Itinerary for USA West Coast Explorer • Expat Explore End ... · Expat Explore - Version: Mon Mar...

Expat Explore - Version: Mon Jul 13 2020 09:40:59 GMT+0200 (South Africa Standard Time) Page: 1/7

DAY 1: Los Angeles, CA - San Diego, CA

After meeting up in the morning, we immediately make our way from Los Angeles for San Diego. San Diego is the southernmost city in

California located just outside the border with Mexico. It’s often referred to as the birthplace of California and is one of America’s

finest cities. On arrival, we embark on a sightseeing tour to see the notable spots of San Diego. The tour includes visits to The

Gaslamp Quarter, Balboa Park and Old Town San Diego. With its close proximity to Mexico and the Pacific Ocean, San Diego offers the

perfect mix between relaxing beach scenes, history, art, architecture and great food. One thing is for sure, the nachos here are

delicious. Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure and watch the sun set over the Pacific ocean.

Experiences

Sightseeing tour of San Diego:

Gaslamp Quarter. The city’s downtown district and hub of excitement with fine art galleries, unique shops, swanky bars and a

plethora of dining and entertainment options. The name dates from back in the 1800s when 50 odd gas lamps were installed to

light the streets.

Balboa Park. First built in 1868 as the City Park, it is now the largest urban parkland in the US. Explore the neighbourhood’s

gardens, Victorian buildings, the famous San Diego Zoo and no less than 16 captivating museums.

Old town San Diego. The birthplace of California from the early Mexican and American periods. Here you can find as many as

33 historic sites and museums, as well as many unique shops and galleries. The perfect spot to learn more about the local

culture and Spanish influences.

DAY 2: San Diego, CA - Sonoran Desert, AZ - Phoenix, AZ - Scottsdale, AZ

Itinerary for USA West Coast Explorer • Expat Explore

Start Point:

Doubletree by Hilton Anaheim-Orange,

100 The City Dr S, Orange, CA 92868, USA

08:30 hrs

End Point:

Doubletree by Hilton Orange-Anaheim,

100 The City Drive, Orange, California, 92868-3204, USA

16:00 - 20:00 hrs (traffic dependent)

Included Meals

Breakfast: Lunch: Dinner:

Accommodation

Hampton Inn Carlsbad


This morning we cross the border from California to Arizona as we drive through the pristine expanses of the Sonoran Desert. The

scenery is straight out of a picture book! This afternoon we arrive in Phoenix, Arizona located in the northeastern corner of the

Sonoran Desert. Head out for a tour of Old Town Scottsdale for a proper glimpse of the most western town in the West! Imagine

sheriffs with badges, saloons and some cowboy charm. Spend the evening exploring the city at your own pace.

Experiences

Drive through the Sonoran Desert. The lush Sonoran desert straddles parts of Southern California, western Arizona and parts of the

state of Sonora in Mexico. Experience this rich heartland and learn about the interesting history and eco-system that houses 5,000+

plant species and 500+ bird species.

Visit Old Town, Scottsdale. This suburban ranchland is a living, breathing museum and the closest you will come to the Old West.

Explore the downtown district with rusty saloons, local businesses and cultural events. See famous attractions like Cavalliere’s

Blacksmith Shop, Rusty Spur Saloon, Sugar Bowl Ice Cream Parlor and the Little Red Schoolhouse, home of the Scottsdale Historical

Museum.

DAY 3: Scottsdale, AZ - Grand Canyon National Park, AZ - Williams, AZ

Included Meals


Accommodation

Hyatt Place Oldtown Scottsdale


Gear up for the Grand Canyon National Park! This morning we leave Scottsdale behind and make for Arizona's most famous

attraction. The Grand Canyon is the biggest canyon on earth, stretching over 277 miles (446 km) long and about a mile (1.6km) deep. It

has some of the oldest exposed rock in the world and is over 1,7 billion years old. No wonder Theodore Roosevelt said, "In the Grand

Canyon, Arizona has a natural wonder which is in kind absolutely unparalleled throughout the rest of the world." Explore the park

this afternoon, before heading to our hotel located on the historic Route 66.

Experiences

The Grand Canyon: This natural wonder measures 277 miles from end to end. Enter the park and explore the south rim of the canyon

at your leisure. Marvel at steeps rocky walls that drop more than a mile to the wild Colorado River that courses beneath.Take easy

walks and shuttle busses between several viewpoints. This landmark inspires awe in all who visit it.

DAY 4: Williams, AZ - Route 66 - Oatman, AZ - Las Vegas, NV

After breakfast, set off on the most famous road in America, Route 66. This famous highway crosses 8 states and 3 time zones! First

stop of the day is the famous Hackberry General Store. Now a museum commemorating the old Route 66, the store started as a filling

station in the 1930s. This is the best spot to buy Route 66 memorabilia and souvenirs. Then, stop to explore the old mining town of

Oatman - one of Arizona’s most famous ghost towns. Oatman is like a classic 1880s Western movie. Walk around an authentic western

town with old wooden buildings, dusty streets and feed the burros (donkeys) that roam the streets. Explore the Oatman Hotel,

antiques stores, eateries and ice cream parlour. The drive this afternoon takes you all the way to Las Vegas. On arrival, take an

evening driving tour of Las Vegas Boulevard, the world famous Strip.

Experiences

Drive along historic Route 66. Route 66 is one of the original US highways and a road trip destination like no other. This scenic byway

is also called the Mother Road or Main Street of America.

Oatman. Drive along the beautiful desert stretch of Route 66 and feel transported back in time as you explore the iconic town of

Oatman. Oatman grew rapidly to a gold-mining center after miners struck it lucky in 1915. Today it's mostly a historic tourist centre

where tourists can feed the burros donkeys, shop for souvenirs and experience a kitschy slice of Americana.

Hackberry General Store. Stop at an iconic landmark on Route 66 to explore and take photos of the impressive collection of classic

cars, antiques and memorabilia.

Las Vegas Strip. This stretch of South Las Vegas Boulevard is one of the most famous roads in the United States. Join us for a drive of

the strip to explore the attractions along the way. Look out for the Venetian Casino, 'Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas, Nevada' sign and

the fountains of the Bellagio.

Included Meals


Accommodation

Ramada by Wyndham Williams


DAY 5: Las Vegas, NV: Free Day

Today you have a full day to explore Las Vegas as you please. More than 41 million travellers visit Vegas each year and it's easy to see

why. This bustling city is home to more than half of the world's largest hotels and 150+ casinos. Not to mention all the theatres and

live performance venues.

DAY 6: Las Vegas, NV - Death Valley National Park, CA - Mammoth Lakes, CA

Leaving shiny Las Vegas behind, take the road back to California. Death Valley is a national park where some of the highest

temperatures EVER have been recorded. We stop at Badwater basin to see the iconic salt flats & take photos as a viewpoint. Drive

through the most stunning landscapes to our destination for this evening: Mammoth Lakes. Overnight on the edge of the Sierra

Included Meals


Accommodation

The Flamingo

Included Meals


Accommodation

The Flamingo


National Forest overlooking the stunning Sierra Nevada mountains.

Experiences

Stop off in Death Valley National Park:

Zabriskie Point. This striking national park has one foot in California, and the other in Nevada. Its most famous attractions

include Zabriskie Point, a photo stop that offers a stunning panorama of the surrounding ‘badlands’.

Badwater basin salt flats. These salt flats change constantly. Salt crystals expand, pushing the crust into rough, chaotic forms.

Each time you visit, you'll see a new sight.

DAY 7: Mammoth Lakes, CA - Yosemite National Park, CA - Sonora, CA

Travel the scenic Tioga Pass that takes you through the beautiful Sierra Nevada mountains. Stop and explore Mono Lake - an ancient

saline lake located at the edge of the Nevada mountains. The road takes you all the way to the Yosemite National Park - a natural

wonder with waterfalls, meadows, giant trees and granite monoliths. The name “Yos.s.e'meti” originally referred to the Indian tribe

that lived in Yosemite Valley. Make the most of your time here and head out one of the short hiking trails. If you don’t feel like hiking,

however, there’s no need to break a sweat. Simply take advantage of the free shuttle busses with stops at the major sites of interest.

Experiences

Scenic drive through Tioga Pass Drive. Weather permitting, drive through the pass to drink in the beautiful scenery. The Tioga pass

runs through the Sierra Nevada mountains. At 3,031 metres (9,945 ft.), Tioga is the highest roadway in California. The best drive from

which to experience real magic of Yosemite National Park.

Visit Mono Lake. Mono lake is a large saline soda lake that was formed 750,000+ years ago. It is an important habitat for millions of

birds that migrate here throughout the year.

Visit Yosemite National Park. Yosemite is one of the most popular parks in all of the United States. No Western US tour would be

complete without a visit to this national treasure. Think towering cliffs, epic vistas and giant trees everywhere. It should be on the

bucket list of every nature lover.

Included Meals


Accommodation

Mountain Inn

Included Meals


Accommodation

Best Western Plus Sonora Oaks Hotel & Conference Center


DAY 8: Sonora, CA - Napa Valley, CA - San Francisco, CA

This morning we head for the wine region of California, stopping off in the Napa Valley wine region. The Napa county is known for its

hundreds of vineyards, fine wine estates and natural beauty. Visit a winery to taste American wine and have some free time in the

quaint town of Napa. After lunch, we head for San Francisco and cross the Golden Gate bridge on the way. Welcome to San Francisco!

Experiences

Wine tasting in Napa Valley. Napa Valley is renowned for the wonderful wines that are produced here, including Cabernet Sauvignon

and Chardonnay. We take you to a lovely winery where you can taste some of the region’s finest vintages.

Cross the Golden Gate Bridge: This bridge is an iconic destination in its own right. Marvel at the structural genius and enjoy the view!

DAY 9: San Francisco, CA: Free Day

Start the day with an orientation tour of the city to get a feel of the main attractions. The day is then yours to explore San Francisco in

whichever way you please. Visit the iconic Golden Gate bridge, ride a cable car, visit Alcatraz or get lost along streets lined with

Victorian buildings. There are also gorgeous places to eat, and the nightlife is legendary. San Francisco has a magic you'll find

Included Meals


Accommodation

DoubleTree by Hilton San Francisco Airport


nowhere else; so set out to experience it to the full.

Optional Excursions

To be confirmed:

* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.

DAY 10: San Francisco, CA - Los Angeles, CA

You can choose to end your tour here in San Francisco or join us for the drive back to Los Angeles. The scenic route takes us along

California’s epic Pacific Coast Highway (PCH). Take a stop at Bixby Bridge, one of the most photographed spots in California. Then it’s

onwards to Los Angeles, where your epic American road trip comes to an end this evening.

Experiences

Photo stop at Bixby Bridge. Driving along the legendary Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), stop at the iconic Bixby Bridge. The dramatic

coastal views are sure to take your breath away. The Bixby Bridge is the highest of its sort in the world and also one of the most

famous stops along the PHC.

Included Meals


Accommodation

DoubleTree by Hilton San Francisco Airport

Included Meals


Itinerary for USA West Coast Explorer • Expat Explore End ... · Expat Explore - Version: Mon Mar...

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