Arrive Los Angeles
Welcome to Los Angeles! Your Tour Leader will be on hand late this afternoon to answer any questions.
13 Day Fly/ Tour to LA, Las Vegas & San Francisco including Grand Canyon, Yosemite & Big Sur
Book By 30 November 2024
13 Day Fly/ Tour to LA, Las Vegas & San Francisco including Grand Canyon, Yosemite & Big Sur
International roundtrip flights to Los Angeles
Take in California’s stunning coastline to the awe-inspiring national parks. Start with the glitz and glamour of Los Angeles and Las Vegas and prepare to be captivated by the panoramic views of the Grand Canyon, and the lush forests of Yosemite & Big Sur. We cover it all from San Francisco to Santa Monica on our America West tour.
Highlights
Inclusions
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Welcome to Los Angeles! Your Tour Leader will be on hand late this afternoon to answer any questions.
Driving Time: Approx 2 Hours
The morning starts with a sightseeing tour of Tinseltown. Drive through Hollywood and see the historic TCL Chinese Theatre. This world-famous cinema (formerly Grauman’s) has hosted some of the most exclusive movie premieres in Hollywood history. See the Dolby Theater (formerly the Kodak Theater), the first permanent home of the glamorous Academy Awards and the Hollywood Walk of Fame. At midday you’ll make your way east to the desert oasis of Palm Springs. Ever since Hollywood stars first came here in the 1930’s laying claim to ranch-style estates and staying in elite hotels, the clean dry air and sunshine have made Palm Springs irresistible.
Driving Time: Approx 4.5 hours
Travel through cacti-covered desert towards Old Town Scottsdale where Western storefronts create an aura of the past. Enjoy free time to explore a taste of the Old West with shopping and Western bars. With wooden beams, wagon wheels, and cowboy hats abundant, you will feel like you have traveled back in time to the era of outlaws and saloons.
Driving Time: Approx 5.5 Hours
First stop today is a visit to Sedona, a centre for Southwestern and New Age arts. Travel through Oak Creek Canyon with its weather-sculpted formations of dramatic, color-tinted crags. Then pass by the San Francisco Mountains and beautiful pine forests to the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park. For a once-in-a-lifetime experience, take our optional helicopter flightseeing excursion for incomparable views of flame-colored walls plunging 6,093 feet into the Colorado River (extra cost) Stay overnight in Williams, a picturesque mountain town with Route 66 as the main street.
Driving Time: 3.5 Hours
Cross the old Mohave gold-strike country, that still has traces of century-old ghost towns set in the natural desert beauty. Look out for Joshua trees, a species of the Agave family that grows to 40 feet high and can live for more than 300 years. Today’s destination is the man-made oasis in the Nevada desert that is Las Vegas, a fantastic city of feverish gambling, neon lights, and glamorous shows. An orientation tour upon arrival shows off many of the themed casino resorts along the colorful “Strip.”
The day is free for exploring on your own. Your Tour Leader will have plenty of activities to choose from (extra cost) and will recommend favorite restaurants and shopping areas.
Driving Time: Approx 6 Hours
Departing the neon lights of Las Vegas, we continue across the desert landscape of Nevada before crossing into California. See the vast Mojave Desert, which covers one-fifth of California. Pass through agricultural land and overnight in Selma in the central San Joaquin Valley.
Driving Time: Approx 3 Hours
Today, enter Yosemite National Park, a wonderland of giant granite domes, towering pinnacles, cascading waterfalls, and lush forests. Afterward, drive to Sonora.
Driving Time: Approx 2.5 Hours
This morning, we continue west to the “Golden Gate City” of San Francisco, famous for its cable cars. After lunch, included sightseeing takes in the spectacular Golden Gate Bridge, Nob Hill, and bustling Fisherman’s Wharf.
The day is free for you to explore more of this fascinating city with optional tours (extra cost). You may like to visit Alcatraz Prison and get a close-up look at the infamous federal penitentiary that was off limits to the public for years, take an iconic cable car ride, there are a variety of tours to choose from.
Driving Time: Approx 2.5 Hours
This morning, travel south to picturesque Monterey, which was once Spain’s Californian capital. Visit Monterey Harbor’s historic Old Fisherman’s Wharf to look for sea lions and otters, then visit Cannery Row, made famous by John Steinbeck’s novel of the same name. Later, take in the spectacular Pacific Ocean waves from legendary 17-Mile Drive and the rugged Pacific coastline en route to Carmel Bay. Nestled in a pine forest beside the picturesque coastline, Carmel by the Sea is a storybook setting not to be missed.
Driving Time: Approx 3.5 Hours
Today, you will experience one of the most beautiful coastlines anywhere in the world—Big Sur. Experience stunning views, redwood forests, and the Pacific Ocean crashing below. Keep your camera handy, as there will be plenty of scenic photo stops. Visit Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park and experience the deep shade and cathedral-like beauty of California Redwoods, and the dramatic mountains meeting the sea. Enjoy time in San Luis Obispo before making your way to Solvang, where Denmark has been recreated with picturesque buildings and windmills. There’s time to walk the flower-lined village streets and enjoy the “Old World” architecture.
Driving Time: 2.5 Hours
From Solvang, it’s a short drive south back to the coast. We make our way to Santa Monica Pier, and the ultimate California beach. Afterward, guests with outbound flights will head to Los Angeles International Airport.
Price based on tours starting:
Extra charges apply for:
Price based on departing from Sydney
Extra charges apply for:
The pace of this tour is fast and lively. The on-the-go nature rewards you with maximum sightseeing opportunities but involves some early starts and a couple of long travel days, with one or two nights in each destination. Scheduled free days allow some downtime, or you have the flexibility to explore further and book optional tours (extra expense) directly with the tour leader.
Hotel names referenced are to be used as an indicative guide for the standard of accommodation to expect. Actual hotels may differ and will be confirmed on your final documentation.
Los Angeles: Cambria Suites Hotel Los Angeles Airport or similar
Palm Springs: Courtyard Palm Springs 3* or similar
Scottsdale Area: Holiday Inn & Suites Phoenix Airport North 3* or similar
Williams: Comfort Inn Near Grand Canyon 3* or similar
Las Vegas: Excalibur 3*or similar
Selma: Holiday Inn Selma Swan Court 3* or similar
Sonora: Heritage Inn Yosemite -Sonora 3* or similar
San Francisco: Parc 55 San Francisco 4* or similar
Monterey: Days Inn Monterey Downtown 3* or similar
Solvang: Hotel Corque 3* or similar
Important Information
Exclusions
Flights, airport transfers, meals not stated, drinks on meals, optional programs, visas (if required), travel insurance (strongly recommended), tipping, personal expenses and anything not explicitly specified are at your own expense.
Payment
A first deposit from $499 per person is required to secure your booking. A second deposit (partial payment) is due 10 months before departure – the amount to be advised at the time of booking. The final balance will be due 5 months before departure. Full payment is due at the time of booking for departures within 5 months.
Fitness
A moderate level of fitness is required. You are required to move about unassisted, including getting on and off buses, walking in cities, up and down stairs & occasional hiking in national parks. You will be required to carry your own bags to and from hotels, train stations and terminals. This trip is not suitable for people requiring wheelchair, mobility scooters or facilities for disabled guests. Other walking aids may be permitted if you are able move about unassisted at the required pace. For advice on whether this trip is suitable for you, you are required to disclose physical ailments at the time of booking.
Pace
The pace of this tour is fast & lively. The on-the-go nature of this trip rewards you with maximum sightseeing opportunities with some early starts and a couple of long days. One to two nights at each destination is standard. Scheduled free days allow some downtime, or you have the flexibility to explore further and book optional tours (at your own expense).
Solo Occupancy
A single supplement from $2000 per person is payable in addition to the twin share price for solo occupancy.
Triple Share
Triple share is not available.
Extra Accommodation
Extra nights in Los Angeles, in the same tour hotel or similar area, can be added with rates from $420 per room per night, subject to availability. Transfers to and from the hotel and airport are not included when booking additional nights.
Child
This tour is best enjoyed by adults and is not suitable for children under 12 years of age. Children 12 years and above are subject to the adult price and must be accompanied by an adult.
Price
Surcharges may apply for select travel periods and departure cities. Prices are correct at time of publication and are subject to availability, change, cancellation, or withdrawal without notice. All prices are in Australian dollars per person twin share unless stated otherwise.
Amendment
Each amendment is subject to a non-refundable fee – from $75 per person. Additional fees and fare differences from third-party suppliers including air, tour, cruise, and accommodation providers may apply.
Cancellation
Cancellation at any time is subject to a non-refundable fee – from $550 per person. Additional fees and fare differences from third-party suppliers including air, tour, cruise, and accommodation providers may apply.
Deviation
Any request to deviate from the original dates or routing, including early arrival and stay behind, is subject to a flight deviation fee from $150 per person plus applicable airfare and tax difference. Packaged tour extensions are not subject to the deviation fee (applicable airfare and tax difference may still apply) if booked according to the original advertised dates and routing.
Passport
For international travel, each customer must provide a copy of the passport photo page at the time of booking. It is the customer’s responsibility to ensure all names are full names matched to the passport with six months validity beyond trip completion. The customer is liable for all fees due to incorrect names, invalid passport information and expired passports.
Visa
A visa is required for Australian passport holders visiting the USA for the purpose of short-term tourism. Apply online prior to leaving for a visa https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/isa Requirements for each origin and destination country are the responsibility of the customer to check and obtain (if required) with the local consulate or embassy. The customer is liable for all visa application costs and fees due to the failure to obtain the required travel documents.
Health
It is the responsibility of the customer to check and comply with the health, vaccination, COVID-19 and immigration requirements of each origin and destination country, and health requirements imposed by air, tour, cruise, and accommodation providers. Vaccinations, testing, and quarantine costs are the expense of the customer. Comprehensive travel insurance with COVID-19 coverage is strongly recommended.
Baggage
Each person is entitled to a strict maximum of one bag not exceeding 20kg on the coach tour, superseding any other baggage allowance. Excess baggage is not permitted. You are strongly encouraged to pack lightly. A light day bag or backpack is permitted on the coach. A carry-on bag with wheels is not considered hand luggage on motorcoaches. Porterage is not included, and you are required to carry your own bags. Luggage and personal effects are your own risk, and we hold no liability for lost or damaged belongings.
Meals
Please notify us at the time of booking of any special dietary requirements and allergies. We will pass on your requirements but cannot guarantee that they can be met as certain choices may be limited or not catered for. You are encouraged to reconfirm requirements with your tour leader whilst on tour.
Accommodation
Accommodation names referenced are to be used as an indicative guide for the standard of accommodation to expect. Actual accommodation names may differ and will be confirmed on your final documentation. All hotel ratings are local or self-ratings provided by the supplier. All rooms are lead-in category or run of house unless otherwise specified. The standard check-in time is after 3pm and check-out is before 10am – actual times may vary.
Tipping
Tipping in the USA is part of their culture at restaurants, hotels, taxis, spa treatments & hairdressers.
Tipping for the tour leader and driver is recommended as a gesture of appreciation for the service provided at the end of the tour. The suggested amount is USD 8 to 10 per day for the tour leader and USD 5 to 7 per day for the driver.
Tipping is generally 15-20% of the bill (before tax) and is considered standard for good service. Some restaurants may automatically add gratuity, so check your bill carefully.
You don’t have to tip at fast food places or coffee shops with counter service.
Flights
The outbound flight may depart one day prior to day 1 shown on the itinerary. The inbound flight may arrive one day after the final day shown on the itinerary. Flights are booked about 8 to 10 months before departure. The flights included in your package are based on a specific predetermined airfare allowance. Should there be a significant increase in airfares, fuel levies, taxes or government fees at the time of booking flights, then an airfare supplement may be imposed. The flights team will discuss options with you prior to ticketing, should this situation arise. Flights may not operate daily or directly to your destination. No show of any flight sectors will result in the automatic cancellation of all onward flights by the airline.
Fuel
In the unlikely event of a significant increase in fuel costs levied by third-party air, land and cruise transportation operators before travel, a fuel supplement may be passed on to the customer.
Transfers
The arrival transfer is not included on the first day of the tour. On the last day there will be one transfer from Santa Monica Pier to the Los Angeles airport.
Group Size
The maximum number is 40 people on tour. If the trip does not operate, you will be offered a credit.
Optional Tours
Optional tours must be booked directly with the guide and paid in USD.
They may require minimum numbers to operate.
Itinerary
The operating schedule and itinerary may be impacted without notice by adverse weather, seasonal factors, closures, local conditions, COVID-19 or other factors beyond our control including force majeure. If attractions are not available due to reasons beyond our control such as closures or adverse weather, alternatives will be provided where possible. The itinerary and its order, sightseeing and transportation may be adjusted as deemed appropriate by the operator for optimum safety, enjoyment, and operation. Any reference to ‘optional’, ‘not included’ or ‘exclusions/excluded’ means at your own expense.
Breakaway
Customers must always remain with the tour group and must not leave the tour unless written approval is provided before departure.
Documentation
Final documentation will be emailed within two weeks of departure. For packages consisting of multiple tours or countries, documentation will be emailed individually within two weeks of departure of each respective tour.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is strongly recommended. Ask our holiday experts for great coverage options.
Force Majeure
Force majeure means any natural disaster, accident, fire, act of God, act of war, terrorism, legally binding judgment, injunction, action of a court or other relevant authority, emergency, unplanned repairs, maintenance, strike, industrial dispute, work ban, blockade or picketing, travel ban, pandemic, epidemic or outbreak of infectious disease, or other event beyond our reasonable direct or indirect control. In case of force majeure or other extraordinary event that prevents safe travel, the supplier reserves the right to adjust, postpone or cancel the trip.
Product Code: MT-1612
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