Itinerary
- Arrive in Los Angeles, CA Pick-up Rental Car
- Day: 1
- 0 miles | 0 Km*
Arrive at the airport, pick-up your rental car and proceed to the hotel. 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. 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.
Accommodations:
(STD) Holiday Inn Los Angeles Airport or similar (1 night).
(SUP) Hilton Los Angeles Airport or similar (1 night).
- Los Angeles – Las Vegas, NV
- Day: 2
- 271 miles | 436.039 Km*
Today you will cross the Mojave Desert on your way to Las Vegas. This city roars with excitement, growing faster and more vibrant with every new night. Enjoy the city’s nightlife which is filled with fabulous shows by some of the world’s finest performers, fast paced casinos, dancing and so much more. Take a chance at the black jack table every day and night as all casinos are available for you to try your luck any time. Stroll down Las Vegas Boulevard, also known as “the strip”. Each hotel and casino has a distinctly different theme. 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 with its majestic fountains. For a different side of Vegas, you can choose to visit Fremont Street. This historic street features shops, restaurants and casinos under a canopy screen where more than 12 million lights put on a spectacular show.
Accommodations:
(STD) Best Western Mardi Gras Inn or similar (1 night).
(SUP) Tropicana Resort & Casino or similar (1 night).
- Las Vegas – Zion National Park – Bryce Canyon National Park, UT
- Day: 3
- 249 miles | 400.641 Km*
Leave 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. Unlike the Grand Canyon where one stands on the rim and looks out, Zion Canyon is best viewed from the bottom looking up. Continue to Bryce Canyon; this National Park includes some of Earth’s most colorful rocks, which have been sculpted by erosion into pillars called ‘hoodoos’ and other fantastic forms. 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.
Accommodations:
(STD) Bryce View Lodge or similar (1 night).
(SUP) Best Western Bryce Canyon Grand or similar (1 night).
- Bryce Canyon – Salt Lake City, UT
- Day: 4
- 271 miles | 436.039 Km*
Today you will travel north to Salt Lake City. Make a quick lunch stop at Provo along the way. Salt Lake City was founded in July 1847 when Mormon leader Brigham Young founded a homestead in the valley of the Great Salt Lake for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The city became first the capital for the Mormon Church and later, of the state. Visit Temple Square, one of Utah’s most popular destinations. Part of its appeal lies in its accessibility: three city blocks in downtown Salt Lake City which contain nearly 20 attractions related to Mormon pioneer history and genealogy, including the Salt Lake Temple, the Tabernacle, and the Family History Library.
Accommodations:
(STD) Shilo Inn Hotel Salt Lake City or similar (1 night).
(SUP) Hilton Salt Lake City or similar (1 night).
- Salt Lake City – Yellowstone National Park, WY
- Day: 5
- 383 miles | 616.247 Km*
Depart Salt Lake City for Yellowstone, America’s first national park known for its wildlife and geothermal features. On our way there, we will drive past the spectacular sight that is the Teton Mountain Range. The highest and most prominent peak of the Range is Grand Teton, standing at an awe-inspiring 13,770 feet from the valley’s floor. Once at Yellowstone National Park, Old Faithful is one of the first stops as we visit the park’s famous geothermal features; these include hot springs, steam vents, mud pots and geysers, all of which are preserved in this area and are the evidence of this region’s volcanic past.
Accommodations:
(STD) Days Inn West Yellowstone or similar (1 night).
(SUP) Holiday Inn Sunspree or similar (1 night).
- West Yellowstone – Cody, WY
- Day: 6
- 134 miles | 215.606 Km*
Enjoy visitng the most prominent attractions of this Park today before departing to Cody. Yellowstone National Park spans an area of 3,468 square miles (8,983 km²), comprising lakes, canyons, rivers and mountain ranges. The Park is the centerpiece of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, the largest remaining, nearly-intact, ecosystem. Continue to Cody in the afternoon home of the famous cowboy Buffalo Bill Cody. Once there you may want to visit the famous Buffalo Bill Historical Center, a large and modern facility comprised of five museums in one offering a comprehensive look at the history, art and culture of America’s West. There is The Whitney Gallery of Western Art, The Plains Indian Museum, The Cody Firearms Museum, The Drapper Museum of Natural History, and The Harold McCracken Research Library.
Accommodations:
(STD) Holiday Inn Buffalo Bill Village Resort or similar (1 night).
(SUP) The Cody or similar (1 night).
- Cody – Thermopolis – Cheyenne, WY
- Day: 7
- 392 miles | 630.728 Km*
Today you will cross the plains of Wyoming via Thermopolis, home of world’s largest mineral hot springs, to the Capitol City of Wyoming, Cheyenne. This city offers non-stop activity and hospitality at its Western best! Re-enactments of gunfights, western skits, and many other Wild West activities take place in famous Old Town Square, in downtown Cheyenne.
Accommodations:
(STD) Holiday Inn Cheyenne or similar (1 night).
(SUP) Nagle Warren Mansion or similar (1 night).
- Cheyenne – Rocky Mountain National Park – Denver, CO
- Day: 8
- 194 miles | 312.146 Km*
Today the journey continues to Estes Park and Rocky Mountains National Park. The valley town of Estes Park is known as the gateway to the Rockies. It boasts beautiful mountain scenery, moderate climate and abundant wildlife. Rocky Mountains National Park is a showcase of grandeur with elevations ranging from 8,000 feet in the wet, grassy valleys to 14,259 feet at the weather-ravaged top of Longs Peak which provides visitors with countless opportunities for breathtaking experiences and adventures. It is a glorious wilderness filled with towering mountains and abundant wildlife. You will travel through a portion of The Trail Ridge Road This scenic road climbs to an altitude of 12,187 feet near Fall River Pass. This route provides some of the most spectacular mountain views available from any roadside in this nation. Farview Curve, known as the ‘Roof of the Rockies’, offers vistas of the Never Summer Mountains and Kawuneeche Valley. You should be arriving in Denver, the “Mile High City”, in the late afternoon. Denver has all of the urban charms of an industrious city, combined with all of the mystery and romance of the old West.
Accommodations:
(STD) DoubleTree, The Curtis or similar (1 night).
(SUP) Warwick Denver or similar (1 night).
- Denver – Silverton – Durango, CO
- Day: 9
- 372 miles | 598.548 Km*
Depart early in the morning across the Rockies to Grand Junction for lunch before continuing to the western mining town of Silverton. As one of Colorado’s most atmospheric mountain towns, Silverton offers wide, dirt-paved streets leading off towards the hills to either side of its main road giving a true Old West feel. This town is lost in the American past, with just the familiar breeze that bustles the tattered curtains in the windows of yesteryear. Here you can visit the town’s highlights, which revolve around its mining past, or take a train ride on the famous Durango – Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad through 44 miles of breath taking scenery to Durango.
Accommodations:
(STD) Durango Downtown Inn or similar (1 night).
(SUP) Historic Strater Hotel or similar (1 night).
- Durango – Mesa Verde National Park – Monument Valley – Page/Lake Powell, AZ
- Day: 10
- 325 miles | 522.925 Km*
Today, a short drive will bring you to Mesa Verde, which was home to the Anasazi or the ‘Ancient Ones’ who lived in these dwellings between 600 AD and 1300 AD. Stop at the Far View Visitor Center and find valuable park information and exhibits on Native American pottery and jewelry. Take a ranger-guided tour of one of the dwellings, such as Cliff Palace. Wildlife is abundant in this park. Upon entering, you are likely to see mule deer along the side of the road. You might see a coyote, gray fox, mountain lion, black bear, elk, marmot, or even a porcupine. Drive toward Monument Valley. Over the years, Monument Valley has been the setting for more Western movies than any other site in the United States. Unique sandstone formations punctuate the sometimes barren landscape and spires rise into strange formations that have inspired names such as “Three Sisters” and “The Thumb.” At dawn and dusk, the park comes to life when the sun transforms this area into a bright canvas, painting the monoliths with light and color. Located on the north and central parts of the Navajo Reservation, some of these native people still inhabit this land. Continue to Lake Powell for an overnight stay.
Accommodations:
(STD) Quality Inn Lake Powell or similar (1 night).
(SUP) Lake Powell Resort or similar (1 night).
- Page/Lake Powell – Grand Canyon, AZ
- Day: 11
- 138 miles | 222.042 Km*
Enjoy the beauty of this man-made lake, where red rock spires and cliffs rise from the crystal blue depths. Lake Powell is the product of the construction of Glen Canyon Dam. After breakfast, depart to Grand Canyon. The canyon offers spectacular vistas, majestic rock formations, and experiences to savor for a lifetime. The myriad colors and constantly changing features include exquisite waterfalls, pools, and the mighty Colorado River as well as the often-photographed rock formations.
Accommodations:
(STD & SUP) Grand Canyon Lodging* to be determined at time of booking, based on availability.
Excludes El Tovar Hotel – (1 night).
* We will 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.
- Grand Canyon – Oak Creek Canyon –Phoenix/Scottsdale, AZ
- Day: 12
- 228 miles | 366.852 Km*
This morning, the journey continues through scenic Oak Creek Canyon to Sedona. 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 Sedona’s red rocks. After lunch, continue to the Phoenix/Scottsdale area for a mid-afternoon arrival.
Accommodations:
(STD) Sleep Inn N. Scottsdale Rd. or similar (1 night).
(SUP) Scottsdale Cottonwoods Resort or similar (1 night).
- Phoenix/Scottsdale – Palm Springs – Los Angeles, CA
- Day: 13
- 374 miles | 601.766 Km*
Today, 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. Stop here for lunch before continuing to the Los Angeles area.
Accommodations:
(STD) Figueroa Hotel or similar (2 nights).
(SUP) Angeleno Hotel or similar (2 nights).
- Los Angeles, CA
- Day: 14
- 0 miles | 0 Km*
Today is yours to 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. Shop at famous Rodeo Drive, where luxury retail commands the street. If movie making is what you fancy, 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.
* Mileage is approximate.
** Prices subject to change without notice. For up to date pricing, please submit a quote request.
Description
The American West is home to some of the world’s greatest natural wonders. Start in Los Angeles and cross the Mojave Desert to Las Vegas. Visit Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks before heading north to Salt Lake City. Visit America’s first national park, Yellowstone. Cross Wyoming to Cheyenne then on to the Rocky Mountains and Denver. From Durango depart to another time in at the ruins in Mesa Verde National Park before arriving at Lake Powell. See the splendor of the Grand Canyon before continuing on to Scottsdale and the return trip to Los Angeles.
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