Western Explorer + San Francisco
From Rodeo Drive and Hollywood to the natural spectacles of the National Parks, this thrilling tour visits the cities of Los Angeles, San Francisco and Las Vegas, plus canyons, mountains and the delights of California's Wine Country.
A chance to see more of what is considered by many to be the most beautiful, liberal, and exciting city in the United States. Wander the crowded streets of Chinatown or head across the Golden Gate Bridge to the charming bay side artisan communities of Sausalito and Tiburon. On day 14, remain at your hotel, the Marriott Marquis before transferring to the airport on day 16 for your overnight flight to the UK.
Your Itinerary
DAY 1: UK - Los Angeles.
Fly to Los Angeles where you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel for a welcome drink with your tour director, and an overnight stay.
DAY 2: Los Angeles.
Begin today with a sightseeing tour of the 'City of Angels' to explore the attractions of this famous city. See the sights of Los Angeles such as Hollywood and Olvera Street, the oldest thoroughfare in the city. Step into the shoes of famous actors at Grauman's Chinese Theatre or visit Sunset Strip and the luxurious shopping district of Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills. The afternoon is free so why not explore the Getty Centre or head to Santa Monica with its miles of stunning beaches. (B)
DAY 3: Los Angeles - Lake Havasu.
Travel across the Mojave Desert to Lake Havasu on the Colorado River. You may recognise the bridge to Havasu Island as the 1831 London Bridge, which spanned the River Thames in London until it was dismantled in 1967 and rebuilt where it stands today. (B)
DAY 4: Lake Havasu - Williams - Grand Canyon.
Depart Havasu and head through the desert landscape to Williams on the Historic Route 66, renowned for its neon signs of its 1940's motel row. In the afternoon, arrive at the Grand Canyon, one of the seven natural wonders of the world. Marvel at this natural wonder as you experience the breathtaking views of the Grand Canyon. And for a once-in-a-lifetime experience, why not take our optional helicopter 'flightseeing' excursion. (B, D)
DAY 5: Grand Canyon - Lake Powell.
This morning enjoy panoramic vistas of the Grand Canyon as you drive along its rim into Navajo country. Arrive at Lake Powell, where sparkling blue water laps against towering, red rock canyon walls and sandy beaches. In the afternoon enjoy a cruise to see the gigantic Glen Canyon Dam and the 'tapestry' walls of Antelope Canyon. Afterwards there is free time for a leisurely walk along the Wahweap Marina on the shores of Lake Powell. (B, D)
DAY 6: Lake Powell.
Today is yours at leisure to relax or explore this magnificent area. Why not spend some time relaxing by the waters edge or take an optional flightseeing trip over Lake Powell including the famous Rainbow Bridge and Glen Canyon Dam. (B)
DAY 7: Lake Powell ? Bryce Canyon ? Zion National Park.
Journey through the sagebrush landscape of southern Utah to Bryce Canyon National Park, with its 20 miles of breathtaking sandstone cliffs and ever-changing colours. Marvel at some of the earth's most brilliant shades of rock, which have been sculpted by erosion into pillars called 'hoodoos'. Next stop is Zion National Park with its striking landscape of steep canyons and stone towers carved out by rushing streams over a period of millions of years. (B, D)
DAY 8: Zion National Park - Las Vegas.
Start your day with a tour around Zion Canyon before travelling across the old Mojave gold strike country, which still has traces of century-old ghost towns set in natural desert beauty, to Las Vegas - a neon desert oasis, packed with spectacular hotels and casinos. Your hotel is located in the heart of the strip near many of the famous attractions. (B)
DAY 9: Las Vegas.
Las Vegas offers a variety of spectacular attractions and activities for visitors of all ages. You have a full day for swimming and sunbathing at the hotel pool or exploring the 'Strip', with its varied casinos and resorts, shopping plazas and amusements. There's also a range of great-value excursions to choose from, including river rafting through the Black Canyon on the Colorado River, a visit to the Hoover Dam or, in the evening, a dazzling Las Vegas show. (B)
DAY 10: Las Vegas - Mammoth.
Leave the neon lights of Las Vegas this morning and continue across the desert landscape of Nevada before crossing into California. You'll see the vast Mojave desert, the landing site for space shuttles, which covers one fifth of California. You'll pass through fertile agricultural land and then stay overnight in Mammoth. (B,D)
DAY 11: Mammoth - Yosemite National Park.
This morning enter Yosemite National Park, a wonderland of spectacular lakes, cascading waterfalls, lush forests, giant granite domes and pinnacles rising more than 4,000 feet above the valley floor. (B, D)
DAY 12: Yosemite National Park ? Wine Country ? San Francisco.
This morning?s journey takes you from California?s mountainous beauty to the gentle slopes of the California Wine Country. One of today?s highlights is a hilltop picnic lunch and wine tasting under olive trees and grape trellises at the beautiful Viansa Winery. Afterwards head to San Francisco ?The Golden Gate City?. (B, L)
DAY 13: San Francisco.
Today your included sightseeing tour takes in the spectacular Golden Gate Park, Twin Peaks, the bustling Fisherman's Wharf and much more. The afternoon is yours to further explore this lively city, perhaps visit the Museum of Modern Art, the Asian Art Museum or the Aquarium of the Bay. Also don't miss the opportunity to ride one of San Francisco's historic cable cars or take a trip to the notorious Alcatraz Island. In the evening you are invited to a farewell dinner. (B, D)
DAY 14 to 15: San Francisco
The next two days give you another chance to see what is considered by many to be the most beautiful, liberal and exciting city in the United States.
DAY 16: San Francisco - UK.
Transfer to the airport for your flight to the UK.
DAY 17: Home landing in the UK.
Grand Hyatt
Situated in San Francisco's Union Square, the sophisticated Grand Hyatt offers luxurious modern style accommodation with spacious and well-equipped guestrooms featuring floor-to-ceiling windows with stunning city views. Pampering touches for guests include a rich décor, deluxe bath products, high-speed internet access and a daily newspaper.
Location: Enjoying a convenient downtown location on Union Square, this premier hotel is close to world-class shopping, Chinatown, museums, the theatre and a whole range of famous landmarks in San Francisco.
Facilities: Restaurant; bar; state-of-the-art fitness centre; room service; concierge service; safe in bedrooms.
Price includes: Rooms with private facilities; flatscreen cable TV, internet access (fee payable); air-conditioning, hairdryer; coffee-maker; deluxe bath products; an iHome stereo with ipod dock; iron and ironing board.
Optional Excursions
To help you plan and make the most of your holiday, below is a list of optional excursions available to you.
Grand Canyon Imax
Fly like a condor over the rim and into the Canyon, be drenched in the power of the raging Colorado River without ever leaving your seat at the Grand Canyon National Geographic Visitor Center. And relive the history and mystery of one of the most storied natural wonders of the world. From the mysterious Anasazi who inhabited the Canyon 4,000 years ago, viewers at The National Geographic Visitor Center will travel through Grand Canyon history to join Major John Wesley Powell as he challenges the unexplored Canyon and raging Colorado River in 1869. (40 minute multimedia presentation)
$13 (US Dollar)
Grand Canyon Helicopter Flightseeing - North Canyon Tour
Explore impressive Dragon Corridor, the deepest and widest part of the Canyon, and one of the most remarkable panoramas of the Grand Canyon. The Tower of Ra, a 6,076-foot butte named in the 1800s after the Egyptian sun god, comes into view, as do other fanciful rock formations resembling temples and shrines. Fly in a comfortable, climate controlled helicopter with specially designed windows for optimum viewing. (30 minute flight, weather dependent)
$175 (US Dollar)
Eco-Star Grand Canyon Helicopter Flightseeing
This experience will be a highlight of your vacation. Fly over the widest and deepest portion of the Grand Canyon. You will see the amazing views of the Dragon Corridor, Colorado River and other geologic features and formations over a billion years old. If you have ever wanted to see the Grand Canyon from a birds eye view this is the trip for you. Fly in our first class state of the art ECO-Star helicopter with specially designed windows and seating for 180 degrees of virtually unobstructed views. This is a comfortable, climate controlled helicopter with quiet ride technology for a more comfortable Grand Canyon helicopter tour experience. Grab your camera and enjoy this spectacular journey to the Grand Canyon. (30 minute flight)
$199 (US Dollar)
Rainbow Bridge 25-30-Minute Flight
During one of our Rainbow Bridge tours you will discover that the remote regions of northern Arizona hold one of the world's largest natural wonders. Tucked among the rugged and isolated canyons, and spanning over 275 feet wide and 290 feet high, the Rainbow Bridge is an attraction no visitor can miss. Accessibility to the Bridge is limited to hiking, by permit only, a 13-mile trail or a two-hour boat ride from Lake Powell. A place for prayer and worship in the Navajo culture, the Bridge signifies good fortune and is considered a sacred place for tribal members. Rainbow Bridge was not discovered by outsiders until 1909 by two parties who joined together in search of the towering sandstone formation. President Howard Taft declared it a national monument in 1910. (30 minutes, weather dependent)
$163 (US Dollar)
Antelope Canyon Slot Tour
Come with your guide to a spectacular petrified sand dune, created by wind, water and sand, presenting a sculptured masterpiece. Nothing can describe this work of Mother Nature. Experiencing this beauty will leave you breathless. Trips are approximately one and a half hours long and you will travel in a 4-wheel drive vehicle to the Canyon entrance. From there you will walk into the Canyon, you will be at the bottom of the Canyon looking up 130 feet to the top. There is no hiking or climbing involved, only easy walking on the Canyon floor which is level for the most part. Your experienced Navajo guide will show you great places to take photographs as you explore this awe-inspiring wonder.
$35 (US Dollar)
Monument Valley 90-Minute Flight
You will experience everything seen on the shorter Rainbow Bridge flight, plus much, much more! This is your only chance to see Monument Valley, the site of many well-known Western movies. The rock formations you will see on this surrealistic flight are totally different from those in the Grand Canyon. (90 minutes, weather dependent)
$255 (US Dollar)
Glen Canyon Raft Trip with lunch
Departing from the scenic town of Page, Arizona, your trip will begin with an exciting and exclusive ride down the two-mile long Glen Canyon Dam access tunnel. At river level, with the dam soaring 583 feet above you, you will board a comfortable, motorized pontoon raft for your journey downstream. For the next fifteen miles, you will experience one of the most dramatic stretches of river in the western United States. Your experienced guide will tell the story of the area's soaring sandstone cliffs, crystal blue-green waters, abundant wildlife, exploration by Major John Wesley Powell and others, and the river's modern role in the Southwest's water and power delivery system. The river portion of your trip ends at historic Lees Ferry, gateway to the Grand Canyon. Here you will board a luxury motor coach or van for the short ride back to Page, where your vehicle or other transportation awaits. Lunch is included and transportation is provided to and from your hotel. (6.5 hours)
$96 (US Dollar)
Black Canyon Raft Trip With Transportation
This is a unique day trip aboard a motor-assisted raft which allows the visitor to leisurely enjoy and share in the history, desert wildlife and beauty in the Black Canyon of the Colorado River. Black Canyon/Willow Beach River Adventures will provide round trip transportation. You will be transported on our tour buses to the launch area at the base of the Hoover Dam. This is an extremely rare view of the Hoover Dam that very few people have the opportunity to see. At this time, you will board our large comfortable rafts which have been carefully constructed with your party's safety in mind. During this excursion, our experienced and knowledgeable guides will share with you the history of this magnificent geological area. The high canyon walls will leave you breathless. Be prepared to see Desert Big Horn Sheep, Osprey, and Great Blue Heron in their natural setting. Bring your camera because it is seldom you will have an opportunity such as this to view the wonders of nature. Our rafts will stop along the shore to give you a chance to swim or play in the cool clear waters below Hoover Dam. You might take this opportunity to enjoy the box lunch provided while watching and listening to the sights and sounds of this magnificent desert. Your trip will end on the Arizona side of the river at Willow Beach. Here you will board our comfortable tour buses for the return trip over the crest of the Hoover Dam to your Las Vegas hotel. Fun for all ages, no paddling experience necessary. This is truly an experience to remember. (Approximately 8 hours round trip from hotel to hotel)
$132 (US Dollar)
Grand Celebration Helicopter Experience
Embark on an unforgettable, narrated flight from Boulder City to the floor of the Grand Canyon. Descend 4,000 feet toward your exclusive landing site and enjoy breathtaking beauty of the Grand Canyon. Touch down by the banks of the Colorado River. Compliment your journey with a delightful picnic meal and refreshments served under an authentic Indian "Ramada". You will have ample time to take photos and explore the canyon floor. Before taking back off toast your journey with a champagne toast. Your tour also includes majestic views of historic Boulder City, Lake Mead, the Hoover Dam, Guano and Eagle Points, the famous SkyWalk and the Grand Canyon itself. (Approximately 4 hours, hotel to hotel, weather dependent)
$429 (US Dollar)
Lake Mead Cruise And Hoover Dam Discovery Tour
Explore Lake Mead on a paddle-wheeler boat, viewing amazing sights such as Hoover Dam and the Arizona Paint Pots. Your tour begins with a stop at Hoover Dam, one of the greatest engineering feats ever accomplished. There you will take a guided tour starting at the visitor's center that will include an informative movie, a trip to the generator room on the Nevada side and time to explore a number of exhibits at the center. After a 90-minute stay at the dam you will move on to Lake Mead. Here enjoy the largest man-made lake in the United States with more than 550 miles of shoreline. Board the Desert Princess, a three-level Mississippi-style paddle wheeler with two enclosed climate-controlled decks and a third observation deck. Cruise the beautiful waters of Lake Mead and view the unparalleled sights of Hoover Dam and the steep canyon walls that surround it. View Boulder Island, Sentinel Island and see the Arizona Paint Pots. Your will enjoy lunch on board the Desert Princess. After your cruise, enjoy a visit to the historic Boulder Dam Museum, where you'll learn even more about Boulder City and its magnificent dam. (Approximately 7.5 hours)
$110 (US Dollar)
Black Canyon River Rafting
This is a unique day trip aboard a motor-assisted raft which allows the visitor to leisurely enjoy and share in the history, desert wildlife and beauty in the Black Canyon of the Colorado River. Black Canyon/Willow Beach River Adventures will provide round trip transportation. You will be transported on our tour buses to the launch area at the base of the Hoover Dam. This is an extremely rare view of the Hoover Dam that very few people have the opportunity to see. At this time, you will board our large comfortable rafts which have been carefully constructed with your party's safety in mind. During this excursion, our experienced and knowledgeable guides will share with you the history of this magnificent geological area. The high canyon walls will leave you breathless. Be prepared to see Desert Big Horn Sheep, Osprey, and Great Blue Heron in their natural setting. Bring your camera because it is seldom you will have an opportunity such as this to view the wonders of nature. Our rafts will stop along the shore to give you a chance to swim or play in the cool clear waters below Hoover Dam. You might take this opportunity to enjoy the box lunch provided while watching and listening to the sights and sounds of this magnificent desert. Your trip will end on the Arizona side of the river at Willow Beach. Here you will board our comfortable tour buses for the return trip over the crest of the Hoover Dam to your Las Vegas hotel. Fun for all ages, no paddling experience necessary. This is truly an experience to remember. (Approximately 8 hours round trip from hotel to hotel)
$132 (US Dollar)
Hoover Dam Classic
Travel to Hoover Dam in style and comfort aboard our custom Tour Trekker. Your talented guide will share many points of interest along the way. You'll truly appreciate the extra care and comfort you receive from Pink Jeep Tours.
The Hoover Dam Discovery Tour offers ample time for exploring this National Historic Landmark and engineering wonder of the world. See live presentations, a fascinating film on the Dam's construction and history, exhibit gallery, observation deck, and venture down to the observation room in the power plant to view the massive generators. You'll also encounter dramatic views of both the Colorado River and Lake Mead, the largest manmade body of water in the Western Hemisphere. (4 hours)
$92 (US Dollar)
Hoover Dam Top to Bottom
From the Lake Mead Overlook, you're transported to the Colorado River by van on the Lower Portal Road, where construction crews traveled each day. You'll see the original gauging station used to measure water level and flow, and dynamite storage bunkers used during construction. Then, a guided Colorado River float tour by raft offers you close-up views few people have ever seen of Hoover Dam, mighty power plants, and Black Canyon.
You'll also learn historical facts and get an astounding view of the Hoover Dam Bypass project and construction of the nearly 2000-foot-long bridge spanning over 900 feet above the river. This is absolutely the best photo opportunity of the Hoover Dam and Colorado River! (5 hours)
$142 (US Dollar)
West Rim & Hoover Dam Combo Tour
Travel in comfort to one of the Southwest's most exciting venues in our luxurious, custom vehicles with a professional tour guide. Experience the extraordinary desert scenery of the Mojave Desert as you travel to the West Rim. Brief stops along the way allow for close-up views and photo of the desert community of Dolan Springs, the rugged Joshua tree forest, and the magnificent Colorado River. Your journey culminates at the stunning West Rim of the Grand Canyon, home of the Hualapai Nation. Your knowledgeable tour guide escorts you to points of interest, and shares fascinating facts on the history, culture, geology, flora, fauna, and all that surrounds you on this exceptional adventure. Next, explore the Hoover Dam. Spend some time exploring this National Historic Landmark and engineering wonder of the world. See live presentations, a fascinating film on the Dam's construction and history, exhibit gallery, observation deck, and venture down to the observation room in the power plant to view the massive generators. You'll also encounter dramatic views of both the Colorado River and Lake Mead, the largest manmade body of water in the Western Hemisphere. Approximate time 10-11 hours, lunch is included at the West Rim. Tickets to the Skywalk can be purchased for $32.50 at the West Rim.
$304 (US Dollar)
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 four-course dinner in an authentic Chinese restaurant. This evening will include a short walking tour of Chinatown.
$42 (US Dollar)
Rocket Boat
Get blown away on this 30-minute high-speed tour of the City's historic waterfront. Sail past the sea lions, zoom to the Bay Bridge, fly down to AT&T Park, scream past Treasure Island, and breeze by Alcatraz on the way back to PIER 39. This exciting ride pauses occasionally to allow passengers to catch their breath and capture unique sightseeing and photo opportunities unavailable on other tours. RocketBoat, it's an extreme adventure powered by biodiesel fuel. A blast on the Bay that is not to be missed.
$24 (US Dollar)
Bay Cruise
This fully narrated one-hour tour sails under the majestic Golden Gate Bridge. Experience the thrilling history of San Francisco Bay with all the sound and glory it deserves. The tour also sails along San Francisco's historic waterfront where there's no better way to experience unobstructed views of sensational skylines in every direction. It's a great vantage point for snapping pictures or simply reflecting on the vast beauty of the San Francisco Bay. Sail past the PIER 39 sea lions, under the Golden Gate Bridge and circle Alcatraz Island. Onboard narration describes the City and its landmarks as you sail along in comfort; both indoor and outdoor seating are provided. (Cruise is 1 hour)
$25 (US Dollar)
Monterey & Carmel - Super Sightseeing
California's rugged Central Coast can both humble and inspire. The route down Highway 1 through Santa Cruz features one spectacular view after another. Scheduled stops include Steinbeck's Cannery Row in Monterey, scenic vistas along the 17-Mile Drive and the art gallery/restaurant district of Carmel. Crossing from the historic to the futuristic, the return trip takes you through Silicon Valley, the high tech capital of the United States.
$75 (US Dollar)
Muir Woods, Sausalito & Bay Cruise
Travel Across the Golden Gate Bridge and through the rugged coastal mountains. Enjoy magnificent views of San Francisco Bay and valleys, where the Coastal Miwok once lived. The first stop is Muir Woods National Monument, where ancient groves of giant Redwood (Sequoia Sempreverins) Trees tower over Redwood Creek. A Full 1 188 hour stop. Muir Woods entrance fee included. Next, visit the beautiful coastal town of Sausalito, a gorgeous Mediterranean-style village, with quaint shop, art galleries, and waterfront restaurants. Approximate one hour stop in Sausalito. Then enjoy a cruise along the historic waterfront, with a close-up view of Alcatraz, the Golden Gate Bridge, Pier 39, and the sea lions. (Approximately 6 hours)
$72 (US Dollar)
Please note that optional excursions and prices are subject to change.
Western Explorer + San Francisco 15 nights
Availability and our best prices for all dates
Select the number in your party and accommodation options. Then select your holiday from the calendar.
Western Explorer + San Francisco 15 nights
Availability and our best prices for all dates
Select the number in your party and accommodation options. Then select your holiday from the grid.

| Earlier Dates | Date | Depart From | Price from PP | Later Dates | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11 Jun 2012 | Birmingham |
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| 11 Jun 2012 | Edinburgh |
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| 11 Jun 2012 | Glasgow |
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| 11 Jun 2012 | London Gatwick |
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| 11 Jun 2012 | London Heathrow |
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| 11 Jun 2012 | Manchester |
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Western Explorer + San Francisco
Price from £2809.00
Holiday Highlights
- Los Angeles City sightseeing
- Lake Havasu
- Williams
- Grand Canyon National Park
- Lake Powell Cruise
- Bryce Canyon National Park
- Zion National Park
- Las Vegas
- Fresno
- Yosemite National Park
- Sonoma Valley
- Viansa Winery Picnic lunch with wine tasting
- San Francisco City sightseeing
- Meals on tour 13 breakfasts (B), 1 lunch (L), 6 dinners (D)
- Services of a tour director on tour and local representative at other times
- Porterage at hotels during tour (for one suitcase per person)
Departures from
- Aberdeen
- Birmingham
- Edinburgh
- Glasgow
- London Gatwick
- London Heathrow
- Manchester
Departures between
11 Jun 2012 to 24 Sep 2012
NO HIDDEN EXTRAS: All prices shown include ALL compulsory charges (Fuel Supplement, Air Passenger Duty & Flight Supplement where applicable). Book with confidence: We are members of ABTA and all our air-inclusive holidays are financially protected by the Civil Aviation Authority under the ATOL scheme
© Copyright 2012. All rights reserved. All holidays and offers are subject to availability.
