RING OSS: +47 22413030 
Vi leter nå etter din drømmereise
SØK
12
39 891
Visit five breathtaking National Parks in the USA
Welcome to the 'City by the Bay' in sunny California. San Francisco is a city which the locals are fiercely proud of and for good reason. There's plenty to keep you entertained but the best introduction is to explore by foot, or make use of the infamous cable car network. A welcome meeting will be held at 18:00 hrs in your hotel. We recommend you book an extra night in our hotel the night before the tour starts if you want to spend some time discovering San Francisco - Alcatraz is a must see, you can reserve a ticket online in advance with Alcatraz Cruises. *Accommodation:* Stanford Court, San Francisco (or similar)
Depart San Francisco via the Golden Gate Bridge, heading east through California's historic gold country, and make tracks for Yosemite. Here, everything is in gargantuan proportions, including some of North America's tallest cliffs, waterfalls and trees. You'll check into your lodge in the Yosemite region - your 'home' for the next three nights. *Accommodation:* Yosemite View Lodge (or similar)
Yosemite National Park sits nestled in the Sierra Nevada Mountain range of northern California. Here green forest meets granite walls measuring several thousand feet in height. Rock climbers come from all over the world to scale the rocks whilst hikers get to walk to the base of some of the largest waterfalls in the world. As you explore the park keep your eyes peeled for varied wildlife such as deer, bobcats, marmots, pika and if you're lucky, bear. After a visit to see the amazing Giant Sequoia trees, Yosemite Valley beckons, offering the chance to cycle, take a dip in the Merced River or wander the meadows. The views are breathtaking from every vantage point - the granite formations of Half Dome, El Capitan and Cathedral Rocks are sure to be forever etched on your mind. *Accommodation:* Yosemite View Lodge (or similar)
One of the hottest, driest and lowest places on earth, Death Valley is blessed with some of the most extreme and beautiful landscapes. Sculpted by erosion, richly tinted mudstone hills and canyons await exploration, with sand dunes and salt pans making for some exceptional photos. You cover some great distances today but also see some fascinating and contrasting scenery on your road trip. Enjoy a wine and cheese evening with wonderful views. Please note: It has occurred in the past that extreme temperatures, higher than those expected, have prevented us from entering Death Valley National Park. In the event this happens, we will notify you as soon as possible with a suitable replacement. This is a worst-case scenario and we will endeavour to run the programme as advertised. *Accommodation:* Stovepipe Wells Village Hotel (or similar)
Make your way to Utah and your destination for today - Zion National Park. Like an oasis rising up from the desert floor, Zion's multi-coloured cliffs and spring-fed hanging gardens are spectacular. Zion Canyon was named by the early Mormon settlers of Utah who thought of it as their 'promised land'. Some of the best hiking in Southwest USA can be found here, in and around the fertile Virgin River Gorge. With an early arrival today and two nights in Zion, you'll have plenty of time to explore. *Accommodation:* La Quinta Inn & Suites (or similar)
Enjoy a full day to further explore the delights of Zion National Park. There are various hikes to choose from, ranging from easy to strenuous. Warm up your legs by taking a short hike from the valley floor to view the Lower Emerald Pool then continue on to the sparkling Upper Emerald Pools, passing a stunning waterfall along the way to discover Zion's `beach'. Cool off from the heat of the summer sun by exploring the Riverside Walk section of the Virgin River. If you're feeling ambitious, enjoy the park's more challenging option and ascend 2,500 ft. to experience unbeatable panoramic views from the top of Angels Landing. After a beautiful but strenuous hike along the knife-edge ridgeline you'll be rewarded with one of the most breathtaking and powerful panoramas you've ever experienced. If weather conditions permit, you may choose to hike deep into the Zion Narrows, just be prepared to get a little wet. *Accommodation:* La Quinta Inn & Suites (or similar)
Leaving Zion National Park, you climb in elevation to almost 8,300 ft. and traverse a high plateau to Bryce Canyon National Park. Bryce Canyon is a fascinating natural amphitheatre of pink, orange and white sandstone spires, known locally as hoodoos. There are a variety of scenic overlooks and trails that range from easy to moderate in difficulty. The Navajo or Peek-A-Boo Loop Trails will enable you to hike right in amongst these unique rock formations. Some may prefer to hike on the Queens Garden Trail or remain on the rim and photograph the ever-changing shadows and hues as the sun makes its way across the sky. *Accommodation:* Best Western Plus Ruby's Inn (or similar)
Stop for a walk at Horseshoe Bend for an amazing view of the Colorado River before heading to the heart of the Navajo Nation. Monument Valley, a sacred land to those who call it home, is dotted with fabulous red sandstone monoliths. From here you'll witness spectacular sunsets and sunrises. Having been the backdrop for countless westerns, you'll half expect to see cowboys riding off into the sunset. You'll explore the incredible array of rock formations on an included and guided 4x4 backroads tour, learning all about the magic and myths of the rich Native American culture. The Navajo Tribal Lands of Monument Valley are a true photographer's paradise. For dinner, we have included a traditional meal, the Navajo taco, out in the valley with the Navajo themselves. *Accommodation:* Kayenta Monument Valley Inn (or similar)
This morning you’ll leave Monument Valley and drive towards the Grand Canyon National Park for the ultimate desert showstopper! Crossing the eastern entrance of the canyon, you'll catch your first glimpse at Desert View. This incredible spectacle is difficult to comprehend, even as you stand at the rim or hike down into the canyon. Carved over several millennia, this massive wonder of nature is 445 km long, up to 29 km wide and over 1.6 km deep. Snaking through the canyon floor is the mighty Colorado River, which runs 2,330 km through seven US and two Mexican states. In your free time, we highly recommend a scenic flight over the canyon which offers a perspective that you cannot see by visiting on foot. Also recommended is the film show at the IMAX Theater, which will give you a good overview of the area and how it developed. Alternatively, stroll the meandering South Rim Trail, hike your way down the more challenging trail to Plateau Point, or simply relax at the canyon's edge and enjoy a spectacular sunset over one of the world's most incredible natural wonders. *Accommodation:* Holiday Inn Express - Tusayan (or Similar)
En route to Vegas you’ll travel a section of the original Route 66 and visit Seligman, a town full to the brim with Americana wares. Continuing, you’ll make your way towards hedonistic 'Sin City', which really has to be seen to be believed! Las Vegas is the fastest growing city in the United States and is renowned as the `tacky capital of the world' - home to pirates and pyramids, weddings and water fountains! Upon arrival enjoy a driving tour down the famous Las Vegas Strip and see first-hand the resort hotels that make this desert city tick. Vegas really comes alive at night with resort hotels, shows and the Bellagio Fountain's regular water displays. We recommend booking extra nights to explore the city because it's not all clubs and resort hotels. There are numerous art galleries, shops and world-class restaurants for you to enjoy. If you want to enjoy a couple of extra nights, please advise your Americas Specialist when booking your trip. This tour ends at our gateway hotel at approximately 17:00 hrs. We recommend booking post-tour accommodation if time allows. If you are planning to fly tonight, please do not book a flight that departs before 21:00 hrs.
* Travel by private minibus
* Variety of daywalks to suit all abilities
* Some long journeys
* Group normally 6 to 13, plus leader. Min age 16 yrs
* 9 hotel nights and 2 lodge nights included
3 breakfasts and 1 dinner is included on this trip
On hotel based tours, you will usually eat out in local restaurants. To help
you budget for your meals on average hotel breakfasts cost from US$6-12,
lunches from US$8-15 and dinners from US$13-30; this does not include
alcoholic beverages. Wine costs approximately US$5 per glass and beer US$4
per bottle. Please also be aware that a tip of approximately 15%-20% is added
to group meals in North American restaurants. Applicable taxes will also be
added to all listed menu prices.
Your tour leader may offer your group the option to operate a ‘lunch
only’ food kitty, this has proven to be a popular alternative to three
daily restaurant meals. Leaders will explain this option while on your tour,
and the whole group will have to agree for this system to run.
Please make sure we are aware of any special meal requirements before
travelling. We will do all we can to accommodate for various dietary
requirements but in certain parts of North America certain food types can be
limited.
* Travel by private minibus
* Variety of daywalks to suit all abilities
* Some long journeys
* Group normally 6 to 13, plus leader. Min age 16 yrs
* 9 hotel nights and 2 lodge nights included
This trip is graded Leisurely/Moderate, but there are a range of walks
available at each national park of varying length and difficulty that you can
choose between. There are opportunities for optional activities during your
tour. Your tour leader will organise these on your behalf and you will pay
locally in cash. Walks, hikes and activities cater to everyone from beginner
to expert, ranging in difficulty from easy to strenuous. You’ll find the
main optional activities listed under each itinerary day description, along
with guideline prices. It may not be possible to do all optional activities
listed on each tour.
The spectacular American West is home to an exciting mix of cultural and
natural highlights. Experience them all on this active tour. Discover
Yosemite, Zion, Bryce Canyon, and Grand Canyon National Parks and finish the
tour in fabulous Las Vegas. A balance of outdoor discovery and comfortable
accommodation, this trip is suitable for those looking to experience national
parks and American culture.
Although each tour follows an itinerary, there is a certain amount of
flexibility and from time to time your tour leader may suggest changes. This
may be due to road conditions, weather or a visit to a special attraction or
event that happens to be in progress. Flexibility is key and often a side
diversion will be a highlight of the tour. Hikes and optional activities
cannot be guaranteed and may vary depending on ability, group interest, local
weather conditions and time of year.
Hotels
Hotel accommodation will be in clean, comfortable three star hotels or lodges
with en suite bathroom facilities, chosen for their friendly atmosphere and
proximity to the highlights of the region. You will be roomed with a fellow
passenger of the same sex on a twin share basis (two people per room) unless
you are travelling as a couple. In the event that you cannot be matched with
another passenger there will not be a single supplement charge.
Your tour leader will take care of all the planning and organisation
throughout your tour, they will drive the van taking you from A to B and make
sure everything runs smoothly. Your tour leader is there to make sure you get
the most out of your tour; organising activities, providing information and
answering any questions you may have as well as sorting out any queries or
problems you may encounter. If you have any particular interests or things
you would like to do on your tour, then please let your tour leader know at
the beginning of the tour and they will do their best to help you. We will
also use specialist tour guides in certain locations, to provide in depth
information.
The maximum group size is 13 passengers. Passengers come from a range of
countries worldwide (average of four nationalities per group) and many will
be solo travellers. You will find you have many things in common with your
fellow travellers, including a passion for discovery and a strong interest in
exploring the national parks.
Our tours are a unique holiday experience and much of your enjoyment will
come from the team spirit of your group and the fun you’ll have together,
as well as from the local setting. We cannot stress strongly enough the
importance of bringing a positive attitude with you on tour; a sure guarantee
to enjoying each and every moment, even in the adversity of the odd
rainstorm!
3 breakfasts and 1 dinner is included on this trip
On hotel based tours, you will usually eat out in local restaurants. To help
you budget for your meals on average hotel breakfasts cost from US$6-12,
lunches from US$8-15 and dinners from US$13-30; this does not include
alcoholic beverages. Wine costs approximately US$5 per glass and beer US$4
per bottle. Please also be aware that a tip of approximately 15%-20% is added
to group meals in North American restaurants. Applicable taxes will also be
added to all listed menu prices.
Your tour leader may offer your group the option to operate a ‘lunch
only’ food kitty, this has proven to be a popular alternative to three
daily restaurant meals. Leaders will explain this option while on your tour,
and the whole group will have to agree for this system to run.
Please make sure we are aware of any special meal requirements before
travelling. We will do all we can to accommodate for various dietary
requirements but in certain parts of North America certain food types can be
limited.
You’ll travel in air-conditioned private vehicles, which offer great
flexibility and guarantee to get you further off the beaten path. Our
vehicles are equipped with:
• Extra-large windows for better viewing
• Wider seats with additional leg room
• A 6’3 interior height for added comfort
• Full-height electric bi-fold entry door for a quicker and easier exit
• Overhead luggage racks, reading lamps and TV screen for those longer
journeys.
You will need to make your own way to the joining hotel for your tour.
You are free to arrive at any time on day one of your tour but please ensure
you leave plenty of time to reach your joining hotel and attend your welcome
meeting. Details on the time and specific location of your meeting will be
available early on the arrival day. During this evening meeting you will meet
your tour guide and fellow travellers and also spend a few minutes filling
out necessary paperwork, so please bring your insurance documents, passport
and tour documentation to the meeting.
*ARRIVAL COMPLICATIONS*
Sometimes the unexpected can happen; your plane may be delayed or you may
even miss it! If you have missed your tour departure, first check with the
hotel to see if your tour guide has left you a message. If not, call the
relevant emergency number and speak to our staff who will be happy to help
you catch up with the group. Please note that you are responsible for any
extra travelling expenses incurred due to you missing your tour’s
departure, so please be on time.
*FINISHING POINT*
LAS VEGAS - Bally's Hotel
3645 S. Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV
Your tour will end upon arrival at the above hotel, which will be around
17:00 hrs on the final day. Some tour activities scheduled for the last day
may preclude an earlier arrival at the end point hotel, so you should not
book a flight that leaves prior to 21:00 hrs. You will be responsible for any
transportation costs if you have to arrive for an earlier flight and you must
make us aware of this well in advance of your tour departing. If you require
accommodation for the last night, it is essential that you book this before
your tour departs.
Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to
you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at
least a week before departure, or require them earlier, please contact our
office or your travel agent.
The West is known for its very dry spring, summer and autumn weather and
outstanding blue, sunny skies. Being as far south as southern Europe and
Northern Africa, temperatures are normally much warmer than in northern
Europe. However, temperatures vary greatly depending on the elevation you are
at. Generally, the higher the elevation, the cooler the temperature. Spring
and autumn will offer perfect hiking days in the deserts and cooler days at
higher elevations. In summer, Yosemite, Bryce and the Grand Canyon offer
pleasant temperatures ideal for hiking whereas some of the deserts might
experience hotter temperatures. On warmer days, the leader will opt for early
morning and late afternoon walks, leaving time for mid-day rest. Please note
the hottest time of day in the deserts is actually 15:00 hrs. Most nights
will be mild to warm. In the summer months you should be prepared for
afternoon thunderstorms. Spring offers stunning displays of desert
wildflowers, Summer offers mountain wildflowers and in Autumn the tree
colours are beautiful.
Please keep in mind that our dress tends to be informal. It is advised that
you take a practical selection of clothes for both warm and cool climates to
suit the season. Please see the temperature guide showing the highs and lows
that can be expected in key locations that your tour visits. However please
remember that this is just a guide and you may encounter a wide variety of
temperatures en route due to altitude and unforeseen weather conditions - so
it’s best to be prepared!
Besides your essential clothing, here’s a checklist of other items you
should take:
• Small day pack
• Waterproof jacket
• Warm sweater / fleece
• Casual ‘evening out’ clothes
• Hiking shoes / boots
• Thick walking socks
• Blister packs and plasters
• Hiking poles
• Comfortable day shoes
• Sandals or flip-flops
• Warm hat / gloves
• Swim wear
• Sun hat / sunglasses
• Camera / binoculars
• SD memory card / Spare camera batteries
• Water bottle
• Small flashlight / head torch
• Sunscreen / insect repellent (20% DEET)
• Travel power adaptor
• Toiletries / personal medicine
Please note airlines have various rules on what can be carried in your
luggage - if in doubt check with your airline before travelling.
*FOOTWEAR*
We recommend walking shoes/boots, as comfortable shoes with good ankle
support will make all walking more enjoyable. If you do not own a pair, then
sports trainers will suffice although this is a personal choice. If you
intend to do some walking, it is recommended to bring thick walking socks for
comfort.
*CLOTHES WASHING*
You will have the opportunity to wash your clothes whilst you are on tour,
and this can often be done at the campsite or in town. Ask your tour leader
for local information.
*LUGGAGE ALLOWANCE*
One suitcase, soft holdall or rucksack (23kg maximum) per person. A small
daypack and camera can also be carried in the van. Before you travel, please
check the baggage allowance with the airline you’re flying with as this may
be less than 23kg.
We are unable to offer luggage storage facilities however, some of our pre
and post tour hotels will provide this service although there may be a
charge. Please contact the hotels directly for further information.
We recommend you take at least US$50 dollars per day for meals not included
in the tour, drinks, snacks and other incidentals. You should also budget for
expected tipping, as well as for the optional activities that you would like
to do.
We suggest you bring USD$150 with you in cash to have with at the beginning
of your trip.
Although it may not be customary in your country, it is normal and expected
in North America to tip local guides, waiters, bar staff, taxi drivers and
anyone who provides a service for you. Service workers are paid a low wage
and depend on tips for their livelihood. It can be embarrassing if you’re
confronted by a local who is expecting a tip and you are not aware of how
much to offer. For this reason we have listed guideline prices below.
A 15-17% tip is standard in restaurants and you should also expect to tip $1
per drink in bars, $1-2 per bag for porters as will 10% for taxi drivers.
It’s also typical to tip around 10% for local guides who provide optional
activities.
Your tour leader will work long and hard for you during your tour and we
recommend a discretionary tip of US$5-$10 per passenger per day if your
leader’s performance meets or exceeds your expectations.
* Flights
* Travel insurance
* Single accommodation (available on request)
* Visas or vaccinations
* Arrival & departure transfers
* Optional activities
Ved skriftlig aksept av vårt tilbud bekrefter du/dere at våre betingelser er både lest og forstått og at evt kansellerings gebyrer kan tilkomme ved en evt. avbestilling av reisen.
-8.png)
Download PDF 
