National Park Discovery 16 Days / 15 Nights
GENERAL INFORMATION

Your Itinerary 16 Days / 15 Nights
    The world-famous National Parks of the West!  
    Included in this tour
• Accommodation for 15 nights, including taxes and porterage
• Air–conditioned motorcoach and guide for the entire tour
• Admissions to: Montezuma’s Castle, Monument Valley, Flaming Gorge, 17–Mile Drive and all National Parks

   
  Day 1 Tuesday or Saturday
Los Angeles - Phoenix / Scottsdale
(400 m / 644 km)
 
  Board your motorcoach in Los Angeles, settle back and enjoy the scenery while traveling through the Mojave Desert across the majestic Colorado River into Arizona. Discover the unique charm of our desert oasis, Phoenix/Scottsdale, a blend of southwestern architecture and magnificent saguaro cactus. This is your introduction to the American West!
  Day 2 Wednesday or Sunday
Phoenix / Scottsdale – Sedona -
Grand Canyon (237 m / 381 km)
 
  Morning departure through the garden desert of Arizona, visiting Montezuma’s Castle, the ancient Indian cliff dwellings of the Sinaguas tribe. The journey continues to the lovely city of Sedona and then through Oak Creek Canyon. The area, known for its spectacular landscapes,
has been the setting of many movies. The day ends with a visit of the Grand Canyon, one of the seven natural wonders of the world
  Day 3 Thursday or Monday
Grand Canyon – Monument Valley – Canyonlands – Moab
(322 m / 515 km)
 
  Morning departure along the south rim of the Grand Canyon into the Painted Desert. Your trip continues on to spectacular Monument Valley, home of the Navajo Indian, an enchanted land of buttes and spires. On the way to Moab you will have the opportunity to catch a glimpse of another wonderful National Park in southern Utah: Canyonlands. Its rugged beauty is only a prelude to your next day’s journey.
  Day 4 Friday or Tuesday
Moab – Arches – Flaming Gorge – Rock Springs
(290 m / 462 km)
 
  Continue your tour with yet another magnificent National Park: Arches, a symphony of colors and shapes, created by the forces of nature. True to its name, Flaming Gorge will enchant you with unforgettable sights. You will reach Rock Springs in the afternoon.
  Day 5 Saturday or Wednesday
Rock Springs – Grand Teton – Jackson Hole
(239 m / 382 km)
 
  Early morning departure for a visit to Grand Teton National Park, with its jagged granite peaks reflecting into a myriad of alpine lakes. Its lush forests are home to antelope, mule deer, chipmunks and colorful blue jays. You continue to picturesque Jackson Hole, Wyoming, the town that epitomizes the true Wild West.
  Day 6 Sunday or Thursday
Jackson Hole – Yellowstone
(107 m / 172 km)
 
  Enjoy a day of discovery in America’s first national park: Yellowstone. The park has many special features such as geysers, mud volcanoes, bald eagles, and herds of bison roaming freely on the prairies. You have a whole day to explore this natural wonder. With some luck you might even catch a glimpse of a bear!
  Day 7 Monday or Friday
Yellowstone – Salt Lake City
(323 m / 517 km)
 
  Travel south to Utah’s State Capital, Salt Lake City, host of the 2004 Winter Olympic Games. Visit Temple Square, the Mormon Tabernacle and the State Capitol before your arrival at the hotel.
  Day 8 Tuesday or Saturday
Salt Lake City – Bryce
(284 m / 454 km)
 
  Depart Salt Lake City for Bryce Canyon. Spend some time enjoying the unforgettable landscape: an intricate design of sandstone pinnacles and grottos. This park has a stunning array of colors and shapes that even the most talented artist would have difficulties capturing.
  Day 9 Wednesday or Sunday
Bryce – Zion – Las Vegas
(238 m / 381 km)
 
  Morning sightseeing of another impressive National Park: Zion. The park’s plateaus and stunning landscapes will leave you breathless. The park is a popular attraction for rock climbers. Continue along the Virgin River to the Mojave Desert and the state of Nevada. In the afternoon, arrive in Las Vegas, the city of lights.
  Day 10 Thursday or Monday
Las Vegas
 
  Enjoy a day of leisure in Las Vegas. You have the choice visiting some of the spectacular hotels, taking one of the many optional excursions offered, or simply relaxing by the pool. Las Vegas has something for everyone and you have the whole day to explore this world famous city.
  Day 11 Friday or Tuesday
Las Vegas – Yosemite area
(477 m / 768 km)
 
  The morning is free to enjoy Las Vegas. Relax at the pool, shop or visit any of the many attractions in this bustling resort. Option to end tour in Las Vegas or at noon, depart west through the deserts of southern California. Arrival in the Los Angeles area in the late afternoon.
  Day 12 Saturday or Wednesday
Yosemite
 
  Enjoy the highlights of the park including Yosemite Valley and its high cliffs and waterfalls. The park is also known for its wildlife: mule deer, coyotes, chipmunks, blue jays and occasionally even bears.
  Day 13 Sunday or Thursday
Yosemite area/Mariposa - San Francisco
(166 m /268 km)
 
  Leaving the Yosemite area you will travel through the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains, California’s gold country, on the way to “The City by the Bay”. Upon arrival, city sightseeing of one of the most beautiful cities in America: Union Square, Chinatown, Golden Gate Park and Fisherman’s Wharf with a view of infamous Alcatraz island across the bay..
  Day 14 Monday or Friday
San Francisco
 
  Day at leisure to enjoy San Francisco with its beautiful views, famous cable cars, parks and museums. You have the possibility of an optional tour to the quaint village of Sausalito in the morning.
  Day 15 Tuesday or Saturday
San Francisco - Monterey / Carmel –
Santa Maria area (292 m/ 467 km)
 
  Leave San Francisco and travel to Monterey, California’s first capital. After a stop in this beautiful seaside town, travel along stunning 17-Mile Drive known for its exclusive golf courses, beautiful views and distinctive fauna. After seeing the beauty of the 17-Mile Drive, visit the quaint and charming village of Carmel. Continue southward to the Santa Maria area.
  Day 16 Wednesday or Sunday
Santa Maria area - Los Angeles
(169 m / 270 km)
 
  En route to Los Angeles you will have a chance to explore Santa Barbara, often referred to as the pearl of the “American Riviera”. The city is known for its Spanish Colonial style architecture, lush vegetation and laid back lifestyle. We return to Los Angeles in the afternoon.
       
    IMPORTANT NOTE:
During the summer months, some itineraries may operate as follows:
Day 11: Las Vegas - Mammoth Mountain
Day 12: Mammoth Mountain - Yosemite area