USA Western Highlights

1. Tag: Los Angeles

Arrive at any time. There's a lot to see and do in LA, and we recommend spending extra time here if you'd like to explore Hollywood, Rodeo Drive, Santa Monica, Venice Beach and other hot spots around the city; speak to your sales agent to book extra accommodation.

Enjoy free time today in Santa Monica, where the hostel is located, and check out the famous pier or hit the beach.

Optional Activities:
Santa Monica Pier Visit
Check out the pier, boardwalk, and some of the city's best shopping at 3rd St Promenade in this beachfront city.

Universal Studios Hollywood
90-150USD per person. Get ready for the ultimate Hollywood experience at Universal Studios, home to thrilling theme park rides, live shows, and a real working movie studio. In the evening, check out some of Los Angeles’ best shops, restaurants, and cinemas at CityWalk.

Venice Beach Visit
Explore this hangout for the creative and the artistic. Venice is known for its circus-like Ocean Front Walk, and pedestrian promenade highlighting street performers, fortune tellers, artists, and vendors.

2. Tag: 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. Cruise through Orange County and along the incredible Pacific coastline to the truly remarkable city San Diego. Sun, sand, food and fun awaits us in this beautiful beach city. In San Diego, soak up the sun on Mission Beach or try one of the many water sports California is known for. Yearn for a classic California beach experience complete with boardwalks, beach cruisers and even a historic roller coaster? Built on a sandbar between the Pacific Ocean and Mission Bay, this beach is perfect for swimmers, surfers, paddle boarders and kayakers alike.
In the evening, head to the Gaslamp Quarter District for dinner and live music. When the sun sets, watch the area come alive with numerous pubs and nightclubs. After the sun sets, historic Gaslamp Quarter District comes to life. Rich history mixed with modern flair, Gaslamp is booming with restaurants, bars, speakeasies, live music and dancing.

Optional Activities:
Surf and Boogie Board Rental
8-20USD per person. Boardwalk, bay, beach or surf, rent whatever you need to soak up the sun. Hire a surf board, paddle board, boogie board or kayak to catch the waves your way. Don't forget your sunscreen.

Old Town San Diego Visit
Free. Learn about San Diego while visiting its many historic sites. Enjoy local food and drinks in the heart of Old Town.

Surf Lesson
69USD per person. Grab your swimsuit and get ready to hang ten! Learn how to find and ride the waves with surfing lessons from local experts. Enjoy the fresh sea air, and try to spot local marine life while enjoying the waters.

Coronado Island Visit
Free. Coronado Island’s white-sand beach, mild surf and postcard worthy sunsets, is consistently rated one of the best beaches in the world. If the acclaimed beaches aren’t enough, check out the charming bayside district with breathtaking views of the San Diego skyline. Walk, ride, motor in a golf cart; there are many options to get around that don't involve a ca

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Mission Beach Visit
Gaslamp Quarter District Visit

3. Tag: San Diego - Lake Havasu City

Travel to Joshua Tree National Park, taking in the scenery of the Mojave and the Colorado deserts, massive rock formations, and thousands of Joshua trees. Discover the rugged rock formations and iconic Joshua trees that gave this National Park it's name. Go for a hike, keep a sharp eye out for desert wildlife, and take in the incredible scenery. Take a short hike amongst the boulders and the regions distinctly unique flora. Later, cool off in the crystal-clear waters of the Colorado River at Lake Havasu.

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Joshua Tree NP Visit

4. Tag: Lake Havasu City - Grand Canyon

From spanning the Thames to crossing the Colorado River, check out the 1800s London Bridge shipped from England and rebuilt in Lake Havasu City, Arizona. Hit the road to get some kicks on Route 66. Take a trip back in time to the birthplace of Route 66. Established in the early 1900s as the first transcontinental highways in the U.S, Route 66 has a lot of history on it's original length of almost 2,500 miles. Starting in Chicago, Illinois and travelling through Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona, before ending at the ocean in Santa Monica California. The creation of the Interstate system bypassed the majority of Route 66, creating ghost towns along it's original route, though there are a few iconic Americana towns still delivering experiences from the past. Check out the historic general store, original motels, and don't forget to get your kicks! Dive into historic Americana and enjoy lunch at a famous joint and see if you can spot all the movie memorabilia.

Continue to the Grand Canyon and explore this natural wonder. Enjoy sunset at the canyon rim for a breathtaking experience at the Grand Canyon. Visit the south rim of the canyon for a great first impression. Marvel as the Grand Canyon unfolds before you. Don't get too close. The land drops almost straight down for more than 1,000m (3,280 ft) into the serpentine canyons below! The gorge is filled with rocky buttes, sheer limestone cliffs, and deep canyons all arrayed in a rainbow of colors. Words defy. This is truly one of the most magnificent sights on earth. Head to the rim of the Grand Canyon at sunset. Point your camera in any direction and capture memorable shots as the shifting light plays off the layers of red, yellow, and brown rock. This is truly one of the great wonders. Enjoy the moment.

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
London Bridge Visit
Grand Canyon Sunset
Seligman (Route 66) Visit

5. Tag: Grand Canyon

Enjoy a free day to discover the Grand Canyon. Visit the south rim of the canyon for a great first impression. Marvel as the Grand Canyon unfolds before you. Don't get too close. The land drops almost straight down for more than 1,000m (3,280 ft) into the serpentine canyons below! The gorge is filled with rocky buttes, sheer limestone cliffs, and deep canyons all arrayed in a rainbow of colors. Words defy. This is truly one of the most magnificent sights on earth. Opt to hike throughout the park, rent a bike, or check out a museum. Opt to pre-book a bird's eye view of the canyon by helicopter on the checkout page ahead of time to include this optional on your tour.

Optional Activities:
Grand Canyon IMAX Movie
14USD per person. On a giant six-story movie screen, watch the most viewed IMAX film of all time, "Grand Canyon: The Hidden Secrets". Escape, fly, and discover the history and beauty of this awe-inspiring landscape.

Hiking
Free. Opt to hike along the rim or down into the canyon. Experience breathtaking scenery with spectacular views. Bring lots of water, a hat and plenty of energy. Remember -- hiking down is optional, hiking back up is mandatory!

Grand Canyon Helicopter Tour
The Grand Canyon helicopter ride is a must! Enjoy a bird's-eye view for 45 to 50 minutes as you fly over the canyon, taking in the stark contrast of the the blue-green Colorado River against the thousand shades of red rock found in the canyon. From above, you can fully appreciate the greatness of the gorge and see why it is one of the seven natural wonders of the world.

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Grand Canyon South Rim Visit

6. Tag: Grand Canyon - Monument Valley

Drive along the southern rim of the canyon taking in final sights of this grand park. Just outside the park, stop for breakfast at a local Navajo food truck supported by Planeterra. Then drive through the desert to discover one of the most majestic places on earth, Monument Valley. Opt to pre-book a jeep tour led by a Navajo guide through Monument Valley on the checkout page of this tour.

Optional Activities:
Monument Valley 4x4 Overnight Excursion
Discover the stunning landscape and history of the Navajo people in Monument Valley. Head out in a 4x4 with a local Navajo guide to explore the desert and see the gigantic rock formations that have made this area world famous. Enjoy a typical local dinner and entertainment before sleeping in a traditional Navajo hogan. The next day, wake up for a breathtaking sunrise and delicious breakfast. An experience of a lifetime? You betcha.

7. Tag: Monument Valley - Las Vegas

Break a sweat with a quick hike to majestic Horseshoe Bend. Continue the journey through Arizona, Utah and Nevada en route to Las Vegas. Walk along Las Vegas Boulevard and soak in the lights, energy and pulse of the Strip. With an ever-evolving architecture and multitude of hotels, casinos, restaurants, and entertainment, there's so much to see and do. Opt to take a VIP party limo experience and explore the Las Vegas Strip in the evening.

Optional Activities:
VIP Party Bus Experience
45USD per person. Channel your inner celebrity and set off in this party on wheels. Luxuriate in the leather seats, and feel like a star with the neon lights, flat screen TV and booming stereo system. Tour the highlights of Vegas and love the limo life.

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Vegas Strip Visit

8. Tag: Las Vegas

Free time in Las Vegas. Explore the strip, try your luck at a casino, or take in a glitzy show. Full day to explore Las Vegas. Walk the strip and try your luck at the tables or slot machines. Or spend the day shopping, dining or poolside. In the evening opt to see one of the wildly entertaining shows Vegas is known for.

Optional Activities:
Las Vegas Show
60-200USD per person. Leave the world behind, give in to your senses and prepare to be amazed. Take in one of the many shows available in this entertainment mecca. Live music, burlesque, comedy, magic, Cirque Du Soleil, and more. Whatever your passion, no other city can compete with the range and scale of shows on offer 24 hours a day.

Gambling at Vegas Casino
Hold some cards, toss some dice, place a bet or sit at the slots. Try your luck at gambling in one of the many casinos along the Strip. (The legal age for gambling is 21 years of age.)

Optional Welcome Meeting for Travellers on Combos
You may be a seasoned pro at group travel by now, but there will likely be some new travellers joining the group. Sit in on the welcome meeting to meet the newest members of your group and learn about the next leg of your tour.

Vegas Strip Visit
Free. Walk along Las Vegas Boulevard and soak in the lights, energy and pulse of the Strip. With an ever-evolving architecture and multitude of hotels, casinos, restaurants, and entertainment, there's so much to see and do.

Hoover Dam Visit
65USD per person. Take a day trip to the Hoover Dam to learn more about this marvel of engineering.

9. Tag: Las Vegas - Sierra Nevadas

Visit a land of extremes in Death Valley National Park, one of the country's most rugged landscapes; the hottest and driest spot on earth and home to the lowest point in North America. The Death Valley is one of America’s most extreme locations – from sand dunes and desert, to badlands, towering peaks, and a basin that actually registers below sea-level, this is sure to be an unforgettable stop. Hottest. Driest. Lowest. There’s a bit of everything here on the border of California and Nevada. Pass mountains, valleys, badlands, salt flats, dunes, as we drive through the spectacular landscape of this region. Stop at Zabriskie Point and hike the short distance to the vista, one of the most photographed spots in the park. Take in the views of diverse geological features as far as the eye can see. Next, descend into Badwater Basin, that sits 282 feet below sea level. Continue past Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes en route to Panamint Valley before ending the day surrounded by the peaks of the Sierra Nevadas.

Summer itinerary: Travel to Bishop via Tioga Pass viewing Mono Lake and the tufa towers on the way.
Winter itinerary: Continue on to Lake Isabella, where we stay the night.

Note that on Day 3, we intend to use the Tioga Pass, a scenic a route through the Sierra Nevada mountain range that connects Bishop with Yosemite NP. October through May, there's a chance the pass will be closed due to poor weather conditions or even snow. In this case, we use an alternate route, and spend the night in Lake Isabella (instead of Bishop). The status of the road is monitored daily, and our travel plans for the area will be confirmed during the trip.

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Death Valley National Park Visit

10. Tag: Sierra Nevadas - Yosemite Nationalpark

Morning trip to Mono Lake; walk among the tufa towers (seasonal). Unusual rock towers created by underwater springs line the shore of this stunning lake. Walk along the shore and imagine what existed here nearly a million years ago. The salt waters are home to trillions of brine shrimp and alkali flies. Mono Lake also attracts nearly 100 species of migratory birds each year. Take this scenic route through the Sierra Nevada mountain range connecting Bishop with the Yosemite Valley floor. Pass by lakes, meadows, and groves, and keep your eyes peeled for wildlife along the way. Discover Yosemite's peaks, granite domes and giant sequoias. Marvel at majestic waterfalls, lakes and meadows. Keep and eye out for glacial erratics, rock climbers and the diverse wildlife, including black bears, within the park. Picturesque valleys, vast wilderness, powerful waterfalls, elusive wildlife, ancient sequoias and more than 16 types of granite make up this internationally recognized national park. Hike the trails, get up close to ancient rock formations and take panoramic photos of this gorgeous landscape. Keep an eye out for black bears, deer, and coyotes.

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Mono Lake Visit
Tioga Pass Drive
Yosemite National Park Visit

11. Tag: Yosemite Nationalpark

Full day to explore Yosemite NP. Use free time to explore Yosemite by foot, bike or shuttle. Hike the many trails Yosemite has to offer and be inspired by this stunning landscape. Opt to rent a bike and cycle in Yosemite Valley.
Carved by glaciers, Yosemite National Park became the first protected state park in the US in 1864. It took until 1890 to gain National Park status, with the work of John Muir. Spend the day hiking amongst Giant Sequoias, granite cliffs, and rushing waterfalls and understand why around 4 million people come to the park each year.

Optional Activities:
Yosemite National Park Hike
Free. Panoramic vistas, gushing waterfalls, and elusive wildlife await. Bring water, wear a hat and sunscreen, and hike Yosemite NP. Keep an eye out for black bears, deer, and coyotes.

Yosemite Bike Rental
12USD per person. Set your wheels in motion with tandem, hand crank or mountain bikes, and opt to cycle some of the 20km (12mi) of paved trails throughout the valley floor. Bring a water bottle, stop to shoot photos, and enjoy some of the most picturesque spots in Yosemite NP.

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Yosemite National Park Visit

12. Tag: Yosemite Nationalpark - San Francisco

Cross over the Bay Bridge to arrive on the peninsula of one of the most iconic cities in the world: San Francisco. Stop on Treasure Island to catch a glimpse of the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz and San Francisco's skyline. Your CEO will point out some popular sites during the drive into town. Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs. For more specific or in-depth information, an official guided tour is recommended. On arrival, opt to ride a cable car over the steep hills or explore by bicycle.
For our nights in San Francisco, we stay close to the action in a hotel in the city centre. Opt to pre-book the "Sunset Sailing – San Francisco" activity on the checkout page ahead of time to include this optional on your tour.

Optional Activities:
Cable Car Ride
7USD per person. Iconic to San Francisco, travel back in time and hop on the world's last manually operated cable car system.

Sunset Sailing San Francisco
Depart from Fisherman's Wharf and catch a glimpse of marine life as we sail around San Francisco Bay. Admire the city's remarkable skyline, get up close and personal with the infamous Alcatraz Island, and sail underneath the Golden Gate Bridge. Enjoy the sunset and make a mental note to return.

Fisherman's Wharf Visit
Free. Visit San Francisco's famous Fishermen's Wharf, walk the piers, check out the marine life, shop and sample the fresh seafood.

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Orientation Walk

13. Tag: San Francisco

Enjoy a free day to explore San Francisco.

Optional Activities:
Golden Gate Bridge Visit
Free. What trip to San Fran would be complete without seeing the Golden Gate Bridge? Depending on time, step foot on this famous red suspension bridge or find a great viewing point to take some photos.

Bike Rental
8-32USD per person. Rent a bike to peddle across the Golden Gate Bridge, through the scenic Marina district or perhaps to Golden Gate park.

Haight-Ashbury Visit
Free. Check out this neighbourhood known as the centre of counterculture ideals, drugs, and music during the hippie movement in the 60s. Today, find locally-owned restaurants and bars, boutiques, booksellers, head shops and record stores.

14. Tag: Santa Curz - Morro Bay

Visit Santa Cruz and go for a stroll along the boardwalk.Known for it's boardwalk, beautiful beaches, and California surf culture. Explore this charming coastal town for a great introduction to laid back west coast vibes. Marvel at the beautiful coastline and mountain ranges of Big Sur along the Pacific coast.

Stop to view elephant seals at Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery before catching the sunset on Morro Bay. Marvel at this coastline consistently overflowing with marine-life. Once hunted for their blubber to the point close to extinction, elephant seals are now back in droves. Throughout the year, more than 17,000 elephant seals show up on this stretch of beach to give birth, breed, and moult. Bring your camera and capture some memorable moments. Crashing waves, rolling fog, and sheer rocky cliffs will make this journey down California's coastal Highway 1 an unforgettable experience.

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Elephant Seal Rookery
Santa Cruz Visit

15. Tag: Morro Bay - Los Angeles

Travel along the stunning Pacific coast to the City of Angels. Pass by Santa Barbara as we make our way to Santa Monica. Your CEO will point out a few famous neighborhoods and landmarks on the drive into the City of Angels. Trip ends upon arrival to Los Angeles.

Please note this trip ends on arrival to Los Angeles. There's a lot to see and do in LA, and we recommend spending extra time here if you'd like to explore Hollywood, Rodeo Drive and other hot spots around the city; speak to your sales agent to book extra accommodation.

Optional Activities:
Santa Monica Pier Visit
Free. Check out the pier, boardwalk, and some of the city's best shopping at 3rd St Promenade in this beachfront city.

Venice Beach Visit
Free. Explore this hangout for the creative and the artistic. Venice is known for its circus-like Ocean Front Walk, and pedestrian promenade highlighting street performers, fortune tellers, artists, and vendors.