LA TO THE BAY

Los Angeles:

• Welcome to LA, home to celeb-swamped suburbs, blistering beaches, open-air gyms and of course, all things Hollywood. We’ll start our West Coast adventure with a visit to Beverly Hills, Mann’s Chinese Theatre (the home of the Oscars), plus a wander around Santa Monica. Does it get more star-studded than this? We think not.

Included Experience:

• Cruise through Beverly Hills
• See Mann’s Chinese Theater IRL
• Get to know Santa Monica

Los Angeles:

• Today you’ll join the crew to travel the Pacific Coast Highway before winding around to the super laid back locale of San Diego.

San Diego:

• First up, we’ll stop at one of the white sand beaches on the SoCal coast, then do San Diego by night hitting up the Gas Lamp District. Recline into relaxation mode and take in the laid back nature of San Diego.

San Diego:

• Now you’ve had a taste of living the San Diego dream, it’s time to crank up the heat as we enter the desert. We say farewell to our California love and delve a little deeper inland to see what Arizona has to offer.

Phoenix:

• This impressive metropolis is situated right smack bang in the middle of the desert and is a sight you won’t forget anytime soon. Uninterrupted sunshine is expected for approximately 300 days a year, making this place a super steamy urban mirage perfect for shopping and sporting events. We’ll enjoy an Arizonan BBQ dinner at Rustler’s Rooste.

Included Experience:

• Arizonan BBQ dinner at Rustler’s Rooste

Phoenix:

• A hot air balloon ride over the “Valley of the Sun” – sounds like a bucket list kind of thing (because it is) and you have the chance to tick it off the list right here. There’s a champagne breakfast provided in the deal too so try to keep breathing so you don’t miss out.

Grand Canyon:

• And now for the one you’ve been dreaming about (even more than the rest). The star of your USA itinerary. Yup, it’s the Grand Canyon. It’s about to get extra special too, because tonight we’ll be marvelling at the sunset. Charge your phone, clear space on your camera, and prepare to weep.

Included Experience:

• Stay at Yavapai Lodge Grand Canyon
• Watch a Grand Canyon sunset

Optional Experience:

• Phoenix Hot Air Ballooning
• 4WD Jeep tour Sedona

Grand Canyon:

• You deserve a full day out here to truly appreciate the wilderness taking in its dramatic scenery. This day will be like no other; beginning with a hike through the UNESCO World Heritage listed site. Incredibly, there’s also the option to view this wonder from the best and most thrill-seeking seat in the house – a helicopter.

Included Experience:

• Hike the Rim Trail

Optional Experience:

• See the Grand Canyon from a Helicopter
• See the North Canyon from a Helicopter

Grand Canyon:

• With the majestic Grand Canyon left behind for now, we stop off at several spots along the famous Route 66, but most notably, Seligman, a town steeped in history for some rustic old school Americana vibes.

Las Vegas:

• Get ready for a full-blown, non-stop assault on the senses. This is Las Vegas – sometimes known as Sin City – a place of dreams & epic debauchery. This huge man-made entertainment precinct in the middle of the desert is all about total excess. You’ll be blinded by the bright lights and gob smacked at the thought of all that money running through more than 75 massive casinos. On arrival, enjoy a tour of the famous ‘Strip’, including  a stop for pics at the legendary Vegas sign will show you just what is on offer after dark in this absolutely outrageous city. Fremont Street is on tonight’s agenda, where the main attraction is a super impressive light and laser show, before no doubt heading out and straight into what Vegas is all about.

Included Experience:

• Witness the Famous Fremont Street Light Show
• Check out the Las Vegas strip

Optional Experience:

• Do Vegas nightlife like a VIP
• Visit the Graceland Wedding Chapel

Las Vegas:

• You have today all to yourself but you’ll need to run to a tight schedule to fit in all of Vegas’ weird and wonderful charms. Travel the world in a day, taking in the famous Bellagio fountain, a Venetian gondola and even an Egyptian pyramid, all whilst staying firmly within the city’s realm. Feeling romantic? Stop by and see one of the many Elvis impersonators for a shotgun wedding ceremony, and maybe even get hitched yourself…(joking). Tonight you’ll witness the 24-hour party scene first hand when you head out for a night with the crew.

Optional Experience:

• Ride into the Mojave Desert on an ATV
• Experience the Vegas High Roller

Las Vegas:

• From the ridiculously flashy Vegas ‘Strip’ to the outdoor capital of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, this change of scenery will bring you and the crew back to nature again.

Barstow:

• Hungry for In n Out Burger? Dumb question. Get your fast food fix on this West Coast takeaway fave, then sit back and relax as we head to our next destination.

Oakhurst:

• Welcome to Oakhurst, a tranquil little town close to the Yosemite entrance. It’s been a long day of travel, so wind down at our hotel and take in the picturesque surroundings. Fancy a dip in the pool? You got it! Nothing like much needed R&R after fast and furious Vegas.

Oakhurst:

• Today’s the day! We’re hitting up the oh-so-lovely Yosemite.

Yosemite National Park:

• The breathtaking majesty of Yosemite National Park can only be truly appreciated in person. A land inundated with mountains, waterfalls, wildflowers & rock formations, you can stick to your trusty two feet or jump on a mountain bike to explore.

Oakhurst:

• Back at our Oakhurst base, you have the option to take a dip in the pool once again, if you like. Just make sure to get a good night’s sleep, cuz tomorrow the Golden Gate City is gonna be all ours to explore.

Included Experience:

• Get to know Yosemite Valley

Oakhurst:

• Oakhurst, it’s time to go. Bid farewell to this achingly picturesque spot, and get ready for some city magic.

San Francisco:

• After getting a dose of San Fran exploring, spend your final night with your Contiki fam with an included dinner. There’s no better way to reminisce than over a delicious meal.

Included Experience:

• Orientation: San Francisco

Optional Experience:

• Sunset Cruise

San Francisco:

• And just like that, it’s time for the journey to come to an end.  It’s been more than real, & we sense more travels on the horizon.