12-Day Tour from Los Angeles to San Francisco

Welcome to Los Angeles!

Begin the day with a sightseeing tour of the world’s “Capital of Glamour,” including a drive through Hollywood and the famous TCL Chinese Theatre. The remainder of your day is at leisure, for your further exploration of the city. Stroll down Olvera Street, the heart of the original Spanish Mission, or visit the Getty Center with its wonderful art collection.

Stop in the desert oasis of Palm Springs, an area sprinkled with Hollywood stardust. This afternoon, head to the mountain-ringed desert resort of Scottsdale. Later tonight, join the optional excursion to one of Arizona’s cowboy steakhouses, which, according to legend, was once a hideout for cattle rustlers.

This morning begins with a Phoenix sightseeing tour that includes downtown and Old Town Scottsdale. Afterward, free time to explore the Old West, with restaurants, shopping, and Western bars. With wooden beams, wagon wheels, and cowboy hats, you’re sure to feel like you’ve traveled back in time to the era of outlaws and swing-door saloons.

Travel to Sedona, a thriving center for New Age arts set in Canyon Country. On to the weather-sculptured rock formations of Oak Creek Canyon. Travel alongside the San Francisco Mountains and beautiful pine forests to the South Rim of the GRAND CANYON. Time to stroll the canyon rim—or, for a once-in-a-lifetime experience, take an optional helicopter flightseeing excursion for incomparable views of flame-colored walls plunging 6,000 feet into the Colorado River. Overnight in Williams, a picturesque mountain town with Route 66 as the Main Street and the gateway to the Grand Canyon.

Cross the old Mojave gold-strike country, which still has traces of century-old ghost towns set in natural desert beauty. Watch for Joshua trees, a species of the lily family that grows to more than 40 feet in height and can live up to 300 years. By late afternoon, reach Las Vegas, the fantastic city of feverish gambling, neon lights, bars, and glamorous shows. Be sure to explore some of the many themed casino resorts along the colorful “Strip.” This evening, we highly recommend a night out to a dazzling stage show featuring top Vegas entertainment.

The morning and afternoon are free for you to swim and sunbathe at the hotel pool or explore the varied casinos and shopping plazas. Your Tour Director will have more suggestions to fill your day. Consider a river float trip through the Black Canyon.

A day of striking natural contrasts as the journey continues across the desert landscape of Nevada before crossing into California and ascending into the snowcapped Sierra Nevada. Overnight in Mammoth, a popular alpine resort area surrounded by beauty and majesty—and within easy reach of Yosemite National Park.
NOTE:
Tioga Pass is typically closed from November to the end of May due to snow.

Cross high Tioga Pass and enter YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK, a wonderland of spectacular lakes, giant granite domes, towering pinnacles, cascading waterfalls, and lush forests. Afterward, drive to Modesto.

This morning, head for San Francisco, crossing the splendid bay with vistas of the San Francisco skyline and its magnificent harbor. On your city tour, see the main sights, including the renowned Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman’s Wharf, and Nob Hill. Tonight choose to join an optional evening in Chinatown. Explore this vibrant historic section of San Francisco that houses the largest Chinese community outside of Asia. Enjoy a lavish 4-course dinner at an authentic Chinese restaurant. End with a short walking tour of Chinatown, plus a ride on one of San Francisco’s famous cable cars.

This morning, visit the famous and fascinating ALCATRAZ PRISON. Get a close-up look at the infamous federal penitentiary that was off limits to the public for years. Afterward, the day is yours to do some more exploring in the “City by the Bay.” Ride San Francisco’s historic cable cars or take a walking tour of one of the city’s diverse neighborhoods.
NOTE:
The National Park Service requires we disclose that the value of the Alcatraz Prison visit is US$31.

The trip ends today with guests departing as per their schedules. Transfers to San Francisco International Airport. Extend your vacation with extra nights and explore the “City by the Bay” further with a variety of exciting optional activities.