San Francisco, Honolulu to Los Angeles

Welcome to San Francisco, the “City by the Bay”. Transformed by the California Gold Rush of 1849, this once small settlement grew into one of America’s most distinctive cities, known for its cosmopolitan character, steep streets and sweeping bay views.

Please note: This tour may have travellers joining or departing at various points along the route, meaning group composition can change during the tour. Please also be aware that depending on group composition, guiding may be in additional languages as well as English.

This morning, a half-day city tour introduces us to the sights and sounds of San Francisco. We take in highlights such as Union Square, the city’s famous cable cars and views across the bay. The afternoon is free to explore at your own pace.

You might cruise the bay, browse the shops, ride a cable car or simply wander through the city’s neighbourhoods. Your Tour Director will be available to help with suggestions.

San Francisco - Yosemite - Fresno. We leave San Francisco and travel through California’s Central Valley, one of North America’s most productive agricultural regions, known for crops such as almonds, oranges and grapes.

Later, we arrive in Yosemite National Park, home to dramatic waterfalls, granite landmarks including El Capitan and Half Dome, and a rich variety of wildlife. We explore the park by motorcoach, with time on the valley floor to enjoy the scenery. Overnight in Fresno.

Fresno - Mojave Desert - Las Vegas. An early start takes us south through the Central Valley and across the mountains into the rugged Mojave Desert. Crossing into Nevada, the casinos at the state line offer a first glimpse of what lies ahead.

Soon, Las Vegas appears like a mirage in the desert. Once a small farming settlement, today it is one of the world’s great entertainment capitals, famous for its casinos, shows and dazzling nightlife.

Today is free to enjoy Las Vegas at your own pace. You might shop at one of the city’s outlet centres, relax by the pool or join an optional excursion, such as a visit to Death Valley. Your Tour Director will be happy to provide details.

Las Vegas - Cedar City - Bryce Canyon City. We travel north through the Mojave Desert, passing briefly through Arizona before entering Utah. As we drive through the Virgin River Gorge, the scenery changes from desert landscapes to a higher mountain plateau. Utah, known as the Beehive State, is closely associated with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Over the next few days, we explore the Colorado Plateau, a region of remarkable national parks. Today’s highlight is Bryce Canyon, where viewpoints such as Bryce Point and Inspiration Point reveal a striking landscape of hoodoos - tall, narrow pillars of rock shaped by erosion.

Bryce Canyon National Park - Grand Canyon National Park - Williams. Leaving Bryce Canyon, we travel through Kanab, once a popular filming location for classic westerns starring names such as John Wayne, Roy Rogers and Ronald Reagan. Its cinematic heritage earned it the nickname “Little Hollywood”. After passing Page, Arizona, we enter the Navajo Nation, where traditional culture remains an important part of the region.

We then continue to Grand Canyon National Park, one of the world’s most famous natural wonders. You may wish to speak to your Tour Director about an optional helicopter flight for a spectacular bird’s-eye view. Overnight in the historic Route 66 town of Williams.

Williams - Seligman - Kingman - Laughlin. After time in Williams, once an important railroad town and gateway to the Grand Canyon Railway, we follow Historic Route 66. A stop in Seligman offers a nostalgic glimpse of the 1950s and 1960s, with shops selling Route 66 memorabilia and souvenirs.

We continue to Kingman, the largest community in the area, before crossing the Colorado River and returning to Nevada. Our overnight stay is in Laughlin, named after entrepreneur Don Laughlin. This evening, you can visit the casinos or enjoy a relaxed walk along the river.

Laughlin - Palm Springs - Los Angeles. We return to California and travel to Palm Springs, a desert community long favoured by Hollywood stars seeking winter retreats. The city is also known for its Spanish Revival and mid-century modern architecture.

We then continue to Los Angeles, where an orientation tour introduces us to parts of downtown Los Angeles, Hollywood and Beverly Hills before we arrive at our hotel.

Los Angeles - Honolulu. Transfer independently to the airport for your flight to either Honolulu. On arrival in Hawaii, you will be welcomed with a traditional flower lei greeting before transferring to your hotel for five nights of relaxation.

Please Note: The flight from Los Angeles to Honolulu is not included and must be booked independently by you.

Enjoy four relaxing days in the land of aloha. You might explore beyond the main resort areas, spend time by the ocean or simply unwind by the pool. A locally based representative will be available to help you plan your time.

Honolulu - Los Angeles. Today, we leave the islands and return to the mainland. Transfer to the airport for your flight to Los Angeles, where the tour concludes on arrival in the late evening.