 Day 1
Arrival San Francisco
Depart London Heathrow - 10:40
Arrive San Francisco - 13:35
Journey time - 10hr 55mins
On arrival we recommend that you DO NOT collect your car as you will be tired and will only pay high fees to park the vehicle during your 3 days in the city. We have therefore included a coach transfer from the airport to your San Francisco hotel. If you do prefer to collect your vehicle upon arrival into San Francisco or would like us to arrange private transportation for you to your hotel, this can be done for an additional cost.
Overnight - San Francisco
Day 2
San Francisco
Suggested activities (Not included in pre-paid cost)
Morning
This morning we suggest you take a city tour - especially if this is your first time to this fabulous city as it will allow you to get your bearings.
Afternoon
Enjoy a quick 10-minute ferry ride to the centre of the San Francisco harbour to the infamous former prison island - Alcatraz. The visit includes a taped tour of the prison (once home to such famous criminals as gangster Al Capone and Machine Gun Kelly"). Note: We strongly suggest that you pre-book this very popular Alcatraz tour which in our opinion is not to be missed - let us know at time of booking. Do book early to avoid disappointment!
 Evening
Seafood dinner at one of many restaurants along the waterfront or at one of the trendyrestaurants in the SoMa (South of Market) area! After dinner, enjoy a musical show, an American Conservatory Theatre performance or a comedyclub, and a nightcap in one of the many rooftop cocktail lounges.
Overnight - San Francisco
Day 3
San Francisco - Suggested activities
 Morning
Take a tour to Muir Woods, a forest of giant California redwood trees - some of the biggest trees in the world. On the way back, stop for lunch and shopping in the beautiful little town of Sausalito. Return to San Francisco by ferry or by bus; or take a walking tour of Chinatown with a dim sum lunch.
Afternoon
Free afternoon to shop! Explore Union Square's department stores, small boutiques and art galleries; visit the neighbourhood shopping areas South of Market or Union Street; take a five-minute walk from downtown to the Embarcadero Centre, a three-level, four-building complex of 150 shops. Shop at the many complexes in the Fisherman's Wharf area such as PIER 39, Ghirardelli Square and The Cannery and enjoy the musicians and street performers. Take a jeep tour of the area, or rent a bike and ride across the Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito and ferry back to San Francisco.
Evening
 San Francisco has over 3,000 restaurants! Take your choice: For instance, an authentic Chinese banquet in Chinatown - the largest Asian settlement outside of mainland China, an elaborate Korean barbecue or an Italian feast in The City's Italian section, called "North Beach" or how about a dinner cruise on San Francisco Bay. Enjoy dinner and dancing to a live band as you cruise past The City's famous skyline at sunset.
PLEASE NOTE:
 San Francisco is one of our favourite cities in the whole of North America & we would not recommend you spending any less than 3 nights in the city if this is your first visit. None of the tours or attractions mentioned in our suggested itinerary are included in your tour price, however, we would be very happy to make these arrangements on your behalf (subject to availability). In particular, as we have mentioned above, your visit to Alcatraz - as the ferry to the island can often be booked up days, or even weeks, in advance during the height of the season. The current cost of the day tour is $26.00 per person and tickets are subject to availability.
There are numerous festivals going on throughout the year in San Francisco, art, film and dance festivals and this is in addition to a packed sport scene, which includes the world famous San Francisco 49’ers. We are happy to help our customers with purchasing tickets and advising on events taking place during your stay, please ask for details.
 Overnight - San Francisco
Day 4
San Francisco - Monterey - 120 miles
Today you will collect your rental car. We have arranged for you to collect it from a convenient downtown location rather than having to go back out to the airport (**). Please ask about the additional cost for the in-car satellite navigation that will guide you along your route.
 (**) Note: During the busy months of July & August experience has taught us to suggest that you collect your vehicle from San Francisco airport location rather than downtown to avoid potential long delays at the downtown rental station (a metered cab out to the airport will cost you approx $40-$45).
For the short journey to the south of San Francisco we suggest you travel across town to pick up route US-1 South as this will take you along the more scenic coastal areas of the Pacific Ocean. The route will pass many of the more popular California State Park  and Beach areas as you travel to Santa Cruz. Here you may wish to pick up a local guidebook for touring among the historic district and Harbour. The route will now pass around the Monterey Bay to the community of Monterey. Your hotel is located next to the world-renowned Monterey Bay Aquarium in the heart of John Steinbeck's historic Cannery Row.
This afternoon you may wish to take the short trip down to the charming coastal town of Carmel. Watch for the signs for the  17-Mile Scenic Drive (fee area). Although there is a fee to drive along this route, the ocean views and opulent lifestyle of this region is worth paying to see. The route will bring you out into the heart of Carmel where you may wish to check out the many “high end boutiques” or visit Carmel Beach - repeatedly voted one of the top beaches in the country.
Note: If you would prefer to spend this night in Carmel rather than in Monterey please do let us know.
Overnight - Monterey
Day 5
Monterey - Yosemite - 270 miles (inc scenic detour)
 This morning we suggest a short detour to the south along US-1 to see one of the most famous bridges along the west coast near to the area of Big Sur. This will be about a 70 mile very scenic round trip drive as you will need to return to Carmel and Monterey to proceed across the state to Merced and following the Merced River you climb into the majestic Sierra Nevada mountain range as you close in on Yosemite National Park. The Big Sur area is really quite beautiful so you may well wish to take a short walk whilst here.
Yosemite National Park is popular and with limited lodging it is really important to book as early as you can.  We have used just a few of the lodges in this region for many years now as we can rely on them to offer a good standard of accommodation and a super location. It's important your time is spent enjoying the park, not travelling to and from each day.
Depending on your arrival time you may wish to drive into the main Valley Area (about 20 minutes from the entrance). We suggest stopping and hiking to Bridalvail Falls and then proceeding up the route to the south entrance to the overlook that will give you a good view back into the main Yosemite Valley.
 Please note: Adverse weather conditions during the winter and spring months mean that we will have to alter your route slightly as the Tioga Pass in Yosemite National Park remains closed from October to May/June dependant on the Spring Thaw. Areas around Yosemite National Park and the Grand Canyon are likely to be cold and snowfall is common during the winter months. The closure of Tioga pass will mean amending your route which will add considerable miles/time on to your journey from Yosemite to Death Valley. We therefore suggest inserting a one night stop-over (between Yosemite & Death Valley) in Bakersfield (staying at the the Doubletree Hotel) & in order to keep your total holiday duration at 14 nights we therefore suggest reducing your stay at the Grand Canyon from 2 nights to 1 night. For further clarification of this part of the CNA Western fly drive during Winter & Spring, please do consult with a member of our team.
Overnight - El Portal, Yosemite
Day 6
Yosemite Natl. Park - Suggested activities
 A full day for exploring and sightseeing in the main valley of the Yosemite Park. We suggest to first stop at the park visitor centre to pick up the latest information on hiking and other activities for this day. You will find many short hikes, but do suggest you take along water and snacks as there is nothing available along the main trails.
 Yosemite National Park is one of the best known parks in the world, consisting of huge waterfalls, granite domes and peaks, wildflowers, meadows and forests of centuries-old sequoias, glacier-carved canyon and massive monoliths, A pair of waterfall cascades into a 20-mile long, half-mile wide and 1,000-foot deep canyon of eroded yellow stone.
The Tioga Road, California 120, crosses the Tuolumne Meadows and High Country. The highway, originally built as a mining road in 1182-3, was realigned and modernized in 1961. The road passes through an area of sparkling lakes, fragile meadows, domes, and lofty peaks that only 10,000 years ago lay under glacial ice. Scenic turnouts along the road afford superb views. At Tioga Pass the road crosses the Sierras crest at 9,945 feet, the highest automobile pass in California.
 Yosemite Valley has sheer walls and a flat floor formed by alpine glaciers. You will see such amazing sights as El Capitan and Cathedral Rocks. The most rugged section of Yosemite is Tuolumne Meadows and the High Country. Bridalveil Falls is a must it cascades 620 feet and Yosemite Falls is the tallest is the world. Visit Half-Dome, elevation 8, 842 feet, an 87 million-year-old rock dome and is Yosemite's most famous monument.
Yosemite National Park is also home to the largest stand of giant sequoias trees and home of the Grizzly Giant, one of the oldest giant sequoias in the world
Why not treat yourself to an incredible experience by hiring a private guide for a personalised hike?
 These hikes are designed specifically for you, based on your interests and ability. The guides will go at your pace, whether that is a stroll with children across a meadow, or a marathon day to the summit of Half Dome. The experienced local hiking guides are a wealth of information about Yosemite so that you can learn about what you are interested in - history, geology, or even figuring out what you want to do and see for the rest of your visit. Prices start from £67 per person (based upon 2 people travelling) for a private guide for half a day (4 hours) & we do highly recommend that you pre-book this when you confirm your holiday with us.
Alternatively, you could take a Guided ‘Yosemite Valley Floor Tour’ (2 hours)
 On this two-hour tour, Rangers introduce some of Yosemite’s most famous sightseeing points in Yosemite Valley (You Will See: Yosemite Falls, Half Dome, El Capitan, Tunnel View, Bridalveil Falls and more) and describe the history, geology, plant and animal life of the region. This year-round Yosemite Valley Floor tour provides a fuller knowledge and enjoyment of the park. Open-air trams operate from late Spring through early Fall. Late October through April, ride in an enclosed and heated motor coach with large windows allowing unimpeded views of Yosemite’s famous sights. Bring your camera along for postcard-perfect pictures. Pre-book this tour at a cost of £21 per adult / £11 per child.
Overnight - El Portal, Yosemite
Day 7
Yosemite Natl. Park - Death Valley - 310 miles
 Start early today, whilst 310 miles does not seem a lot the stunning drive will take time and today is a full day for sure. You will leave Yosemite View Lodge and re-enter the park once again this morning but take the route to the north (before the main valley) and then the drive over the Tioga Pass and across to the East Park Entrance. Here you will pick up the route of US-395 South heading towards your overnight stop in the heart of Death Valley.
 Death Valley is a land of complete extremes. It is one of the hottest places on the surface of the earth with summer temperatures averaging well over 100 degrees Fahrenheit. It encompasses the lowest point in the Western Hemisphere and is the driest place in North America. The valley is also a land of subtle beauties, morning light creeping across the eroded badlands of Zabriskie Point to strike Manly Beacon, the setting sun and lengthening shadows of the sand dunes at Stovepipe Wells and the colours of the wildflowers on the golden hills above Harmony Borax, Death Valley is a truly unique place and a complete contrast to what you have left behind at Yosemite.
Overnight - Death Valley
Day 8
Death Valley - Las Vegas - 160 miles
 There is some sightseeing to do in the Death Valley area this morning, mainly to the south before heading east into the state of Nevada. Here you may take a more northern route into Lathrop Wells, or a southern route that will bring you into Pahrump. Either route will allow you to travel around the Taiyabe National Forest and into the city of Las Vegas.
There really is so much to do and see in Las Vegas that on leaving Death Valley we recommend you make a beeline for the bright lights to make the most out of your 2 nights there.
Overnight - Las Vegas
 Day 9
Las Vegas - Suggested activities
A full day to enjoy the sights and attractions of this most exciting city.
During you day be sure to catch the Volcano Fountain eruption every 15 minutes, the fountain show on the lake at Bellagio, also every 15 minutes, take a gondola ride at the Venetian, take a ride up to the observation deck on the Eiffel Tower at the Paris Hotel, take the Big  Shot ride atop the Stratosphere Tower, Bungy jump at Circus Circus Hotel, visit the amazing Fremont Street experience, take a trip out to see the Hoover Dam or maybe even book a helicopter trip to fly over the Grand Canyon or if shopping is important to you there are two Premium Outlet Stores within 3 miles of the strip - both offer amazing prices for the latest designer brands.
As your day nears an end choose from the endless choices of places to eat before finishing the night off at one of the world class shows that entertain nightly across the city that never sleeps.
Overnight - Las Vegas
 Day 10
Las Vegas - Grand Canyon - 275 miles
Head out early this morning for a long but spectacular day of driving. FIRST head south and over the Hoover Dam. If you have not already visited this engineering feat then stop and take the guided tour otherwise continue on across the dam and into the state of Arizona. Now you will be crossing the high desert lands as you head towards the community of Kingman and then on to Williams. Another option but somewhat slower is to take the old Route 66 through Peaches Springs which will eventually bring you out onto the same Interstate route to Williams. This is one of the few remaining sections of the famed highway from Chicago to L.A. Continue north finally reaching the awesome destination that is the Grand Canyon.
Overnight - Tusayan, Grand Canyon
Day 11
Grand Canyon - Suggested activities
 Take a full day to explore the South Rim of the Grand Canyon National Park. FIRST stop should be the Visitor Centre located at the South Rim Village. Here you can pick up information on short hikes, special areas that you may wish to visit during the day and helicopter or airplane rides over the Grand Canyon. A visit to see the El Tovar Lodge if you are not staying there is a must, but we also suggest any of the scenic stops or even taking one of the guided coach tours that will explain the history and geology of the area. Another must is a visit to the IMAX Theatre located close to your hotel for a thrilling 3D show based around the Grand Canyon.
We strongly suggest you that spend one of your evenings and maybe even an early morning at the Grand Canyon Rim to experience the spectacular sunrise and sunset.
Overnight - Tusayan, Grand Canyon
At this point you have a choice of pre-booked itinerary
Choose between the bright lights of Los Angeles with everything this world famouscity on the coast has to offer or relax amongst the beautiful red rocks of Sedona and the lush surrounds of the Scottsdale desert resorts.
Route 1 : Grand Canyon - Lake Havasu City 1 night - Los Angeles 2 nights
or
Route 2 : Grand Canyon - Sedona 1 night - Scottsdale 2 nights
Below you will find our description for both possible ends to this program.
Route 1: Grand Canyon - Lake Havasu - Los Angeles
Day 12
Grand Canyon - Lake Havasu City - 230 miles
 Today you have two options. Firstly you could spend a little more time at the Canyon then head back through Williams and Kingman and on to Lake Havasu City or our preferred option is to leave early from the Grand Canyon and head to Flagstaff, from here you pick up US-89 through Oak Creek Canyon and on into Sedona.
Along the route from Oak Creek Canyon to Sedona you will find many pullouts affording superb views of the valley and Red Rock Rim. From Sedona you continue your journey down to Lake Havasu City where you will be able to see the lake, being the largest man made lake in North America, which sits along the Colorado river where you can also visit the London Bridge which was transported out to Lake Havasu from London in 1968 after being bought at auction by the founder of Lake Havasu City. The bridge was re-constructed brick by brick over the next 3 years and opened in 1971 linking the mainland to a small island in the Colorado River.
Overnight - Lake Havasu
Route 1: Grand Canyon - Lake Havasu - Los Angeles
Day 13
Lake Havasu City - Los Angeles - 310 miles
 From Lake Havasu City you continue south along the route of AZ-95, which follows the Colorado River, and you will pass the Colorado River Indian Reservation. You will then pick up Interstate 10 which will take you into the state of California and en route to Los Angeles you will pass by Joshua Tree National Park where you have the option to take a loop drive through the park to Twentynine Palms and then back onto I-10 near Palm Springs.
As you enter the suburbs of Greater Los Angeles you will head for the world famous district of Beverly Hills and your final stopping point on this journey of many contrasts.
Overnight - Los Angeles
 Route 1: Grand Canyon - Lake Havasu - Los Angeles
Day 14
Los Angeles - Suggested activities
Most first-time visitors to LA are instantly confused by its size and sprawl. Unlike other metropolises like New York or Paris, LA is a decentralized hodgepodge with no clearly defined hub. It helps to know that what is commonly referred to as 'LA' is really 'LA County', a conglomeration of 88 cities of which LA is just one. The heart of the city of Los Angeles is Downtown, about 12 miles east of the ocean and hemmed in by the I-10, I-5 and US 101.
East LA, a Latino-dominated area, edges against Downtown, as do the historically African-American neighbourhoods of South Central. Most areas of interest to visitors are west of Downtown LA, including Hollywood and the epicentre of gay and lesbian culture, West Hollywood.
Farther west is lifestyles of the rich and famous territory:  Bel Air, Brentwood and Beverly Hills. Hugging the northern country coast are the posh beachside areas of Malibu, Pacific Palisades and Santa Monica. Farther south along the coast is Venice, with the international airport farther again. The Hollywood Hills, a continuation of the Santa Monica Mountains, are a physical and (some might say) ideological separation between Los Angeles 'proper' and the San Fernando Valley, which forms the northern boundary of LA County. This quintessential suburbia is characterized by unsightly strip malls and major TV and movie studios. Orange County, home of Disneyland, extends along the coast to the southeast of Los Angeles County.
Overnight - Los Angeles
Route 1: Grand Canyon - Lake Havasu - Los Angeles
Day 15
Departure Los Angeles
 Today sees the conclusion to your discovery tour of the western United States. As your flight does not depart until this evening you still have time to do some last minute shopping, visit Knots Berry Farm, Disneyland, Universal Studios or maybe just relax and soak up the last few rays in the California sunshine before you return your rental car to the airport and check-in for your flight back to the U.K.
Depart Los Angeles - 21:30
Arrive London Heathrow - 15:50*
Journey time - 10hr 20mins
* Arrival time into the U.K is the following day
 Route 2: Grand Canyon - Sedona - Scottsdale
Day 12
Grand Canyon - Sedona - 110 miles
Today you have two options. Firstly you could spend a little more time at the Canyon to take advantage of some of the itineraries suggested above. Our preferred option would be to leave early from the Grand Canyon and head to Flagstaff, from here you pick up US-89 through Oak Creek Canyon and on into Sedona. Along the route from Oak Creek Canyon to Sedona you will find many pullouts affording superb views of the valley and Red Rock Rim. Sedona is a quaint town in a beautiful setting, there are many very pleasant walks or if you are feeling a little more adventurous we would thoroughly recommend a jeep tour to get off the beaten track and really see and experience the rugged nature of the surrounding scenery.
Overnight - Sedona
Route 2: Grand Canyon - Sedona - Scottsdale
Day 13
Sedona - Scottsdale - 125 miles
 Today we continue to slow the pace of your tour down with another relatively short drive south to the desert community of Scottsdale for a 2 night ‘wind down’ stay at one of the fabulous resorts Scottsdale has become famous for. In addition to being a golfers paradise Scottsdale offers world class shopping, some of the best Spa facilities in the world, desert tours to see the flora and fauna, hot air balloon trips sand that’s not to mention the historic downtown and abundance of award winning restaurants.
Overnight - Scottsdale
Route 2: Grand Canyon - Sedona - Scottsdale
Day 14
Scottsdale
 Today is your last full day so we suggest you use it to re-charge the batteries. Your resort offers numerous opportunities to relax and pamper yourself - maybe take a dip in one of its myriad of radiant pools or indulge in a treatment at the beautifully tranquil spa facility. For those looking to venture out shopping, jeep tours, balloon trips and fine dining await. At C.N.A. we would be happy to make advance reservations for you or if you wish to leave it until you arrive make full use of the hotel concierge who will be more than willing to help you plan your day.
Overnight - Scottsdale
Route 2: Grand Canyon - Sedona - Scottsdale
Day 15
Departure from Phoenix
Scottsdale is a mere 10 miles from Phoenix Airport Sky Harbor International Airport. With your flight leaving at around 7.30pm and allowing for getting there and check-in you really do not need to leave your resort until around 3pm so enjoy a relaxing morning and afternoon in the Scottsdale area. Return your car to the airport location and check-in for your non-stop flight back to the U.K.
Depart Phoenix - 19.25
Arrive - London Heathrow - 1310*
Journey Time - 10hr 15mins
*Denotes next day arrival |
