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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 a two night stay we have plenty of time to discover Zion. Upon arrival, your leader will take you on a walk to Emerald Pools, as an introduction to Zion National Park.Accommodation: La Quinta Inn & Suites (or similar)
Today is all about exploring Zion National Park and its vast network of trails. There are many great trails but a really good option to start with is the Watchman Trail. It is a steady uphill climb until you reach the viewpoint which offers stunning views of Watchman Peak. In the afternoon, we recommend a walk beside the Virgin River or if weather conditions permit, you may choose to hike deep into the Zion Narrows, a stunning water channel where you'll witness some outstanding scenery. Staying dry is not an option as you wade through the Virgin River between towering walls. The cool waters and the shadow of the canyon can provide a much-needed respite from the scorching sun. Another hike option is Angels Landing, which due to its popularity cannot be booked by a tour operator and requires individual customers to apply for a permit via a seasonal lottery. We have included more details on how to go about this in the ‘Is this trip for you?’ section. 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: Yavapai Lodge (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 minibusVariety of daywalks to suit all abilitiesSome long
journeysGroup normally 6 to 13, plus leader. Min age 16
yrs7 nights in comfortable hotels and 4 lodge nights included
3 breakfasts and 1 dinner is included on this tripOn 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$7 per glass and beer US$6 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.Vegetarians and
vegans can be well catered for on this holiday - please do inform us before
departure of any special dietary requests so that our local team can be well
prepared. We will do all we can to accommodate for various other dietary
requirements but in certain parts of North America certain food types can be
limited.
Travel by private minibusVariety of daywalks to suit all abilitiesSome long
journeysGroup normally 6 to 13, plus leader. Min age 16
yrs7 nights in comfortable hotels and 4 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. Angels Landing Hike in Zion National Park:During the itinerary we have
time to enjoy Zion National Park and its network of trails. One of the more
strenuous and popular hikes in Zion is called ‘Angels Landing’. In
response to growing concerns about crowding and congestion on the trail, the
National Park Service in the USA has recently announced that after April 1,
2022, everyone who hikes Angels Landing needs to have a permit. Permits
cannot be booked by a tour operator and instead individual customers would
need to apply for a permit via a lottery system – unfortunately there is no
guarantee of being successful in receiving a permit via this system. There
are two options in the Permit Lottery System: Seasonal Lottery (you can
apply for a permit 1-3 months before trekking date) and Day-before Lottery
(you can apply for a permit the day before your planned hike). All guests are
responsible for applying for their own permits if they wish to attempt this
hike. Zion is renowned for its hiking and there are many excellent trails
with wonderful views, such as the Watchman’s trail or the Narrows. Our
group walk will be planned to discover these alternative trails. Anyone who
is successful in securing their own permit will be able to hike at Angels
Landing whilst the group complete an alternative trail.All guests interested
in further information about Angels Landing permits, such as application
dates and prices should visit National Park Service page found here.
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 tripOn 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$7 per glass and beer US$6 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.Vegetarians and
vegans can be well catered for on this holiday - please do inform us before
departure of any special dietary requests so that our local team can be well
prepared. We will do all we can to accommodate for various other 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
START HOTELStanford Court San Francisco905 California Street, Nob Hill,San
Francisco, CA 94108You 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 which will be held at 18:00. Details on the time
and specific location of your meeting will also 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 COMPLICATIONSSometimes 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 POINTOYO Hotel and Casino LAS VEGAS 115 E Tropicana Ave, Las
Vegas, NV 89109Your 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 medicinePlease note airlines have various
rules on what can be carried in your luggage - if in doubt check with your
airline before travelling.FOOTWEARWe 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 WASHINGYou 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 ALLOWANCEOne 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.
FlightsTravel insuranceSingle accommodation (available on request)Visas or
vaccinationsArrival & departure transfersOptional 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.
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