^{The Very Best of}California & the Canyonlands

Day 1 Las Vegas - 2 nights

Assemble at London Heathrow in time for our United Airlines flight to Las Vegas. On arrival and after customs clearance our waiting coaches will transfer us to the deluxe Caesars Palace Hotel, situated in the heart of Las Vegas.

(Meals: Lunch, Refreshments).

Day 2 Las Vegas

A full day at leisure to enjoy the entertainment capital of the world in your own particular way. Take in the sun and the fun at Caesars Palace, take a bus ride along the famed Las Vegas Strip with its neon lights and themed casinos, or possibly take an optional tour to nearby Hoover Dam. This evening we fully recommend a night out at one of Vegas' many stage shows.

(Meals: Breakfast).

Day 3 Zion National Park - 2 nights

After breakfast we leave Las Vegas as we make our way to Zion National Park. Here, colourful sandstone walls rise half a mile above the lush greenery of the canyon floor. The park's strange geologic formations, complex desert ecological system and canyons splashed with vibrant colours are equally compelling. During your time in Zion you will have plenty of opportunity to explore. Accommodation for the next two nights will be at the delightful Zion Lodge located within the national park.

(Meals: Breakfast, Dinner).

Day 4 Zion National Park

Wake this morning amidst the beauty which is Zion. Carved out by streams over millions of years Zion provides a most striking landscape of steep canyons and impressive rock formations. The day is yours to spend as you please. For an easy hike, take the path to the Emerald Pools. Its pool and small waterfall is well worth the walk. Another easy hike is the path to the Court of the Patriarchs with its impressive view of the huge sandstone outcrops named the Three Patriarchs. Enjoy your day.

(Meals: Breakfast, Dinner).

Day 5 Lake Powell - 2 nights

Following breakfast we make our way to Bryce Canyon, where you will have ample time to marvel at the strangely shaped formations known as hoodoos, carved by nature's chisel and tinted in shades of pink, orange and red. We continue our travels to Page and Lake Powell, formed over a 17 year period when the Glen Canyon Dam was built transforming the mighty Colorado River into one of the largest man made bodies of water ever created. The next two nights are spent at the Lake Powell Resort where lake view rooms have been reserved.

(Meals: Breakfast, Dinner).

Day 6 Lake Powell

A morning at leisure to spend as you please. Why not consider an optional flightseeing excursion from Page over the arid desert landscapes of Monument Valley? Later we enjoy a leisurely dinner cruise on Lake Powell. During your buffet dinner you will witness the dramatic colour transformation of the jagged Colorado sandstone plateaus. Later in the evening we return to the Lake Powell Resort.

(Meals: Breakfast, Dinner).

Day 7 Grand Canyon National Park - Overnight

Today's journey takes us to one of the Seven Wonders of the World - the Grand Canyon National Park. The canyon is immense, averaging 4,000 feet deep for its entire 277 miles. It is 6,000 feet deep at its deepest point and 15 miles at its widest. The Grand Canyon is more than an awe-inspiring view. Its beauty and size humbles us. Its timelessness provokes a comparison to our short existence. In its vast spaces we may find solace from our hectic lives. Witness unforgettable views as we drive along the canyon's South Rim as we make our way to the Yavapai East Lodge for our overnight stay. Weather and time permitting optional Grand Canyon flightseeing trips are available and bookable locally.

(Meals: Breakfast, Dinner).

Day 8 Scottsdale - 2 nights

For early risers viewing sunrise at the canyon is a sight to behold. After breakfast we shall wind our way out of the park and via Flagstaff and Oak Creek Canyon as we make our way to the Montezuma Castle National Monument. Gaze through the windows of history into one of the best preserved ancient cliff dwellings in North America. The homeplace, nestled into a towering limestone cliff, tells a 1,000 year-old story of ingenuity and survival in an unforgiving desert landscape. We continue on our travels to Scottsdale, where our accommodation for the next two nights is reserved at the spectacular Fairmont Scottsdale.

(Included Meals: Breakfast).

Day 9 Scottsdale

Scottsdale is snugly nestled at the foothills of the surrounding scenic mountain ranges. Your day has been left completely free to relax with your travelling companions and enjoy the facilities of your hotel.

(Meals: Breakfast).

Day 10 San Diego - 2 nights

Today's travels take us via the Yuma Valley, through arid desert where we will see the giant saguaro cacti. Pass the Gila Mountain range and traverse the Colorado River as we make our way to California's second largest city, San Diego. Home for the next two nights is the fabulous US Grant Hotel.

(Meals: Breakfast, Dinner).

Day 11 San Diego

A day at leisure to spend as you please. For those wishing to explore, well worth a visit are the Gaslamp Quarter and Horton Plaza

(Meals: Breakfast).

Day 12 Los Angeles - 2 nights

This morning our journey travels north, along the coast and via the old Spanish mission of San Juan Capistrano where there will be the opportunity to visit the mission house ( for a small additional charge). The missions of California were important to the founding of the State. Later we stop at Long Beach, home to the Queen Mary, and take lunch. We continue to Santa Monica before arriving at our hotel for the next two nights, the deluxe InterContinental Los Angeles Century City located on the famed Avenue of the Stars.

(Meals: Breakfast).

Day 13 Los Angeles

A morning excursion takes us to see the city's finest landmarks including a visit to Beverly Hills, home to the rich and famous. Visit the Griffiths Observatory, a famous location for many a Hollywood film and Hollywood Boulevard where we have the opportunity to  stroll along the 'Walk of Fame' known for the foot and hand prints of over 3,800 stars from theatre, film, television and music.

(Meals: Breakfast).

Day 14 Shell Beach - Overnight

Our journey north continues along California's beautiful beach coast as we make our way to Santa Barbara. Also known as the American Riviera, Santa Barbara is comfortably nestled between the Santa Ynez mountains and a sweeping shoreline overlooking the nearby Channel Islands. Santa Barbara and the Montecito area are known for their exceptional beauty and have a world-renowned flair, which is reflected in the area's architectural mix of Mediterranean, Spanish Colonial, Monterey, Moorish, and Islamic styles. Take time to stroll and savour before we continue to Pismo Beach where overnight accommodation has been arranged at the Cliffs Resort at Shell Beach, affording fabulous views of the Pacific Ocean.

(Meals: Breakfast, Dinner).

Day 15 Monterey - 2 nights

This morning we journey via San Luis Obispo and Morro Bay to San Simeon where we take a tour of Hearst Castle, one of the largest 'house museums' to be found in America. Once the extravagant estate of publisher William Randolph Hearst, the home was bequeathed to the People of the State of California in December 1957 by the Hearst Corporation. Following lunch, breathtaking views await as we take the famed drive along Scenic Pacific Coast Highway 1, and the beautiful coastline of Big Sur as the road weaves its way northbound along the ocean. Not long after we arrive at the Marriott Monterey for the next two nights.

(Meals: Breakfast).

Day 16 Monterey

Today we take the scenic and most spectacular coastal drive along the Monterey Peninsula from Pacific Grove to Carmel. The famed 17 Mile Drive is undoubtedly one of America's most scenic coastal drives. Witness magnificent homes pristine beaches and the renowned Pebble Beach golf course. There will be numerous photographic and wildlife viewpoints during the day, one of the most famous being at Cypress Point with the Lone Cypress, possibly the most photographed tree in the world! Spend time in the delightful west coast town of Carmel prior to returning to Monterey for a second night.

(Meals: Breakfast).

Day 17 Yosemite National Park - 2 nights

Today's destination is Yosemite National Park, one of the first wilderness parks in the United States, and renowned for its cascading waterfalls, deep valleys, grand meadows and ancient giant sequoias. Visit Mariposa Grove, home to a 2,700 year old giant sequoia called Grizzly Giant. The tree is so tall it has been struck numerous times by lightning. We continue to the impressive Tenaya Lodge, home for our next two nights.

(Meals: Breakfast, Dinner).

Day 18 Yosemite National Park

A full day exploring Yosemite National Park. Today we will travel to the heart of the park to enjoy the most spectacular views. Visit Yosemite Falls where a short trail leads to one of the highest cascades in the world. Stroll along the bridge for a sight to behold. Dropping some 2,425 feet (740 metres) over three stages, this is nature at its very best. You will have plenty of time to meander at your leisure, take more adventurous walks or to browse the Yosemite Visitor's Centre. Later in the day we return to the Tenaya Lodge.

(Meals: Breakfast).

Day 19 San Francisco - 3 nights

After a leisurely breakfast we make our way to the final destination on our tour, the Golden Gate City of San Francisco. Upon arrival we shall make a brief orientation tour of the city prior to arrival at our hotel. Home for our final three nights in America is the deluxe Westin St Francis, located in the heart of San Francisco in Union Square. The remainder of the day is yours to spend as you please.

(Meals: Breakfast).

Day 20 San Francisco

A morning tour takes us to see San Francisco's many attractions. Included are Nob Hill, Chinatown, Fisherman's Wharf, Lombard Street and the city's celebrated Victorian homes which have been featured in so many Hollywood blockbuster movies. Also included is a drive over the Golden Gate Bridge affording spectacular views of Alcatraz. Remainder of the day at leisure

(Meals: Breakfast).

Day 21 San Francisco

Your last day in San Francisco is yours to spend as you please. This evening join your fellow travelling companions for a farewell dinner cruise around San Francisco Bay.

(Meals: Breakfast, Dinner).

Day 22 San Francisco

We depart for San Francisco airport for our return flight with United Airlines.

(Meals: Breakfast, Dinner, Refreshments).

Day 23 Arrive UK

Before our arrival at London's Heathrow, breakfast will be served. It is time to say farewell to your travelling companions of the last three weeks bringing your American adventure to an end.

(Meals: Breakfast).