Channel your inner pioneer as you embark on an epic encounter with the peaks, canyons and deserts of what was once the treacherous Wild West. We kick-start our expedition in Denver, exploring the Mile High City at your leisure before meeting our Travel Director and fellow travellers for a Welcome Reception this evening.

Sheraton Denver Downtown

Welcome reception

Kick start your day stopping in Vail, an alpine village and one of Colorado’s great playgrounds known for its epic powder-filled basins that have attracted skiers since the 1960s. Then discover local organic products and meet local farmers over a one-of-a-kind experience at Field to Fork, a four-season organic farm and boutique fruit stand, growing and celebrating the flavours of every season. You’ll love learning the local secrets of organic farming over a tour from the owners followed by a meal of farm-fresh ingredients. This evening in Moab, opt for an exhilarating Optional Experience flying over Canyonlands National Park during sunset.

Best Western Plus Canyonlands Inn

Breakfast, Lunch

Arches National Park is packed with striking natural arches. On your exploration, learn how these 6,000 natural sandstone arches were formed by rain and wind on this guided visit led by your knowledgeable Travel Director. From one stunning landscape to the next in Canyon Country, see how the power of the Colorado River carves through the rocky red landscape at Canyonlands National Park. Drive onto the Island in the Sky – a mesa resting 1,000 feet above the countryside offering spectacular views over the dramatic sandstone formations. Take your experience to the next level with an optional Canyonlands by Night light show, complete with a cowboy-style Dutch Oven Dinner and a trip on the Moab Queen II jet boat cruising by the lit-up canyon walls.

Best Western Plus Canyonlands Inn

Breakfast

This morning travel to the UNESCO-listed Mesa Verde National Park to explore the beautifully preserved ancient dwellings hewn from the sandstone cliff and look down upon the huge Cliff Palace, the largest cliff dwelling in the world. Established by Roosevelt in 1906 the Park protects some of the best-preserved Ancestral Puebloan archaeological sites in the US. Deepen your connection with the first nations of this land heading toward Monument Valley – home to the Navajo Nation and the backdrop of many famous Hollywood Western movies.

Goulding’s Lodge, Monument Valley

Breakfast

The arresting beauty of Monument Valley is ours to explore this morning as we join a Local Specialist driving in an open-air vehicle past towering sandstone buttes and mesas that rise from the barren landscape on a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. ontinue through the ancestral home of the Navajo, winding along Desert View Drive, surrounded by mesmerizing multi-coloured depths. Stop at Desert View Intertribal Cultural Heritage Site to hear stories, family histories and cultural demonstrations by tribal members on another MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. We’ve saved the best for last: the Grand Canyon. Get a unique perspective from geological expert who reveals the geological wonders on a private nature talk. Join your fellow travellers for a Farewell Dinner to reminisce over the epic landscapes encountered along our journey.

National Park Lodges Grand Canyon

Breakfast, Dinner

Rise early to catch the first rays of light as they illuminate the canyon. Consider an optional helicopter or fixed-wing aircraft flightseeing trip to view this feat of nature from the sky or enjoy a leisurely morning, before we journey to Las Vegas. Desolation gives way to a desert oasis as we cruise back in time past motels, diners and gas stations towards the dazzling lights of the city.

Horseshoe Las Vegas

Breakfast

Our exhilarating adventure through the canyon lands has come to an end. Grab some breakfast as you prepare to say farewell to your friends. Transfer to the airport for your flight to San Francisco.

Arrive into San Francisco International airport, collect your bags and transfer to your hotel.

Home of the majestic Wine Country and the Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco is well-known for its historic cable cars and bustling Union Square. Enjoy your first evening along the colourful waterfront.

The Riu Plaza Fisherman’s Wharf or similar

Breakfast

Today, you are free to discover the many sights and sounds of San Francisco. Perhaps take a cable car ride from Fisherman’s Wharf to Union Square, or visit the famous Alcatraz Island.

This evening, dine in one of San Francisco’s many distinctive neighbourhoods, from Chinatown to the very Italian flavoured North Beach, each offers its own distinctive culture and cuisine.

Optional Experience – San Francisco Hop on Hop off Bus Tour
See San Francisco from the top of an authentic English Double Decker Bus! This is a fully narrated sightseeing tour. Enjoy the city lights and skyline on the Night Loop.

Optional Experience – Alcatraz Island Tour
Welcome to Alcatraz; once home to some of America’s most notorious criminals. Delve into the island’s remarkable history on this essential tour.

The Riu Plaza Fisherman’s Wharf or similar

After collecting your car this morning, jump on to Highway 1, the Pacific Coast toward Monterey.

After being swept away by views of the Pacific Ocean, spend the late afternoon enjoying the artisan city of Monterey. Monterey Bay is a fantastic place to view whales and boat tours are offered locally.

Optional Experience – Monterey Whale Watching
Join Discovery Whale Watch for an inspiring and educational experience with amazing marine wildlife in Monterey Bay.

San Francisco > Monterey | 120 miles

Abrego Hotel or similar

Continue south with a picturesque drive along the beautiful Pacific Coast Highway toward Santa Barbara.

Begin your day driving along one of the most photographed coastlines in California; Big Sur. This stretch of cliff-lined coast offers spectacular views along the winding road.

You may choose to break your journey along the Pacific Coast Highway at Pismo Beach before continuing southwards.

Santa Barbara is a seaside gem. The city’s white-washed buildings and red-tiled roofs reflect its Spanish colonial history, whilst its designer boutique shops and gourmet restaurants more reflect the aspirations of current residents.

This beautiful city enjoys an almost perfect year-round climate allowing you to enjoy the outdoor lifestyle and attractions any time.

Stroll through the Santa Barbara Botanic Gardens, hike a scenic nature trail in Los Padres National Forest or enjoy one of the stunning beaches, all of which have their own allure.

In the early evening, visit Stearn’s Wharf and enjoy a sumptuous meal of fresh seafood at one of the many restaurants.

Monterey > Santa Barbara | 250 miles

Mar Monte Hotel or similar

When leaving Santa Barbara rejoin the Pacific Coast Highway following signs towards Los Angeles.

With the Santa Monica Mountains inland, the road hugs the coast all the way. You may like to stop at Malibu which is well known for its celebrity homes as well as its surf beach.

Continue on Highway 1, before exiting at Santa Monica, to check-in at your hotel near the beach.

Santa Barbara > Santa Monica | 85 miles

Hyatt Centric Delfina or similar

Los Angeles by the sea, Santa Monica is a seaside town most famous for its pier and the fact that it is the end of the historic Route 66.

Santa Monica is very walkable, so spend a day out of the car exploring on foot. Wander down to the soft golden sands and walk along the paved promenade, watching the fitness followers and families at play. Walk out onto the historic pier where a variety of amusements and rollercoasters dominate the skyline.

Alternatively, the train links Santa Monica with Downtown Los Angeles so if you want to explore the city independently this is a simple way to avoid the traffic. Alternatively, join a sightseeing bus tour to take in the Hollywood studios and the Walk of Fame.

You could choose to go behind the scenes of Paramount Studios or enjoy the fun at Universal Studios also in Hollywood. For the full theme park experience drive to Anaheim to enjoy the rides at Disneyland.

Optional Experience – Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour
A fun, informative and easy way to explore the wonders of Los Angeles. Stopping by all of the major sights and attractions. Your pass will be valid for 24 hours.

Hyatt Centric Delfina or similar

You could choose to stay a little longer in Santa Monica and explore more of Los Angeles, alternatively make your way to Los Angeles International airport in time to return your car, and check-in for your homeward flight.