Best of the West

Skyscrapers, sequoias, and impossibly big skies await you in America’s West. This 14-day tour through the urban and natural wonders of California, Arizona, and Nevada is perfect for travellers who want to inject a little downtown energy into their out-of-town escapes. In the cities, you’ll traverse the concrete jungle by day with an expert CEO and overnight in centrally located hotels and hostels. Elsewhere, you’ll get the chance to marvel at the grandeur of the Grand Canyon and the giant sequoias of Yosemite before diving into a barbecue dinner and camping under the stars. This is no dream; it’s the West like you’ve never seen it before.

Day 1 Los Angeles
Arrive at any time.

Day 2 Los Angeles/San Diego
Be on celebrity-watch while passing by a few popular sites on the way out of LA, California's most glamorous city. In San Diego, visit Coronado Island or soak up the sun on Mission Beach. Opt to check out the Gaslamp Quarter District in the evening.

Day 3 San Diego/Lake Havasu City
Travel to Joshua Tree National Park, taking in the desert scenery and hundreds of Joshua trees, then cool off in the crystal-clear waters of the Colorado River at Lake Havasu.

Day 4 Lake Havasu City/Grand Canyon
Continue to the Grand Canyon and explore this natural wonder. Enjoy sunset at the canyon rim.

Day 5 Grand Canyon
Enjoy a free day to discover the Grand Canyon. Opt to hike throughout the park, rent a bike, check out a museum or see the canyon from the sky by helicopter.

Day 6 Grand Canyon/Las Vegas
Journey along famous Route 66, and explore the Las Vegas Strip in the evening. Take an optional VIP party limo ride.

Day 7 Las Vegas
Take in the sites, sounds, and atmosphere of Las Vegas on a free day with your travel buds. Explore the strip, try your luck at a casino, view a glitzy show, or simply people watch in one of the liveliest cities in the U.S.

Day 8 Las Vegas/Sierra Nevadas
Experience a land of extremes in Death Valley National Park. Visit the driest, hottest, and the lowest places in the U.S. From Badwater Basin to Zabriskie Point and Dante's View to Furnace Creek – it is easy to fall in love with this desolate landscape. The adventure doesn't stop here! Continue past Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes as the group heads to Panamint Valley. Finish your night together around a campfire and gaze at the night sky in the Sierra Nevadas.

Day 9 Sierra Nevadas/Yosemite National Park
Get ready to feel like you are on Mars as the group arrives at Mono Lake for a morning walk among the tufa tours. The strange towers are created by underground springs in the lake. Just be aware that this visit is seasonal. Then, let your mind wander as you hike past roaring waterfalls and giant sequoias. Gaze in wonder at Yosemite's magnificent peaks and granite domes before turning your attention to the tranquil nature of the valley floor. Snap photos or simply take in the splendour of one of the country's most beautiful national parks.

Day 10 Yosemite National Park
Wake up surrounded by nature and fresh air! Breathe it in, maybe do some meditation, write in your travel journal, or talk a walk alone. This free day is a wonderful way to start things slow and really immerse yourself in Yosemite’s atmosphere. Keep an eye out for rock climbers and diverse wildlife within the park and consider renting bikes with some friends to better explore Yosemite Valley.

There are plenty of hiking trails that will take you loads of cool places from rushing waterfalls to the tops of sheer granite cliffs you’ll find yourself stopping often to simply admire the beauty. Just a tip: some of the best views in the park are at Glacier and Taft Points!

Day 11 Yosemite National Park/San Francisco
Catch a glimpse of the Golden Gate Bridge on the way into one of America's most popular cities. Ride a cable car, walk down winding Lombard Street, indulge in some erotic shaped treats in the Castro District, get lost at the botanical garden, chill out at Baker's Beach and simply enjoy being in the moment.

Day 12 San Francisco
Explore San Francisco the way you always dreamed—any way you want! After finding your bearings the day before, try completely different things today. Maybe hike up to Coit Tower via the secret steps, or try your luck at finding the most scenic swing in the city.

If Alcatraz is on your bucket-list we suggest pre-booking to make sure you get to go. For more of a relaxing day stroll along the waterfront and grab oysters along Fisherman’s Wharf. From beaches to crazy hills and eclectic neighbourhoods, you’re bound to come across something interesting.

Day 13 Santa Cruz/Morro Bay
Hang out for a bit at the ultra-mellow beach town of Santa Cruz; stroll along the boardwalk or enjoy the trendy shops of downtown. Then, travel down the famous Pacific Coast Highway and marvel at the beautiful coastline and mountain ranges of Big Sur. Have your cameras handy as you will be making multiple stops along the way in places you'll want to capture forever in a photo.

Take in the crashing waves, rolling fog, and sheer rocky cliffs that make this journey down California's coast Highway 1 an unforgettable experience. Arrive in time to enjoy sunset on Morro Bay.

Day 14 Morro Bay/Los Angeles
Journey along the stunning Pacific coast to the City of Angels. Stop in Santa Barbara for lunch in this famous coastal city on our way to LA. Maybe sneak in a volleyball game on the beach if you have time. Your CEO will point out a few famous neighbourhoods and landmarks on the drive. And even though the trip ends upon arrival to Los Angeles you can certainly book some post accommodation and continue enjoying one of the most geographically diverse states in America.