Taking in two national parks, the major metropolises of San Francisco, San Diego and Los Angeles, wine country, the ocean and deserts, this diverse trip crosses three extraordinary states.
HIGHLIGHTS
Immerse yourself in the creative energy of the City of Angels – your launch pad to an effortlessly delivered exploration of the iconic sights and sounds of the West, with a bit of sun-kissed California in the mix. After a short transfer to Beverly Hills, settle in to your hotel, where you’ll meet your Travel Director and fellow travel companions for a Welcome Reception.
Hotel: Beverly Hills Marriott
Meals: Dinner
Ease into the laid-back surfer-style vibes of San Diego. Discover Balboa Park, the Old Town and Victorian Gaslamp Quarter, dating back to the 1850s. Spend some free time exploring ‘America’s Finest City’ on your own terms before joining your newfound friends for a memorable Regional Dinner.
Hotel: Embassy Suites San Diego Bay Downtown
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Spot the saguaros as you traverse the great Sonoran Desert en route to the trendy Arizona town of Scottsdale. This evening, the Valley of the Sun shines brightly as you enjoy free time to explore its galleries, boutiques and chic eateries.
Hotel: Embassy Suites Phoenix – Scottsdale
Meals: Breakfast
Journey to the artists’ enclave of Sedona – your rocky red gateway to an unforgettable encounter with the epic natural beauty of Oak Creek Canyon. We arrive at the UNESCO-listed Grand Canyon this afternoon where we’ll meet a Local Specialist who will share insights into the canyon’s geological marvels. Watch how the light plays on its layered cliffs and peer down into its depths to see the Colorado River as you skirt the South Rim.
Hotel: National Park Lodges, Grand Canyon
Meals: Breakfast
We leave the world’s largest canyon behind and head towards the dazzling lights of Las Vegas, where we’ll spend the next two nights. The Entertainment Capital of the World blooms in the midst of the desert and you’ll have an opportunity to explore it over the next two nights.
Hotel: Harrahs Las Vegas
Meals: Breakfast
Shrug off the shackles of responsibility and embrace fun and games in the city that never sleeps. Break the bank at one of the casinos, enjoy some retail therapy or have lunch at one of the city’s larger-than-life restaurants. This evening, we enjoy one of the elaborate Regional Dinner buffets for which Las Vegas is renowned.
Hotel: Harrahs Las Vegas
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
We leave Sin City behind, travelling through the vast arid landscapes of the Mojave Desert, to Mammoth Lakes, an outdoor adventure playground amidst the rolling peaks of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Enjoy an evening at leisure. (Weather conditions may cause the Tioga Pass to be closed to traffic, typically from mid October to the end of May. In this case, an alternate entry point to Yosemite will be used.)
Hotel: Mammoth Mountain Inn
Meals: Breakfast
Descend from the Sierra Nevada Mountains through stunning Tioga Pass (seasonal) and enter UNESCO-listed Yosemite National Park. We journey through Yosemite Valley, admiring the natural wonders of Bridal Veil, Yosemite Falls and El Capitan’s imposing granite cliffs. Spend the rest of the day delving into the natural history, flora and fauna of one of the world’s oldest national parks.
Hotel: Best Western Yosemite Way Station
Meals: Breakfast
We head north to Northern California’s original wine country this morning, past Napa and on to Sonoma, where we’ll ‘Dive into Culture’ and visit a family-owned winery for an exclusive tour and wine tasting. A short journey down the coast sees us arrive in San Francisco. Travel beneath the glowing orange arches of the Golden Gate Bridge into ‘The City’, where you’ll enjoy dinner with your fellow travellers this evening.
Hotel: The Clift Royal Sonesta Hotel
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Embark on an exploration of San Francisco and its iconic sights, from Fisherman’s Wharf to Golden Gate Park. Indulge in the Bay Area’s best artisan foods and fresh farm produce, then spend the rest of the afternoon discovering the city’s cosmopolitan neighbourhoods, including the largest Chinese enclave outside Asia.
Hotel: The Clift Royal Sonesta Hotel
Meals: Breakfast
A leisurely start to our morning sees us enjoy a final encounter with San Francisco, before continuing along the rugged, remote Pacific coastline to Monterey where we’ll ‘Connect with Locals’ for a ‘Be My Guest’ dinner crafted from the freshest farm-to-table local ingredients.
Hotel: Hotel Pacific
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Admire the inspiring natural scenery as you continue along the iconic 17-Mile Drive, past the Lone Cypress Tree and Pebble Beach Golf Links. The rest of the day is free to explore Monterey’s strong coastal heritage. Visit the historic waterfront district and Cannery Row, immortalised by the John Steinbeck novel bearing the same name – the choice is yours.
Hotel: Hotel Pacific
Meals: Breakfast
Journey south onto idyllic Santa Barbara. Spend some time discovering the city’s Spanish colonial heritage and perhaps visit Mission Santa Barbara, one of the 21 missions founded by the Spaniards along El Camino Real. This evening, join your newfound friends to toast your holiday during a Farewell Dinner.
Hotel: Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Head to Hollywood to see Tinseltown’s most famous icons: Grauman’s Chinese Theater and the Walk of Fame. We continue to Beverly Hills for those extending their stay or take a transfer to the Los Angeles International Airport.
Meals:Breakfast
*EARLY BIRD OFFER*
Book by 28th February 2020 and save up up 10%
*Early Bird Offer* Save up to 10% when you book by 28th February 2020. Valid on new bookings only and on selected dates. Subject to availability, seasonal variations may apply. Price quoted includes discount.
All prices are per person, based on 2 sharing a twin room, and include meals where shown. Call Freedom Destinations for departure dates and availability. Seasonal variations may apply – call 0333 234 0922 or enquire now for more details** Note: Itineraries may vary for tours departing from 1st April 2021 onwards.
First class touring with the company of others. Our experienced guides will make sure you don’t miss a thing.
Your Escorted Tour includes:
2020-04-16
2020-05-07
2020-05-14
2020-05-21
2020-06-11
2020-06-18
2020-07-02
2020-07-09
2020-07-30
2020-08-20
2020-09-03
2020-09-17
