WONDERS OF THE WEST

Introduction

This circular self drive holiday begins and ends in Los Angeles, taking in some of Americas most beautiful and dramatic landscapes and National Parks. Combining the exciting cities of LA, Las Vegas and San Francisco with the natural spleandour of the mighty Grand Canyon, the magical Yosemite National Park, the dramatic Zion National Park and intruiging Bryce Canyon. 

This iconic route includes breathtaking drives through Death Valley, Highway 1's Big Sur and Monument Valley. Enjoy spectacular sunsets at the Grand Canyon and the chilled vibes of Pismo Beach, stop off at pretty Carmel and take to the waters of Lake Powell.

Day-by-Day

Day 1 -2: Los Angeles

Arrive into Los Angeles, collect your rental car and explore the city, from Hollywood Boulevard and the walk of fame to Santa Monica. Wonder along Venice Beach, hit the shops in Beverly Hills of hike the trails up to the famous Hollywood sign.

Day 3: Palm Springs

Depart LA and travel through the San Bernardino National Forest to the pretty city of Palm Springs – a popular weekend getaway for Californians, set in the dry desert landscape. Enjoy a round of golf, take the gondola to the top of Mt. San Jacinto for fabulous views of the surrounding landscape or enjoy the many hiking trails in the nearby canyons.

Day 4: The Grand Canyon

As you leave Palm Springs behind, head toward the Joshua Tree National Park, an interesting and unusual blend of the two distinctly different desert eco-systems of the Mojave and the Colorado. Continue to the Grand Canyon National Park, an awe-inspiring sight at any time of the day, but sunsets are particularly spectacular. Tickets are available to take in the impressive views from the Skywalk viewing platform or you might choose to take a helicopter flight for the ultimate Canyon experience.

Day 5: Lake Powell

Rise early this morning to take in the sunrise over the Grand Canyon, before hitting the road for a drive through Navajo country, this sparsely populated landscape feels otherworldly. Travel through Monument Valley where isolated monoliths of red sandstone tower above the valley floor before arriving at Lake Powell – a huge man-made lake popular for water sports, boat tours and stunning scenery, as the red rock formations contrast against the azure lake.

Day 6: Bryce Canyon

Heading north through Utah and the scenic city of Kanab to Bryce Canyon National Park, where the colourful sandstone has been eroded over time into fantastic forms and intriguing shapes.  Enjoy wondering through natures sculpture park, especially in the glow of the sunset light.

Day 7: Zion National Park

Next on this incredible journey is the beautiful Zion National Park with it’s steep red cliffs and the Virgin River which flows to the Emerald pools, waterfalls and the hanging gardens.

Day 8: Las Vegas

Travel through the Valley of Fire, Nevada’s oldest state park before arriving into Las Vegas. The bright lights, themed hotels, rollercoasters wrapped around buildings and musically timed fountains all burst with life and energy as you enter this city like no other. Take in one of the spectacular shows, enjoy world-class dining, an endless selection of bars and nightclubs and of course the vast casinos.

Day 9: Death Valley

Depart early for the impressive drive through Death Valley, the lowest point on the western hemisphere towards Sequoia National Forest and onwards to Visalia.

Day 10: Yosemite National Park

Passing through the lush Californian farmland to the wondrous Yosemite National Park, where towering waterfalls, lush valleys, flower filled meadows, giant sequoia trees and an abundance of wildlife give this park an almost magical quality.

Day 11 & 12: San Francisco

Leaving the wonders of Yosemite behind, you travel towards San Francisco, one of Americas most beautiful cities. Take a stroll around Fisherman’s Wharf, head out on a tour of Alcatraz, ride the famous cable cars or perhaps take a drive over the Golden Gate Bridge.

Day 13: Pismo Beach

Today brings another of Americas top rated drives, the spectacular coastline of Highway 1 with stops including Monterey and Carmel before arriving into Clam capital Pismo Beach for superb seafood and those impressive Pismo sunsets.

Day 14 & 15: Los Angeles

Stop off in the beautiful, Hispanic influenced Santa Barbara with its pretty boutiques and restaurants, on the drive back to Los Angeles for the final night.

Prices

From £1,699 per person

Truly Individual Holiday Includes:

• International flights from the UK in Economy
• 14 nights accommodation
• 15 days fully inclusive intermediate car hire including unlimited mileage and extra driver

Price based on two people sharing accommodation. Any element of this holiday can be tailor-made to suit you. Simply enquire below!