensure you have enough food, water and plenty of time. It will take you twice as long to return to the rim as it did for you to descend. For those searching for a little excitement, helicopter tours, bike rentals and an IMAX theater (not included) are available as well. Overnight: The Red Feather Lodge *Note: Hikes in Grand Canyon National Park are self-guided due to permit regulations. Havasupai Gardens via Bright Angel Trail: ~9 mi/14.4 km, 4-5 hrs, +/-940 m Cedar Ridge via South Kaibab: ~3 mi / 5 km, 3-4 hrs, +/-300 m Hike along the rim: up to 8 mi / 13 km, up to 4 hrs, +/-50 m

Meals:  B,L

Buckle up as we have a long travel day ahead, all the way to Los Angeles on the Pacific Coast. We head out along Route 66 and stop for some great photo opportunities. In the late afternoon, we reach our centrally located hotel in the heart of downtown. Overnight: Miyako Hotel - Los Angeles, 2 nights Drive time: 500 mi / 800 km, or 7-8 hrs

Meals:  B,L

We explore the city’s downtown area and Hollywood. First, we walk to the amazing architectural iconic structure – the Walt Disney Concert Hall. A walk along the top of the structure allows for incredible photo opportunities. In Hollywood, we walk along the Walk of Fame and past the Chinese Theater. Those wanting to can spend the afternoon at Universal Studios (not included) and take the subway back to the hotel, or you can spend the afternoon at your leisure. You can even head to the beach in Santa Monica for a change of pace. On some departures, local guides (speaking English) will take the group on the half-day city tour. Overnight: Miyako Hotel - Los Angeles

Meals:  B,L

This morning, we head to the coast for the famous Hwy 1. We make a short stop to marvel at the shopping district of Beverly Hills before we hit the beach and Highway 1 at Malibu. From here, we head north and soon reach Santa Barbara, the city that has the best of both worlds with mountains and ocean at your finger tips. We have time to walk the downtown streets and enjoy a picnic lunch on the beach. We continue north through farmland and past wineries to our hotel located in a town that the locals refer to as SLO. Overnight: Buena Vista Hotel, 1 night Drive time: 200 mi / 320 km, or 3.5 hrs

Meals:  B,L

The most dramatic part of Highway 1 lay ahead of us. The cliff-hugging road is so narrow that large tour buses are not allowed on this stretch of coastline. (In extra rainy periods, it is not uncommon for mudslides to close the road.) We enjoy incredible views of the shoreline and cliffs below us, and there is time to stop and visit the small parks along the way. In late afternoon we reach San Francisco, the final destination on our western US tour. Overnight: Hotel Caza Fisherman's Wharf, 2 nights Drive time: 250 mi / 400 km, or 5 hrs

Meals:  B,L

San Francisco is amongst one of the USA’s most cosmopolitan and atmospheric cities. Located on the bay its suburbs are linked by a series of expansive bridges, one of those being the famous Golden Gate Bridge. Trams run major routes along the foreshore and into the hilly heights in a city where quaint wooden houses contrast sharply with the sophistication of modern skyscrapers. In the morning we explore the city on foot (3-4 hours) and cable car, and explore its hidden wonders as well as all the famous sights, such as Union Square, Chinatown and Fisherman’s Wharf. Last but not least we enjoy amazing views from Coit Tower (entrance fee not included). You will be given a day pass for the cable car allowing you to explore the city in the afternoon on your own. In the afternoon we recommend a harbour cruise on the bay (boat tours are not included, various fees apply), a tour of Alcatraz (recommend booking in advance) or a ferry ride to Sausalito (optional). Overnight: Hotel Caza Fisherman's Wharf City tour: 2-3 mi / 4-7 km, 3-4 hrs, +/-100 m

Meals:  B,L

Departure is at your leisure and the trip concludes upon check out from the hotel before 12 noon. We recommend you spend additional days in this fantastic city. PLEASE NOTE: DUE TO OVERCROWDING IN THE NATIONAL PARKS PARKING IS AT TIMES IMPOSSIBLE TO FIND. IN THIS CASE THE TOUR DIRECTOR MAY DECIDE TO LEAVE THE GROUP AT THE ENTRANCE AND TRY TO FIND PARKING. IN THIS CASE SOME HIKES WOULD BE SELF GUIDED.

Meals:  B