Day
1
LOS ANGELES.
Enjoy time at leisure to relax or to do some independent exploring. Your Tour Director is hand this evening to answer any questions.
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Day
2
LOS ANGELES–PALM SPRINGS–SCOTTSDALE.
Begin the day with a sightseeing tour of the world’s “Capital of Glamour,” including a drive through Hollywood and famous Grauman’s Chinese Theatre. A stop in the desert oasis of Palm Springs with its distinctive wind farms, 5,000 swimming pools, and 90 golf courses! This afternoon, head to the mountain-ringed desert resort of Scottsdale.
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Day
3
SCOTTSDALE.
The morning is free for independent activities. You may choose to join the optional 4-wheel drive tour, where you will experience incredible views of backcountry Arizona in specially equipped open-air Jeeps. Afterward, venture out on a sightseeing tour that highlights downtown Phoenix, the Arizona State Capitol Building, and an included visit to the HEARD MUSEUM, where exhibit galleries feature a variety of historic, traditional, and contemporary Native American art. Next, experience Old Town Scottsdale, where Western storefronts provide a window into the past. The remainder of the day is at leisure in Scottsdale to shop or relax. Early this evening, join our optional outing to relive the days of the Wild West.
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Day
4
SCOTTSDALE–SEDONA–GRAND CANYON–WILLIAMS.
Travel to Sedona, a thriving center for New Age arts set in canyon country. On to the weather-sculptured rock formations of Oak Creek Canyon. Alongside the San Francisco Mountains and beautiful pine forests to the South Rim of the GRAND CANYON. Time to stroll the canyon rim. For a once-in-a-lifetime experience, take our optional helicopter flightseeing excursion for incomparable views of flame-colored walls plunging 6,000 feet into the Colorado River.
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Day
5
WILLIAMS–LAS VEGAS.
Leave the mountain town of Williams on historic Route 66 and cross the old Mojave gold strike country, which still bears traces of century-old ghost towns set in natural desert beauty. Watch for Joshua trees, a species of the lily family that grows more than 40 feet in height and can live up to 300 years. By late afternoon, reach Las Vegas, the fantastic city of feverish gambling, neon lights, bars, and glamorous shows. Be sure to explore some of the many themed casino resorts along the colorful “Strip.” This evening, we highly recommend a night out to a dazzling stage show featuring top Vegas entertainment.
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Day
6
LAS VEGAS.
The morning and afternoon are free for you to swim and sunbathe at the hotel pool or to explore the many casinos, shopping plazas, and amusement parks. Your Tour Director will have more suggestions to fill your day. Consider a river float trip through the Black Canyon.
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Day
7
LAS VEGAS–TULARE.
A day of striking natural contrast as the journey continues across the desert landscape of Nevada before crossing into California. Overnight in Tulare, located in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley.
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Day
8
TULARE–YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK–SONORA.
Enter YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK, a wonderland of spectacular lakes, giant granite domes, towering pinnacles, cascading waterfalls, and lush forests. It’s a beautiful drive from the park to Sonora, once a thriving center in the Gold Rush era.
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Day
9
SONORA–SACRAMENTO–SAN FRANCISCO.
Head toward Sacramento, capital of California, with time to explore Old Sacramento. “Old Town,” as the locals call it, features a Wild West ambiance. During your visit, see the country’s largest collection of Gold Rush-era buildings, a Wells Fargo museum, and a historic Railroad Museum. From Old Town, continue west to reach San Francisco by early afternoon. Cross the splendid bay with vistas of the San Francisco skyline and its magnificent harbor. On your city tour, see the main sights, including the renowned Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman’s Wharf, and Nob Hill. Tonight, you may choose to join your traveling companions for an optional evening in Chinatown. Explore this vibrant historic section of San Francisco that houses the largest Chinese community outside of Asia. Included in this evening’s agenda is a lavish 4-course dinner at an authentic Chinese restaurant. End with a short walking tour of Chinatown plus a ride on one of San Francisco’s famous cable cars.
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Day
10
SAN FRANCISCO.
This morning, visit the famous and fascinating ALCATRAZ PRISON. Get a close-up look at the infamous federal penitentiary that was off limits to the public for years. Afterward, the day is yours to do some more exploring in the “City by the Bay.” Ride San Francisco’s historic cable cars or take a walking tour of one of the city’s diverse neighborhoods.Note: The Alcatraz Prison visit is a value of $26.00
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Day
11
SAN FRANCISCO.
The trip ends today with guests departing on individual schedules. Transfers are provided to San Francisco International Airport
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