Compare San Francisco, the Grand Canyon and National Parks of the West by Newmarket Holidays vs Utah's National Parks from Las Vegas by Tours of Distinction

Day 1:

Fly to San Francisco, meet your Tour Manager and transfer into the city. You'll rest and relax after the journey, and perhaps venture out to enjoy your first evening in one of America's most attractive cities.

Day 2:

This morning's optional guided tour includes Union Square, quirky North Beach, 1960s hangout Haight-Ashbury and stylish Nob Hill. You'll then head across the photogenic Golden Gate Bridge to the bay-side artists' town of Sausalito. Return by Bay Ferry, taking in the sight of infamous prison-island Alcatraz.

This evening, why not head for bustling Chinatown or to Fisherman's Wharf's shops, bars and restaurants? Perhaps board the 'little cable car' to 'climb halfway to the stars' - or at least the enjoyable ride from Market Street over Powell and Hyde.

Day 3:

Leaving your heart behind in customary fashion, board the coach to journey south, this morning, towards Steinbeck's 'Cannery Row' - fishing town Monterey. Take in the gorgeous 17-Mile Drive and visit exclusive Carmel-by-the-Sea, where Hollywood legend Clint Eastwood was once mayor.

You'll then head inland toward the historic towns and rugged landscape of 'mining country', where the desperate days of the California Gold Rush were played out in the 19th Century.

Day 4:

An unforgettable day awaits, as you journey into the breathtaking Yosemite National Park. After the opportunity to take in the scenery - from plunging waterfalls and forested valleys to towering El Capitan and Half-Dome - you'll continue over the heights of Tioga Pass to stay in mountain resort Mammoth Lakes.

Day 5:

In the air-conditioned comfort of your coach, take in otherworldly Death Valley's landmarks Artist's Palette, Marble Canyon and Zabriskie Point. You'll stay overnight at Furnace Creek Ranch, one of only two 'oases' in the National Park. You might opt for a horseback tour while others enjoy a carriage ride, and don't miss the chance to star gaze here tonight.

Day 6:

Today's journey continues through the desert landscape to Nevada - and your first experience of Las Vegas, the extraordinary man-made entertainment capital. An optional helicopter flight offers the chance to view the night-time spectacle from the air.

Day 7:

Today is free to enjoy more of Vegas' countless attractions. Check out the 'mega-resorts' of the Strip and Downtown, with their gaming rooms, shopping malls and restaurants, or join today's optional excursion to an 'engineering wonder of the world', the Hoover Dam. This evening don't miss the optional dinner show 'The Rat Pack is Back'.

Day 8:

Leaving Las Vegas, drive through another stunning landscape into southern Utah, passing from desert scrubland into wooded hills. Spend the afternoon in beautiful Zion National Park, where forests and waterfalls are a lush contrast to the desert's desolation.

Day 9:

Catch your breath today as you take in the surreal rock formations of Bryce Canyon. Millions of years of erosion by ice and water have left hundreds of weird, towering red, yellow and orange pinnacles, and these resemble nothing else on Earth.

Day 10:

The towering rock walls and deep river valleys of the Capitol Reef National Park are not only spectacular but were also once the hiding place of outlaws Butch Cassidy and the 'Hole in the Wall' Gang. For the next two nights, stay in a mesa-dotted landscape straight out of a western movie.

Day 11:

Another stunningly scenic day awaits, as you explore the staggering Canyonlands National Park, with its extraordinary Island in the Sky sandstone butte towering 1500 feet above the ancient valley. Rest and relax this evening in the resort hotel, enjoying an included traditional 'cowboy cookout' with food and entertainment.

Day 12:

Rising from the flat desert floor, Monument Valley's towering red sandstone mesas are among the most iconic of all American images. Today, you'll journey through landscapes made famous by countless western movies, and the likes of John Ford and John Wayne.

Day 13:

An unforgettable day awaits as you travel across Arizona to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, formed over millennia by the Colorado River. You'll have the chance to take an optional helicopter flight for even more stupendous views.

Day 14:

Make the short journey back into California, where an optional excursion will introduce Palm Springs - millionaires' playground, desert-city and former home of a host of Hollywood stars. You'll also journey to the heights above on the world's longest revolving cable-car.

Day 15:

Enjoy a day of rest and relaxation in the California sunshine. Perhaps take the chance to explore Palm Springs and enjoy some shopping in the iconic shops and boutiques.

Day 16:

Enjoy a brief visit to the star-studded streets of Hollywood, where landmarks include Mann's Chinese Theatre and the Hollywood Walk of Fame. After this final highlight of a memorable tour, you'll transfer back to Los Angeles Airport and your return overnight flight.

Day 17:

Arrive back in the UK, at the end of a truly wonderful holiday.

Day 1 - Arrive Las Vegas, NV

Today, transfer to the airport for your flight to Las Vegas. Upon our arrival, we transfer to our hotel on the Las Vegas strip. This evening, there is a Tours of Distinction exclusive welcome reception with the remainder of the evening free to explore the vibrant nightlife that is Vegas.

Day 2 - Grand Canyon Village, AZ

After breakfast, we depart Las Vegas and travel past Lake Mead and Hoover Dam as we enter Arizona. We stop in Kingman to tour the Route 66 Museum, which highlights the glory days of cross country automobile travel. We travel Route 66 heading east through northern Arizona. This afternoon, we will see “One of the Wonders of the World,” Grand Canyon National Park. This 1.2 million acre national park hosts a vast variety of wildlife and scenic wonders. We will learn about the geology and history of the canyon while taking in its breathtaking beauty at all the best view points along the South Rim, including Grand Canyon Village. After, we check into our hotel just outside of the park. Dinner is included this evening.

Day 3 - Lake Powell, UT

Breakfast is included this morning before we make one more pass along the south rim of the Grand Canyon National Park. We include a stop at Desert View before exiting the park. Then, enter the Navajo Nation with a rest stop at Cameron Trading Post with time to explore the amazing gift shop.  Next travel past the Vermillion Cliffs as you make your way to Page for an included lunch.  Then take a spectacular tour through Antelope Canyon.  The mysterious and haunting beauty of Antelope Canyon awaits the adventurous traveler who seeks to discover one of the most spectacular attractions of the Lake Powell area.  A tour to this awe-inspiring sculpture set in stone is a must for amateur and professional photographers alike.  An optional short hike to Horseshoe Bend for a stunning view of the Colorado River is available.  Arrive Lake Powell Resort with the evening free to explore and have dinner on your own.

Day 4 - Monument Valley

The morning starts with breakfast and a scenic cruise on Lake Powell. The contrast of the red rock walls and emerald blue waters are a stunning sight as we glide through the canyons. After, there is time for lunch, on own. This afternoon, we depart Lake Powell and travel to famed Monument Valley, a sacred place to the Navajo. We will be immersed in the rich cultural heritage of the ‘Dineh’ people. Their arts, music and livelihood are all closely tied to the dramatic desert landscape that is their home. After checking in to our hotel, we meet our Navajo guide and board a 4-wheel drive vehicle for a scenic tour of Monument Valley; location for scores of famous western films, television programs and commercials. As we travel through the valley and visit famous locations, such as John Ford Point, Artist Point and The Totem Pole, we will also learn more of the Navajo traditions and way of life. This evening, we experience Navajo culture, food and entertainment at a Navajo Cookout. After a wonderful day, we settle into our hotel.

Day 5 - Arches National Park

After breakfast, we depart Monument Valley and head north, arriving at Dead Horse Point State Park for a picnic lunch and one of the most spectacular scenes in the southwest. We have the chance to see the expanse of Canyonlands National Park stretching to the south and the mighty Colorado River 2,000 feet below. From here, we are off to nearby Arches National Park for sightseeing. The 18,000 square-foot visitor center (with over 2,000 named arches within its 73,000-acre boundary) will introduce us to the unique geologic forces that created the highest concentration of natural arches in the world. We visit all of the park’s highlights including: Park Avenue, Balance Rock, The Windows and Delicate Arch. In the late afternoon, we embark on a fabulous experience, as we take a Jet Boat Ride on the mighty Colorado River through spectacular red rock canyons. As the sun dips in the west, the canyon colors come to life while we learn about the river’s ecosystem, geology and history. After the thrilling ride, we enjoy a delicious BBQ dinner served on the banks of the Colorado River. We later arrive at the beautiful Red Cliffs Adventure Lodge which is located on the bank of the mighty Colorado, and check in for a two night stay. This area has been the site of numerous classic western movies including Rio Grande with John Wayne.

Day 6 - Canyonlands National Park

Our day starts after breakfast by meeting our professional driver guide and board 4x4 vehicles for a Jeep Tour of Canyonlands National Park. The Island in the Sky District of Canyonlands National Park is the focus of this outstanding tour. Set 2,000 feet above the canyon floor, we descend from the top of the mesa via the famous Shafer Trail. Using switchbacks, the tour will take us from atop the mesa to the meandering river corridor below. Throughout the tour, our guide will provide information on the Park and the scenery. What an exciting morning in Canyonlands! Enjoy free time in Moab to have lunch on own, and to do some shopping and exploring. This afternoon, we return to Red Cliffs where we have the rest of the day free to relax and soak in the scenery. There is time to visit the Utah Movie Museum and the Castle Creek Winery, both included, at your leisure. Dinner, this evening, will be served outside with the quintessential western scenery of Castle Valley in full view.

Day 7 - Bryce Canyon National Park

From breakfast, we depart Moab for Capitol Reef National Park. We pass through the town of Green River and the San Rafael Swell. We will see ancient petroglyphs, beautiful rock formations, deep canyons and pioneer history followed by a wonderful picnic lunch under towering cottonwood trees. We will drive scenic Highway 12, designated as an ‘All American Road,’ through Grand Staircase ~ Escalante National Monument, before arriving at Bryce Canyon National Park for sightseeing. Later, we check into our hotel for the evening. This evening is free to enjoy dinner, on own.

Day 8 - Zion National Park - Depart Las Vegas

We depart after breakfast on a short drive to see Utah’s oldest and most famous national park, Zion National Park. The Paiutes believed mischievous spirits lived among the 2,000-foot high towers and would not enter the canyon alone or remain there after dark. There will be time for lunch on own before crossing the desert returning to the glitz and glam of Las Vegas. After an amazing trip through some of our nation’s greatest natural treasures, we enjoy a farewell dinner before being transferred to the airport for your flight home.