Tour itinerary
Day 1 Los Angeles (Anaheim) to San Diego
The Adventure Begins! Your morning begins with a warm welcome from your Contiki road crew and a short drive along the Pacific Coast to San Diego, where we'll introduce you to "America's Finest City" with a sightseeing tour, that includes downtown, the Gaslamp Quarter and Balboa Park. We'll drive across the Coronado Bridge for great views of the San Diego skyline as we head south of the border to Tijuana, Mexico for shopping and lunch. Viva Mexico! Tonight we'll enjoy the lively Gaslamp Quarter.
Please Note: As of April 30 2008, visits to Tijuana have been suspended due to safety concerns.
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Day 2 San Diego
Fun in the Sun. Today you choose how to spend your day. Perhaps you'll want to visit the World Famous San Diego Zoo or hang out with the whale, Shamu, at Sea World! This afternoon we'll head to Mission Beach to check out the So Cal beach scene. (weather permitting) This evening experience some of San Diego's nightlife!
Day 3 San Diego to Phoenix
This morning we leave the beach life of Southern California and travel to the cacti filled Sonoran desert. Today's drive is full of ever changing scenery, passing through Cleveland National Forest, Anza Borrego Desert and the Imperial Sand dunes. After lunch it's on to Phoenix and our hotel in the university town of Tempe.
Day 4 Phoenix to the Grand Canyon
Today is filled with deserts, red rocks and the Grand Canyon! This morning you'll have an opportunity to take a hot air balloon flight about the incredible Sonoran desert (optional). See the desert come alive as you float peacefully above. Leaving Phoenix we journey to red rock country. You'll be awed by the brilliantly hued sandstone carved by sea and wind into cliffs and rugged spires. Get a closer look at the Sedona back country with an optional jeep ride. Next stop is the Grand Canyon! Our modern cabins are located inside the National Park, just a short walk to the rim of the Grand Canyon.
Day 5 Grand Canyon National Park
A World Wonder. At over 1.6km (1 mile) deep and averaging 16km (10 miles) wide, it is easy to understand why the Grand Canyon is considered one of the world's seven natural wonders. We have the entire day to hike and explore the national park. Maybe take a sensational helicopter flight over the canyon (optional). Don't miss the spectacular sunset at the Grand Canyon.
Day 6 Grand Canyon to Las Vegas
On to Sin City! From quiet beauty to outrageous bright lights - Las Vegas awaits you! Tonight, we'll take a drive down the famous Vegas "Strip." You won't believe your eyes at this crazy place! After the light show at Fremont Street, why not take in a Las Vegas cabaret show? (optional)
Day 7 Las Vegas
It’s all glitz and glamour as you hang out on the ‘Strip’, relax by the pool, or hit up Sin City’s flashiest party hot spots.
Day 8 Las Vegas to Yosemite Gateway
Deserts to Mountains. Recount your Vegas adventures to your Contiki friends as we say "goodbye" to the deserts of Nevada and "hello" to the Sierra Nevada Mountains of California.
Day 9 Yosemite National Park
Enjoy the diverse beauty of this treasured national park, from its mountains and meadows to its waterfalls, wildflowers, and world-famous rock formations, like El Capitan. Hike and bike around (weather permitting) to soak it all up.
Day 10 Yosemite Gateway to San Francisco
The City by the Bay. This city grooves! You will quickly fall in love with this place during your extensive city tour that includes The Golden Gate Bridge, North Beach, Golden Gate Park and Haight Ashbury - hippie central. This afternoon we'll say "see you later", not goodbye when your tour ends at the hotel.