Magnificent West 8D/7N (From Los Angeles)

Depart north up the spectacular California Coast to the first stop in Santa Barbara. Visit a Spanish Mission and learn how these religious outposts were key in the development of the entire region. Continue to Solvang, a quaint Danish community to browse in the local shops. We head north to the worldfamous Route #1 where we get to see the spectacular California coastline up close (small vehicles will travel the southern portion of route 1 while full size coaches will travel the 17-mile drive exclusively). After our visit we visit the town of Carmel home to the actor Clint Eastwood. Enjoy some free time to stroll in town before departing to reach our hotel for overnight.

Today we understand why San Francisco is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. We start our tour at the Fisherman’s Wharf with a cruise in the world-famous bay, On the way to Sausalito we will have great views of both the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island. Next, we return to Pier 39 for a leisurely lunch before an afternoon tour that takes in all the city’s famous landmarks, including the Golden Gate Bridge, Union square, Chinatown, and Nob Hill. Our day ends with a panoramic view of the city from the Bay Bridge as we make our way to the hotel for the evening.

We head east through the farmlands of the Joaquin Valley to Yosemite National Park. This 1,200 square mile wonderland of forests, lakes, and waterfalls is located in the Sierra Nevada. Stop at El Capitan, Bridal-Veil Falls, and Half Dome to continue for a walk from the Yosemite Visitor Center to reach one of the highest waterfalls in North America (730 meters) Yosemite Falls. After a beautiful day in the park we head down to Stevenson Ranch for the evening.

Today’s route is east through the dessert and Death Valley to arrive at the gambling capital of the world: Las Vegas. We stop for lunch at the outlet mall in Barstow, which is filled with all the famous brand names like, Levi’s, Nike, Reebok, Timberland and more. In the evening we take a tour of the strip to see some of the truly amazing hotels and fantasies that are built in the middle of the desert, such as Caesar’s Palace, Mirage, Luxor, Paris, Mandalay Bay, New York New York, Treasure Island and more. Finish off the evening at one of the many shows or try your hand at one of the many casinos’, who knows maybe lady luck will be smiling on you tonight.

After a leisurely breakfast, we leave Las Vegas and make our way to the Hoover Dam, understand how this man-made phenomenon was built and what it did to the area. After our visit, we head back to Las Vegas for a free afternoon to enjoy some of the many and unique attractions or popular shows that the city has to offer.

We start the day traveling across the Mojave Desert, and head up the Colorado Plateau and historic route 66, before arriving to Sedona. Known as the jewel of the desert and considered as one of the most beautiful places in America. Drive the breathtaking scenic Oak Creek Canyon that descends 2000 feet (610 meters) to the valley floor. We stop for photos of the red rocks and surroundings at the Oak Creek Canyon overlook, and the slide rock state park. Enjoy a lunch break in Sedona where you can browse authentic Indian arts and crafts stores together with unique boutiques and galleries. After our break we head out to the surrounding desert to visit the Chapel of the Holy Cross (self-guided visit using local shuttle service), and enjoy panoramic views of the Sedona red rock formations including Bell Rock, Courthouse Butte and Cathedral rock. In the late afternoon we depart the Sedona area to Page for overnight.

We start the day heading into to the mighty Colorado River, for a visit to “Horseshoe Bend” a spectacular sight unique to this region of the country. Next, we head to Monument valley, one of the Iconic symbols of the American West and one of the most majestic and photographed points in the world. Deep in the heart of the Navajo nation lies this majestic park, which consists of sandstone master-pieces that tower from 400 – 1000 feet (up to 300 meters) around these sandstone towers you can find mesas buttes shrubs and trees. Our visit starts with a jeep tour with led by Navajo Indians. The tour will take you down into the valley and you will experience firsthand why the Navajo call this land “like no other place on earth”.

We start the day where “The water runs through the rocks” as per the local Navajo folklore. We tour the lower Antelope Canyon and visit the spectacular dunes created by the wind, water and sand; words are not enough to describe these formations created by Mother Nature. After our tour we depart this amazing area and start making our way back to Las Vegas, along the way we stop for a lunch break and then visit the “Valley of Fire” named for the magnificent red sandstone formations created from shifting sands and dunes during the age of the dinosaurs more than 150 million years ago. Our visit is timed to be able to see the appearance of the valley being on “fire” when reflecting the powerful sun’s rays into the valley (weather permitting). Depart for an early evening arrival in Las Vegas.

Drop off: Las Vegas Luxor Hotel & Casino