DAY1 Arrival Los Angeles

Arrival in Los Angeles airport and meet our tour guide at the Baggage Claim Area (for U.S domestic flights) or at Exit (for international flights). Transfer to the hotel for check in.

DAY2 Los Angeles – Solvang - Hearst Castle

After departing Los Angeles at dawn, we will drive along the beautiful Pacific Coast Highway and stop in the Santa Ynez Valley’s quaint Danish Village of Solvang just before lunchtime, approx. 11:30 a.m. Antiquated windmills and Northern European-style architecture punctuate this charming village's skyline. Brilliant sunshine, boundless open country and rolling hills--these are the characteristics that inspired the original Danish immigrants who settled this area to call it "Solvang" or "Sunny Field.” Pour yourself a cup of aromatic European coffee and nibble a piece of world famous Danish pastry. Around 1:00 p.m., we will board the bus to make our way to the ornate Hearst Castle* in San Simeon, where we should arrive by 3:00 p.m. Built by the famous newspaper tycoon, William Randolph Hearst, at the cost of the millions of dollars, Hearst Castle and the surrounding estate boasts 165 rooms filled with priceless antiques and works of art, as well as an ornate gilt-bordered swimming pool. We will have two hours to explore the castle and grounds before we board the bus to take us to dinner and our hotel in the evening.

DAY3 San Francisco - Stanford University

This morning, the tour will head to San Francisco’s popular Chinatown for passengers to enjoy breakfast. After our meal, we’ll explore San Francisco, the beautiful City by the Bay! Our tour will visit the stately Palace of Fine Arts; the world famous Golden Gate Bridge; Lombard Street, the world’s most crooked street; the bustling tourist area still home to many commercial fisheries, Fishermen’s Wharf. Passengers may also choose to take a one and a half hour Bay Cruise* to experience the sights of San Francisco from the water, with views of the East Bay and beautiful city skyline, the stately Golden Gate and Bay Bridges, and the harbor islands, including the infamous Alcatraz Island, Angel Island and Treasure Island. Around 3:00pm, passengers may choose to spend some time at leisure in the city, or have the option of the Extensive City Tour* to visit sights such as St. Mary’s Cathedral, the principal Catholic church of San Francisco; Alamo Square; Twin Peaks; the Civic Center; and the Castro District, otherwise known as the gay capital of the world. After the tour concludes at approximately 5:15 p.m., we will make a trip to Stanford University, slightly less than an hour’s drive from the city. Recognized as one of the world's leading research and teaching institutions, the tranquil campus is home to a rich collection of historical and contemporary buildings. Just before 7:00 p.m., we will return to the city for dinner and a night’s rest at our hotel.

DAY4 Yosemite National Park - Los Angeles (314miles)

We will depart San Francisco early this morning for a trip to Yosemite National Park, gem of California’s National Park system and UNESCO World Heritage site, where we should arrive by 9:00 a.m. Located near the geographical center of the Sierra Nevada mountain range, Yosemite is comprised of granite rocks, mighty waterfalls and placid valleys, giving it an aspect of a "land of the gods." With its notable cliffs and unique carved rock formations, there is little doubt that water - in both its liquid and solid form as glacial ice - was the chief architect of Yosemite's landscapes. We will have close to two hours to experience this natural wonder up close, with stops for photo opportunities and exploration at such viewpoints as the El Capitan and Bridal Veil Falls, the mighty Yosemite Falls, and the Tunnel View. We leave the park before lunchtime to make our drive back to Los Angeles, where we should at approximately 6:40 p.m.

DAY5 Los Angeles - Las Vegas

Start the tour following the route of San Bernardino Mountain and enter the Mojave Desert to the State of Nevada, " the entertainment capital of the world ". Upon arrival in the afternoon, you are free at leisure. You may take an optional night tour to explore the prosperity of night life in Las Vegas and see the famous shows such as the Fremont Street Viva Vision, Fountain Show at Bellagio and Mardi Gras at Rio.

DAY6 Las Vegas - Grand Canyon West Rim(Mandatory $69/person) - Hoover Dam - Las Vegas (274miles)

In the morning, visit one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Grand Canyon. It is the World's Seventh Natural Wonder. As you gaze out from the rim, you're viewing 2 billion years of geologic history. Millions of people each year stand in awe at the canyon and leave with a sense of fulfillment and realization that they have witnessed nature at her finest. You may take an optional visit to the "Skywalk", which is the new g gigantic construction built on the very edge of the Grand Canyon West Rim. The Skywalk is suspended 4,000 feet above the Colorado River. This $60 million dollars bridge can withstand the weight of 71 fully loaded Boeing 74 airplanes (more than 71 million pounds). It is the tallest man-made structure in the world. From the bridge, you can step out onto the glass floor for a 720 degree view of the Canyon. You may also take an optional helicopter or boat tour to see the true beauty of the Grand Canyon. Afterwards, proceed to Hoover Dam, which is one of the seven wonders of the Industrial World. (All customers are required to pay $69 admission fee to Grand Canyon West Rim upon arrival. This is the requirement to join this tour.)

DAY7 Las Vegas - Ethel M Chocolate Factory - Botanical Cactus Gardens - Los Angeles

Visit Ethel M Chocolate Factory and Botanical Cactus Gardens before leaving Las Vegas. Stop by Barstow for short rest before continuing to Los Angeles. Arrive in Los Angeles in the evening for a wonderful conclusion of the trip.
(Please arrange return flight departing Los Angeles - LAX after 9:30pm)

*** Itinerary varies slightly depending on day of departure.