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.

Riu Plaza Fisherman’s Wharf or similar

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.

Riu Plaza Fisherman’s Wharf or similar

Gaze upon the mist over the Golden Gate Bridge before collecting your car and departing the bustle of San Francisco. Head towards the natural beauty that is Yosemite National Park.

Take your time and enjoy the meandering drive into the park, the views get better with every turn. There are photo opportunities aplenty as you drive through Yosemite. Capture the iconic Sequoia trees, granite cliffs of El Capitan and Half Dome, and the iconic vista of towering Bridalveil Fall from Tunnel View.

San Francisco > Yosemite National Park | 165 miles

Tenaya Lodge or similar

Take in the morning sunshine in Yosemite National Park before making your way to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks.

These twin parks hold monuments to nature’s size, beauty, and diversity. Immense mountains, rugged foothills, deep canyons, vast caverns and the world’s largest trees all reside here making it a unique place.

Spectacular views can be seen from Moro Rock, guided cavern tours are available, and the visitor centre contains much information about the park history and seasonal activities.

Yosemite National Park > Sequoia National Park | 140 miles

Wuksachi Lodge or similar

Return to Sequoia National Park in the morning to enjoy the Giant Sequoia Redwood trees on the morning light. Be sure to stop by “General Sherman”, the largest tree on earth.

Drive on towards the border with Nevada. Here you will encounter the dramatic scenery of Death Valley National Park, America’s lowest, hottest and driest National Park.

Despite its morbid name and reputation, Death Valley National Park is home to more than three million acres of dramatic landscapes including tall peaks and salt flats below sea-level. Seek out the panoramic views at Zabriskie Point, the volcanic colours of Artists Palette and salt crust at Badwater Basin.

Sequoia National Park > Death Valley National Park | 307 miles

The Ranch at Death Valley or similar

Spend the morning exploring the valley between the Cottonwood and Last Chance Ranges, now called “The Racetrack”, due to the tracks left by boulders moving across the dry lake bed. Can you solve the mystery of the “Sailing Stones”?

Depart Death Valley National Park and continue further into Nevada to the oasis that is Las Vegas!

Death Valley National Park > Las Vegas | 117 miles

Planet Hollywood or similar

Las Vegas is a different type of playground. From the fantastic live shows to the excitement of the huge casinos, spend the day exploring the city that never sleeps.

Stroll down ‘The Strip’ to visit the famous Caesars Palace, MGM Grand and The Venetian, and make sure you get a good spot outside the Bellagio to watch the majestic dancing fountains.

Optional Experience – Vegas Helicopter Flight
Enjoy the best possible view of the Las Vegas strip.

Planet Hollywood or similar

Leave the man-made excitement of Vegas behind and drive towards Zion National Park. You will be greeted by gigantic sandstone monoliths and hear the soft rush of the Virgin River. Zion’s famous slot canyons known as ‘Narrows’ are a hiker’s paradise but there are a variety of trails and paved pathways for explorers of all skill levels. In addition, you can visit Zion’s other major attractions using the complimentary shuttle system.

After leaving Zion, head to Bryce Canyon National Park to view sunset and your next overnight stay.

Las Vegas > Bryce Canyon | 259 miles

The Lodge at Bryce Canyon or similar

Enjoy the early morning light in the colourful Bryce Canyon National Park. Take this opportunity to get up close with the scenic wonders that make this area one of America’s masterpiece locations.

Amphitheatres of colourful eroded rock set Bryce Canyon apart from anywhere else. Light reflecting on the hoodoos at different times of day change the colourful scene of the park.

Consider a drive to Rainbow Point where you can see more than 100 miles on a clear day.

When you’re done exploring the park, make your way to Highway 15 and head north via Utah Lake to Salt Lake City.

Bryce Canyon > Salt Lake City | 268 miles

Hilton Salt Lake City Centre or similar

Continue northwards to the world’s first ever National Park, the example on which all National Parks have been based,Yellowstone National Park.

Located at the convergence of the Great Plains, Great Basin, and Columbia Plateau, Yellowstone National Park sits on a dormant volcano, giving the park a diverse mix of flora and fauna, interspersed with geothermal features.

Make your way to West Yellowstone, one of the gateways to the National Park.

Salt Lake City > Yellowstone National Park | 320 miles

Gray Wolf Inn & Suites or similar

Spend a full day within Yellowstone National Park.

Perhaps start at Old Faithful for its iconic geyser eruptions. Witness the Grand Canyon of  Yellowstone’s vibrant hues and waterfalls. Drive the Beartooth Scenic Byway, dubbed ‘the most beautiful road in America’. 

Explore the geothermal wonders at Norris Geyser Basin and the wildlife-rich Lamar Valley. Maybe conclude with the surreal beauty of Mammoth Hot Springs.

Gray Wolf Inn & Suites or similar

Begin your day driving through Yellowstone National Park, with the option to stop by Lake Yellowstone, before departing south towards Jackson Hole and Grand Teton National Park.

Start exploring Grand Teton National Park at Jenny Lake for short hike around the still waters. Capture stunning photos at Mormon Row and Schwabacher Landing then discover wildlife at Willow Flats and Signal Mountain.

End your day with the sunset casting its warm glow on the Teton Range, before heading to your hotel in neighbouring Jackson Hole.

Yellowstone National Park > Jackson | 137 miles

Snow King Resort Jackson Hole or similar

In the morning you may choose to ride the Jackson Hole cable car up just over 4000 feet for panoramic views across the Tetons.

Once back down, drive through the Bridger-Teton National Forest and pass by iconic landmarks like the Gros Ventre Slide and the historic town of Pinedale.

As you approach Rock Springs take advantage of roadside pullouts for wildlife and landscape photo opportunities.

Jackson > Rock Springs | 188 miles

Holiday Inn Rock Springs or similar

Traverse the high desert landscapes of southwestern Wyoming on your way from Rock Springs to Steamboat Spring in Colorado. Pass through the stunning Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area as you cross into Colorado and relish the picturesque Yampa Valley, surrounded by rolling hills and expansive ranchlands.

Arriving in Steamboat Springs, you may like to indulge in a soak in the rejuvenating waters of the Old Town Hot Springs or take a ride on the Steamboat Gondola, offering panoramic views of the Yampa Valley.

In the evening visit the historic downtown for charming boutiques and diverse dining options.

Rock Springs > Steamboat Springs | 192 miles

Homewood Suites By Hilton or similar

Take a short detour on your way to Colorado Springs to visit the Rocky Mountain National Park. Here you can take a scenic drive along Trail Ridge Road, one of the highest continuous paved roads in the United States. Enjoy breathtaking views of alpine landscapes and mountain peaks and stop at “Many Parks Curve Overlook” for a panoramic view and spot wildlife.

Continue your journey to Colorado Springs. On the edge of some of America’s most beautiful mountains, Colorado Springs feels as if it is set in a valley, however, at just over 6000 feet above sea level, it is actually on a high plateau.

Steamboat Springs > Colorado Springs | 223 miles
The Mining Exchange, A Wyndham Grand Hotel or similar

You may like to spend your morning at Garden of the Gods, marvelling at the towering red rock formations. You can explore some of the park’s trails independently or join a guided nature walk for deeper insights.

In the afternoon drive, or take the Pikes Peak Cog Railway, to the summit of Pikes Peak. Revel in the panoramic views of the Rockies from 14,115 feet!

In the evening head to Tejon Street in downtown Colorado Springs for dining options and entertainment.

The Mining Exchange, A Wyndham Grand Hotel or similar

Leave Colorado Springs for Durango taking time to view the Great Sand Dunes National Park, home to the tallest sand dunes in America, along the way.

In Durango take a ride back in time behind a historic steam-powered locomotive, enjoy the sights and sounds of yesteryear on the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad or take a trip deep into old gold and silver mines. You might also enjoy horseback riding at one of the local ranches.

Colorado Springs > Durango | 301 miles

Historic Strater Hotel or similar

Pass through the stunning Mesa Verde National Park and dramatic Monument Valley on your way to Lake Powell today.

At Mese Verde National Park you can explore the largest and most iconic cliff dwellings in North America. Join a Ranger guided tour to delve into the incredible history and architecture of this ancient site.

Over the years, Monument Valley has been the setting for many Western movies, and you can re-enact them all during a 17-mile scenic drive through the red sandstone buttes and mesas. You can also opt for a tour led by local Navajo guides who can share their cultural stories and insights about the iconic valley.

Finish the day at Lake Powell, best know for its blue waters and intricate red rock formations such as Antelope Canyon and Rainbow Bridge. 

Durango > Lake Powell | 267 miles

Lake Powell Resort or similar

Take time this morning to explore the contrasting blue waters and red cliffs of Lake Powell. You may wish to embark on a boat tour to visit Rainbow Bridge and Antelope Canyon.

Onward next to another of the world’s natural wonders, the Grand Canyon. The overwhelming size and brilliant colours of the Grand Canyon easily make it one of the most impressive sights in the world and sits on many a bucket list.

Stroll along the South Rim Trail and head to Mather Point for breathtaking panoramic views and glimpses of the Colorado River, 1 mile down. You can also take the scenic drive along Hermit Road stopping at Hopi Point and Mohave Point for the stunning views.

Optional Experience – Grand Canyon Skywalk
Take in views of the Grand Canyon from a U-shaped glass walkway that extends out more than 70 feet from the canyon’s west rim.

Lake Powell > Grand Canyon | 145 miles

Yavapai Lodge or similar

Enjoy the early morning light over the Grand Canyon, before continuing your journey to Lake Havasu, via the towns of Williams and Kingman.

Lake Havasu City is renowned for London Bridge, which was purchased from the City of London in 1968 and then reconstructed over the Bridgewater Channel in Lake Havasu. It has become an iconic landmark and a major tourist attraction.

Grand Canyon > Lake Havasu | 232 miles

London Bridge Resort or similar

Our last stop in this tour of the Great American National Parks is the stylish town of Palm Springs.

Palm Springs is among Southern California’s most prized residential locations and serves as the gateway to Joshua Tree National Park. It also well-known for hosting world-class music and film festivals.

Choose to ride the scenic aerial tramway to the summit of Mount San Jacinto, for panoramic views from the 6000ft peak.

For those seeking more activity Greater Palm Springs opens up opportunities for hiking, horse riding and a round of golf

Alternatively for those wishing to stay local, there are plenty of museums, galleries, cafes and restaurants in Palm Springs from which to sit, people watch and search for celebrities.

Lake Havasu > Los Angeles | 195 miles

Renaissance Palm Springs or similar

Take a trip into the Joshua Tree National Park to witness the convergence of the Mojave & Colorado deserts that create natural sand carved monuments, innovative flora and fauna and unspoilt dark night skies, perfect for stargazing.

The forests of Joshua Trees are mostly located to the North of the park and can be easily accessed via the town of Twenty-Nine Palms.

Alternatively the southern entrance to Joshua Tree National Park gives easy access to Cottonwood Spring and the Cholla Cactus Garden.

Renaissance Palm Springs or similar

Your journey around some of the best of Americas National Parks comes to an end today.

You can choose to stay a little longer in L.A. to visit Hollywood and soak up more of the city, or depart at your leisure to Los Angeles Airport for your flight home.

Palm Springs > Los Angeles International Airport | 123 miles