The first part of the tour (day 1 to 3) will be spent exploring the iconic state of California from the City of Angeles to the City by the Bay. We will drive by some of the most breathtaking parts of the US 1 Pacific Highway including the famous "17-mile drive" along impressive cliffs and pristine beaches. If you have been "California Dreaming" for some time now, well this part will be one of your favorites. We will visit small California seaside towns such as Solvang and Carmel and charming cities like Santa Barbara famous for its wine-making industry. We will end our California section of the tour with the incredible city of San Francisco where we'll spend 1 day touring the historic center including the characteristic Chinatown and Nob Hill as well as hopping aboard one of the popular Bay Cruises to see Alcatraz Island and the Golden Gate Bridge from up close.
After leaving the Pacific Coast behind us, we'll start exploring some of the most iconic National Parks in the United States starting with Yosemite National Park and the Sierra Nevada Mountains. We will spend the remaining 5 days from the mountain top of Yosemite Park to the deep hollows of the Death Valley and the giants "cuts" of the Canyons.
During the Winter, when Yosemite Park is not accessible due to heavy snowfalls and bad road conditions, we will instead visit the historic seaside town of Monterey famous for its Wharf and historic Main Street.
We will then continue our second half of the tour visiting Las Vegas and the Western Deserts. In Las Vegas, we will spend two nights which will allow you to have some free time to actually experience Sin City including trying your luck at the local casinos, taste deliciously created and artistically crafted dishes at popular restaurants, or maybe having fun at some Broadway-style show.
Leaving Las Vegas, we will head towards Sedona to visit the impressive Oak Creek Canyon and the unique Chapel of the Holy Cross a Roman Catholic chapel famous to be built right into the buttes of Sedona and the Canyons.
It's hard to say what would be the most iconic panoramic view during this tour, but the last part of the tour will definitely know how to mesmerize you offering incredible views over the Monument Valley, the famous Horseshoe Bend, and the iconic Antelope Canyon. We will witness what sand, wind, and water naturally created in this region over billions of years. In the Monument Valley, we will also take part in an escorted tour by Jeep led by a Navajo Tour Guide to descend to the bottom of the canyon while learning interesting facts about this region.
Mother Nature works at its finest. One our way back to Las Vegas, we will stop for one more visit to billion-of-years-old rock formations, the famous red rocks of the Valley of Fire. The name is not fortunate when the sun hits these sandstones, the entire area seems to be catching on fire … truly a sight to remember. We will return to Las Vegas in the early evening. Tour ends in Las Vegas.
Age Restrictions: 7 year old minimum to enter the Antelope National Park.
MAGNIFICENT WEST – Summer itinerary from April 1st to October 31 st
Day 1: Los Angeles to Santa Barbara to Carmel
Begin your exploration along California's breathtaking coast, heading from Los Angeles to Santa Barbara. Discover the historic significance of a local Spanish Mission. Stroll through the enchanting Danish town of Solvang, and experience the stunning vistas along Route #1 and the famed 17 Mile Drive. Cap off the day in Carmel, a picturesque town rich in artistic history.
Overnight at SpringHill Suites, Marriott Oakland Airport.
Day 2: San Francisco – Cityscape and Bay Exploration
Immerse yourself in the allure of San Francisco. Start with a memorable bay cruise from Fisherman’s Wharf, showcasing the iconic Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island. Enjoy a relaxed lunch at Pier 39, followed by an exploration of San Francisco’s key landmarks, including Chinatown and Nob Hill. The day concludes with a striking city view from the Bay Bridge.
Overnight in Modesto at Modesto Hotel.
Day 3: Yosemite’s Wilderness Wonders
Travel to the heart of nature at Yosemite National Park. Be awed by its towering formations including El Capitan and Half Dome. Embark on a trail to Yosemite Falls, experiencing the park's breathtaking waterfalls and landscapes. A day of adventure concludes with a serene evening.
Overnight at Comfort Suites Stevenson Ranch.
Day 4: Journey from Stevenson Ranch to Las Vegas
Cross the arid stretches of the Mojave Desert and Death Valley en route to the vibrant Las Vegas. Pause for shopping at Barstow's famed outlets. Experience the glittering Las Vegas Strip at night, exploring its renowned casinos and hotels.
Overnight at Harrah’s Hotel.
Day 5: Las Vegas to Hoover Dam
Savor a relaxed morning in Las Vegas before exploring the engineering marvel that is the Hoover Dam. Learn about its historical significance and impact. The afternoon is yours to enjoy Las Vegas' many attractions and shows.
Overnight at Harrah’s Hotel.
Day 6: Mojave Crossing to Sedona’s Splendor
Head across the Mojave Desert, ascending the Colorado Plateau to reach Sedona, a gem in the desert. Wander through Oak Creek Canyon and admire the red rock vistas. Explore Sedona's unique shops and galleries, and visit the Chapel of the Holy Cross for panoramic desert views.
Overnight at Clarion Inn- Page.
Day 7: Sedona to Monument Valley and Horseshoe Bend
Journey to Horseshoe Bend for a spectacular river view. Continue to Monument Valley, an iconic symbol of the American West. Experience the valley's grandeur on a Navajo-led jeep tour, exploring its towering sandstone formations and unique landscape.
Overnight at Clarion Inn- Page.
Day 8: Antelope Canyon to Valley of Fire – Return to Las Vegas
Visit the mesmerizing lower Antelope Canyon, a natural wonder shaped by elements. Depart for Las Vegas, stopping at the Valley of Fire to witness its remarkable red sandstone formations. The tour concludes with an evening arrival in Las Vegas. Drop off at Las Vegas Luxor Hotel & Casino.
Winter Itinerary From November 1st to March 31st
Day 1: Los Angeles to Santa Barbara to San Francisco
Journey from Los Angeles along the scenic California Coast, pausing in the charming Santa Barbara. Discover the historic downtown "State Street Promenade," and visit the iconic Spanish Mission. Explore the Danish enclave of Solvang, then drive through the picturesque coastal views on Route #1. Spend time in the artistic town of Carmel, then proceed to San Francisco.
Overnight: SpringHill Suites by Marriott Oakland Airport.
Day 2: San Francisco – Bay Experience and Urban Discovery
Experience San Francisco's urban charm, starting with a scenic bay cruise from Fisherman's Wharf, featuring the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz. Enjoy a relaxed lunch at Pier 39, then tour through the city's celebrated landmarks, including Union Square and Chinatown. End the day with a panoramic view from the Bay Bridge.
Overnight: Springhill Suites Oakland Airport.
Day 3: San Francisco to Monterey
Visit Monterey, where the historical Cannery Row and wharf offer a glimpse into the past. Journey through the Californian coast to Carmel-by-the-sea. Enjoy the town's picturesque boutiques and galleries, and take in the coastal vistas along Route #1.
Overnight: Comfort Suites Stevenson Ranch.
Day 4: Stevenson Ranch to Las Vegas
Travel through the stark beauty of the desert and Death Valley on your way to Las Vegas. Stop at Barstow for shopping, then enjoy an evening exploring the dazzling Las Vegas Strip, from Caesar’s Palace to Luxor.
Overnight: Harrah’s Hotel.
Day 5: Las Vegas to Hoover Dam
Start your day with a leisurely breakfast, then explore the Hoover Dam, understanding its historical significance. Return to Las Vegas for an afternoon of leisure, exploring the city's unique attractions or shows.
Overnight: Harrah’s Hotel.
Day 6: Las Vegas to Sedona's Red Rocks
Cross the Mojave Desert to Sedona, the "jewel of the desert." Drive through Oak Creek Canyon for breathtaking views. Stop at Slide Rock State Park and enjoy a lunch break in Sedona. Visit the Chapel of the Holy Cross and admire the red rock formations.
Overnight: Clarion Inn- Page.
Day 7: Sedona to Monument Valley and Horseshoe Bend
Visit the Horseshoe Bend on the Colorado River, then travel to Monument Valley. Experience the park's towering sandstone formations on a Navajo-led jeep tour, exploring this unique landscape.
Overnight: Clarion Inn- Page.
Day 8: Antelope Canyon to Valley of Fire – Return to Las Vegas
Tour the lower Antelope Canyon, marveling at its natural beauty. Depart for Las Vegas, stopping at the Valley of Fire to witness its red sandstone formations. The journey concludes with an evening arrival in Las Vegas. Drop off: Las Vegas Luxor Hotel & Casino.