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Holiday Types- Fly Drive Holidays
- The Golden West
The Golden West
From £2,427 pp
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14 nights
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Economy flights
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Available January - December
Experience the very best of western US on this journey taking you to spectacular national parks and iconic cities, including the neon lights of Vegas and the Desert Playground of Scottsdale, Arizona. We recommend visiting between May and October but all year round there’s so much to see and so much to do.
What's Included?
- International flights from the UK based on economy class
- Accommodation for 14 nights
- 12 days compact car hire with fully inclusive insurance, unlimited mileage and taxes
Holiday Map
Explore our interactive map to discover your holiday route and key points of interest.
Start
Finish
Stops
Point of interest
Your day-to-day plan
Day 1-3
Arrive in San Francisco
Upon arrival make your way to your hotel either by train, public transport or taxi and spend the rest of the day exploring. San Francisco is one of the most exciting cities in the United States and has something for everyone. Marvel at the Golden Gate and Bay bridges, experience the eight hairpin turns of Lombard Street, take a ferry to Alcatraz Island and explore Fisherman’s Wharf. We recommend travelling using the iconic San Francisco trams. A 3-day visitor pass costs $31 per person and provides unlimited access to the trams and buses.
Day 4-5
San Francisco to Yosemite National Park, 206 miles
The pleasure of world-class scenic driving starts here. Pick up your car and journey along one of the country’s most beautiful driving routes, taking in mountain roads adorned by ancient Redwood trees. You’ll need a couple of days in Yosemite National Park to enjoy its many sights. We recommend visiting Tunnel View, Half Dome, El Capitan, Yosemite Valley & Falls, Vernal Falls and Tuolumne Meadows - they’re all breathtaking!
Day 6
Yosemite to Death Valley National Park, 310 miles
Bid farewell to Yosemite and leave via the Tioga pass to enjoy the road trip to Death Valley. There are some stops you may want to make along the way, including around Mammoth Lakes. In Death Valley National Park, stop off at Zabriskie Point, Badwater, Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes and Dantes View, which all have their own unique charm. There’s more spectacular sights and sounds at Devils Golf Course, an area of rock salt eroded into jagged spires - the tiny salt crystals play a pop and ping song as they burst apart.
Day 7-9
Death Valley National Park to Las Vegas, 117 miles
Two hours from Death Valley and crossing the state line into Nevada takes you to Las Vegas. As well as time at the tables, why not see some other sights? The casinos have some amazing experiences, including gondola rides, ziplines, botanical gardens, and fountain & fashion shows. Further afield you can visit Lake Mead and the Hoover Dam or Red Rock Canyon State Park.
Day 10-11
Las Vegas to Grand Canyon South Rim, 280 miles
There’s so much more to see by visiting the Grand Canyon from the South Rim, and you’ll enjoy two days of adventure at one of the planet’s natural wonders. Try the Hoover Dam By-Pass Bridge for views of the Dam and Colorado river. or take a helicopter flight over the Grand Canyon from Tusayan and visit stunning viewpoints such as Mohave Point, Mather Point and Grandview Point to name only a few.
Day 12-14
Grand Canyon South Rim to Scottsdale, 230 miles
Arrive in Scottsdale at your all-suite hotel and relax a little. When recharged, spend some time in Phoenix as well as Scottsdale. In Phoenix, we would suggest Papago Park Hiking Trails, Pueblo Grande Museum & Cultural Park, and Desert Botanical Garden. In Scottsdale, visit the Old Town and Taliesin West - a UNESCO World Heritage site. For some retail therapy, head to Kierland shopping mall and Fashion Show mall. Whilst in Scottsdale and if you have a head for heights, try a hot air balloon ride at sunrise to get your day started in a breathtaking manner, before visiting Butterfields Pancake House for an outstanding breakfast!
Day 15
Homeward Bound
Return your rental car before departing from Phoenix for your homebound flight.
Related Itineraries
This holiday requires an ESTA for entry to the United States, for full details and to apply please see below:
Please note selected national parks in the USA require reservations for vehicles in order to enter the parks. Reservations are required in advance. This is in addition to purchasing a national park entrance ticket. Early booking is recommended.
Further information on the parks, where vehicle reservations are required and how to book can be found on:
USA National Parks
