Starting in glamorous Los Angeles and ending by the bay in beautiful San Francisco, pass through desert, mountain and forest – traversing four states in the process – on an epic overland exploration of the very best of the western United States.
Leaving LA, and after stays in pretty Palm Springs and the Arizonan capital Phoenix, spend a memorable week exploring the outlandish red-rock landscapes and extraordinary geological formations of some of the west’s greatest national parks and scenic spaces including Grand Canyon, Monument Valley and Zion. After two nights in extravagant Las Vegas, re-enter California returning to San Francisco via Death Valley and fabulous Yosemite National Park.
LA – Palm Springs – Phoenix – Sedona – Grand Canyon – Monument Valley – Lake Powell – Zion – Las Vegas – Death Valley – Bakersfield – Yosemite – San Francisco
Trip Highlights
- Admire the fiery red landscape of Monument Valley, the epitome of American West
- Marvel at Lake Powell, a vast man-made reservoir surrounded by striking desert scenery
- With its huge sandstone monoliths, Zion offers fantastic hiking and canyoning
- Explore the thundering waterfalls, formidable peaks and abundant wildlife of Yosemite
- See Artist’s Drive in Death Valley with its coloured sedimentary and volcanic formations
Itinerary
Day 1
UK to Los Angeles
Depart the UK on your international flight to Los Angeles. On arrival collect your hire car and drive to your hotel for a two night stay. The second largest city in the US, Los Angeles is a city of contrasts that has something for everyone. Mingle with A-List stars or follow in their footsteps on Hollywood Boulevard, enjoy some of the best shopping in the US, eat fabulous street-food, contemplate some of the finest collections of art in the world or rediscover your youth at world-famous Disneyland.
Day 2
Los Angeles
Depart the UK on your international flight to Los Angeles. On arrival collect your hire car and drive to your hotel for a two night stay. The second largest city in the US, Los Angeles is a city of contrasts that has something for everyone. Mingle with A-List stars or follow in their footsteps on Hollywood Boulevard, enjoy some of the best shopping in the US, eat fabulous street-food, contemplate some of the finest collections of art in the world or rediscover your youth at world-famous Disneyland.
Day 3
Los Angeles to Palm Springs – 107 miles
This morning leave Los Angeles and drive to the oasis city of Palm Springs for an overnight stay. With an enviable location, spectacular setting in the shadow of the San Jacinto Mountains and near-perfect climate, Palm Springs has long attracted the rich and famous. From the 1930s to the 1960s the city was a playground for Hollywood stars and many fine examples of ‘Desert Modernism’ architecture remain from this period. This afternoon you may wish to take the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway to the summit of San Jacinto Peak. Climbing to an altitude of 8,500 feet, the journey takes 10 minutes and the views are spectacular.
Movie Colony Hotel
Day 4
Palm Springs to Phoenix – 270 miles
Leaving Palm Springs continue east, skirting Joshua Tree National Park and crossing the state line, to enter Arizona and, ultimately, the city of Phoenix. Much as its name suggests, Phoenix rises from the Sonoran Desert – a city built on cowboys, cotton, cattle and copper and the fifth largest in the US. The cultural hub of the south-west, there is plenty to see and do. Visit the celebrated Heard Museum to learn about the region’s Native American heritage or the Phoenix Art Museum, explore the excellent Desert Botanical Garden or head to upmarket Scottsdale for the best shopping, restaurants and bars.
Springhill Suites Phoenix Downtown
Day 5
Phoenix to Sedona – 117 miles
Driving north, travel from Phoenix to Sedona where you will stay overnight. Best known for its remarkable rock formations and first-rate hiking, the wider region has also, for generations of Native Americans, been regarded as a sacred location of healing and rejuvenation. The striking geological features, wind-sculpted ochre sandstone formations and vivid red rocks create an almost otherworldly atmosphere with the colours transforming throughout the day with the changing light.
Junipine Resort
Day 6
Sedona to Grand Canyon – 114 miles
Climbing away from Sedona’s rocky landscapes, wind your way through increasing altitude to reach the scented pine forests of Flagstaff. Break the journey in this pretty old-west hill town then continue to the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park where you will stay for the next two nights. The celebrated Grand Canyon certainly exceeds expectations. Immense in scale and of a magnitude that almost defies comprehension, over the last six million years this mile-deep canyon has been chiselled by the mighty Colorado River.
Grand Canyon Railway Hotel
Day 7
Grand Canyon
Today you are at leisure to fully explore the Grand Canyon National Park. With its plateaus and ridges, coloured rocks and peaks, there are plenty of exceptional vantage points accessible either on foot or by car. Maybe take the Desert View Drive following the canyon rim east or walk the easily accessible Rim Trail. For the more adventurous, hike part of a steep trail down into the canyon for a closer view of the Colorado or arrange a helicopter ride over the canyon – a once in a lifetime experience.
Grand Canyon Railway Hotel
Day 8
Grand Canyon to Monument Valley – 177 miles
Waking early for sunrise, after breakfast leave the Grand Canyon for a memorable drive north towards Monument Valley. The landscape here is the epitome of American West and the deep copper and fiery red cliffs, bluffs and stacks of Monument Valley have featured in many a Hollywood western. Enjoy the panoramic views and visit the ancient Puebloan cliff dwellings of the Navajo National Monument.
Goulding’s Lodge
Day 9
Monument Valley to Lake Powell – 129 miles
This morning leave Monument Valley re-tracing your steps part of the way before heading back towards the Utah border and Lake Powell where you will stay overnight. A vast man-made reservoir, this deep-blue body of water straddles Arizona and Utah and is surrounded by striking desert scenery. Later you may wish to take a boat trip on the lake to explore the different canyons and creeks.
Hyatt Place Page
Day 10
Lake Powell to Zion National Park – 100 miles
Crossing the state line in to Utah, drive on to Zion National Park where you will stay for the next two nights. One of the great parks of the south-west, Zion is dramatic and wild, it’s extraordinary geology typified in the epic scenery of Zion Canyon. With an elevation range of over 5,000 feet, the variation in topography, climate and habitat is remarkable and reflected not only in the outstanding diversity of flora, fauna and birdlife but also a human history that archaeologists believe dates back over 9,000 years.
Zion Mountain Ranch
Day 11
Zion National Park
Today you are at leisure to explore the dramatic landscapes of Zion National Park. With fantastic hiking, nature walks, wildlife viewing and world-class rock climbing and canyoning there are numerous different activities for all ages and abilities. Another highlight, and an excellent way to see the best of the park, is the six mile Scenic Drive which bisects Zion Canyon.
Zion Mountain Ranch
Day 12
Zion National Park to Las Vegas – 160 miles
This morning leave Zion National Park and continue your way west towards Las Vegas possibly stopping on the way to visit the charming town of St George. On arrival in Las Vegas continue to your hotel where you will stay for the next two nights. The self-billed ‘Entertainment Capital of the World’, the eccentric city of Las Vegas is a bewildering blend of neon lights, all-day shopping, luxurious hotels, dazzling casinos, world-class entertainment and some of the best dining on offer in the US.
Luxor
Day 13
Las Vegas
Today experience the city and all it has to offer. Take a photograph of the world-famous ‘Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Nevada’ sign then explore the strip and the mesmerising casinos that line it. Don’t forget to ride the rollercoaster at New York New York, visit the Venetian, complete with replica Grand Canal, witness the fountain water show at the Bellagio and to take in one of the many excellent shows.
Luxor
Day 14
Las Vegas to Death Valley – 150 miles
Leaving Las Vegas, this morning travel through the barren landscapes of western Nevada back to California and Death Valley National Park. Not only the hottest place in the US and home to its lowest point, Death Valley is also one of the nation’s most inhospitable regions – a harsh but exceptionally beautiful environment of sun-bleached canyons, colossal sand dunes, weather-beaten mountains and bountiful oases. This afternoon explore the park, a highlight of which is Badwater Basin the lowermost point of the North American continent.
Longstreet Inn
Day 15
Death Valley to Bakersfield – 220 miles
Today leave the desert behind, crossing the southern inclines of the Sierra Nevada Mountains and arriving in California’s Central Valley in the afternoon. Sitting in the heart of one of the state’s major agricultural regions, Bakersfield was first settled by early pioneers during the 1860s. The city was also the birthplace of the country music Bakersfield Sound.
The Padre Hotel
Day 16
Bakersfield to Yosemite National Park – 227 miles
This morning drive north towards Yosemite National Park. On the way you will pass Sequoia National Park which is well worth visiting as it is home to the General Sherman Tree – one of the largest and oldest living trees on the planet. Continuing on to Yosemite, stay here for the next two nights. With its deafening waterfalls, formidable granite peaks and abundant animal life, world-famous Yosemite is arguably the most picturesque national park on the West Coast. It is also one of its most rewarding, with fabulous trekking and outdoor activities and excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing.
Tenaya Lodge
Day 17
Yosemite National Park
Today explore Yosemite National Park. Gaze at monumental El Capitan, its rock-face speckled with climbers, and iconic Half Dome, trek to Mirror Lake or see the awesome Yosemite, Vernal and Bridaveil Falls. You may also wish to arrange to join a ranger-led tour which is one of the best ways to experience the diversity of Yosemite’s wildlife which includes black bear, mule deer, Sierra Nevada bighorn sheep, over 250 bird species and the elusive mountain lion.
Tenaya Lodge
Day 18
Yosemite National Park to San Francisco – 194 miles
After breakfast leave Yosemite and drive to San Francisco where you will stay for the next two nights. Multi-coloured Victorian homes, bustling wharves, resident sea lions, excellent museums and art galleries, the infamous island prison of Alcatraz and iconic Golden Gate Bridge – San Francisco is the ultimate Californian city. Founded by Spanish settlers and built with Californian gold, famed for its fog and colourful 1960s hippie counter-culture, spend the afternoon exploring this fabulous city.
Staypineapple, An Elegant Hotel, Union Square
Day 19
San Francisco
Today enjoy San Francisco under your own arrangements. A city of very distinct districts, there is plenty to see and do. Start the morning at Pier 33 and take the ferry to Alcatraz then visit the crab shacks at Fisherman’s Wharf or ride one of the historic streetcars to the Ferry Building. Despite its hills San Francisco is a walking city but take one of the famous rickety hill-top cable cars. If you can, remember to stop at Lombard Street, ‘the most crooked street in the world’, Coit Tower for stunning bay views and Haight-Ashbury – enclave of the 60s hippie movement.
Staypineapple, An Elegant Hotel, Union Square
Day 20
San Francisco to the UK
After a morning at leisure make your own way to San Francisco International Airport in good time to catch your return flight to the UK.
Extending your stay...
Combine two areas of outstanding beauty by connecting Yosemite National Park with Lake Tahoe. Set high in the Sierra Nevada mountains surrounded by snow-capped peaks and forest, the glass-like waters of Lake Tahoe offer all sorts of water-based sports and excellent hiking.
Famous for its vineyards which are considered some of the finest in the US, the town of Napa and surrounding wineries are easily combined with Lake Tahoe and San Francisco. Visit a number of different valley vineyards and enjoy the upmarket towns with its bistros and wine bars.
Travel north to Portland, Oregan’s largest city, to experience more of America’s west coast. Explore this cultured city, visit the Willamette Valley or discover Mount Hood National Forest. Fly from San Francisco or drive the epic coastal northern Californian and Oregonian roads.
Seattle in Washington State has a fabulous setting and is known for its gardens, museums, galleries, markets and iconic music scene. Reach Seattle by air either from San Francisco or Portland. Alternatively drive, stopping on the way to see some of the region’s finest scenery.
Guide to Price
20 days from £3300 - £4000 per person
What's Included
- International flights
- Hotel accommodation and taxes
- Car hire as specified
What's Not Included
- Visas
- Travel Insurance
- Expenses of a personal nature
- Meals unless specified
from £3300 - £4000
Travel Information
Getting There
There are many direct flights between the UK and US operated by a range of airlines including British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines and United Airlines. Non-stop services operate from London Heathrow, London Gatwick, Manchester and Edinburgh to all major US airports including New York, Washington DC, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Las Vegas and Chicago. Other important regional cities including Dallas, Seattle, Denver, New Orleans, Miami, Boston, Philadelphia, San Diego and Atlanta also have direct air links to the UK. Aer Lingus also has excellent connections via Dublin to the US from various regional British airports.
Flying Times From UK
Direct flights from the UK take between 8 and 12 hours depending on the destination. Flights with stops en-route take between 11 and 14 hours.
Time Zone
The United States has six time zones. Eastern Time Zone, which includes New York, is -5 hours GMT, Central Time Zone is -6 hours GMT, Mountain Time Zone is -7 hours GMT and Pacific Time Zone, which covers California and Nevada, is -8 hours GMT. Alaska is -9 hours GMT and Hawaii -10 hours GMT.
Visa Requirements
The majority of British passport holders do not require a visa to enter America but will need to obtain an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) through the Visa Waiver Programme. The ESTA allows travel to the US for up to 90 days and currently costs USD $14 per application. The ESTA is valid for two years from the date of authorisation or until your passport expires. It is recommended that any application is made no later than 72 hours before departure. Applications can also be made using the ESTA app so, if you prefer to complete or check the progress of your ESTA application on your phone, you can now download an iOS app or an Android app for your mobile device.
Please note that the USA has designated Cuba a state sponsor of terrorism. As a result, visitors to the USA who have previously visited Cuba either on or after 12th January 2021 are no longer allowed to apply for an ESTA and instead must obtain a visa to enter the United States.
Do’s & Don’ts
Tipping is expected for good service – especially in restaurants and bars. Not doing so is considered extremely rude.
Smoking legislation varies between city and state, however, the US generally has some of the strictest anti-smoking regulation in the world. Check state, county and city laws as smoking may not only be banned indoors but outdoors too.
Each state enacts its own road laws and whilst the majority of rules are the same throughout the country it is a good idea to check the traffic laws of the particular state you are visiting.
Although on the whole well-connected, in sparsely populated regions mobile phone coverage can be patchy so, for long road-trips, having a good map is important.
Before taking a person’s picture permission should always be asked.
Money
The currency of the United States of America is the US Dollar (USD) and this comes in a range of notes and coins. The most common notes are $50, $20, $10, $5 and $1 with 25₵ (quarter), 10₵ (dime) and 5₵ (nickel) popular coins in circulation. ATMs are reliable and commonplace throughout the country and nearly all major credit cards are accepted. Currency exchange is simplest at the airport but currency can also be changed in most large banks.
Tipping
This is left to your discretion and although not compulsory is expected by those that provide a service. It is normal to give a tip of between 15% and 20% to waiters and taxi drivers, a tip of $1 to bartenders and $1 per person, per day to chambermaids. Occasionally some restaurants may automatically add service to the bill.
Food & Drink
The US is famous the world over for its cuisine and each region has its own distinct food culture. New York City is arguably the food capital of the country with everything from fabulous Asian and Italian food to Jewish delis, hole in the wall doughnut stores or burger joints. New England is renowned for its seafood and shellfish, in particular oysters, lobster and clams, whilst in the Midwest head to a diner for classic American fare – coffee, waffles, burgers, shakes and beer! The South is all about slow-cooked barbecue and each region has its own particular style – especially in Louisiana with its Spanish, Cajun and Caribbean influences. Food in Texas, the Southwestern states and California has been heavily swayed by neighbouring Mexico but California is also renowned for the quality of its Asian fare. Hawaii has its own unique Polynesian food culture whilst cuisine in the Pacific Northwest and Alaska is heavily focussed on game and seafood.
Coffee is the most common drink in America and cafes, coffeehouses and diners, which offer free refills, can be found almost anywhere. Aside from coffee, beer is incredibly popular and there has been a boom in small micro-breweries and craft beer in recent years. The wines of California, Napa and Sonoma are amongst the best in the world with vineyards now stretching north to Oregon and Washington. The South is famous for whiskey with the Jack Daniels distillery the best known, although there are numerous family-run producers. Do note that alcohol laws in the US are strict, the legal drinking age is 21 and almost everyone is required to provide identification when purchasing alcohol.
Accommodation
The range of accommodation in the USA is vast and varied. From charming family-run homestays, simple motels and luxurious hotels to atmospheric national park lodges, rural ranches and picturesque campsites, there is something for everyone. Hotel options, in particular, are comprehensive with a full spectrum of national and international chains present throughout the country. Ranch accommodation can be found in the Rockies and southwestern states, each unique and offering varying types of experiences.
Shopping
With long opening hours, competitive pricing and a plentiful supply of stores and malls, it’s of little surprise that shopping is, for many an American, a national pastime. Without exception, all major cities offer excellent shopping ranging from giant purpose-built shopping malls and out-of-town outlets to one-off thrift stores and chaotic flea markets. Clothing and electronics can represent good value and special food products – such as Vermont maple syrup – are popular gifts. It is worth noting that sales tax is not included on items and only added at the point of sale. The tax also varies from state to state with five states – Alaska, Delaware, Montana, New Hampshire and Oregon – levying no tax at all.
Suggested Reading
Lonely Planet, Rough Guides and DK have excellent guide books on the US. Lonely Planet also have specific editions that focus on road trips and Route 66. Bradt also publish a guide book on the US rail network. Michelin and Marco Polo have comprehensive and up to date maps of the entire country. America has also bestowed on the world some of the greatest novelists and writers in history including Mark Twain, F. Scott Fitzgerald, John Steinbeck, Harper Lee, J. D. Salinger, Ernest Hemmingway, Herman Melville, Stephen King and Edgar Allen Poe. Good books include:
‘Adventures of Huckleberry Finn’ by Mark Twain
‘The Last of the Mohicans’ by James Fenimore Cooper
‘The Great Gatsby’ by F. Scott Fitzgerald
‘The Grapes of Wrath’ by John Steinbeck
‘Cannery Row’ by John Steinbeck
‘On the Road’ by Jack Kerouac
‘Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee: An Indian History of the American West’ by Dee Brown
‘The American Future: A History from the Founding Fathers to Barack Obama’ by Simon Schama
‘A People’s History of the United States’ by Howard Zinn
‘American History: A Very Short Introduction’ by Paul S. Boyer
Health
Your doctor is generally the best person to advise you on staying healthy whilst abroad. For current information on health advice you may wish to visit the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) website Travel Health Pro on https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/. The Medical Advisory Services for Travellers Abroad (MASTA) website (www.masta.org) is also a useful resource.
Travel Advice
For current information on America the best resource is the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice) which is comprehensive and updated regularly. We would also recommend visiting the Safer Tourism Foundation website (safertourism.org.uk) before you travel and will be happy to address any questions or concerns you may have.
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Our Reviews
What our clients say
As usual you did a fantastic job
HG - USA - July 2023
We had a wonderful time as usual. Everything went to plan with no hiccups, and we saw and did some incredible things.
Yellowstone and Jenny Lake were out of this world, we saw moose, elk and we saw a bear which was incredible to see in the wild. We also drove on the salt flats where they do the land speed records which was an experience.
As usual you did a fantastic job and we loved every second of it.
Getting to know you
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Helping you to design your trip
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On-hand support, when you need it
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