Pacific Dream ex Los Angeles

Itinerary

Day 1-2, Los Angeles, Santa Barbara & Big Sur

Experience Hollywood close-up with a brief tour of this legendary area, before heading west for the first of two nights on the coast, first at Santa Barbara, a "gem of a coastal city" with a decidedly Spanish flair. Then, take California's most famous road - Pacific Coast Highway 1 - up the coast to Big Sur, where Redwood forested mountains meet beautiful sandy beaches along a windswept craggy shore.Accommodation: Camping included

Day 3-4, Yosemite National Park

The Sierra Nevada mountains beckon with the towering peaks of Yosemite National Park. We have two days to hike, bike, or float through this extraordinary landscape of glacier-carved granite monoliths, spectacular waterfalls and groves of giant Sequoia trees - the largest living things on earth! If you want a real challenge, try the 17 mile round trip hike to the top of Half Dome!Accommodation: Camping included

Day 5-6, San Francisco

Next, "Everybody's Favourite City", San Francisco, with its endless options: walk or mountain bike across the Golden Gate Bridge, ride the cable cars up and down the fabled, steep streets, view the Bay and Alcatraz from the ferry boat ride or Fishermans Wharf, shop in Chinatown and Union Square, and experience the varied nightlife in North Beach or Haight-Ashbury!Accommodation: 2 nights hotel approx US$45 pppn in multi-share rooms paid locally.

Day 7-8, Redwood National Park

Making our way up the California Coast, we pass though small quaint coastal towns en route to Redwoods National Park, home of the tallest trees in the world and some of the most spectacular coastal scenery on the Pacific Coast.Take a hike amidst the groves of these magnificent trees or stroll along a shoreline seemingly untouched by civilisation.Accommodation: Camping included

Day 9-10, Oregon Coast & Mt St Helens

North to the verdant splendour of the Pacific Northwest. Through Portland into the Cascades for an up-close look at one of nature's volcanic wonders - Mt. St. Helens National Monument. The awesome explosion of 1980 forever altered its alpine splendour, but the partially destroyed volcano is now even more impressive. View the film that captured the actual eruption, and visit Spirit Lake nestled below the still smouldering crater.Accommodation: Camping included

Day 11, Mount Rainier National Park

Journey into the heart of the Cascade Mountains to Mount Rainier National Park. Many hikes will be on offer considering there are over 300 miles available on the parks' network of trails, everything from easy walks through the forests to heart pounding climbs up to the mountain's glaciers. Of course just relaxing at the scenic campground or visiting the information centres is also an option.Accommodation: Camping included

Day 12-14, Olympic National Park & Seattle

Finally, Washington's jewel,Olympic National Parks, offer a wide range of vistas including glaciated snowy peaks, spectacular coastal beaches and an ancient rain forest to explore and enjoy. Leaving the mountains of the Olympic Peninsula behind we journey across Puget Sound aboard the delightful commuter ferry from Bainbridge Island to Seattle. Experience the laid back downtown attitude of Seattle, home of the original Starbucks.Accommodation: Days 12 -13 camping included. Day 14 Seattle hotel approx US$45 pppn in multi-share rooms paid locally.

Day 15-16, Seattle, Coeur d'Alene & Montana

From Seattle's Puget Sound into the wide open space of Eastern Washington across the Columbia, the Northwest's greatest river. Through Idaho into Big Sky Country - Montana. Relive history in a western ghost town.Accommodation: Camping included

Day 17-18, Yellowstone National Park

Enjoy a night under a brilliant blanket of stars in the American Rockies, before reaching Yellowstone National Park for a glorious three-night stay. View explosive geysers and colourful waterfalls while exploring the world's oldest and most famous national park. Keep your eyes peeled for the abundant wildlife. Large herds of bison and elk roam the park and bears and wolves are also present.Accommodation: Camping included

Day 19-20, Grand Teton National Park & Jackson

Next, wonderful views and hikes await in majestic Grand Teton National Park. The mountains here rise up sharply from the surrounding valley (known as Jackson Hole). Our walks here allow you to either meander the shores of pretty alpine lakes beneath the Teton Mountains or to head uphill for outstanding panoramic views. Next we visit a truly western town, Jackson, Wyoming. Experience the raging waters of the Snake, one of America's last great untamed rivers, on an included whitewater rafting trip and try a shot of "redeye" in the Silver Dollar Saloon.Accommodation: Camping included

Day 21-23, Flaming Gorge & Arches National Park

Winding through the red-rock cliffs of Flaming Gorge, journey to America's Mecca for mountain biking enthusiasts - Moab, Utah. This is the perfect base for two days of exploration and adventure in the nearby Arches & Canyonlands National Parks. Endless opportunity awaits; take a sunset stroll to Delicate Arch or bike down the famous `Slick Rock Trail´, float down the Colorado on a scenic rafting trip or tackle the terrain high above on a guided Jeep tour.Accommodation: Camping included

Day 24, Monument Valley

Take a breath as we head to the Navajo Tribal Lands of Monument Valley. The only things to pre-date the origins of Native American culture are the towering buttes and mesas which dominate the awe-inspiring landscape. We will have an opportunity to explore some of the areas hidden treasures, learning of the local history and culture on an included Navajo guided jeep tour.Accommodation: Camping included

Day 25-26, Grand Canyon & Zion National Parks

Next stop is Grand Canyon National Park, with a full day to experience the grandeur of Earth's natural wonder. Whether you are up with the sun to start your long hike down Bright Angel Trail to Plateau Point, or choose the "bird's eye" view on a scenic flight, you are sure to be left with feelings of awe and amazement. Onwards to Zion National Park to swim and to explore the hidden canyons or maybe hike Angels Landing for a 360° view of this magnificent national park.Accommodation: Camping included

Day 27-28, Las Vegas & Los Angeles

Back to the modern world with a bang - Las Vegas - the greatest show on earth! Cruise "The Strip" in a super-stretch limo, indulge in an all-you-can eat buffet, take in a show or just watch the amazing crowds, neon signs and attractions that many hotel casinos have to offer. And if that's not enough, take a helicopter flight down The Strip or just gamble the night away in one of the world class casinos. We end our adventure crossing the Mojave Desert before finishing in Los Angeles.Accommodation: 1 night Vegas hotel approx US$45 pppn in multi-share rooms paid locally Tour ends at 18:00 hrs in Los Angeles on day 28.Flexible Night StopsThe itinerary shown is intended as a guide only indicating a typical itinerary & series of activities. While our intention is to adhere to the published day by day route, the itinerary, distance travelled, type of accommodation and available activities may vary due to group input, weather, road conditions & local restrictions.