Best of the West

Skyscrapers, sequoias, and impossibly big skies await you in America’s West. This 15-day tour through the urban and natural wonders of California, Arizona, and Nevada is perfect for travellers who want to inject a little downtown energy into their out-of-town escapes. In the cities, you’ll traverse the concrete jungle by day with an expert CEO and overnight in centrally located hotels and hostels. Elsewhere, you’ll get the chance to marvel at the grandeur of the Grand Canyon and the giant sequoias of Yosemite before diving into a barbecue dinner and camping under the stars. This is no dream; it’s the West like you’ve never seen it before.

There's a lot to see and do in LA, and we recommend spending extra time here if you'd like to explore Hollywood, Rodeo Drive, Santa Monica, Venice Beach and other hot spots around the city; speak to your sales agent to book extra accommodation. Enjoy free time today in Santa Monica, where the hostel is located, and check out the famous pier or hit the beach. Included Activities: Arrival Day and Welcome Meeting

Your CEO will point out a few famous neighbourhoods and landmarks on the drive out of town. Cruise through Orange County and along the incredible Pacific coastline to the truly remarkable city San Diego. Sun, sand, food and fun awaits us in this beautiful beach city. When the sun sets, experience the Gaslamp Quarter District with numerous pubs and nightclubs. Included Activities: Coronado Island Visit Mission Beach Visit Transport: Private Van with Wi-fi (6.00 hour(s), 190km)

Travel to Joshua Tree National Park, taking in the desert scenery and hundreds of Joshua trees, then cool off in the crystal-clear waters of the Colorado River at Lake Havasu. Included Activities: Joshua Tree NP Visit Transport: Private Vehicle (3.00-4.00 hours, 250km) Private Vehicle (2.50-3.00 hours, 240km).

Charge up your camera batteries in time for this next breathtaking experience as we take Arizona's famous scenic drive through Oak Creek Canyon en route to the Grand Canyon. Included Activities: Grand Canyon Sunset Transport: Private Van with Wi-fi (6.00-7.00 hours, 400km).

Enjoy a free day to discover the Grand Canyon. Opt to hike throughout the park, rent a bike, check out a museum or see the canyon from the sky by helicopter. Included Activities: Grand Canyon South Rim Visit.

Journey along famous Route 66, and explore the Las Vegas Strip in the evening. Take an optional VIP party limo ride. Included Activities: Vegas Strip Visit Transport: Private Van with Wi-fi (9.00 hour(s), 480km).

Full day to explore Las Vegas. Walk the strip and try your luck at the tables or slot machines. Or spend the day shopping, dining or poolside. In the evening opt to see one of the wildly entertaining shows Vegas is known for.

Visit one of the country's most rugged landscapes, legendary Death Valley, the hottest and driest spot on earth and home to the lowest point in North America. End the day surrounded by peaks in the town of Bishop. Additional Notes: Summer itinerary: Travel to Bishop via Tioga Pass viewing Mono Lake and the Tufa Towers on the way. Winter itinerary: Continue on to Lake Isabella, where we stay the night. Note that on Day 3, we intend to use the Tioga Pass, a scenic a route through the Sierra Nevada mountain range that connects Bishop with Yosemite NP. October through May, there's a chance the pass will be closed due to poor weather conditions or even snow. In this case, we use an alternate route, and spend the night in Lake Isabella (instead of Bishop). The status of the road is monitored daily, and our travel plans for the area will be confirmed during the trip. Included Activities: Death Valley National Park Visit Transport: Private Vehicle (7.00 hour(s), 490km)

Morning trip to Mono Lake; walk among the tufa towers. Discover Yosemite's peaks, granite domes and giant sequoias. Marvel at majestic waterfalls, lakes and meadows. Included Activities: Mono Lake Visit Tioga Pass Drive Transport: Private Vehicle (7.00 hour(s), 230km).

Full day to explore Yosemite NP. Hike the many trails Yosemite has to offer and be inspired by this stunning landscape. Opt to rent a bike and cycle in Yosemite Valley. Included Activities: Yosemite National Park Visit.

Arrive in one of the most iconic cities in the world: San Francisco. Your CEO will point out some popular sites during the drive into town. Additional Notes: For our nights in San Francisco, we stay close to the action in a hotel in the city centre. Included Activities: Orientation Walk Transport: Private Vehicle (6.00 hour(s), 225km).

Crashing waves, rolling fog, and sheer rocky cliffs will make this journey down California's coast Highway 1 an unforgettable experience. Included Activities: Monterey Visit Elephant Seal Rookery Transport: Private Vehicle (6.50 hour(s), 390km).

Pass by Santa Barbara as we make our way to Los Angeles. Your CEO will point out a few famous neighborhoods and landmarks on the drive into the City of Angels. Enjoy free time in Santa Monica, where the hostel is located, and check out the famous pier or hit the beach. Additional Notes: Tonight, we give up camping in favour of a hostel night. Transport: Private Vehicle (7.00 hour(s), 350km).

There's a lot to see and do in LA, and we recommend spending extra time here if you'd like to explore Hollywood, Rodeo Drive and other hot spots around the city; speak to your sales agent to book extra accommodation. Included Activities: Departure Day.