Compare Best of the West 11 day tour Las Vegas to San Francisco Via the Southwest USA National Parks SWHDYSLODGE2 by Bindlestiff Tours vs Best of California 2022 Small Group by Insight Vacations

DAY 1 – LAS VEGAS TO BRYCE CANYON NATIONAL PARK VIA CEDAR BREAKS
A beautiful drive today takes us to a 10,000 ft summit through Cedar Breaks for spectacular views of ancient lava flows and the Sevier River Valley below. Arriving in Bryce Canyon National Park in time for a delicious rim side picnic lunch you will have a full afternoon of hiking. Choose a relaxing stroll along the rim of the world-famous Amphitheater or a hike deep into the depths of the canyon and get up close and personal with the hoodoos that make up this unique landscape. Take in a ranger program and learn the geology of this fascinating and thrilling park.
Spend the evening around a campfire and enjoy a soak in the outdoor hot tub under the stars after a tasty all American BBQ.
Camp Ruby’s CG Bryce- full service campground with electricity, flush toilets, hot showers, Wi-Fi and outdoor hot tub.
DAY 2 – BRYCE CANYON TO SALT LAKE CITY
This morning takes us North to Salt Lake City Utah, home to the tabernacle choir, for an afternoon of exploring Mormon Pioneer history. Enjoy magnificent Salt Lake Mormon Temple and see the State Capital Building and founder Brigham Young’s Territorial Governor’s Mansion.
Hotel stay -Best Western or similar.
DAY 3 – GRAND TETONS NATIONAL PARK
The Grand Tetons Mountain Range rises above a scene rich with abundant wildlife, pristine lakes, and spectacular mountain peaks. Take a walk to Inspiration Point or enjoy a scenic stroll around Jenny Lake while gazing up in awe at the surrounding landscape. Have a picnic, spot and moose or even a grizzly bear and enjoy the serenity of this remarkable place.
Camp Grand Tetons National Park- campground with electricity, flush toilets.
DAY 4 – YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK
The crown jewel of the National Parks! The world’s first national park. A mountain wilderness, home to grizzly bears, wolves, and herds of buffalo and elk. Visit Old Faithful and the Grand Prismatic Pool, Yellowstone Canyon, explore geysers throughout both the North and South loop. Spend two days exploring this huge and fascinating national park with your expert Guide. Don’t forget your bathing suit for a soak in Mammoths natural hot springs!
Camp Yellowstone- full service campground with electricity, flush toilets, hot showers.
DAY 5 – YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK
Continue to discover Yellowstone with your guide. Go on hikes ranging from easy to moderate and 2 to 5 miles (3 to 8 km) in length, and see more spectacular volcanic features. Your guide will tailor hikes to your group’s abilities and interests.
Camp Yellowstone- full service campground with electricity, flush toilets, hot showers.
DAY 6 – YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK AND ROCKY MOUNTAINS
Get up close and personal with some wildlife with a fun and educational visit to the Yellowstone Grizzly Bear and Wolf Discovery Center this morning. This afternoon get ready for more spectacular Rocky Mountain scenery. With three major canyons, the Provo Lake Region offers phenomenal views of the Rockies, fantastic walks and is the perfect spot for some lakeside fun and a BBQ blow out!
Camp Rocky Mountains Lake Provo- full service campground with electricity, flush toilets, hot showers.
DAY 7 – VALLEY OF FIRE AND LAS VEGAS
En route back to the bright lights of Sin City, explore the trails and dunes of Nevada’s first state park- Valley of Fire state park. With bright red Aztec sandstone outcrops nestled in gray and tan limestone this state park is a real treat. Your day concludes in Las Vegas in the late afternoon in time explore this fabulous fun city by night!
Hotel Las Vegas- twin share.
DAY 8 – DEATH VALLEY NATIONAL PARK
Heading to California this morning you will embark on a guided tour of Death Valley National Park. Enjoy photo stops and shorts walks at Zabriskie Point , Artist’s Palette, Badwater Basin Salt Flats, Furnace Creek Visitor Center, Devil’s Golf Course and the Mesquite Sand Dunes. After a picnic lunch, drive spectacular scenery to the old Gold Rush Historic town of Bishop for your night stop.
Camp/Hotel Bishop- full service campground with electricity, flush toilets, hot showers or 3-star hotel if selected.
DAY 9 – TIOGA PASS TO YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK
Crossing the Tioga Pass* this morning provides an extremely scenic route passing by highlights such as Olmsted point, Lake Tenaya, Tuolumne Meadows and Mono lake en route to Yosemite Valley. Visit the Valley visitor center and exhibits, take a mini tour and get ready for a full day of exploration tomorrow.
Camp/Hotel Yosemite -full service campground with electricity, flush toilets, hot showers or 3-star hotel if selected.
* Weather permitting- In the event that the Tioga Pass is closed this tour will reroute through Lake Isabella instead of Bishop.
DAY 10 – YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK- FULL DAY
Spend a full day exploring the walks offered in the park. There are countless walks ranging from easy to strenuous or opt for a guided tour with your expert guide to the premier panoramas within the park such as Bridalveil falls, Lower Yosemite Falls, views of Half Dome and El Capitan. You can also opt for some free time relaxing or cycling along the Merced River.
Camp/Hotel Yosemite -full service campground with electricity, flush toilets, hot showers or 3-star hotel if selected.
DAY 11 – YOSEMITE TO SAN FRANCISCO
Today we head to City by the Bay- San Francisco! Your 4-day adventure concludes with a fully guided city tour of this vibrant city. Stops include Fisherman’s Warf, Pier 39, Haight Ashbury and the Golden Gate Bridge. Tour ends approx. 5pm

Day 1: Welcome to San Diego

After your arrival at San Diego Airport, you are transferred to your hotel on the downtown waterfront. Perhaps take a walk along the bay before joining your Travel Director and fellow travelers for a Welcome Dinner.

Day 2: San Diego Sightseeing

Discover America’s finest city as you embark on a sightseeing tour with your Travel Director. Journey through the Gaslamp Quarter, the historic heart of San Diego and Balboa Park, one of North America’s most iconic urban parks. Admire its lush and landscaped gardens in bloom thanks to the year-round pleasant weather. Finally, stroll among the atmospheric old and historic adobe ranch homes of the Old Town State Historical Park. Glimpse into the 19th-century colonial life and perhaps try some authentic Mexican flavours at one of the popular eateries.This afternoon, board the Pacific Surfliner and enjoy far-reaching ocean views as the train hugs the coast. Travel through Orange County to the Mission Modern-style Union Station in Los Angeles.

Day 3: Los Angeles Sightseeing

An exciting day awaits as you set out to explore lively Los Angeles. Ride on the landmark Angel’s Flight funicular for a taste of early 20th-century nostalgia. Continue to the Los Angeles Theatre, inspired by French Baroque architecture, for a private guided tour. It has been closed to the public since 1994 but was once one of the grand movie palaces of the Broadway District. In legendary Hollywood, take your photos of the famous hillside Hollywood sign and stroll along the Walk of Fame. Look for the hand- and footprints of cinema’s greatest celebrities at the historic TCL Chinese Theatre, Hollywood’s most sought-after theatre for movie premieres. In the afternoon, explore Los Angeles with Insight Choice. Choose to visit the innovative Petersen Automotive Museum, a captivating experience about the history and artistry of motorized transportation. Alternatively, head to the new Academy Museum of Motion Pictures and take a deep dive into the history of filmmaking. Another option is to visit the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, a fantastic collection of artworks from ancient times to modern day. To top off your perfect day, dine at Nick and Stef’s, an outstanding steak house in Downtown LA.

Day 4: Train Journey to the American Riviera

Return to the Union Station and board your Pacific Surfliner train. Travel through the valleys around Los Angeles before arriving at the coast where the shoreline wraps around to Santa Barbara. Spend time on State Street, a palm tree-lined avenue of shops and eateries before you further explore Santa Barbara with Insight Choice. Choose to visit the 18th-century Old Mission, one of the original 21 California Missions founded by Spanish Franciscans. Alternatively, take a relaxing stroll through the Botanical Gardens and learn about California’s diverse native plants.

Day 5: Paso Robles Wine Country Relaxed Start

Join your Amtrak rail journey one more time and soak up sweeping ocean views as you ride along the coast to San Luis Obispo. Later, arrive to Paso Robles in the heart of wine country and spend time at the City Park and explore its boutiques, cafes and art galleries. In the afternoon visit the Eberle Winery for a tour of the vineyard and the unique underground caves. Born out of necessity to store more wine barrels, the caves provide the perfect backdrop for a tasting of a selection of excellent local wines.Tonight, join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience with a Farm-to-Table dinner at Thomas Hill Organics—a 10 acre collaborative supporting local agriculture with a focus on fresh, organic and straight-from-the-earth ingredients.

Day 6: Giant Sequoias

Journey to the majestic Yosemite National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Stop at the Mariposa Grove, home to over 500 mature sequoias and admire these gigantic trees. The oldest tree in the Grove is the Grizzly Giant, which dates back around 3000 years and stands 209 feet (64 metres) tall.

Day 7: Exploring Yosemite National Park Relaxed Start

Join a park ranger and embark on a guided tram tour of the Yosemite Valley floor. You are surrounded by unspoilt nature as you take in the most iconic sights of the park. Get up close to the magnificent Yosemite Falls that cascade from a height of 2,425 feet (739 metres). See the Half Dome, a rock formation with a distinct shape, and El Capitan, a granite rock monolith rising 3000 feet (914 metres) above the valley floor. Take in the spectacular scenery from Tunnel View, encompassing towering mountains, dense forests and the Bridalveil Falls. Spend the rest of your day at leisure. Perhaps join an activity and explore further by renting a bike, going on a hike or visiting the Ansel Adams Gallery.

Day 8: On to San Francisco

Travel towards the coast, cross the Bay Bridge and arrive in buzzing San Francisco. Head to the Fisherman’s Wharf, once home to the city’s colourful fishing fleet and today a popular district full of restaurants, cafes and shops. This afternoon, join your Travel Director for a stroll across the legendary Golden Gate Bridge, a symbol of California, then continue on a short drive to the quaint town of Sausalito. Enjoy some leisure time before taking the ferry back to San Francisco, passing the infamous Alcatraz Island.

Day 9: San Francisco Sightseeing Relaxed Start

This morning, venture across the road and to the Ferry Building and shop around at one of America’s most famous farmers markets. Browse the stalls offering organic produce, flowers and regional artisan specialties such as breads, cheeses, and jams. On your city sightseeing tour, journey past lively Union Square and vast Golden Gate Park. Travel through the SoMa District and Mission Bay to see the incredible growth and urbanization the city has experienced in recent years. Join your Travel Director for a culinary exploration of the Mission District. Sample local flavors in the area best known for creative ice cream parlours, craft doughnut shops, independent cafes and the best Mexican bites. Visit Balmy Alley and see the most concentrated collection of urban murals in the city.Tonight, toast to your travels at a local restaurant at your Celebration Dinner.

Day 10: Farewell California

After breakfast, you are transferred to San Francisco Airport where your journey comes to an end.