Hiking the American West

Duration: 8 Days | 7 Nights
Destination: Los Angeles – Las Vegas, USA
Group Size: Max 20 Pax
Departure Dates: 2024 – May 10, June 14, July 26, August 9, September 13, October 4

Highlights:
• Eco-friendly tour promoting sustainable tourism
• Light to moderate hiking planned on most days
• Transportation in a minibus with driver/guide
• Stay on the Las Vegas Strip

Embark on an extraordinary adventure through the captivating landscapes of Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and the stunning natural wonders of the American Southwest. Begin your journey in Los Angeles, a vibrant city known for its glamorous ambiance and iconic attractions. Stroll along the famous Hollywood Boulevard, visit the Griffith Observatory for breathtaking views, and relax on the sun-kissed beaches of Santa Monica.

Next, head to Las Vegas, the city that never sleeps. Marvel at the dazzling lights of the Strip, try your luck at the renowned casinos, and catch a world-class show or concert. Indulge in exquisite dining experiences and explore the unique entertainment options that Las Vegas has to offer.

Continue your adventure to the awe-inspiring Grand Canyon, where you'll be treated to panoramic vistas that defy imagination. Witness the sheer magnitude of this natural wonder as you hike along the rim or take a thrilling helicopter ride for a bird's-eye view.

Make your way to Monument Valley, a land of dramatic red sandstone formations that have become symbols of the American West. Marvel at the towering buttes and mesas that have been featured in countless films and photographs.

Discover the beauty of Horseshoe Bend, a stunning meander in the Colorado River. Stand on the edge of the cliff and witness the emerald waters carving through the red rock canyon, creating a breathtaking sight that will stay with you forever.

Finally, immerse yourself in the otherworldly landscape of Bryce Canyon National Park. Explore the intricate hoodoos, unique rock formations that rise like ancient towers, and admire the vibrant colors that change with the shifting sunlight.

From the glitz and glamour of Los Angeles and Las Vegas to the natural wonders of the Grand Canyon, Monument Valley, Horseshoe Bend, and Bryce Canyon, this adventure promises a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will leave you in awe of the remarkable beauty of the American Southwest.

Day 1: Los Angeles
Arrival in Los Angeles. You will be met at the airport by a local guide. Enjoy an included welcome drink as you get to know your fellow travelers.

You will get your travel kit including a reusable water bottle and an insulated bag that will come in handy during the planned picnics.

Day 2: Los Angeles
Start the day with a guided tour of Los Angeles. Our first visit will be at Olvera Street, known as “the birthplace of Los Angeles.” Olvera Street is a Mexican Marketplace that recreates a romantic “Old Los Angeles” with a block-long narrow, tree-shaded, brick-lined market with old structures, painted stalls, street vendors, cafes, restaurants, and gift shops. Make a photo-stop at nearby Union Station and marvel at it’s Art Deco architecture. Continue to Hollywood home to the legendary Grauman’s Chinese Theatre. Take a walk along the Hollywood Walk of Fame and search for your favorite celebrity’s star. Next, we venture on to the Los Angeles Farmer’s Market for lunch (not included). The LA Farmer’s Market is a foodie’s paradise featuring over 100 vendors serving something for everyone’s tastes. After lunch, you will discover Beverly Hills and Rodeo Drive – one of the world’s most exclusive luxury destinations. This afternoon, we head to Santa Monica. Santa Monica is a blend of California beach town, Riviera-style romance and Hollywood glamour. Enjoy a scenic walk along the Pacific Ocean to Venice Beach (2,5 miles). Venice Beach is known for its canals, beaches and circus-like Ocean Front Walk, a two-and-a-half-mile pedestrian-only promenade that features performers, fortune-tellers, artists, and vendors. You will be given some time at leisure to watch the sunset over the Pacific Ocean and enjoy dinner (not included) in Venice Beach. Return transfer to your hotel. Overnight.

Day 3: Los Angeles – Las Vegas (335 miles - 5h40)
This morning departure to Joshua Tree National Park. The park encompasses some of the most interesting geologic displays found in California’s deserts : rugged mountains of twisted rock and exposed granite monoliths testify to the tremendous geological forces that shaped and formed this land. The slow-growing Joshua tree, which graces much of the park's desert ecosystem, is probably the most famous resident of the park. Named by Mormon settlers who crossed the Mojave Desert in the mid-1800s, the tree's unusual shape reminded them of the Bible story in which Joshua reaches his hands up to the sky in prayer. Enjoy a walk along the scenic Hidden Valley trail (1 mile loop). Picnic lunch in the park (not included, a stop will be planned before arrival into the park for you to purchase picnic items). Afternoon drive to Las Vegas – the incredible man-made oasis in the dessert. Check in to your hotel.

Day 4: Las Vegas - Grand Canyon (280 miles - 4h15)
Head towards the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, superb geographical phenomenon. Stop in Seligman on the iconic Route 66. Lunch on your own, then discover one of the wonders of the world : the Grand Canyon. Located at 6971 feet above sea level the Grand Canyon is the spectacular result of millions of years of wind and water erosion. Surrounded by a magnificent forest, the canyon seems to be protected by a lush screen of greenery. This will certainly be one of the highlights of your trip. We suggest a 1.7 mile hike (1-2 hours) to Ooh Aah Point. Overnight in the Grand Canyon village.

Day 5: Grand Canyon - Monument Valley – Page (325 miles – 5h30)
Depart the Grand Canyon by driving along the scenic Desert View Drive. Stop at the Desert View Watchtower. Modeled after ancient Puebloan watchtowers, the Watchtower at Desert View features murals by Hopi artist Frank Kabotie. Time permitting, you may have a chance to climb the stairs to the top for an outstanding view of the Canyon and the surrounding area. Continue on to Monument Valley, where you will find yourself surrounded by imposing, crimson monoliths. This 25 mile-long and 16-mile wide desert plain has served as the backdrop to numerous westerns including five John Ford classics. Enjoy an included lunch of Navajo specialties followed by a jeep tour of the valley with local a Navajo guide. Arrive in Page in the afternoon. Change at your hotel then enjoy a dip in Lake Powell at Lone Rock Beach. Overnight in Page.

Day 6: Page – Horseshoe Bend - Bryce (150 miles – 2h40)
To start the day you will visit Horseshoe Bend (1.2 mi roundtrip hike): a geologic masterpiece sculpted by the Colorado River. Horseshoe Bend is an example of what happens when water takes the path of least resistance. With the help of gravity, the Colorado River began cutting through rock layers deep and fast. The result is the 270° bend in the river. Discovered by Mormons at the end of the 19th century, Bryce Canyon is considered one of the jewels of the National Parks system. The shapes, colors and shades of the stone and the famous Pink Cliffs are constantly changing from dawn to dusk. Hike down the canyon to get closer to the hoodoos (thin spires of rock)*. Picnic lunch in the park (not included, a stop will be planned before arrival into the park for you to purchase picnic items). Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure to explore the park at your own pace. Overnight in the region.

* this hike is not advised for people with heart conditions due to significant elevation change.

Day 7: Bryce Canyon – Zion – Las Vegas (250 miles - 4h45)
Departure for your visit of Zion National Park. Follow the paths where ancient native people and pioneers walked. Gaze up at massive sandstone cliffs of cream, pink, and red that soar into a brilliant blue sky. Experience wilderness in a narrow slot canyon. Zion’s unique array of plants and animals will enchant you as you absorb the rich history of the past and enjoy the excitement of present-day adventures. Picnic lunch in the park (not included, a stop will be planned before arrival into the park for you to purchase picnic items). This afternoon, we return to Las Vegas. Rest of the day at leisure to try your luck gambling, do some shopping, or enjoy on of the many world class entertainment options the city has to offer. Optional: join your guide on a visit of Las Vegas by night. Overnight.

Day 8: Departure
Day on your own and transfer to the airport depending on your flight schedule.

Selected Hotels:
Los Angeles - Hotel June
Las Vegas - Luxor Hotel
Grand Canyon - Yavapai West Lodge / Best Western Plus at Lake Powell
Page - Western View
Bryce - Best Western Ruby's Inn

Tour Price
• Price shown is for a person based on twin share accommodation (The price is based on 3* accommodation. 4* hotels can be organised if requested for an extra cost).
• All prices displayed are subject to availability and can be withdrawn or varied without notice.
• Prices are guaranteed once booking is confirmed by us and paid in full by the due date.
• Depending on your needs and group size (individual, couple, family, group, etc.) we will provide the final pricing for your tour.

Inclusions:
• Shared-ride airport transfers on arrival and departure,
• M&G on arrival,
• Assistance with the airport transfer on the departure day,
• Transportation in a modern, air-conditioned minibus with English speaking driver/guide from day 2 to 7,
• Double occupancy per hotel room,
• Daily American or deluxe continental breakfast included
• Welcome drink on arrival,
• Entrance fees to the following parks and attractions:
- Grand Canyon
- Monument Valley with jeep tour and Navajo lunch
- Horseshoe Bend
- Bryce Canyon
- Zion
• Taxes, service, resort fees and tips for the above-mentioned services (not to the driver and guide).

Exclusions:
• Air fare
• Insurance
• Transfers or transportation other than the ones listed
• Services of a guide other than the ones listed
• Tips to the drivers and guide ($6 to $7 per day and per person for each of them, standard amount in the Australia and New Zealand)
• Personal expenses
• Beverages and meals
• Any other visits, excursions, or entrance fees

Please refer to our Standard Booking Conditions for booking terms and conditions.