CALIFORNIA SELF-DRIVE TOUR
10 night self-drive tour from £ 1749pp by car from £ 1649pp by motorhome
BY CAR OR MOTORHOME
Camelback Mountain Zabriskie Point , Death Valley National Park
BEST OF THE WEST
10 NIGHT SELF-DRIVE TOUR
DAY 1 Fly to Los Angeles On arrival make your own way to your hotel .
DAY 2 Los Angeles / Palm Springs
Collect your car and drive to Palm Springs , the ultimate desert playground nestled at the base of the majestic San Jacinto Mountains which offers the perfect blend of outdoor entertainment and casual relaxation . Take your pick from one of the many excellent restaurants in downtown Palm Springs ( 147 miles ).
DAY 3 Palm Springs / Phoenix / Scottsdale
Wander around the countless shops or ride the aerial tramway high up above the desert floor for panoramic views of the Coachella Valley . Drive onwards to Scottsdale and Phoenix , two of central Arizona ’ s top cities . Phoenix ’ s skyscrapers fill the skyline which is backed by the famed Camelback Mountain , while Scottsdale is filled with Old West charm ( 267 miles ).
DAY 4 Scottsdale / Grand Canyon NP
Drive north to the Grand Canyon , the natural wonder which can ’ t fail to impress . Spend the day discovering the South Rim , either on foot or perhaps hire a bike , stopping at the numerous viewpoints along the way ( 230 miles ).
DAY 5 Grand Canyon National Park / Las Vegas
Head west through Williams and Kingman at the heart of historic Route 66 to the majestic Hoover Dam . Considered the largest single public works project in the history of the US , Hoover Dam straddles the mighty Colorado River , which forms the border between Nevada and Arizona . Continue to Las Vegas , a city that needs no introduction ( 275 miles ).
DAY 6 Las Vegas
If you fancy a flutter there ’ s no end of casinos to tempt you from parting with your cash , or winning more if you ’ re lucky ! It ’ s not all about gambling , as Vegas also flaunts amazing shopping , themed hotels with roller coasters , award-winning shows and much more .
Grand Canyon
awe-inspiring national parks • world-famous cities & their iconic sights • try your luck in Vegas
DAY 7 Las Vegas / Death Valley National Park
Before you set off , be sure to capture a picture of the iconic ‘ Welcome to Las Vegas ’ sign , then drive west 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 rugged , severe , sublime section of California . Enhance your desert experience with a stop at Zabriskie Point for spectacular views of the wildly eroded and vibrantly coloured badlands . This evening , be sure to cast your eyes skyward for some of the best stargazing in the world ( 139 miles ).
DAY 8 Death Valley National Park / Yosemite NP *
Travel north into the High Sierra following the Tioga Pass into Yosemite , one of America ’ s most scenic national parks . Delve into the depths of the park to see the silvery waters of the Yosemite and Bridalveil Falls , take a ranger-guided stroll or marvel at the huge granite formations of El Capitan and Half Dome ( 325 miles ).
DAY 9 Yosemite National Park / San Francisco
Journey west through Gold Rush-era attractions and California ’ s state capital , Sacramento before continuing to San Francisco . Considered one of the greatest cities in the world it boasts many one-of-a-kind sights ( 195 miles ).
DAY 10 San Francisco
A full day to really explore this beloved city . Top sights , include Union Square , The Presido , the Golden Gate Bridge and Fisherman ’ s Wharf . There ’ s also the option to take the ferry to Alcatraz Island or , drive to nearby Napa Valley in California ’ s Wine Country where you can tour a winery or two .
DAY 11 San Francisco
Drop your car at the airport where your tour ends with your onward journey .
San Francisco
Yosemite NP
Golden Gate Bridge , San Francisco
NEVADA
UTAH
Death Valley Las Vegas Grand
Canyon NP CALIFORNIA ARIZONA
Los Angeles
Phoenix Palm Springs
Los Angeles 1 night | Palm Springs 1 night Scottsdale 1 night | Grand Canyon 1 night Las Vegas 2 nights | Death Valley 1 night Yosemite National Park 1 night San Francisco 2 nights
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
BY CAR : Departures : Daily .
Accommodation : In 3H hotels . Higher grade hotels are also available at a supplement .
Meals : Room only .
Tour price : The price shown for this American Tours International self-drive tour includes international flights to Los Angeles and from San Francisco , 11 days compact 4 door car hire with fully inclusive insurance and 10 nights accommodation . One way drop off fee payable locally .
* From early November to late May the Tioga Pass may be closed due to weather or road conditions . In which case you will need to drive the Southern route .
BY MOTORHOME : Departures : Daily . Meals : Not included .
Tour price : The price shown includes international flights to Los Angeles and from San Francisco , one pre-night at Hilton Los Angeles Airport and a C25 motorhome for 11 days . One way drop off fee payable locally . See page 7 for motorhome options and details .
82 CALIFORNIA visit your local travel agent or call 08444 937 666