Tour Overviews
16 Days / 15 Nights
From New York City To Los Angeles
Best of America Self Drive Tour
See the Highlights of the East and West Coast
Booking Code: S9-NYC-64
Overview
Begin your tour in the City That Never Sleeps, New York City. Continue on to the seventh natural wonder of the world, Niagara Falls. Tour the nation’s capital, Washington D.C. then fly to the west coast. Here you will explore the Pacific Coast cities of San Francisco and Los Angeles and majestic the Majestic Western National Parks.
Visiting
- Phoenix
- Scottsdale
- Sedona
- Anaheim
- Beverly Hills
- Hollywood
- Long Beach
- Los Angeles
- Palm Springs
- San Francisco
- Santa Monica
- Las Vegas
- New York City
- Toronto
- Washington
- Death Valley
- Disney Land
- Lake Powell
- Mojave Desert
- Yosemite National Park
- Zion National Park
- Niagara Falls
- Grand Canyon National Park
- Fishermen's Wharf
- Bryce Canyon
Prices per person
Available Hotel Categories: Standard, Superior
| Daily Departures | Single | Double | Triple | Quad | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Standard Hotels & Superior Hotels Children pay the Adult price |
|||||
| 15-Sep-2009 thru 20-Mar-2010 | $2191.00 | $1151.00 | $848.00 | -- | |
| 30-Apr-2010 thru 30-Jun-2010 | $2248.00 | $1187.00 | $878.00 | -- | |
| 01-Jul-2010 thru 20-Aug-2010 | $2412.00 | $1272.00 | $933.00 | -- | |
| 21-Aug-2010 thru 30-Sep-2010 | $2353.00 | $1238.00 | $913.00 | -- | |
| 01-Oct-2010 thru 20-Mar-2011 | $2191.00 | $1151.00 | $848.00 | -- | |
Your Travel Package Includes
15 Nights Hotel Accommodation as detailed in the Day by Day Itinerary as described below
All Hotel Taxes and Service Charges
13 Days Hertz Economy Car Rental (Mid Size for Parties of 3 & 4) Including Unlimited Mileage
Free Upgrade to a Mid Size Car for Parties of 1 & 2 and to a Full Size Car for Parties of 3 & 4 When Booking on Line
An Explorer Kit containing Documentation, Maps, Driving Instructions, Mileage, Sights to See and detailed driving descriptions and maps to your hotels will be sent to the First Hotel in advance of your Tour and may be picked up at the front desk.
Optional Inclusions
Rental Car Upgrades to a Convertible, Mid Size 4WD SUV, Green, Minivan or Luxury Car for $10 per day. In-Car Navigation System for $59.75 per week (5 - 7 days), and $11.95 per extra day.
Rental Car Insurance including Loss Damage Waiver, Liability Insurance Supplement, Taxes, Surcharges & Fees for $15 per day
Extra Hotels, Apartments or Villas for Stays Before & After your Tour
Not Included
Airfare from Washington,DC to San Francisco,CA
Fuel and Parking Changes.
Admissions to Parks and Attractions unless otherwise stated.
Itinerary
New York City, NY
Day 1 | Arrive in New York, NY
Distance: 0 miles / 0.0 km
Arrive at the airport and independently transfer to your hotel by airport bus or taxi. (Car rental is not suggested in the first two days, as it is much easier to get around using other transportation.) There is much to see and do in this worldly metropolis. Tonight consider a visit to one of New York's most popular destinations, Rockefeller Center. It is a hub of activity, with thousands of visitors and New Yorkers alike taking in an array of exciting attractions. Whether you're looking to spend the afternoon ice-skating, joining the audience of a television show, or shopping at its world-class retail stores, the Rock has something for everyone. Enjoy a two night stay near New York City. Accommodations: (STD) Holiday Inn Hasbrouck Heights (2 Nights) Accommodations: (SUP) Helmsley Middletown Hotel (2 Nights)
New York City, NY
Day 2 | New York, NY
Distance: 0 miles / 0.0 km
New York is full of wonderful establishments, monuments and countless sights. Tour the United Nations, the Whitney Museum of Art and the world class Metropolitan Museum of Art. All of these wonderful places make New York the dazzling international city that is known throughout the world. Take a ride through Central Park on a horse drawn carriage, or tour the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. Admire the lights of the Brooklyn Bridge from the South Street Seaport. New York remains a city of neighborhoods, whether it's avant-garde Greenwich Village, bustling Harlem, the ultra-sophisticated TriBeCa, or one of the ethnic enclaves such as Little Italy or Chinatown. There is much to explore and learn in “the city that never sleeps.”Visit New York's famous Empire State Building, which soars more than a quarter of a mile into the atmosphere above the heart of Manhattan. Visit the Guggenheim Museum, Frank Lloyd Wright's masterpiece of modern architecture. The museum is home to a fine collection of 20th century art, including works by Chagall, Degas, Kadinsky, Picasso and Van Gogh. See Radio City Music Hall where America's most popular entertainers have thrilled audiences at since its doors opened in 1932. Radio City Music Hall is also home to the world-famous Radio City Rockettes.
Niagara Falls, ON
Day 3 | New York - Niagara Falls, Ontario
Distance: 411 miles / 661.3 km
Pickup your rental car and depart New York. Enjoy a scenic drive through upstate New York to the Canadian side of Niagara Falls. Nature has left an mark on the Niagara region. The Canadian Falls, with a height of 54 meters (177ft), and the American Falls, at 56 meters (184ft) high, are true wonders of nature. You may choose to drive along the Niagara Parkway which connects Niagara-on-the-Lake to Niagara Falls. This lovely trek takes you passed many attractions. You might choose to stop at the White Water Walk, a scenic boardwalk that runs beside the raging white waters of the Great Gorge Rapids. Stroll along and marvel at the mighty torrent, where the river rushes through the narrow channel at an average speed of 22 mph. Or take a ride on the Whirlpool Aero Car. This cable-car contraption soars up on a 1,097m (3,600-ft.) jaunt between two points in Canada. High above the Niagara Whirlpool, enjoy fantastic panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. A two night stay has been arranged here. Accommodations: (STD) Best Western Cairn Croft Hotel (2 Nights) Accommodations: (SUP) Sheraton on the Falls (2 Nights)
Toronto, ON
Day 4 | Niagara Falls or Toronto, Ontario
Distance: 0 miles / 0.0 km
Today is yours to explore the seventh natural wonder of the world. An adventurous way to do that is from the decks of the Maid of the Mist, The rugged boat takes you right in through the waters around the American Falls; past the Rock of Ages; and to the foot of the Horseshoe Falls. Here, 34.5 million gallons of water tumble over the 54m-high (176- ft.) cataract each minute. Boats leave from the dock on the parkway just down from the Rainbow Bridge. Venture beneath the falls using the elevator at Table Rock House, which drops you 46m (151 ft.) through solid rock to the tunnels and viewing portals of the “Journey Behind the Falls.” Rain ponchos are provided and you will find them a welcome site. For a different perspective entirely, view the raging, swirling waters in Niagara: Miracles, Myths, and Magic, shown on a six-story-high screen. This IMAX movie captures on film the wonder of the falls. You might also consider taking a short drive to Toronto. As the capital of Ontario and Canada's largest city Toronto has become known for entertainment, culture, sports, high fashion and big business. There are more than 20,000 retail stores and restaurants. Yet for such a large city it's miraculously clean, safe and friendly. Stroll through the charming Lake Ontario waterfront district and explore the trendy shops and quaint cafés along College and Queen Streets. Built as a TV transmission antenna, the CN tower is the symbol of the city. At 1815 feet, it's the tallest tower in the world. It has a range of attractions and exhibits including digital animation shops and a Simulator Theatre, which mimics air flight. All which can be reached via the famous glass-faced elevator, which takes less than a minute to reach the observation deck.
Washington, DC
Day 5 | Niagara Falls - Washington D.C.
Distance: 479 miles / 770.7 km
Today, depart Niagara Falls and continue southward through Pennsylvania and Maryland for an afternoon arrival in Washington D.C., the nation's capital. Consider an evening tour of the city. Many of the monuments are illuminated at night. Among the most impressive are the Lincoln Memorial, where the solemn beauty of his historic speech is carved in the walls of this monument and the Washington Monument, which offers spectacular views from the top. The White House and the Capitol building are also lit in the evening. Or take a dinner cruise along the Potomac River. This riverboat tours offer an entertaining and relaxing way to see the city from the water. Enjoy a two night stay in Washington D.C. Accommodations: (STD) Comfort Inn Alexandria (2 Nights) Accommodations: (SUP) Rouge Hotel Washington D.C. (2 Nights)
Cherry Blossom. Washington DC
Day 6 | Washington D.C.
Distance: 0 miles / 0.0 km
Bustling with activity, America’s capital city is powered by politics and tourism. D.C. centers on the capitol and then spreads into a variety of distinctive neighborhoods. They include Downtown, with its art galleries and nightlife and Dupont Circle with hip clubs and trendy shopping. Capitol Hill and the National Mall feature many of the city’s most prominent buildings and museums, including stately presidential monuments and most branches of the world-famous Smithsonian Institution. Make sure to see Arlington National Cemetery, Library of Congress, Washington Monument, White House and the Lincoln Memorial. For history lovers and culture fanatics, D.C. is filled with museums and arts venues. The Smithsonian includes 15 distinct museums with vast collections of art and artifacts, including the Air and Space Museum and the Museum of American History. At the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, catch live theater and music performances. Spend time lounging on the National Mall, enjoying lovely views of the Capitol on one end and the Lincoln Memorial on the other. Walking the length of the Mall, you can absorb the green spaces and relax on a park bench whole the big city continues beyond.
San Francisco, CA
Day 7 | Washington D.C. - San Francisco, California
Distance: 0 miles / 0.0 km
Depart at leisure for the Washington D.C. International Airport. Today, you will make the cross-country flight to San Francisco. Pickup rental car and proceed to hotel and relax. There is a three hour time difference so you have time to explore San Francisco. Enjoy stunning views of the Pacific coastline, jagged cliffs set against the backdrop of blue sky and rushing waters. Home of the black bear and other mammals, this postcard scenery will capture the imagination. Here is home of majestic wine country and the Golden Gate. The term "melting pot" is used to describe many American cities and towns. This is indeed true for San Francisco. Rows of elegant houses, the famous cable cars, clusters of ethnic neighborhoods, and the colorful waterfront all add to the distinctive international flavor of the city. A two night stay has been arranged here. Accommodations: (STD) Cathedral Hill Hotel SF (2 Nights) Accommodations: (SUP) Warwick Regis Hotel (2 Nights)
San Francisco, CA
Day 8 | San Francisco
Distance: 0 miles / 0.0 km
Today, you are free to enjoy one of the many sights and sounds of San Francisco. Take a cable car ride from Fisherman's Wharf. Another major attraction is Alcatraz, a small island located in the middle of San Francisco Bay. It served as lighthouse, a military fortification, and finally as a federal prison until 1963. The rangers give excellent guided tours detailing the history and legends surrounding “The Rock.” Spend the day in Golden Gate Park. Golden Gate Park 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.
Yosemite National Park, CA
Day 9 | San Francisco - Yosemite National Park, California
Distance: 203 miles / 326.6 km
Depart the bustle of San Francisco and drive toward Yosemite National Park. The striking beauty of Yosemite is due in part to the Yosemite Valley, whose flat floor contrasts with nearly vertical granite walls. The granite cliffs, including the El Capitan monolith, Glacier Point, and Half Dome all tower as major waterfalls tumble over them. In addition to the Valley, Yosemite includes an extensive high-mountain wilderness of peaks, rivers, and meadows, and groves of giant sequoia trees. Extensive visitor activities, facilities, and services are available. At Yosemite Village, you can visit the Valley Visitor Center and see its orientation film, publications, theater programs, and exhibits highlighting the natural and human history. Self-guiding trails are nearby. Elsewhere in Yosemite Valley, you can gaze up at the waterfalls; visit Mirror Lake/Meadow in the East Valley and the famous "Tunnel View" of Yosemite Valley at Wawona Tunnel. Enjoy an overnight stay in this area. Accommodations: (ST1) Best Western Village Fresno - Winter (1 Night) (ST2) Austria Hof Lodge Mammoth - Summer (1 Night) Accommodations: (SU1) Sheraton Four Points Fresno - Winter (1 Night) (SU2) Shilo Inn Mammoth Lakes - Summer (1 Night) *Winter Routing: The Tioga Pass is closed during the winter and accommodations will be on the west side of the park.
Death Valley, CA
Day 10 | Yosemite Area - Death Valley - Las Vegas, Nevada
Distance: 363 miles / 584.1 km
Depart the Yosemite area and drive toward Nevada. Along the way, pass through Death Valley. Here you will find raw and barren earth as carved by the elements. The visitor center is located at Furnace Creek and will be a good starting point for seeing the park. Continue on to Las Vegas. Las Vegas has something to offer everyone. From the outrageous live shows to the excitement of casinos, the action never stops from morning to night. Stroll down Las Vegas Boulevard, also known as “the strip.” Each hotel and casino has a distinctly different theme and all are wondrous displays. Take a trip up to the top of the Stratosphere hotel tower, the tallest building west of the Mississippi River. Enjoy dinner at the Top of the World, or simply admire the view from the observation deck. Visit any of the premier hotels including Caesars Palace, The Venetian and Paris for luxury shopping. If you’re searching for a bargain, drive to one of the outlet malls featuring designer names at discounted prices. Dining in Las Vegas is superior. World-renowned chefs have decided to make Vegas their kitchen and there is a restaurant nearby to satisfy any palette. Make sure not to miss the nightly fountain show at the Bellagio Hotel. Using a dramatic combination of music, water and light, the Bellagio delivers spectacular performances nightly with its majestic fountains. 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. Accommodations: (STD) Best Western Mardi Gras Inn and Suites (1 Night) Accommodations: (SUP) Renaissance Las Vegas (1 Night)
Las Vegas, NV
Day 11 | Las Vegas - Zion National Park - Bryce, Utah
Distance: 249 miles / 400.6 km
Leave the Vegas excitement behind and drive toward Zion National Park. You will be greeted by gigantic sandstone monoliths and hear the soft rush of the Virgin River. The Narrows are Zion’s famous slot canyons. These are narrow stone crevices formed with colorful stripes caused by years of water, wind and erosion. The result is a hiker’s paradise. In the park and along the river there are a variety of trails and paved pathways for explorers of all skill levels. In addition, there is a complimentary shuttle system that runs throughout the park. By utilizing this, you can visit the Zion’s other major attractions such as the Emerald Pools, Weeping Rock and Angels Landing. Stop at the Visitor Center for information on guided tours and park history. Continue on to Bryce for an overnight stay. Accommodations: (STD) Best Western New Western (1 Night) Accommodations: (SUP) Best Western Ruby’s Inn (1 Night)
Lake Powell, AZ
Day 12 | Bryce Canyon - Lake Powell - Grand Canyon Nat'l Park, Arizona
Distance: 310 miles / 498.8 km
This morning visit Bryce Canyon National Park. Bryce contains “amphitheatres” of colorful eroded rock formations. These spires of rock are called hoodoos. It is their uniqueness that sets Bryce apart from anywhere else. Light reflecting on the hoodoos at different times of day change the colorful scene of the park. Consider a drive to Rainbow Point. From some of the overlooks, you can see more than 100 miles on a clear day. There are a variety of walking trails in the park. Horseback riding is another popular way to see the highlights of the park Stop at Lake Powell, a body of deep blue water surrounded by -red cliff walls. You may wish to visit the magnificent Rainbow Bridge, the largest natural bridge in the world. One of the natural wonders of the world, the bridge has been formed by erosion of the sandstone by water flowing from Navajo Mountain towards the Colorado River. Continue on to the Grand Canyon for an overnight stay. Accommodations: (STD) Rodeway Inn Red Feather Lodge Grand Canyon (1 Night) Accommodations: (SUP) El Tovar Hotel in Grand Canyon (1 Night)
The Grand Canyon, AZ
Day 13 | Grand Canyon - Sedona - Scottsdale/Phoenix, Arizona
Distance: 278 miles / 447.3 km
Spend this morning at the Grand Canyon. The overwhelming size and brilliant colors of the Grand Canyon easily make it one of the natural wonders of the world. The Grand Canyon was carved out by natural elements including the Colorado River over vast geological spans of time. The South Rim has an assortment of viewing areas that can be reached by shuttle or car. There are many paved and unpaved walkways along the rim. Visit the Bright Angel Lodge for an excellent vantage point. The lodge is a historic landmark and also offers a gallery, restaurant, exhibits and a great view. Depart the Grand Canyon and begin the scenic drive through Oak Creek Canyon. Red rock formations surround the town of Sedona. Make a photo stop at Bell Rock and Cathedral Rock, large red sandstone formations that tower around the town. Sedona is known for its strong artistic community, eclectic shops and galleries and fantastic places to eaty. 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) Scottsdale Cottonwoods Resort (1 Night) Accommodations: (SUP) Mondrain Scottsdale (1 Night)
Palm Springs, CA
Day 14 | Phoenix - Palm Springs - Los Angeles, California
Distance: 372 miles / 598.5 km
Drive away from the Valley of the Sun today toward the fashionable resort community of Palm Springs. Here date palms grow wild and natural springs have attracted visitors for years. Now, known for its golf and upscale lifestyle, tourists and celebrity visitors enjoy the luxurious amenities. 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. Moorten Botanical Garden is another interesting place to visit, proclaiming itself the "World's First Cactarium." The garden includes 3,000 fine examples of desert cacti and other desert plants, in a quirky Wild West setting sometimes used as a film backdrop. The Village area has a variety of restaurants, trendy shops, historic sites and annual festivals. Continue on to Los Angeles for a two night stay. Accommodations: (STD) Figueroa Hotel (2 Nights) Accommodations: (SUP) Angeleno Hotel Los Angeles (2 Nights)
Venice Beach, LA
Day 15 | Los Angeles, California
Distance: 0 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. Visit Santa Monica Pier, once known as the "finish line" of legendary Route 66. Santa Monica pier was built in 1916. It features an aquarium, an amusement park and the famous Hippodrome building, a mix of California, Byzantine and Moorish architecture that has been featured in many films. 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. For a behind the scenes look at movie making, visit Universal Studios. Tour the sets and cast yourself in the thrilling rides shows and attractions that bring the movies to life. In the evening, enjoy Universal City Walk, filled with restaurants and nightclubs.
Los Angeles, CA
Day 16 | Los Angeles - Los Angeles International Airport, California
Distance: 19 miles / 30.6 km
Depart at leisure for the Los Angeles International Airport.