2012 |

 

WESTERN EXPLORER

Tour Code - AZ

14 days Los Angeles to San Francisco Los Angeles, Lake Havasu, Grand Canyon, Lake Powell, Zion National Park, Las Vegas, Mammoth Lakes, Yosemite National Park, San Francisco

All inclusive prices starting at: $3599


See the best of the west on this incredible Panorama vacation through the western United States. Begin in Los Angeles with sightseeing of the city highlights, then travel across the Mohave Desert to Lake Havasu on the Colorado River. Northeast through desert landscapes on historic Route 66, then on to the Grand Canyon, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Drive along the rim and continue to Lake Powell for an afternoon cruise. On to the geologic wonders of Bryce Canyon and Zion National Park, before arriving in Las Vegas, where you'll enjoy an orientation tour and a full day at leisure. Journey across the desert landscape to cross into California. Overnight in Mammoth Lakes, then travel to Yosemite National Park and on to California wine country. In San Francisco, enjoy two overnights including a sightseeing tour that takes in Golden Gate Park, Twin Peaks, Fisherman's Wharf and much more. Your tour ends in San Francisco where your Tour Director hosts a special farewell dinner.

Enhance your vacation experience!
Combine this tour with our "California Classics" or "San Francisco & California Wine Country" tours on select departures.

Meals

  • Breakfast - 13
  • Lunch - 0
  • Dinner - 6

Standard Features

LOS ANGELES: City sightseeing.
LAKE HAVASU: Orientation tour
GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK: Sightseeing
LAKE POWELL:Cruise
BRYCE CANYON NATIONAL PARK: Sightseeing
ZION NATIONAL PARK: Sightseeing
LAS VEGAS: Orientation tour
YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK:Sightseeing tour
SONOMA VALLEY: Cline Cellars tour & tasting; Olive Press tour & tasting
SAN FRANCISCO: Sightseeing; farewell dinner
Inside visits and special features are shown in UPPERCASE in the tour description, including admission charges where applicable.
Meals American breakfast daily (B), 6 three-course dinners (D) including a farewell dinner in San Francisco.

WESTERN EXPLORER

Day by Day

DayDescription
1

ARRIVE IN LOS ANGELES.

Welcome to the Golden State! At 6:30 pm, meet your travelling companions for a welcome drink. Your Tour Director will prepare you for your upcoming adventure.

2

LOS ANGELES.

Morning sightseeing of this gigantic metropolis takes you from Olvera Street-the oldest thoroughfare in the city-to Hollywood. Take the opportunity to step into the shoeprints of famous movie stars at Grauman's Chinese Theater, and also see Sunset Strip and Rodeo Drive. Spend an afternoon at leisure on an optional excursion to Universal Studios or historic Hollywood. (B)

3

LOS ANGELES-LAKE HAVASU.

Leave the "City of Angels" and travel across the Mohave Desert to Lake Havasu on the Colorado River. This lake is a playground for all sorts of water sports, and is home to the historic London Bridge. (B)

4

LAKE HAVASU-GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK.

Depart from Lake Havasu and travel northeast through desert landscapes to Williams on historic Route 66. Arrive this afternoon at the GRAND CANYON, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. The breathtaking beauty of this famous attraction draws more than 5 million visitors a year from around the globe. This evening, be sure to watch the dramatic sunset. (B,D)

5

GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK-LAKE POWELL.

This morning, enjoy vistas of the Grand Canyon as you drive along the rim before entering the Navajo Reservation. Arrive in Lake Powell, where sparkling blue water laps against towering, red-rock canyon walls and sandy beaches. The majestic beauty of this vast man-made lake can be truly appreciated while on your afternoon CRUISE. See gigantic Glen Canyon Dam and the "tapestry" walls of Antelope Canyon. There's free time later for a leisurely stroll along Wahweap Marina on the shores of Lake Powell. (B,D)

6

LAKE POWELL.

Today is at leisure. Consider joining the optional float trip on the Colorado River through Glen Canyon. Or perhaps take a flightseeing trip over Lake Powell, including famous Rainbow Bridge and Glen Canyon Dam. As the balance of the day is free, sit back and relax in this magnificent setting, or pursue your favorite activities and interests. (B)

7

LAKE POWELL-BRYCE CANYON NATIONAL PARK-ZION NATIONAL PARK.

Leave the splendid views of Lake Powell and head for Utah's BRYCE CANYON. Drive through the park, with photo stops to capture the magnificent contrasts of bright red, yellow, and pink pillars called "hoodoos." Years of erosion have carved colorful sandstone into thousands of spires, arches, and mazes for an unforgettable sight. Next, see nearby ZION NATIONAL PARK, a spectacle of massive stone formations whose colors change with the light of the day and the season. To Mormon pioneers, it was a haven of beauty that resembled natural temples and cathedrals, prompting their name for it: "Little Zion." (B,D)

8

ZION CANYON-LAS VEGAS.

Tour Zion Canyon this morning before continuing to Las Vegas for an orientation tour of one of America's most popular vacation destinations. Your resort hotel is located in the heart of the "Strip" for easy access to the mega-casinos and plentiful restaurants. (B)

9

LAS VEGAS.

Enjoy a full day on your own to explore the glitz and glamour of Las Vegas. Your Tour Director will have tips and suggestions to make the most of your stay as well as a range of optional excursions, from scenic helicopter flights to elaborate shows. (B)

10

LAS VEGAS-MAMMOTH LAKES.

A day of striking contrast as you journey across the desert landscape of Nevada before crossing into California. Overnight in Mammoth Lakes, just steps away from the base of Mammoth Mountain in the Eastern Sierra. (B,D)

11

MAMMOTH LAKES-YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK.

Leave Mammoth Lakes for YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK. Inside the park you'll descend to the valley floor for sightseeing of this wonderland of lakes, cascading waterfalls, lush forest, giant granite domes, pinnacles,and mountains. (B,D)

12

YOSEMITE-WINE COUNTRY-SAN FRANCISCO.

This morning's journey takes you from California's mountainous beauty to the gentle slopes of California wine country. Visit CLINE CELLARS in the Carneros region to tour their vineyards and taste their acclaimed wines. A short drive brings you to the OLIVE PRESS to learn how some of the best extra-virgin olive oil is produced from the first cold-crushing of the freshest olives. No visit is complete without sampling several olive oils and a vinegar, too. Continue to San Francisco. Tonight, why not join us for an optional dinner outing? (B)

13

SAN FRANCISCO.

Our included sightseeing tour takes in Golden Gate Park, Twin Peaks, Fisherman's Wharf, and much more. The afternoon is at your leisure. Perhaps visit the Museum of Modern Art, the Asian Art Museum, or the Aquarium of the Bay. Or, discover the hippie-era bookstores and shops in the Haight-Ashbury district, ride San Francisco's historic cable cars, or visit fascinating Alcatraz Prison. This evening your Tour Director hosts a special farewell dinner. (B,D)

14

SAN FRANCISCO.

Your vacation ends this morning with guests departing on individual transfers. Transfers are provided to San Francisco International airport. (B)

WESTERN EXPLORER

Dates/Prices

NB: All prices listed are per person

May 2012

Start DateEnd DateAvailabilityTwin ShareSingle
14 May 201227 May 2012On Request $3599 NZD $4818 NZD Hotel List
21 May 201203 Jun 2012On Request $3599 NZD $4818 NZD Hotel List

Jun 2012

Start DateEnd DateAvailabilityTwin ShareSingle
11 Jun 201224 Jun 2012On Request $3599 NZD $4818 NZD Hotel List
25 Jun 201208 Jul 2012Open $3599 NZD $4818 NZD Hotel List

Jul 2012

Start DateEnd DateAvailabilityTwin ShareSingle
23 Jul 201205 Aug 2012Open $3599 NZD $4818 NZD Hotel List

Aug 2012

Start DateEnd DateAvailabilityTwin ShareSingle
06 Aug 201219 Aug 2012Open $3599 NZD $4818 NZD Hotel List

Sep 2012

Start DateEnd DateAvailabilityTwin ShareSingle
03 Sep 201216 Sep 2012Open $3599 NZD $4818 NZD Hotel List
10 Sep 201223 Sep 2012On Request $3599 NZD $4818 NZD Hotel List
17 Sep 201230 Sep 2012Open $3599 NZD $4818 NZD Hotel List
24 Sep 201207 Oct 2012Open $3599 NZD $4818 NZD Hotel List

Accommodation Prices

Pre & Post TourCityStart DateEnd DateSingle PriceTwin PriceTriple Price
POSTSan Francisco01 Jan 201231 Dec 2012 $270 NZD $159 NZD $129 NZD
PRELos Angeles01 Jan 201231 Dec 2012 $199 NZD $126 NZD $98 NZD

Charges

TypeNamePrice
OPTIONALGratuity163 NZD

WESTERN EXPLORER

Tour Code - AZ

14 days Los Angeles to San Francisco Los Angeles, Lake Havasu, Grand Canyon, Lake Powell, Zion National Park, Las Vegas, Mammoth Lakes, Yosemite National Park, San Francisco

See more information about the ships on this cruise:

WESTERN EXPLORER

Tour Map

Western Explorer

WESTERN EXPLORER

Optional Excursions

To help plan your leisure time, as well as your pre-tour budgeting, here is a list of optional excursions that may be offered on this tour. Availability is subject to sufficient participation, weather conditions, seasonal suitability, group interests, and general feasibility for your tour. Please note prices may be based on the previous year and are subject to change. Full terms and conditions are contained in the important travel documents.

PriceDetails
35  USD

Name: ANTELOPE CANYON SLOT TOUR
Location: PAGE
Description: Come with your guide to a spectacular petrified sand dune, created by wind, water and sand, presenting a sculptured masterpiece. Nothing can describe this work of Mother Nature. Experiencing this beauty will leave you breathless. Trips are approximately one and a half hours long and you will travel in a 4-wheel drive vehicle to the Canyon entrance. From there you will walk into the Canyon, you will be at the bottom of the Canyon looking up 39 metres (130 feet) to the top. There is no hiking or climbing involved, only easy walking on the Canyon floor which is level for the most part. Your experienced Navajo guide will show you great places to take photographs as you explore this awe-inspiring wonder.
25  USD

Name: BAY CRUISE
Location: SAN FRANCISCO
Description: This fully narrated one-hour tour sails under the majestic Golden Gate Bridge. Experience the thrilling history of San Francisco Bay with all the sound and glory it deserves. The tour also sails along San Francisco's historic waterfront where there's no better way to experience unobstructed views of sensational skylines in every direction. It's a great vantage point for snapping pictures or simply reflecting on the vast beauty of the San Francisco Bay. Sail past the PIER 39 sea lions, under the Golden Gate Bridge and circle Alcatraz Island. Onboard narration describes the City and its landmarks as you sail along in comfort; both indoor and outdoor seating are provided. (Cruise is 1 hour).
132  USD

Name: BLACK CANYON RAFT TRIP WITH TRANSPORTATION
Location: LAS VEGAS
Description: This is a unique day trip aboard a motor-assisted raft which allows the visitor to leisurely enjoy and share in the history, desert wildlife and beauty in the Black Canyon of the Colorado River. Black Canyon/Willow Beach River Adventures will provide round trip transportation. You will be transported on our tour buses to the launch area at the base of the Hoover Dam. This is an extremely rare view of the Hoover Dam that very few people have the opportunity to see. At this time, you will board our large comfortable rafts which have been carefully constructed with your party's safety in mind. During this excursion, our experienced and knowledgeable guides will share with you the history of this magnificent geological area. The high canyon walls will leave you breathless. Be prepared to see Desert Big Horn Sheep, Osprey, and Great Blue Heron in their natural setting. Bring your camera because it is seldom you will have an opportunity such as this to view the wonders of nature. Our rafts will stop along the shore to give you a chance to swim or play in the cool clear waters below Hoover Dam. You might take this opportunity to enjoy the box lunch provided while watching and listening to the sights and sounds of this magnificent desert. Your trip will end on the Arizona side of the river at Willow Beach. Here you will board our comfortable tour buses for the return trip over the crest of the Hoover Dam to your Las Vegas hotel. Fun for all ages, no paddling experience necessary. This is truly an experience to remember. (Approximately 8 hours round trip from hotel to hotel).
132  USD

Name: BLACK CANYON RIVER RAFTING
Location: LAS VEGAS
Description: This is a unique day trip aboard a motor-assisted raft which allows the visitor to leisurely enjoy and share in the history, desert wildlife and beauty in the Black Canyon of the Colorado River. Black Canyon/Willow Beach River Adventures will provide round trip transportation. You will be transported on our tour buses to the launch area at the base of the Hoover Dam. This is an extremely rare view of the Hoover Dam that very few people have the opportunity to see. At this time, you will board our large comfortable rafts which have been carefully constructed with your party's safety in mind. During this excursion, our experienced and knowledgeable guides will share with you the history of this magnificent geological area. The high canyon walls will leave you breathless. Be prepared to see Desert Big Horn Sheep, Osprey, and Great Blue Heron in their natural setting. Bring your camera because it is seldom you will have an opportunity such as this to view the wonders of nature. Our rafts will stop along the shore to give you a chance to swim or play in the cool clear waters below Hoover Dam. You might take this opportunity to enjoy the box lunch provided while watching and listening to the sights and sounds of this magnificent desert. Your trip will end on the Arizona side of the river at Willow Beach. Here you will board our comfortable tour buses for the return trip over the crest of the Hoover Dam to your Las Vegas hotel. Fun for all ages, no paddling experience necessary. This is truly an experience to remember. (Approximately 8 hours round trip from hotel to hotel).
199  USD

Name: ECO-STAR GRAND CANYON HELICOPTER FLIGHTSEEING
Location: GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK
Description: This experience will be a highlight of your holiday. Fly over the widest and deepest portion of the Grand Canyon. You will see the amazing views of the Dragon Corridor, Colorado River and other geologic features and formations over a billion years old. If you have ever wanted to see the Grand Canyon from a bird's eye view this is the trip for you. Fly in our first class state of the art ECO-Star helicopter with specially designed windows and seating for 180 degrees of virtually unobstructed views. This is a comfortable, climate controlled helicopter with quiet ride technology for a more comfortable Grand Canyon helicopter tour experience. Grab your camera and enjoy this spectacular journey to the Grand Canyon. (30 minute flight).
96  USD

Name: GLEN CANYON RAFT TRIP WITH LUNCH
Location: PAGE
Description: Departing from the scenic town of Page, Arizona, your trip will begin with an exciting and exclusive ride down the two-mile long Glen Canyon Dam access tunnel. At river level, with the dam soaring 177 metres (583 feet) above you, you will board a comfortable, motorized pontoon raft for your journey downstream. For the next fifteen miles, you will experience one of the most dramatic stretches of river in the western United States. Your experienced guide will tell the story of the area's soaring sandstone cliffs, crystal blue-green waters, abundant wildlife, exploration by Major John Wesley Powell and others, and the river's modern role in the Southwest's water and power delivery system. The river portion of your trip ends at historic Lees Ferry, gateway to the Grand Canyon. Here you will board a luxury motor coach or van for the short ride back to Page, where your vehicle or other transportation awaits. Lunch is included and transportation is provided to and from your hotel. (6.5 hours).
175  USD

Name: GRAND CANYON HELICOPTER FLIGHTSEEING - NORTH CANYON TOUR
Location: GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK
Description: Explore impressive Dragon Corridor, the deepest and widest part of the Canyon, and one of the most remarkable panoramas of the Grand Canyon. The Tower of Ra, a 6,076-foot butte named in the 1800s after the Egyptian sun god, comes into view, as do other fanciful rock formations resembling temples and shrines. Fly in a comfortable, climate controlled helicopter with specially designed windows for optimum viewing. (30 minute flight, weather dependent).
13  USD

Name: GRAND CANYON IMAX
Location: GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK
Description: Fly like a condor over the rim and into the Canyon, be drenched in the power of the raging Colorado River without ever leaving your seat at the Grand Canyon National Geographic Visitor Center. And relive the history and mystery of one of the most storied natural wonders of the world. From the mysterious Anasazi who inhabited the Canyon 4,000 years ago, viewers at The National Geographic Visitor Center will travel through Grand Canyon history to join Major John Wesley Powell as he challenges the unexplored Canyon and raging Colorado River in 1869. (40 minute multimedia presentation).
429  USD

Name: GRAND CELEBRATION HELICOPTER EXPERIENCE
Location: LAS VEGAS
Description: Embark on an unforgettable, narrated flight from Boulder City to the floor of the Grand Canyon. Descend 1219 metres (4,000 feet) toward your exclusive landing site and enjoy breathtaking beauty of the Grand Canyon. Touch down by the banks of the Colorado River. Compliment your journey with a delightful picnic meal and refreshments served under an authentic Indian "Ramada". You will have ample time to take photos and explore the canyon floor. Before taking back off toast your journey with a champagne toast. Your tour also includes majestic views of historic Boulder City, Lake Mead, the Hoover Dam, Guano and Eagle Points, the famous SkyWalk and the Grand Canyon itself. (Approximately 4 hours, hotel to hotel, weather dependent).
92  USD

Name: HOOVER DAM CLASSIC
Location: LAS VEGAS
Description: Travel to Hoover Dam in style and comfort aboard our custom Tour Trekker. Your talented guide will share many points of interest along the way. You'll truly appreciate the extra care and comfort you receive from Pink Jeep Tours. The Hoover Dam Discovery Tour offers ample time for exploring this National Historic Landmark and engineering wonder of the world. See live presentations, a fascinating film on the Dam's construction and history, exhibit gallery, observation deck, and venture down to the observation room in the power plant to view the massive generators. You'll also encounter dramatic views of both the Colorado River and Lake Mead, the largest manmade body of water in the Western Hemisphere. (4 hours).
142  USD

Name: HOOVER DAM TOP TO BOTTOM
Location: LAS VEGAS
Description: From the Lake Mead Overlook, you're transported to the Colorado River by van on the Lower Portal Road, where construction crews travelled each day. You'll see the original gauging station used to measure water level and flow, and dynamite storage bunkers used during construction. Then, a guided Colorado River float tour by raft offers you close-up views few people have ever seen of Hoover Dam, mighty power plants, and Black Canyon. You'll also learn historical facts and get an astounding view of the Hoover Dam Bypass project and construction of the nearly 609 metres (2000-foot) long bridge spanning over 274 metres (900 feet) above the river. This is absolutely the best photo opportunity of the Hoover Dam and Colorado River! (5 hours).
110  USD

Name: LAKE MEAD CRUISE AND HOOVER DAM DISCOVERY TOUR
Location: LAS VEGAS
Description: Explore Lake Mead on a paddle-wheeler boat, viewing amazing sights such as Hoover Dam and the Arizona Paint Pots. Your tour begins with a stop at Hoover Dam, one of the greatest engineering feats ever accomplished. There you will take a guided tour starting at the visitor's center that will include an informative movie, a trip to the generator room on the Nevada side and time to explore a number of exhibits at the center. After a 90-minute stay at the dam you will move on to Lake Mead. Here enjoy the largest man-made lake in the United States with more than 550 miles of shoreline. Board the Desert Princess, a three-level Mississippi-style paddle wheeler with two enclosed climate-controlled decks and a third observation deck. Cruise the beautiful waters of Lake Mead and view the unparalleled sights of Hoover Dam and the steep canyon walls that surround it. View Boulder Island, Sentinel Island and see the Arizona Paint Pots. Your will enjoy lunch on board the Desert Princess. After your cruise, enjoy a visit to the historic Boulder Dam Museum, where you'll learn even more about Boulder City and its magnificent dam. (Approximately 7.5 hours).
75  USD

Name: MONTEREY & CARMEL - SUPER SIGHTSEEING
Location: SAN FRANCISCO
Description: California's rugged Central Coast can both humble and inspire. The route down Highway 1 through Santa Cruz features one spectacular view after another. Scheduled stops include Steinbeck's Cannery Row in Monterey, scenic vistas along the 17-Mile Drive and the art gallery/restaurant district of Carmel. Crossing from the historic to the futuristic, the return trip takes you through Silicon Valley, the high tech capital of the United States.
255  USD

Name: MONUMENT VALLEY 90-MINUTE FLIGHT
Location: PAGE
Description: You will experience everything seen on the shorter Rainbow Bridge flight, plus much, much more! This is your only chance to see Monument Valley, the site of many well-known Western movies. The rock formations you will see on this surrealistic flight are totally different from those in the Grand Canyon. (90 minutes, weather dependent)
72  USD

Name: MUIR WOODS, SAUSALITO & BAY CRUISE
Location: SAN FRANCISCO
Description: Travel Across the Golden Gate Bridge and through the rugged coastal mountains. Enjoy magnificent views of San Francisco Bay and valleys, where the Coastal Miwok once lived. The first stop is Muir Woods National Monument, where ancient groves of giant Redwood (Sequoia Sempreverins) Trees tower over Redwood Creek. A Full 1 188 hour stop. Muir Woods entrance fee included. Next, visit the beautiful coastal town of Sausalito, a gorgeous Mediterranean-style village, with quaint shop, art galleries, and waterfront restaurants. Approximate one hour stop in Sausalito. Then enjoy a cruise along the historic waterfront, with a close-up view of Alcatraz, the Golden Gate Bridge, Pier 39, and the sea lions. (Approximately 6 hours)
163  USD

Name: RAINBOW BRIDGE 25-30-MINUTE FLIGHT
Location: PAGE
Description: During one of our Rainbow Bridge tours you will discover that the remote regions of northern Arizona hold one of the world's largest natural wonders. Tucked among the rugged and isolated canyons, and spanning over 83 metres (275 feet) wide and 88 metres (290 feet) high, the Rainbow Bridge is an attraction no visitor can miss. Accessibility to the Bridge is limited to hiking, by permit only, a 20 kilometre (13-mile) trail or a two-hour boat ride from Lake Powell. A place for prayer and worship in the Navajo culture, the Bridge signifies good fortune and is considered a sacred place for tribal members. Rainbow Bridge was not discovered by outsiders until 1909 by two parties who joined together in search of the towering sandstone formation. President Howard Taft declared it a national monument in 1910. (30 minutes, weather dependent).
24  USD

Name: ROCKET BOAT
Location: SAN FRANCISCO
Description: Get blown away on this 30-minute high-speed tour of the City's historic waterfront. Sail past the sea lions, zoom to the Bay Bridge, fly down to AT&T Park, scream past Treasure Island, and breeze by Alcatraz on the way back to PIER 39. This exciting ride pauses occasionally to allow passengers to catch their breath and capture unique sightseeing and photo opportunities unavailable on other tours. RocketBoat, it's an extreme adventure powered by biodiesel fuel. A blast on the Bay that is not to be missed.
304  USD

Name: WEST RIM & HOOVER DAM COMBO TOUR
Location: LAS VEGAS
Description: Travel in comfort to one of the Southwest's most exciting venues in our luxurious, custom vehicles with a professional tour guide. Experience the extraordinary desert scenery of the Mojave Desert as you travel to the West Rim. Brief stops along the way allow for close-up views and photo of the desert community of Dolan Springs, the rugged Joshua tree forest, and the magnificent Colorado River. Your journey culminates at the stunning West Rim of the Grand Canyon, home of the Hualapai Nation. Your knowledgeable tour guide escorts you to points of interest, and shares fascinating facts on the history, culture, geology, flora, fauna, and all that surrounds you on this exceptional adventure. Next, explore the Hoover Dam. Spend some time exploring this National Historic Landmark and engineering wonder of the world. See live presentations, a fascinating film on the Dam's construction and history, exhibit gallery, observation deck, and venture down to the observation room in the power plant to view the massive generators. You'll also encounter dramatic views of both the Colorado River and Lake Mead, the largest manmade body of water in the Western Hemisphere. Approximate time 10-11 hours, lunch is included at the West Rim. Tickets to the Skywalk can be purchased for $32.50 at the West Rim.
 
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