Western Discovery
Western Discovery
Western Discovery
15 Days Starting and ending in Los Angeles, United States
Visiting: Los Angeles, San Diego, Phoenix, Grand Canyon National Park, Monument Valley, Bryce Canyon, Zion National Park, Las Vegas, Death Valley, Yosemite National Park, San Francisco, Monterey Peninsula
Tour operator:
Tour code:
UWD
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
25 - 30
Age range:
18-70
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Cultural, Foodie and Wine Tours, Gardens & Nature Tours, History
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on the "Western Discovery," a 15-day adventure through the iconic landscapes of the American West. This tour offers a perfect blend of cultural experiences and breathtaking natural wonders, with visits to cherished national parks like the Grand Canyon, Bryce Canyon, and Yosemite. Stay in comfortable 2, 3, and 4-star accommodations, with three breakfasts included. Enjoy cultural activities such as wine tasting in Napa Valley and gaming in Las Vegas. Capture stunning sunsets at Monument Valley and explore the vibrant city of San Francisco with the help of a local guide. Travel in comfort aboard an air-conditioned coach or mini-bus, with complimentary Wi-Fi where available. This journey promises unforgettable memories and meaningful connections with the earth's unique landscapes.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Los Angeles
Location: Los Angeles
Accommodation Name: Hilton Los Angeles Airport - 4 Star (or similar)
Welcome to Los Angeles! Meet your group and tour leader in the evening for an informal welcome at the hotel. Until then, feel free to roam the streets of L.A like a local or rest up for our great adventure ahead!
Day 2 : Los Angeles - The O.C. - San Diego - Los Angeles
Location: San Diego
Accommodation Name: Hilton Los Angeles Airport - 4 Star (or similar)
Kick off our epic journey with a trip further into the 'Golden State' via the Orange County. We ride south through San Juan Capistrano and San Clemente to San Diego to be welcomed by its lovely mild weather year-round. Find your bearings on a city tour with your expert guide upon arrival as we visit the picturesque Seaport Village and the tranquil marketplace at the bay. Take some time to explore the town, enjoy its plentiful attractions, shops and restaurants before we return to Los Angeles for the evening.
Day 3 : Los Angeles - Palm Springs - Phoenix
Location: Phoenix
Accommodation Name: Best Western Plus Executive Residency Phoenix North Happy Valley - 3 Star (or similar)
Our journey begins in the morning as we ride through an ocean of wind turbines and enter the desert oasis of Palm Springs at the base of the San Jacinto Mountains! This lively town and its famous perfectly-kept golf courses make it the ideal winter retreat for the Hollywood elite. We continue through Indio, where the International Date Festival in Coachella Valley is held, to reach our hotel in Phoenix for a good night's rest.
Day 4 : Phoenix/Scottsdale - Sedona - Grand Canyon
Location: Grand Canyon National Park
Accommodation Name: Yavapai Lodge West (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
We start the day with a panoramic ride through the Sonoran Desert, the most biologically-diverse desert ecosystem in America. Continuing towards Sedona, witness fascinating views of unique geological formations and spot famed red-rock monoliths such as the Cathedral or Coffee Pot along the way. Then we drive through the breathtaking Oak Creek Canyon setting up the scene for the world-famous Grand Canyon National Park, one of the seven great natural wonders and most impressive sceneries of the world! Pause at the rim of the Canyon to fully experience and appreciate this colourful mile-deep canyon and all its plunging gorges and rising spires formed by the powerful Colorado River.
Day 5 : Grand Canyon - Monument Valley - Page/Lake Powell
Location: Monument Valley
Accommodation Name: Hyatt Place Page / Lake Powell - 3 Star (or similar)
Delving further into the wondrous lands of the Soutwest, ride inlands to the Navajo Indian Reservation passing via Cameron, a trading post en route. Making our way to Monument Valley through the magical Painted Desert, soak in this most iconic display of the American West, characterized by clusters of sandstone buttes reaching up to 300-metres dotting the vast landscape. Late in the afternoon, we arrive in the town Page, located by a beautiful mesa over the Colorado River.
Day 6 : Page/Lake Powell - Kanab - Bryce Canyon
Location: Bryce Canyon
Accommodation Name: Bryce View Lodge (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
We resume our adventure with a visit to the colossal Glen Canyon Dam, the second highest concrete-arch dam in the United States. Marvel at fascinating views of Lake Powell, where canyon walls of red-rock tower over crystal blue waters. Riding forward to the Mormon state of Utah, cruise past the town of Kanab before arriving the amazing Bryce Canyon. Take a tour through a multi-coloured world of sandstone spires and pinnacles, also known as “hoodoos”, that dazzle the eye! This evening, weather permitting, make sure to gaze upon the enchanting night-sky with sparkling stars & breath-taking constellations.
Day 7 : Bryce Canyon - Zion - Las Vegas
Location: Zion National Park
Accommodation Name: Luxor Las Vegas - Pyramid Rooms - 4 Star (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Our first stop today will be the famous Zion National Park, where you can view the gorgeous massive rock formations shaped over millions of year by winds and the Virgin River. Our motto for the remainder of the day is Viva Las Vegas! In the afternoon, experience the contrast of buzzing Las Vegas, Nevada, the dazzling “Entertainment Capital of the World”. Enjoy round-the-clock shopping, nightly shows and some of the countless attractions available in town!
Day 8 : Las Vegas
Location: Las Vegas
Accommodation Name: Luxor Las Vegas - Pyramid Rooms - 4 Star (or similar)
The day is all yours to spend at leisure! Shop at designer outlet stores, try your luck at the wonder-like casinos, attend a top-notch show or musical, and stroll the world-renowned Las Vegas Strip at your own pace. Though also known as 'Sin City', Las Vegas boasts plentiful attractions for all ages!
Day 9 : Las Vegas - Death Valley - Mammoth Lakes/Fresno
Location: Death Valley
Accommodation Name: Mammoth Mountain Inn (or similar) - 3 Star
Our journey takes a turn from the bustling and glamorous Las Vegas to the silence and extreme nature of Death Valley. First making a stop at the iconic Las Vegas Sign for a quick photo, we continue to Zabriskie Point and Furnace Creek Ranch/Visitors Center. Crossing the valley we ascend the Sierra Nevada Mountains for the beautiful ski resort town of Mammoth Lakes*. Renowned as a gold-mining town during the gold rush in 19th century, Mammoth Lakes is now acclaimed for its skiing-friendly terrain and incredible mountain scenery.*Winter Route for departures between October and May under normal snow conditions: In case Tioga Pass is closed due to weather or road conditions, we will not be able to visit Mammoth Lakes and stay in Fresno or Visalia.
Day 10 : Mammoth/Fresno - Yosemite - Modesto
Location: Yosemite National Park
Accommodation Name: Doubletree by Hilton Modesto - 3 Star (or similar)
We start the day with a scenic ride via Tioga Pass, weather permitting, and into the pristine natural wonderland of Yosemite National Park. Upon arrival, tag along your expert guide to experience the valley floor and its countless gems including giant ancient sequoia trees, the glacial-like granite formations of Half Dome and El Capitan, the astounding Bridal Falls and Yosemite Falls, and more! We will have a refreshing rest tonight in the nearby town of Modesto.
Day 11 : Modesto - San Francisco
Location: San Francisco
Accommodation Name: Hilton San Francisco Union Square - 4 Star (or similar)
Departing early in the morning, make your way to the 'Golden City', San Francisco! Before entering the hotel, embark on a comprehensive sightseeing tour of unique landmarks with your tour leader and catch your bearing. Spend the afternoon at your leisure exloring the famed city inside out.
Day 12 : San Francisco, Napa Valley Optional
Location: San Francisco
Accommodation Name: Hilton San Francisco Union Square - 4 Star (or similar)
The day is yours to shape to your wish, San Francisco has it all! Feel free to ask your Tour Leader for recommendations or assistance in making plans. Take a cable car ride to Fisherman's Wharf while gazing upon the famous Alcatraz island, and have a true 'taste of San Francisco', feasting on local seafood and the unique sourdough breads. Roam Union Square filled with many shops and restaurants. Alternatively, you may take an optional tour to Napa Valley, world-renowned for its premium wineries and fascinating scenery.
Day 13 : San Francisco - Monterey/Carmel - Central Coast
Location: Monterey Peninsula
Accommodation Name: Radisson Santa Maria - 3 Star (or similar)
Departing San Francisco in the morning, drive along the coast to the Monterey Peninsula, known for its charming homes lined along lovely beaches. Here we visit Fisherman’s Wharf and the famous Cannery Row, followed by a tour of the fairytale-like community of Carmel-by-the-Sea. This small beach town is noted for its unique architecture, exclusive art galleries and stores. In the afternoon, we ride on southward through Paso Robles, a quaint town on the Central Coast for our overnight stay.
Day 14 : Central Coast - Santa Barbara - Santa Monica - Los Angeles
Location: Los Angeles
Accommodation Name: Hilton Los Angeles Airport – 4 Star (or similar)
Cruising the highway further south through the Santa Ynez valley into Santa Barbara, enjoy views of palm-lined streets bordering vast white sandy beaches. Our next stop will be Santa Monica, the final stop of Historic Route 66, where you may enjoy an optional lunch on the pier. Upon arrival in Los Angeles, tag along your guide for an orientation tour including famed highlights such as Hollywood, Beverly Hills and Century City before heading to the hotel. Spend the evening freely in the City of Angels!
Day 15 : Los Angeles
Location: Los Angeles
Our trip will end in Los Angeles after we say goodbye to our new friends and check-out of the hotel by 12:00pm.
What's Included
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Accommodation
4 and 3 star hotels & inns, superior lodges
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Meals
3 Breakfasts
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Transportation
A/C coach or mini-bus
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Tour Guiding
Services of experienced tour leaders
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Orientation Walks
Organised orientation walks at some of the towns visited
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Free Wi-Fi
Complimentary hotel and coach Wi-Fi ( where available )
What's Not Included
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Any flights not mentioned above
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Travel Insurance
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Meals not stated above
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Items of a personal nature
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Tips and gestures
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Entrance fees to the sights and museums
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Optional activities
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Other services not stated in the itinerary
Add Ons
Local Payment: £0
Mode of Transport
Travel in comfort aboard an air-conditioned coach or mini-bus, providing a smooth and enjoyable journey between destinations. Benefit from the expertise of experienced tour leaders and organized orientation walks in select towns to enhance your travel experience.
Accommodation
Stay in carefully selected 4 and 3-star hotels, inns, and superior lodges throughout your journey, ensuring comfort and quality. Enjoy the convenience of complimentary Wi-Fi in hotels and on the coach, where available, to stay connected during your adventure.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of accommodation is provided during the Western Discovery tour?
The tour provides accommodation in 4 and 3-star hotels and inns, as well as superior lodges.
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Are meals included in the Western Discovery tour?
Yes, the tour includes 3 breakfasts.
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What kind of transportation is used during the tour?
The tour uses an air-conditioned coach or mini-bus for transportation.
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Will there be a tour guide during the Western Discovery tour?
Yes, the services of experienced tour leaders are included in the tour.
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Is Wi-Fi available during the tour?
Complimentary Wi-Fi is available at the hotels and on the coach, where available.
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What activities are included in the tour itinerary?
The tour includes organized orientation walks at some of the towns visited, sightseeing of various locations such as San Diego, Palm Springs, Grand Canyon, Monument Valley, Bryce Canyon, Zion National Park, and more.
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Are entrance fees to sights and museums included in the tour price?
No, entrance fees to sights and museums are not included in the tour price.
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What optional activities are available during the tour?
Optional activities include a San Francisco City Tour by Night and a wine tasting tour to Napa Valley.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
There are always single travellers on our tours. If you don't mind being roomed with another single traveller of the same gender, then you do not need to pay a single supplement, however, this excludes all of our North American tours where the sharing option for a solo traveller is not available, and the single supplement must be applied if you are travelling alone. The single supplement is for travellers who would like to stay in a private room for the duration of the tour. PLEASE NOTE: The single private option is not always available, especially for sailing tours and camping.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
Our tours are suitable for any traveller above 18 years old. The majority of Travel Talkers are from the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, USA, Canada or Europe, however we always have travellers from all over the world. What brings them together is a passion for travel, discovering authentic cultures and experiencing unique adventures with like-minded travellers.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
At Travel Talk, we believe that travel is a force for good and show our support through various initiatives and charity organizations, as well as keeping the principals of responsible and sustainable travel at the core of our ethos. These values are engrained in our business culture and the design of our trips just the same. Together with our guests, we strive to make a positive impact on local p
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Over 20 years
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Free Date Changes
Travel Talk Tours allows you to make 2 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 61 days before the start of the tour.
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Low Deposit
Travel Talk Tours requires a minimum deposit of 100 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of travel talk tours charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 70% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 85% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.