Western Classic 

Prices

Value package from: £2830
Standard package from: £3599
Superior packages from: £4535

You can mix and match hotels from our value, standard and superior options – call for package price.

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Day 1 – Los Angeles Arrival

After a non-stop 11 hour flight collect your rental car from Los Angeles Airport and drive your chosen Los Angeles Airport for 2 nights. If you would prefer to collect your car the following day this can be arranged either from the airport or another Los Angeles location.

Hotels:
Value: Crowne Plaza Los Angeles Harbor
Standard: Hilton Anaheim
Superior: Loews Hollywood Hotel

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Day 2 – Los Angeles

Most first-time visitors to LA are instantly confused by its size and sprawl. Unlike other metropolises like New York or Paris, LA is a decentralised hodgepodge with no clearly defined hub. It helps to know that what is commonly referred to as ‘LA’ is really ‘LA County’, a conglomeration of 88 cities of which LA is just one. The heart of the city of Los Angeles is Downtown, about 12 miles east of the ocean and hemmed in by the I-10, I-5 and US 101.

East LA, a Latino-dominated area, edges against Downtown, as do the historically African-American neighbourhoods of South Central. Most areas of interest to visitors are west of Downtown LA, including Hollywood and the epicentre of gay and lesbian culture, West Hollywood.

Further west is lifestyles of the rich and famous territory: Bel Air, Brentwood and Beverly Hills. Hugging the northern country coast are the posh beach side areas of Malibu, Pacific Palisades and Santa Monica. Farther south along the coast is Venice, with the international airport farther again. The Hollywood Hills, a continuation of the Santa Monica Mountains, are a physical and (some might say) ideological separation between Los Angeles ‘proper’ and the San Fernando Valley, which forms the northern boundary of LA County. This quintessential suburbia is characterised by unsightly strip malls and major TV and movie studios. Orange County, home of Disneyland, extends along the coast to the southeast of Los Angeles County.

Universal Studios
Experience a full day of shows, rides and diverse, action-packed entertainment all in one place: Universal Studios Hollywood! With thrilling theme park rides and shows, a real working movie studio and Los Angeles’ best shops, restaurants and cinemas at CityWalk, Universal Studios Hollywood is a unique experience that’s fun for the whole family. Head behind the scenes on the Studio Tour, and step into a world of movies as you’ve never seen them before. Prepare for hair-raising thrills on incredible rides, experience the terror of Revenge of the Mummy  Join Gru, his daughters and mischievous Minions in the all-new 3-D ride Despicable Me Minion Mayhem and get wetter than wet in Jurassic Park. Meet up with Homer and Bart on The Simpsons ride, watch stunt-action live shows, high-octane special effects and remember to always expect the unexpected at Universal Studios Hollywood…you won’t be disappointed.

Prices start from £55.00 (per adult) £45.00 (child 2-7 yrs) Upgrade to a Front of Line Pass from only £55.00 per person (July/August/September) or £35.00 per person from 5th September onwards.

Hotels:
Value: Crowne Plaza Los Angeles Harbor
Standard: Hilton Anaheim
Superior: Loews Hollywood Hotel

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Day 3 – Los Angeles to Needles
256 miles

Leave Los Angeles and track the historic Route 66 as you head through the desert of southern California on the way to your overnight stop in Needles.

We have a great guide book, EZ-66 which you can request from us for free when booking that helps you track historic Route 66.

Hotel:
Best Western Colorado River Inn

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Day 4 – Needles – Grand Canyon
228 miles

The section of Route 66 to Kingman is widely accepted as the most preserved section of the old ‘Mother road’ after this head to Williams or the Grand Canyon South Rim Village for your overnight stop. If you have selected our Standard or Superior accommodation here you will hopefully get to enjoy a clear evening / morning for the stunning sunset / sunrise across the Grand Canyon.

Hotels:
Value: Ramada Hotel (Williams)
Standard / Superior: Yavapai Lodge East Grand Canyon South Rim

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Day 5 – Grand Canyon

Take a full day to explore the South Rim of the Grand Canyon National Park. First stop should be the Visitor Centre located at the South Rim Village. Here you can pick up information on short hikes, special areas that you may wish to visit during the day and helicopter or airplane rides over the Grand Canyon.

A visit to see the El Tovar Lodge if you are not staying there is a must, but we also suggest any of the scenic stops or even taking one of the guided coach tours that will explain the history and geology of the area.

Another must is a visit to the IMAX Theatre located close to your hotel for a thrilling 3D show based around the Grand Canyon.

Hotels:

Value: Ramada by Wyndham Williams/Grand Canyon Area
Standard / Superior: Yavapai Lodge East Grand Canyon South Rim

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Day 6 – Grand Canyon – Bryce Canyon National Park
287 miles

Continue northeast today by the old trading post of Cameron and through the Navajo Indian Reservation to Lake Powell with its spectacular scenery. After a pit stop here continue your journey to arguably one of the most beautiful National Parks in the Canyon region, Bryce Canyon National Park.

Hotels:
Value: Best Western Ruby’s Inn
Standard: Best Western Plus Grand Hotel
Superior: Bryce Canyon Lodge

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Day 7 – Bryce Canyon National Park

The visitor center in Bryce at the entrance is well worth visiting to see a free video presentation and to check on current weather conditions.

Due to the high elevation of the park, snowfall is common right up until the middle of May. Bryce is a stunningly beautiful site, very different to anything else you will see, perhaps the highlight being the view from Bryce Point – the pictures give you an idea of what to expect but in no way capture the impressive experience of actually being there.

Sunrise and sunset are particularly good opportunities to take some fabulous pictures. The sunlight brings out amazing colours in the red rock. The times are posted daily at the visitor centre and we would recommend you go to Bryce Point.

An added bonus during the summer months is a Rodeo located 1 mile outside the park. This runs nightly Monday – Saturday from Memorial Day (End of May) until mid-September. This is a great western experience, it’s starts at 7pm and we would recommend you go along.

Hotels:
Value: Best Western Ruby’s Inn
Standard: Best Western Plus Grand Hotel
Superior: Bryce Canyon Lodge

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Day 8 – Bryce Canyon National Park – Zion National Park
85 miles

Start early to make the relatively short drive to Zion National Park. Follow the paths where ancient native people and pioneers walked. Enjoy the stunning scenery dominated by the massive sandstone cliffs of cream, pink, and red contrasting against the blue sky. Zion has a unique wilderness in it’s narrow canyon environment.

To avoid parking issues in the park you can take a free shuttle in Springdale to the park where shuttles run all day to all parts of the park. Hiking options abound within Zion so if interested this is something worth researching in advance. The Visitor Center and Museum stop are a must.

Hotels:
Value: Quality Inn Zion Hotel (Hurricane)
Standard: Best Western Plus Zion Canyon, Springdale
Superior: Zion Lodge

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Day 9 – Zion National Park – Las Vegas
159 miles

As the mountain scenery gives way to the desert of Nevada, your route tracks the Virgin River before you head west towards the bright lights of the city that never sleeps.

One your way into Las Vegas you might want to consider some shopping with two Premium Outlets locations within 3 miles of the strip.

This evening take a walk on the strip and absorb the city that is like no other.

Hotels:
Value: Circus Circus
Standard: – MGM Grand
Superior: – Vdara Hotel

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Day 10 – Las Vegas

During you day be sure to catch the Volcano Fountain eruption every 15 minutes, the fountain show on the lake at Bellagio, also every 15 minutes, take a gondola ride at the Venetian, take a ride up to the observation deck on the Eiffel Tower at the Paris Hotel, take the Big Shot ride atop the Stratosphere Tower, Bungy jump at Circus Circus Hotel, visit the amazing Fremont Street experience, take a trip out to see the Hoover Dam or maybe even book a helicopter trip to fly over the Grand Canyon or if shopping is important to you there are two Premium Outlet Stores within 3 miles of the strip – both offer amazing prices for the latest designer brands.

As your day nears an end choose from the endless choices of places to eat before finishing the night off at one of the world class shows that entertain nightly across the city that never sleeps.

Hotels:
Value: Circus Circus
Standard: – MGM Grand
Superior: – Vdara Hotel

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Day 11 – Las Vegas – Death Valley
140 miles

Today a scenic drive to Death Valley National Park, the lowest point in the western hemisphere.

Death Valley is a land of complete extremes. It is one of the hottest places on the surface of the earth with summer temperatures averaging well over 100 degrees Fahrenheit. The valley is also a land of subtle beauties, morning light creeping across the eroded badlands of Zabriskie Point to strike Manly Beacon, the setting sun and lengthening shadows of the sand dunes at Stovepipe Wells and the colours of the wildflowers on the golden hills above Harmony Borax, Death Valley is a truly unique place.

Hotels:
Value: Best Western Bishop Lodge (Bishop)
Standard: Ranch At Death Valley
Superior: Inn At Death Valley

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Day 12 – Death Valley – Yosemite National Park
310 miles

An early start is required today as we want you to enter the park from the east side and weather and road conditions permitting drive the scenic Tioga Pass before arriving Yosemite Valley. It is a long day but very rewarding so go early and enjoy!

Although just about every bend on this incredible road reveals another awe-inspiring view of this truly magical park, we strongly advise you stop at 3 points. Olmsted Point for amazing views of Clouds Rest and Half Dome. Tenaya Lake, where Tenaya Peak, Polly Dome and Medlicott Dome create a dramatic back drop to natural lake named after legendary Chief Tenaya, last chief of the Ahwahnechee native American people for whom Yosemite National Park is home. Finally call at Lembert Dome, where you can venture into the Tuolumne Meadows visitors area off Tioga Road, and find a short trail to this large white granite. It’s a popular spot for climbers and offers an excellent view across the meadows.

If you select the ‘Value’ hotel option you still have roughly about 30 miles / 1 hour to travel from exiting the park at the West Entrance. Our ‘Standard’ and ‘Superior’ hotel recommendation is 2 miles from the entrance assuming availability for your chosen dates.

Hotels:
Value:  Miners Inn Motel, Mariposa
Standard: Yosemite View Lodge – Mountain View
Superior: Yosemite View Lodge – River View

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Day 13 – Yosemite National Park

A full day for exploring and sightseeing in the main valley of the Yosemite Park. We suggest to first stop at the park visitor centre to pick up the latest information on hiking and other activities for this day. You will find many short hikes, but do suggest you take along water and snacks as there is nothing available along the main trails.

Yosemite National Park is one of the best known parks in the world, consisting of huge waterfalls, granite domes and peaks, wildflowers, meadows and forests of centuries-old sequoias, glacier-carved canyon and massive monoliths, A pair of waterfall cascades into a 20-mile long, half-mile wide and 1,000-foot deep canyon of eroded yellow stone.

You may wish to return to the Tioga Road, California 120, which crosses the Tuolumne Meadows and High Country. The highway, originally built as a mining road in, was realigned and modernised in 1961. The road passes through an area of sparkling lakes, fragile meadows, domes, and lofty peaks that only 10,000 years ago lay under glacial ice. Scenic turnouts along the road afford superb views. At Tioga Pass the road crosses the Sierras crest at 9,945 feet, the highest automobile pass in California.

Yosemite Valley has sheer walls and a flat floor formed by alpine glaciers. You will see such amazing sights as El Capitan and Cathedral Rocks. The most rugged section of Yosemite is Tuolumne Meadows and the High Country. Bridalveil Falls is a must it cascades 620 feet and Yosemite Falls is the tallest is the world. Visit Half-Dome, elevation 8, 842 feet, an 87 million-year-old rock dome and is Yosemite’s most famous monument.

Yosemite National Park is also home to the largest stand of giant sequoias trees and home of the Grizzly Giant, one of the oldest giant sequoias in the world

Why not treat yourself to an incredible experience by hiring a private guide for a personalised hike?
On this two-hour tour, Rangers introduce some of Yosemite’s most famous sightseeing points in Yosemite Valley (You Will See: Yosemite Falls, Half Dome, El Capitan, Tunnel View, Bridalveil Falls and more) and describe the history, geology, plant and animal life of the region. This year-round Yosemite Valley Floor tour provides a fuller knowledge and enjoyment of the park. Open-air trams operate from late Spring through early Fall. Late October through April, ride in an enclosed and heated motor coach with large windows allowing unimpeded views of Yosemite’s famous sights. Bring your camera along for postcard-perfect pictures. Book this Tour locally with The Rangers in the Park (Subject to Availability)

Alternatively, you could take a Guided ‘Yosemite Valley Floor Tour’ (2 hours)
These hikes are designed specifically for you, based on your interests and ability. The guides will go at your pace, whether that is a stroll with children across a meadow, or a marathon day to the summit of Half Dome. The experienced local hiking guides are a wealth of information about Yosemite so that you can learn about what you are interested in – history, geology, or even figuring out what you want to do and see for the rest of your visit. Prices start from approximately £95.00 per person (based upon 2 people travelling) for a private guide for half a day (4 hours) & we do highly recommend that you pre-book this when you confirm your holiday with us.

Or you may prefer specialist guided photography hikes which will cost – Approximately £170.00 for 1 person, $140.00 per person for 2 people – please ask our team for more details.

Hotels:
Value:  Miners Inn Motel, Mariposa
Standard: Yosemite View Lodge – Mountain View
Superior: Yosemite View Lodge – River View

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Day 14 – Yosemite National Park – San Francisco
220 miles

Journey to the magnificent forest of coastal redwoods in Muir Woods north of San Francisco as there is surely only one way to arrive in San Francisco, crossing the Golden Gate Bridge to arrive in the City by the Bay.

En-route to San Francisco call at Knights Ferry Recreation Area featuring the Knights Ferry Covered Bridge makes for a great picnic stop if you stop at a deli or food outlet en-route.

Hotels:
Value: King George Hotel
Standard: Hotel Adagio
Superior: Argonaut Hotel

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Day 15 – San Francisco
Suggested activities (Not included in pre-paid cost)

Morning

This morning we suggest you take a city tour – especially if this is your first time to this fabulous city as it will allow you to get your bearings.

Afternoon

Enjoy a quick 10-minute ferry ride to the centre of the San Francisco harbour to the infamous former prison island – Alcatraz. The visit includes a taped tour of the prison (once home to such famous criminals as gangster Al Capone and Machine Gun Kelly”). Note: We strongly suggest that you pre-book this very popular Alcatraz tour which in our opinion is not to be missed – let us know at time of booking. Do book early to avoid disappointment!

Evening

Seafood dinner at one of many restaurants along the waterfront or at one of the trendy restaurants in the SoMa (South of Market) area! After dinner, enjoy a musical show, an American Conservatory Theatre performance or a comedy club, and a nightcap in one of the many rooftop cocktail lounges.

Hotels:
Value: King George Hotel
Standard: Hotel Adagio
Superior: Argonaut Hotel

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Day 16 – San Francisco

Morning

Take a tour to Muir Woods, a forest of giant California redwood trees – some of the biggest trees in the world. On the way back, stop for lunch and shopping in the beautiful little town of Sausalito. Return to San Francisco by ferry or by bus; or take a walking tour of Chinatown with a dim sum lunch.

Afternoon

Free afternoon to shop! Explore Union Square’s department stores, small boutiques and art galleries; visit the neighbourhood shopping areas South of Market or Union Street; take a five-minute walk from downtown to the Embarcadero Centre, a three-level, four-building complex of 150 shops. Shop at the many complexes in the Fisherman’s Wharf area such as PIER 39, Ghirardelli Square and The Cannery and enjoy the musicians and street performers. Take a jeep tour of the area, or rent a bike and ride across the Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito and ferry back to San Francisco.

Evening

San Francisco has over 3,000 restaurants! Take your choice: For instance, an authentic Chinese banquet in Chinatown – the largest Asian settlement outside of mainland China, an elaborate Korean barbecue or an Italian feast in The City’s Italian section, called “North Beach” or how about a dinner cruise on San Francisco Bay. Enjoy dinner and dancing to a live band as you cruise past The City’s famous skyline at sunset.

PLEASE NOTE:
San Francisco is one of our favourite cities in the whole of North America and we would not recommend you spending any less than 3 nights in the city if this is your first visit. None of the tours or attractions mentioned in our suggested itinerary are included in your tour price, however, we would be very happy to make these arrangements on your behalf (subject to availability).

In particular, as we have mentioned above, your visit to Alcatraz – as the ferry to the island can often be booked up days, or even weeks, in advance during the height of the season.

There are numerous festivals going on throughout the year in San Francisco including art, film and dance festivals and this is in addition to a packed sport scene, which includes the world famous San Francisco 49’ers.

We are happy to help our customers with purchasing tickets and advising on events taking place during your stay, please ask for details.

Hotels:
Value: King George Hotel
Standard: Hotel Adagio
Superior: Argonaut Hotel

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Day 17 – San Francisco – Monterey
120 miles

For the short journey to the south of San Francisco we suggest you travel across town to pick up route US-1 South as this will take you along the more scenic coastal areas of the Pacific Ocean. The route will pass many of the more popular California State Park and Beach areas as you travel to Santa Cruz. Here you may wish to pick up a local guidebook for touring among the historic district and Harbour. The route will now pass around the Monterey Bay to the community of Monterey.

Hotels:
Value: Comfort Inn Monterey by the Sea
Standard: Monterey Tides – Inland View
Superior: Monterey Tides – Deluxe Ocean View

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Day 18 – Monterey & Carmel Area

A full day to explore the Monterey Peninsula, Pacific Grove and Carmel area famous for Cannery Row, Carmel-By-The-Sea, Monterrey Bay Aquarium, Pebble Beach and more. We suggest an afternoon visit to the world-famous 17-mile Drive, home to the Lone Cypress and Pebble Beach Golf Course. The 17-mile drive connects with the quaint village of Carmel where you can stroll down Ocean Avenue to explore the eclectic shops and cafes.

Hotels:
Value: Comfort Inn Monterey by the Sea
Standard: Monterey Tides – Inland View
Superior: Monterey Tides – Deluxe Ocean View

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Day 19 – Monterey – Santa Barbara
229 miles

An opportunity to travel the famous and spectacular Highway 1 winding through countless state parks and picturesque small towns. Though the route looks short we suggest an early start to accommodate the curvy roads and multiple stops. Leaving Monterey, the stretch of the Pacific Coast Highway leading through Big Sur is one of the most famous roads in America, carved into cliffs where 1000 meter high redwood covered mountains plunge down into the sea. Continue south to Santa Barbara, one of California’s most beautiful cities with spectacular Mediterranean architecture.

Hotels:
Value:  Best Western Plus Pepper Tree Inn
Standard: Inn by the Harbor
Superior: Kimpton Canary Hotel

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Day 20 – Santa Barbara

Sheltered between the towering green mountains and the deep blue ocean, with the Channel Islands just offshore, Santa Barbara has been nicknamed the “American Rivera” and provides a relaxed conclusion to your circle tour of the west. There are two main areas of interest in Santa Barbara; the historic downtown area with its delightful Spanish colonial architecture and old-world aesthetic and the harbor area.

You’ll also find the 19th mission constructed by the Spanish and considered to be the best preserved and most beautiful. Wine tasting, culinary experiences and world-class shopping also await you in this beautiful sea-side town.

Hotels:
Value:  Best Western Plus Pepper Tree Inn
Standard: Inn by the Harbor
Superior: Kimpton Canary Hotel

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Day 21 – Santa Barbara – Los Angeles International Airport
95 miles

Approaching from the north with just a 1 hour 30 minute drive means you have a relatively easy finish given your non-stop flight back to the U.K. will not be departing until the evening.

In fact you will have time to visit the Getty Museum which is located right next to the San Diego Freeway that you will be travelling along to the airport.

Perched in the hills above West Los Angeles, The Getty Center looks like a modernist city on a hill, a collection of dramatic buildings housing galleries filled with modern masterpieces. To reach this complex designed by renowned architect Richard Meier, ride a tram from the parking lot up to the snow-white Getty campus, with buildings clad in travertine mined from a quarry outside Rome.

Inside the galleries, see European masterpieces, decorative art, and photography. And it’s all free—a gift from philanthropist J. Paul Getty. (There is, however, a fee for parking.) For all of its art, the Getty is equally stunning outside. Broad courtyards with fountains, leafy bowers and the grand Central Garden created by Robert Irwin is a living work of art, with outstanding views stretching from Mount Baldy to Santa Catalina Island. Watch the sunset from elegant The Restaurant at The Getty for a memorable splurge. A variety of free self-guided and guided tours enrich your visits, and spirited family programs—like jousting workshops—can turn your kids onto art too.

Continue on later in the day to return your car to Los Angeles International Airport and check-in for your overnight non-stop flight to the UK.

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Your holiday includes

• Scheduled Flights
• UK & US Airport taxes
• Accommodation – 20 nights
• Compact car rental based on Hertz – 21 day rental
• Exclusive travel documentation portfolio including personalised maps, itinerary and driver directions along with all applicable tickets and vouchers.

Additional Experiences

Our holidays are completely tailored to suit you. We would be happy to help you choose from a vast array of additional experiences that will enhance your North America holiday adventure.

These might include:

There are many more, often quite unique to your chosen destination so please do ask.