Western Highlights USA Tour

ITINERARY

DAY 01 FRIDAY: ARRIVE IN SAN FRANCISCO, CA
Arrive at San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and transfer to your hotel. Discover San Francisco’s iconic steep streets, cable cars, Victorian houses, scenic views, and diverse culture. In the evening, explore Chinatown’s vibrant markets, traditional crafts, exotic ingredients, and restaurants.
Accommodations: The Clift Royal Sonesta San Francisco or similar (2 nights)

DAY 02 SATURDAY: SAN FRANCISCO, CA
Explore San Francisco’s highlights, including Lombard Street, scenic bay views, and Fisherman’s Wharf with views of Alcatraz. Discover Golden Gate Park, home to the Conservatory of Flowers, Japanese Tea Garden, and resident buffalo herd. Enjoy dinner in one of the city’s distinctive neighbourhoods, such as Chinatown or North Beach.

DAY 03 SUNDAY: SAN FRANCISCO – MONTEREY – 17-MILE DRIVE – MANTECA, CA (273MI/439KM)
Drive to Monterey and explore its marine life, Old Fisherman’s Wharf, and Cannery Row. Take the scenic 17-Mile Drive through Pebble Beach, visiting landmarks like Lone Cypress and Seal Rock. Continue to Carmel-by-the-Sea before heading to Manteca for an overnight stay.
Accommodations: Best Western plus Executive Inn & Suites or similar (1 night)

DAY 04 MONDAY: MANTECA – YOSEMITE NP – FRESNO, CA (191MI/307KM)
Drive to Yosemite National Park and explore its stunning landscapes, wildlife, granite cliffs, and iconic landmarks. Discover Yosemite Valley, including Yosemite Falls, El Capitan, Half Dome, Bridal Veil Falls, and giant sequoias. Enjoy a short hike or bike ride before continuing to Fresno for an overnight stay.
Accommodations: Best Western Plus Fresno Inn or similar (1 night)

DAY 05 TUESDAY: FRESNO – SEQUOIA/KINGS CANYON NP – BAKERSFIELD, CA (216MI/348KM)
Visit Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, exploring giant sequoias, deep canyons, caverns, and mountain scenery. See the iconic General Sherman Tree and enjoy panoramic views from Moro Rock. Explore the visitor centre or take a guided cavern tour before continuing to Bakersfield for an overnight stay.
Accommodations: Doubletree by Hilton Bakersfield or similar (1 night)

DAY 06 WEDNESDAY: BAKERSFIELD – DEATH VALLEY NP – LAS VEGAS, NV (395MI/600KM)
Visit Death Valley National Park, exploring its dramatic desert landscapes, dunes, mountains, and colourful rock formations. Stop at Father Crowley Vista, Zabriskie Point, and Furnace Creek for scenic views and a possible lunch break. Continue to Las Vegas, renowned for its spectacular hotels, entertainment, and attractions.
Accommodations: Alexis Park All Suite Resort or similar (2 nights)

DAY 07 THURSDAY: LAS VEGAS, NV
Spend a full day exploring Las Vegas, from the Bellagio fountains and STRAT’s panoramic views to iconic hotels like Caesars Palace, The Venetian, and Paris. Enjoy designer shopping and Las Vegas’s renowned dining scene. Discover Fremont Street’s casinos, restaurants, and dazzling overhead light shows.

DAY 08 FRIDAY: LAS VEGAS – ZION NP – BRYCE CANYON NP – BRYCE CANYON CITY, UT (258MI/413KM)
Travel from Las Vegas to Utah, exploring Zion National Park’s towering sandstone cliffs and dramatic canyon scenery. Continue to Bryce Canyon to admire its colourful hoodoos, unique rock formations, and spectacular sunrise and sunset views. Enjoy a canyon walk and, if possible, stargazing before an overnight stay in Bryce Canyon City.
Accommodations: Bryce View Lodge or similar (1 night)

DAY 09 SATURDAY: BRYCE CANYON CITY – LAKE POWELL – PAGE, AZ (151MI/243KM)
Explore Glen Canyon and Lake Powell, surrounded by stunning red cliffs, with an optional visit to Rainbow Bridge. Hike to Horseshoe Bend for spectacular views of the Colorado River. Continue to Page, with an optional visit to the popular Antelope Canyon.
Accommodations: Lake Powell Resort & Marina or similar (1 night)

DAY 10 SUNDAY: PAGE – GRAND CANYON NP – WILLIAMS, AZ (192MI/309KM)
Depart Page/Lake Powell and travel through scenic desert landscapes to the Grand Canyon. Explore the South Rim’s viewpoints, trails, and historic Bright Angel Lodge, with panoramic views and ranger talks. Continue to Williams, a charming Route 66 town, for an overnight stay.
Accommodations: Quality Inn near Grand Canyon or similar (1 night)

DAY 11 MONDAY: WILLIAMS – RTE. 66 – LAKE HAVASU CITY – PALM SPRINGS, CA (368MI/592KM)
Travel along historic Route 66, exploring Seligman and Kingman before visiting Lake Havasu City and its famous London Bridge. Continue to Joshua Tree National Park to admire its unique Joshua trees and dramatic desert rock formations. Finish in Palm Springs, a stylish desert resort known for luxury hotels, golf courses, hot springs, and spas.
Accommodations: Palm Mountain Resort & Spa or similar (2 nights)

DAY 12 TUESDAY: PALM SPRINGS, CA
Relax by the pool or enjoy the resort spa, with an optional trip to Joshua Tree National Park. Explore Tahquitz Canyon, soak in a mineral hot spring, or ride the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway over Chino Canyon. Stroll downtown’s boutiques and shops, and enjoy a meal at one of the nearby restaurants.

DAY 13 WEDNESDAY: PALM SPRINGS – LOS ANGELES, CA (107MI/172KM)
Travel to Los Angeles, the “Entertainment Capital of the World,” for a two-night stay and explore its vibrant culture and diverse neighbourhoods. Stroll along the Hollywood Walk of Fame and see the iconic Hollywood Sign. Visit TCL Chinese Theatre, famed for its historic architecture and celebrity hand- and footprints.
Accommodations: Sonesta Select Los Angeles LAX El Segundo or similar (2 nights)

DAY 14 THURSDAY: LOS ANGELES, CA
Explore Los Angeles, from Hollywood glamour and Rodeo Drive to Venice Beach and Santa Monica Pier, the historic endpoint of Route 66. Alternatively, spend the day at Disneyland in Anaheim or Universal Studios, enjoying its rides, attractions, and movie magic. End the day with an evening at Universal CityWalk.

DAY 15 FRIDAY: LOS ANGELES, CA
Depart to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) at your leisure via the hotel’s complimentary shuttle if you decide to return your car earlier.