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About this tour

Experience the best of the West on this grand adventure. Begin your escorted vacation with a sightseeing tour in Los Angeles before crossing the Mohave Desert to Lake Havasu, a water sports paradise. On to the natural wonders of the Grand Canyon, Lake Powell, Bryce Canyon National Park, and Zion National Park. First stop is Grand Canyon National Park, where you can enjoy a majestic sunset and be awed by the spectacular scenery. Continue to Lake Powell and enjoy an afternoon cruise and leisure time to relax in this beautiful setting. Then head for Bryce Canyon National Park—where years of erosion have carved colorful sandstone into thousands of spires, arches, and mazes—and Zion National Park, a spectacle of massive stone formations. Leave Zion National Park and head to Las Vegas for an orientation tour and plenty of leisure time to enjoy the activities offered in Las Vegas. Then journey across Nevada’s desert landscape to Fresno and Yosemite National Park. In Yosemite National Park, descend to the valley floor to see its wonderland of lakes, mountains, and waterfalls. Next up: California wine country and a guided sightseeing tour in San Francisco. In your free time, be sure to ride one of the historic cable cars! A farewell dinner in San Francisco is the perfect way to end your Western Explorer vacation.

Las Vegas, Grand Canyon, San Francisco, Sonoma/Napa Valley, Bryce Canyon, Zion National Park, Lake Powell, Yosemite National Park, Los Angeles

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Los Angeles

. (Mon.) Welcome to the Golden State! At 6:30 pm, meet your traveling companions for a welcome drink. Your Tour Director will prepare you for your upcoming adventure.

Day 2: Los Angeles

. (Tue.) Morning sightseeing of this gigantic metropolis takes you from Olvera Street—the oldest thoroughfare in the city—to Hollywood. Take the opportunity to step into the shoeprints of famous movie stars at Grauman’s Chinese Theater, and also see Sunset Strip and Rodeo Drive. Spend an afternoon at leisure on an optional excursion to Universal Studios or historic Hollywood. (B)

Day 3: Los Angeles–Lake Havasu

. (Wed.) Leave the “City of Angels” and travel across the Mohave Desert to Lake Havasu on the Colorado River. This lake is a playground for all sorts of water sports, and is home to the historic London Bridge. (B)

Day 4: Lake Havasu–Grand Canyon

. (Thu.) Depart from Lake Havasu and travel northeast through desert landscapes to Williams on historic Route 66. Arrive this afternoon at the GRAND CANYON, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. The breathtaking beauty of this famous attraction draws more than 5 million visitors a year from around the globe. This evening, be sure to watch the dramatic sunset. (B,D)

Day 5: Grand Canyon–Lake Powell

. (Fri.) This morning, enjoy vistas of the Grand Canyon as you drive along the rim before entering the Navajo Reservation. Arrive in Lake Powell, where sparkling blue water laps against towering, red-rock canyon walls and sandy beaches. The majestic beauty of this vast man-made lake can be truly appreciated while on your afternoon CRUISE. See gigantic Glen Canyon Dam and the “tapestry” walls of Antelope Canyon. There’s free time later for a leisurely stroll along Wahweap Marina on the shores of Lake Powell. (B,D)

Day 6: Lake Powell

. (Sat.) Today is at leisure. Consider joining the optional float trip on the Colorado River through Glen Canyon. Or perhaps take a flightseeing trip over Lake Powell, including famous Rainbow Bridge and Glen Canyon Dam. As the balance of the day is free, sit back and relax in this magnificent setting, or pursue your favorite activities and interests. (B)

Day 7: Lake Powell–Bryce Canyon–Zion National Park

. (Sun.) Leave the splendid views of Lake Powell and head for Utah’s BRYCE CANYON. Drive through the park, with photo stops to capture the magnificent contrasts of bright red, yellow, and pink pillars called “hoodoos.” Years of erosion have carved colorful sandstone into thousands of spires, arches, and mazes for an unforgettable sight. Next, see nearby ZION NATIONAL PARK, a spectacle of massive stone formations whose colors change with the light of the day and the season. To Mormon pioneers, it was a haven of beauty that resembled natural temples and cathedrals, prompting their name for it: “Little Zion.” (B,D)

Day 8: Zion Canyon–Las Vegas

. (Mon.) Tour Zion Canyon this morning before continuing to Las Vegas for an orientation tour of one of America’s most popular vacation destinations. Your resort hotel is located in the heart of the “Strip” for easy access to the mega-casinos and plentiful restaurants. (B)

Day 9: Las Vegas

. (Tue.) A full day on your own to explore the glitz and glamour of Las Vegas. Your Tour Director will have tips and suggestions to make the most of your stay as well as a range of optional excursions, from scenic helicopter flights to elaborate shows. (B)

Day 10: Las Vegas–Fresno

. (Wed.) A day of striking contrast as you journey across the desert landscape of Nevada before crossing into California. Overnight in Fresno, located in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley often referred to as the great “Garden of the Sun.” (B,D)

Day 11: Fresno–Yosemite National Park

. (Thu.) Leave Fresno for YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK. Inside the park you’ll descend to the valley floor for sightseeing of this wonderland of lakes, cascading waterfalls, lush forest, giant granite domes, pinnacles, and mountains. (B,D)

Day 12: Yosemite–Wine Country–San Francisco

. (Fri.) This morning’s journey takes you from California’s mountainous beauty to the gentle slopes of California wine country. Today’s highlight is an unforgettable hilltop picnic lunch and wine tasting under olive trees and grape trellises at VIANSA WINERY. Tonight, why not join us for an optional dinner outing? (B,L)

Day 13: San Francisco

. (Sat.) Our included sightseeing tour takes in Golden Gate Park, Twin Peaks, Fisherman’s Wharf, and much more. The afternoon is at your leisure. Perhaps visit the Museum of Modern Art, the Asian Art Museum, or the Aquarium of the Bay. Or, discover the hippie-era bookstores and shops in the Haight-Ashbury district, ride San Francisco’s historic cable cars, or visit fascinating Alcatraz Prison. This evening your Tour Director hosts a special farewell dinner. (B,D)

Day 14: San Francisco

. (Sun.) Your vacation ends this morning with guests departing on individual transfers. Transfers are provided to San Francisco International Airport. (B)

Day 15: San Luis Obispo–Santa Barbara–Los Angeles.

(Mon.) From San Luis Obispo, drive south to coastal Santa Barbara. Sightseeing includes a stop at the impressive 200-year-old MISSION with its world-famous twin bell towers, and a visit to the pier. Follow the Pacific coastline past the fine sandy beaches of Malibu and Santa Monica to Los Angeles International Airport for guests with homebound flights. Please schedule flights after 5 pm. The motorcoach then continues to the Radisson Westside, where the vacation ends. (B)

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About Globus

Globus offers mid-range tours in popular destinations around the world. They use group rates to book services at a reasonable cost. They have a variety of tour options to fit any type traveler from single expert globetrotters to families.

Traveler profile

Most passengers are 40s-70s, especially catering to retired couples. Almost exclusively Americans.

Group size

Globus usually books a maximum of 52 passengers on their buses. There is seating for 55.

Tour directors

Bus drivers and tour guides are Globus employees but your tour will also include a few local guides. Globus tours guides are very experienced (minimum of 10 years experience before Globus will hire them) and often spend many years with the company.

Hotel type

Generally stay in centrally located 3 and 4 star hotels.

What's included

Most city tours included which include the most popular sites in each destination. Optional excursions, special dinners, etc. are extra. Some meals included and some of the meals include wine, etc.

Free time

Leisure time is built in to most destinations. Even more leisure time if you opt out of the extra excursions.

Booking Policy

CANCELLATIONS & CANCELLATION FEES:
If cancellation is received by Globus before the final payment date of your vacation, your non-refundable deposit and Travel Protection premiums will be retained in addition to any airline-imposed fees or penalties. For individual reservations, the following per person cancellation fees apply. Total price does not include discounts, promotions, or special incentives. (For group reservations, refer to the Group Policy.)

STANDARD CANCELLATION FEES:

* 45-22 days prior to commencement of services: 20% of total price plus Travel Protection premiums
* 21-8 days prior to commencement of services: 30% of total price plus Travel Protection premiums
* 7-1 days prior to commencement of services: 50% of total price plus Travel Protection premiums
* On departure day and later: 100% of total price plus Travel Protection premiums

* Prices do not include taxes and fees, may not include airfare and are based on double occupancy. Tour information including pricing may not be up to date.

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