Magnificent West – 8 days

Day 1: LOS ANGELES – SANTA BARBARA – 17 MILE DRIVE – CARMEL

SUMMER ITINERARY: 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 world-famous 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. Overnight: SpringHill Suites by Marriott Oakland Airport WINTER ITINERARY: Depart north up the spectacular California Coast to the first stop in Santa Barbara. We start our tour when we stop at the heart of downtown at “state street promenade” stroll through the exclusive shops and restaurants at this beautiful part of town which is insulated from traffic while enjoying the architectural beauty, sights and sounds in a peaceful setting. Continue to Santa Barbara beaches and Stearns wharf to “walk on the water” and enjoy the beautiful view of the ocean, we finish our visit at the Spanish Mission Santa Barbara and learn how these religious outposts were key in the development of the entire region. From the mission we continue to Solvang, “the Danish capital of America” a quaint Danish community at the heart of California. Enjoy the Danish-style architecture while browse in the local shops and restaurants. After our lunch break, we head north through Silicon Valley before departing to reach our hotel for overnight. Overnight: SpringHill Suites by Marriott Oakland Airport

Day 2: SAN FRANCISCO – BAY CRUISE – GOLDEN GATE BRIDGE – CHINATOWN

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, under the Golden Gate Bridge and around the notorious Alcatraz Island. 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 tour ends with a night view of the city from the Bay Bridge. Overnight: Modesto – Modesto Hotel (In Winter Springhill Suites Oakland Airport)

Day 3: SAN FRANCISCO – YOSEMITE

SUMMER ITINERARY: 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 back to Los Angeles in the evening. WINTER ITINERARY: Start the day with a visit of Monterrey to include the wharf and Cannery Row. What was once a line of sardine factories along the wharf is now a picturesque haven for people to enjoy a leisurely day while exploring its rich history. We continue our tour of the beautiful California Coast with a visit to the town of Carmel-by-the-sea, home to actor/director Clint Eastwood. Enjoy some free time to stroll in town and enjoy the beautiful boutiques and galleries. We head south to the world-famous 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) afternoon drive back to return to Los Angeles.

Day 4: STEVENSON RANCH – LAS VEGAS 

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, Ralph Lauren 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, Luxor, Mirage, Paris, Venetian, Bellagio, 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. Overnight: LINQ Hotel

Day 5: LAS VEGAS – HOOVER DAM

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. Overnight: LINQ Hotel

Day 6: LAS VEGAS – SEDONA 

We start the day travelling 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, and 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 Flagstaff for overnight. Overnight – Country Inn & Suites

Day 7: SEDONA – MONUMENT VALLEY – HORSESHOE BEND

We start the day heading into 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 masterpieces 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 stop for an outdoor BBQ lunch (included) after which we head to the mighty Colorado River, for a visit to “Horseshoe Bend” a spectacular sight unique to this region of the country. In the late afternoon, we arrive to Lake Powell and Page for overnight. Overnight Clarion Inn

Day 8: ANTELOPE CANYON – VALLEY OF FIRE – LAS VEGAS

After breakfast we head into Zion Park. This Park got its name from the Mormon’s that settled in the area. They gave it this name after claiming that visiting the park is like a religious experience, the majesty of the mountains and silence of the wilderness make you feel like you have been transported to another place. Tour the park and enjoy a short walking trail along the Virgin River that runs through the park. 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 the Park for an early evening arrival in Las Vegas