Enjoy this 8 day tour that takes you throughout California and Nevada - America's western frontier! Along the way you will visit Death Valley, Yosemite, Carmel and Monterey as well as tour San Francisco, Los Angeles and Napa Valley wineries!
Transfer independently from the airport to your hotel.
Having enjoyed glamorous Las Vegas, it will be a sharp contrast this afternoon to enter the quiet and extreme environment of Death Valley. Stop at Zabriskie Point and Furnace Creek Ranch/Visitors Center before continuing across the valley and ascending the Sierra Nevada Mountains to the alpine resort town of Mammoth Lakes**. The area gained prominence as a gold mining town in the 19th century and today is renowned for the superior skiing terrain and staggeringly beautiful mountain vistas.
Motor coach tour commences. Passengers should meet in the lobby of the designated Hotel at 07:30 hours for an 08:00 hours departure.
Your journey today brings you to the Tioga Pass** into the scenic wonderland of Yosemite National Park. Here, you will experience the valley floor and its splendors including the glacial shaped granite formations of El Capitan, Half Dome, the magnificent Bridal Falls and Yosemite Falls. Overnight in Modesto.
Depart early this morning to arrive in San Francisco, one of the most beloved cities in America. Enjoy a comprehensive sightseeing tour before arriving at your hotel. This evening take a memorable City by Night Tour (optional).
Day at leisure! Your Tour Director is on hand to assist with making your plans for the day: perhaps a cable car ride to Fisherman’s Wharf where one may enjoy a “Taste of San Francisco”: local seafood, famous sourdough breads or decadent Ghiradelli’s Chocolate. Or take a stroll by Sea Lions’ Marina to watch them frolic. Be sure to gaze across the bay to Alcatraz island where “America’s Most Wanted” such as Al Capone and ”Machine Gun” Kelly were incarcerated. Or visit Union Square for a shopping stop at Macy’s Department Store. You also may choose to embark on a wine tasting tour to Napa Valley, world renowned for its fine wineries and beautiful scenery (optional).
Depart San Francisco this morning for the drive to the Monterey Peninsula, known for its magnificent homes and lovely beaches. In Monterey, visit Fisherman’s Wharf and famous Cannery Row. Then tour charming Carmel-by the-Sea, noted for its quaint houses, upscale art galleries and unique stores. In the afternoon your tour continues through Paso Robles, home of fine wineries. Overnight in a quaint Central California Coast town.
Journey south through the Santa Ynez valley into Santa Barbara where palm–lined walkways border white sandy beaches. Upon arrival in Los Angeles an orientation tour commences to include Hollywood, portions of Beverly Hills and Century City before arriving in Santa Monica, home to the finish line of Historic Route 66, where you may enjoy an optional lunch on the pier before arriving at your hotel.
Today you will return to glittering Las Vegas from Los Angeles, via the Mojave Desert, home of the world’s tallest thermometer. Clusters of unique Joshua trees dot the mountainous landscape. Your tour ends upon arrival.
+ Enjoy leisure time for shopping, gambling, eating, or all of the above in glitzy Las Vegas.
+ Post an Instagram of yourself at the iconic “Welcome to Las Vegas” sign.
+ Traverse the lowest and driest spot within the western hemisphere: Death Valley National Park.
+ Explore the magnificent falls during a visit to majestic Yosemite National Park (weather permitting).
+ Take in the sites of the City by the Bay, San Francisco, including the Golden Gate Bridge, Union Square and Fisherman’s Wharf.
+ Journey through America’s capital of technology innovation, Silicon Valley.
+ Experience the charming sites and sounds of Monterey including Cannery Row, inspiration for American author John Steinbeck.
+ Discover through the picturesque scenery of California’s central coast and its rich agricultural plains.
+ Stroll the Hollywood Walk of Fame and find your favorite celebrity’ star.
+ Get a glimpse of all the glamour Los Angeles has to offer with stops at some of its most famous spots.
International airfares
Optional activities
Other meals, drinks, tips and other personal expenses or services not specified on the program
Personal equipment
Travel insurance
Gratuities
Voluntary tips for guides or drivers
Travel and medical insurance
Any items not mentioned as included
Hotels Used
Las Vegas - Luxor Las Vegas - Pyramid Rooms
Mammoth Lakes or Fresno - Mammoth Mountain Inn or Hampton Inn Fresno Airport*
Yosemite Gateway - Doubletree by Hilton Modesto
San Francisco - Hilton San Francisco Union Square
Central Coast - Historic Santa Maria Inn
Los Angeles - Hilton Los Angeles Airport
*Complimentary breakfast offered by a hotel may be discontinued at any time with or without notice.
ALL DEPARTURE DATES ARE GUARANTEED TO OPERATE.
Please note that the prices are starting from and that upon sending a new request with specific date we will send the applicable rate and availability.
EXPERIENCE MORE (OPTIONALS) - Rates available on request
+ Hop on board a cable car during an extensive night tour of San Francisco and enjoy the “City by the Bay”.
+ Enjoy city views and up-close experience of the Golden Gate Bridge during the 1 hr. SFO Bay Cruise.
Important Note: **Winter Routing The Tioga Pass may be closed due to weather or road conditions, in which case you will overnight in Fresno or Visalia and a visit to Mammoth Lakes will not be possible (winter routing applies to all departures between October and May under normal snow conditions).
Please note that for operational reasons Donna Phillips Travel may at its sole discretion use a different touring vehicle or commercial airline as transportation between Los Angeles and Las Vegas on day 8 of the tour.