Day 1 | Arrive in San Francisco, CA

Distance: 0.00 miles / 0.0 km

Arrive at the airport, pick-up your rental car and proceed to the hotel. San Francisco is one of the most beautiful cities in the US. It''s a compact and approachable place, where downtown streets rise on impossible gradients to reveal stunning views of the city, the bay and beyond. San Francisco is culturally vibrant and ethnically diverse; as a result, it has evolved into the urban jewel of California’s coast. Very typical for this city are the cable cars and rows of elaborate redwood Victorian-Style houses. Curiously, it contains the biggest China Town outside China. This evening, explore Chinatown, along its streets, exotic ingredients are sold, silks and jade are tendered, and wonderful native food can be found at the many restaurants.

Accommodations: (STD) Pickwick Hotel or similar (2 nights) (SUP) Sir Francis Drake or similar (2 nights)

Day 2 | San Francisco, CA

Distance: 0.00 miles / 0.0 km

Visit the dramatic curves of Lombard Street, one of San Francisco''s most photographed sites. The beautifully landscaped, one-block descent from Hyde Street to Leavenworth Street, has given Lombard the title of "crookedest street in the world." At the intersection of Hyde and Lombard, a cable car route provides spectacular views of Alcatraz, Angel Island, Coit Tower, Yerba Buena Island and the Bay Bridge. Stop by the Wharf which offers unobstructed views of infamous Alcatraz Island and consists of a long, coast-side row of seafood restaurants, street vendors and entertainers, souvenir stores, and beautiful ocean scenery. Spend some time in Golden Gate Park; it offers dozens of fun things to do. Top sights are the Conservatory of Flowers and the Japanese Tea Garden. Don’t miss the local resident buffalo herd. This evening dine in one of San Francisco’s many distinctive neighborhoods; from Chinatown to the very Italian flavored North Beach, each offers its own distinctive culture and cuisine.

Day 3 | San Francisco – Monterey/17 Mile Drive – Modesto, CA

Distance: 234.00 miles / 376.5 km

A morning drive will bring you to Monterey, an artisan city on the water famed for the abundance and diversity of its marine life. Here you will see Old Fisherman’s Wharf Cannery Row, an old sardine packing plant and many historic buildings depicting its Spanish past. Travel the famous 17-Mile Drive; this scenic road winds through the prestigious gated community of Pebble Beach in Carmel, past the Del Monte Forest, ocean-front mansions, secluded coves, pristine beaches, and esteemed golf courses. This drive is also home to natural attractions including the famous Lone Cypress tree, Fanshell Beach, and Seal Rock. Afterwards, visit the city of Carmel, voted as one of the most beautiful towns in California, and is a mecca for the performing and visual arts. In the afternoon the journey continues on to Modesto for an overnight stay.

Accommodations: (STD) Clarion Inn Modesto or similar (1 night) (SUP) Clarion Inn Modesto or similar (1 night)

Day 4 | Modesto – Yosemite National Park – Bakersfield, CA

Distance: 311.00 miles / 500.4 km

This morning you will take a scenic drive toward the country''s most famous National Park, Yosemite. Yosemite offers breathtaking views and natural variety of plants and animals. Within the Park, Yosemite Valley''s seven square miles is the most known area. It encompasses Yosemite Falls, the famous El Captain and Half Dome granite monoliths, and misty Bridalveil Falls. The overall scenery is spectacular; views of sheer granite walls, ice-sculptured domes, thundering waterfalls, alpine peaks, giant sequoia trees, glaciers, and flowered meadows are a common occurrence here. In the afternoon, continue to Bakersfield.

Accommodations: (STD) Quality Inn & Suites Bakersfield or similar (1 night) (SUP) Clarion Bakersfield or similar (1 night)

Day 5 | Bakersfield – Death Valley – Las Vegas, NV

Distance: 369.00 miles / 593.7 km

Depart Bakersfield via Death Valley National Park to the “city of lights”, Las Vegas. Death Valley is a desert of streaming sand dunes, snow-capped mountains and multicolored rock layers. It is also one of the most arid places on earth and the hottest and driest of the National Parks within the United States with temperatures reaching 134°F (56.6°C) in the summer. Surprisingly, an average yearly rain-fall of 2 inches (5 cm) has proven sufficient for the over 900 species of plants and animals that thrive in this harsh environment. Stop at Father Crawley and Zabriskie Point for a spectacular view of the Panamint Mountains and Sand Dunes and at Furnace Creek where you may want to choose to have a light lunch. Our journey continues to the exciting city of Las Vegas. Las Vegas is the most dynamic and spectacular city on earth; it boasts the vast majority of the world''s largest hotels which attract thirty-seven million visitors each year who come to see the amazing spectacle that are the hotels themselves.

Accommodations: (STD) Best Western Mardi Gras Hotel & Casino or similar (2 nights) (SUP) Tropicana Resort & Casino or similar (2 nights)

Day 6 | Las Vegas, NV

Distance: 0.00 miles / 0.0 km

Today you are free to explore the city of Las Vegas. You may want to visit the Stratosphere Tower, the tallest observation tower in the U.S. and one of the most exciting attractions among Las Vegas Strip hotels. In the evening catch one of the world-famous Vegas shows feature legendary stars and the best of Broadway and shows are offered by virtually all hotels. There is also Las Vegas Boulevard, commonly known as “The Strip”; this “the main drag” is lined at either side with spectacular hotels, casinos, shops, restaurants and recreational facilities. For a different side of Vegas, visit Fremont Street. This historic street features shops, restaurants and casinos; above you hangs a canopy screen where more than 12 million lights put on a spectacular show.

Day 7 | Las Vegas – Zion National Park – Bryce Canyon National Park, UT

Distance: 245.00 miles / 394.2 km

Leave the glitter of Las Vegas behind and travel to Utah to visit Zion National Park. A million years of water flow has cut the red and white beds of Navajo sandstone that form the sheer walls of Zion National Park. Unlike the Grand Canyon where one stands on the rim and looks down, Zion Canyon is viewed from the bottom looking up. Continue to Bryce Canyon, known for some of the most colorful rock formations in the world which have been sculpted by erosion into pillars called ''hoodoos'' and other fantastic forms. Walk into the canyon for an up-close experience. Iron oxides give red, yellow and brown tints to the limestone, while manganese oxides lend a lavender hue. The most brilliant hues in the park come alive with the rising and setting of the sun. Do not miss the opportunity for star gazing, as the clean air and lack of lights create a spectacular view.

Accommodations: (STD) Bryce View Lodge or similar (1 night) (SUP) Best Western Ruby’s Inn or similar (1 night)

Day 8 | Bryce Canyon NP – Capitol Reef NP – Arches NP – Moab, UT

Distance: 238.00 miles / 382.9 km

This morning Travel through Canyon Country to Capitol Reef National Park which is known for its vivid sandstone formations and fruit orchards. Stop at Panorama Point which offers excellent photo opportunities and to enjoy the views, then at the Park’s Visitor Center to view their displays. After a Scenic Drive through the park depart toward Arches National Park. This Park contains the largest number of natural stone arches in the country; of these, the most famous is Delicate Ach. Along with more than 2,000 arches are many red rock canyons, spires, fins and balancing rocks. Continue to Moab for an overnight stay.

Accommodations: (STD) Super 8 Moab or similar (1 night) (SUP) Red Cliffs Lodge or similar (1 night)

Day 9 | Moab – Canyonlands – Mesa Verde National Park – Durango, CO

Distance: 229.00 miles / 368.5 km

In the morning visit to Dead Horse Point from where you may view Canyonlands with its spectacular formations and great variety of colors. Immediately after, continue via Cortez to Mesa Verde National Park. This park consists of more than 4,000 ruin sites, which include 600 cliff dwellings; these magnificent sites include the famous Balcony House and Cliff Palace. Visit Spruce Tree House, constructed between AD 1211 and 1278 by the ancestors of the Puebloan peoples of the Southwest. The dwelling contains about 130 rooms and 8 kivas, or ceremonial chambers, built into a natural cave. Continue to Durango. This great city, nestled in the picturesque San Juan Mountains of Southwest Colorado was built as a mining supply and smelting center during the gold and silver era.

Accommodations: (STD) Holiday Inn Durango or similar (1 night) (SUP) Double Tree Durango or similar (1 night)

Day 10 | Durango – Chama – Santa Fe – Albuquerque, NM

Distance: 278.00 miles / 447.3 km

After we cross the continental divide we make a stop in the surprising green valley of Chama, the last leg of the Rio Grande Railway. A lunchtime arrival in Santa Fe, the capital of New Mexico and the second oldest city in the USA, will allow for an orientation tour of Old Town Santa Fe with its three different cultures, Spanish, Indian and American. Some of the tour highlights are the State Building, San Miguel Church Which is the oldest church in the US, Loretto Chapel with its Miraculous floating staircase, and Governor’s Palace which houses the most extensive museum collection spanning the history of Santa Fe and the Southwest. After the tour you will have time to explore the city on your own. Native Americans ply their arts and crafts outside the buildings facing the central Plaza just as they have for over 400 years. Jewelry, pottery, and more are spread out on blankets for you to admire and purchase. The tour continues in route to Albuquerque.

Accommodations: (STD) Quality Inn & Suites Hotel or similar (1 night) (SUP) Hilton Albuquerque or similar (1 night)

Day 11 | Albuquerque – Canyon De Chelly – Kayenta, AZ

Distance: 382.00 miles / 614.6 km

Start the day with a visit to Old Town where you can walk through history around its original central plaza. Uniquely distinctive Southwestern items can be found in numerous shops and boutiques. The tour continues west for a visit to Canyon De Chelly and its magnificent vistas. Canyon de Chelly is part of the Navajo Reservation. Stop at the Visitor Center and proceed via the South Rim from which you can admire the Ancient Ruins and geologic structures. These ancient ruins were once home to the thriving Anasazi Indian community. The steep, stained walls of the canyon have helped preserve these petroglyphs and cliff dwellings. From here you will also see Spider Rock; this spectacular geologic feature is a sandstone spire that rises 800 feet from the canyon floor. You may recognize it, as it has served as the scene of a number of television commercials. Continue to Kayenta for an overnight stay.

Accommodations: (STD) Holiday Inn Monument Valley or similar (1 night) (SUP) Goulding’s Lodge or similar (1 night)

Day 12 | Kayenta – Monument Valley – Grand Canyon, AZ

Distance: 201.00 miles / 323.4 km

Today we visit Monument Valley. This Valley provides perhaps the most enduring and definitive images of the American West. The isolated red mesas and buttes surrounded by empty, sandy desert have been filmed and photographed countless times over the years for movies, advertisements and holiday brochures. Because of this, the area may seem quite familiar, even on your first visit. Stop at the Cameron Trading Post where you can have lunch and purchase local Indian crafts. The tour continues to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon where you can visit Desert View, Mather Point, Yavapai and Bright Angel Lodge. The Grand Canyon is one of the seven natural wonders of the world, its amazing landscape awes and inspires. It is a steep-sided gorge carved by the Colorado River over a six million year period. The Canyon is between 1500 and 2700 meters above sea level.

Accommodations: (STD & SUP) Grand Canyon Lodging* to be determined at time of booking, based on availability. Excludes El Tovar Hotel - (1 night)

*We would strive to provide accommodations inside Grand Canyon National Park for early bookings. National Park lodging must be booked well in advance, especially for the summer months. National Park accommodations, while rustic, provide an incomparable experience and many added conveniences. The park''s free shuttle buses connect the lodges with restaurants, shops, visitor centers, scenic overlooks and trailheads. Later bookings will be accommodated just outside the National Park.

Day 13 | Grand Canyon – Sedona – Phoenix/Scottsdale, AZ

Distance: 228.00 miles / 366.9 km

The journey continues as you depart the Grand Canyon through scenic Oak Creek Canyon to Sedona for a lunch stop. Oak Creek Canyon is a spectacular 16-mile gorge with streams and waterfalls between sheer rock walls. Breathtaking in its red rock beauty, the Canyon with its clear perennial stream provides a strong contrast to the Sedona''s red rocks. After lunch continue to Phoenix or Scottsdale for a mid-afternoon arrival. This evening visit the “Old Town” area of Scottsdale. In addition to multiple galleries and exclusive shops, here you will find excellent collection of Southwestern and Native American art and handicrafts for sale. Enjoy the regional flavors of the southwest cooking style at one of the multiple restaurants in this area.

Accommodations: (STD) Sleep Inn N. Scottsdale Rd. or similar (1 night) (SUP) Hilton Pointe Tapatio Cliffs or similar (1 night)

Day 14 | Scottsdale – Palm Springs – Los Angeles, CA

Distance: 374.00 miles / 601.8 km

Leave Scottsdale behind and head west toward Los Angeles through scenic desert country where you will encounter the exclusive resort town of Palm Springs. Situated in the shadow of the San Jacinto Peak, Palm Springs serves as a playground to the rich and famous; it brims with lush farming land and manicured golf courses which does not conform to the typical desert image. Take a ride on the Aerial Tramway, a popular attraction that takes you from the desert to snow-capped mountains. This cable car ride ascends Mt. San Jacitno. At the top, there are hiking trails, mule rides, a cocktail bar and a restaurant. Afterward, continue to Los Angeles for a two-night stay. Los Angeles is the entertainment capital of the United States. Home to famous movie stars and the infamous landmark, the Hollywood sign, it is a city brimming with culture and happenings. This big metropolis has many regions with distinct flavors and communities.

Accommodations: (STD) Sportman’s Lodge or similar (2 nights) (SUP) Angeleno Hotel or similar (2 nights)

Day 15 | Los Angeles, CA

Distance: 0.00 miles / 0.0 km

Today, explore the City of Angels. Visit the glitz and glamour of Hollywood. Take a stroll along the Walk of Fame and see the names of celebrities commemorated in pink stars along the sidewalk. Visit Mann''s Chinese Theater, the best-preserved of the movie palaces from Hollywood''s golden era. Known for its celebrity hand and footprints in the forecourt, over 200 impressions are yours to discover. Drive through Beverly Hills, the most famous neighborhood in the United States and glimpse exclusive homes of celebrities. Shop the famous Rodeo Drive, where luxury retail commands the street. Have lunch in Venice Beach, home to famous Muscle Beach, where the sand and surf are secondary to the lively scene of people that inhabit the sidewalk. Or, make your way to Anaheim and visit the “Happiest place on earth.” Disneyland is home to your favorite characters like Mickey Mouse. Here you will find entertainment for the young and the young at heart. In the evening have dinner at one of the many ethnic neighborhoods and experience the distinct flavors of authentic dishes.

Day 16 | Los Angeles – Los Angeles International Airport, CA

Distance: 21.00 miles / 33.8 km

Depart at leisure to Los Angeles International Airport. Drop-off rental car.