Explore the American Southwest

On arrival in Las Vegas, make your own from the airport to the Mardi Gras Hotel (there is a free airport shuttle available). Overnight: Mardi Gras Hotel (2 star) or similar.

Meals:  Nil

8 AM: Your tour leader will meet you in the hotel for an orientation meeting. Drive to the nearby St George, arriving around noon. Our hotel is centrally located in St George, which has good shopping and restaurants. In the afternoon, we survey Zion by tram and drive through the famous canyon. Short walks bring us to different sights like the Narrows and Weeping Rock. Overnight: Ramada St. George (3-star), or similar Drive time approx 2.5 hrs, 150 miles / 250 km

Meals:  B,L

In the morning, you will have time to explore the small town of Springdale. Depending on your interest, the tour leader will organize a 2-3 hour hike to the Emerald Pools. In the afternoon, we drive two hours to Bryce Canyon in time for a beautiful sunset. Overnight: Bryce View Lodge (2-3 star) or similar Drive time approx 2 hrs, 90 miles / 150 km

Meals:  B,L

For many, Bryce Canyon is the most beautiful of the American national parks. Hiking paths wind through radiant red and pink towers of stone, which contrast beautifully with the blue sky and green pines. We visit the excellent Visitor's Center, and those who wish to can take a horseback tour through Bryce's rock formations (not included, approx. $40-90). Others can hike through these formations with the tour leader. In the afternoon we drive over Highway 12 towards Moab. Overnight: Moab Valley Inn (3-star) or similar Drive time approx 4-5 hrs, 250 miles / 400 km

Meals:  B,L

This morning we explore Arches NP on foot where our eyes can feast on 2000 natural stone arches. Short walks will take us to Park Avenue, Balanced Rock, and the Windows. Based on the group's interest, we can make the hike to Delicate Arch. Similarly, as desired we may make time for an optional morning Jeep tour or for rafting on the Colorado River. Overnight: Moab Valley Inn (3-star) or similar

Meals:  B,L

We leave Moab and head southbound to reach Monument Valley in about three hours. This valley is famous for its Native American culture as well as its stunning scenery. You have the opportunity to take a Jeep tour led by Navajo Indians (not included, approx. $70). Toward evening we drive approximately two hours to the town of Page, by Lake Powell, where we lodge in a centrally located hotel. Overnight: Quality Inn Page (3 star) or similar. Drive time: approx. 4-5 hours 210 miles / 340 km

Meals:  B,L

Lake Powell was created by the damming of the Colorado River. Everywhere red sandstone walls are reflected in deep blue water offering unforgettable images. In the morning, we recommend a Jeep tour to Antelope or Corkscrew Canyons or to the classic “Slot Canyon” (not included, approx. $50, pending availability). We also enjoy a walk to Horseshoe Bend, an amazing viewpoint above the Colorado River. A three-hour drive will take us to the next highlight: the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Grand Canyon. We enjoy a walk along the Canyon’s rim at sunset. Overnight: The Red Feather Lodge (3 star) or similar. Drive time approx 3 hours, 180 miles / 300 km

Meals:  B,L

We have all day to spend at this amazing sight. The Grand Canyon is a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage Site and although plenty of tourists visit the area, few hit the trails. We recommend you walk along the remote West Rim for an ever-changing panorama of the canyon or walk into the depths of the canyon yourself, to the famous Plateau Point. (All walks are self-guided at the canyon). There is time for optional heli flights (not included, approx. $300). Overnight: The Red Feather Lodge (3 star) or similar. *Note: Hikes in Grand Canyon National Park are self-guided due to permit regulations. Kaibab Ridge: 3-4 hrs, approx. 3 miles/ 5 km, elevation difference: +/-300 m Plateau Point: 8-12 hrs, approx. 12 miles/ 20 km, elevation difference: +/-1150 m Hike along the rim: up to 4 hrs, up to 8 miles/ 13 km, elevation difference: +/-50 m

Meals:  B,L

We have a long travel day ahead, all the way to Los Angeles on the Pacific Coast. We head out along Route 66 and stop for some great photo opportunities. In the late afternoon, we reach our centrally located hotel in the heart of downtown. Overnight: Hotel Miyako (3 star) or similar. Drive time approx: 7-8 hours 500 miles / 770 km

Meals:  B,L

We explore the city’s downtown area and Hollywood. First, we walk to the amazing architectural iconic structure – the Walt Disney Concert Hall. A walk along the top of the structure allows for incredible photo opportunities. In Hollywood, we walk along the Walk of Fame and past the Chinese Theater. Those wanting to can spend the afternoon at Universal Studios (not included) and take the subway back to the hotel, or you can spend the afternoon at your leisure. On some departures, local guides (speaking English) will take the group on the half-day city tour. Overnight: Hotel Miyako (3 star) or similar.

Meals:  B,L

We head to the coast via Beverly Hills. We make a short stop to marvel at the shopping district of the super rich before we hit the beach and Highway 1 at Malibu. From here, we head north and soon reach Santa Barbara. We have time to walk the downtown streets and enjoy a picnic lunch on a famous beach. We continue north through farmland and past wineries to our hotel. Overnight: Buena Vista Hotel (3 star) or similar. Drive time: approx. 5 hours 200 m / 320 km

Meals:  B,L

The most dramatic part of Highway 1 is before us. The cliff-hugging road is so narrow that large tour buses are not allowed on this stretch of coastline. (In extra rainy periods, mudslides may close the road.) We enjoy incredible views of the cliffs below us, and there is time to stop and visit the small parks along the way. Soon we reach Monterey. In late afternoon we reach San Francisco. Our hotel is centrally located. Overnight: Hotel Stanford (3 star) or similar. Drive time: approx. 6 hours 250 m / 400 km

Meals:  B,L

San Francisco is amongst one of the USA’s most cosmopolitan and atmospheric cities. Located on the bay its suburbs are linked by a series of expansive bridges, one of those being the famous Golden Gate Bridge. Trams run major routes along the foreshore and into the hilly heights in a city where quaint wooden houses contrast sharply with the sophistication of modern skyscrapers. In the morning we explore the city on foot (3-4 hours) and cable car, and explore its hidden wonders as well as all the famous sights, such as Union Square, Chinatown and Fisherman’s Wharf. Last but not least we enjoy amazing views from Coit Tower (entrance fee not included). You will be given a day pass for the cable car allowing you to explore the city in the afternoon on your own. In the afternoon we recommend a harbour cruise on the bay (boat tours are not included, various fees apply), a tour of Alcatraz (recommend booking in advance) or a ferry ride to Sausalito (optional). Overnight: Hotel Stanford (3 star) or similar. City tour: approx. 3-4 hours, 2-3 miles / 4-7 km, elevation difference: +/-100 m

Meals:  B,L

Departure is at your leisure and the trip concludes upon check out from the hotel before 12 noon. We recommend you spend additional days in this fantastic city. PLEASE NOTE: DUE TO OVERCROWDING IN THE NATIONAL PARKS PARKING IS AT TIMES IMPOSSIBLE TO FIND. IN THIS CASE THE TOUR DIRECTOR MAY DECIDE TO LEAVE THE GROUP AT THE ENTRANCE AND TRY TO FIND PARKING. IN THIS CASE SOME HIKES WOULD BE SELF GUIDED.

Meals:  B