West Coast Tour: 8 Days

West Coast Tour: 8 Days

Day 1: Los Angeles - Santa Barbara - 17 Mile Drive - Carmel

We'll meet at the Farmers Market Starbucks Coffee Shop in Los Angeles at 6:30 am to begin our trip along the West Coast. The tour will depart the City of Angels and head north along the stunning  California coast.

Our first stop will be Santa Barbara, where we'll visit the site of a Spanish mission and find out why they were so important for the region's development. Following on, we'll go to the Solvang, a charming Danish village and wander around its local shops. The tour will then continue north on the 17 Mile Walk (part of Route 1) and you'll have the chance to see the beautiful coastline in detail.

Next, we'll stop in the town of Carmel, where the famous actor Clint Eastwood resides. You can make the most of some free time to explore the town before we head to Silicon Valley, where we'll spend the night.

Day 2: San Francisco - Bay Cruise - Golden Gate Bridge - Chinatown

On the second day of the tour, you'll discover one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Our first visit will be the famous Fisherman's Wharf. We'll cruise around its renowned bay, admire the Golden Gate Bridge and take a glimpse at the historic Alcatraz Island. Afterwards, we'll enjoy a tour past the city's most iconic landmarks, including the Golden Gate Bridge, Union Square Railway Station, Chinatown and Nob Hill. The tour will end with an impressive evening view of the city from the Bay Bridge.

Day 3: San Francisco - Yosemite

If you take this tour during summer the itinerary will be as follows: We'll pass through Joaquín Valley towards the Yosemite National Park. These 1,200 square miles of wonderful forests, lakes and waterfalls are located in the Sierra Nevada. The tour will take us to El Capitan, Bridal-Veil and Half Dome waterfalls. Here, we'll hike from the Yosemite Visitor Center to Yosemite Falls, one of the highest waterfalls in North America at 730 metres (2400 feet) tall.

During the winter the itinerary will be: First, we'll explore Monterrey including the pier and Cannery Row, then head south to the iconic Hearst Castle, built by the influential William Randolph Hearst. As we tour the famous house we'll see why the castle served to entertain the rich and famous during the first half of the 20th century. The day will end heading to Las Vegas.

Day 4: Stevenson Ranch - Las Vegas

On the fourth day, we'll make our way east through the desert and Death Valley to the infamous entertainment capital of the world, Las Vegas. We'll stop for lunch at an outlet mall on the Nevada state line, where you can find clothing by brands such as Levi's, Nike, Reebok, Timberland and more. Later in the evening, we'll tour the popular Las Vegas Strip to see some of the impressive icons built in the middle of the desert including Caesar's Palace, Mirage, Luxor, Paris, Mandalay Bay, New York, Treasure Island and more. To end the day you'll have the opportunity to enjoy one of the many shows or try your luck at the casinos - will luck be on your side?

Day 5: Las Vegas - Hoover Dam

Once we've had breakfast we'll head to the Hoover Dam, to find out how this remarkable man-made dam was constructed, ordered by FDR during the Great Depression, and its impact. Afterwards, we'll return to Las Vegas to spend the afternoon off enjoying some of the many attractions and popular shows the city has to offer.

Day 6: Las Vegas - Sedona

The day will begin passing through the Mojave Desert as we head to the Colorado Plateau and the iconic Route 66. We'll arrive in Sedona, known as "The Jewel of the Desert" and seen by many as one of the most beautiful places in North America. The tour will take us to the Oak Creek Canyon that descends to 610 metres (2000 feet) to the bottom of the valley, where we can capture images of the red rocks and surroundings from the viewpoints. Next, we'll visit Slide Rock State Park, before stopping in Sedona, where you can find authentic Indian crafts, as well as unique galleries and boutiques.

Afterwards, we'll go into the desert to visit the Chapel of the Holy Cross and take in the panoramic views of Sedona's rock formations, including Bell Rock, Courthouse Butte and Cathedral Rock. At sunset, we'll make our way to Flagstaff, to spend the night. 

Day 7: Sedona - Monument Valley - Horseshoe Bend

Our first stop of the day will be Monument Valley, one of the most important and most photographed points in the world. The park lies in the heart of the Navajo Nation, which consists of sandstone masterpieces that stand up to 300 metres (1000 feet). Here, we'll go on a jeep tour into the valley guided by Navajo Indians. You'll see why the Navajo call this land “like no other place on earth”. We'll then head to the impressive Colorado River, to visit the extraordinary “Horseshoe Bend”. Later, we'll arrive in Lake Powell and Page to stay the night.

Day 8: Antelope Canyon - Valley of Fire - Las Vegas

The day will begin touring the upper Antelope Canyon and visiting the imposing dunes created by the wind, water and sand. Afterwards, we'll start to head back to Las Vegas, and then visiting the “Valley of Fire”. Here, we'll see the magnificent red sandstone formations created by the shifting sands and dunes over 150 million years ago. The visit will be timed so that we can see the valley being on “fire” as it reflects the sun’s rays into the valley (weather permitting). We'll arrive in Las Vegas in the evening, where the trip will end. 

Hotels:

• Day 1: La Quinta Inn - Morgan Hill
• Day 2: Modesto – Best Western Palm Court Inn (In Winter Monterey/Holiday Inn hotel)
• Day 3: Comfort Suites Stevenson Ranch.
• Day 4: Harrah's Hotel
• Day 5: LINQ Hotel
• Day 6: Country Inn & Suites
• Day 7: Clarion Inn Page

Prices

The price indicated is per person staying in a double room. We also have triple, quadruple and single rooms. Please contact us to get a personalised quote and make a reservation.

The price indicated for children under 14 is only applicable when accompanied by 2 adults in the same room. 

Drop off

The tour will end in Las Vegas, at the Luxor Hotel & Casino.

Important

• The itinerary might be subject to change depending on the season. Generally, the summer season is from April to October, but it also varies depending on the weather– if the weather is bad or if there is snow, the winter itinerary will be done.
• Babies that are unable to walk will need to be carried in either a backpack carrier or chest harness.