Arrive in Southern California and collect your car from Los Angeles International Airport and follow Highway 1 for just 20 minutes to the seaside city of Santa Monica.

Le Meridien Delfina or similar

Begin your day down on Santa Monica beach. Perhaps indulge in a late brunch in a cafe facing the sand. You can then walk along the promenade taking in the sea views, and watching the locals jog, skateboard and roller-blade their way to Venice Beach and back.

Any stay in Santa Monica wouldn’t be complete without a stroll along the historic Santa Monica Pier. This vibrant and colourful hotspot is home to all the classic rollercoasters and amusements that light up in the evening. It is also the perfect location to watch the sunset over the Pacific.

You can also visit Los Angeles from Santa Monica. In Hollywood you can visit iconic landmarks like the Hollywood Walk of Fame, The Chinese Theatre, and the Hollywood Sign. You may also like to take a studio tour at Paramount Pictures or Warner Bros Studios.

For panoramic views of the city head up to Griffith Park, home of the Griffith Observatory. As well as taking in the views you can discover the exhibits on space and science or hike some of the trails within Griffith Park, which also houses the famous Hollywood Sign.

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.

Le Meridien Delfina or similar

Head up the coast on Highway 1 towards Santa Barbara. On the beautiful Pacific Coast, Santa Barbara is a gem. The city’s white-washed buildings and red-tiled roofs reflect its Spanish colonial history, whilst its boutique shops and gourmet restaurants reflect the aspirations of current residents.

Continue your picturesque drive up the Pacific Coast toward Monterey. After being swept away by the stunning views, spend the late afternoon enjoying this artisan city. 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.

Santa Monica > Monterey | 327 miles

Abrego Hotel or similar

Consider taking the famously scenic “17-Mile Drive” around the coast, stopping at renowned Pebble Beach on the way to enjoy the sights of lavish mansions and beautiful coast.

Afterwards, continue northwards to San Francisco for your two night stay.

Monterey > San Francisco | 120 miles

Riu Plaza Fisherman’s Wharf or similar

Today, you are free to enjoy the many sights and sounds of San Francisco; take a cable car ride from Fisherman’s Wharf, visit the famous Alcatraz Island or spend some time in Golden Gate Park. 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 you depart the bustle of San Francisco and 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 | 170 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 | 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.

Once you have completed your time in the National Park make your way to the town of Bakersfield for your overnight stay.

Sequoia National Park > Bakersfield | 115 miles

Four Points by Sheraton or similar

Depart Bakersfield and drive on towards the border with Nevada. Along the way, you can drive through the dramatic scenery of Death Valley National Park, America’s lowest, hottest and driest National Park.

Continue through Death Valley and on to the bright lights on the horizon; Las Vegas.

Bakersfield > Las Vegas | 286 miles

Planet Hollywood or similar

From the fantastic live shows to the excitement of the huge casinos, it’s time to explore 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 Vegas excitement 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 for your 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.

Continue your journey to picturesque Lake Powell, and head to Rainbow Bridge for spectacular views of the multi-coloured rocks and the largest natural bridge in the world.

Bryce Canyon > Lake Powell | 151 miles

Lake Powell Resort or similar

Continue on to the Grand Canyon today. The overwhelming size and brilliant colours of the Grand Canyon easily make it one of the natural wonders of the world.

Visit the South Rim where an assortment of viewing areas and hiking trails can easily be reached from the car park.

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

Take a scenic drive south to the resort town of Scottsdale. Sandwiched between the harsh beauty of the Sonoron Desert and the glistening city of Phoenix, Scottsdale is an oasis of calm and exclusive resorts amongst the sandstone boulders.

Wander through Old Town Scottsdale and venture in to the many galleries and museums. Alternatively relax by the pool or play a round of golf on one of the Championship courses.

Grand Canyon > Scottsdale | 236 miles

Scottsdale Plaza Resort or similar

Enjoy the last morning relaxing in Scottsdale before you depart to Phoenix Sky Harbor airport for your journey home or onward to your next destination.

Scottsdale > Phoenix | 10 miles