Cities and Canyons
- Duration
- 15 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 3,405
FIRST-CLASS | SELF DRIVE: Bookended by Las Vegas and San Francisco, this is a trip that combines fantastic urban experiences with breathtaking landscapes of unimaginable shapes, sizes and colours. Drive the largest remaining stretch of Route 66 enroute to the Grand Canyon, followed by an opportunity to see Utah’s ‘Mighty Five’. Add Monument Valley and Yosemite and you have material for several dinner parties.
A 15-day self-guided adventure along Route 66, through dramatic canyons and two of America’s most beloved cities: Las Vegas and San Francisco.
There’s a reason Las Vegas evokes thoughts of bright lights and glitter; flying down a zipline, sampling a celebrity chef’s newest creation or taking in live music after a midnight rollercoaster ride? If you can dream it, Vegas can deliver it. Depart the opulence of the Strip and head to Kingman, one of Arizona’s gems, and the closest city to the Grand Canyon Skywalk, a transparent curved cantilever bridge hanging impossibly over the Grand Canyon which the Hualapai Tribe operates. In this region of natural drama, make a stop at the massive Hoover Dam, which controls the Colorado River and is a marvel of modern architecture. Drive the longest remaining stretch of Route 66 in the United States to the once railroad town of Seligman and on to the Grand Canyon National Park. Dine that evening in out-of-this-world Flagstaff, where astronauts train and planets (Pluto!) have been mapped. As the sun rises and paints the rocks, you drive north to Kayenta, through the Navajo Nation, on your way to Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park. This sandy preserve bathes the region between Arizona and Utah in deep red hues. Refuel at the View Restaurant, specializing in traditional Navajo cuisine while you consider the 50 million years of wind and water peeling away at the surface of the plateau around you. On to Arches National Park where ancient pictographs whisper the stories of the native people of the region. Just outside of Arches, Moab’s small-town warmth, surrounded by scenic rivers and forests beckons.
On to the white domes of Navajo Sandstone which define the Capitol Reef National Park, named by settlers because of the resemblance to capitol building domes, and reef for the rocky cliffs which are a barrier to travel, like an ocean reef. Make your way south to Bryce Canyon National Park, a series of large natural amphitheaters with seemingly endless multi-colored limestone rock pinnacles called “hoodoos.” At Utah’s oldest national park: Zion (Zion means sanctuary) follow the paths of the ancient Anasazi people and gaze at massive sandstone cliffs and be sure to look out for the largest flying bird in North America, the California Condor, as it soars past one of the largest natural arches along your hike.
Westward to Death Valley - a forbidding name but a great t-shirt - an expanse of colorful badlands, sand dunes, canyons, within the hottest spot in North America.
At Zabriskie Point sip some water as you take in the rugged beauty of the lowest spot in North America where hearty critters like jackrabbits, desert tortoises and bighorn sheep have adapted to the severe conditions and can be spotted by the keen observer. The next day go north into the High Sierra along lake dappled Tioga Road and be sure to stop off at Tenaya Lake, or Lake of the Shining Rocks up the highest drivable pass in California and on to Yosemite National Park. Hunt for Yogi Bear amid towering waterfalls, wide green fields, unreal rock formations and a picnic lunch as you feel the spray at Yosemite Falls, the largest waterfall in North America or meditate under Giant Sequoia trees estimated to be over 3,000 years old. Cruise past Old Sacramento and feel your sense of time shift back to the city’s Gold Rush era, with wooden sidewalks and wagon rides where one can drink an artisanal coffee and dream of gold before finishing your journey in San Francisco. Fill a day with avant-garde art, foodie-level cuisine, or shop vintage to designer from Union Square to Fisherman’s Wharf and Pier 39. Take a boat trip like Al Capone to Alcatraz jail or meander Muir Woods’ 1000 year-old redwood forest. Be sure take in the Golden Gate Bridge which is constantly painted “International Orange” so it always looks just like a post card. Fill your belly at trendy AL's Place in the Mission district or finish your journey in a Napa Valley winery before you depart.
- Duration
- 15 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 3,405
Itinerary View Trip Map View Trip Special
Las Vegas
Arrive at Las Vegas McCarran International Airport and independently transfer to your hotel. The dazzling neon lights of Las Vegas need no introduction and it doesn’t matter what time you arrive; the city is open 24/7 and you can join in the fun at any time.
Overnight Las Vegas
| Duration | 3 nights |
|---|
Las Vegas
Today, enjoy a full day Las Vegas style. Walk the famous Strip lined with mega-resorts, place a bet at one of the many casinos, dine at world-class restaurants, catch the latest must-see show, shop designer boutiques, ride a rollercoaster, lie by the pool... the list goes on.
Overnight Las Vegas
Las Vegas
With so much to do, 24 hours in a day hardly seems enough in Vegas, which is why you can enjoy another day in the entertainment capital.
Overnight Las Vegas
Las Vegas - Grand Canyon - Flagstaff
Depart early this morning and make your way to Kingman, one of Arizona's hidden treasures. Enroute, Hoover Dam makes for an awe-inspiring stop. Once in Kingman, join Route 66 and travel along the longest stretch that remains of this historic route to Seligman. Evidence of the old road can be seen all along Seligman's main street where motels, cafes and numerous gift shops beg to be explored. Continue to Grand Canyon National Park, the world-famous natural wonder that defies description until you see it with your own eyes. Discover the distinct South Rim of the canyon and stop at one of the dramatic lookouts. Time permitting, walk part of the Rim Trail or along the historic Hermit Road, visit a Photo Hot Spot or climb to the top of a stone Watchtower for panoramic views that extend over one hundred miles on a cloudless day. Your head filled with amazing images, you pass through the picturesque mountain town of Williams before arriving in Flagstaff, the other Gateway to the Grand Canyon.
Overnight Flagstaff
| Duration | 1 night |
|---|
Flagstaff - Kayenta - Monument Valley
In the morning, head north to Kayenta, the gateway to Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park. This great valley is often framed by scenic clouds that cast shadows on the desert floor that boasts sandstone masterpieces towering to heights of 400 to 1,000 feet. These fragile pinnacles are surrounded by miles of mesas, buttes and windblown sand, their graceful formations accented by the angle of the sun creating a colourful scenery that is simply spellbinding.
Overnight Kayenta
| Duration | 1 night |
|---|
Monument Valley - Arches National Park - Moab
Today you visit Arches National Park, one of Utah's Mighty 5 to discover a landscape of contrasting colours, shapes, and textures unlike any other in the world. With over 2,000 natural stone arches, in addition to hundreds of soaring pinnacles and giant balanced rocks, this red rock wonderland amazes with its formations and inspires with its unique scenery. Minutes away from Arches National Park is Moab. Its unique combination of small-town hospitality and beautiful scenery has made it one of the most sought-after destinations in the Southwest.
Overnight Moab
| Duration | 1 night |
|---|
Moab - Capitol Reef
Your journey today is to majestic Capitol Reef National Park. Located in the heart of Utah's red rock country, Capitol Reef National Park is a hidden treasure filled with cliffs, canyons, domes and bridges in the Waterpocket Fold, an unusual geologic feature that is like a wrinkle in the earth’s surface extending for nearly 100 miles. Consider taking Highway 24 towards the Capitol Reef Visitor Centre which is the start of a 25-mile-long scenic drive, going south past a place called Gifford Farmhouse making landmarks such as Chimney Rock, Hickman Bridge, and the Fremont Petroglyphs accessible, before returning to your hotel.
Overnight Capitol Reef
| Duration | 1 night |
|---|
Capitol Reef - Bryce Canyon
Make it an early start and treat yourself to a stunning scenic drive using Highway 12 all the way to Bryce Canyon National Park. Near Boulder, the road twists, and turns through a section of steep cliffs and narrow canyons on both sides of the highway, creating exhilarating views. Famous for its unique geology, Bryce Canyon consists of a series of horseshoe-shaped amphitheaters where the power of wind, water and geologic mayhem has etched the pink cliffs and shaped the colorful limestone rock into thousands of spires called "hoodoos." This evening, weather permitting, be sure to gaze upon the spectacular night sky filled with sparkling stars and brilliant constellations
Overnight Bryce Canyon
| Duration | 2 nights |
|---|
Bryce Canyon
Spend today exploring more of Bryce Canyon, or head to nearby Zion National Park. Zion is Utah's oldest national park known for its incredible canyons and spectacular views. Here, follow the paths of ancient native people and gaze at massive sandstone cliffs of cream, pink and red that soar into the bright blue sky. Consider challenging your courage in a slot canyon, gorges of narrow width that often squeeze down to a sliver.
Overnight Bryce Canyon
Bryce Canyon - Death Valley
Today's journey west takes you to the lowest elevation in North America, Death Valley National Park. Here, the Mojave is at its most magnificent with geological history on full display in this section of California that is as sublime as it is rugged and severe. Enhance your desert experience with a stop at Zabriskie Point offering spectacular views of the eroded and vibrantly colored badlands. Don't miss the opportunity to enjoy more of the world's best stargazing this evening.
Overnight Death Valley
| Duration | 1 night |
|---|
Death Valley - Yosemite
In the morning, travel north into the High Sierra where Tioga Road, the highest drivable pass in California, leads you into Yosemite National Park. Best known for its impressive waterfalls, grand meadows, and dramatic rock formations, Yosemite was one of the first wilderness parks in the United States.
Overnight Yosemite
**From early November to late May, Tioga Pass may be closed due to weather or road conditions, in which case you will need to drive the southern route through Bakersfield and Fresno into the Yosemite area.
| Duration | 2 nights |
|---|
Yosemite
Enjoy the outdoors today and delve into the depths of the park. Walk to a waterfall, learn about the many natural wonders during a ranger-guided stroll, or explore a giant sequoia grove. With approximately 800 miles of trails, Yosemite is a fantastic place to hike.
Overnight Yosemite
Yosemite - Sacramento - San Francisco
Today's journey west takes you through Gold Rush-era attractions, California's State capitol, Sacramento, and on to San Francisco. Considered one of the greatest cities in the world, San Francisco offers an incredible range of sightseeing possibilities and fabulous iconic views.
Overnight San Francisco
| Duration | 2 nights |
|---|
San Francisco
The entire day is yours to enjoy the sights and sounds that make San Francisco such a wonderful place. Ride the famous San Francisco cable car to Fisherman's Wharf Gate Bridge and experience the outdoor stands selling fresh Dungeness crab or various gourmet restaurants selling the freshest of fish from the days catch. Chocolate lovers must visit the local chocolatiers, Ghirardelli's, whose founding location is now a public landmark and part of the National Register of Historic Places. Treat yourself to a fabulous walk from here to Union Square. On the way, check out North Beach, steeped in Italian heritage with retro-flavoured bars, coffee shops and trattorias. Next is Lombard Street with its famous one-block section of eight, steep hairpin turns before you pass Telegraph Hill and Nob Hill to arrive at Union Square. In the evening you may wish to stroll the Embarcadero, sample Dim Sum in Chinatown or see the twinkling city lights atop Twin Peaks (bring your jacket!).
Overnight San Francisco
| Duration | 1 Night |
|---|
San Francisco
Enjoy your last day in this fabulous city before making your way to San Francisco International Airport for your flight home unless you plan to extend your stay in the area.
Other Information
DEPARTURES:
Daily departures: April 1, 2024 - March 31, 2025
PRICE INCLUDES:
- 15 days Intermediate Car Rental with unlimited mileage (Mazda 3 or similar)
- Detailed day by day itinerary
- 3 nights first-class accommodations in Las Vegas
- 1 night first-class accommodations in Flagstaff
- 1 night first-class accommodations in Monument Valley
- 1 night first-class accommodations in Moab
- 1 night first-class accommodations in Capitol Reef
- 2 nights first-class accommodations in Bryce
- 1 night first-class accommodations in Death Valley
- 2 nights first-class accommodations in Yosemite
- 2 nights first-class accommodations in San Francisco
PRICE EXCLUDES:
- Car rental insurance
- Travel insurance
- International and domestic airfare & airfare taxes
- Entrances fees to sites not explicitly listed as included
- Meals and beverages not mentioned
- Road tolls
- Gratuities
- Items of a personal nature
- Visa fees if applicable
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS:
- View one of the 7 Natural Wonders of the World, the Grand Canyon
- Be surrounded by sandstone masterpieces in the Navajo Nation’s Monument Valley
- Behold the rich colors of Bryce Canyon’s famous spires, called “hoodoos”
- Enjoy 24 Hour entertainment in glittering Las Vegas
- Stand at the lowest land elevation in North America in Death Valley
- Glimpse the largest monoliths of exposed granite in Yosemite
- Visit Sacramento, California’s state capital
- Walk along the railings of San Francisco’s world-famous Golden Gate Bridge
TERMS AND CONDITIONS:
Prices are "from" per person based on twin/double share accommodation and for travel in low season. Seasonal surcharges and blackout dates may apply. Limited seat/spaces and all pricing is subject to change and availability. Rates for single or triple travellers are available on request. Additional terms and conditions apply for car rental - please inquire.
1 Sep 2024
